"Approaching Naboo in three… two… one…"— Sienna shoved a lever forward and the ship leapt out of hyperspace —"And entering the atmosphere."

She flicked a few switched, raising the shields and activating the viewscreen dimmer to prevent them all from going blind.

"That was a bit close," Obi-Wan commented cheerfully. "Any nearer and we would have leapt out into the atmosphere itself and exploded."

Sienna smirked. "I'm sure you would have appreciated a dramatic entrance like that."

"No sense in being dull," he agreed.

Sienna maneuvered the ship down through the atmosphere, dropping through the clouds. The vast Nubian Jungle came into view, an emerald landscape that sprawled out as far as the eye could see. "Alright Bee, better pick a spot quick, before we're spotted."

"Over there." He pointed towards the jungle. "That's about where the gunships landed the first time I was here. There should be a space where the trees have been mowed down."

"Got it."

Anakin craned his neck, sitting up in his seat as tall as he could. "Wow! There's even more trees than on Rodia!"

His comment went unacknowledged. He could feel the tense concentration swirling around both Padawans as they aimed to land before being detected by the Trade Federation. Trees raced by in a blur of deep green, almost brushing the belly of the ship. Anakin wondered how they would feel to touch. They looked soft, almost fuzzy, like a plush rug. He had no idea trees could grow so thick together—in the swamps, they had been more or less spaced out in clusters, but here there were so many that he couldn't even see the ground.

"Do you think you should slow down a bit?" Obi-Wan asked, eyeing the proximity of the treetops with mild unease.

"Slowing down is for the weak," Sienna quipped, nudging the ship just a bit faster. "Everyone hang on, we're gonna stop pretty short."

"Wait! Go back a bit, there's a natural clearing in the jungle just off our wing, it'll be better than the places the droids cleared."

"I see it." Sienna banked hard right and then dropped the ship down into the clearing. They landed with a muffled thud.

She released a breath. "We made it, boys. Welcome to the jungle."

"Do you think they saw us?" Anakin asked.

"I doubt it. We came out of hyperspace so close to the atmosphere that they wouldn't have had time to detect us before we dropped off their scanners. And I scrambled our frequency to look like a vulture droid, so even if they did see us, they'd have thought we were one of theirs."

"But can't they just use their eyes to see we're not a droid?" Anakin asked skeptically.

"If they were looking, sure, but no one does that. That's the nice thing about scanners—they can be fooled."

Obi-Wan tapped a message to Qui-Gon, letting him know they had landed. He received a response only a second later. "They've just entered the atmosphere," he relayed to Sienna. "They'll be landing in a few minutes."

"Were they spotted?"

"Well, they certainly didn't try any of your fancy tricks," Obi-Wan said with a smirk, "so probably."

"Clock's ticking then." She tugged at the straps on her vambraces, making sure they were secure. "Anakin, be ready to run, and make sure to stick close to me and Obi-Wan."

The boy huffed. "I know, you already told me a hundred times."

They had spent the evening yesterday going over the plan (or what they had of it so far) and both Sienna and Obi-Wan had taken great care to make sure Anakin understood the importance of staying close to them and following orders.

"Well now I've told you a hundred and one times."

The trio moved to the loading bay. Sienna's hand hovered over the activation button for the door, her other hand hovering by her blaster. A minute passed.

Ping.

"I've got the coordinates," Obi-Wan announced.

"Then let's go." Sienna jabbed the button.

Obi-Wan went first, jumping down from the ship and dashing off into the thick underbrush. He moved swiftly and quietly, ducking under branches and easily avoiding roots and thorns. Anakin was next, and far less graceful than the Padawan. He stumbled over sticks and got smacked by stray branches, and generally made quite a bit of noise. Sienna, who was bringing up the rear, grabbed his shirt and yanked him back to his feet several times without even slowing her own pace.

Anakin decided that trees were not, in fact, soft like a rug. And running in a jungle was possibly as bad as running across the desert. At least a desert didn't have thorns and vines and other things trying to knock him off his feet. But then again, a jungle didn't have sand, and after a moment of consideration he decided that no amount of tricky roots was as bad as sand.

The thorns though… Hm, he'd have to think long and hard about that one. Thorns were pretty bad.

It took about ten minutes for them to reach the little clearing where the Nubian cruiser was parked. Qui-Gon stood a few meters away from the ship, scanning the jungle for signs of droids or other dangers. He turned as they approached and nodded in greeting.

"Jar Jar has gone to the Gungan city," he informed them.

"Then everything is going to plan?" Obi-Wan asked.

"For the time being, yes." Qui-Gon turned his attention to Anakin and offered a smile. "Hello again, my young friend."

