Star Wars 2.0

Episode 4: The Secret of Naboo

Chapter 2

Darth Mawl looked out over the city from his perch on the balcony of the tall tower of the Sith. A chemical in the air of the planet Oresys gave it a bright red hue when the sun set, a color that almost exactly matched the tone of his skin. He tilted his hooded head skyward toward the white dot that was the Neimoidian star base. He had felt the presence of the Jedi there, and he knew they had come looking for him and his master. He also knew that the Jedi were not aware of the Neimoidian allegiance to them, and with any luck, their new allies may dispense with the Jedi, at least for the time being.

But now he felt the presence of the Jedi warriors leaving. They were not fading, as when one is killed, but exiting the star base and leaving the planet's orbit. They had gotten away. This was really no surprise to him; hoping that common soldiers would be any match to the Force, even the weaker light side, was naïve. And now they had a bigger problem. Once the council knew, they would come down on the Neimoidian with a vengeance, and they would discover their hiding place.

His Master presently appeared at the doorway behind Darth Mawl. He had clearly felt their escape as well. Darth Mawl expressed his concerns about the council, and all its masters of the light side, coming to find them soon.

"It is insignificant," his Master said. "Wheels are in motion that cannot be halted. They are too late, my apprentice."

Darth Mawl turned to him, trying not to reveal his surprise. Any show of shock was a weakness, as was any revelation of his uncertainty in his own readiness. His Master told him nothing more, and so Darth Mawl would simply have to trust in him. "Yes, Master," he said, bowing.

Atop the great spire overlooking the never-ending city Coruscant which wrapped around the planet of the same name, the Jedi Council assembled. They had much to talk about. Many pieces across the galaxy seemed to be moving, and it appeared as though something was behind them.

As the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, the Jedi were separate from other ruling bodies. Neither the Senate, nor any regional governor held sway over their decisions. The wisdom of the Jedi was trusted by nearly all, and they were thus given the leeway to act independently, and even watchdog other elements of the Galactic Republic.

The Jedi elders sat in their cushioned chairs in a circle surrounding the plush carpeted center where one person spoke, providing his information and opinions while the others listened passively. This was where they attained their enlightenment, through thoughtful contemplation and careful insight. The speaker today was Master Qui-jin Gon, a respected man of 40 whose deep voice and prudent demeanor made him a highly respected speaker. His long hair and neatly trimmed beard framed a handsome face, and his expressive, empathetic eyebrows completed the picture to create a face that was easy to trust.

Qui-jin was presently informing the council of his findings in relation to an investigation he was holding. There was a rumored "secret army" whose existence had once seemed impossible, but his investigation was discovering it to be potentially real. And while most armies belonged either to a planetary system, or to the Galactic Senate itself, this army's allegiance was unknown. "We still do not know the location of this army's base," Qui-jin admitted, "but thanks to the efforts of my Padawan Anakin, we have located a factory allegedly used by the army's leadership to build weapons for their use."

An audible hum of appreciation sounded through the chamber. Anakin, Qui-jin's young apprentice who was barely out of his teens, beamed with pride. Qui-jin glanced at him, also with delight; but his expression also warned the boy not to allow himself to take too much self-satisfaction from the victory.

The head of the Jedi Council, a wise, elderly man named Tosho Shiro, leaned forward toward the smiling Anakin and asked, "Where is this factory, young apprentice?"

Anakin was taken aback. He turned to his master for permission, and Qui-jin nodded impatiently. He need not ask permission here. Anakin turned back to Tosho, his smile gone, and answered, "The planet Naboo, Master Shiro. It's in a system of the same name."

"That is the capital of the Chommell Sector," Tosho said, now raising his own eyebrows, and leaning back in contemplation.

"Under the very noses of the government," said another elder.

"Or a part, perhaps," added Yoda. "This, I fear, may be where our paths cross, Master Qui-jin." Yoda stood and walked toward Qui-jin, then continued around him, addressing the council. "Attacked we were, my apprentice Obi-Wan and I, by the Neimoidian. This much have I already reported. And the Senate, voting they are at present as to the extent of retaliation. But one fundamental piece of this puzzle does not fit." He emphasized these last three words by stopping and tapping his cane against the marble floor. "Gain nothing do the Neimoidian, by this outrage. Only loss and suffering can be their profit."

