***Chapter 15***
Queen Amidala stares out the window of her chambers on Coruscant. Jar Jar stands near her. He can see how sad she is and in an effort to comfort her he tries to engage her in conversation. He asks her if she thinks her people are going to die. She tells him she doesn't know.
"Gungans gonna get pasted too, eh?"
"I hope not."
He goes on to tell her that the Gungan's won't die without a fight and that they have a grand army. He believes that's why the Naboo don't like the Gungans. Their conversation is interrupted when Captain Panaka rushes in, followed by Senator Palpatine.
"Your Highness, your Highness," Panaka says breathlessly as he bows. "Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor."
"A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one," Palpatine grins. "Your Majesty, if I'm elected I promise to put an end to corruption."
"Who else has been nominated?" she asks.
"Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare," Panaka answers.
"I feel confident our situation will create a strong sympathy vote for us. I will be Chancellor."
Amidala is not impressed, "I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there will be nothing left of our people, our way of life."
"I understand your concern, your Majesty. Unfortunately the Federation has possession of our planet."
"Senator, this is your arena. I feel I must return to mine. I have decided to go back to Naboo."
"Go back! But your Majesty, be realistic! They'll force you to sign the treaty."
"I will sign no treaty, Senator. My fate will be no different from that of our people." She replies coolly. "Captain!"
Panaka quickly moves to her side, "Your Highness?"
"Ready my ship."
"Please, your Majesty, stay here…where it is safe." Palpatine interjects.
"It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the Senate."
She moves past him with her handmaidens and Panaka following right behind. Jar Jar glances about before following after the others and notices a self-satisfied smile on the Senator's face.
In the Jedi Temple, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker stand before the Jedi Council.
"Finished we are, with our examination of the boy," Yoda says quietly. "Correct you were, Qui-Gon."
"His cells contain a very high concentration of midi-chlorians," Mace adds.
"The Force is strong with him," Ki-Adi-Mundi agrees.
Qui-Gon breathes a sigh of relief. "He's to be trained, then."
The Council members look at each other, and then turn their attention back to Qui-Gon.
"No," Mace states simply, "He will not be trained."
"No?" Qui-Gon repeats with disbelief. Anakin feels as if he's just been slapped in the face.
"He is too old. There is already too much anger in him," Mace replies.
"He is the chosen one…you must see it."
Chosen one? Anakin ponders.
Obi-Wan watches silently, wanting to help his Master, but not sure how. Once the Council makes a decision, it rarely ever changes. And if the boy has so much anger in him…perhaps the Council is right to refuse the training.
"Hmm, clouded this boy's future is…masked by his youth," Yoda offers.
Qui-Gon glances briefly at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan shifts slightly, knowing what Qui-Gon is about to suggest, but not so sure he's ready for the Council's reaction.
"I will train him then," Qui-Gon insists, placing his hands on Anakin's shoulders. "I take Anakin as my Padawan learner."
Yoda shakes his head, "An apprentice you have, Qui-Gon. Impossible to take on a second."
"The code forbids it," Mace adds.
"Obi-Wan is ready," Qui-Gon tells the Council.
Obi-Wan steps forward, "I am ready to face the trials."
"Our own council we will keep on who is ready!" Yoda snaps.
Obi-Wan is clearly disappointed. Qui-Gon takes a deep breath, "He is headstrong and he has much to learn of the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he can learn from me."
"Now is not the time for this," Mace commands. "The Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor and Queen Amidala is returning home, which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation."
"And draw out the Queen's attacker," Ki-Adi points out.
Mace looks around at the Council members and then turns back to Qui-Gon. "Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of the dark warrior. This is the clue we need to unravel the mystery of the Sith."
Yoda nods in agreement. "Young Skywalker's fate will be decided later."
Decided later? But they've already decided…and what happens to him while we await their final decision? Obi-Wan ponders. Qui-Gon gives voice to Obi-Wan's thoughts.
"I brought Anakin here. He has nowhere else to go."
"He is your ward, Qui-Gon," Mace nods. "We do not dispute that."
"Train him not," Yoda commands. "Take him with you, but train him not!"
Take him with us? Take a child into…a war zone…with a Sith Lord after the Queen? Obi-Wan can hardly believe what he is hearing. What are they thinking?
Mace's voice snaps Obi-Wan out of his shock, "Protect the Queen, but do not intercede if it comes to war until we have the Senate's approval."
Qui-Gon does not like the idea of taking Anakin to a planet that may very likely be at war soon. He tries to think of something else to say, some argument to allow Anakin to stay at the Temple.
"May the Force be with you," Yoda says, signaling the discussion is over.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchange a brief worried look, and then leave the Council chambers with Anakin in tow. As they walk through the Temple halls, Anakin stops and turns to Qui-Gon.
"Master Qui-Gon, sir, do you think that thing that attacked you on Tatooine will follow us to Naboo?"
"If it is after the Queen, it is very likely. You will need to stay close to us," Qui-Gon answers, concern thick in his voice. He had promised Shmi he would take care of Anakin. How can he keep the boy safe taking him into such a dangerous situation?
Maybe I can prove to the Jedi Council that I should be a Jedi by helping to get rid of that thing! What did they call it? Oh, yeah, that Sith.
Anakin is lost in thought of battling the evil creature. Obi-Wan notices and pulls Qui-Gon aside.
"Master," he whispers, "how can we take him with us? Trying to look after him while we are charged with protecting the Queen…"
"We have little choice," Qui-Gon whispers back. "Aren't you the one who is always telling me to not defy the Council?"
Obi-Wan gives him a half grin, "Oh, now you decide to listen."
"Had to happen sometime, didn't it?" Qui-Gon replies with a half grin of his own.
