A Republic Cruiser breaks out of lightspeed, and they are greeted by a massive blockade of droid control ships, graciously provided by the Trade Federation, financial backers for the Separatist Alliance. The Cruiser headed toward the immense fleet, with the captain, copilot, and their two passengers looking on in astonishment.

"There it is," the captain relayed.

"Open a channel," the older of the passengers instructed. "Tell them we wish to board."

The captain nodded and activated a comm channel, allowing a video display to show a Neimoidian named Nute Gunrey, Viceroy of the Trade Federation and public figure for the Separatists.

"Vicroy, this is Republic Cruiser Radiant VII," the Captain addressed. "The Jedi Knights wish to board your vessel immediately.

"Yes, of course," Gunrey replied."Proceed to the main ship command ship. We will be greeting you shortly."

The Cruiser complied, heading toward the main command ship. They passed through the ray shield protecting the rest of the ship from the vacuum of space. As the ship landed in the hangar, the main ramp lowered, allowing the two Jedi Knights to disembark. They made their way toward one of the doors, where another Neimoidian was waiting for them.

"Greetings Jedi," the Neimoidian greeted. "I am Lott Dod, representative for the Trade Federation in the Separatist Senate."

"Greetings," the older of the two Jedi greeted. "I am Qui Gon Jinn. This is my Padawan-" he quickly caught himself. "Colleague, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Greetings," Obi-Wan greeted, giving a small bow as they made their way inside.

"I must admit, when we received word that the Chancellor was sending negotiators, we did not expect members of the esteemed Jedi Order."

"The Jedi don't like to involve themselves in politics," Qui Gon admitted. "But the Chancellor felt a neutral party would aid in the negotiations."

"Of course. However, I don't see the need. Our blockade has broken no Republic laws."

"One of the many things we will discuss with the Vicroy," Obi-Wan insisted.

"Of course," Lott replied, opening a door to a conference room. "In here. The Viceroy will be with you shortly."

Qui Gon nodded as he and Obi-Wan stepped inside. The door closed behind them as Obi-Wan looked out the window into space.

"I have a bad feeling about this," he commented.

"I don't sense anything," Qui Gon replied, turning to him.

"Just a gut feeling. Something… feels off."

"You should know better than to center on your anxieties, Obi-Wan," Qui Gon told him. "Keep your focus on the here and now."

"I thought we were supposed to be mindful of the future?" Obi-Wan recalled. "That's what Master Yoda taught us."

Mindful of the future, yes. However, not at the expense of the moment. When directing your senses, it is a matter of where your priorities lie."

"I understand Master. Still, I don't think these Separatists will back down so easily."

"The Separatists have been vocal about their disapproval with the Republic, but they'd never be so foolish as to wage war with it."

"If that were true, they wouldn't bother with the blockade."

"It is just a scare tactic," Qui Gon reassured, walking over to him. "Trying to coerce other systems into joining. Worry not, my friend. The negotiations will be short."

-X-

Elsewhere in the ship, Lott made his way to the bridge, finding Gunrey as he was speaking to someone.

"Viceroy," Lott spoke, getting his attention. "The two Jedi Knights are in the conference room waiting for you."

"Hmm… the Jedi arrived sooner than expected," Gunrey commented. "This could ruin our whole plan."

"Patience, Viceroy," his companion spoke. "No need to lose our heads. We knew this would happen."

"Yes… Count Dooku."

Dooku smiled as he turned to them, revealing himself to be an older human dressed in black with a cape. As he did, however, his brow furrowed a bit.

"Still, I sense something. A presence I've not felt since… Ambassador, did the Jedi give you his name?"

"Uh, Qui Gon," Lott replied. "Qui Gon Jinn."

Dooku perked up at that.

"Qui Gon Jinn…" he mused. "How ironic," he then turned to the two of them. "This changes nothing. We proceed as planned. Prepare your forces for an invasion."

"And what of the Jedi?" Gunrey replied. "Shall we dispose of them?"

"Yes, but make it… convincing. Let us see what our forces can do."

-X-

Back inside the conference room, Obi-Wan sat in his chair with trepidation. He glanced up at the door countless times, waiting for someone to come through. Qui Gon however was more relaxed and patient, allowing him to see the anticipation in his colleague's mannerisms.

"You seem tense, Obi-Wan," Qui Gon noted. "Do negotiations truly make you feel so uneasy?"

"Not uneasy, Master. Merely eager to conclude this business. This isn't exactly what I had in mind for my first assignment upon becoming a Jedi Knight."

"And what were you expecting? Epic battles against pirates and slavers?"

"Well… not exactly."

"You know as well as I do, a Jedi doesn't seek out such dangers," Qui Gon told him.

"Yet, they often find themselves in the midst of it," Obi-Wan retorted with a smirk.

Qui Gon couldn't help but smile back in response. "only for the greater goal of maintaining peace. A Jedi should not strive for conflict, but seek to resolve it when it arrives."

