From her temporary apartment, Queen Amidala watched the sun slip below the horizon. The sunset was beautiful, with the clouds painted with oranges, pinks, and purples. The Queen beheld it with sadness. In an ideal world, she would be watching it from the Great Palace, without the worry of the Trade Federation. But the world is never ideal.

For many hours, the Senate had been busy with debates and preliminary elections. It had been such a long session, she was beginning to worry that they'd be stuck in endless squabbling until it was too late for her people. Each passing minute meant more suffering.

Jar Jar, who had been staying in the apartment all day walked up to her. "Yousa think yousa people gonna die?"

She kept her eyes on the horizon. "I don't know."

"Yousa think Gungans gonna die, too?"

"I'm hoping not."

"Gungans not dying without a fight. Wesa warriors. Wesa having a grand army." Jar Jar sighed. "Dat's why yousa no liking us, mesa thinks."

"That's not-"

She was cut off by Captain Panaka entering the room with a very happy-looking Senator Palpatine behind him. "Your Highness? Senator Palpatine was nominated to succeed Valorum and is now in the final running for Supreme Chancellor."

The Queen's eyes widened with hopefulness.

"A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one," Palpatine said. "Your Highness, if I am elected, I promise to put an end to corruption."

"And who else is in the running?"

Captain Panaka answered. "Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare."

Palpatine smiled. "I feel confident our situation will create a strong sympathy vote for us. Before the end of tomorrow, I will be Chancellor."

Queen Amidala looked back out the window. The sky was almost completely purple by now. "I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, there will be nothing left of our people or our way of life."

"I understand your concern, your Highness. Unfortunately the Federation has control of our country and there are procedures to follow here."

The Queen thought quietly. In the distance she saw the lantern light of a carriage travelling away from the city. It was the sign she needed. "This is your arena, senator. I feel I must return to mine."

Senator Palpatine's brow furrowed.

"I've decided to return to Naboo," she clarified.

"Go back? Your Highness, please be realistic. They'll force you to sign the treaty."

She turned and looked him in the eye. "I will sign no treaty. My fate will be no different than that of our people."

"But-"

Queen Amidala turned to face Captain Panaka. "Captain, ready my ship." She then started towards the door.

"Yes, your Highness."

Senator Palpatine followed. "Please, your Highness, stay here, where it's safe."

She stopped, but only turned her head. "It has become clear to me the Republic no longer functions. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the Senate." With that, she left, her entourage and Jar Jar following behind.

Many hours of meditation and debate had passed. Master Ki-Adi-Mundi strongly favored letting the boy be trained, while Master Windu vehemently dissented. They had finally reached a decision. Night had fully descended by the time the Jedi Council called Anakin, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan back in. The mood in the chamber was serious.

"The Force is very strong with him," said Ki-Adi-Mundi.

Qui-Gon looked at the Council hopefully. "He is to be trained, then?"

Mace Windu shook his head. "No. He will not be trained."

Qui-Gon was appalled. "No?"

"He is too old," Mace Windu said plainly.

"He is the Chosen One, you must see it!"

Yoda shook his head slowly. "Mmm, clouded, this boy's future is."

Qui-Gon looked around the room, almost frantic. For a few moments, words failed him. "I'll train him, then."

Obi-Wan watched as his master walked over to the boy and place his hands on his shoulders. Although Obi-Wan had sensed this coming, but he couldn't help but feel a small sense of betrayal.

Qui-Gon smiled at the members of the Council. "I take Anakin Skywalker as my Padawan learner." He patted a hand on his shoulder.

"A student, you have, Qui-Gon." Yoda gestured to Obi-Wan. "Impossible to take a second, it is."

Master Windu nodded. "The Code forbids it."

"Obi-Wan is ready to face the Trials."

Obi-Wan stepped forward. "I am ready."

"Our own counsel, we will keep on who is ready." There was a hint of irritation in Yoda's voice.

Qui-Gon pressed on, regardless. "He is headstrong and has much to learn of the Living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me."

Yoda heaved a deep breath. "Decided later, young Skywalker's fate will be."

"He's right. Now is not the time for debating this," Mace Windu said. "The Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor, and Queen Amidala is returning to Naboo. This is going to put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation."

"And draw out the Queen's attacker," added Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"Go with the Queen to Naboo," Mace Windu instructed. "We need to discover the identity of this dark warrior. This could be the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith."

Yoda held out a three-fingered hand. "May the Force be with you."

The two Jedi and Anakin bowed and walked out of the Council chamber. Although they didn't voice it, all three were disappointed in their own ways with how the meeting had transpired.

