Guest: I do like the idea of Yoda training Obi-Wan, and I like the idea of a friendship between Padmè and Obi-Wan. Time will tell.
FanFic Reader: I find posting here easy, and some of the changes I made were necessary to make the story flow better. I love writing about Obi-Wan.
And now on with the story.
000
"Well you certainly know how to stick your foot in your mouth, Qui-Gon!" Mace whispered to him.
"For force sake Qui-Gon; that young man has been in her employ for three years. I'm sure she knows him well enough by now; especially, if he's in charge of keeping her son safe. What possessed you to try and put doubts in her mind about him?" Mace berated him.
"That was not my intention Mace, but I think he's force sensitive, and I believe he is hiding something. I was watching him earlier, and I'm sure he levitated a muffin and a piece of fruit out from the kitchen."
"What do you mean you think he is; didn't you sense him doing it through the force?" Mace asked incredulously.
"I was following him, and I had my shields up to maximum. He was standing at the open window, so I'm not sure if some one in the kitchen didn't throw them out to him. However, when I got to the bench were he had been sitting. I could sense a lingering trace of force presence.
"Why were you following him Qui-Gon?"
Qui-Gon explained that he'd sensed a warning and went out into the garden to investigate but the disturbance faded. He decided to meditate and that's when he saw Ben and followed him.
"A warning through the Force; could that have been caused by Ben; what did you sense?"
"It was elusive and I couldn't decipher it, but it wasn't from Ben it came from the other side of the garden wall."
"Do you believe the boy sensed the disturbance too? And what about him, why are you so interested; it is not like he is a Jedi initiate ready to become an apprentice. And even if he were, he's too old, and you have stated emphatically, that you would never take another apprentice as long as you live!"
"I don't know Mace; there's something about him, something familiar. Whatever it is, it's hard to define, and I think he is avoiding me to keep his secret." Qui-Gon admitted.
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"Come my friend, I think a walk in the fresh air will do us good and clear your head."
They excused themselves and went in the opposite direction to the Senator. "We have several hours before the conference, let's relax." Mace declared.
Mace hoped that the fresh air would put a new perspective on everything that had occurred. They needed to focus on the conference and a stroll through the flowering orchards seemed a great way to do it.
"Chandrila grow the best muju fruit, did you know that Qui-Gon?" Mace said gazing at the young fruit adorning the trees.
"What did you say Mace?"
Mace sighed. "I said I hope you stop thinking about that boy Ben before the conference, otherwise you'll be no use to anyone."
"Oh I'm sorry Mace I don't know what's come over me."
"Where has your concentration flown too? Live in the moment, Qui-Gon."
"It's just that Ben seems to revive memories that I don't want to think about." Qui-Gon said remembering a boy he'd wronged over six years ago.
"Look down there Qui-Gon through the trees, it's the lake and it's too nice a day to spoil it with the past, let's go down there."
Reaching the shore, they could see two people standing at the end of the long wharf, and they were both fishing.
"Mace look, its Ben and Lance!" Qui-Gon said stopping in his tracks.
"A good day for fishing, we should do it sometime, very calming I hear."
"I would like to talk to Ben, Mace."
Mace knew nothing would stop his friend when he made up his mind. "Very well, as long as he wants to talk to you, but if he doesn't don't push him!"
.
The sound of their boots echoed on the wooden planks and Lance turned and saw them coming. Ben leant across and whispered something to Lance and he nodded.
Qui-Gon whispered to Mace "Ben probably told Lance not to speak to us."
"Why would he do that Qui?"
"I'm sure he's avoiding us."
"Well where's he is going to go! Dive in the lake fully clothed." Mace smirked. "Do you sense anything from him now?"
"Nothing, I sense nothing, and that is strange also. Most beings have some sort of feelings that are present in the force, unless they are shielding." Qui-Gon inferred.
"Yes I have to agree with you; I get the same sense of nothing as you do."
.
000
.
"I caught one Ben! I finally caught a fish." Lance said excitedly.
Ben pulled his own line in as Lance held up the fish.
"I like fishing on Naboo, at least I caught one here, not like back at home." Lance said turning around as the two Jedi arrived.
"Hello, look! I caught a fish!"
"A big fish too, well-done young man. I am Master Jinn, and this is Master Windu." he said introducing them both.
"I'm Lance, and this is Ben," Lance said waving his hand at Ben. Ben nodded but didn't speak as his eyes were focused on Lance.
"What are you going to do with it?" Mace asked.
"Throw it back in!" he exclaimed.
"Really I thought you would want to cook it and eat it?" Qui-Gon asked.
"No; fish isn't on the menu, and Ben says if you don't need it, then let it live."
He handed the fish to Ben who removed the hook gently, and then put it back in the water watching the fish splash as it flipped its tail fin and disappeared under the water.
"So Ben, do you like fish?" Mace asked.
"When I'm hungry I might." Ben's answer was short and to the point.
"Not very talkative are you Ben?" Qui-Gon inquired.