Tosho, whose strength in the force was second only to Yoda, snapped out of his contemplation and leaned forward again. "Are you suggesting that some other force is behind this?"

"Know nothing do I," Yoda answered. "Only riddles within the enigma. But acknowledged must a question be before it can be answered."

Tosho nodded and leaned back in his chair, determined on the course of action. "Qui-jin, you and your apprentice will go to Naboo and speak with the governor of the sector, and the leader of the planet. They will provide you with nothing of value, especially if they have anything to hide. But you will discover whether they are hiding something, and act accordingly. However, your actions will be secondary to the primary objective. Someone else will slip secretly onto the planet and search for this factory…"

"My apprentice," Yoda volunteered. "Ready is he for such a mission. And if our paths are as similar as I sense, prepared he is to recognize the signs, and to act upon them."

"Won't you be coming with me, Master Yoda?" Obi-Wan asked, shocked at what was being said.

"No," Yoda answered. "Master Tosho Shiro and I must speak with the Senate, and its members. Counsel, do they need, in this time of trouble, and calm."

Tosho nodded. "If war is to happen with the Neimoidian, the Jedi should lead the efforts so they lead to peace as rapidly as possible."

There was little more business to go over, and none of the same magnitude as Yoda and Qui-jin had addressed. When they adjourned, everyone began slowly shuffling toward the exits. That was when Anakin caught up with Obi-wan.

"Well, look at you," Anakin teased. "Pretty soon I might have to start calling you master."

Obi-Wan blushed with a smirk as he answered, "I have a lot left to learn, but you'll have to watch yourself. I may be sending you on Padawan errands to get me drinks."

"Well, don't expect me to be your wingman at the bar. You could scare away a wookie."

Obi-Wan laughed and didn't repost to the slight. He did not have the wit Anakin had, and it was a direct result of this that made his friend right about common society. Anakin simply fit in with people outside the Jedi counsel better than Obi-Wan did. Obi-Wan's intensive seriousness gave off the stiff appearance that was a turnoff to others, but was a boon to his respect among their peers. Still, he preferred Anakin to any other Jedi for the very reason that he made him laugh, and he convinced him to experience more in life than he would sticking to his studies and meditation.

He looked at his friend now, who was waiting for his response the way a predator watches his beaten prey, waiting for him to get up so he can swipe again. Obi-Wan gave him no such opening, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder and saying, "We'll reach full Jedi together, I'm sure of it. One mission alone doesn't put me in any position of power."

Anakin smirked, reassured, and a little disappointed there was no opening for a retort.

Then Obi-Wan removed his hand and began to walk away as he said, "And that wookie was really into me."

His smile growing broader, Anakin's mind raced through the plethora of responses as he chased after his buddy.

Tosho and Qui-jin had meanwhile huddled around Yoda's chair. The three were contemplating the move they were making, and considering all options on how to go about it. Their voices were low, not to keep secrets from the rest of the assembly now filing out the door, but to avoid misunderstandings as their plans could still change.

Yoda and Tosho Shiro had determined to speak with the senate. However, Qui-jin now advised them to wait until he gave his report on Naboo. "Revealing our plans to the senator of Naboo could cause problems in our investigation," he said. "And if there are any conspirators within the senator's office, they could get the message to the planet and send them into hiding."

Yoda nodded at the wisdom. He closed his eyes and tried to reach into the feelings of the future.

His thoughts were interrupted by Master Shiro, who said, "We could even use that as a tool if it's discovered that they are in league. I suggest we speak privately with the senator of Naboo about some fabricated matter, and while there, try to learn what we can. If conspirators are among them, we can use that to feed false information and aid you in your mission, Qui-jin."

Qui-jin nodded. "Good. Very good," he said. "Which senator is this that you'll be speaking with?"

"I believe his first name is Sheev," Master Shiro said. "Sheev Palpatine."

Anakin and Obi-Wan had traded jabs a number of times on their way to the hangar. Anakin, as always, had gotten the most and best taunts in, and Obi-Wan had done the most laughing. He was nearly red when they parted, and wrinkled with smile lines. They tapped the ends of their lightsaber hilts together, a tradition they kept from their elders but continued together, and parted ways.