Even late at night the Grand Harbor bustled with activity. The twin lighthouses bathed the harbor entrance in enough light to almost rival the day. Beneath their white glow, dockworkers dutifully loaded and unloaded cargo crates as ship bells tolled. Pulling into the harbor and giving a great deal of excitement to late night ship spotters was a long, four masted ship flying the colors of Ryloth.

On the dock below the harbor's yellow flame, two Jedi walked towards a recently repaired silver ship. Qui-Gon discussed his displeasure with the Jedi Council's decision. Obi-Wan, though loyal to his master, also understood why the Council had reached the verdict that it had. "It's not disrespect, Master, it's the truth."

"From your point of view."

"The boy is dangerous. They all sense it, why can't you?"

"His fate is uncertain, but he's not dangerous. The Council will decide Anakin's future, but for the good of the world they need to side with my view. It's what the Force wills." Qui-Gon looked up at the Naboo royal corvette. "Here we are, let's head aboard."

Anakin, who had up to that point been following a few paces behind them, approached Qui-Gon as Obi-Wan walked up the gangplank. "Qui-Gon, sir? I don't want to be a problem..."

Qui-Gon squatted in front of Anakin and smiled reassuringly. "You won't be. I'm not allowed to train you, but I want you to watch me and be mindful. Always remember: your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you'll be safe." He gave Anakin a quick pat on his upper arm.

"May I ask you something, Master?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"When the Council was testing me, they mentioned something called Midichloria, what is that?"

"Ah. Midichloria is the magical residue that is found in all life. When you reach out through the Force, it appears in your mind's eye as a cloud surrounding a person or animal. It's one of the things Jedi can sense that keeps us in tune with the Living Force."

"So it's inside me, too?"

"Yes. Those trained in the Ways of the Force have more of this residue surrounding them, but you in particular have a very high amount of Midichloria. More than even Master Yoda."

"Even though I'm not a Jedi?"

"That's what makes you special. With proper training, you have the potential to be the greatest Jedi in history and do so much good for the world. And that's why the Council's decision has me so frustrated."

This made complete sense to Anakin. "I see, thank you for believing so much in me."

Qui-Gon smiled again and stood up. "Of course. Now come, let's head aboard."

Anakin headed off to the maintenance room where Jar Jar and Artu-Deetu already waited. It had been a long day and he was eager to get some sleep. The blankets he had used on the trip there still sat in the alcove he had left them in and he curled himself up in them. Soon he was off to sleep, but his rest was troubled by bad dreams. He kept seeing a terrifying face and Qui-Gon surrounded by fire.

Qui-Gon stood on the deck and watched as Queen Amidala and her handmaidens arrived. "Your Highness, it is an honor to continue to serve and protect you."

"I welcome your help. Senator Palpatine fears that the Federation means to destroy me."

"I assure you that I will not allow that to happen."

A short time later, the royal corvette was off. Beneath the stars and the crescent moons above, it sailed back towards home, leaving the towering city of Coruscant behind.

The Viceroy was awakened by his advisor. An emergency call was coming in from Lord Sidious. At this information, the Viceroy bolted fully awake, adrenaline racing through him. He quickly dressed himself and made for the Great Palace's throne room where the large communication font sat.

"Ah, hello, my Lord. I was not expecting you to call at such an hour."

"There has been a development, Viceroy. First, I must ask, have you secured the entire country?"

"We have taken over the last remaining pockets of primitive natives. We are in complete control."

"Good. I will see to it that things in the Senate stay as they are. Queen Amidala is returning to Naboo. To make sure she does not escape you again, I am sending my apprentice, Darth Maul to join you."

"Yes, my Lord."

Lord Sidious' silver form melted away.

After he was sure the transmission had ended, the Viceroy's advisor looked to him with a grimace. "A Sith? Here?"

"I'm not going to be able to get back to sleep now."

The sun had not yet risen when the royal corvette emerged from a Hyperion gate. The moons were below the horizon and the sea was black as pitch. If the helmsman was careful, he could just slip past the blockade.

The Jedi were meeting with the Queen and her entourage in her receiving room, discussing the plan of how to proceed. Captain Panaka was pessimistic. "When we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty."

"I agree, your Highness," said Qui-Gon. "I'm not sure what you hope to achieve."

"I will take back what is ours," she replied.

Captain Panaka shook his head. "There are too few of us, your Highness. We have no army."

"And I can only protect you, I can't fight a war for you." Qui-Gon's brow was furrowed with uncertainty.

"Jar Jar Binks," the Queen called.

