.Four.
When Obi-Wan and his Master entered the council chambers, the young Jedi was surprised to find them emptied. It was nearing the dining hour, but he hadn't expected the room to be completely abandoned. In his naivety, he'd always believed there was someone on duty there at all times, meditating and keeping a watchful eye on Temple activities.
"Follow me," Qui-Gon told him quietly as he bypassed the decorative floor tiles where all who were called to the chamber stood to receive their orders.
At the back of the room was a door, hidden to most eyes, including his own. Before his Master had knocked, a panel slid to the side and they were told to enter.
Inside, was a comfortable appearing room with a variety of seating that would accommodate Jedi of every shape and size. Perched upon two of the low stools were Master Mace Windu and Master Yoda.
"Have a seat, Master Jinn and Learner Kenobi," the man suggested.
Obi-Wan had never spoken with the legendary Council Member privately and was used to the blunt and sharp tone he always used in the conference room. In this dimly lit and smaller space, his voice almost sounded…friendly.
And yet, Qui-Gon hesitated. Every sentient being in the Temple knew how very little he trusted the High Council. He considered them blind to a fault and believed their poor decisions had put many lives at risk in the past. After noticing Yoda's tender gaze, he finally complied and motioned for his student to sit down as well.
"What is this all about, Mace?" Qui-Gon asked. Obviously, this setting was far more casual than Obi-Wan was used to and he was stunned to hear his Master use the Council Leader's first name.
"A petition for help we have received," Master Yoda began to explain, his eyes focused on the older Jedi. "An unusual request it is."
Throughout the years, Obi-Wan had listened to the ancient Master speak in such a manner – using cryptic quotes and riddles. He wasn't certain if the small being had a speech impediment or if simply that was the way his species communicated. But who would know? Apparently, Yoda's origin was the best-kept secret in the galaxy! All anyone knew was that he was where he was very, very old and extremely wise. When he spoke, all Jedi listened, no matter their rank or status.
And yet, Obi-Wan was hoping Master Windu would continue explaining the mission specifics. He didn't want to sit on this uncomfortable seat much longer.
"Why, unusual?" Qui-Gon asked, turning his attention to Master Windu.
"You'll have to see that for yourself."
From within his dark robes, the Council Leader withdrew a holodisk, set it on the low, flat table before them and activated the images.
"Senator Palpatine," Obi-Wan uttered upon recognition.
Master Windu immediately paused the recording and gazed at the younger Jedi, although his expression was still soft. Obi-Wan was worried he had spoken out of turn, but the older man prompted him to continue. "Tell me what you know about the man," he demanded.
Sitting just a little taller, Obi-Wan inhaled a calming breath and began sharing. "He is the representative from Naboo in the Chommel Sector. Although his character is unassuming, his candor has made him popular amongst the Senators and many believe he will someday be voted in as Chancellor."
The dark brows on Master Windu's face lifted a little. Obi-Wan darted his eyes to his own Master, whose upper lip had lifted slightly.
If there was one thing Qui-Gon was suspicious about more than the Jedi High Council it was politicians. He had taught his student to learn the background of every single one of them who seemed determined to make a name for themselves.
"A true servant should remain humble and not seek glory for themselves," Obi-Wan had heard his Master say on numerous occasions.
Having finished his recourse, Master Windu restarted the holovid, and the Senator's image once again appeared in blue pixelated light.
"My friends, it is with dire concern that I petition the council. As you are well aware, I answer to the royal council Naboo who defers to the Queen herself. Padme Amidala is a courageous and intelligent young woman who ascended the throne after her mother's death. Although her mother reigned with a heavy hand, her daughter has proven herself to be a compassionate and worthy successor. The people of Naboo have come to love her. They truly care about our beloved Queen, which is why the report I've been given is so shocking.
