Oh, that’s what they meant. Anakin hesitated. “I don’t think so.”
“Be mindful of your feelings,” Mace Windu said.
“Your thoughts dwell on your mother,” the alien Ki-Adi-Mundi added.
“I miss her,” Anakin admitted.
“Afraid to lose her, I think,” Master Yoda said almost gleefully.
“What’s that got to do with anything?” Aren’t Jedi allowed to have mothers?
“Everything.” Master Yoda’s scratchy voice was emphatic. “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate…leads to suffering.”
“I am not afraid!” Anakin said angrily. Did they want him to fail?
Master Yoda thrust his head forward, studying Anakin. “A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. I sense much fear in you.”
Anakin took a deep breath. As he had done before, on Tatooine, he crushed his fear down inside him until it almost did not exist. Almost. Hoping that would be good enough, he raised his chin and said quietly, “I am not afraid.”
There was a long pause. Finally, Master Yoda half-closed his eyes and said, “Then continue, we will.”
But as Mace Windu picked up the view screen, Anakin could not help wondering whether he had just passed another one of the Jedi tests…or failed it.
As the sky darkened, the lights of Coruscant shimmered on. They made the city look beautiful, Amidala thought, but it was still a cold and artificial place. She had been standing at the window of Palpatine’s quarters for half an hour, and she hadn’t found a single patch of green. Coruscant is made of glass and metal. No wonder the Senate is more interested in playing political games than in helping my people.
Jar Jar Binks joined her by the window, but he seemed more interested in studying her face than in watching the city. “Yousa tinken yousa people ganna die?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” Amidala answered, feeling hollow. Only Jar Jar would be so blunt. But…I have done all I can do through negotiation and diplomacy. And it hasn’t been enough. My people will die if the Republic doesn’t send help soon.
“Gungans ganna get pasted too, eh?” Jar Jar said.
“I hope not.” But she sounded unconvincing, even to herself.
Jar Jar must have heard the desperation in her voice, because he said reassuringly, “Gungans no die’n without a fight. Wesa warriors! Wesa gotta grande army.” He gave Amidala a sidelong look and added, “Dat why you no liken us, metinks.”
Before she could reply, the far door flew open. Captain Panaka and Senator Palpatine hurried in and bowed. “Your Highness,” Captain Panaka said, “Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Senate!”
“A surprise, to be sure,” Palpatine said. “But a welcome one. I promise, Your Majesty, if I am elected, I will bring democracy back to the Republic. I will put an end to corruption.”
Why should I care about democracy and corruption in the Republic, when my people are dying? But she couldn’t say that. “Senator, I fear that by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, there will be nothing left of our cities, our people, our way of life.”
Palpatine looked grave. “I understand your concern. But the law is in their favor.”
Amidala turned away. “There is nothing more I can do here,” she said, half to herself. Coruscant was the Senator’s arena. I am Queen Amidala of Naboo; my place is with my people. It was time to return home.
“Captain Panaka!” she called. “Ready my ship.”
“Please, Your Majesty, stay here, where it is safe,” Palpatine said.
“No place is safe, if the Senate doesn’t condemn this invasion,” Amidala replied somberly, and Palpatine did not contradict her.
The members of the Jedi Council watched with grave expressions as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon joined Anakin in the center of the chamber. Obi-Wan wondered briefly whether they looked so solemn because Anakin had passed, or because he had failed; then Master Yoda raised his chin and said, “Correct you were, Qui-Gon.”
“The boy’s cells contain a very high concentration of midi-chlorians,” Mace Windu said.
Ki-Adi-Mundi nodded. “The Force is strong with him.”
“He’s to be trained, then,” Qui-Gon said with considerable satisfaction.
The Council members exchanged glances. “No,” said Master Windu. “He will not be trained. He is too old; there is already too much anger in him.”
I knew it, Obi-Wan thought. And if the Council will not train Anakin, there is nothing more Master Qui-Gon can do.
“He is the chosen one,” Qui-Gon insisted, resting his hands comfortingly on Anakin’s shoulders. “You must see it.”
