Title: The Padawan & the Prince (Part 1/8)
Author: obi’s girl
Challenge: What if Padme Amidala switched roles with
Obi-wan Kenobi l; Obi-Wan was royalty and Padme was a
Padawan with Qui-Gon Jinn as her master. ~~ anime
fan’s idea ~~
Theme: Alternate Universe
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Drama
Disclaimer: All the characters from SW belong to the
almighty himself, George Lucas.
Part 1
My name is Padme Nebarrie, Jedi Padawan, apprenticed to the venerable Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. I’ve been his apprentice since I was 14. I’ll tell you the rest but I think I need to give you a little background about where I’m from first.
I was originally born on Naboo. My parents were Senators. They were both stationed on Coruscant, so I never even saw the planet they claimed I was born on. It was until my parents required assistance from the Jedi was I discovered. The Jedi Council dispatched my current Master, Qui-Gon Jinn along with his close friend, Mace Windu, then a new member of the Jedi Council.
When we fist met them, I was a shy girl, keeping to myself, wearing pretty skirts. Forgive me. My mother brought me up like that and to be honest, I hated her for it. I wanted to be wild, unconventional and....I guess that’s why Qui-Gon saw so much of himself in me. He saw a girl who had great potential, could take care of herself in any situation and had a flare for telling if a person was lying. When in politics, you’re taught to watch your opponents’ face.
But it wasn’t until my parents had a meeting with a couple Senators did I realize who was the assassin that was targeting them. I glanced at Qui-Gon. He saw my worry but didn’t say anything. I nodded no, but he only nodded to let it go. I had to think fast. So I stood up, shocking my parents. I glared at one of the Senators whom I knew was the assassin. We held each other’s glare for a long moment until he pulled his gun, aiming it at my parents.
Qui-Gon and Mace immediately stood up, igniting their sabres, as I stood behind them. The Senator saw he was outnumbered and handed the Jedi his weapon. I smiled at my parents, then back at Qui-Gon. After that, I assured my parents they would be fine, then went to see Qui-Gon and Mace. They both smiled at me.
“You knew it was him.” Qui-Gon stated.
I nodded yes. “His game face was all wrong. And way to forceful.”
Still, Qui-Gon persisted, glancing once at his friend. “You’re a special girl, Padme. Tell me, how old are you?”
“Twelve.”
Mace and Qui-Gon exchanged glances and smiled, “Padme...” Qui-Gon began.
But before he could continue, my parents’ called me. I shrugged and walked down the hall but stopped, turning to them again. I felt something happen at that moment. I wasn’t sure what it was and I wanted to ask them, but I had to go see what my parents’ wanted. I turned on my heel and continued down the corridor.
**
My parents wanted to thank me for saving them, as well as the Jedi for backing me up. I said it was nothing that any daughter or son would do the same thing but they wouldn’t have it. They had the Jedi over for dinner on their last night. I sat in silence, my thoughts in turmoil over what was happening to me. I knew something was off. In fact, ever since the Jedi arrived, I’ve felt that my senses have been heightened. I knew when things were about to happen. But most of all, I could hear bad thoughts that’s what scared me the most. All I could hear were evil thoughts.
Only, thankfully, there was no one evil at the table, so my head was at ease but my mind kept flashing back to earlier when Qui-Gon talked to me. Something happened. Something significant. I felt different, connected. I glanced up at him and he smiled and I immediately lowered my eyes, playing with my food.
“Seriously, thank you so much...” my mother ranted to Mace.
I didn’t even hear what was saying before that, I was so distracted and confused...then I felt it, no heard it. It was Qui-Gon’s voice. It totally shocked me, I almost fell out of my chair, but didn’t.
