Always in Motion is the Future I: A Star Wars AU Story

Chapter XI

The air aboard the Pride of Theed was tense with anticipation of the coming battle; Queen Amidala's guards and retinue had been informed of the alliance struck with Tarkin, and the prospect of armed conflict with the Trade Federation, pacifist ideals aside, seemed very appealing to those who knew how their homeworld and fellowmen suffered. As they ran checks on their blasters and personal shields, the Queen and her advisors, Jedi included, counselled on the approaching conflict.

Panaka was staunchly against the idea of jeopardizing the Queen's safety. "The second we land, the Federation will swarm us with its droids, arrest you and force you to sign the treaty."

"I assure you Captain," Amidala replied, "that will not happen."

"I have to agree with the Captain on this one," Quinlan said, "I don't see why we need to land on the surface if the ORSF is going to fight the droids."

"Because, Master Jedi, even if the ORSF can deploy a strong enough strike force, there would be massive casualties. That's why we need a distraction on the ground."

Quinlan couldn't help but scoff lightly. "And what distraction would that be, Your Highness? Your army is being held hostage, your people may very well be being used as human shields, and as Jedi, we can only defend you, and not your men or handmaidens. It would be slaughter."

Amidala gave the Kiffar Jedi a stern glare; though he wielded a great cosmic power and had significant prowess as a warrior and counselor, she was the authority of Naboo. She turned her gaze to Jar Jar, who had been called there only moments before the meeting had begun.

"Jar Jar Binks," she called. The meek Gungan looked up expectantly. "Yes, Yousa Highness?"

"I need your help." she instructed him. "You informed me on Coruscant that the Gungans do, in fact, have an army?"

Jar Jar, unaccustomed to being at the center of attention in such a way, fumbled for words before simply replying, "Yes."

"Could you persuade them to join with us? For the greater good of all sentients who live on Naboo, they must take up arms against the Federation. You could act as an emissary, as one of their own, to ally with us."

Jar Jar, tentatively replied. "Mesa very humbled by yousa trust, m'Lady, but, mesa not welcome dere anymore. Mesa banished. Bad citizen. De Bosses won't listen to mesa."

"They must," Amidala insisted. "Surely they must realize they are in danger?"

"Dey probably just hide in Otoh Gunga. Droids don't work underwater, so dey don't go down, we don't come up."

"That complicates things," Qui-Gon murmured. "But either way, the Queen is right. Any opportunity we have to save lives is a chance we have to take. We'll reach out to the Gungans once we land, but if we fail, it will come down to us and any local resistance leaders."

"So be it," the Queen sighed. "But by life or by death, we must ensure the Trade Federation does not succeed."

Her resolve staunchly set, her companions could only prepare for the battle to come.

Within the hour, the Pride emerged from hyperspace just without the gravity well of Naboo, hoping to avoid scanners. This proved to be unnecessary, as, much to the surprise of the crew and the pilot, there was only one Lucrehulk cruiser in orbit.

"The blockade's gone?!" Olie exclaimed in equal parts shock and surprise.

"In their overconfidence they deem the battle already won," Obi-Wan inferred. "But even if there is only one, they've probably picked us up on their scanners. We don't have much time."