***Chapter 16***
As the Queen's transport travels through hyperspace toward the planet of Naboo, the four Jedi find a private room to meet so Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan can bring the new team up to date on the vents that have transpired. When Qui-Gon shares of the mysterious warrior who attacked on Tatooine, it is all Lexi can do to keep quiet. 'Oru knows she wants to tell the others of her vision, but gives her a warning look to remind her of the admonition from the Council. In her frustration she gets up and starts pacing the room like a caged animal.
Qui-Gon gives her a puzzled look. He can't recall ever seeing her quite so annoyed. "What's wrong?"
"If the Council doesn't believe this thing is a Sith Lord, they should get off their collective butts and check things out for themselves!" she snaps.
"Lexi!" 'Oru warns, walking over to her and placing his hands on her shoulders. "Calm down. That's why we are here to help."
"Sorry, Master," Lexi sighs.
"Now, I'd like to meet this 'chosen one'," 'Oru says, turning to Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon nods and walks to the door. As Qui-Gon and 'Oru leave, 'Oru turns back and gives the two Padawans a 'behave yourselves' look.
Lexi rolls her eyes and chuckles, "Master, please. We know how to behave on a mission. You know I would never do anything to destroy your trust in me."
"That I do," 'Oru replies. As he turns to leave, Lexi notes a hint of sadness in his eyes.
I wish he would tell me what is wrong. I know I'm not reading into things too much…something is definitely upsetting him. Maybe after this mission is over I can have Master Qui-Gon talk to him…they are best friends. Perhaps he will tell Qui-Gon whatever it is that he won't tell me. But for now…
She walks over and sits beside Obi-Wan. "Ok, I want to hear from you about this 'chosen one'."
Qui-Gon and 'Oru stand quietly at the back of the cockpit. They watch Anakin as he chats with pilot, Ric Olié. Anakin is standing next to Ric as the pilot explains the various controls of the ship.
"Those are the forward stabilizers," Ric tells Anakin.
"And those two control the pitch?" the boy asks.
Ric smiles widely, "You catch on pretty quick."
The two Jedi slip out into the walkway to chat. "It is bad that Anakin is so old," Qui-Gon sighs, "but it is obvious he is the chosen one…that should be taken in to account."
"I don't believe it's truly his age that bothers the Council," 'Oru replies. "From what you have told me of their report, it seems they are more concerned with the conflict they sense in him."
It is true that separating from his mother, his friends, and the only home he has ever really known, will be a great source of conflict. This conflict can only be mastered from within. The Council believes Anakin is just too old for this. He is vulnerable to his inner conflict and the dark side would certainly be quick to take advantage of it.
Qui-Gon glances back once more into the cockpit. He knows there are risks in accepting a boy with such conflicts as his apprentice. He knows all too well from his former apprentice, Xantos. But there are always risks, and always exceptions…
Somehow, after the mission is over, he will find away to convince the Council of the importance of Anakin's training. Perhaps something on the mission itself will open the door to changing the Council members' minds.
Obi-Wan, Lexi, Captain Panaka, and Jar Jar are with the Queen and her handmaidens in the Queen's chambers, waiting for the two Jedi Masters to arrive. Obi-Wan stares at the Queen and realizes that she is not the one who he spent time avoiding on Tatooine. The Queen seated at the center of the room is more confident, more like the outspoken handmaiden…
The door to the chambers slide open and Qui-Gon and 'Oru enter. The Padawans bow to their Masters as they enter. Now that everyone is present, Panaka quickly speaks up.
"As soon as we land the Federation will arrest you," he grumbles to the Queen. "And force you to sign the treaty."
"I agree," Qui-Gon nods. "I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish by this."
"I will take back what's ours," she states simply.
"There are too few of us, your Highness!" Panaka snaps. "We have no army."
The Queen's eyes shift to Qui-Gon. "And I can only protect you," he advises. "I can't fight a war for you."
Her gaze moves to Jar Jar, who is doing his best to hide behind Obi-Wan. "Jar Jar Binks," she calls.
"Mesa, your Highness?" he says, peeking out from behind Obi-Wan.
