***Chapter 13***

The Queen's transport flies over the endless cityscape of Coruscant, the capital of the galaxy. Anakin Skywalker is in the cockpit standing next to the pilot, Ric Olié. He looks out the viewport in awe.

Ric smiles at the boy's excitement. "Coruscant," he tells Anakin, "the entire planet is one big city. There's Chancellor Valorum's shuttle. And look over there, Senator Palpatine is waiting for us."

Ric pilots the ship onto a landing dock that floats near a cluster of huge buildings. The ship docks with a soft bump. The hatch slides open and the loading ramp is lowered. Supreme Chancellor Valorum, several guards, and Senator Palpatine stand on the landing platform.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are the first to exit the ship, followed closely by Jar Jar and Anakin. The Jedi bow to Valorum and Palpatine, and then Anakin and Jar Jar do so as well. The Queen and her entourage exit the shop. Palpatine bows before the Queen.

"It's a great gift to see you alive, your Majesty, with the communications breakdown we've been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation." Palpatine turns toward the Chancellor, "May I present, Supreme Chancellor Valorum."

Valorum is a tall, silver-haired man with a strong voice and startling blue eyes. He seems tired and worried. He bows slightly, "Welcome, your Highness. It is an honor to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor."

"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the Senate to hear your position."

"I am grateful for your concern, Chancellor."

Palpatine leads the Queen and her entourage away toward an awaiting air taxi. "There is a question of procedure, but I feel confident we can overcome it," he says quietly.

Qui-Gon turns to Chancellor Valorum, "I must speak with the Jedi Council immediately, your Honor. The situation has become much more complicated."

Anakin and Jar Jar start to follow the Queen's group, but stop when they notice Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are staying with the Chancellor. Padmé calls to them to come. Anakin looks back toward Qui-Gon to make sure it is alright to continue. Qui-Gon motions him to follow the Naboo. They board the air taxi and are soon off to prepare for the special session of the Senate.


Palpatine and the Queen's group arrive at Palpatine's quarters. Anakin and Jar Jar are instructed to sit in a waiting room just outside of Palpatine's office. The two can see the others through the glass doors, but cannot hear what they are saying.

Palpatine tells the Queen that the Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates who don't care about the common good and will, most likely, not act on the invasion.

Amidala points out that Chancellor Valorum believes there is hope, but Palpatine rejects the comment, saying that the Chancellor doesn't have any power because of accusations of corruption.

"The bureaucrats are in charge now."

"What options have we?" Amidala asks.

Palpatine tells her the best choice is to call for a 'vote of no confidence' in Chancellor Valorum so a new Supreme Chancellor can be elected.

Amidala finds the idea upsetting. "He has been our strongest supporter."

Palpatine sighs and tells her the only other choice is to submit a plea to the courts.

Amidala knows they can't choose that option. The courts take longer to make decisions than the Senate and her people are dying. "We must do something quickly to stop the Federation."

"To be realistic, your Majesty, I think we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being."

"That is something I cannot do."


Qui-Gon stands in the center of the Jedi Council room. The Jedi Master is finishing filling the Council in on everything that occurred on the mission while Obi-Wan waits quietly by his side.

"It was well trained in the Jedi arts. My only conclusion can be that it was a Sith Lord."

The Council members exchange looks of disbelief.

"Impossible! The Sith have been extinct for a millennium," Ki-Adi-Mundi snaps.

"I do not believe the Sith could have returned without us knowing," Mace Windu, Senior Council member, adds.

Obi-Wan takes a deep breath and tries to mask his irritation. You weren't there. You didn't see that thing!

Qui-Gon can feel Obi-Wan's irritation. He has so much more patience with the Council than I had at his age. More proof that he is ready for the trials.

"Ah, hard to see, the dark side is," Master Yoda says with a nod.

Mace Windu feels they have enough information. "We will use all our resources here to unravel this mystery. We will discover the identity of your attacker. May the Force be with you."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bow, but neither move.

"Master Qui-Gon, more to say have you?" Yoda asks.

"With your permission, my Master. I have encountered a vergence in the Force."

"A vergence you say?"

"Located around a person?" Mace asks.

"A boy," Qui-Gon nods. "His cells have the highest concentration of midi-chlorians I have seen in a life form. I believe the Force led us to him."

"You're referring to the prophesy of the one who will bring balance to the Force," Mace ponders. "You believe it's this boy?"

"I don't presume to…" Qui-Gon begins, but is quickly cut off by Yoda.

"But you do! Revealed your opinion is."

This is not going well. Obi-Wan wants to chime in, but isn't sure he'd be much help. He has an uneasy feeling about the boy, but he knows Qui-Gon can see things in others that most people miss.

Qui-Gon takes a deep breath. "I request the boy be tested, Master."

Again the Council members exchange looks while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan wait patiently for their decision.

"Oh, trained as a Jedi, you request for him, hm?" Yoda asks softly.

"Finding him was the will of the Force…I have no doubt of that."

Mace sighs heavily, "Bring him before us, then." He waves his hand dismissively to bring the matter to an end.