Sorry it took me a while to up date! I am kind of sporadic in updating. Anywho, hope you like it!

~*~

Rae fiddled with her maze pendant; it was a nervous and bored habit from both lives, as she had come to call them that she really needed to break. She was standing with Qui-Gon and Ogre - Oops! Ahem. - *Obi*-Wan. The Trade Fed. ship dominated the viewport.

"Captain."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Tell them we wish to board immediately."

"With all due respect the Ambassadors wish to board immediately."

"Yes, yes! Of course! As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal. We would be happy to receive the Ambassadors!"

Rae was glad that she had her hood up; a look of disgust crossed her face as she looked at the piece of scum on the screen.

The ship landed. Rae thanked the pilot and copilot, knowing that there was really nothing she could do to stop what would happen to them without questions being asked. She wasn't even a Padawan; it wasn't likely that they would listen to her even if she did say something.

She followed Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.

"I am TC-14. This way please."

They followed the droid to the room.

"We are greatly honored by your presence, Ambassadors. My master will be with you shortly."

They watched TC-14 leave then lowered their hoods.

Rae moved over to the window and looked out at the endless stars.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"I sense nothing."

"It's not about the mission, Master, it's elsewhere...elusive."

"Don't center on your anxieties, Obi-Wan, keep your focus on the here and now."

The two of them moved over to the window.

"But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future."

"But not at the expense of the present. Be mindful of the Living Force Padawan."

"Yes, Master."

Rae didn't listen to the rest of the conversation; she knew it by heart anyway. She reached up and began to fiddle with her pendant again. She had so much on her mind.

After a while Qui-Gon and Ogre - damn - Obi-Wan went and sat at the table. Rae remained at the window.

When TC-14 came in with the drinks she finally went over and sat down. They sat there for a while, drinking. Suddenly there was an explosion.

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Rae all drew and lit their lightsabres. They all stood stock still for a few seconds then they heard the quiet hiss of gas being seeped into the chamber.

"Dioxis," Qui-Gon rapped out.

Rae knew immediately what to do as she shut off her lightsabre, the silver blade disappearing.

Rae had always wondered how long Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had really stayed in the chamber. Well it looked like she was going to find out first hand.

~*~

Qui-Gon lost track of time. Finally the doors opened. TC-14 walked out saying "Oh! Excuse me!"

He heard a battle droid say, "Roger, roger."

Then Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Rae lit their lightsabres. They started out deflecting the bolts then they leapt out of the cover of the gas.

Qui-Gon had been worried about Rae, that she would need help in fighting; her mother had been a horrible sabrewoman. As she had often put it, she could teach the art of sabre fighting, no problem, but when it came to actually fighting she was the worst. Rae however apparently did *not* have that problem. She wielded her silver blade with great skill and ease for someone of her age. Qui-Gon could now see that she was stronger than her mother had been in the Force.

The three of them began to fight their way down the hall. Finally they reached the bridge doors. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Rae took care of the droids that were standing guard there then Rae and Obi-Wan stood guard as Qui-Gon cut into the doors. Qui-Gon could sense a new respect for the girl coming from his Padawan.

Then his cutting was stalled.

"They closed the blast doors!" Rae called.

Qui-Gon removed his lightsabre then stabbed it right into the middle of the door. He stood there like that for a while

Suddenly Obi-Wan called out.

"Master, destroyers!"

Qui-Gon once again removed his lightsabre from the door and helped the two young people with the shielded droids.

"It's a stand off! Let's go!"

Obi-Wan and Rae took off after him. The climbed into the ventilation shaft. They crawled through it for a while then reached the main hangar and leapt down to the floor. Qui-Gon looked over at the girl, who continued to surprise him.

"You didn't mention that you were skilled with a lightsabre."

"I told the council exactly what my mother told me. Besides no one asked."

Qui-Gon had to smile at that.

They all moved behind some crates.

"Battle droids!"

"It's an invasion army. This is an odd play for the Trade Federation. We must warn the Naboo. We'll stow upon separate ships and meet up on the planet." Qui-Gon now felt comfortable allowing Rae off on her own. He could see what she meant by the fact that she could take care of herself.

"You were right about one thing Master."

Rae and Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan.

"The negotiations *were* short."

Qui-Gon smiled at this. Rae grinned. Then the three of them parted company.

~*~

On to Naboo! Forward march!