Chapter 3

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Xanatos landed their ship in the swamp and walked the rest of the way to the designated meeting place.

General Binks arrived a couple minutes later and walked towards them. Nodding respectfully, he began to talk, " Mesa have news for yousa Jedi. Before yousa arrival Queen Misika informin' Boss Nass dat she will be resignin' and will announce to all of Naboo of her resignation tomorrow evenin'. She wants da Gungans to be dere, if dey can, to hear her speech and to also take part in da election for a new Queen."

Xanatos raised an eyebrow and looked toward Qui-Gon, "Now what do we do?"

Before Qui-Gon could reply Obi-Wan spoke to General Binks. "Does Boss Nass know of our arrival on the planet yet?"

"Mesa no dink so. Do yousa wish for mesa to inform hesa of yousa arrival?"

Obi-Wan took a quick glance at his Master who nodded his head.

"Yes, please inform him that we wish an audience with him." Obi-Wan replied.

General Binks gave a short nod. " Mesa will give hesa yousa message. Bein' dere anydin' else dat mesa can do for yousa Jedi?" he asked.

"No, that is all. Thank you for your information," Obi-Wan said.

General Binks nodded once more and left.

Obi-Wan turned to look at his Master and Xanatos, "Master, I understand why she would step down, but how will this affect what we are starting?"

Qui-Gon gave a short sigh. "We must trust the Force in what comes, my padawan."

"We may have setbacks, however that will not stop us from reaching our goal," Xanatos added.

Obi-Wan nodded his head in understanding, "I know there will be setbacks, however I have the feeling that we will have many setbacks to deal with. Master, what if the Jedi are not ready to reclaim their rightful place? What if we are doing this prematurely?"

Qui-Gon's eyes narrowed, "Do these questions involve what you have been dreaming of lately?"

"They are more like visions than dreams, and right now I think that these may be important questions to think about." Obi-Wan sighed. "Or maybe I am simply apprehensive of what is going on. I know that I shouldn't be worried, but I sense that things are about to change drastically and not for the better," Obi-Wan finished.

Xanatos raised an eyebrow as he looked at Obi-Wan. "I have had that feeling as well. However we can't let our feelings get in the way of our decisions."

"Once we complete this assignment here we will go and talk to the council about this. For now we should focus our attention on the situation at hand," Qui-Gon assured them.

"Yes, Master. I will not let my feelings get in the way," Obi-Wan responded.

Xanatos just stood there and didn't say a word.

"Now," Qui-Gon began as he broke the stillness and the quiet that had fallen upon them. "We should head back to the ship and wait for General Binks to contact us."

Obi-Wan and Xanatos nodded their heads in reply as they followed him back to the ship.

Later that night

"Hello little Jedi."

"Go away Torsine!"

"You can't hide forever." Darth Torsine mocked with a gleeful laugh.

"Go away!"

"Tsk, tsk my young apprentice, is that any way to treat your Master?"

"You're not my Master. Now go away!"

"I can't do that little one."

"Stop twisting my Master's words for your own use, it's not going to get you anywhere."

The voice cackled evilly as he replied. "Oh really now? Then how would you like it if I twisted your words against your pupil?"

"Stay away from him or you'll regret it."

"Making threats now are we Obi-Wan? I can feel the anger stirring in you now. Now let go of your anger. Only your hatred will destroy me."

"No, it will only make you stronger." Obi-Wan declared with firm resolve.

"Very well, I'll just have to teach you a lesson then."

Agonizing pain ripped through Obi-Wan's mind and automatically he blocked his bond with his Master. Obi-Wan fought not to scream as the pain intensified, causing him to toss around violently on his bed.

"Liked that?" Obi-Wan's tormentor hissed as he stopped what he was doing.

Obi-Wan groaned, clutching his head as the pain passed. "You…are a …monster."

"So are you, if you remember."

Obi-Wan gritted his teeth as he replied. "You are confused."

"I don't think so. Remember your parents? Remember how they died?"

"Storms were frequent on Leris 4. It was not uncommon for them to appear suddenly." Obi-Wan rebutted.

"Then tell me how you survived such a catastrophic event child."

"I…I don't know."