Obi-Wan climbed aboard his small spy craft, stalling halfway up the ladder to watch his R2 unit as it was lowered into place behind the cockpit. He now took note of what they looked like after he had made an almost fatal mistake on a former mission. He had gone up to one on a planet where they were spying on a suspected double agent. Seeing the astromech droid Obi-Wan thought was theirs, he had given it the plans Yoda and he had made to make their move. It turned out the droid belonged to the very man they were moving in on, and the spy got away. He could have, in fact, doubled around and hit each of them while he and Yoda were separated.

And so he studied many of the details of this droid; it's metal domed head with a blue outline along the base and blue rectangles along the top and side, its single red blinking bulb, its two vents in the middle of its torso, and its grimy white body. He also memorized the shapes of the black outlined chambers all across its torso where secret chambers hid a multitude of tools for use on the field. The droid moved its head around more than most droids, as though it was looking around it, then it focused on Obi-Wan, as though studying him as well. A lens that jutted out next to the red dot turned on Obi-Wan, looked him up and down, then settled on his eyes as it locked into place.

Obi-Wan was a bit unnerved by the little robot as he climbed into the cockpit. He'd have to ask for a replacement next time, but for the time being, he needed to get going. He looked at the droid's designation now appearing on a screen on his console. It read "R2D2."

Anakin waved at his friend's ship taking off, then saw someone who had been on the other side of the small ship that he knew. "Owen!" Anakin exclaimed excited to see his only brother.

A scraggly haired man in a black jacket turned to see Anakin, who wore the same face as him. The brothers were twins, though one could always tell the difference between them as Anakin wore the clean-cut look of a Jedi, complete with a braid that hung down one side of his face, and Owen didn't appear to own a comb. He smiled out of one side of his mouth, the look of a scoundrel, but Anakin knew Owen always meant well.

"What are you doing here?" Anakin asked, raising his arms as though pointing at the whole hangar.

"I didn't realize this was all yours," Owen answered, stepping toward him.

"Will be soon!" Anakin shouted, unafraid who might hear. "You're going to have to ask permission to land."

"Already have to pass five inspections just to get close," Owen said, his head tilting toward his sooty cargo ship. It had once been white, but the millions of miles and variety of environments had changed all that; not to mention the alterations and the smears from places he shouldn't have been. There were even blast marks from lasers that implied the trouble he had seen.

Anakin knew better than to ask; Owen just reminded him that he had been born first and was therefore the "older" brother. Instead, he said "You know, you wouldn't have to go through all the inspections if you stayed. Not here or anywhere."

Owen didn't answer. Instead he returned to moving the crates to the storage area where they would be carried away by his buyer. He was used to this lecture from his "little" brother.

Anakin persisted, "Jedi are pretty much allowed anywhere. We come and go as we see fit. Everyone knows our powers and they don't want to mess with it."

Owen placed down his crate and looked over at Anakin. The look on his face was one of shame, but Anakin didn't recognize the intent. "They're the same powers you possess," Anakin continued, more energized now that he had his brother's attention. "You're every bit as powerful in the force as I am. Maybe more. We could rule this galaxy as brothers!"

It was a joking remark, but Owen didn't take it as such. He knew his brother well enough to know there was some honesty in his pretense of humor. "How… authoritarian of you," he said.

"Oh, come on!" Anakin started.

But before he could insist that he was only kidding again, Owen broke in, "The last thing I want to do is dictate to everyone how to live while a council dictates to me how I need to live. That doesn't sound like freedom to me."

Owen went back to unloading his vessel. Anakin persisted, "And what you do is? Aimlessly jumping from one system to another, having to avoid the ones that have a price on your head? Never knowing for certain how you're going to pay for the next meal. We keep the galaxy free from tyranny, from falling into disorder!"

"Anakin!" came the voice of Qui-jin behind him. "Come! It's time to leave."

Anakin stopped, still staring at his brother, hoping for a change of heart.

"Your master is calling you," Owen said, purposely emphasizing the slight. "Better go before he tightens the chain." With that, he disappeared behind more storage containers doing his job.

Stung by the words, Anakin backed away, then hurried to his master.