Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Chapter 5: The Journey from Tatooine to the Capital

Upon arrival at the Naboo Royal Star Cruiser, Obi-Wan was waiting for them. This was no surprise since Qui-Gon had called ahead to inform him and the rest of their coming. Padme nodded her head in greeting to the Jedi apprentice and overheard he and his master's conversation as she made her way onto the ship. None of it really interested her. Qui-Gon was basically just telling him to get the hyperdrive generator installed. But it was the part about him having unfinished business that caught her attention.

Obi-Wan responded by saying, "Why do I sense we've picked up yet another pathetic life form?"

Qui-Gon seemed undeterred by Obi-Wan's sarcasm. "It's the boy who's responsible for getting us these parts. Get this hyperdrive generator installed."

"Yes, master. It shouldn't take long."

Qui-Gon then rode off.

What exactly was that 'unfinished business' supposed to mean? No surely he didn't mean-

"Your Majesty! It's so good to see you safe." It was Captain Panaka.

"What?" Padme broke out of her thoughts. "Oh thank you Captain. I'm sorry, I was just so lost in thought," she said entering the main section of the ship.

Obi-Wan then came in loading some of the generator parts and without thinking, she barked at two security personnel. "You there! Help the Jedi Padawan with the generator equipment!"

"Yes-yes of course."

Obi-Wan, who was just coming back from the technical room at the time, gave her a strange look but didn't say anything as he proceeded down the ramp after the security personnel.

She turned back to Captain Panaka and they walked the length of corridor out of the ship's entrance hall. "So what did you all do while we were gone?"

"Not much really," he said with a shrug. "We received a transmission from home yesterday however."

"What?!" Padme was slightly surprised. "Why wasn't I told? Did Master Jinn know about this?"

"I think Padawan Kenobi told him, but, then, why would he tell you?"

"Yes, true."

"The message was from Governor Bibble," Panaka explained. "We saved the transmission so you may view it at your earliest convenience."

"Thank you Captain. I saw do that later."

"We didn't respond because Padawan Kenobi said it was a trick and for us not to send any transmissions of any kind."

Padme traced a hint of disapproval in the Captain's tone. "Well I doubt it was a trick, but Padawan Kenobi was right about you not sending any transmissions. Someone could have used the transmission to do a connection trace."

"Of course milady."

"I'm going to go and freshen up in my quarters Captain. I shall see you accordingly."

"Yes milady."

At the reaching of her Royal Quarters, Padme found all five of her handmaidens therein: Rabe da Sliva, Sache Bryne, Eirtae Elizabeth, Yame Sing, and her decoy, whom was still presently posing as the Queen, Sabe Segura.

As soon as the door closed behind her, the five turned, rose from the chairs they were seated in a moment before, and bowed.

"Hello Your Majesty," they said in unison.

"Hello girls."

Before Padme had been elected Queen, she hadn't known these girls. And being as she hadn't been Queen long, she still didn't know them. Not that she wanted to. Baynetta considered herself to be a loner. She had very little friends growing up, mostly just using them as pawns in a game, and she was happy that way.

"A moment alone girls," she said in a brisk manner. "And yes Sabe, I want you to continue posing as me," she said reading the unformed question in Sabe's mind. "Just for a little longer. We'll switch back once we reach Coruscant."

"Of course your majesty," Sabe said and the five of them retreated to the handmaidens' quarters just down the hall.

Padme intended to take a nice, soothing shower. However, she figured it wise to do a bit more eavesdropping beforehand. After a few moments of meditating, she picked up on Qui-Gon's Force signature and began to listen to what he was saying.

"These are for you."

"Yes!"

'He was obviously talking to Anakin. I wonder what he gave him?'

"Mom we sold the pod," came Anakin's excited voice. "Look at all the money we have!"

"Oh my goodness, that's so wonderful Ani!" was Shmi's equally excited reply.

"He has been freed," Qui-Gon stated.

'Aha, I thought so. But I wonder how...?'

"What?!" Anakin shouted in disbelief.

"You're no longer a slave," Qui-Gon confirmed, with a trace of happiness in his voice.