"So how can you deny creating that storm?"

"I was four years old!" Obi-Wan shouted.

"Yes and quite powerful, too."

"Why can't you bother someone else?" Obi-Wan responded in annoyance.

"You know that I can't. Of course there is one person…" The voice trailed off.

"Forget I said that."

"Oh, but you can't stop me from doing so."

"As long as I protect his mind from intruders, you can't do anything to him."

"We shall see."

Obi-Wan woke up and stared up at the dark ceiling, his eyes burning with a fire of determination. You will be destroyed Darth Torsine, even if I have to take you down with me.

Queen Misika looked forlornly out of the huge window. She had only made her decision days ago to step down. Now as she stared through the window and looked down at the streets to see her people going about their everyday lives, she wondered if she was doing the right thing. She watched a group of children emerge from a rebuilt building along with their guardians and smiled as she remembered how she had funded a new home for the orphans as well as designing a program that also reached out to other nearby planets. Her smile faded as she remembered the bad times. The Sith enjoyed trying to undo all the work she did to help the needy. For example, one time the Sith destroyed a transport that was carrying orphans to Theed. She devised ways of watching the Sith so that her people could have a warning if the Sith decided to do something nasty. The improvements were a great help but she felt as if the eyes of the Sith were watching her every move, just waiting for the right time to bring fear into her peoples' hearts.

Her gaze turned to the datapad in her hand. Her speech was almost complete and soon she would stand before her people and inform them of her resignation.

A tear glistened in the corner of her eye as she looked back up and gazed out the window. She had made her decision for the good of her people and so that someone younger, wiser, might rule in her place.

At the age of twenty-five she felt tired—tired of life and death situations, tired of seeing death by the hands of the Sith, tired of her many obligations. She was still young, but the burdens of being a Queen were taking their toll. She loved her people, but the more she tried to help them, the more the Sith would burden her with their presence when they came to Naboo.

The Sith made life difficult and more burdensome whenever they came, and maybe the Jedi could help, maybe. But what if they just make things worse? She knew almost nothing about the Jedi—only that the Sith hated them and that they had lightsabers.

She bowed her head and turned away from the window. She knew what she had to do, and she would go through with it. She just hoped that this wasn't a mistake that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

The next day all of the people of Naboo, including the Gungans, met in the central plaza. They stood around the platform, some looking out of the windows in nearby buildings. They had all gathered together to hear Queen Misika's speech.

Queen Misika sat on a beautiful ornamental chair on the platform, her gaze swept over the faces of her people. This was it – there would be no turning back after today. Taking a deep breath she stood up and activated her speech on the data pad. A hushed silence filled the crowd as she stood up and they awaited her speech.

"To my loyal subjects, I have gathered you all here today to inform you all of my resignation," she began. She heard hushed murmurings throughout the crowds as they heard this news.

"I know this is unexpected and you are all asking yourselves why I am resigning. Indeed this was the question I had asked myself over the past few days. I have taken into deep consideration of my resignation and my hope is that you all may understand my decision.

"For four years I have been your Queen, friend and protector. When the Sith came again and again to our planet I did everything I could to prevent your suffering at their hands. I strived to do my best for you in times of struggle and peace. I have made many decisions over the years, some good, and some bad.

"You are all one big family to me, in times that I needed support one of you would come to help me. Whenever one of you needed support I would come to help you.

"This decision was hard, but it is for the best that I resign. I have done all I know I can do; now it is time for someone else to take my place.

"Today the voting for a new Queen or King will begin. I would like to announce the candidates to you now. They have prepared their speeches and are ready to begin." As she talked she continued to smile even though her heart still broke at her decision.

"Carl Takneb, Ceciaa Penace, Padmé Amidala Naberrie, and Kelista Tanernie." As she spoke their names they each came up the platform and took their seats.

Queen Misika turned off her data pad and looked back up at her people, "I bid you all farewell, my blessings rest on you all." With that said she turned around and left the platform.

