The former master and student stared each other down, neither one wanting to make a move toward the other, but unsure of the other's intentions.
"It is… good to see you again, Qui Gon," Dooku admitted. "I only wish it were under better circumstances."
"As do I," Qui Gon agreed, stepping forward. "Preferably, not while you serve as the figurehead to a conquering force."
"No one wants to avoid bloodshed more than me. This occupation of Naboo is more of a demonstration of our might if anything."
"Not the usual way to advertise."
Dooku chuckled in response. "We need not be adversaries, old friend. Our goals of maintaining the peace are not so dissimilar."
"If it is peace you want, Master, then work with the Republic, not against it."
"The Republic is not what it once was. The ideals it once stood for are now just words used by those who wish to serve their own agendas."
"It is not perfect, I will concede. But that does not mean we should abandon the very body the Jedi were sworn to protect."
Dooku chuckled in response. "Your sense of loyalty was always commendable my old apprentice."
Qui Gon perked up in response. "Then perhaps this debate can continue under less hostile conditions.
Qui Gon used the force to pull over a table and some chairs. Dooku smiled as the two took their seats.
-X-
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Gungan got into the Bongo, a large blue sub with a propellor on the back of it, and jetted off through the water in the hopes of reaching the Naboo in time. Obi-Wan was in the pilot's seat, aiming them down toward the planet's core.
"This is not gonna end well…" Jar Jar lamented as he looked out the window. "Ooh, Goober Fish!"
"Why were you banished, Jar Jar?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"It's a long story. But part of it is, I… don't agree with the other Gungans about the Naboo."
"You don't hate them?"
"Not really."
As the two talked, the sub continued to cruise through the water. All the while, something large caught sight of the sub and began swimming after it. It weaved between the rocks as it kept up with the sub, its occupants unaware of what was after them.
"I've never been much for war like other Gungans," Jar Jar explained. "The Naboo have great minds for thinking. Culture stuff and all. I tried to explain these ideas to the others, but it caused things to get heated, causing a, uh… small riot? And then, I'm out."
"So you were banished because you wanted to live in peace with others?" Obi-Wan summed up.
"Pretty much."
Obi-Wan chuckled in response. "For a Jedi, that's our mission statement every day."
Jar Jar smiled a bit in response. Before the conversation could continue, the giant fish that had been following them shot out its tongue toward the ship, snagging it. Both Obi-Wan and Jar Jar jerked forward a bit before turning back to see the aquatic creature.
"Uh oh!" Jar Jar cried out. "Big Goober!"
The fish pulled its tongue back, pulling in the ship as well. It bit down on the ship, prompting Obi-Wan to try and wrestle the ship free from the monster's grip. As he did that, another larger creature came swimming by. Seeing this, Obi-Wan flashed the ship's lights at the creature to get its attention. It swam over, spotting the other fish, and took a massive bite out of it, causing it to release the sub so they could escape.
"There's always a bigger fish," Obi-Wan remarked.
"Maybe we should go back," Jar Jar suggested nervously. "I mean, we gotta be close to the Naboo by now."
"Don't worry, we should be fine. We have the Force with us."
"Oh the Force," Jar Jar replied sarcastically. "That makes me feel better."
The sub then pulled into a cave, hoping to get around the monsters lurking in the water. However, as they started making their way inside, power in the sub started shutting down. Jar Jar suddenly became concerned as the sub landed on the floor of the cave they were in.
"We're losing power," Obi-Wan recognized.
"Oh no…" Jar Jar let out.
"Don't worry," Obi-Wan reassured, opening up a panel hoping to restore power. "We're not in trouble yet."
"Yet? What do you mean yet? Monsters out there, leaking in here, sunk in a cave with no power. When do you think we're in trouble?!"
Obi-Wan seemingly ignored him as he continued working on restoring power to the sub. After a small spark, power began to be restored to the ship.
"See?" Obi-Wan reassured. "Powers back."
As all the lights turned back on, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar looked out the front and were greeted by the large teeth of another sea creature, much to Jar Jar's horror.
"Monsters back!" he cried out.
"Hang on!" Obi-Wan told him, opening up the thrusters
He quickly jetted forward, narrowly avoiding the massive bite from the monster. It didn't let up however as it chased after the sub. Jar Jar gripped the sides of the sub tightly, genuinely terrified for their lives. Obi-Wan meanwhile kept a calm demeanor, confident he could save them from their situation. He continued piloting the sub, keeping it just ahead of the monster's grasp. Fortunately, they were coming up on an exit from the cave. Unfortunately, another massive sea creature was waiting for them on the other side. Having an idea, Obi-Wan increased speed on the sub, heading right toward the monster. Jar Jar meanwhile clung to the side with all his might.
"I do believe in the force. I do believe in the Force. I do believe in the Force!"
Finally, the sub made it through the exit, narrowly avoiding the beast as it bit down on the creature pursuing them. Obi-Wan looked back with satisfaction on his face as he turned back to Jar Jar.
