Back at the melting pit, Darth Maul still stands over Obi-Wan who holds on for life. "You have failed your master," Maul tells him, "I sense much pain in you. I almost have pity." Obi-Wan closes his eyes, concentrating. Qui-Gon's lightsaber wiggles next to his body. Darth Maul cocks his head to the side curiously and the lightsaber flies into the air. At the same time, Obi-Wan shoots up the shaft, flips over Maul's head, and catches the lightsaber just before slicing an arm off. Maul falls back into the pit along with his severed arm, screaming in rage and pain as he disappears into darkness. Now victorious, Obi-Wan holsters Qui-Gon's saber and rushes to his fallen master.

Obi-Wan holds Qui-Gon in his arms, "Master!... Master, hold on!"

"It is too late...It's..."

"No!"

"Obi-Wan... the boy... You must train the boy."

"Yes, Master..."

"He is the Chosen One...You were right... He will...bring balance..."

Qui-Gon dies and Obi-Wan cradles his Master, quietly.

Hours later, Padme and Obi-Wan stand in a hangar along with Naboo pilots, Royal handmaidens, and Gungin troops, including Boss Nass and Jar Jar. A large, grand cruiser of the Supreme Chancellor lands in the courtyard of the main hanger. Panaka and Naboo guards escort Nute Gunray and his officers.

"Now, Viceroy, you are going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all this," Padme tells him.

"I think you can kiss your Trade franchise goodbye," Panaka adds.

The main ramp of the cruiser is lowered as they lead the Federation heads toward the ship. Anakin moves through the crowd silently, trying not to draw too much attention. Palpatine and several Republic guards descend the walkway, followed by Yoda, Mace Windu, and the other members of the Jedi Council.

Padme greets him, "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor Palpatine. It is so good to see you again."

"It's good to be home. Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It is you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic."

Anakin moves toward Padme, but he is spotted by Palpatine who gladly shakes his hand, "And this young man is Anakin Skywalker, correct?"

"Um,... Yes, sir."

"I heard you brought down the control ship. Your reputation proceeds you, young man. We will look forward to your career with great interest."

"Thank you, sir," Palpatine moves past him and begins speaking to others as Anakin turns to Padme, "Padme, what I said back there... I shouldn't have. I let my anger get the best of me. I just wanted to say..."

"I know," Padme smiles and gently brushes his cheek, nearly coming in for a kiss before she remembers the large number of officials gathered around, "Um,... Thank you for saving my people." She blushes and moves past him and he watches her leave with a loving smile.

In a quiet room in the Naboo palace, the sun streams into the multi-windowed room at a low angle. It is not quite sunset. Yoda paces before Obi-Wan, who is kneeling in the center of the room.

"Confer on you, the level of Jedi Knight the Council does. But agree on you taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not."

"Master Qui-Gon believed in him just as much as I do."

"The Chosen One the boy may be; nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training."

"Master Yoda, I know I have been reckless int he past, but I feel this is the will of the Force. I will train Anakin if he chooses. Without the approval of the Council if I must."

"Defiance I sense in you. Need that, you do not. Agree, the Council does. Your apprentice, young Skywalker will be."

In the temple plaza, a memorial service is held for Qui-Gon. His body goes up in flames as the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padme, and most of Naboo and the Gungins stand in attendance.

"Qui-Gon seemed like a wise man," Anakin tells Obi-Wan."

He nods as a bittersweet smile spreads across his face, "He was. Very wise."

"Especially if he trusted you."

"... Thank you, Anakin."

"I thought about it and... I am ready to be a Jedi. I want to learn the ways of the Force and give my mother something to be proud of."

"I will gladly take you as my padawan."

To one side, Mace Windu turns to Yoda, "There is no doubt. The mysterious warrior was a Sith. I feel he is still out there somewhere."

"Travel in pairs, the Sith do...no more...no less. A master and an apprentice."

"So who was he? The master or the apprentice?"

They give each other a concerned look. Nearby, Palpatine watches the funeral pyre as the shadows of flames dance across his face.

The next morning, children and throw flowers on the passing Gungin Soldiers. Jar Jar waves happily to the crowds as they cheer. It is a grand parade. Padme stands next to the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Boss Nass, and the Jedi Council. Padme and Anakin give each other longing looks. Gungin generals led by Jar Jar march up the steps and hand Boss Nass a glowing crystal. He and Padme hold it together and it shines brightly, symbolizing peace between Naboo and Gungins. They then turns to the crowd as they continue to cheer.

THE END