"Did you hear that?" Anakin excitedly asked his mother.

"Now you can make your dreams come true Ani. You're free," Shmi said. She then sighed before asking Qui-Gon, "Will you take him with you? Is he to become a Jedi?!"

"Yes. Our meeting was not a coincidence. Nothing happens by accident."

"You mean I get to come with you on your star ship?!" Anakin asked excitedly.

'My star ship!'

The Jedi's tone of voice became serious. "Anakin, training to become a Jedi is not an easy challenge. And even if you succeed it's a hard life."

"But I wanna go. It's what I've always dreamed of doing. Can I go mom?"

There was a pause preceding Shmi's reply. "Anakin, this path has been placed before you. The choice is yours alone."

Another moment of silence passed before Anakin spoke again. "I wanna do it."

"Then pack your things. We don't have much time." Qui-Gon said.

"Yippee!"

Padme was humored, but thoughtful. 'I wonder what of his mother.'

Her thought was soon answered. "What about mom?" Anakin asked. "Is she free too?"

"I tried to free your mother Ani, but Watto wouldn't have it," Qui-Gon said sadly.

"You're coming with us aren't you mom?" Anakin asked.

"Son, my place is here. My future is here," Shmi said after a moment. "It is time for you to let go."

"I don't what things to change," Anakin protested.

"But you can't stop the change," his mother countered. "No more than you can stop the suns from setting. Oh I love you."

There was a moment of silence where Padme guessed Shmi and Anakin were embracing.

"Now hurry," Shmi urged.

Padme heard the sound of running feet and assumed that was Anakin running off.

"Thank you," Shmi said to Qui-Gon.

"I'll watch out for him. You have my word," he promised. "Will you be alright?"

She didn't say anything, but Padme guessed she had nodded.

'I've heard enough.'

Padme was very pleased about Anakin coming along. He was a nice little boy.

So much for the goodbye I gave him earlier.

She was also happy that he was going to be trained as a Jedi. It would be so much easier to turn him to the dark side that way. Turn the Jedi's hero, their 'Chosen One', against them. They'd never see it coming. However, she wasn't so sure the Jedi Council would allow Qui-Gon to train him. First off, he was too old; and secondly, Qui-Gon already had an apprentice. The Jedi Code forbade a Jedi Master from taking a second apprentice while still training a first. But, she was sure it'd all work out. Obi-Wan would probably be knighted. He was twenty-five after all; he couldn't stay a Padawan forever. And Anakin was the Chosen One. It's not like the Jedi hadn't heard of him.

She contacted her own master and updated him on everything. He was also quite pleased about it all, but a little more interested in his apprentice's whereabouts.

"Has Lord Maul made contact yet?"

"No he hasn't. And we're about to leave just as soon as Qui-Gon and Anakin get back, which could be anytime now."

"Hmm, well keep your eyes open my daughter."

Once the telepathic connection broke, Padme proceeded to the fresher.

Stripping off her clothing, she got into the shower and turned the water on. It was then that she felt it: Maul had made contact with Qui-Gon.

Her first thought was to get out of the shower, but then what would she do? Just stand there and watch? No, she couldn't do that. She was fine just where she was. Instead, she reached out and sensed that Maul and Qui-Gon were dueling. But then the ship began to rise.

Surely they weren't going to leave him behind!

It didn't rise that much though, and Padme figured they were just going to fly low around where the duel was taking place so Qui-Gon could simply jump onto the boarding ramp.

She began eavesdropping again. For a few moments there was silence, but that was interrupted by the sound of a door opening and people running.

"Are you alright?!" Anakin called out.

"I think so," Qui-Gon responded.

"What was it?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I'm not sure. But it was well trained in the Jedi Arts."

R2 made a beeping sound and Qui-Gon continued. "My guess is, it was after the Queen."

'That's right slim ball. Oh, Sidious isn't going to be happy about this...'

"What are we going to do about it?" Anakin asked.

"We shall be patient," he responded sounding a bit out of breath.Yet that was to be expected after just fighting in a lightsaber duel.