Apparently, Queen Amidala has come under some type of spell. Her mind is clouded. Her leadership qualities have deteriorated and her compassion for her people is now in question. There are those in Theed who are wishing to overthrow her rule and renounce the hierarchy entirely. Startling news to be sure, but I propose another solution. I am asking the esteemed Jedi Council to choose two of its finest warriors and send them to Naboo to investigate the matter and hopefully save this young woman from such a fate. To lose her leadership would be devastating not only for Naboo but the Republic as well. I implore you. Palpatine, out."
"Has an illness or disease been ruled out?" was Qui-Gon's first question.
"That would've been the easiest explanation," Mace Windu replied. "But yes, the royal physicians have given her a clean bill of health. Except when it comes to her mind, of course."
"How can she sit on the throne when she's mentally incapable of doing so?" Obi-Wan asked. He'd gotten away with speaking before and decided to take his chances.
"According to Senator Palpatine, since her people love her so much, they are willing to overlook certain things. It's a tricky situation, as you well know, Qui-Gon."
Obi-Wan knew it as well. He and his Master had spent many missions standing in throne rooms arguing with leaders of royal lineage. Some of them were good leaders while others not so. Deep in his heart, he was hoping this young Queen was one of the good ones.
"How young is she?" Obi-Wan couldn't help but ask. So far, nobody had said and he was curious.
"She took the throne at the age of fourteen and has been the leader of Naboo for the past four years."
Eighteen then. The younger man stored that bit of information in the back of his mind. They were the same age, which, for some reason, made him far more interested in this particular mission.
"Darkness, I sense," Master Yoda suddenly said in a rather mystic way. "Young Kenobi, careful you must be."
Without any warning, Qui-Gon was on his feet and had begun pacing.
"Sit back down, man!" Windu encouraged him. "Stop being so dramatic!"
"You deliberately chose Obi-Wan for this mission because of his interaction with the Holocron, didn't you?"
The younger Jedi didn't understand what his Master was so upset about. What did it matter where they were going and why? He was just pleased to be getting to go somewhere!
Council Member Windu expressed a long sigh. "Obi-Wan's contact with the Dark Side makes him uniquely qualified for this mission. Long has Yoda suspected a shift in the powers that control the universe."
"The Dark Side touches everything it does. Clouded our sight has become."
Was Master Yoda serious? Obi-Wan looked to his own mentor for guidance, though all he could see on the bearded face at the back of the room was exasperation.
Early the following morning, the two Jedi were loaded onto a transport headed for the Chommel Sector. They would be entering Naboo space as ambassadors of the Supreme Chancellor and were not to bring up the fact Senator Palpatine was the one who had made the request for their visit.
"It would be best to present ourselves as messengers of goodwill," Qui-Gon told his apprentice as the ship leaped into hyperspace. "Just in case the Queen is as cursed as Master Yoda believes."
Cursed. Obi-Wan didn't like that word. It was conclusive and far too fatalistic. Ever since their meeting with the Executive Council, he had meditated upon the eddies of not only the Light but the the Dark as well – something he typically didn't do. But he wanted to know. He wanted to see for himself if he could feel what Yoda did. Much to his surprise, indeed, he had been able to detect a spindly shadow obscured within the Light. It would be easily undetected if you didn't know what to look for. But Obi-Wan had touched the Dark. He knew it, and he recognized its presence immediately.
What worried him more was the fact that the closer they drew to Naboo, the more obvious it became. When they entered the Chommel sector, the young man looked to his Master, who appeared as calm and cool as always.
How could Obi-Wan explain that once again the fine hairs of his body were standing on end without calling judgment upon himself? Instead of focusing upon the Dark, Obi-Wan turned his attention toward the Light and listened to his heart. He was glad to have been chosen for this mission. This Queen needed him.
They were met on the landing platform by the Governor of Theed, a well-dressed older gentleman sporting a white beard. He had lines about his eyes that revealed he enjoyed laughing, although he wasn't in a very humorous mood at the moment. He was concerned and he stepped up to Master Qui-Gon immediately.
"Thank Shiraya," he said with a good deal of relief. "You've come to help! We've been praying constantly for the goddess to intervene and assist us somehow."
