***Chapter 1***

Twenty-five year old Obi-Wan Kenobi sits in the small passenger hold of the Republic space cruiser, reviewing the information on the Trade Federation. He and Qui-Gon have been summoned by the Supreme Chancellor to negotiate a peaceful ending to a recent blockade by the Federation against the small planet of Naboo. Master Qui-Gon Jinn is in the cockpit with the pilot and co-pilot, monitoring transmissions from the Federation to their vessel. Obi-Wan has looked over the same bit of information several times, but his mind is on Lexi. He hated leaving knowing something had upset her so strongly, but as a Jedi missions always came before any personal relationships. If either of them put the other before a mission they would risk being expelled from the Order. The Council didn't like Padawan relationships, but would allow them as long as the Padawans kept their priorities in order.

Obi-Wan sighs, he knows enough about the mission and the Trade Federation to get through these negotiations. Besides, Qui-Gon will do most of the speaking. He is still the learner and Master Jinn is a skilled diplomat. Obi-Wan makes his way to the bridge. "Are we ready to board?" he asks softly. Qui-Gon nods, his sharp blue eyes never wavering from the viewport. "The Viceroy will meet with us," he replies.

Qui-Gon is more than twice Obi-Wan's age and measurably taller. He is powerfully built and keeps his beard and mustache close cropped. While Obi-Wan sports the short hair with one long Padawan braid worn over the right shoulder, Qui-Gon's hair is long and typically tied back. Both men wear the traditional Jedi tunic, pants, and hooded robe. Their lightsabers are worn over a waist sash just out of view, but within easy reach.

"Now that you've studied up on our mission," Qui-Gon says, still keeping his gaze on the Federation ship in the viewport, "Why do you think the Federation chose to block Naboo, my young apprentice?"

Obi-Wan doesn't reply. He is a bit puzzled on why Naboo was chosen. It is a small, out of the way planet. If the Federation really wanted to make a statement, why not go for a more sizable or prominent planet? Something didn't feel right about it. Naboo's current ruler, Amidala, has only been in power for a few months, but it is said that she is very wise and can hold her own, despite her youth.

Qui-Gon raises his hood and heads for the main hatch. Obi-Wan follows suit.


TC-14, a protocol droid, is waiting to escort them to the conference room. They are motioned inside the empty room. "I hope your honored sirs will be comfortable here. My master will be with you shortly," the droid informs the Jedi.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan cross the room to a broad window where they can look down at Naboo and the Federation ships surrounding the planet. "I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan says into the quiet contemplation.

"I don't sense anything," Qui-Gon replies.

"It's not about here, Master. It's not about the mission. It's something…elsewhere. Elusive…"

Qui-Gon places his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration on the here and now, where it belongs."

"But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future."

"But not at the expense of the present," Qui-Gon says, turning to meet Obi-Wan's eyes. "Be mindful of the living Force, my young Padawan."

"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan smiles and turns back to the viewport. "How do you think the viceroy will deal with the supreme chancellor's demands?"

Qui-Gon shrugs slightly, "The Federation are cowards. They will not be hard to persuade. The negotiations will be short."

The two Jedi move to the conference table and sit across from each other. "Soon you will be knighted," Qui-Gon says with a smile. "And you'll be the lead on missions like these."

Obi-Wan sighs, "It's nice to know you think so, but the Council seems to be dragging their feet when it comes to letting me take the trials."

"It will happen soon, my young apprentice. I believe they just want to make sure you have overcome the impatience of youth."

Obi-Wan grins, "Well, the Federation seems to be testing that as well. Is it customary for Neimoidians to make their guests wait this long?"

Before Qui-Gon replies, TC-14 returns to the room with a tray of refreshments. The Jedi each take a drink from the tray and taste it. Qui-Gon then nods at the droid and turns his attention back to Obi-Wan. "I sense an unusual amount of maneuvering for something as trivial as this trade dispute. I sense fear as well."

"Perhaps," Obi-Wan begins when an explosion rocks the room, spilling the drinks and tray. The Jedi leap to their feet in response, lightsabers drawn and activated. The droid mutters its apologies while backing up from the Jedi.

"What's happened?" Obi-Wan asks.

It only takes a moment of meditation for Qui-Gon to realize, "They've destroyed our ship."

A faint hissing sound comes from the vents near the doorway. "Gas," he says to Obi-Wan in warning.

Both Jedi take deep breaths, shut off their sabers, and wait.


Outside the conference room, a squad of battle droids marches into place. A hologram of Nute Gunray is behind them, directing them. "They must be dead by now," he directs, "But make certain." He switches off the hologram and the Neimoidians watch closely over their viewscreen.

A battle droid opens the door and steps back. A cloud of green gas pours from the room. TC-14 stumbles out, babbling apologies as it passes through the battle droid squad. The Jedi ignite their lightsabers once more and come charging from the room. Qui-Gon's weapon sends a pair of battle droids flying in a shower of sparks and metal parts. Obi-Wan's saber deflects blaster fire into several more. Using a Force push, he sends another droid crashing into the wall.

Alarms go off throughout the ship. "What is going on down there?" Gunray demands.

"You've never encountered Jedi Knights before, have you?" Rune Haako asks.

"Well…no, not exactly," Gunray admits. "Seal off the Bridge!"

"That won't be enough."


It doesn't take the Jedi long to reach the hallway outside the bridge. The two work in unison against the droids and Neimoidians, able to anticipate every attack. Lightsabers flash and stab, dispatching droid after droid. Qui-Gon begins to cut through the bridge doors while Obi-Wan stands guard.

"I want destroyer droids up here at once!" screams Nute. He panics when he sees the bridge doors begin to melt away. "Close the blast doors, now!"

The sounds of the closing blast doors do not deter the Jedi. Qui-Gon continues cutting at the doors. Sparks shower off the blast door and a red spot appears at its center where Qui-Gon has plunged his lightsaber into the metal almost up to its hilt. The center of the door begins to turn molten and drop away.

"They're still coming!" Rune Haako whispers.


As Qui-Gon continues hammering at the door with all his might, his instincts warn him of another danger approaching.

"Master, destroyers," Obi-Wan warns. "Offhand, I'd say this mission is past the negotiation stage."

The destroyers unfold, raise their shields, and begin firing.

Qui-Gon nods to Obi-Wan, "We are at an impasse, let's go."

Obi-Wan follows Qui-Gon into the ventilation shaft to escape the deadly destroyer droids. The duo makes their way through the shaft to the main hangar bay. They silently crouch in the opening of a large circulation vent that overlooks six massive double-winged Federation landing ships surrounded by a vast array of transports. The transports are large boot-shaped vehicles with bulbous noses. The doors that form the noses gape open, racks are extended, and thousands of droids are marching inside in perfect formation.

"Battle droids," Qui-Gon says softly with both surprise and dismay.

"It's an invasion army," Obi-Wan replies.

"It's an odd play for the Federation," Qui-Gon observes as they continue to take in the scene below. "We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum."

Obi-Wan nods, "We'd best do it somewhere besides here."

"We can stow away on separate transports and meet back up on the planet," Qui-Gon replies with a glance, "I'm sure our friends won't mind us hitching a ride."

"It's the least they can do after how they've treated us so far. But you were right about one thing, Master," Obi-Wan says with a sly grin.

Qui-Gon turns to his apprentice with a questioning look.

"The negotiations were short."

Qui-Gon smiles and beckons him ahead.