The pair begins walking through the Temple halls again. 'Oru rounds the corner in front of them and the three bow in passing. Anakin notices the movement and snaps out of his daydream, moving quickly to catch up.
'Oru turns and watches as the three disappear around the corner. He had overheard the exchange between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and decides to pay an unscheduled visit to the Council.
'Oru stands before the Jedi Council and requests to aid the team on their way to Naboo. His request is swiftly denied.
"How can you send a single Jedi team with a small child into a dangerous situation? This creature nearly defeated Master Jinn on Tatooine and he is one of the most able swordsmen of the Order! Certainly this is at least a two team mission!" 'Oru says with disbelief.
"Made the decision has been," Yoda answers.
"But I told you of my Padawan's vision! Surely you must see they need help."
"We do not allow Padawans who are in a relationship to go on missions together. It's too risky. It is highly possible they won't focus on the mission as they should." Ki-Adi reminds 'Oru, as if he needed the reminder.
"Then send another team…don't you think having charge of a child during a mission will 'divide their focus'?"
"The decision of the Council is final, Mace says firmly.
'Oru bows and quickly exits the Council. He pauses briefly outside the Council room and then quickly makes his way through the Temple. He coms Lexi and tells her to meet him at the landing platform where the Naboo Queen's transport is located.
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Anakin reach the landing platform before the Naboo. Anakin runs onto the ship to see if Padmé is possibly on board already.
Obi-Wan knows that Qui-Gon is upset from the Council's decision and hoping it will change, but he can't help but think of his Master's former apprentice, Xantos. Xantos had anger issues and nearly destroyed the Jedi Temple, tried to kill Master Yoda, almost succeeding, and came very close to killing them as well. Obi-Wan just can't bear the thought of his Master going through something like that again.
Thankful for another moment alone with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan turns to him so they can continue a conversation they had begun when the boy was in the refresher.
"It's not disrespect, Master, it is the truth."
"From your point of view."
"The boy is dangerous…they all sense it. Why can't you?" Qui-Gon always sees the good in everyone, and in everything, but if the Council sensed so much anger in this 'chosen one'…
"His fate is uncertain, he's not dangerous. The Council will decide Anakin's future. That should be enough for you. Now, get on board."
Ob-Wan notices Anakin coming off the ship. He turns to board, but stops when he sees Lexi coming toward them.
"What are you doing here?" he asks with a surprised smile.
Lexi shrugs, "Master 'Oru told me to meet him here." And if you two are leaving…I've got something I have to tell you first. Regardless of what the Council says.
As if on cue, Master 'Oru arrives and bows to the group. "Hope you don't mind a little company. We will be joining you on your mission. Having a young one to look after on such a dangerous mission certainly requires extra help."
"But, Master, what about the rules…Obi-Wan and I aren't suppose to be on missions together."
Master 'Oru just shrugs, "Think of it as a test. One of the trials before Knighthood…to see if you and Obi-Wan can stay focused on the mission while working together."
Lexi raises an eyebrow and gives 'Oru a questioning look. Something just didn't feel right, 'Oru had been acting odd since their last mission, but this was the oddest behavior so far. It really didn't seem possible that the Council would let her and Obi-Wan be on a mission together, but she wasn't about to argue that point. At least this way she would be able to make sure Qui-Gon stayed safe.
"Shall we board?" 'Oru asks. Lexi and Obi-Wan glance at each other and then at Qui-Gon, who nods at them to go ahead. They board the Queen's ship, followed by 'Oru. Anakin watches them board and then turns to Qui-Gon. Having another Jedi team assigned to the mission because of him felt a bit overwhelming, like he was a burden to the mission, and it could also hinder his chances of proving his worth to the Council.
"Master Qui-Gon, sir, I don't wanna be a problem."
Qui-Gon places a hand on the young boy's shoulder. "You won't be, Annie. I'm not allowed to train you, so I want you to watch me and be mindful. Always remember, your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you'll be safe."
Anakin nods, but Qui-Gon can feel there is more on the boy's mind. He kneels down so they are eye to eye.
"Master, sir, in the Jedi Council they talked about midi-chlorians…I've been wondering…what are midi-chlorians?"
"Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life form that resides within all living cells."
"They live inside me?"
Qui-Gon chuckles lightly, "In your cells, yes. And we are symbionts with them."
"Symbionts?"
"Life forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to you."
"I don't understand."
"With time and training, Annie, you will. You will."
A pair of shuttles pulls up and the Queen, her handmaidens, Captain Panaka, several guards and officers, and Jar Jar Binks disembark.
Qui-Gon rises and turns to meet them. As the Queen approaches Qui-Gon bows and then walks with her toward her ship. He is a bit startled when he notices, even through the Naboo makeup, that this is not the same Amidala from their trip over, but instead it is the handmaiden he had spent so much time with on Tatooine, Padmé. He smiles to himself, understanding why the handmaiden seemed to have such control over the Queen.
"Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."
"I welcome your help," the Queen answers. "Senator Palpatine fears that the Federation means to destroy me."
"I assure you, I will not allow that to happen."
Everyone boards the ship, with Jar Jar cheering to finally be going home. Moments later the ship takes off and heads for space.
Night looms over the Naboo capital city of Theed. Nute Gunray and Rune Haako stand before a hologram of Darth Sidious.
"Is the planet secure?"
"We have taken over the last pockets of primitive life forms," Nute informs. "We are in complete control of the planet now."
"Good," Sidious hisses. "I will see to it that in the Senate, things stay as they are. I am sending my apprentice, Darth Maul, to join you."
"Yes, my Lord," Nute replies with a bow.
The hologram fades and the two Neimoidians turn to each other.
Rune voices both their thoughts, "A Sith…here?"