Master Yoda shook his head. “Clouded, this boy’s future is. Masked by his youth.”
Qui-Gon took a deep breath. “I will train him then. I take Anakin as my Padawan learner.”
Stunned, Obi-Wan jerked his head to face Qui-Gon. Is this what he had in mind all along?
Master Yoda frowned. “An apprentice, you have, Qui-Gon. Impossible, to take on a second.”
“We forbid it,” Mace Windu said flatly.
“Obi-Wan is ready—” Qui-Gon turned to look at Obi-Wan.
He expects me to help him do this! Obi-Wan realized. He glared back at Qui-Gon. Well, if he’d rather be Anakin’s Master, let him! “I am ready to face the trials,” he said to the Council.
“Ready so early, are you?” Master Yoda said sarcastically. “What know you of ready?”
“He is headstrong,” Qui-Gon said. “And he has much to learn about the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he will learn from me.”
He means it, Obi-Wan thought. He really thinks I’m ready; it’s not just because of Anakin. But then why didn’t he warn me he was going to do this?
“Our own counsel will we keep on who is ready,” Master Yoda replied. “More to learn, he has.”
“Now is not the time for this,” Mace Windu broke in. “The Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor, and Queen Amidala has decided to return home. That will put pressure on the Trade Federation.”
“And could draw out the Queen’s attacker,” Master Yoda added.
“Go with the Queen to Naboo and discover the identity of this dark warrior,” Mace Windu commanded. “That is the clue we need to unravel this mystery of the Sith.”
Master Yoda nodded. “Young Skywalker’s fate will be decided later.”
Despite himself, Obi-Wan let out a breath of relief. Later wasn’t a decision that might make Qui-Gon defy the Council. Then he tensed again as Qui-Gon said, “I brought Anakin here. He must stay in my charge. He has nowhere else to go.”
“He is your ward, Qui-Gon,” Mace answered. “We will not dispute that.”
“Train him not,” Master Yoda said emphatically. “Take him with you, but train him not!”
“Protect the Queen, but do not intercede if it comes to war,” Mace Windu continued. “And may the Force be with you.”
Still numb from the decision of the Jedi Council, Anakin waited on the landing platform outside the Naboo royal starship. He had been so sure that he would be a Jedi…now what would he do? Tagging along after Qui-Gon would only remind him of everything he couldn’t have. At least I didn’t fail the tests, he thought. It’s only that I’m too old. But it was small comfort. And on top of everything, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were arguing—about him.
“The boy is dangerous,” Obi-Wan told Qui-Gon as they came onto the landing platform. “They all sense it. Why can’t you?”
“His fate is uncertain, not dangerous,” Qui-Gon replied with a touch of irritation. “The Council will decide Anakin’s future. That should be enough for you. Now, get on board.”
Reluctantly, Obi-Wan headed up the landing ramp. Anakin looked up as Qui-Gon came over to him. “Master Qui-Gon, sir, I don’t wish to be a problem.”
“You won’t be, Annie,” Qui-Gon assured him.
But I am already, Anakin t
hought sadly. That’s why you and Obi-Wan were arguing.
As if he sensed Anakin’s mood, Qui-Gon looked seriously down at him. “I’m not allowed to train you, so I want you to watch me and be mindful,” he said. “Always remember: Your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me, and you will be safe.”
Anakin nodded, thinking hard. Master Qui-Gon was not allowed to train him, but perhaps he was allowed to answer questions. “Master…Sir, I’ve been wondering,” Anakin said. “What are midi-chlorians?”
“Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life-form that resides within all living cells and communicates with the Force,” Qui-Gon answered readily.
“They live inside of me?”
“In your cells,” Qui-Gon said, smiling. “We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians.”
The unfamiliar word made Anakin frown. “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?”
“When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them,” Qui-Gon told him.
Anakin shook his head. “I don’t understand.”
Qui-Gon smiled. “With time and training, Annie…you will.”