"I know, Master," Obi-Wan reassured."That being said, I am curious about this situation. The Separatists have still yet to arrive. I don't think they'd make us wait so long for something as simple as a scare tactic. They must be up to something."

"I'm inclined to agree with you," Qui Gon stroked his beard. "And yet…"

Obi-Wan cocked an eyebrow in response. "What?"

"I'm not sure… I sense something bigger afoot here. Something… darker."

-X-

In the hangar bay, while the pilot and copilot were going over some systems, a turret slowly lowered from the ceiling at the two of them. The copilot happened to look up, his eyes going wide.

"Captain!" he called out, getting her attention.

"Shields u-"

Before she could finish, the turret opened fire, destroying the ship and killing the two of them instantly.

-X-

Hearing the explosion, the two Jedi sprung to their feet and drew their lightsabers, blue for Obi-Wan and green for Qui Gon.

"What was that?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I'm not sure," Qui Gon replied, closing his eyes for a moment before they snapped open. "We have incoming."

Outside the room, several Battle Droids, tan robots with oddly shaped heads all armed with blasters, marched forward, stationing themselves in front of the room as a hologram of Nute Gunrey appeared to them.

"The two Jedi cannot be allowed to leave, "Gunrey ordered."Destroy them both."

"Roger Roger," the lead droid replied as the hologram cut out.

All the Battle Droids readied their weapons as the leader made his way for the door preparing to open it. It turned to its fellow droids, who all nodded in response as the leader pressed the button to open the door. The second it opened up, all the Battle Droids began opening fire on the Jedi Knights Sensing the coming attack, Qui Gon and Obi-Wan used their lightsabers to deflect the laser blasts as they moved toward the group. They began slicing through the droids, cutting them down with minimal difficulty. Qui Gon's strikes were masterful, cutting down battle droids with relative ease while deflecting shots right back at the droids. Obi-Wan meanwhile was much more abrasive in his attacks. Swinging his lightsaber with the speed and severity of a warrior. Seeing three more droids coming, Obi-Wan raised his hand, using an unseen force to push the droids to the ground, disabling them.

"Now this feels more my speed," Obi-Wan commented.

"Steady yourself, my friend," Qui Gon instructed. "This is far from over."

-X-

On the bridge, Dooku and the Trade Federation representatives watched the two Jedi fight off the attacking forces. As one of the droids was cut down, the transmission was cut off.

"This is not good," Lott lamented.

"Calm yourself," Gunrey insisted. "I am… sure the Count knows what he is doing," he then turned to Dooku. "Right?"

"Of course," Dooku replied, not at all concerned. "I am all too familiar with Jedi tactics. Seal off the bridge. And prepare those… Droidikas."

-X-

Back in the hallway, Obi-Wan and Qui Gon made their way toward the bridge, cutting down any more battle droids that got in their way. Just as they approached the bridge, the doors sealed off. Qui Gon approached the door with his lightsaber and tried cutting through the door.

-X-

Inside the bridge, the Trade Federation representatives began panicking as the lightsaber began to cut through. Dooku on the other hand, was completely composed, undaunted by the Jedi's actions.

"Close the blast doors," Dooku ordered.

A second layer of doors was sealed up, reinforcing the entrance to the bridge.

"Will that hold?" Gunrey asked.

"Long enough for reinforcements to arrive," Dooku reassured.

-X-

On the other side of the door, Obi-Wan continued fending off droids as Qui Gon kept cutting through. His efforts were in vain, however, as he felt the door was reinforced. He pulled his lightsaber out before stabbing it dead center into the door. He kept spinning the lightsaber in his grip so it could heat the metal of the door.

-X-

On the other side of the door, Dooku slowly approached the door, smirking as he did.

"Your persistence is admirable… Qui Gon."

-X-

Just then, Qui Gon suddenly perked up, sensing something all too familiar.

"It can't be…"

Just then, three metal ball-like objects came rolling toward them, something Obi-Wan was quick to notice.

"Master! Company!"

Qui Gon turned around to see the three balls unfold into three tri-legged Droidikas. They each aimed twin blaster arms as personal energy shields deployed around each of them. The Jedi quickly deflected the blasts with their lightsabers, but the shields the Droidikas were employing made an offensive impossible.

"Built-in shield generators," Obi-Wan noted. "That's a new trick."

"We can't hope to defeat them like this," Qui Gon commented.

"I'm open to suggestions."

"We need cover for a retreat."

Obi-Wan glanced up at some cables on the ceiling. Getting an idea, he deflected a laser bolt upward, hitting the cables and creating a steam cloud that covered his and Qui Gon's escape.

-X-

On the bridge, the picture finally returned so Dooku and his allies could see that the Jedi had fled. Dooku smirked as he turned to the others.

"You see, gentlemen?" Dooku told them. "You had nothing to fear."

"Of course," Gunrey replied apologetically. "There was never a doubt in my mind."

"I am sure."