**<Padme, Padme.... >**
**<Master Jinn, what’s happening? What’s happened to me? I don’t feel the same...it scares me. > **
He smiled reassuringly but even that didn’t calm my nerves. **<Padme, our meeting wasn’t a coincidence. I sensed something about you when we first met. You were different. Fast, smart...Padme, when Mace and I return to Coruscant, I want you to come with us...to become a Jedi. > **
At that, I stood up, pushing my chair away clumsily. My parents stared at me as if I was crazy or something. I felt I was going crazy. Me a Jedi Padawan? Taken away from everything I ever loved...Well, not entirely true. I loved my parents but I hate politics. I quietly sat back down, staring at my plate, mentally calling myself ‘Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!’.
Qui-Gon heard my curses and continued, **<Sorry about surprising you like that, Padme. I wasn’t sure until this afternoon, but now I’m sure. >** He paused, **<Padme, we’re bonded. I can hear your thoughts and you can hear mine. > **
**<That’s what I felt after meeting with you. > **
**<Yes. And this only happens when a Master finds a Padawan they’re supposed to be with. > **
I blinked, **<Does that mean I’m going to be you’re Padawan? >**
He smiled yes. I gulped, glancing at my parents. I couldn’t leave them. I loved them so much and what if they needed me. Qui-Gon set my thoughts at ease. **<Padme, your parents will be well protected, I promise you. But this decision, whether you decide to stay or leave is your decision alone. > **
I looked at him and nodded, **<They’ll be protected, you promise? >**
**<Yes, I promise. > **
**<Then, I accept. > **
**
Unfortunately, telling my parents I was destined to be a Jedi wasn’t easy. My mother refused to let me go, but my dad supported me and I was grateful to him for that. My dad was all ready talking to Master Qui-Gon about taking care of me while I comforted my mother. I told her that I’d never forget her...then added, once I become a Jedi, I promised to send back all the dresses she made for me growing up. She laughed and told me, as it was what I truly wanted to do, she’d support me.
**
Ten years have passed since that date and Qui-Gon kept true to his word. My parents were protected. In fact, not too long after my training began, my parents retired from politics and settled down. As for me, I’m 22 years old and Qui-Gon, my Master still looks at me as though I’m still that 12 year-old-girl that saved my parents.
I always love Qui-Gon, as he was my own family. Because of that, I don’t think I could ever let him go.
**
It’s simply horrible. The Trade Federation as we’re told has blockaded Naboo and is forcing the planet’s ruler, Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi to sign a treaty. To settle the conflict, my Master and I were sent to Naboo to negotiate.
The ruler, this Prince, I’m told is 26 years old. He’s the newly elected sovereign on the system and the first male monarch of the planet. He’s probably nothing but a stuck-up spoiled boy, so I know I won’t like him.
**
“Captain.”
“Yes, sir?” the woman turned my Master briefly.
“Tell them we wish to board at once.” He said.
She nodded, activating the COM system. “Yes, sir.”
The Captain peered up at the screen, “With all due respect for the Trade Federation, the Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately.”
Nute Gungray, a Neimoidian trade viceroy answered her plea. “Yes, yes, of coarse...ahhh...as you know, our blockade is perfectly legal, and we'd be happy to receive the Ambassador...Happy to.”
Happy to? He was hiding something. I could feel it. I glanced at my Master. He saw my concern but only nodded to be patient. Patience was one virtue I had never quite learned, even with Qui-Gon as my Master.
**
On board, we were greeted by a silver droid, TC-14. The droid led us to a small to a conference room. After the droid left, we let down our hoods. My braided brown hair flowed around my shoulders. I glanced at my Master, frowning. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“I don't sense anything.” He simply said.
I nodded, “It's not about the mission, Master, it's something...elsewhere...elusive.”
He huffed, walking along to the window. “Don't center on your anxiety, Padme. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs.”
I followed his stride, “But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future...”
“.....But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, my young Padawan.”
I nodded, understanding his meaning. “Yes, Master...how do you think the trade viceroy will deal with the chancellor's demands?”
“These Federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be short.”
