A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed my last chapter...thanks very much! On the subject of questions pointed out by Elixir Phoenix all I can say is watch this space. Bant will be making an appearence shortly and I did say I wasn't a huge fan who knows every little detail plus it is AU (alternate universe). In truth, most critisism either will become clear when this fic is finsihed or is unimportant to me (i.e. the fact Qui-Gon had a relationship - I didn't know and wouldn't have known ever if you hadn't pointed it out. I'm not changing anything now)

Chapter Eight - Hopes

Qui-Gon sat down at the small wooden table and surveyed the Senator as she stood near the balcony to be sure the Padawan's were entirely out of ear shot.

"Two Padawan's Qui-Gon?" Senator Peridala questioned, her light voice a mixture of wondering and admiration as she turned to face him.

"Yes. I didn't always have Ariana. Her Master Aurelia Benatote was killed in action some years ago. I had to fight for her but I made the right choice," Qui-Gon replied mildly.

"Admirable," Peridala said with a nod as she took a seat opposite Qui-Gon. "And onto the planets troubles."

"We are here to help on Yoda's command," Qui-Gon said seriously, leaning forward. Peridala chuckled softly but it did not reach her eyes. They remained hardened.

"It will take more than a Jedi Master and his two Padawan's I'm afraid, however noble your intentions. Naboo is in ruins and I'm afraid we'll never see peace," Peridala replied grimly, taking her gaze off the Jedi and lowering it to the table for the first time in their meeting.

"Where is Arliss?" Qui-Gon questioned, noticing how young the Senator looked. She could be no older than twenty five.

"We don't know," Peridala admitted in a small voice. "Her death is probable."

"You must be able to find out something surely?" Qui-Gon replied, hardly believing Peridala was so ready to announce the Queen's death. Qui-Gon knew there were methods for location and a planet as advanced as Naboo surely had them.

"Our sources are unreliable. We cannot speak to too many for we know not who to trust. We're not even sure of the identity of these rebels. In truth Master Jinn, we're afraid."

Qui-Gon watched Peridala intently, she was only young herself and her eyes revealed she was not used to such troubles.

"Don't be," Qui-Gon said as gently as possible and Peridala looked up at him, meeting his eyes with her own.

"My sister Amidala is next in line to the throne. I do not want for her what Arliss has had to endure," Peridala admitted looking straight at Qui-Gon, her brown eyes showing nothing. Qui-Gon felt incredible compassion for this girl, her attitude was incredibly commendable during trying times like these even though she had personal worries on top of ones for her people.

"We will help in anyway we possibly can. First, we will need to try and find out anything we can on the location of the Queen. My Padawan's will need to accompany me," Qui-Gon decided, getting up from his seat.

"Thank you," Peridala breathed, dipping her head slightly as a sign of respect. "I don't know how you think you will suceed but thank you."

Qui-Gon Jinn walked to the balcony and was about to follow the steps of the Padawan's down to the vineyard when he noticed them talking. Qui-Gon paused momentarily, watching what they were doing.

"Stop it Obi-Wan. Please." He heard Ariana plead, her voice tight and panicked and Obi-Wan obeyed her immediately, taking his intense gaze from her.

The Jedi Master's eyebrows knitted in confusion and mild annoyance as he watched Obi-Wan walk from Ariana to sit down and begin meditating. He noticed Ariana watched Obi-Wan with content as Qui-Gon began skipping down the steps toward her.

Ariana didn't notice her impending Master, just merely continued watching her friend.

"Ariana," Qui-Gon said roughly.

"What?! Yes?!" Ariana stammered. She had been caught unawares. "Yes Master Qui-Gon?"

"We're leaving. Go back to the Senator while I fetch Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said plainly. Ariana sensed something was wrong with Qui-Gon but she knew much better than to question. Ariana couldn't quite read the Force at this moment in time which was strange. She wasn't the most in tune with it but it was foggy to her, unreadable like she was blind and could only make out shadows.

Ariana decided she was still shaken by Obi-Wan and began up the steps of the balcony, incredibly confused by the last five minutes or so.