Jar Jar, who had only barely been paying attention looked up. "Mesa, you Highness?"

"Yes. I need your help."

On the bridge, the helmsman carefully steered the ship between the Federation's flagship and another capital ship. The lookout in the crow's nest noticed that on the flagship's deck was a large glowing blue sphere. He asked one of the other topmen to tell the captain about it.

The captain pondered this for a moment. "That could be what controls the automata... Even if it isn't, it has to be something important." He thanked the topman and headed below deck to inform the Queen and the Jedi of this discovery.

When the captain reached the receiving room, it looked as though the meeting had just concluded.

Queen Amidala looked to him. "Is everything all right, captain?"

"Your Highness, Master Jedi, we may have found something that could help us."

Following the captain's orders, the helmsman carefully steered the ship into one of the inlets up the coast, one that was heavily forested and out of sight of the blockade. With no light, the helmsman had to trust the guidance of the long-haired Jedi. He followed every word the Jedi spoke, and the ship safely pulled into a good position and the crew dropped anchor.

The sun had just started to peek above the horizon, and the forest's nocturnal life began returning to their nests and burrows. Qui-Gon stared into the forest, lost in thought. Obi-Wan came up to him, bringing him back to reality. "Master, Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan city."

"Good."

"Do you think the Queen's idea will work?"

"The Gungans will not be easily swayed. And we cannot use our powers to help her convince them."

A few minutes of silence passed between them before Obi-Wan spoke again. "I- I'm sorry for my behavior, Master. It's not my place to disagree with you about the boy... And I am grateful that you think I'm ready to take the Trials."

"You've been a great student, Obi-Wan, and you've become much wiser than I could hope to be. I foresee you becoming a great Jedi Knight and an even greater mentor."

"Thank you, Master."

Jar Jar emerged from the lake that held Gunga City. He shook himself like a dog would, trying to dry himself somewhat. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Captain Panaka looked on from the marshy shoreline, ankle deep in muck. Queen Amidala and her entourage stood further back, on dry land.

"There's-a nobody there," said Jar Jar, squelching through the mud towards them. "Gunga City is deserted. Some kind of fight, mesa thinks."

"Do you think they could have been taken to the camps?" Obi-Wan asked.

Captain Panaka shook his head. "More likely is they were wiped out."

"Mesa no think so."

Qui-Gon's eyebrows shot up. "Do you know where they are, Jar Jar?"

"When in trouble, Gungans go to sacred place. Mesa show you! Come on, mesa show you!"

To describe their trek through the dense forest as arduous would be an understatement. They travelled through thick verdant groves, a cave hidden behind a waterfall, and through ruins long left to nature. At an ancient stone gateway, two mounted Gungan spearmen stopped them. After explaining themselves, the Gungans escorted them deeper into the ruins.

At the heart of the ruins was a crumbling temple, its walls covered in the thick roots of mighty trees. Throughout the temple, Gungans of every age stood speechless at the presence of humans in their most sacred site. In the temple's main courtyard sat an enormous stone head split vertically by a large tree stump. Atop it stood Boss Nass, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

One of the Gungan escorts held out his spear to stop the procession. He cleared his throat as he withdrew the spear and looked up at Boss Nass. "Your Honor, Queen Amidala of the Naboo."

Boss Nass' eyes shot to Jar Jar. "Jar Jar Binks... Who yousa bringen here?"

The Queen stepped forward. "I am Queen Amidala of Naboo. I come before you in peace."

Boss Nass scoffed. "Ah, Naboo biggun. Yousa bring da mackineeks. Yousa all bombad."

"We have searched you out because we wish to form an alliance..."

Padmé stepped forward. "Your Honor."

Boss Nass glared at her. "Who-sa dis?"

"I am Queen Padmé Amidala." Everyone not part of her guard or handmaidens looked to her, shocked. "This is my decoy. My protector and loyal bodyguard. I am sorry for my deception, but it was necessary to protect myself."

Boss Nass raised a horned eyebrow, intrigued.

The real Queen Amidala continued in the level speaking tone of Naboo royalty. "Although we may not always agree, our two 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 it will all be lost forever.

"Hmm." Boss Nass listened to her words carefully.

"I ask you to help us." Queen Amidala fell to her knees. "I beg you to help us. We are at your mercy. Our future is in your hands."

One by one, everyone else in her entourage followed her example and knelt before the Gungan leader. Boss Nass grumbled in thought before falling silent for several tense seconds.

"Ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha!" Boss Nass' booming laugh echoed through the ruins. "Yousa no thinking yousa better than the Gungans? Mesa like this!" He smiled widely. "Maybe wesa being friends! Wesa help you rid Naboo of da mackineeks."

A cheer broke out from both the humans and the Gungans. Queen Amidala smiled and sighed with relief. With any luck, the rest of the plan would go just as smoothly.

The Viceroy sat on Queen Amidala's throne in the Great Palace. To one side of the throne stood his advisor, to the other stood the terrifying Darth Maul. The Viceroy nervously drummed his fingers on the polished armrest. In the communication font in front of him stood the life-size silver figure of Lord Sidious. "My Lord, we have sent out patrols, but we have not located the Queen's ship. I assure you though, we will find her."

"This is an unexpected move for her," the Dark Lord said. "It's too aggressive. Lord Maul, be mindful. Let them make the first move."

"Yes, my Master." Darth Maul's voice chilled the Viceroy to the bone.

On the great plains outside Theed, a Gungan scout sat atop one of the large standing stones erected centuries prior. He took a big bite from a purple fruit as he looked through his telescope. In the distance, a loose group of horses and riders approached. At their head was Captain Panaka. "Theysa coming," the scout called down to Anakin.

"All right!" Anakin ran towards the nearby wood line, where the Queen and the her bodyguards awaited, going over the plan. "They're here!"

"Oh, good, they made it," Padmé said, looking up from the wrinkled palace map before her.

A short distance away, Boss Nass walked with Jar Jar. It seemed as though the animosity he harbored towards the clumsy Gungan had greatly faded, if not vanished. "Yousa doing grand."

Jar Jar gave a goofy smile. It was rare that he received praise from someone so influential.

"Yousa bring us and da Naboo together... For dis, wesa make you... General."

Jar Jar jumped. "G- general?! Mesa command da army?"

Boss Nass patted Jar Jar's back. "Yes. Yousa bring victory to us-en." With that, he waddled over to the fallen tree over which the Queen had the palace map draped. Jar Jar stood behind, stunned, swaying limply in the gentle breeze.

Captain Panaka and the Jedi walked up to Queen Amidala while the rest of the riders tied up their horses nearby. "Your Highness."

"Captain. What news do you have?"

"Almost everyone able-bodied is in camps. A few hundred police and guards have formed an underground resistance." He gestured towards the riders. "I brought as many of the leaders as I could."

"Good work."

Captain Panaka continued. "We've also learned the automaton army is far larger than we thought, and far stronger. To tell the truth, your Highness, I do not believe this is a battle we can win."

"The battle is a diversion. The Gungan army will draw the automata away from Theed." She pointed to a red line drawn on the map. Gone was her level diplomatic tone, now she spoke with determination. "We will enter the palace using the secret passages near the Theed River. Once we get to the main entrance, Captain Panaka will create another diversion. Then we can enter the palace and capture the Viceroy. Without his leadership, the Federation army will be lost and confused."

Qui-Gon was impressed, but he had some concerns. "The Viceroy will undoubtedly be well guarded."

Captain Panaka answered. "The difficult part will be getting into the throne room. Once we're inside, there shouldn't be any issues."

Qui-Gon turned to Boss Nass. "It's probable that with the diversion, many Gungans will be killed."

Boss Nass thumped his chest with a fist. "Wesa ready to do us-en part."

Qui-Gon turned back to the Queen. "And what of the information the ship's captain gave us?"

"There is a stable attached to the palace that has a large number of yellow ennone. I will send what riders we have to fly out and attack the flagship. If that sphere does control the automata, knocking it out will grant us immediate victory."

Qui-Gon stroked his beard. "It's a well-conceived plan, but there is great risk involved. The Federation likely has airborne automata that could intercept the ennone before they reach the ship."

"There's an even bigger risk, your Highness," Obi-Wan said. "If the Viceroy escapes, he may very well return with another army."

Queen Amidala narrowed her eyes in thought. "Then we must make sure we do not fail to capture him. Everything depends on that."

In the palace, the Viceroy, his advisor, and Lord Maul walked down a statue-lined vaulted hallway. In one green hand, the Viceroy held his engraved pocket font, from which the hooded head of Lord Sidious addressed him. "She is far more foolish than I thought."

"We are sending all troops to meet this army. Our reports say it is made up of primitive natives."

Lord Sidious' lips curled. "The same primitive natives you told me you took control over?"

"Ahh..." The Viceroy began shaking.

"Still," Lord Sidious said. "This will work to our advantage."

"Do... Do I have your approval to proceed, my Lord?"

"Wipe them out. All of them."