**
Indeed, my Master was right. It turns out the Neimoidians deceived us. Deadly gas was vented into the room but we escaped. However, on our way, we were confronted by some droids. My Master decided to was stand off so we ran for it, eventually landing in one of the docking bays. The Trade Federation had an entire army prepared to invade Naboo. They planned to attack, which meant the Prince and his people were in danger.
We stowed away on separate ships and met up again on the planet.
**
“...How could that be true? I have assurances from the Chancellor...his Ambassadors did arrive. It must be the...get...negotiate...” Senator Palpitine’s image mused. The hologram sputtered some before fading away.
“Senator Palpatine?!?” The Prince commanded before turning to Captain Panaka, his faithful and loyal guard, “ What's happening?”
Captain Panaka turned to his Sergeant, “ Check the transmission generators...”
“A malfunction?” Sio Bibble added, glancing at the Prince.
Panaka nodded, eyeing the Prince, “It could be the Federation jamming us. Your Highness.”
His highness glanced at Bibble again. Sio Bibble, one time governor of Naboo, became his closest advisor after his coronation and always trusted his judgment...especially now. The old man sighed, “A communications disruption can only mean one thing. Invasion.”
“Don't jump to conclusions, Governor. The Federation would not dare go that far.” The prince admonished.
“The Senate would revoke their trade franchise, and they'd be finished.” Panaka added.
Still, the Prince wasn’t persuaded. He hated war and since the people of Naboo were pacifists, their armies were not very grand. In fact, the palace guard consisted of volunteers Captain Panaka trained. If they did go to war, those selected volunteers would not be enough to defend Naboo and his highness. “We must continue to rely on negotiation.”
“Negotiation? We've lost all communications...and where are the Chancellors Ambassadors? How can we negotiate? We must prepare to defend ourselves.” Bibble stated matter-of-factly.
Panaka moved closer to his highness’ desk. “This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness. Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army.”
He only sighed, a blank look in his eyes and gulped, “I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war.”
**
My Master and I were able to meet up with each in the swamps. It was risky but we made it. However, it was not without a price. The water fried the power cell in my lightsabre and Theed was miles away from the forest. The invasion army could be there all ready and we would be too late to safeguard the Prince. My Master huffed, eyeing the terrain. He was thinking – I could tell.
“Master?”
He turned to me, scowling but managed a peaceful grin, “Don’t worry, Padawan. We’ll find a way to get to Theed,” then added, “We shall be patient. We can’t help the Prince by loosing our cool.”
**
As the Prince watched helplessly from a window in the palace, a transport carrying Nute and Rune landed in Theed Plaza. The invasion had all ready started. People were scurried off in-groups towards camps, headed by a droids. He nodded, turning. Captain Panaka nodded.
“Your highness, they’re here. It’s time.”
The Prince frowned, looking one last time on Theed then back at Panaka. Captain Panaka, the head of the Royal Guard was loyal to the Prince and would stand with him until the very end, if it ever came to that. But for the time being, they could not fight their captors. It was too dangerous...for him and his people. They had to wait and pray help came as soon as possible.
**
We made it to Theed, however a bit late. The Federation had all ready captured the Prince and his guard. They were walking down the steps of Theed, directed by five or eight droids. My Master and I looked briefly at each other before pulling out our lightsabres. We waited for them until they reached us before jumping out, surprising the droids. The Prince held back his men, allowing us to fight off the droids. After the droids are taken care of, my Master stood tall, directing the Prince and his guard down an alley.
“Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor.” My Master stated.
Sio Bibble, the governor of Naboo, glaring at my Master, “ Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador.”
My Master nodded, looking back at Bibble, “ The negotiations never took place. Your Highness, we must make contact with the republic. “
Captain Panaka stepped forward, next to the Prince. “They've knocked out all our communications.”
“Do you have transports?”
Panaka nodded, “In the main hanger. This way.”
