Chapter Eleven

Qui-Gon, Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka, and a handful of palace guards stood in the safe zone of the palace hangar and waited as the approaching Chancellor's yacht docked, stepping forward only after its loading ramp lowered, the escaping steam from the hydraulics dissipating.

A file of richly dressed beings emerged from the ship, along with a lone, Jedi Master who looked more annoyed than usual, Qui-Gon thought..

One individual, whom the Jedi Master recognized as the Senator from Naboo stepped forward, an oily grin revealed upon his aged features.

"Queen Amidala, it is a pleasure to see you again."

"Welcome home, Senator. I trust you had a safe journey."

"It was without peril, I assure you."

With a gentle outsweep of his hand, the Senator motioned for the armed palace personnel to escort the senatorial committee and the Queen inside, but he, himself stayed behind and walked between the two Jedi.

"Master Jinn, it has come to my attention that you have in custody a young man who has been trained in the dark side of the Force."

Qui-Gon cast a quick, dubious glance over the senator's head to his companion, but Mace's focus remained straight ahead.

"I do."

"I have always been fascinated and somewhat disappointed by the Jedi's lack of humanitarianism regarding such issues. I believe history has revealed in such instances, the Jedi choose to destroy what they fear."

Qui-Gon bristled at the senator's words. He missed the old days when the Jedi were more independent, and could make decisions based upon the Force's guidance alone. Now, they were inexplicably tied with the Senate by golden ropes created from much-needed funding. And so, they were forced as a whole, to work alongside the senate's more open-minded views, and having to listen to debates on issues such as this, which they possibly could not understand. It irritated him.

"My concerns for this young man's well-being and interest has forced me to bring this matter before the Supreme Chancellor. I am acting under his leadership when I inform you that upon my leave from Naboo, I will be taking this warrior into my protective custody."

At Palpatine's stunning announcement, Qui-Gon stopped walking and stood glaring down at the galactic leader, whose smile had turned almost predatorial. "Surely, you can understand the benefit of research and questioning concerning the young man's background and training. It is of the utmost importance that we discover who the Sith Lord is, and it would be easier to do that if the young man were alive instead of executed by his former companions. Wouldn't you agree?"

Qui-Gon only managed to nod curtly, to which he received a smug smile in return.

Palpatine left him alone, the older man's long velvet robes swishing to and fro as he hurried through the corridors to catch up with his companions.

For the first time since their arrival Mace Windu met his gaze, and Qui-Gon realized then why the Jedi Council member appeared so unhappy. If there was one person other than him who detested senatorial interference in Jedi business, it was Mace Windu.

His comrade was furious, however, Qui-Gon managed to see the benefit of Palpatine's intrusion. Because of the senator's actions, he would have a bit more time to try and persuade Obi-Wan to come back to the Light.

Maybe this was for the best.

The morning's meeting with the Neimoidian leaders drew out long as they listed every complaint over the past several years, spouting the unfairness and greedy nature of the Nabooan traders.

Padmé, donned in a hooded burgundy handmaiden's gown listened distractedly. It wasn't anything she hadn't heard for the last three days. It was up to the senatorial committee now to decide. Her chance would come tomorrow, when she would have her say. But for today, it was Nute Gunray's turn, and apparently, he was going to make the most of the opportunity, and use his time wisely.

A recess was called for second meal, during which time, Padmé slipped away unnoticed down the long, arched corridor leading away from the conference room. Her hastened steps carried her to the winding staircase that led to the palace sublevels, where she was hoping to bring good news.

Without hesitation, she palmed the energy gate to deactivate and entered Obi-Wan's cell, her countenance bubbling, a joyous smile of relief spread on her face.

Obi-Wan smiled himself at the sight of her. He couldn't help it. She was so lovely when she smiled.

"I have some news."

And what struck him as oddly natural, he grasped her proffered hand.

"Senator Palpatine has been given permission by Chancellor Velorum to give you sanctuary. The Jedi can't touch you now! You're going back to Coruscant in his protective custody when he leaves. Isn't that wonderful?"

Wonderful. Let her believe what she wants. Obi-Wan didn't want to diminish the radiance of her beautiful face.

"That's…great. When will that be?"

"I'm sure the committee will be able to wrap up the negotiations within a few days. Two or three at the most."

Suddenly, her smile waned and her dark joyous gaze turned tender. "This is a wonderful opportunity for you. You'll be safe."

The young man forced a smile to appear on his face. "Yes."

Before he could protest, Obi-Wan found his arms full of the petite young body of Queen Amidala, and he squeezed his eyes closed to banish the feelings that erupted due to her warm embrace.

"I'll miss you." She whispered in his ear.

"I'll miss you too." He choked out as he held her, biting his tongue to try and distract his jumbled emotional state to focus on something he knew. Something he was comfortable with.

Pain.

He winced and tasted the bitter copper of his own blood, but sighed in satisfaction with the familiarity of the feeling.

It was just a small sample of what was to come.