Padme listened to Queen Misika's resignation speech closely. She believed she knew what Queen Misika was trying to say. She had talked to Queen Misika once before about a year ago. Queen Misika would do anything for her people, she was strong willed and loving. Even though she had many strengths she still had weaknesses. Padme smiled to herself, she admired Queen Misika as well as some people that she had read and studied about. I know I can be a good Queen but I also know that being a Queen is hard, she thought to herself.

She listened to Carl Takneb's speech and made notes to herself about what he had said. Carl was eighteen years old, four years older then her. He spoke determinedly and with confidence in his voice. He talked about what he would do if he was elected. Everything he said pointed to a strong fact, if he did anything he could to keep the Sith off the planet then he would risk war. She had talked to Carl months ago when they were doing an essay on 'If you were King or Queen what would you do about the Sith.' He seemed pretty sure that if everyone on the planet resisted the Sith then the Sith would leave them alone. His idea was flawed and reckless. She couldn't understand how he had become a candidate at all. She found out from Sabe that Carl had a deep hatred for the Sith, it seems that his family was killed by the Sith when he was only four years old. She felt pity for him when she heard what had happened to his family. Nevertheless his ideas were reckless and dangerous.

She heard clapping as Carl sat back down. He did have a point about the Sith but that was not going to help him win the election. Ceciaa Penace stood up and went forward to deliver her speech. Ceciaa was a year younger then Carl but had a good and gracious heart. She was a good mediator as well as a good friend. She cared deeply for the people and was always helping where she could. She was very active and outgoing; she would go into any conflict to help resolve it no matter what it may be. Even with all this she still had her own fault. Ceciaa was scared of the Sith, and whenever the Sith came to the planet she would try to stay as far away from them as possible. However, Padme thought to herself, we are all afraid of the Sith, but we have to learn to have courage.

Padme looked over at Kelista Tanernie who was a few months older then herself. Kelista was one of her best friends, even though she was shy and had trouble talking to people she didn't know, her heart was brave and true. Yes, she could be an outspoken person to people she knew and Padme admired her. Padme heard her name and stood, she began to focus her attention to the speech she was going to give. As she stepped forward she looked over the crowd. Somewhere in the throng of people her family was watching her. She smiled as she began her speech.

"To all of Naboo, I, Padmé Naberrie Amidala, come before you to tell you why I should be Queen." She took a deep, easy breath as she continued. "You have all heard Carl Takneb, and Ceciaa Penace's speeches and I am sure that there are many agreements as well as disagreements. However, I will tell you all what I believe and I will tell you from my heart. I hate the Sith as much as you all do and I would give my life to protect all of the people on this planet. I understand that being a Queen has many trials, hardships, and full of dedication. It is not what is outside that counts but what's in our hearts. I am helpful, caring, generous, kind, loving, strong, courageous and possibly much more. I may be young but I am more mature then others my age when it comes to making decisions. The choice is yours on who you vote for and I know you will make the right choice." With that she finished her speech and sat down. Padme gave Kelista a reassuring smile as she began to walk up in front of the crowd to give her speech.

During the speeches no one noticed the three silent, cloaked figures that were listening intently.

Darth Sidious and Darth Maul, with Anakin trailing right behind them, came to the doors that led into the council room. The wide doors swung open and two Sith guards dragged out two halves of a body.

Anakin squeezed his eyes shut at the terrible sight, but Sidious shook his shoulder roughly. "Open your eyes boy! If you are ever to become a strong Sith you must be able to withstand such sights," he told Anakin sharply.

Anakin opened his eyes and watched as the bloody carcass was dragged away. Anakin bit his lip and turned to follow the Sith into the Council room, his legs trembling beneath him as he walked.

The two Sith stood in the center of the room and bowed their heads. Anakin was quick to follow the Siths' lead and bow his head.

Darth Bane broke the stillness with his husky voice. "Report!"

"Master," Sidious began, "we have found the disturbance." He pushed Anakin forward. "I believe he is the Chosen One that was spoken about in the scrolls that were found on Yavin 4."

Darth Ronok hissed sharply between his teeth. "Remove the boy from the room immediately!"

Darth Bane pressed a button underneath the arm of the chair and two Sith guards entered the room. They came forward and bowed their heads.

"Find quarters for the boy and see to his needs," Darth Bane commanded the guards.

