Chapter Twelve
The next day, most of the city was filled with a sense of euphoria. The Trade Federation was gone, and the people were safe. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, tried desperately not to give in to his sorrow.
Sarali kept to herself for most of the day, except that Anakin stuck with her even through her silence. He just needed to think. For much of the day, they just sat in one of the many hallways of the palace and stared out the window.
Finally, Sarali spoke. "Anakin, what did the Jedi Council say?" She felt guilty for not asking earlier.
"They said I'm too young," he said, looking down sadly.
"Don't worry. I heard from Padme that the Jedi Council is coming here. They might reconsider," she said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Really?" he asked, naive hope in his voice.
"Yes," she said, smiling down at him.
"Sarali," a voice called from the other side of the hallway.
Both people turned to see Rabe striding toward her. "Yes?" Sarali asked.
"The Queen would like to see you," the handmaiden said, though he was still over a hundred feet away. Once again, the superior hearing of the Cathar had served Sarali well.
"Lead the way," Sarali said, standing and running over to her quickly.
Rabe lead the way through the hallways of the palace to the Queen's quarters. Once inside, she led the partial human through a couple rooms to a sitting room. Once there, Rabe went into yet another room. Seconds later, Padme came into the sitting room and said, "Sarali! Good to see you."
"You, as well, Your Highness," Sarali said.
"None of that. When we're alone, I'm still just Padme," she said.
Sarali only smiled in response.
"Anyway, I know you have nowhere to go, so would you like to stay here on Naboo as my bodyguard?" Padme asked.
Sarali stared for a second before saying honestly, "That would be great."
"Have you heard whether Anakin will be a Jedi or not?" she asked.
"On Coruscant, they said he was too old, but after what's happened, they might reconsider when they come here," Sarali said.
"If he can't, he welcome here, too," Padme said.
"He'll be happy to hear that," Sarali said, smiling.
ooooooooooooo
A couple days later, an official shuttle arrived from Coruscant. The Queen, her entourage, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and more came to greet them.
The Queen stood in front of the Viceroy of the Trade Federation and said, "Now, Viceroy, you're going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all this."
Palpatine walked forward to a young man wearing Jedi robes and a young boy, the Chosen One. "We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest." You will give me control over the galaxy.
He then walked past them to the Queen. "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor."
"Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It's you who should be congratulated. Together, we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic," Palpatine said, smiling.
His eyes flicked through the crowd, looking for her. Finally, she saw her. She was dressed exactly as she had been. There was a blaster at her hip and a sheathed blade on her other hip. He recognized the design instantly. After all, he was the one who had given it to her years ago. The only question was: what was she doing with the Queen's handmaidens?
oooooooooo
That night, Boss Nass, the Jedi Council, the Naboo higher government, and the Chancellor gathered for Qui-Gon's funeral. This was a tragic occurrence, but what better way to give him up to the Force than with the Queen of Naboo, Gungan leader, the Jedi Council, and the High Chancellor there to witness.
For the different people, it meant different things. For the Queen, this was seeing off a brave, noble man who had given his life for the peace of Naboo. Anakin saw this as sending off the first man to be anything like a father for him. Sarali saw this as the passing of a Jedi, a defender of the peace of the republic.
Two people's views stood out more than the rest. Obi-Wan's grief ran deep within him. Qui-Gon had been more like a father than anything. He would miss his mentor greatly. The other one was Palpatine. Yes, his plan had failed, but a Jedi Master was dead, one that would have had a better chance of spotting him for what he was. This was the beginning of the end for the Jedi.