Anakin smiled back, irritating thorns forgotten, tilting his head to look up at the tall Jedi. "Hi, Mister Qui-Gon sir."

"How did you enjoy space travel?"

"It was wizard! Sienna and Obi-Wan even taught me how to fly a real starship!"

"Did they?" He glanced over at his Padawan, who had a slightly amused expression on his face, and then at Sienna, who was watching the woods more than paying attention to the Jedi.

"Yup!"

"Perhaps you can show me what you have learned, once this crisis is resolved."

"Sure! I also designed some starships, and I learned how to build a dejarik table…"

Anakin babbled away, eagerly telling Qui-Gon all about the adventures he'd had over the course of the past two weeks. The older man managed to both listen and keep his senses alert in case of any danger, humming and commenting at the appropriate times. He was not overly concerned about noise, since he hadn't sensed any threats close enough to be drawn by it, and so allowed Anakin to talk until Sienna led him away to teach him a bit about the local flora.

With the other two moving off into the jungle, Obi-Wan stepped closer to Qui-Gon. "Do you think the Queen's plan will work?" He asked.

"The Gungans will not be easily swayed," the older Jedi responded. "And we cannot use our powers to help her."

Obi-Wan nodded. The plan was the same as it had been, then. He glanced out at the jungle for a moment, then turned back to Qui-Gon. "I want to thank you again, Master. I am grateful that you think I'm ready to take the Trials."

A fond smile tugged at Qui-Gon's lips. "You've been a good apprentice, Obi-Wan," he said. He placed a sturdy hand on his Padawan's shoulder, a hint of a chuckle in his Force-signature. "And you're a much wiser man than I am. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight." He tugged at Obi-Wan's braid, running his thumb over one of the beads. "And one day, perhaps even a great Master."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but bask in the praise his Master so rarely gave, pride and joy and excitement swirling together in his chest. He had so often doubted himself and his worth, but in this moment he felt like everything he had ever done to earn Qui-Gon's approval had finally paid off. His Master was proud of him, and had honored him with a recommendation for the Trials. Perhaps the Force wasn't out to get him after all. He would have to call up Quinlan and tell him that he wasn't actually cursed, thank you very much, just supremely unlucky 90% of the time.

Qui-Gon gave one last tug and dropped his hand from Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Come, let us join Jar Jar with the Gungans."

"Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan waved to Sienna to catch her attention, and she nodded in acknowledgement and tugged Anakin along to follow. They met up with Captain Panaka, the Nubian guard, and the Queen and her entourage, then set out as a group towards the swamp. Anakin skipped over to Padmé, melting in among the handmaidens at the center of the group. Sienna once again brought up the rear.

They hadn't landed far, and soon found themselves standing a few meters from the shadowy waters, waiting for Jar Jar to return from Otoh Gunga. Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Captain Panaka moved closer to the edge of the lake while the Queen and the rest of the group hung back.

A few minutes later, bubbles broke the surface of the water, and then Jar Jar clambered up out of the lake.

"There-sa nobody there," he announced, shaking swamp water from his ears. "The Gungan city is deserted. Some kind of fight mesa thinks."

Obi-Wan furrowed his brow. "Do you think they have been taken to the capital?" He asked, turning to Qui-Gon.

"More likely they were wiped out," Captain Panaka said.

"Mesa no think so," Jar Jar disagreed, jabbing a finger at the Nubian.

"Do you know where they are, Jar Jar?" Qui-Gon asked.

"When in trouble, Gungans go to sacred place. Mesa show you! Come on, mesa show you!" He lolloped past the group, gesturing for them to follow.

"Anakin," The Queen said, and the boy jumped in surprise at being addressed by royalty, "I would like to have a private word with my handmaidens. Would you please excuse me?"

"Sure thing, Your Royal Highness. I'll go walk with the Jedi."

A hint of a smile crossed the Queen's otherwise unreadable mask. "Thank you."

Anakin waved to Padmé, then hurried to catch up to the two Jedi at the front of the group. Obi-Wan glanced at him and offered a half-smile, moving slightly to the side so that the boy could walk closer to both him and Qui-Gon. As he had on Rodia, Anakin took up residence in the safe space between the two Jedi.

Sienna, on the other hand, slunk off into the woods to scout the area. Being in such a large group put her on edge; she was used to working alone, or with one or two other people at most. The Nubians were an easy target all bunched together like that, especially the Queen with her gaggle of handmaidens. Besides, they had the guard and the other two Jedi to defend them—they didn't need Sienna hovering as well. Scouting would be better.

She would have preferred to keep Anakin close to her, but walking between a Master and an almost-Knight was about as safe as he could get, so she would just have to deal with it. And Obi-Wan had already proven that he could look after Anakin. If he could drag the boy through the beast-infested swamps of Rodia, he could certainly defend him against battle droids.