"You see? Nothing to worry about."
Jar Jar just collapsed in his seat, worn out from all the stress. Obi-Wan just shrugged as he continued piloting the sub to their destination.
-X-
Back at the capital city, Battle Droids were rounding up civilians and transporting them to designated camps. As one group was being moved, a man tripped on the ground barely managing to pick himself up as a Battle Droid shoved forward.
"Keep moving," the droid ordered.
From the window of her throne room, Queen Amadala watched as her people were rounded up and imprisoned against their will. As she watched, Lott Dod and Nute Gunrey approached her desk with the Separatist Treaty.
"I trust you now see the benefits of Separatist allegiance, your highness," Gunrey mused.
"The Separatists must truly be cowards if this is how they ensure allegiance," Queen Amadala mocked.
"Only those who chose to be… difficult," Gunrey remarked, placing the treaty on the desk. "Now then, shall we get started?"
-X-
Meanwhile, the Bongo surfaced in a canal elsewhere in the city. Pulling up to a nearby walkway, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar disembarked from the sub and made their way into the city.
"So, we made it," Jar Jar noted. "Now what?"
"Now we need to find my master and get the Queen to safety," Obi-Wan relayed as they continued moving.
-X-
Inside the palace, Qui Gon continued conversing with Dooku, the two sharing a pot of tea while doing so.
"The Republic has lost sight of the needs of the systems they were sworn to represent," Dooku explained. "That is why they have formed the Separatist movement. If the government will not give them the respect they deserve, they will form their own."
"I understand the reasoning," Qui Gon admitted. "But the Senate will not take your seceding lightly. Forcing Naboo to join like this could be seen as an act of war."
"Even if that were the case, I sincerely doubt the Senate will be able to come together enough to do anything. Which is part of the problem. Don't you tire of the endless quibbling and pontificating while innocents suffer?"
Qui Gon paused for a moment, stroking his beard in contemplation.
"Side with me, and we can institute a new order of Jedi. One not tied to dogmatic codes or political quibbles. You cannot tell me that does not sound enticing."
"No…" Qui Gon admitted. "If I were to work with you… would you consider leaving this planet in peace?"
Dooku paused for a moment, legitimately considering the option.
"That… could be arranged," Dooku conceded. "Though it would need to be discussed with my allies. Not to mention the Queen," Dooku got up from his seat. "Shall we go discuss the details?"
Qui Gon smiled in response.
-X-
At the same time, Panaka led Padme through the palace, trying to keep out of sight of the Battle Droids. The two made their way down a hallway toward a foyer. Panaka went toward the fireplace and placed a hand on a panel on the pillar. Suddenly, the fireplace rose up, revealing a secret passageway on the other side. Not wasting a moment, the two made their way down the passage, hoping they would be able to make their escape undeterred.
-X-
The passageway led to a series of catacombs underneath the palace. Neither said a word as Panaka led Padme through the tunnel.
"This way," he spoke, turning down a tunnel. "There's a passage close by that will put us just outside the palace."
"And then what do we do?" Padme wondered.
"Let us focus on getting you out of the city first," Panaka told her. "Then we can figure out our next move."
"I don't like this idea of running. I feel like I'm abandoning my mother. Not to mention my people."
"The Separatists will not hurt the Queen. They need her alive to legitimize their occupation here. And you cannot help your people if you are captured as well. Right now, whether you like it or not, escape is our only option."
Padme paused for a moment before turning back to Captain Panaka, steeling herself.
"Let's go."
Panaka nodded as they continued down the passageway.
-X-
In the city, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar made their way to some walkways above the city, trying to stay out of the way of any Battle Droid patrols.
"So where is your master?" Jar Jar asked, prompting Obi-Wan to shush him.
"Somewhere in the palace," Obi-Wan whispered. "I'd try to call him, but I can't risk the Separatists monitoring communications."
Obi-Wan looked out at the city, surprised to see a section of the ground opened up, allowing Padme and Panaka to climb out. Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at this, but his focus was then shifted to an approaching patrol of Battle Droids escorting some guards and handmaidens.
"Who are they?" Jar Jar wondered
"Not sure," Obi-Wan admitted, grabbing his lightsaber. "But they're about to be captured. Come on!"
Obi-Wan rushed along the walkway, prompting Jar Jar to chase after. Meanwhile, Padme and Panaka made it up onto the street. Panaka drew his blaster, relaying himself as he and Padme rounded a corner. Unfortunately, as they did, they came face to face with the Battle Droid group.
"Halt," the lead Battle droid ordered.
"Wait!" Padme called out, stepping forward.
Before anything else could happen, Obi-Wan had made his way around to where the two groups had converged. He leaped down and activated his lightsaber, cutting through the droids with ease. The droids then turned and opened fire on him, prompting him to use his lightsaber to deflect the blasts. Jar Jar dropped down as well, but a lot less gracefully than Obi-Wan had. As Obi-Wan cut down a droid, he quickly picked up a blaster before turning to Jar Jar.
