Within minutes, several Trade Federation ships launched toward the planet's surface. They touched down on all sides of the planet, making quick work to entrench themselves. Quite a few of them touched down on the forests on the far side of the planet, with the ships deploying troop transports that began tearing through the forests. Several tanks piloted by Captain Droids were deployed as well to deter any resistance. Once the tank made it out into into a clearing, the Captain Droid opened the main hatch and looked out at the area. At the same time, the Captain Droid was receiving a communication from the ship, prompting it to answer and see it was Count Dooku who was calling.
"Captain, we have done a thorough sweep of the ship but have found no sign of the Jedi. it is our belief that they have stowed away on one of your landing craft."
"If they're down here sir, we'll find them," the Captain Droid reported. "We are moving out of the swamp and moving onto the cities. So far, we have encountered no resistance.
"Excellent. Continue your approach, I will be making my way to the Capitol."
"Roger Roger," the Captain replied before ending the call and moving out.
On board the nearby transport ship, Obi-Wan slowly peered out, seeing the decimation being caused by the Separatists. Gauging the situation, Obi-Wan took out a small cylindrical comm device and activated it.
"Master, do you read me?"
"Loud and clear. Go ahead, Obi-Wan."
"It would appear you were right about Count Dooku. He's heading toward the Capitol."
"I see. My transport landed just outside the Capitol City. Where are you?"
"In a swamp land on the far side of the planet. I'll try and work my way to you."
"Alright. Best of luck. May the Force be with you."
"And with you," Obi-Wan replied before taking off.
-X-
The Separatists continued making their way through the forest, tearing down the trees with reckless abandon. The local wildlife fled for cover as the Droid war machines tore through their homes. Obi-Wan dashed through the woods, doing his best to keep ahead of the destruction that was slowly encompassing the natural environment. As Obi-Wan ran ahead, he noticed a bipedal frog-like creature helping another animal that had its leg caught in some downed branches get free. Just as the creature sent the animal off running, he turned to see Obi-Wan running toward him and the troop transport closing in on them. The creature cried out in panic.
"Run!" Obi-Wan called out.
The creature did so as Obi-Wan quickly moved alongside it. Obi-Wan turned back to see the transport getting closer, forcing him to think fast.
"Get down!" he called out, grabbing the creature and forcing them both to the ground.
They hit the ground hard as the transport moved on top of them. They lay down on the ground as the transport passed over them and carried on further into the woods. Obi-Wan picked himself up before helping the creature up to his feet.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Oh yes," the creature replied. "Thank you so much."
"You're quite welcome. Though more will be coming soon. I suggest you take cover."
Obi-Wan started to take off, leaving the creature standing there. After a moment, the creature followed after.
"Wait!" he called while chasing after him. "Maybe I can help!"
Obi-Wan turned back to him in confusion. "Uh… that won't be necessary."
"Oh, but I insist. In Gungan culture, saving the life of another demands a life debt. It is the highest degree."
Obi-Wan stopped so he could speak to the Gungan directly. "Look, uh…"
"Oh, my name is Jar Jar. Jar Jar Binks."
"Jar Jar," Obi-Wan noted while nodding. "The offer is appreciated, but saving lives is what a Jedi does. And right now, the lives of the Naboo are at stake, and I really need to go."
Obi-Wan tried to carry on again, leaving Jar Jar behind. Suddenly, he perked up, thinking of something. He then took off after Obi-Wan, trying to catch up.
"Hey wait!" he called out, catching up with him. "If you really want to get to the Naboo, then the fastest way would be to go to the Gungan City."
Obi-Wan slowed to a stop, prompting Jar Jar to do the same. "Gungan City?"
"Yes. It's where I grew up. A hidden city under the water. No one can find it, except us Gungans."
"Can you take me there?"
Jar Jar paused for a moment, suddenly remembering something. "Actually… no. This is embarrassing, but… I've kinda… been a little…. Banished."
"Banished?" Obi-Wan repeated.
"Oh yeah. I'll be in big trouble if I try to go back."
"Do you hear that?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing back into the woods. "That is the sound ofverybad trouble coming this way. And they will have no qualms of grinding us into dust and blasting us."
Jar Jar looked back at the forest, hearing the droids tearing through the trees and gulping in a response.
"... it's a fair point. Alright, follow me."