Obi-Wan glanced Sienna's way when the glint of her armor caught his eye. He nodded to her, and she nodded back. A silent agreement passed between them: Obi-Wan would keep Anakin safe, and Sienna would alert the group to any danger.

A Gungan guard found them before they found the Gungans. A brief exchange ensued, and then the group was squished closer together (Sienna included) and led to meet the Bosses.

Jar Jar and the Queen were at the head of the group, and for some reason Anakin followed just behind them, walking in front of the Jedi. Sienna's lips thinned. She lengthened her stride to pass the two Jedi and settle into step beside the boy. She felt Qui-Gon's disapproving glance at her breach of rank order and ignored it. She would help their mission, but her main job was keeping Anakin safe. Putting him at the front of the group, thus making him a target, was not a smart move.

"Your Honor," the guard greeted as the group neared the Boss, "Queen Amidala, of the Naboo."

The group slowed to a stop and spread out a bit. Sienna tugged Anakin to the side, away from the Queen. Should the Gungans attempt to kill the Nubian ruler (however unlikely that may be) it would be wise for Anakin to be out of range.

"Uh," Jar Jar began, "hello there your big Bossness, Your Honor."

"Jar Jar Binks." The Boss's voice boomed across the clearing. "Whosta yousten others?"

"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo. I come before you in peace."

"Ah, Naboo bigun. Yousta bringin' the mechaniques." The Boss's face crinkled, his lip lifting in a sneer. "Yousa all bombad."

The Queen stood unphased. "We have searched you out because we wish to form an alliance-"

"Your Honor," Padmé inturrupted. She stepped past the Queen, moving several paces in front of the group.

Sienna looked over incredulously. What was this kid doing?

The Boss made a clicking noise. "Whosa dis?"

"I am Queen Amidala."

A ripple of shock went through the crowd, sparking surprised murmurs.

"Huh?" Anakin looked up at Sienna, face contorted in disbelief.

She shrugged. "Don't look at me, I've never met the Queen until now."

"But Padmé-"

"Shh," Sienna interrupted, and jerked her chin towards the girl. "Pay attention."

"This is my decoy," Padmé said, turning back to the 'Queen.'

Don't turn your back on people with weapons, Sienna mentally chastised.

"My protection. My loyal bodyguard. I'm sorry for my deception, but it was necessary to protect myself."

Might be a little less necessary if you had some better street smarts.

"Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, 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." Padmé dropped to her knees. "We are your humble servants."

Sienna caught Anakin's spike of alarm at Padmé's words, and the panicked glance he cast around the group as they all knelt as well.

It's ok, Ani, she said over the bond. She moved to one knee and gave his sleeve a gentle tug. She's not offering her people as slaves.

Then why do we have to kneel?

It's a gesture of respect. She wants the Boss to know that she isn't above him and his people.

Anakin reluctantly knelt, but kept his spine straight and tall. I'm nobody's servant anymore. I'm FREE now. Mister Qui-Gon freed me.

Yes, you are free, Sienna was quick to assure him. A servant and a slave are not the same thing. But regardless, you're still your own person. Don't worry, Ani. No one's gonna make you do anything you don't want to.

I don't want to kneel, and you're making me do that, he replied bitterly.

Sienna sighed. Alright, no one's going to make you do anything unreasonable. There are some things we don't like that we have to do anyway. Like making your bed. She gave him a little nudge, and sent a hint of playfulness across the bond, hoping it would calm him down.

It seemed to work a little, and she tuned back in to what Padmé and the Boss were saying.

Which was nothing, apparently, because everyone was tense and silent as they waited for the Boss to respond.

And then he started laughing, loudly. Anakin stiffened, and Sienna looped her fingers through his to comfort him. She sensed no malice from the Boss, but Anakin was already on edge.

It's ok, Ani, she said again, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Yousa no thinkin' yousa greater than the Gungans?" The Boss made a noise that reminded Sienna of a barking monkey. "Mesa like a dis. Maybe wesa being friends."

He shook his jowls, flinging spit everywhere, and then the Gungans and Nubians alike erupted into cheers.

Qui-Gon was the first to begin to stand, and Sienna was quick to tug Anakin back to his feet as well. Not that he needed any prompting; as soon as he saw Sienna shift he leapt back to his feet, lifting his head high.

With the Gungan Boss' proclamation of an alliance between the Gungans and the Naboo, everyone set to work formulating plans and preparing for battle. Captain Panaka was sent to scout Theed and determine just what they were all dealing with.

"Captain," Padmé greeted upon his return.

"Your Highness."

"What is the situation?"

