CHAPTER 3
"At this time, the chair recognizes the representative from the sovereign system of Naboo." Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said
For the second time in only a few days, Queen Amidala found herself sitting in the Senate chambers. The hover platform assigned to the Naboo delegation sat in its birth until its pilot pushed the activation button, then the platform would separate from its base and then fly to its desired location and the a senator or a chosen speaker for the planet that particular hover platform would stand up from the plush, padded seats in the back of the platform and state their case, argument or rebuttal.
Naboo's Representative Elcore Tartan, who was stepped in to fill the open senate seat after Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was elected to his current position as the head of the Republic Senate after Queen Amidala's last visit to these chambers resulted in a vote of no confidence in the former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum, stood and said, "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the senate. A criminal act of aggression has occurred on Naboo. Here to present our case for us, with first hand knowledge of the events is Queen Amidala, the elected ruler of the Naboo."
Representative Tartan returned to his seat and Queen Amidala stood and took the speaker's position. Without preamble she began, "I was here not very long ago and pleaded for assistance with the Trade Federation's blockade of my world. This body sat by and did nothing while the Trade Federation's droid armies conquered and occupied the peaceful world of Naboo. Thanks only to two Jedi, the courage of the Naboo and the Gungans and one little boy from a far off world who found himself with us by circumstance their plot was defeated, but not without a significant loss of life by both Naboo and Gungans. The acts of the Trade Federation at Naboo were criminal, first with an illegal blockade of a world which did nothing to warrant such an action and then an illegal invasion of a peaceful planet in which many innocents were murdered. I am here no request, no demand that the Trade Federation's trade franchise with the Republic be revoked and that the Federation's Viceroy Nute Gunray be held criminally accountable for the illegal actions that he ordered."
Queen Amidala paused her speech and the senators of thousands of sentient species which agreed with her position made their approval of her statements known by loud noises and banging on their own hover platforms.
In a repeat of the queen's last appearance to the Galactic Senate, an unrecognized hover platform released from its base and moved into speaking position. The same Neimoidian who objected to Naboo's accusations during Amidala's last senate visit said, "I object. I object on many grounds."
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was quick to correct this breach of protocol by saying, "The chair does not recognize the senator from the Trade Federation at this time."
Acting as if the Supreme Chancellor hadn't said anything the Trade Federation Senator continued before Queen Amidala could continue her argument, "First, the Trade Federation as a whole can not be held responsible for the actions of its leaders. Even if fault is found with Viceroy Gunray, his subordinates, those manning the droid control ships have no choice but to follow orders. So therefore, you can not revoke the trade franchise and cost many Neimoidians the only employment available to them. That would create personal cataclysms in millions of our families which would result in either death by starvation or in their loosing their standard of living. Our children and grandchildren will have to make a life in the wilds, and their lives have become so easy that doing this would be the same as a death sentence."
The Neimoidian Senator paused for dramatic effect and then continued, "Second, we must remember that Viceroy Nute Gunray has not been convicted of any crimes. The Senate would be over reaching its bounds to hold the viceroy accountable for wrong doing he has not yet been formally accused or convicted of doing." The senator paused again and then putting a special emphasis on each word and pounded on his hover platform with each word for dramatic effect continued, "He Must Be Turned Over To The Courts For Trial."
The Senator once again paused and looked around the chambers and resumed in his usual non-dramatic voice, "It must also be remembered that planetary and system blockades and if necessary invasions by the trade federations and commerce guilds was approved by this very body for planets and systems that try to ignore their credit standings. The question is, did Viceroy Gunray use his rights granted by this very Senate out of line. So therefore, it is not a criminal matter but a procedural one that we are questioning. The courts will understand this once he comes to trial and release him, so therefore he must be released until such time he can come to trial and not be held in confinement like some common criminal."