Ben sighed, he knew he couldn't run from them forever, and he turned to face them both as he spoke.
"If I have something to say, then I am quite able to do so. Is there something we can help you both with?"
"No not really, it is just a nice morning, and we thought a walk down to the lake would be nice. Naboo is a nice place, have you been here before?"
"No, we haven't."
"Senator Mothma tells me you don't come from Chandrila, where do you come from Ben and do you have a last name?" Qui-Gon inquired.
"No I wasn't born on Chandrila, and yes it is a beautiful lake and is a very nice place to be at this time of the morning, mostly 'quiet and peaceful." Ben said ignoring the other questions.
"Lance it's time to go." He said as he bent down to pick up the fishing equipment.
"Sure Ben." Lance agreed.
Ben brushed past the two Jedi in an attempt to go around them and back up the wharf; however Master Jinn was persistent and seemed very determined.
The master put his hand out and touched Bens arm as he walked past. A flood of emotions promised to surface including grief and pain; he did his best to dampen the feelings, bringing them under control behind impressive shields.
"Ben I am sorry if you think we are intruding on your privacy and peace. We certainly didn't mean to make you feel that way. It is just that you seem so familiar to me, and I feel that we may have met at some time in the past…..Do I know you?" Qui-Gon inquired.
Ben stared at him for a moment and was completely devoid of emotion when he spoke.
.
"No, 'Master Jinn.' I am absolutely certain – 'you' - do not know me at all, and I do not travel in your Jedi world. So please excuse us as we have somewhere else to be right now!" Ben said politely as he stepped away from Jinn and followed Lance.
Mace watched Ben walk off, and then he said to Qui-Gon "What did you sense when you touched him?"
"Grief and pain flared for just a moment, and then it was gone. There is more to that boy than he wants us to see." Qui-Gon said sadly.
.
000
.
Ben left Lance in the recreation room with Sabè; he knew they would be well entertained. Many other ambassadors brought their children for the three day conference and Chaperones were organising games and a river cruise later in the day.
Ben set off on his quest to discover if his bad feeling about the Neimoidian's was true or false. He'd felt an uncomfortable feeling fill him when the Queen said she didn't trust them, and the sense he got was that she was right.
Ben liked the Queen, she was outspoken and had a strong will. He sighed; he wished he had a chance to get to know her better.
However, he knew that their paths probably wouldn't cross again, once the treaty was signed. He didn't travel in her circle either.
Ben rubbed his temple. (Concentrate on the here and now) he thought and then he shuddered.
(Force! Where did that come from; they're Jinn's words!)… Ben pushed the thought away as he strode down the hall.
.
The Neimoidian's were being secretive especially their leader Nute Gunray the viceroy of the trade federation, and it was odd that he kept going back to his ship every chance he had.
Each time he returned, he made excuses why he had to bring extra advisors with him.
That sent warnings up and down Ben's spine.
There were ten of them now, plus the six members of the trade federation committee; it seemed anomalous that there were so many.
.
The Delegate from D'larah, Minister Tumleh had arrived while they were down at the lake, and was taking a shower after the long trip.
Ben knew, now that he was here; the treaty meeting would begin shortly. However, the sense of impending threat was getting stronger as the meeting grew closer.
He decided to nose around a bit more, and as he made his way down the corridor, he wondered if the Jedi had sensed a threat.
He chuckled. (Of course they would, they're Jedi.) Perhaps, his penchant for bad feelings and the Queen's imagination was getting the better of them.
.
His attention honed in on an approaching person, someone familiar was heading his way. He felt her presence and wondered why she wasn't already in the meeting hall.
A flicker of confusion lit his face for a moment when she turned the corner and bumped into him. She was dressed as a handmaiden.
.
"Ben!.. You scared me!" She blurted out as he balanced her with his hands.
"My Lady," you seem flustered? Is there anything I can help you with?" He asked speaking softly and smiling at her.
"Oh!" She stammered….. "No, I didn't see you. I was… forgive me, I was just... umm… going on an errand for... my Queen!" she said sharply.
"You have me at a disadvantage, 'My Lady,' he said raising an eyebrow at her.
"Excuse Me?" she asked in a puzzled tone.
"You seem to know my name, and yet I don't remember meeting any of the Queen's handmaiden's, only her younger sister, have we met?" he mused.
"Oh... That's right, I am sorry... My name is Padmè" She said blushing. "The Queen told me who you are."
"Well then 'Padmè, I am delighted to meet you. I must say the Queen certainly knows how to choose her hand maidens, you are beautiful." he smiled as he bowed towards her and grasped her hand kissing it.
She turned a shade of pink with embarrassment. "Thank you; ah… did you enjoy your dance last night?" She said trying to think of some excuse to get away from him.
"As a matter of fact I did enjoy the dance; she is very light on her feet."
.
Padmè kept looking over Ben's shoulder; down the hall to the Neimoidian's apartment, as though she was expecting them to open the door any minute.
She felt her nerves tingle in Ben's presence, and she didn't want him to discover that she was snooping. "I had better go." she whispered.