"Almost everyone's in camps. A few hundred police and guards have formed an underground resistance movement. I brought back as many of the leaders as I could. The Federation army's also much larger than we thought. And much stronger." He paused and turned back to Padmé with a grim expression, leaning forward slightly and imploring her to hear him. "Your Highness, this is a battle I do not think that we can win."

She met his gaze with her own steely determination. "The battle is a diversion. The Gungans must draw the droid army away from the cities. R2?"

The droid turned its dome and projected a holo-map of Theed.

"We can enter the city using the secret passages on the waterfall side. Once we get to the main entrance, Captain Panaka will create a diversion. Then, we can enter the palace and capture the Viceroy. Without the Viceroy they will be lost and confused." Padmé held Panaka's gaze, then turned to Qui-Gon. "What do you think, master Jedi?"

"The Viceroy will be well guarded," he commented.

"The difficulty is getting into the throne room," Panaka said. "Once we're inside, we shouldn't have a problem."

"There is a possibility, with this diversion, many Gungans will be killed," the Jedi said, glancing at the Gungan Boss.

The Boss was unphased. "Wesa ready to do ousen part," he said, beating a fist against his chest.

Padmé spoke up again. "We have a plan which should immobilize the droid army. We will send what pilots we have to knock out the droid control ship orbiting the planet."

"A well conceived plan," Qui-Gon said, "However, there's great risk. The weapons on your fighters may not penetrate the shields."

"You won't need to," Sienna spoke up suddenly, stepping forward. "Do you have a holo of the battleship?"

"Unfortunately not, I only have a map of the city," Padmé said.

"Alright, that's fine. Here, Ani, pass me that stick."

The boy bent over and picked up a stick lying on the ground near his feet. Sienna took it and moved a couple paces away, scratching a quick diagram in the dirt.

"Alright, here's the battleship. It looks sturdy from the outside, and it has the best deflectors you can get right now. But its fatal flaw is in the interior design of the ship. The main reactor is located here"—she tapped a spot— "and it's a straight shot from this bay here right back to the reactor." She dragged the stick along the ground, drawing a line between the little square representing the door and the circle representing the reactor.

"So… What, blow it up from the inside?" Captain Panaka asked.

"Bingo," Sienna said. "You get someone in that bay, and if they're real lucky they can literally just fly right on through, set some charges, and zip back out. If the doors are closed though, it'll take a bit more time and effort."

"That's suicide," The Captain said. "The droids would take out the ship before someone could fly all the way through, and even if they made it to the reactor they wouldn't make it out before the battleship exploded."

"That is if someone could make it to the bay at all," Qui-Gon agreed. "The battleship is heavily armed. You would likely be shot out of the sky before getting anywhere near there."

"I didn't say it would be easy," Sienna replied, straightening and placing one hand on her hip, "but it is possible. I've done runs like that plenty of times. You just have to be quick, and ready to improvise when something goes wrong."

"None of our pilots could pull that off," Panaka argued. "They aren't trained for something like that."

"Then give me a ship, and I'll do it," she snapped. "It'll work, and it's a far better idea than sending out your shiny pilots and hoping they can somehow magically take out the shields with their wimpy guns."

Silence fell over the group. Everyone stared at Sienna, and then slowly they all turned to look at Padmé.

Padmé eyed the drawing, lips pressed in a thin line. "You're sure you can pull it off?"

"As long as your team can keep the vultures off my back, yes."

"Then do it." Padmé lifted her head and met Sienna's gaze, holding it for a second, and then gave her a slight nod and turned back to the map of the city.

"There is another danger," Obi-Wan said. "If the Viceroy escapes, Your Highness, he will return with another droid army."

"Well that is why we must not fail to get the Viceroy," Padmé replied. "Everything depends on it."

Sienna smirked. Maybe Padmé wasn't so bad after all. The kid had spunk.

"Well then, let's get going," Captain Panaka said. "The longer we stand here, the more likely it is that the Viceroy will catch wind of our impending attack."

"Agreed." Padmé turned to the Boss, and inclined her head. "I will leave the ordering of your troops to you."

He inclined his as well and once again beat a fist against his chest. "Wesa will be ready."


A/N: Quick announcement, as of right now I will not be posting an update on Wednesday. I have gotten behind on my writing ahead, and I don't like to post a chapter without having at least two more ready to go. I currently only have one more chapter completed, so I am already breaking my self-imposed guidelines by posting this chapter. If I happen upon a large chunk of time and manage to write another couple of chapters I'll update as usual, but I don't anticipate being able to do that. I've been spoiling you all with these twice a week updates :P

In other news, we have officially passed the 50,000 word mark! That means this is the length of a novel. Of course, I do have some chunks of movie dialogue that I can't take credit for, but still! I am excited. Maybe I'll sit down and actually write one of the books I've been thinking up for years, haha.