Alarms sounded as we crept towards the main hanger. Captain Panaka stood off the side, cracking open a side door to the central hanger. Qui-Gon looked over his shoulder at me as I directed the rest of the group behind us. I turned, noticing several Naboo spacecraft guarded by about fifty battle droids. I gulped, hearing alarms in the distance. Captain Panaka nodded, analyzing the situation. “There are too many of them.”
My Master nodded, “That won't be a problem.” He turned to the Prince, continuing, “Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us.”
The Prince, to me, looked to be about in his late twenties. Brown hair, slightly blonde and piercing blue eyes. There was no disputing he was handsome but now was the time to begin an infatuation with some one higher than me.
He nodded, “Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is here with my people.”
“They will kill you if you stay.” Qui-Gon reasoned.
Bibble nodded furiously, “They wouldn't dare.”
“They need him to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill him.” Panaka added.
My Master didn’t buy it. He felt something was going on but what? I eyed him cautiously, glancing once at the Prince. “The situation here is not what it seems. There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you.”
“Please, Your Highness, reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us... Senator Palpatine will need your help.” Bibble added.
Panaka held his gun high, nodding to the Prince. “Getting past their blockade is impossible, Your Highness. Any attempt to escape will be dangerous.”
Still, Bibble persisted, “Your Highness, I will stay here and do what I can...They will have to retain the Council of Governors in order to maintain control. But you must leave... “
His Highness turned, looking at me. Our eyes met briefly and he nodded, looking back at my Master. “Either choice presents a great risk...to all of us...”
“If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now.” Qui-Gon added, glancing at me.
He huffed silently, turning to Bibble, “Then, I will plead our case before the Senate. Be careful, Governor.”
The door to the main hanger opened as we head for a sleek chrome spacecraft. Sio Bibble and three of Panaka’s guards remained behind, watching us leave. Panaka gestured to the captured pilots. “We need to free those pilots.”
“I'll take care of that.” I mused, walking over towards the pilots while my Master and the rest of the group confronted some droids, guarding an Naboo spacecraft.
“Where are you going?” the droid asked, holding his blaster close.
My Master stood tall, eyes narrowing on the droid, “I'm Ambassador for the Supreme Chancellor, and I'm taking those people to Coruscant.”
The droid looked confused for a moment before, drew his weapon, “You're under arrest!”
But before any of them could fire, my Master cut them down. Other guards ran to their aid. I attacked the guards around the pilots, setting them free. My Master stood, fighting off droids as the Prince rushed on board the spacecraft. The freed pilots, including Ric Olie, guards and ground crew members followed the Prince’s step. The other guards rushed towards Governor Bibble. After everyone made it onto the ship, my Master jumped on board as alarms filled the hallways of the ship. More droids rushed into the hanger and fired as the ship took off.
**
Thankfully, we made is past the blockade but not without having one our engines knocked out from the fight. I searched through the various star systems and planets until coming upon Tatoonie. I nodded, “Here Master, Tatoonie. It’s sparsely populated and out of the way.”
Panaka turned around abruptly, “You can’t take his highness there. The Hutts control it. If the Hutts discover him...”
“It would be no different if we landed on a planet controlled by the Federation, except the Hutts aren’t looking for him which gives us the advantage.” My Master reasoned.
**
R2-D2. That was the name of the droid that saved us. He’s an astronomic droid and apparently very useful. If it wasn’t for him, we never would have made it past the blockade and we would be forced to surrender the Prince to the Federation. I glanced at my Master as Panaka explained R2’s importance to the Prince. He nodded, rubbing his chin.
“An extremely well put together droid, your highness. Without him, we probably would have never made it.” Panaka concluded.
The Prince smiled. It lighted up his blue eyes, bringing light to his usual harsh exterior. “It is to be commended.” He paused before calling one of the guards, “Clean him up. He deserves our gratitude.” He looked up to Panaka, nodding, “Continue captain.”
