Gonk Force

Episode VIII

Gonk and Obi-Wan were guided into an open room where another of the long-necked aliens was waiting for them. The Prime Minister was introduced as Lama Su and a chair was brought down from the ceiling for Obi-Wan.

Cautiously the Jedi sat and parted his wet robes. Gonk thought his wet hair looked rather funny and couldn't wait to see what Gonk's own Master was looking like after spending so much time in the rain.

There was no chair brought for Gonk, so Gonk simply stood by the side and did Gonk's best to act like a non-Jedi droid. Since no one had taken notice of Gonk's robes, Jedi boots, or lightsaber, Gonk thought Gonk was doing rather well so far.

"You make me feel most welcome," Obi-Wan said politely. Gonk wondered if Lama Su noticed how baffled Obi-Wan looked or if the Prime Minister believed Obi-Wan had a natural resting face that looked confused.

"You will be delighted to hear we are on schedule," Lama Su said. "Two hundred thousand units are ready, with another million well on their way."

Obi-Wan glanced at Gonk for a second, then back to Lama. "That's good news."

"Please tell Master Sifo-Dyas that we have every confidence his order will be met on time and in full."

"I'm sorry, Master who?" Obi-Wan seemed very confused now, Gonk though. Gonk wanted to try and help him out, but that would break Gonk's cover.

"Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. He's still a leading member of the Jedi Council, is he not?"

Gonk had never heard of such a Jedi Master. Gonk couldn't help but bounce from one foot to another nervously. Gonk still had a bad feeling about this.

"Oh, yes. Sifo-Dyas," Obi-Wan said as if he knew what was going on. Gonk thought him to be rather convincing now he was getting used to speaking with the strangers.

Lama Su stood from his chair. "You must be anxious to inspect the units for yourself."

"That's why I'm here," Obi-Wan said with a smile as he rose.

Lama Su and Taun We started down another hallway, but Obi-Wan stopped to speak with Gonk.

"Find Qui-Gon and see what he is doing. I don't want him upsetting the locals. I've got things under control," he whispered, tucking his hands into the wet sleeves of his robes.

"Gonk," Gonk agreed. It wouldn't be good if Qui-Gon wandered in and started talking with these strangers. Gonk knew Qui-Gon wouldn't act along as Obi-Wan and Gonk had.

Obi-Wan moved to follow the tall strangers and Gonk scuttled back along the white corridor, flipped up Gonk's hood using the Force, and hurried over to Master Qui-Gon where he sat very wet by their ship.

"I sense Anakin is in danger," Qui-Gon said. He moved to get into his ship as if to chase after Anakin but Gonk moved in to stop him.

"Gonk!" Gonk said.

"Whatever his secret mission is, it isn't more important than Annie's well being. I will find him, and I will save him." Qui-Gon smiled. "As you save me, my little padawan."

"Gonk."

"I won't mess up his mission."

"Gonk."

"I'm not sure I follow. Obi-Wan seems to have things under control here. He is capable of looking after himself."

"Gonk."

"Yes, Annie is also capable. But I fear what I felt may mean something terrible is happening to him. Obi-Was is occupied by his mission and will not step away. I must find Annie."

"Gonk. Gonk," Gonk pressed. Gonk knew Anakin might get offended if Qui-Gon was to turn up as if Anakin was unable of taking care of his secret mission himself. "Gonk."

Qui-Gon paused for a moment. "You're right. Anakin wouldn't mind if you found him. He wouldn't think anyone was checking up on him doing his job well if you went."

"Gonk." 

"We will find him," Qui-Gon said, "and you will help him. I will keep out of it and head back to Coruscant to speak with the Council."

"Gonk," Gonk agreed as he was lifted once more aboard the Jedi starship.