"I'm sorry," Qui-Gon said, following the suggestion of Master Windu. "My apprentice and I are only here as messengers of goodwill. The Supreme Chancellor wishes for the Jedi to maintain contact with the systems of the Republic to ensure they are prospering."
Obi-Wan couldn't help but notice the crestfallen features of the Governor after Qui-Gon delivered his rote statement. He couldn't stand there and do nothing. It wasn't right. His heart was telling him to speak.
"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, apprentice to Qui-Gon Jinn," he told the man, who seemed surprised to hear the youth speak out of turn. "We've sensed a disturbance in this sector focused upon your Queen. Will you take us to her?"
No doubt he would get a good talking to later, but in the meantime, Obi-Wan was proud when the Governor began giving orders to security personnel standing by. They were immediately escorted to the throne room, confidence filling each step the Jedi Apprentice made, until he observed the Queen upon her throne and stopped.
Her appearance was nothing like he'd expected. In his experience, when someone is dangerously manic or considered mentally unstable, they have an appearance of being rather wild and unkempt. This young woman was perfect. From the top of her elaborate headdress, her meticulously painted face and massive gown, down to her golden pointed shoes, she was the embodiment of majestic royalty. He was momentarily speechless and it took a tiny shove from Qui-Gon's hand in the middle of his back to get him moving again.
"Your Highness," the Governor announced during their approach. "Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi who have traveled all the way from Galactic City to wish you well."
"Is that so?"
The young woman's words were clipped and unfriendly; again not at all what Obi-Wan had expected. But then, Senator Palpatine had explained she was not herself.
"Your visit is most unexpected and unwelcome," she spouted.
Her eyes were dark and shadowed and focused on Obi-Wan alone; something which was beginning to make him uncomfortable. She was studying him closely as if she was trying to read his mind. Perhaps she could for her next words were exactly what he'd been thinking.
"We don't need your help. I don't need your help. Go back to where you came from and tell the Senator to mind his own business."
It was difficult to believe that her people loved and cared about her. Especially with an attitude like that!
"Sabé," the Queen sharply said to a handmaiden standing nearby. "I'll be returning to my quarters. "Governor Bibble, make sure these two Jedi find their way back to their ship."
Instead of following the Queen's orders, the Governor took them to a small security office near the palace hangar. "Stay here," he told them. "I'll speak with Head of Security and see what can be done."
They were alone and at any second, Obi-Wan expected a lecture from his Master. He had spoken without permission and Qui-Gon had every right to be upset with him.
"Take it easy, Obi-Wan," his mentor said softly instead. "I have a feeling that no matter who spoke or what was said, the results would've been the same. Perhaps the Senator is correct, although there may be another explanation."
"What could that be?" Obi-Wan asked, playing along. He could tell by the slight smirk on his Master's face that whatever the man was about to say was going to be witty.
"That she may be nothing other than a spoiled brat. I've seen it before. Young people are put into leadership positions before they are ready and it all goes to their head."
Obi-Wan listened to his Master's opinion, only to determine he didn't agree with it. Not at all.
Even though Qui-Gon seemed to be taking this mission rather lightly, Obi-Wan could not. He had felt the disturbance not only during their flight to Naboo, but in the throne room as well. The Queen's figure had been highlighted by a shadow – one that no one else seemed to detect but him.
"Master," Obi-Wan began, unsure of how to put his thoughts into words. "You've always told me to follow my heart."
"I have."
"My heart is telling me the Queen is under the control of something…or someone. She's surrounded by darkness."
Qui-Gon studied his student carefully and for a long while. "I sense no darkness, Obi-Wan. Are you sure? Be careful of your feelings and try not to reach out too far. Or else you might not be able to find your way back."
It was a lesson Obi-Wan had heard most of his life. "I'm sure," he informed his Master.
"Very well," Qui-Gon said with a cock of his head. "We'll wait to see what the Security Head says and then we'll formulate a plan."
Obi-Wan sighed heavily with relief. "Thank you, Master."
"What for?"
"For believing in me," the young man told him proudly.
"Obi-Wan, I always have," the older man told him warmly while clapping him on the back.