Panaka glanced at my Master as he stepped forward. My Master buried his arms in his cloak, confronting the Prince. “With your permission, your highness, we are heading for a remote planet in the Outer Rim, Tatoonie.”
Once again, he glanced at me, then back at my Master before replying, “Master Jedi, we aren’t in any serious danger, are we?”
My Master shrugged, “I don’t know, but you must trust my judgment, your highness.”
**
I needed to relax after all that happened, with the fight and escaping the Federation. After our meeting with the Prince, I asked my Master if I could unwind a little bit doing some meditation. He nodded all right, walking down the opposite hall as I started down the other way.
“Padawan...”
I turned around, expecting to hear something else from my Master but it was the Prince. He smiled, walking up to me. I abruptly lowered my eyes in regard but he nodded no, lifting up my chin. “Your Highness.” I whispered.
“I’m sorry. I know you saw my glances at you from time to time...I was wandering, how old are you Padawan?”
Was he flirting with me? I could have been wrong. He could be just curious because I was so petite, but I didn’t feel that from him. “22, your highness.” I replied, “Why is that important?”
He nodded, “Well, I’m about 25 and I was wandering...I heard you wanted to relax. Would you care to join me for some tea?”
I was about to say I needed to do some katas to relax, but I smiled instead like a little girl. This is crazy. I don’t know anything about him except that he’s royalty and I’m a Jedi Padawan. What would he see in me? Even if this was the start of a romance, what could it lead to? Nothing. We had our stations. All we really had was the ship and the mission but after that, if we got through it, we would never see each other again. And he’s a Prince. He probably charms any pretty girl that catches his attention. I’m nothing, only a devoted Padawan and shy girl.
“Thank you, your highness. I accept.”
He smiled, showing me back inside the room.
**
Surprisingly, the Prince wasn’t as bad as I thought him to be. He possessed dry humor, knowledge...nothing I expected. And really sweet. During the entire time, he didn’t say anything obscene or nasty, but smile and laugh in all the right places. It was perfect. He was perfect. I almost forgot he was even royal and I was a Padawan. I smiled, glancing at the chrono. I stood up abruptly, nodding.
“I’m sorry, your Highness, but I have to go. My Master said he’d check on my exercises to see I was getting anywhere. If he doesn’t see me he’ll think I deliberately lied to him and I’ll be in big trouble.”
He shrugged, “I’ll say you were with me, keeping me company which is the truth.”
I nodded, “I know...but...” Sudennly, he stepped forward, pulled me into his arms and kissed me. My Jedi senses didn’t even warn me. He caught me totally off guard – something that’s never happened to me before. He backed off, staring at me. My eyes fluttered open as my arms locked his, flipping him onto the ground. He looked confused as I knelt down over him, straddling his legs so he couldn’t move. We stared at each other for awhile until I bent down, kissing him back harder than before.
Of course, it was just pure luck my Master happened by the throne room. His eyes narrowed, bracing his hands on his waist, glaring at us. “Padawan!” he shouted. I froze, looking up at my Master and smiled.
“Master, hi. How long have you been there?”
He nodded, walking forward, pulling me off the Prince only he just sat up. “I’m sorry, Master Jedi. It wasn’t your Padawan’s fault. It was mine. I initiated the kiss; not her – though she did flip me over on my back.” He smiled, glancing at me, “You have some really strong muscles for a girl.”
I smiled at the compliment but frowned once I saw my Master’s glare. “Master, I was going to do some exercises but the Prince called me back, asking if I would have tea with him. It would have been rude of me if I refused.”
My Master shrugged, massaging his forehead then nodded to me. I turned to the Prince before following my Master out. Once the doors closed, I attempted to explain myself but he hushed me, smiling. “You flipped him onto the floor?”
“Well...I...you know I don’t like being caught off guard.” I partly smiled before nodding, “Wait a minute, shouldn’t I be punished or something?”
“No.” My Master replied, walking off. I nodded in disbelief, following him.
>>TBC