Chapter 4

Within the next few days, Obi Wan and Typho had worked out a rather strong plan of action to implement upon their return to Naboo. Their ride, in the form of an assualt shuttle armed with a squad of volunteers from the Republic Defense Force, picked them up on the third day after Qui Gon's death. Noticed as odd by the handmaidens and Commander Typho, Obi Wan seemed almost happy throughout the days of their wait, as if Qui Gon's death hadn't struck him as hard as they had previously thought. Having taken notice of this, they quickly dismissed it as another trademark of the eccentric Jedi Order.

The plan that had been etched out was very simple in design, yet would be difficult in implementation. The assault shuttle would land in the forest 50 kilometers south of Theed Palace after letting loose a burst of jamming signal as to ensure that they aren't picked up on entry. Upon landing, they would conduct reconnaissance on the city in hopes of finding more people to add to their resistance as well as a method of scouting defenses. After this, Obi Wan would use what he learned from Jar Jar and hopefully capture Viceroy Gunray and end the blockade.

Well, that's how he hoped it would go. He also hoped that he would be able to unravel this Sith mystery as well.

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The landing on planet went almost according to plan except for an instance in which a STAP patrol came dangerously close to discovering their encampment. A well swung lightsaber and a fallen tree helped to divert the droid's attention away from the encampment.

Obi Wan left Typho and the Republic Defense Force to running scouting missions on Theed while he made Jar Jar take him in search of the other Gungans.

Finally, after not finding them in their underwater city, Jar Jar led Obi Wan to the Gungan "Holy Place." The Gungans held to the previous displeasure at seeing them.

Forcefully, the guards dragged Obi Wan and Jar Jar in front of Boss Nass and the other Gungan Council members and pushed them to their knees.

"What is thisen? Binks and the Jedi return? Convince me not to poonish you Jedi." Boss Nass' voice carried with it an extent of annoyance that Obi Wan hadn't heard before from the Gungan council leader.

The guards holding Obi Wan at his knees prodded him with their staffs as to push him towards responding. Instead Obi Wan closed his eyes and lowered his head. The guards surrounding him flew at least ten feet away from him and he stood up. The reaction of the other Gungans was to raise their weapons.

Be mindful Obi Wan.

Obi Wan made no other move after standing up, other than to look directly at Boss Nass with a gaze as strong as his commitment to his mission.

"I come before you, not as a prisoner, but as a fellow warrior. Your people and you are part of a symbiotic circle with the Naboo. What effects them will effect you. I understand your displeasure with the Naboo, but I do not come before you as a Naboo. I am here as a fellow warrior and soldier to beg you for the commitment of your army in our shared conflict. Defend your home, defend those who share your home, and save the Naboo Queen."

Boss Nass looked up and down Obi Wan. His anger that was very apparent at the throwing of his guards was starting to ebb. He stared uncomfortable long at the Jedi, but Obi Wan would not let the strength of his gaze falter.

"Ha! Mesa likens you Jedi. The Gungans will helpens yousen maybe."

Obi Wan's gaze softened, only slightly. "Maybe?"

"The Naboo thinken they big otello. Yousa we liken. The Gungans will deal with yousa, not the Naboo." Boss Nass shook his head in one of his spit takes he did so commonly.

Obi Wan had to toss this around for a moment. It seemed to be the only way to get the Gungan army on their side, but it could mean that continued peace between the two dominant races of Naboo would be dependent on his indefinite continued presence on Naboo. He was unsure if he could promise that to them. He saw no other way though.

This is acceptable Obi Wan. It will be very beneficial to Naboo, as well as to you.

"Very well, this is acceptable. Also, I would like to address the matter of Jar Jar's life-debt to my Master. He was like a father to me, and if I understand it correctly, his death transfers all life-debts to me."

Boss Nass showed no sign of the previous frustration he had experienced at hearing of Jar Jar's life-debt. "Thisen is understood. Now takens us to the battle."

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