Jar Jar took off in another direction, heading deeper into the woods. Obi-Wan was quick to follow after, hoping they would find a way to reach the Naboo and Qui Gon in time.
-X-
At the Palace, Queen Amadala looked out the window at the approaching droid armies with concern and determination. They were coming in from the woodlands and pouring into the city, causing civilians on the street to panic and duck back inside. The Queen dreaded the forces that were mounting just outside her home, but she wasn't prepared to let those coming take her home. As she continued to gaze at the coming ary, Captain Panaka stepped toward her.
"Your Highness, we need to get you to safety," he told her.
"If I flee, they will tear the city apart looking for me," she lamented. "I won't abandon my people to such a fate. Besides, I don't believe they went to all this trouble just to kill me."
As the two continued to discuss the issue, a 14-year-old girl in blue robes came running up.
"Mother, what's going on?" she asked, causing the Queen to turn and face her.
"Padme," the Queen addressed, taking hold of her hand. "The Separatists have invaded. I want you to go with Captain Panaka and get out of the city. He'll keep you safe.."
"But what about you?"
"I am going out there to meet them. Hopefully, I can persuade them to back down before lives are lost."
"Do you think they will listen?"
"I don't know, but I have to try."
"Your Highness, that's a massive gamble," Captain Panaka warned.
"One I unfortunately have to take," Queen Amadala admitted.
"But mother-" Padme tried to plead.
"I will be alright, Padme. Now go."
Reluctantly, Padme took off with Captain Panaka, leaving Queen Amadala to brace herself as she went out to greet the enemy.
-X-
Outside, the troop transports began to approach the palace, allowing several Battle Droids to be deployed. On one of them, Qui Gon managed to leap off and make his way toward the palace. He slowly approached the palace wall, using the Force to leap up toward a nearby windowsill. Once there, he lifted the window open, allowing him to make his way inside.
-X-
Back with Obi-Wan, he followed Jar Jar through the woods, hoping to find the Gungun City in time. The excursion brought them to the edge of a large body of water.
"Why are we here?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The city is underwater," Jar Jar explained, about to jump in before stopping himself. "Uh… you can breathe underwater, right?"
Obi-Wan gave him a look. "I will manage."
Jar Jar shrugged. "Okay. Be prepared, though. Gungans don't like outsiders. So don't expect a warm welcome."
"No worries. Today hasn't exactly been the day for warm welcomes."
With that, Jar Jar jumped high into the air before diving down into the water. Obi-Wan reached into his robe and pulled out a rebreather, which he then placed into his mouth. He then proceeded to follow Jar Jar into the water, who was waiting just below the surface for him to catch up. The two then began swimming deeper and deeper into the water. After swimming over a ridge, Obi-Wan was able to see the hidden city Jar Jar was talking about. It seemed to be a series of large glowing domes littered across the ocean floor. At the center of them was a dome that was at least twice as large as the others. Much of the domes had connective passageways that linked them all together and allowed easy access.
Obi-Wan was in awe of the sight but knew they couldn't linger long, as they had a job to do. He continued to follow Jar Jar's lead as they went toward one of the domes. Jar Jar went for an opening in the middle of one of them, swimming through and stepping out on the other side. Obi-Wan followed close behind, swimming through the entrance, stepping out the other side surprisingly dry. He looked around, seeing several Gungans walking the streets. Some of them gave the pair strange looks.
"We seem to have made an impression," Obi-Wan noted.
"What'd I tell you," Jar Jar replied. "They don't like outsiders."
A few moments later, however, several guards came riding up on two-legged animals called Kaadu, the leader of the guards came riding up, scowling at Jar Jar intensely.
"Jar Jar…" he let out.
"Uh… heya Captain Tarpals," Jar Jar greeted nervously. "I'm back…"
"You shouldn't have come back. Now we gotta take you to Boss Nass. You're in big trouble this time."
The guards surrounded Obi-Wan and Jar Jar, ushering them forward and toward the leader of the city.
-X-
A short time later, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar were brought before the leader of the city, Boss Nass. a large green alien dressed in royal garb. He stared down at the two of them with disdain and contempt.
"You are not permitted here," he said in a commanding voice before turning to Jar Jar. "This one is no longer welcome here, and you," he turned to Obi-Wan, his eyes narrowing.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight," Obi-Wan introduced. "And I am in need of your help. As we speak, a droid army is invading this planet. I need to find a way to warn them."