At this point Queen Amidala lost her patience with the other Senator's interruption of her argument and continued, "What the Viceroy did was criminal. At the current time we still do not have accurate numbers of Naboo and Gungan dead and injured, many of the bodies that we do have can not be positively identified, and the families of those brave souls do not know that they no longer have relatives that they had prior to the Trade Federation's illegal and unprovoked attack"
The Trade Federation Senator answered in rebuttal, "Our actions that were granted by this very body are illegal? How about the actions you're your Naboo, Gungans and Jedi. It must be remembered that many Neimoidians also died when your fighters destroyed a droid control ship that was only doing its job. Those Neimoidians also had family, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, grandchildren, siblings, and grandparents. Are those relatives any less grieved that those of the Naboo and Gungans? How are they supposed to handle the loss of loved ones who were only doing their jobs? No, our acts were not illegal, so said this very body when legislation was passed allowing us to do exactly what we did. If criminal charges are filed they must be filed against the Naboo, Gungans and Jedi who killed innocent Neimoidians and they also must be held financially responsible in the billions of credits lost by the Trade Federation in droids and the droid control ship."
At this second intrusion of her floor time the Queen answered, "We do regret that any Neimoidian lives had to be lost. However, those lives were lost in an unprovoked attack which exceeds the bounds set by this body governing such actions by trade federations and commerce guilds. Naboo owed no money that was not being paid on time. Therefore the unprovoked attack was illegal. The real point my colleague from the Trade Federation is really making is that they lost money. I'm sorry my fellow senators, but you can not compare credits to lives. Credits lost in the course of an illegal activity can be re-earned but lives can not."
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had up until this time given up on maintaining proper decorum for this debate finally interceded before this unproductive fight continued, "The time for debate on this matter has ended. The question of revoking the Trade Federation's trade franchise will be given its proper call for vote and all of those without voting rights in attendance today will be informed as to the vote's outcome."
The Supreme Chancellor paused and then sighed before continuing, "It must also be remembered that I myself am from Naboo. At times like this it really tries the soul to have a position such as mine because you have to keep your personal feelings and that of which is right and proper separate from each other if they come into conflict and I find myself in just such a situation. As much as I dislike it and as much as it pains me I must agree with the arguments put forward by the honorable senator from the Trade Federation. Therefore, Viceroy Nute Gunray will be released from the Republic's custody, but he must not leave Coruscant until such a time that he may face the courts to determine if his actions were legal or illegal, procedural or criminal."
Sickened by another lack of justice from the Galactic Senate Queen Amidala almost repeated another act from her last visit to these chambers and called for a vote of no confidence in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, however she quickly denied herself this reaction by reminding herself that Palpatine himself was Naboo and wouldn't have allowed this miscarriage of justice had there been anything that he could have done.
"So therefore it could have only been a Sith Lord." Qui-Gon said as he stood by himself in front of the Jedi Council.
"No. We've told you this already Master Qui-Gon. The Sith could not have reemerged without our knowing." Even Piell, the one eyed Lannik Jedi Master said. "Our ability to use the force may have diminished some, but not near enough for us to completely miss a sith. They are too strong in the force."
"I must disagree master, and for a few reasons. First, he himself claimed that he was a sith. Whose better to know a sith than a sith? Second, he projected Force Lightening at me. That is a part of the force that has long been forbidden for a Jedi to use. So therefore if he is using the dark arts, he must be a sith." Qui-Gon pressed his case.
Jedi Master Yoda visibly show his annoyance with Qui-Gon insisting that whoever it was he fought twice now was a Sith said, "Former Jedi, trying to cause panic in the ranks of the Jedi he was. A Sith he was not. Search the archives, look for Jedi who recently left the order have and find you're sith you will."
The chambers of the Jedi Council fell silent which hinted at Qui-Gon that it was time for him to take his leave. When he continued to stand where was, Mace Windu the dark skinned human from asked, "Do you have something you'd like to add?"
"As a matter of fact, I do." Qui-Gon answered now that the door was open. "It concerns Anakin Skywalker, the boy I brought before you before."
"This is a matter we've already decided. We agree with you that the boy has strong skills in the force. At the same time, we have already told you that he is not to be trained as a Jedi. Why do you bring the matter up again and question our judgment?" The snake bodied Thisspiasian, Master Oppo Rancisis stated.
"But you must see that he is the Chosen One. The one the prophesies say will bring the force back into balance. If he is trained, you very well may be able to see the new rise of the sith through the force." Qui-Gon pleaded.