But I’m not allowed to have any training, Anakin thought as he followed Qui-Gon into the spaceship. At least maybe I’ll see Padmé again. And maybe I can learn some more, if I can figure out the right questions to ask Qui-Gon. It wasn’t as good as being trained to be a Jedi, but it was something.
Outside the Naboo palace, night hid the droids that occupied the city of Theed, making everything look almost as usual. Inside the palace, the cool lights of the throne room made the marble floor gleam…except where the communications hologram stood. Nute Gunray looked at the hooded image and shivered. I’m just a little cold, he told himself.
“The Queen is on her way to you,” Darth Sidious said in his soft, precise voice. “I regret she is of no further use to us. When she gets there, destroy her.”
“Yes, my lord,” Nute said. Beside him, Rune Haako shifted uneasily. As soon as we’re done, he’ll probably lecture me again about how dangerous Darth Sidious is. But it was too late now to break with the Sith Lord. Far too late.
“Is the planet secure?” Sidious went on.
“Yes, my lord,” Nute answered, relieved to have good news. “We have taken over the last pockets of primitive life-forms. We are in complete control now.”
“Good,” Darth Sidious said. “I will see to it that things in the Senate stay as they are. I am sending Darth Maul to join you. He will deal with the Jedi.”
“Yes, my lord,” Nute repeated, swallowing hard. The temperature in the throne room really was much too cold; he’d have to have one of the repair droids look at the control system.
The hologram faded. When it was completely gone, Rune turned to stare at Nute. “A Sith Lord, here? With us?” he said in horror.
“The Naboo Queen is coming back,” Nute reminded him. “And the Jedi. Do you want to face them yourself?”
“Of course not! But—”
“The Sith Lord will take care of the Jedi,” Nute said. “All we have to do is capture the Queen.
“And destroy her.”
After consulting with Captain Panaka and her handmaiden-bodyguards, Amidala decided that she would become Padmé the handmaiden again as soon as the ship came within reach of the Trade Federation. Until then, she would keep her royal clothes and face paint. She spent most of the voyage back to Naboo in her chambers, thinking about her people, her planet, and the invasion.
None of her advisors believed that returning home was a good idea. Even Qui-Gon Jinn seemed puzzled by her decision. Yet it felt right, as deeply right as defying the Trade Federation in the first place—even though she did not know what she would do when they arrived. Merely sharing her people’s fate no longer seemed enough. But how could she fight the vast armies of droids that the Trade Federation possessed?
Armies…Jar Jar had spoken of armies. He seemed sure that his people would fight. Perhaps if the Humans of Naboo had cooperated more with the Gungans, the Trade Federation’s invasion would not have succeeded so quickly and easily. Perhaps even now, if they all cooperated…But that would mean starting a real war. The Trade Federation invaded us. Talking and diplomacy haven’t helped. Sometimes…sometimes you just have to fight back.
Gradually, an idea took shape in her mind. It would be risky, but Tatooine and the Podrace had taught her something about taking risks. As they neared Naboo, she called her advisors together to tell them her plan.
Captain Panaka had clearly been worrying. “I still don’t understand why you insisted on making this trip,” he complained. “The moment we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty.”
“I agree,” Qui-Gon said. He looked at Amidala. “I’m not sure what you hope to accomplish.”
Amidala took a deep breath. “I’m going to take back what’s ours.”
“There are only twelve of us, Your Highness,” Captain Panaka said gently. “We have no army.”
Qui-Gon smiled slightly, then shook his head. “And I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness. I can only protect you.”
“I know,” Amidala said. She looked over his shoulder, to where Jar Jar stood. “Jar Jar Binks!”
The Gungan looked around, as if he expected someone else to answer. “Mesa, Your Highness?”
“Yes,” said Amidala firmly. This was the part she had not dared mention to anyone else until now. The Gungans and the Humans had disliked and misunderstood each other for so long—but if she could persuade Jar Jar, then perhaps she could persuade the rest of his people as well. “I need your help,” she told him, and waited with bated breath for his reply.