The guards bowed their heads once more and led Anakin out of the room.

Darth Bane stared at Sidious with burning eyes. "Are you sure?"

Sidious nodded his head, "I am."

"Tell us what you know of the boy and how it is that he came with you," Darth Ronok ordered.

"The boy's name is Anakin and he and his mother were slaves to a Toydarian named Watto. I killed his mother and went to Watto's shop to disengage Anakin's transmitter while my apprentice convinced the boy that the Jedi had killed his mother. After a time the boy came along with us so that he may have revenge on the one who killed his mother."

Darth Bane nodded his head with approval. "That is acceptable. Now answer this, how did Anakin come to have a Jedi lightsaber?"

Maul stepped a few inches forward, "After my Master had gone ahead to our ship, Anakin and I encountered a Jedi apprentice. I fought him but I failed to kill him."

No sooner had he said those words Darth Meshan leaped to his feet and held his glowing red lightsaber a centimeter from Maul's neck. "You disgrace us! You should be killed where you stand!" He snarled in distaste.

Maul felt the searing heat of the lightsaber near his neck and didn't move a muscle.

Darth Bane sneered. "Continue!" he told Maul sharply.

"The apprentice began to talk to Anakin and they made an agreement. In trying to gain Anakin's trust the Jedi apprentice gave Anakin his lightsaber. That wasn't enough to convince Anakin. The apprentice asked how he could earn his trust and Anakin told him to leave and that if he came anywhere near our ship before or during takeoff then Anakin wouldn't trust him. That is how Anakin acquired the lightsaber."

Darth Milter stood up with his ignited lightsaber and pointed the glowing red blade at Maul's head. "Then what happened?" he asked in a menacing voice.

Maul swallowed a lump in his throat as he continued, "We came to our ship and found my Master fighting the Jedi apprentice's Master and saw him strike the Jedi down. To make sure that Anakin would lose his small trust in the Jedi I told him that the Jedi apprentice didn't keep his promise and got his Master to do his dirty work for him. Anakin accepted this and his trust in the Jedi faded. Thinking that it would remind him not to trust the Jedi, I let him keep the lightsaber."

Darth Milter grunted, disengaged his lightsaber and sat back down on his seat.
Darth Meshan stayed where he was, ready to strike.

Sidious kept his eyes directed at Darth Bane, dismissing his apprentice's perilous situation.

"Darth Sidious, your apprentice's actions are outrageous. We are disgusted." Darth Bane sneered. "What do you have to say about this?"

"He has his faults and he should be punished. However, with the threat of the Jedi arising again I believe his punishment must wait. Killing Maul now will make Anakin trust us less. I know that this must be done and I respect your judgment on the matter. He has disgraced me as well, but the Jedi will bring even more disgrace to us then Maul could ever do. We should focus our energy on destroying the Jedi first. Once again, I respect your judgment on this matter," Sidious finished.

Darth Meshan snarled, disengaged his lightsaber and sat back down in his seat.

"We will consider what has been said. Sidious you are in charge of Anakin until we have reached a decision. A more worthy apprentice Anakin will make for you." Darth Bane told Sidious.

They bowed their heads and left the room. Maul's cheeks burned with shame as he walked a few feet behind his Master. At this rate, there might not be hope for him at all.

The anger radiating in the council chamber grew more intense every second. Darth Bane looked at each of them in the semi-circle. Darth Sidious was right in what he said; if we start killing our own kind just because they disgraced us then that would give the Jedi an advantage. His thoughts were interrupted as Darth Meshan spoke.

"We must take immediate action against the Jedi before it is too late!"

"I agree," Darth Secrenosh replied. "They must be stopped at all costs."

Darth Fraunel hissed, "We should apply a firmer hand on the people and keep tabs on any suspicious activity."

"We know that they have been on Tatooine and Naboo – we should send teams to search those two planets and arrest anyone who could possibly know something about the Jedi or have possibly collaborated with them," Darth Cralash said icily.

"Don't forget the Trade Federation – they must be punished," Darth Runder added with a snarl.

The in-room comm beeped and Darth Bane pressed a button on the edge of his armrest to answer it.