Saesee Tiin, the Iktotchi Jedi Master who rarely said anything at council meetings was annoyed enough at this last comment to speak harshly, "Master Jinn. First of all, we have already said that talk of the sith is over. There are not sith for us to discuss. Kindly drop the subject now. Second of all, we are on the council due to our knowledge of and strength in the force. You are not on this council and are in no position to judge any of our abilities. Let's get that much understood here and now."
Qui-Gon lowered his head, realizing that he had stepped too far in trying to force the issue, "Of course my master. I'm sorry; I spoke out of place, out of emotion but meant no harm by it."
Saesee Tiin softened his voice and continued, "We don't dispute that young Skywalker could very well be the Chosen One Qui-Gon. Not one of us has said to the contrary. However, he has a lot of anger, bitterness, and internal darkness for one of so young an age. As Master Yoda told you before, we fear the results of his training."
"But my masters. There is no denying the boy has the highest midi-chlorian count we have ever seen. Master Yoda, he is even higher than yours. He could very well become the most powerful Jedi that has ever existed. How can you deny him or the order that?" Qui-Gon pressed his case.
"Powerful Jedi no doubt he would be," Yoda answered this time, "But as Master Tiin said, fear his training we do. Also, most powerful enemy ever faced by the Jedi he could become also. Think of that have you?"
Qui-Gon ignored the question Yoda proposed to him. Of course he hadn't even considered Anakin becoming an enemy to the Jedi, nor would he ever. So he pleaded, "You must realize the mistake you are making by not training him."
Mace Windu was well past annoyed with Qui-Gon Jinn now and it showed in his voice, "We might be making a mistake, yes. But, we have as a group considered this, meditated on it, and are all agree that his training is not in the best interest of the Jedi order. You may not like it, you don't have to but you will accept it. The matter is now closed."
"Yes master. But what am I to do with him. He has no family here. No friends but Obi-Wan and myself, and if we return him to Tatooine we would be returning him to the slave life that we have just freed him from. Not only would that be wrong, but it would be against that Republic's anti- slavery laws." Qui-Gon inquired.
Mace Windu shrugged, "Well. You brought him here without contacting the council. You saw fit to act on your own and according to your own insight then, you'll have to do the same now. The welfare of this child is not our responsibility and never should have been. What to do with him is your problem, not ours. The matter is now closed and we will hear no more of it."
Once again the council became silent, hinting to Qui-Gon that it was time to go. Once again Qui-Gon stayed where he was.
Eeth Koth, the Zabrak Jedi Master, who also happened to be the same species as the late Darth Maul, said clearly exasperated, "Yes Master Jinn. What else would you like to discuss."
Qui-Gon knew that he had pushed his luck too far without any success and that bring up anything else at this point was destined to fail, but he couldn't help him self. Instead of trying again later he said, "I would like to recommend that my Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi take the trials into Knighthood."
Plo Koon, the Kel Dor Jedi Master said, "Qui-Gon, why do you insist on bringing up matters on which the council has already decided. We said before that there was no sith, yet you bring it up. We said before that Anakin Skywalker is not to be trained as a Jedi, yet you bring it up. We said before that Obi-Wan Kenobi is not yet ready to face the trails, yet you bring it up. Why?"
Qui-Gon gave an external air of calm that he did not feel inside, "Because master I feel you are making another mistake in not allowing Obi-Wan to take the trials. He is head strong, I don't deny that, but he is more than ready to become a Jedi Knight. He deserves this opportunity and you'll be doing him and the order a grave injustice if you deny him the trials. If it weren't for him, the sith would have killed me on Naboo and I wouldn't be here before you right now."
Mace Windu had had more then enough now and made it very clear, "Qui-Gon. All of these matters have been decided already. You have presented to us no evidence that the sith still exist. You come before us with doomsday theories, none of which you have any evidence of. All of these maters are no closed and we will hear no more of it. You are excused. May the Force be with you."
Knowing that to speak anymore would be a waste of breath; Qui-Gon turned around without saying another word and faced the doors of the Jedi Council Chambers.