Boss Nass scoffed. "We Gungans don't care for the Naboo. They think us… savages. They think they're so much better than us. Smarter."
"I can guarantee that once they take control of the surface, they will come for you," Obi-Wan pressed, stepping forward.
"I think not. We have been well hidden for years. They won't even know about us."
"You and the Naboo share the same world. The same hopes and desires. And the same dangers. What happens to one of you will inevitably affect the other. You must understand that."
"We care nothing for the Naboo. Gungans were here before the Naboo, and we'll be here long after."
Obi-Wan sighed in response, recognizing diplomacy would be of no help in this situation.
"Then you'd best send me on my way," Obi-Wan spoke, waving his hand as he spoke.
"...we'd best send you on your way," Boss Nass repeated, much to Jar Jar's surprise.
"I will require transport," Obi-Wan spoke, making the hand motion again.
"We will give you Bongo. The fastest way to the Naboo is through… the planet's core."
"Understood," Obi-Wan replied, preparing to leave before facing Jar Jar. "What about him?"
"Jar Jar has violated Gungan law by returning here. He will be punished as such," he narrowed his eyes at Jar Jar, causing him to gulp.
Obi-Wan saw the situation and chose to intervene.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that."
"And why not?" Boss Nass inquired, stroking his chin.
"Because I saved his life. He owes me what you would call 'a life debit'."
Boss Nass cocked an eyebrow at that. "Binks… is this true?"
"Uh… uh huh," Jar Jar confirmed.
Boss Nass paused for a moment. "Very well. Be gone with him."
Obi-Wan smiled as Jar Jar's binds were released. Jar Jar rubbed his wrists as the two of them went off.
"So, what exactly is a Bongo?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"Fastest ship in Gungan City. But they're setting you up."
"What do you mean?"
"Going through the core is suicide. It's almost impossible to navigate without a guide."
"Then it's a good thing I have you with me," Obi-Wan remarked.
He smiled as they went off, leaving Jar Jar to look on nervously.
-X-
Back at the palace, Dooku's shuttle landed in the courtyard. He stepped out, joined by Lod Dott and Nute Gunrey. As they dismounted, they were greeted by a droid commander.
"Count Dooku, we have captured the Queen."
"Excellent," Gunrey declared. "Complete victory."
The three of them made their way inside, Queen Amadala standing before them flanked by several Battle Droids.
"Your Highness," Dooku greeted. "We're honored you've graced us with your presence this day."
"You may dispense with the pleasantries, Count," Queen Amadala addressed. "We both know I am nothing more than your hostage."
"You mustn't be so indelicate. It is not truly conquest that we seek. Merely a chance to show you the benefits of living under the protection of the Separatist Alliance," Dooku continued speaking as circled around her. "A guaranteed voice in our Senate. Fairtrade and compensation with neighboring systems, and an eventual abolition of trade barriers. Surely you can see the benefits."
"And all it costs me is the subjugation of my world and all my people," Queen Amadala remarked.
"Hardly. Once you have signed our treaty swearing allegiance to the Separatists, our activities here will be legitimized, and-"
He suddenly froze, as if he sensed something familiar. Both the Queen and the Trade Federation representatives turned toward him in confusion.
"Count?" Gunrey inquired.
Dooku snapped out of it before turning back to the others.
"Forgive me. There's… something I need to attend to. In the meantime, your Highness, I will leave you in the capable hands of the Trade Federation representatives. Gentlemen."
Dooku turned to leave, allowing Lod Dott and Nute Gunrey to interact with the Queen.
"Now, shall we open our negotiations, your highness?" Gunrey asked.
-X-
Qui Gon continued moving through the palace, hoping to find any sign of the Queen. As he moved through the building, he peaked around a corner, making sure there were no Battle Droids patrolling the halls. Once he knew he was clear, he made his way down the hallway as fast as he could. He then came into an open dining room, sprinting across as he made toward the entrance on the other side. Just as he reached it though, the door was suddenly slammed closed. He turned back toward the door he came in, only to find it had closed as well.
"Do not feel discouraged," a familiar voice told him. "It is commendable you've made it this far."
Qui Gon turned around, seeing Count Dooku stepping out from behind a pillar.
"Your skills have grown exponentially since we last met," Dooku commended, Qui Gon keeping a firm stance as he approached.
"I have you to thank for that… Master."