"Anakin Skywalker meet Obi-Wan Kenobi," Qui-Gon introduced.

"Hi," Anakin said.

Obi-Wan didn't say anything. She guessed he gave a nod or smiled.

"You're a Jedi too?!" Anakin asked excitedly. "Pleased to meet you."

Still Obi-Wan remained silent, but Qui-Gon gave a chuckle.

Padme broke the eavesdropping connection as she got out of the shower. After putting on a fresh pair of the orange handmaiden gown she'd warn before venturing onto Tatooine, she went into the quarter's sitting room to see a plate of Roba steak and rice on the coffee table in front of the Holovision and note from Rabe.

Your Majesty,

Here's dinner. I thought you might be hungry. It's not much, as there isn't much food aboard, so I hope it'll do. Captain Panaka told me to tell you the transmission from Governor Bibble can be viewed in the room not far from where the droids are kept in the database. When you're done, you may delete it.

Rabe

P.S.-If you're interested, the girls and I are going to be watching holomovies later on. You're welcome to join us.

Padme snorted. As though she'd be interested in viewing some silly, cheesy romantic holoflicks with a bunch of giggling teenagers.

Although only fourteen herself, she acted, and was, wise beyond her years; very mature; a lot more then other girls her age and older. Her five handmaidens ranged from the ages of 15-19, yet all the same, she still felt above and more mature than them. This wasn't the first time they'd asked her to join them, only last time it'd been looking at magazines; fashion magazines no doubt.

So after eating, she did not join her handmaidens; she had no intention to. She went to go see the transmission from Bibble.

Upon entering the room, the first sound she heard was the loud snoring of the Gungan freak. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she walked straight towards the communications database and pressed the button that would start the transmission.

A bluish white, foot tall image of Governor Bibble appeared and he began to speak.

"The death toll is catastrophic. We must bow to their wishes. You must contact me."

That was it. Padme was mildly surprised.

That's the end of the message? He could have kept that to himself. But you must remember Padme, you are the loving and caring Queen Amidala of Naboo. And if you wish for it to stay that way, that's just the way you'll simply have to appear.

At the feeling of someone's eyes on her, she turned. It was Anakin. He wasn't sitting that far from her, though he looked a bit pale and uncomfortable.

"Are you alright?" She was after all generally concerned, an emotion not many people got from her.

"It's very cold."

Ah.

Making her way over towards him, she took off the shaw cape she was wearing and placed it over his shoulders upon reaching him. "You come from a warm planet Anakin; a little too warm for my taste. Space is cold."

She thought it a good idea to put a sad expression on her face, in case he'd overheard the message from Governor Bibble. He seemed to buy it. "You seem sad." It was a statement, not a question.

Padme sighed. "The Queen is worried. Her people are suffering, dying. She must convince the senate to intervene or…I'm not sure what'll happen."

Suddenly, the boy reached into his pocket and took what looked to be a small piece of wood out of it, handing it to her.

"I made this for you," he explained. "So you'd remember me. I carved it out of a porse snippet. It'll bring you good fortune."

Padme took the tiny piece of wood, which was shaped like a box, in her hands and examined it. "It's beautiful." She was fascinated that Anakin took so much time to carve this little piece of wood just for her. "But I don't need this to remember you by," she added with a sly smile that he shyly returned.

"Many things will change once we reach the capital, Anakin," she continued. "But my caring for you will remain."

"I care for you too, only I…" he trailed off.

"Miss your mother," she finished for him. He seemed a little surprised that she knew what he was going to say before he said it, but didn't say anything about it.

Looking to change the subject, she got up and clapped her hands together. "Let's not try to think about things that make us sad. Let's try and think of happy things. I'll tell you what, why don't you come back to my quarters and we can eat, play a game, or watch holovision. Whatever you want. Plus, I have a heater, so it's not cold back there like it is up here."

"Really?!" Anakin asked jumping up. "That sounds like fun. And, hang on, you have a holovision?! A real actual holovision?!"

"Yup." She confirmed with a smile.

