Chapter 21

A/N: As last chapter was number 20, I decided I would acknowledge all my wonderful reviewers, and answer any questions I have had. Some of these I may have answered before, so just bear with me. So, without further ado, huge thank-yous go to:

Black's Phoenix, Jinn Twins, 333, maddymouse, mentalkid, poisonrose568, Taeniaea (My, what a lot of vowels!), Dark Lord Daishi, wawoot, Super Tinfoil Man Part 2 (aka TinFoil at Work – I liked that review. It made me laugh.), Son of Anakin, Anthony (OOC means Out of Character. PM, in this case, means Phantom Menace. Also watch out for TPM.), and G-Anakin13.

Alright, I promised this chapter would be meeting with Boss Nass. So, here we go.


"Are you sure you have everything worked out? The Gungans aren't known for their friendliness to the Naboo."

Padme nodded. "I'm sure, Jessica. Jar Jar helped me work everything out," she said, gesturing towards the lake said Gungan had just dived into.

"Very well, then. I'll leave everything in your very capable hands."

"Thank you, Master."


Obi-Wan approached his master with apprehension. He was certain that he hadn't felt this nervous around Qui-Gon sincethe Melida/Daan incident.

"Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan city, Master," he reported.

Qui-Gon turned to his Padawan. "What's troubling you, Obi-Wan?"

"I'm just worried about the Queen's plan, Master." He stopped himself from adding the word honestly to his reply.

"It will be difficult. The Gungans will not be easily swayed. And we cannot use our power to help her. But I think it will work." He gave Obi-Wan a Look. "Now, answer my question. Truthfully. What's bothering you?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "It's Jokonin. I don't think we should trust her." He sensed his Master tense.

"Why not, Padawan?"

Obi-Wan had to control his urge to shout. "She's a Dark Sider, Master. And –"

"She's not a Dark Sider," Qui-Gon answered, a little too quickly, in Obi-Wan's opinion.

"Then why did she hide things from us? Why is she still hiding things from us? I know you've sensed that there's more that she's not saying."

Qui-Gon had no answer to that. After a moment's hesitation, he managed to mutter, "You should have more faith in my judgement, Padawan."

Immediately remorseful, and feeling he had over-stepped a boundary, Obi-Wan apologised. "I'm sorry for my behaviour, Master. It's not my place to disagree with you. And I am grateful you think I'm ready to take the trials."

Qui-Gon smiled at the young man. "You've been a good apprentice, Obi-Wan. I foresee you will become great."

Obi-Wan grinned. "Thank you, Master."


After Jar Jar had returned, reporting that Otoh Gunga was deserted, Amidala's escort were led into the Gungan Sacred Place.

(A/N: I considered stopping here, but that would be too mean.)

Jar Jar greeted Boss Nass, then gratefully handed the task of negotiations over to Amidala. Amidala began explaining her wish for an alliance. When Boss Nass declared, "Yousa bombad," Padme stepped forwards.

"Your Honour, I am Queen Amidala." She continued over the murmurings of the shocked Gungans, Jedi and ex-slave boys. "This is my decoy; my protection; my loyal bodyguard. I am sorry for the deception, but it was necessary to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, Your Honour, our two great societies have always lived in peace. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us; no, I beg you to help us." So saying, she knelt. "We are your humble servants. Our fate is in your hands." At Jessica's quick signal, the rest of the retinue also knelt.

After a moment's silence, Nass' laughter rang loudly through the glen. "Yousa no thinken yousa greater than the Gungans? Mesa lika dis. Maybe wesa being friends!"

This statement was greeted by cheers.


A/N: Alright, that's it for now, folks. Sorry. I was going to make it longer, but this seemed like a nice place to stop.

I hope to update again sometime in the next week, but don't hold me to that.