"Do you have an errand that involves the Neimoidian's; I could escort you to their rooms if you like?" he asked boldly.
"No, no! She whispered pulling him by the hand. She pulled him into a room opposite them and closed the door.
Padmè wrapped her arms around her waist and paced over to the window and back.
(What am I to tell him, he doesn't know who I am and if I tell him I'm the Queen, he won't believe me!)
Her mind buzzed over what story would sound feasible. (I have to find out what the Neimoidian's are planning.)
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As she paced, Ben became aware that she was silently arguing with herself, and had no doubt that she needed help. He sensed her anxious state, yet he also sensed her determination.
Only a moment past, before he stepped in front of her and grasped her shoulders.
.
"My Lady, may I confide in you?" he inquired.
Startled, she gazed into those pale blue eyes that seemed to say trust me.
"Confide in me! Yes of course you can." she answered.
"When we crashed into each other out there," he indicated to the hall. "I was actually snooping. I have a feeling that the Neimoidian's are up to no good." he stated.
She was stunned for a moment and then her mind caught up to what he'd admitted.
She raised her brows and stepped closer to him. "Oh, then I should confide in you too. I am doing the same thing."
"I suppose the Queen knows what you are doing, 'My Lady'? Or perhaps, she does her own snooping?"
It took a moment for his words to sink in to her mind. "What…what did you say?"
"Snooping! Does 'your Highness' do her own snooping? You do know of course, that it is risky business, and dangerous."
.
She was stunned, as no one had ever recognised her in disguise before, not even the Jedi.
"How did you know who I was? I don't have any make up on or a headdress to help disguise me."
"When I danced with you last night, I saw more than the paint and the elaborate head dress and fancy clothes. I saw the woman underneath all that camouflage, and I see her standing here now."
Padmè reached for his hands and held them close to her body. "When this is over and all is well, I would like to see you. I would like to get to know you better Ben." she said smiling.
He squeezed her hands and said. "It would be a privilege and an honour, 'Padmè.
However, right now I believe we should inform security about our suspicions, and have them be on alert."
.
"I have already mentioned my concerns to the governor and to Captain Panaka, but they don't believe the trade federation will go against the senate and cause trouble."
"I'm not so sure about their sincerity, they do not like to share profits and they may believe because you maintain peaceful relations in all your dealings you are weak enough to overpower."
"I am not a weakling, Ben…. I've been trained in the art of combat, and perhaps later I will show you just how much I can do to defend my self and Naboo." As she twisted Bens arm around behind his back.
He could play that game too.
Padmè' was gloating that she had Ben in an arm lock, until unexpectedly he bent over and flipped her over his body. Normally, sending the aggressor crashing to the floor; however Ben softened her fall with the force, and lightly placed her down.
"What... How…. how did you do that?" she whispered as he gently steadied her.
"I'm not a weakling either Padmè, I've been trained in the art of combat also." he smirked.
.
She studied him for a moment and then leaned in and kissed him. That kiss silenced him, he'd never kissed a girl before, and she had guessed it.
She smirked and then said "I think you need some more training in this area. Perhaps I can give you some lessons later?"
It was Bens turn to blush. "I am at your disposal your highness."
Padmè grinned as she moved to open the door. "I think we had better go."
.
Ben stopped her from leaving as a sense of eminent danger filled him. He held his finger up to her lips indicating to be quiet; as he opened the door just a crack and peered through.
The Neimoidian's were heading to the conference hall.
He whispered to Padmè.' "They're coming this way."
The sound of their voices grew louder the closer they came, until they stopped not far past the room and began discussing their plans.
.
"They are planning to attack Naboo!" Padmè said after the Neimoidian's moved along.
"They have no intention of signing a treaty, which isn't in their favour. You heard them they have several ships orbiting Naboo; they are planning a take over Naboo after they force you to sign their treaty."
"Where did all those droids come from? I didn't see droids earlier."
"He brought them here disguised as advisors and he probably has more on his ship."
"I'm assuming he will call for them when he signals to attack. Something is going to happen, and I have a bad feeling that we may be too late!"
"We have to warn the delegates and alert security."
"Padmè, you go and find Captain Panaka; warn him and raise your army to be ready. I'll go to the conference room."
"But why are they doing this?" she asked.
.
"Well you heard Gunray; they are after more than just a share in a trade treaty. They are planning to control all trade routes and because all the delegates are here on Naboo it is the perfect place to begin."
"Why didn't the Jedi sense what they were up too and do something about it?"
"I don't know, but I have to get in that conference hall and find out what's happening." Ben confirmed.
"My handmaidens are in there with the decoy Queen, they are all well trained. I'll come with you."
Ben sensed her stubborn streak, but he couldn't risk the Queen when he didn't know what the situation was in the room.
"Please do as I say, we need Captain Panaka and his men; he will listen to you, bring them to the conference room?"
"Alright, but wait for us, don't do anything until we arrive. There's a private entrance door behind the green drapes in that room, and they won't be expecting us."
Tbc…