"At this time, the chair recognizes the representative from the sovereign system of Naboo." Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said
For the second time in only a few days, Queen Amidala found herself sitting in the Senate chambers. The hover platform assigned to the Naboo delegation sat in its birth until its pilot pushed the activation button, then the platform would separate from its base and then fly to its desired location and the a senator or a chosen speaker for the planet that particular hover platform would stand up from the plush, padded seats in the back of the platform and state their case, argument or rebuttal.
Naboo's Representative Elcore Tartan, who was stepped in to fill the open senate seat after Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was elected to his current position as the head of the Republic Senate after Queen Amidala's last visit to these chambers resulted in a vote of no confidence in the former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum, stood and said, "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the senate. A criminal act of aggression has occurred on Naboo. Here to present our case for us, with first hand knowledge of the events is Queen Amidala, the elected ruler of the Naboo."
Representative Tartan returned to his seat and Queen Amidala stood and took the speaker's position. Without preamble she began, "I was here not very long ago and pleaded for assistance with the Trade Federation's blockade of my world. This body sat by and did nothing while the Trade Federation's droid armies conquered and occupied the peaceful world of Naboo. Thanks only to two Jedi, the courage of the Naboo and the Gungans and one little boy from a far off world who found himself with us by circumstance their plot was defeated, but not without a significant loss of life by both Naboo and Gungans. The acts of the Trade Federation at Naboo were criminal, first with an illegal blockade of a world which did nothing to warrant such an action and then an illegal invasion of a peaceful planet in which many innocents were murdered. I am here no request, no demand that the Trade Federation's trade franchise with the Republic be revoked and that the Federation's Viceroy Nute Gunray be held criminally accountable for the illegal actions that he ordered."
Queen Amidala paused her speech and the senators of thousands of sentient species which agreed with her position made their approval of her statements known by loud noises and banging on their own hover platforms.
In a repeat of the queen's last appearance to the Galactic Senate, an unrecognized hover platform released from its base and moved into speaking position. The same Neimoidian who objected to Naboo's accusations during Amidala's last senate visit said, "I object. I object on many grounds."
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was quick to correct this breach of protocol by saying, "The chair does not recognize the senator from the Trade Federation at this time."
Acting as if the Supreme Chancellor hadn't said anything the Trade Federation Senator continued before Queen Amidala could continue her argument, "First, the Trade Federation as a whole can not be held responsible for the actions of its leaders. Even if fault is found with Viceroy Gunray, his subordinates, those manning the droid control ships have no choice but to follow orders. So therefore, you can not revoke the trade franchise and cost many Neimoidians the only employment available to them. That would create personal cataclysms in millions of our families which would result in either death by starvation or in their loosing their standard of living. Our children and grandchildren will have to make a life in the wilds, and their lives have become so easy that doing this would be the same as a death sentence."
The Neimoidian Senator paused for dramatic effect and then continued, "Second, we must remember that Viceroy Nute Gunray has not been convicted of any crimes. The Senate would be over reaching its bounds to hold the viceroy accountable for wrong doing he has not yet been formally accused or convicted of doing." The senator paused again and then putting a special emphasis on each word and pounded on his hover platform with each word for dramatic effect continued, "He Must Be Turned Over To The Courts For Trial."
The Senator once again paused and looked around the chambers and resumed in his usual non-dramatic voice, "It must also be remembered that planetary and system blockades and if necessary invasions by the trade federations and commerce guilds was approved by this very body for planets and systems that try to ignore their credit standings. The question is, did Viceroy Gunray use his rights granted by this very Senate out of line. So therefore, it is not a criminal matter but a procedural one that we are questioning. The courts will understand this once he comes to trial and release him, so therefore he must be released until such time he can come to trial and not be held in confinement like some common criminal."