"Jar Jar, catch!"
Jar Jar tried to catch the blaster but missed knocking it into the air. It fell to the ground, going off and firing a blaster shot which Jar Jar narrowly dodged. Panaka meanwhile opened fire on several droids, taking them out in rapid succession as he moved alongside Obi-Wan. As the two took down Battle Droids, one last droid activated its comm.
"All units, we have a situation in sector 4!" the droid reported. "Repeat, we have a-"
Before the droid could finish its report, Obi-Wan's lightsaber cut off its head, causing its pieces to fall to the ground as he deactivated his weapon.
"Is everyone alright?" Obi-Wan asked, turning to the group.
"Thanks in no small part to you," Panaka replied before turning to the guards. "Get their weapons."
The guards proceeded to arm themselves as Padme approached the Jedi.
"I trust you're one of the Jedi the Chancellor sent?" she surmised.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi, at your service," he introduced as Jar Jar approached. "This is my… associate, Jar Jar Binks."
"Hi," Jar Jar greeted, nervously waving his hand.
"I am Padme Amidala, Princess of the Naboo," Padme introduced.
"Your Highness. We'd best get off the streets before more Droids arrive."
Padme nodded as the ensemble made their way toward cover.
-X-
Back in the throne room, the Neimoidians continued their negotiations with Queen Amidala when a commander droid came bursting in.
"Sirs!" the droid called out. "We've just received word that a unit was attacked. Reports say a Jedi was involved."
"A Jedi?" Gunrey let out.
"Is there trouble, Viceroy?" Queen Amidala jeered, some of her confidence restored.
"I… uh…" Gurney stuttered before turning to the droid. "Lock down the palace! Block every exit! Nothing gets in or out!"
"Yes, sir," the commander droid replied.
The Nemoinians began to head out as well. Queen Amidala tried to follow, but her path was blocked by two Battle Droids.
"Forgive us, Your Highness," Gunrey told her. "But we believe it is in your best interest to remain where you are."
Queen Amadala narrowed her eyes in response.
-X-
Elsewhere, Dooku and Qui Gon walked down the halls conversing with each other about a great number of things.
"Do you recall some years ago when we were tasked to rescue Senator Dagonet's son?" Dooku asked.
"I do," Qui Gon confirmed. "When we came to the village, I remember being so surprised by the state it was in."
"As was I. Innocents starving, barely sustainable housing, impoverishment everywhere you looked. And there we were, Jedi Knights, guardians of peace and justice… ordered to dispense it on innocents at the senator's request."
Qui Gon turned toward Dooku at that. "Is that why you stepped away?"
"It's what opened my eyes. That the Republic, and the Jedi Order, could not be counted on to bring about true change. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands."
"That can be dangerous, Master. You could risk becoming the very evil you are so keen on defeating."
"Well then," Dooku spoke, stepping in front of Qui Gon. "it is fortunate I have a reliable friend as a conscience."
Qui Gon smiled in response. However, this was short-lived lived as Qui Gon felt something was off. He turned away as if he was searching for something. Dooku raised an eyebrow in response.
"Is something wrong?" Dooku inquired.
"I'm not sure. I felt a disturbance in the Force. As if… something evil had taken route here. But I don't know-"
Before the conversation could continue, several Battle Droids rounded the corner and spotted Qui Gon.
"It's a Jedi!" one declared.
"Blast him!" another ordered.
"Hold your fire!" Dooku demanded.
The Battle Droids failed to register his order as they opened fire. Qui Gon quickly drew his lightsaber and began deflecting the blaster shots with relative ease. He started moving forward, managing to deflect some of the shots back at the Droids. Suddenly, some of the shots that sailed past him suddenly came flying back. Qui Gon looked back to see Dooku had drawn his own blue lightsaber and was aiding him in fending off the Battle Droids. He stepped forward so he was fighting alongside his former pupil as the two deflected and redirected the Battle Droids' shots back at them. After a moment, the two reached the Battle Droids and sliced them down with ease, leaving none of them standing as a result.
"There were not supposed to be any Droids in this part of the Palace," Dooku noted, deactivating his lightsaber and putting it away.
"Patrols must be increased," Qui Gon reasoned. "Obi-Wan might be in trouble."
Dooku stroked his beard in response. "Then… you had best find him."
Qui Gon perked up at that.
"He needs you now more than I do," Dooku insisted. "Now go, before it is too late."
"Thank you," Qui Gon replied, heading toward a nearby window.
He opened it and prepared to leap out before pausing.
"I hope the next time we meet…" he turned toward him. "It will not be as enemies."
"That, my old friend, is for the Force to decide."
"... indeed."
With that, Qui Gon leaped out the window, with Dooku watching on, his face a mix of both pride and sadness.
"Farewell, my old friend," Dooku wished.
As he looked on, a figure cloaked in black stepped out of a nearby corner, watching on with its eyes narrowed in contempt.