Anakin spent most of the trip to Naboo in the cockpit with Ric Olié and Obi-Wan, asking questions about the controls. If I can’t be a Jedi, maybe I can be a pilot, he thought. Olié told him he was a natural, and even Obi-Wan seemed to approve. They actually let him take the copilot’s seat once, though there wasn’t much piloting to do while the ship was in hyperspace.
Everyone grew tense as they neared Naboo, but when they came out of hyperspace at last, no Trade Federation ships hung between them and the planet. “The blockade is gone!” Captain Panaka said in surprise.
“The war’s over,” Obi-Wan said. “No need for it now.”
“I have one battleship on my scope,” Ric Olié said.
Obi-Wan glanced over and nodded. “The Droid Control Ship.”
“They’ve probably spotted us,” Captain Panaka said, and his expression grew more worried.
“We haven’t much time,” Obi-Wan agreed, and the next thing Anakin knew, everyone was preparing to leave the ship. As they gathered in the main hold, waiting for the spacecraft to land, Anakin saw Padmé among the Queen’s handmaidens.
“Padmé!” he called joyfully, running over. I haven’t seen her since we got to Coruscant! “Where have you been?”
“Annie!” Padmé said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m with Qui-Gon,” Anakin said, and looked down. “But…they’re not going to let me be a Jedi. I’m too old.”
“This is going to be dangerous, Annie,” Padmé told him.
“Is it?” Anakin said. “I can help! Where are we going?”
“To war, I’m afraid,” Padmé said with a sigh. “The Queen has had to make the most difficult decision of her life. She doesn’t believe in fighting, Annie.” Her voice became pensive, and she added, almost to herself, “We are a peaceful people.…”
“I want to help,” Anakin assured her. He smiled. “I’m glad you’re back.”
The smile Padmé gave him in return was just a little preoccupied, but Anakin was so glad to see her that he didn’t care.
Ric Olié brought the Naboo Queen’s Royal Starsh
ip to a smooth landing in the Gungan swamp. As soon as they were down, Obi-Wan went looking for Qui-Gon. During the voyage, there had been some coldness between them because of the argument on Coruscant. Very likely they would soon be in the middle of a war. Obi-Wan wanted to talk to Qui-Gon while he had the chance.
He found Qui-Gon staring out over the Gungan lake, as if he were waiting for the Gungan bosses to emerge from the water at any moment. “Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan city, Master,” Obi-Wan told him a little uncertainly.
Qui-Gon nodded absently. “Good.”
“Do you think the Queen’s idea will work?”
“The Gungans will not be easily swayed,” Qui-Gon answered. “And we cannot use our power to help her.” He looked sternly at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan hesitated. He had many things he wanted to say: That he had come to know Anakin better during the voyage, that he had begun to see the boy’s potential, that he had been wrong to fear that Qui-Gon wanted to dismiss him. “I—I’m sorry for my behavior, Master,” he began. “It is not my place to disagree with you about the boy. And…I am grateful that you think I am ready for the trials.”
For a long moment, Qui-Gon looked at him. Then he smiled. “You have been a good apprentice,” he said warmly. “You are much wiser than I am, Obi-Wan. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight.”
“If I do, it will be because of what you have taught me,” Obi-Wan replied.
The surface of the lake bubbled briefly. Jar Jar emerged and came to join them; by the time he arrived, everyone else had gathered, too.
“Dare-sa nobody dare,” Jar Jar said. “All gone. Some kinda fight, I tink.”
“Do you think they have been taken to camps?” Captain Panaka asked.
“More likely they were wiped out,” Obi-Wan said. The Gungans’ primitive electropoles would be little help against the blasters of the Trade Federation’s droids.
“No,” Jar Jar said. “Mesa no tink so. Gungans hiden. When in trouble, go to sacred place. Mackineeks no find them dare.”
“Do you know where they are?” Qui-Gon asked.
Jar Jar nodded, and started off into the swamp. Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon, who shrugged and followed. I hope it’s not far, Obi-Wan thought. We haven’t much time before the Trade Federation droids come looking for us.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Page 9