At this point Queen Amidala lost her patience with the other Senator's interruption of her argument and continued, "What the Viceroy did was criminal. At the current time we still do not have accurate numbers of Naboo and Gungan dead and injured, many of the bodies that we do have can not be positively identified, and the families of those brave souls do not know that they no longer have relatives that they had prior to the Trade Federation's illegal and unprovoked attack"
The Trade Federation Senator answered in rebuttal, "Our actions that were granted by this very body are illegal? How about the actions you're your Naboo, Gungans and Jedi. It must be remembered that many Neimoidians also died when your fighters destroyed a droid control ship that was only doing its job. Those Neimoidians also had family, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, grandchildren, siblings, and grandparents. Are those relatives any less grieved that those of the Naboo and Gungans? How are they supposed to handle the loss of loved ones who were only doing their jobs? No, our acts were not illegal, so said this very body when legislation was passed allowing us to do exactly what we did. If criminal charges are filed they must be filed against the Naboo, Gungans and Jedi who killed innocent Neimoidians and they also must be held financially responsible in the billions of credits lost by the Trade Federation in droids and the droid control ship."
At this second intrusion of her floor time the Queen answered, "We do regret that any Neimoidian lives had to be lost. However, those lives were lost in an unprovoked attack which exceeds the bounds set by this body governing such actions by trade federations and commerce guilds. Naboo owed no money that was not being paid on time. Therefore the unprovoked attack was illegal. The real point my colleague from the Trade Federation is really making is that they lost money. I'm sorry my fellow senators, but you can not compare credits to lives. Credits lost in the course of an illegal activity can be re-earned but lives can not."
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had up until this time given up on maintaining proper decorum for this debate finally interceded before this unproductive fight continued, "The time for debate on this matter has ended. The question of revoking the Trade Federation's trade franchise will be given its proper call for vote and all of those without voting rights in attendance today will be informed as to the vote's outcome."
The Supreme Chancellor paused and then sighed before continuing, "It must also be remembered that I myself am from Naboo. At times like this it really tries the soul to have a position such as mine because you have to keep your personal feelings and that of which is right and proper separate from each other if they come into conflict and I find myself in just such a situation. As much as I dislike it and as much as it pains me I must agree with the arguments put forward by the honorable senator from the Trade Federation. Therefore, Viceroy Nute Gunray will be released from the Republic's custody, but he must not leave Coruscant until such a time that he may face the courts to determine if his actions were legal or illegal, procedural or criminal."
Sickened by another lack of justice from the Galactic Senate Queen Amidala almost repeated another act from her last visit to these chambers and called for a vote of no confidence in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, however she quickly denied herself this reaction by reminding herself that Palpatine himself was Naboo and wouldn't have allowed this miscarriage of justice had there been anything that he could have done.
"So therefore it could have only been a Sith Lord." Qui-Gon said as he stood by himself in front of the Jedi Council.
"No. We've told you this already Master Qui-Gon. The Sith could not have reemerged without our knowing." Even Piell, the one eyed Lannik Jedi Master said. "Our ability to use the force may have diminished some, but not near enough for us to completely miss a sith. They are too strong in the force."
"I must disagree master, and for a few reasons. First, he himself claimed that he was a sith. Whose better to know a sith than a sith? Second, he projected Force Lightening at me. That is a part of the force that has long been forbidden for a Jedi to use. So therefore if he is using the dark arts, he must be a sith." Qui-Gon pressed his case.
Jedi Master Yoda visibly show his annoyance with Qui-Gon insisting that whoever it was he fought twice now was a Sith said, "Former Jedi, trying to cause panic in the ranks of the Jedi he was. A Sith he was not. Search the archives, look for Jedi who recently left the order have and find you're sith you will."
The chambers of the Jedi Council fell silent which hinted at Qui-Gon that it was time for him to take his leave. When he continued to stand where was, Mace Windu the dark skinned human from asked, "Do you have something you'd like to add?"
"As a matter of fact, I do." Qui-Gon answered now that the door was open. "It concerns Anakin Skywalker, the boy I brought before you before."
"This is a matter we've already decided. We agree with you that the boy has strong skills in the force. At the same time, we have already told you that he is not to be trained as a Jedi. Why do you bring the matter up again and question our judgment?" The snake bodied Thisspiasian, Master Oppo Rancisis stated.
"But you must see that he is the Chosen One. The one the prophesies say will bring the force back into balance. If he is trained, you very well may be able to see the new rise of the sith through the force." Qui-Gon pleaded.
