Chapter 3

The blockade ships opened fire. The ship was buffeted by the blasts. One shot hit the shield generator. Alarms rang, sirens blared, lights flashed in the cockpit.

A series of astromech droids rolled out onto the ship's hull. They rolled to the generators and began repairs. The Trade Federation ships began shooting them off – all except one blue R2 unit.

Suddenly a monitor display turned green.

"The power's back!" shouted the pilot. "That little droid did it. He bypassed the main power drive. Deflector shields up at maximum."

The Nubian ship sped past the blockade.


Once well past the blockade, the pilot made a discovery. "There's not enough power to get us to Coruscant. The hyperdrive is leaking."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan decided that they would land on an outer-rim planet called Tatooine to make repairs.


The Jedi stood with Panaka and the remaining R2 unit. Panaka was reporting events to the Queen and her handmaidens. The Queen was dressed in black. Panaka was praising the droid.

"It saved the ship back there, not to mention our lives."

"It is to be commended. What is its number?"

The droid, lights blinking on and off, gave a series of small beeps.

"R2-D2, Your Highness."

"Padme. Clean this droid up as best you can. It deserves our gratitude. Continue, Panaka."

Panaka was clearly uncomfortable. He deferred the reporting to Qui-Gon, who explained the need to travel to Tatooine, adding, "You must trust my judgement, Your Highness."

"Must I?" Sabe had never been completely comfortable around Force-users. Their powers made her nervous. She knew they shouldn't, but they did.

Out of the corner of his eye, Qui-Gon thought he saw Padme nod.

"Very well, Master Jinn," said Amidala. "We are in your hands."


The ship touched down on the outskirts of a settlement.

The Jedi explained that they needed to find a new hyperdrive, and that they weren't to send any transmissions. Obi-Wan would remain behind at the ship, while Qui-Gon, Jar Jar and Artoo went into the city.


Padme approached Jessica. "Master?"

"Yes, Padme?" She had given up trying to get Padme to call her 'Jess'.

"I sense a – disturbance in the Force."

Jessica nodded. "I feel it also. I can't place it… We'll just have to be careful until we find out what it is."

"Yes, Master. How will we do that?"

Jessica smiled. "We'll go with Master Jinn into the city. It shouldn't be hard. He should follow the Queen's commands – if reluctantly."


Qui-Gon was beginning the trek into the city when he heard a call.

"Wait!"

He turned to see two figures approaching. It was two of the Queen's handmaidens, Jessica and Padme. They were both wearing light cloaks. It had been Jessica who spoke.

"Her Highness commands you to take us with you."

"No more commands from Her Highness today, thank you," said Qui-Gon. Jessica stared at him in a reproachful manner. He tried to explain. "The spaceport is not going to be pleasant."

"We can handle ourselves," said Padme. "And the Queen wishes it. She is curious about the planet."

"This is not a good idea. Stay close to me –"

"As Padme said, we can handle ourselves," interrupted Jessica.

Qui-Gon studied her, than turned and walked off.