A hologram appeared in the center of the room and the Sith quieted. The figure in the holo wore a dark brown robe and a hood that covered his face. "I am Darth Seront," the figure began. His voice was firm but sounded youthful, as he stood tall and erect. "I have information that you may want to hear."

Darth Mishane growled, "Continue."

"There are Jedi on Naboo at this very moment," Darth Seront continued.

Darth Fraunel hissed, "We know that already!" she remarked in irritation.

"I and a group of my own Dark Force users wish to join with you to defeat the Jedi once and for all."

Darth Bane ground his teeth. Something is not right, he thought to himself. A rogue group of Dark Side users has been unheard of for centuries. "If you wish to join us you must tell us who you really are."

Darth Seront threw back his hood revealing his young face. His hair was cut short and a long braid went over his shoulder and lay on his chest.

Darth Mishane growled as she recognized the haircut style, "You are a Jedi apprentice!" she nearly screamed.

Darth Seront nodded his head. "You are correct. The Jedi are no match for the Sith and my friends and I wish to join you instead of being destroyed."

"You realize that we will test your allegiance if you come before us," Darth Bane remarked.

Darth Seront nodded his head. "I understand and so do my friends."

"Very well then; we will send a team for you."

Darth Seront bowed his head. "We will be waiting for you on Naboo." With that said the hologram shimmered and disappeared.

Darth Milter looked to Darth Bane. "We should be cautious; if this is a trap…"

Darth Fraunel interrupted him. "His words were sincere. I sensed no deception in his voice."

Darth Milter glared at Darth Fraunel from underneath his hood, "The Jedi are clever if they have hidden themselves from us till now. There is no telling what they can do and are planning. We must be cautious."

Murmurings filled the room that soon escalated to full-scale arguments.

Darth Bane's voice filled the room as the arguments began to become more intense. "Silence," he snapped. Immediately, they ceased arguing and looked at Darth Bane. "We will send a team to retrieve them, they will join us; I have foreseen it."

With that said they all nodded in acceptance except for Darth Milter. Darth Miltar rested his hand on his lightsaber and then sprung to his feet to the middle of the room and faced Darth Bane. He threw off his hood and cloak, his red eyes glaring furiously at Darth Bane, and his mouth was contorted in a sneer. "I do not agree, we should send more then one team to bring them here."

Darth Bane remained calm as he spoke. "Are you saying that my decision is faulty? That I made the decision without consulting the Force?"

"Yes, exactly," Darth Milter responded.

Darth Bane's eyes narrowed, "Your lack of faith is disturbing. I suggest you go to your quarters and meditate long and hard on this," he commanded Darth Milter.

Darth Milter huffed has he picked up his cloak and then glared menacingly at Darth Bane. "You will regret that you have ever disagreed with me. I promise you that!" He snarled, eyes blazing with fury and exited the chamber.

Darth Ribeous turned to Darth Bane, "This is the third time that he has disagreed with you, Master. He must be taught a lesson."

Darth Bane nodded his head. "Yes, but this is not the time for it. We must focus on the threat of the Jedi."

Silence reigned in the room as they took in his words.

Anakin was taken to his new quarters where the guards left him. Anakin looked around the room; there was a small kitchen on the left side of the room that held only a cabinet, sink, refrigerator, and small stove. The living area comprised of four wooden benches surrounding a square wooden table. The room was dimly lit and the light gave off an eerie green glow. The door leading to the refresher was next to the kitchen and a door on the opposite side of the kitchen led to a bedroom.

The bedroom was not any better, Anakin noted when he entered. The bed was made of metal and had a black pillow and dark red covers that were tucked in revealing that the mattress was thin. A wooden dresser sat across from the bed on the right and a desk was on the left.

Anakin shook his head in disbelief. There has to be some mistake; these quarters are so gloomy and dull. Our slave quarters were better then this, it was full of love and warmth. Tears came to his eyes as his thoughts began to dwell on his mother. He angrily wiped the tears away from his face with his hand. The Jedi will pay for this. His mood matched his room as the memories of his mother's lifeless form and absence of her presence fill his mind. Warm tears streaked down his face and his anger grew as he plopped onto the bed and buried his face into the pillow.