Saesee Tiin, the Iktotchi Jedi Master who rarely said anything at council meetings was annoyed enough at this last comment to speak harshly, "Master Jinn. First of all, we have already said that talk of the sith is over. There are not sith for us to discuss. Kindly drop the subject now. Second of all, we are on the council due to our knowledge of and strength in the force. You are not on this council and are in no position to judge any of our abilities. Let's get that much understood here and now."
Qui-Gon lowered his head, realizing that he had stepped too far in trying to force the issue, "Of course my master. I'm sorry; I spoke out of place, out of emotion but meant no harm by it."
Saesee Tiin softened his voice and continued, "We don't dispute that young Skywalker could very well be the Chosen One Qui-Gon. Not one of us has said to the contrary. However, he has a lot of anger, bitterness, and internal darkness for one of so young an age. As Master Yoda told you before, we fear the results of his training."
"But my masters. There is no denying the boy has the highest midi-chlorian count we have ever seen. Master Yoda, he is even higher than yours. He could very well become the most powerful Jedi that has ever existed. How can you deny him or the order that?" Qui-Gon pressed his case.
"Powerful Jedi no doubt he would be," Yoda answered this time, "But as Master Tiin said, fear his training we do. Also, most powerful enemy ever faced by the Jedi he could become also. Think of that have you?"
Qui-Gon ignored the question Yoda proposed to him. Of course he hadn't even considered Anakin becoming an enemy to the Jedi, nor would he ever. So he pleaded, "You must realize the mistake you are making by not training him."
Mace Windu was well past annoyed with Qui-Gon Jinn now and it showed in his voice, "We might be making a mistake, yes. But, we have as a group considered this, meditated on it, and are all agree that his training is not in the best interest of the Jedi order. You may not like it, you don't have to but you will accept it. The matter is now closed."
"Yes master. But what am I to do with him. He has no family here. No friends but Obi-Wan and myself, and if we return him to Tatooine we would be returning him to the slave life that we have just freed him from. Not only would that be wrong, but it would be against that Republic's anti- slavery laws." Qui-Gon inquired.
Mace Windu shrugged, "Well. You brought him here without contacting the council. You saw fit to act on your own and according to your own insight then, you'll have to do the same now. The welfare of this child is not our responsibility and never should have been. What to do with him is your problem, not ours. The matter is now closed and we will hear no more of it."
Once again the council became silent, hinting to Qui-Gon that it was time to go. Once again Qui-Gon stayed where he was.
Eeth Koth, the Zabrak Jedi Master, who also happened to be the same species as the late Darth Maul, said clearly exasperated, "Yes Master Jinn. What else would you like to discuss."
Qui-Gon knew that he had pushed his luck too far without any success and that bring up anything else at this point was destined to fail, but he couldn't help him self. Instead of trying again later he said, "I would like to recommend that my Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi take the trials into Knighthood."
Plo Koon, the Kel Dor Jedi Master said, "Qui-Gon, why do you insist on bringing up matters on which the council has already decided. We said before that there was no sith, yet you bring it up. We said before that Anakin Skywalker is not to be trained as a Jedi, yet you bring it up. We said before that Obi-Wan Kenobi is not yet ready to face the trails, yet you bring it up. Why?"
Qui-Gon gave an external air of calm that he did not feel inside, "Because master I feel you are making another mistake in not allowing Obi-Wan to take the trials. He is head strong, I don't deny that, but he is more than ready to become a Jedi Knight. He deserves this opportunity and you'll be doing him and the order a grave injustice if you deny him the trials. If it weren't for him, the sith would have killed me on Naboo and I wouldn't be here before you right now."
Mace Windu had had more then enough now and made it very clear, "Qui-Gon. All of these matters have been decided already. You have presented to us no evidence that the sith still exist. You come before us with doomsday theories, none of which you have any evidence of. All of these maters are no closed and we will hear no more of it. You are excused. May the Force be with you."
Knowing that to speak anymore would be a waste of breath; Qui-Gon turned around without saying another word and faced the doors of the Jedi Council Chambers.