"Yes," she replies. "I need your help."
The Naboo cruiser comes out of hyperspace and heads toward the lush, green planet of Naboo. There is only one Federation battle cruiser orbiting the planet. Obi-Wan and Panaka are in the cockpit with Ric Olié and spot it on the view screen.
"The blockade's gone," Panaka notes.
"They have control of the planet…no need for it now," Obi-Wan points out.
"I have one battleship on my scope," Ric announces.
"It's a droid control ship," Obi-Wan says as he examines the readout.
"They've probably spotted us," Panaka groans.
Obi-Wan nods, "We haven't much time."
The Naboo cruiser lands in the Gungan swamp and the passengers quickly disembark. Qui-Gon waits away from the group, staring out into the mist.
Obi-Wan quietly approaches, "Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan city, Master."
"Good," Qui-Gon replies. Obi-Wan can tell Qui-Gon's thoughts are focused on the boy.
"Do you think the Queen's idea will work?"
Qui-Gon glances over to Obi-Wan. "The Gungans will not easily be swayed, and we cannot use our power to help her."
Obi-Wan's gaze falls to the ground, "I'm…I'm sorry for my behavior, Master. It is not my place to disagree with you about the boy." He looks up to Qui-Gon with a smile, "And I am grateful you think I am ready to take the trails."
Qui-Gon returns the smile and places a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "You have not behaved badly, you have been honest with me. And I understand your concern. You've been a good apprentice, Obi-Wan. And you are a much wiser man than I am. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight."
Captain Panaka, 'Oru, and Lexi make their way over to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Moments later Jar Jar climbs from the lake and joins the group. He tells them that the Gungan city is deserted and it appears there was a big fight. The Queen and the others watch from a short distance away.
Concerned, Obi-Wan looks to Qui-Gon, "Do you think they've been taken to camps?"
Panaka scoffs, "More likely they were wiped out."
"No, mesa no tink so."
"Do you know where they are, Jar Jar?" Qui-Gon asks.
"When in trouble, Gungans go to sacred place. Mesa show you! Come on, mesa show you."
The Jedi, Anakin, and the Naboo follow Jar Jar through the swamps for some time. Finally they come to a clearing and Jar Jar announces they've arrived. The group is quickly surrounded by Captain Tarpals and several other Gungan troops riding on kaadus. The troops lead the group through a clearing full of Gungan refugees to the ruins of a grand temple with massive carved heads. Boss Nass stands on the top of one of the heads.
Tarpals riades forward and announces, "Your Honor, Queen Amidala of the Naboo."
Jar Jar nervously waves at Boss Nass, who is not at all pleased to see him, or any of the others for that matter. He asks Jar Jar who he has brought with him.
"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo," the Queen says as she steps in front of Jar Jar. "I come before you in peace."
"Ah, Naboo biggen. Yousa bringen da mackineeks. Yousa all bombad."
"We have searched you out, 'cause we wish to form an alliance…"
Padmé suddenly steps forward, interrupting the Queen, "Your Honor."
"Whosa dis?" Boss Nass bellows.
"I am Queen Amidala," Padmé announces. "This is my decoy…my protection…my loyal bodyguard."
Anakin's jaw drops in surprise. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon grin and give each other a knowing look.
"I am sorry for my deception, but under the circumstances it has become necessary to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us. No, I beg you to help us."
With those words, Padmé drops to her knees. Soon the Jedi, Anakin, and the Naboo follow suit. For a moment the silence is deafening, but it is soon broken by Boss Nass' bellowing laugh.
"Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans? Mesa lika dis. Maybe wesa bein friends."
Cheers go up from Naboo and Gungan alike.
Nute Gunray, Rune Haako, and Darth Maul walk slowly through the Theed Palace with a hologram of Darth Sidious.
"We've sent out patrols. We've already located their starship in the swamp. It won't be long, my Lord," Nute reports.
"This is an unexpected move for her. It's too aggressive…Lord Maul, be mindful. Let them make the first move," Sidious sneers.
"Yes, my Master."
