Chapter 12
(Coruscant, Senate landing platform)
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Sky stood on the platform outside the ship. Artoo whistled a happy tone as he leaned over the edge of the platform, watching the traffic. Suddenly, he leaned over too far and fell overboard. After a moment, he reappeared, using his on-board jets to propel himself back onto the landing platform. The wind whipped at Sky, as he listened to the two Jedi.
"It is not disrespect, Master, it is the truth," Obi-Wan said.
"From your point of view…"
"The boy is dangerous...they all sense it. Why can't you?"
"His fate is uncertain, not dangerous. The Council will decide Sky's future...that should be enough for you. Now get on board!" Qui-Gon spoke.
Obi-Wan reluctantly got onboard the Naboo spacecraft, followed by Artoo. Qui-Gon walked over to Sky.
"Master Qui-Gon, sir," Sky started. "I do not wish to be a problem."
"You won't be, Sky…" Qui-Gon reassured him. "Always remember, your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you will be safe."
"Master, sir…I've been wondering…what are midi-chlorians?" Sky questioned curiously.
"Midi-chlorians are a microscopic lifeform that reside within all living cells and communicates with the Force."
"They live inside of me?"
"In your cells," Qui-Gon confirmed with a nod. "We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians."
"Symbionts?"
"Life forms living together for mutual advantage," Qui-Gon explained. "Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to you, telling you the will of the Force."
"They do?" Sky asked.
"When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to you."
"I don't understand," Sky admitted honestly.
"With time and training, Sky…you will," Qui-Gon told him with a smile on his face.
Two taxis pull up, and Captain Panaka, Senator Palpatine, twenty or so troops, guards, and officers walk briskly toward the ship, followed by Queen Amidala, Padmé, Eirtae, and finally, Jar Jar. Aamidala and her handmaidens stop before the Jedi.
Qui-Gon continued speaking, "Your Highness, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."
Amidala smiled gratefully. "I welcome your help. Senator Palpatine fears the Federation means to destroy me."
"I promise you, I will not let that happen."
Amidala entered the ship, followed by her handmaidens. Jar Jar hugged Qui-Gon and Sky.
"Wesa goen home!" Jar Jar exclaimde happily.
They all entered the ship, before it took off.
(Naboo royal palace)
Nute and Rune stood before a hologram of Darth Sidious.
"The Queen is on her way to you. I regret she is of no further use to us. When she gets there, destroy her," Sidious said.
"Yes, my Lord."
"Viceroy, is the planet secure?"
"Yes, my Lord, we have taken over the last pockets of primitive life forms. We are in complete control of the planet now."
"Good. I will see to it that in the Senate, things stay as they are. I am sending Darth Maul to join you. He will deal with the Jedi."
"Yes, my Lord."
Darth Sidious faded off.
"A Sith Lord here with us?!" Rune exclaimed in shock.
(The Naboo spacecraft)
Sky stood beside the pilot, Ric Olie, pointing to the various buttons and gauges. "...and this one?"
"The forward stabalizer," Ric explained.
"And those control the pitch?" Sky pointed.
"You catch on pretty quick," Ric smiled.
(The chambers of the spacecraft)
Sabe and Eirtae stood behind Queen Amidala as she talked with Qui-Gon and Captain Panaka. Obi-Wan and Jar Jar watched.
"The moment we land the Federation will arrest you, and force you to sign the treaty," Panaka said.
Qui-Gon nodded. "I agree...I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this."
"I'm going to take back what's ours," Amidala stated firmly.
"There are only twelve of us, Your Highness...we have no army," Panaka continued.
"I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness, only protect you," Qui-Gon agreed.
"Jar Jar Binks!" Amidala called.
Jar Jar looks around, puzzled. "Mesa, Your Highness?"
"Yes. I need your help."
(A little later)
The Naboo Cruiser headed toward the lush green planet. There is only one Federation battle cruiser orbiting. Obi-Wan and Captain Panaka spot it on the view screen.
"The blockade's gone," Panaka said.
"The war's over...No need for it now," Obi-Wan started.
"I have one battleship on my scope," Ric informed them.
"A droid control ship," Obi-Wan noted.
"They've probably spotted us," Panaka realized.
"We haven't much time," Obi-Wan said.
(Main hold of the Naboo cruiser)
The Queen, Captain Panaka, the troops, and handmaidens got ready to disembark as the ship lands. The elevator door slides open, and Sky emerges into the hold area. He saw Padmé and ran up to her.
"Hi! Where have you been?" Sky asked.
"Sky! What are you doing here?"
"I'm with Qui-Gon...but...they're not going to let me be a Jedi. I'm too old."
"This is going to be dangerous, Sky," Padmé told him.
"Is it? I can help... Where are we going?" he asked.
"To war, I'm afraid. The Queen has had to make the most difficult decision of her life. She doesn't believe in fighting, Sky. We are a peaceful people…"
"I want to help...I'm glad you're back." Sky smiled.
Padmé smiled back.