"Totally wicked!" Anakin exclaimed.

"Well, come on," she urged. "Let's not just stand out here freezing."

"All right!"

Padme took Anakin's hand and led him back to her quarters. She could tell he was totally in awe of the place, for he was looking around it with his mouth agape and eyes wide.

"So, are ya hungry?" she asked.

"Yeah, starving!"

"Well I have quite a selection to choose from. I imagine you won't recognize any of the food I have but there is a little dinner meal I have that I'm sure you'll love."

By then they reached the kitchen. Padme went over to the freezer and pulled out a box of Super-Meals.

"What's Super-Meals?" Anakin asked.

"It's a packet of meals you just pop in an oven to cook," she explained. "You let them stay in for about half an hour and they're done. This super-meal in particular I'm sure you'll love." As she was speaking, she opened the box. "It consists of cheese and butter pasta with five hot sauce nerf wings."

"Huh?"

She laughed at his confused face. "I didn't expect you to recognize the names of the foods."

Opening the box, she took the super-meal out. "Here I'll show you." She showed Anakin the different foods on the box and then the actual food inside. She explained that it was frozen, but once she put it in the oven and it was done cooking, it would look how it did on the box.

"It looks good, I guess," he said a bit uncertainly.

"Oh believe me, you'll love it." She placed her own meal alongside Anakin's in the oven. "In the meantime, I'll give you a Touchstone to munch on while we wait."

"What's a Touchstone?"

"It's a small treat made in various shapes and textures. It's a type of candy that dissolves into different flavors when you place them in your mouth. Here try one." She handed him one before taking one for herself. Then decided to take the entire box with them as she led Anakin into the living room. She was just about to turn the Holovision on when Anakin exclaimed, "Wow, this tastes really awesome! Can I have another?"

"Of course you can. Here, you can have two more."

"Wow thanks," Anakin said as he ripped off the wrappers and stuffed both in his mouth.

Padme just looked at the boy, shaking her head and smiling.

She turned the Holovision on and switched it to a children's station. They were having an holovid special on that night featuring old kiddie films.

"Can I have one more?" Anakin asked while still crunching on the candy he had.

She simply gave him a long stare, smiling a type of smile that clearly said, 'No. I think you've had enough sweets for one night.'

"Aww, please," Anakin begged obviously reading the look.

"Oh all right, but only one more. You still have your food to eat. Remember these Touchstones are snacks; not meals."

"Yeah, yeah," Anakin said holding out his hand.

Baynetta raised her eyebrows but smiled as she placed another Touchstone in his hand.

A slightly ridiculous film about a bantha cub as a secret agent for an equally secret society was just now starting on the HV as they began to watch. During the opening credits she explained what the film was about to Anakin and he seemed quite interested.

Padme noticed him trying to sneak more Touchstones when he obviously thought she wasn't looking, but when she suddenly turned to look at him with his hand in the box, he blushed and quickly took it out.

To assure that he didn't have anymore, she got up and put the box high up in one of the kitchen's cabinets where he couldn't reach. Realizing this, he stuck out his lip and pouted. Padme merely laughed.

About an hour into the film, she got their super-meals out of the oven and they ate them. Anakin ate his quite greedily.

"Woah! Easy there!" she cried in some humor. "Don't eat too much at once or it'll come right back up."

"I just can't help it. This food is too good!" Anakin exclaimed, still greedily eating, but not as fast now. Padme laughed when she saw his lower face was covered in hot sauce. When he asked her the cause of her laughter, she got up and showed him his reflection in a pocket-sized mirror. He blushed scarlet and hurriedly tried to wipe his face off with his hands.

"Oh no Anakin," she reproved. "That's what these napkins are for." And she handed him one.

"Oh right," he said and accepted it.

They continued watching 'Spy Bantha' and then a stupid movie about some reek cub plotting to take over the universe. By the end, Padme could tell Anakin was fighting off sleep.

Once the movie was over she said, "Why don't you sleep on the sofa."

Anakin proceeded to do so and fell fast asleep. Padme kept the HV on, but later fell asleep herself.