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Chapter Four
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Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Newest Part
"Your Majesty," began the Captain of the Royal Guard. "Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The Queen was seated in a finely-crafted chair at the head of a large, ornate table. The room was large, and airy; it reminded Obi-Wan of Classical Alderaanian architecture with its tall windows and graceful arching roof. The Queen was quite striking, a beautiful young woman in an elaborate red dress and equally elaborate hairstyle that was held in place with minaashi pins. She had the force of presence Obi-Wan normally associated with Jedi Knights. Her handmaidens, sylph-like young women in orange and red hooded robes, attended the Queen in silence. From the cursory but thorough glances each of the young women gave him, combined with their poise, Obi-Wan would have bet the women also acted as bodyguards. A further realization struck him suddenly - the young woman who had led the squad that had found the wandering Jedi had probably been among these women.
"Master Qui-Gon, Jedi Kenobi," the Queen began, indicating the man on her right. "This is my advisor, Sio Bibble, Governor of this region of Naboo. Please, be seated. May I offer you refreshment?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon said, having a seat to the Queen's left. Obi-Wan sat to his left, and both Jedi accepted a fine crystal glass of water.
"I have heard the reports from Captain Horrik that your vessel was attacked by pirates in the outer regions of our system," she said. "He also indicated that no pirate fleet was likely to have the... weapon that the pirates used to bring your vessel out of hyperspace."
"That would seem to be correct, Your Majesty. The weapon, as you call it, was of a type unfamiliar to me. But considering its capabilities, I find it unlikely that even the best-funded gang of pirates would be able to afford such a device."
"We have reviewed the sensor readings gathered by the Pax Corusca, which Captain Horrik was good enough to upload to Lieutenant Typho's fighter before the Pax was destroyed," said Panaka, the Queen's Captain. "It seemed to be somehow projecting a disproportionate gravity shadow that interfered with your vessel's ability to navigate hyperspace. Our scientists say that this is theoretically possible, and have demonstrated how an inertial dampening system could be used to create a similar, although much smaller, effect."
"That thought had crossed my mind," said Qui-Gon. "But the energy reserves necessary to project such an overwhelming field of gravity would be prodigious. Were they somehow focusing the gravity of the nearby gas giant?"
"We've looked into that," said the Captain. "But our scientists were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for how this might be done. They say that there is nothing in the literature to support such a technology."
"You believe that the Trade Federation might have the resources to develop such a superweapon, then?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I can't think who else might, except of course the Republic itself," said Panaka.
"I do not believe that the Republic holds such a weapon in its reserves, Captain," Qui-Gon said.
"The Republic has no standing military, Captain," Obi-Wan said. "There are of course planetary militias and defense forces, like your own, but if a planetary government has developed such a weapon, I have not heard of it."
"Neither of you has stated that the Federation lacks the resources for such a weapon," said Bibble.
"I have not," said Qui-Gon.
"It has been our understanding that, when the Federation's forces opened fire on the Pax and her escorts," said the Queen. "That you were both aboard the bridge?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," said Qui-Gon.
"Did you see the start of the confrontation?" she asked him.
"I did," he said.
"Federation vessels initiated hostilities, is that correct?" Panaka asked.
"That is my recollection, yes," said Qui-Gon.
"This matter may come before the Senate sometime soon. Will your allegiance to the Jedi Council interfere with your ability to testify to that effect?" the Captain asked.
"As need arises, I will do what I may to mitigate any problems this issue creates for you," Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan reflected that, for one who disliked politics so intensely, Qui-Gon could certainly speak the language of politics.
Panaka let the non-answer pass, as did the others in the room.
"Master Qui-Gon," Amidala said. "My people are presented with a naked threat by the Trade Federation. It is my understanding that you were sent to investigate this matter."
"This is true, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon said.
"Is there anything you need from us to investigate this matter to your satisfaction?" she asked.
"I should like to review all the sensor records of the attacks, of course," he said.
"Of course. Any assistance we may render is yours for the asking. Now, Master Qui-Gon, may I ask you a frank question?" the Queen responded.
"You may, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon said.
"What have we done to offend you? Particularly your apprentice?"
Obi-Wan would have been amused by his Master's mild surprise at the Queen's question, if it didn't surprise him as well. "You are very perceptive, Your Majesty," he blurted.
"Thank you, Jedi Kenobi," she said, and favored him with a slight smile that had nothing to do with her eyes. "Now, if you please, answer the question."
"Your Majesty," Qui-Gon asked, and Obi-Wan could feel him expanding his awareness in the Force, "Are you aware that slaves are taken from this planet?"
The shocked, dead silence from the Queen was a satisfactory answer.
"Slaves?" she choked out, and Obi-Wan was startled to hear the voice not of the self-assured head of state, but of a young woman in shock. "On Naboo?"
"I am sorry to have put things so bluntly, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon said, and there was a note of sorrow in his voice. The young Queen had a strong presence in the Force, and her grief was an almost physical presence. "We were too far away to help, and this has clouded the judgment of not only my assistant, but also myself."
"The Gungans," she said, reaching a hand to Bibble. He took it in his and patted it gently. His downcast eyes, like those of his Queen, were brimming with tears. When she looked away from the old man, her eyes were full of steel, and her voice was cold and hard. "Did you see who was doing this?"