-X-

Later, the two Jedi made it into a ventilation shaft, crawling through it until they reached a grate. Obi-Wan used the Force to remove the grate, prying it off and allowing them to drop down onto the ground. They quickly ducked behind some equipment before peering out and seeing several dropships being loaded up with Battle Droids.

"It's just as I feared," Qui Gon admitted. "An invasion force. Looks like you'll get that action you sought after all."

"It would appear so," Obi-Wan admitted, not sounding pleased by the recent development. "They're bold to try this. An invasion of a Republic System could ignite talks of war with the Separatists in the Senate."

"There may be other dangers…" Qui Gon admitted. "... I sense the presence of Count Dooku."

Obi Wan perked up at that. "Dooku? Are you sure?"

"Positive… we must get down to the surface and warn the Naboo. Stow away on different ships. If they are spreading across the entire planet, then odds are one of us will make it to the palace to warn them."

"Right," Obi-Wan agreed, pausing before taking off. "Still, you were right about one thing, Master."

"What's that?"

"The negotiations were short."

Qui Gon chuckled a little in response. "Good luck my friend."

Obi-Wan nodded as the two of them made their way to their respective ships, hoping to reach the palace in time.

-X-

Back on the bridge, one of the Battle Droids came forward to report to Dooku and the others.

"Sir," the Droid reported. "There is no sign of the Jedi on board."

"They must've stowed away on one of the ships," Gunrey deduced.

"So it would seem," Dooku conceded. "Impressive…"

Just then, one of the technician's monitors started beeping.

"Sir, we're receiving a transmission from the planet's surface."

"Queen Amadala?" Gunrey surmised.

"It seems we are able to make some progress today," Dooku mused. "Put her on screen."

The main view screen activated, revealing a woman in a red dress and yellow crown. This was Jobal Amadala, Queen of Naboo.

"Your Highness," Dooku greeted as he approached the screen. "It is good to make your acquaintance once again. I trust this means you've chosen to accept my generous offer."

"You presume too much, Count. I have just been informed that the Chancellor's ambassadors have arrived, and you have been forced to cease your activity on our planet."

"Ambassadors?" Dooku repeated, turning to the Nemoidians. "Viceroy, were you aware of any ambassadors?"

"Uh… no Count Dooku."

"There, you see?" Dooku replied, turning back to the Queen. "It appears your Chancellor is mistaken. Which is why again, I extend our generous offer of alliance. The Separatist movement could use an influential system like Naboo amidst our ranks."

"As I have stated before, I will not give my support to an entity that opposes the ideals the Republic was built upon. And any military action you would take against us would be construed as an act of war against the Republic itself."

"Oh, you misunderstand Your Highness. We do not wish for warfare, merely… unrestricted enterprise."

"Whatever you are after… you will not get it from us."

With that, the transmission cut out, leaving Dooku and the Neimoidians to process what they had learned.

"She's right," Dott lamented. "If the Senate-"

"The Senate will not be an issue," Dooku reassured. "Viceroy, scramble all communications and accelerate the deployment of our troops."

"But… what about the Jedi?" Gunrey inquired.

"Let me worry about them. Prepare my shuttle."

-X-

Down on the planet, the Royal Palace stood tall on a cliffside overlooking the rest of the Capital City. Inside, the Queen and her royal entourage were convinced in the throne room as they spoke with Sheev Palpatine, the Naboo representative in the Senate over holographic communication.

"The Jedi have yet to arrive?" Palpatine repeated.

"That's what they said, Senator," Queen Amidala replied.

"How could that be true? I have assurances from the Chancellor," Just then, Palpatine's hologram began cutting out. "The Jedi did arrive. It must be…the...get...negotiate…"

Finally, Palpatine's hologram cut out entirely, much to the surprise of the court.

"Senator Palpatine?!" the Queen let out before turning to her Captain of the guards. "Captain Panaka, what's happening?!"

"I'm not sure, my Queen," Panaka replied before turning to one of his sergeants. "Check the transmission generators."

"What do you think it is?" Governor Bibble inquired. "Some sort of malfunction."

"Too convenient to be a malfunction," Panaka countered. "More likely, the Separatists are blocking our communications."

"Then it can only mean one thing…"

"Invasion," Queen Amadala reasoned.

"They wouldn't dare," Panaka challenged. "They'd be declared enemies of the Republic in the Senate."

"You assume that's not what they want," Bibble challenged.

"We don't know anything for certain," Queen Amadala cut off. "Until we do, we must continue to rely on negotiations to resolve this situation."

"Negotiations? They've cut off all communications! And there's no sign of the Jed! How can we hope to negotiate with these people?"

"It might be our only option right now," Panaka countered. "Our volunteer security force is formidable, but they can't take on an entire army of Battle Droids."

Queen Amadala paused, taking in the words both men had voiced, slowly coming to her decision.

"I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war," she declared.

Decided to put this out after hearing the news of James Earl Jones' passing. Rest In Peace sir, now you are truly one with the Force.