Boss Nass takes Amidala and her crew out of the swamp to the edge of the grass plains that run south of the city of Theed. The Queen sends Captain Panaka on a reconnaissance of the city. While they await his return she talks with the four Jedi.
Boss Nass and Jar Jar are a short distance away. Boss Nass is proud of Jar Jar for bringing the Gungans and Naboo together. He tells Jar Jar that they are making him "Bombad General". Hearing those words, Jar Jar promptly faints.
A Gungan sentry reports to Anakin that he sees Panaka coming. Anakin runs to the others to announce, "They're here!"
"Good, they made it," Padmé sighs with relief.
Panaka joins the Jedi and Amidala at the same time Boss Nass makes his way to the group.
"What is the situation?" Padmé asks the Captain.
"Almost everyone's in camps. A few hundred police and guards have formed an underground resistance movement. I brought back as many of the leaders as I could. The Federation Army is also much larger than we thought…and much stronger. Your Highness, this is a battle I do not think that we can win."
"The battle is a diversion," she replies. "The Gungans must draw the droid army away from the cities. R2…"
On cue the droid projects a hologram of the Theed palace onto the speeder the group is surrounding.
"We can enter the city using the secret passages on the waterfall side. Once we get to the main entrance, Captain Panaka will create a diversion. Then we can enter the palace and capture the Viceroy. Without the Viceroy they will be lost and confused." She turns to Qui-Gon, "What do you think, Master Jedi?"
"The Viceroy will be well guarded," he acknowledges.
"The difficulty is getting into the throne room. Once we're inside, we shouldn't have a problem." Panaka interjects.
Qui-Gon turns to Boss Nass, "There is a possibility with this diversion, many Gungans will be killed."
"Wesa ready to do are-sa part."
Padmé continues, "We have a plan which should immobilize the droid army. We will send what pilots we have to knock out the droid control ship orbiting the planet. If we can get past their ray shields, we can sever communication and the droids will be helpless."
"A well conceived plan," Qui-Gon nods. "However, there's great risk. The weapons on your fighters may not penetrate the shields on the control ship."
"And there's an even bigger danger," Obi-Wan adds. "If the Viceroy escapes, your Highness, he will return with another droid army."
"Well, that is why we must not fail to get the Viceroy. Everything depends on it." Padmé replies.
Anakin walks over between the Jedi. "What about me?"
"Padawan Lexi will look after you during the battle and make sure you stay safe," Master 'Oru replies.
"What!" Anakin and Lexi yell in unison.
Qui-Gon nods, "Obi-Wan, 'Oru, and I will stay with the Queen and see them safely through the palace. Anakin, you and Lexi will find a safe place to stay once we are inside the palace. If any trouble arises, I know she will keep you well protected."
I can take care of myself. Anakin stews, but he is happy to know he will be in the palace with Qui-Gon and Padmé, even if he isn't by their side.
Lexi pulls 'Oru aside, "I'm the babysitter on this mission?"
"Lexi, it is important that the boy stay safe."
"Fine, let one of the guards watch him. I thought we were here because of the Sith and my vision of what happens to Master Jinn. Shouldn't I be helping with the larger threat?"
"We are here because of your vision, but don't you think what you see happening over and over could be because Master Jinn was concerned about the boy's safety? If he knows you are caring for Anakin during the battle…"
Lexi gives a heavy sigh, "I hadn't considered that."
"That's what you have me for," 'Oru smiles.
Once again Nute and Rune find themselves with Darth Maul before a hologram of Darth Sidious. The Neimoidians have reported to Sidious the rumors of the army gathering in the swamps.
"She is more foolish than I thought," Sidious says quietly.
"We are sending all troops to meet this army assembling near the swamp. It appears to be made up of primitives." Nute informs the Dark Lord.
"The Jedi may be using the Queen for their own purposes," Maul sneers.
"The Jedi cannot become involved. They can only protect the Queen. Even Qui-Gon Jinn will not break that covenant. This will work to our advantage…"
"I have your approval to proceed then, my Lord?" Nute asks.
"Wipe them out," the Sith Lord replies. "All of them."
