Title: Sound Advice
Author: Jilly Harris
Author's Notes: This is a sequel to a couple prequels
that I need to write, with sequels to follow this one.
Disclaimer: None the of the characters associated with
Star Wars belong to me. They belong to George Lucas, Lucas Films, and LucasArts.
No
copyright infringements intended.
Qui-Gon Jinn raised his head from the schematics of the
battle. Amidala had dismissed the briefing moments before. Captain Panaka
and Qui-Gon had
held back to go over things once again. A disturbance
in the force ran through him. It was faint, as if the source of the disturbance
was trying to hide
it. His gaze trailed to that of his Padawan, Obi-Wan
Kenobi. Qui-Gon realized that since Padme's revelation of her true identity,
Obi-Wan had been
overly silent. As if her deception bothered him. He looked
to where the queen was standing off on her own. She too spoke only when
necessary since
she revealed who she was. Even her handmaidens remained
distant from her, obviously respecting her need for solace.
"You seem troubled your highness," Qui-Gon said as he approached Amidala.
Amidala looked up at him and gave him a sad smile. "I fear that my deception has cost me a deep friendship," she said.
"Could you elaborate your highness?" Qui-Gon said crossing his arms over his chest.
Amidala sighed heavily. When she looked up at the Jedi
Master he no longer saw the calm exterior of the queen. Instead he saw
the innocent and
sad features of Padme. "On our journey to Coruscant once
we left Tatooine, I came upon Obi-Wan in meditation while in the throne
room. I wondered
if he was all right, so I walked in," she said.
Qui-Gon tilted his head regarding her. "Was he?" he asked.
Amidala nodded. "He was fine. He merely was trying to
focus his mind. I started to leave, than noticed the look on his face.
It was almost as if he
needed someone to talk to. About what I am not sure,"
she said. "But I stayed, and we talked. We never talked about one thing.
Our conversation
jumped from one thing to the next."
Qui-Gon smiled gently. "You became close with him?" he asked.
Amidala nodded. "Yes I did. He even felt the minimum amount
of telepathic ability I have. I've always known I was not strong enough
in the Force to
be a Jedi, but telepathy and intuition have been a power
on my side. I rarely get the chance to use them," she said. "During the
course of our
conversation, we linked to one another telepathically
without realization. It certainly helped though at times when we reached
certain aspects of our
conversations. I would know when he was holding something
back, and he would then know if I was. To be honest I was amazed he never
figured
out I was the queen."
Qui-Gon nodded in understanding. "And this is why you feel you have lost his friendship?" he asked.
Amidala bowed her head with a sigh. "I had to keep my
identity a secret. At least until it was necessary for me to reveal myself,"
she said. She looked
up at Qui-Gon. "I wanted to reveal who I was to him,
but duty did not allow me to do so, and I fear because of it, he's lost
to me forever."
Qui-Gon's eyebrow rose ever so slightly. "His friendship means that much to you?" he questioned.
Amidala turned completely to look up at him. "Yes it does. What do I do to correct my mistakes Master Jedi?" she asked.
Qui-Gon watched Amidala quietly. He smiled a bit at her.
"One thing I have learned since Obi-Wan has been my Padawan learner is
that he is
stubborn, but you must go to him. After this battle,
I will no longer be apart of your life, Obi-Wan shall. I foresee it. When
you have troubles, turn to
him for guidance, for assistance, but ultimately turn
to him for friendship and solace, he will be there for you," he said.
Amidala frowned at him, tilting her head. "Do you foresee your death?" she asked.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "I am uncertain. But I do know
that my influence in your life, and in Obi-Wan's will no longer be after
this event. What the
outcome will be I do not know, except for that," he said.
Amidala was confused, and it showed on her face. "I do
not wish to see your death Qui-Gon. You have been a valuable asset to me
and my people,"
she said. "I apologize for saying you were reckless on
Tatooine."
Qui-Gon waved his hand, dismissing it. "You had every
right your highness. Obi-Wan accuses me of the very same thing at times.
I am reckless, but I
do what I must to get things done. Obi-Wan has the same
determination as myself, though he tends to toe the line of the Jedi Code
more then I do.
It is something he will learn to overcome I think. It
is not always a bad thing to be reckless. Taking chances at times proves
to be effective," he said.
Amidala smiled. "I still apologize. I should have trusted that you knew what you were doing," she said.
Qui-Gon stifled a chuckle. "We all do what we must, and
speak up when we must when we think others are wrong. I admit though, I
should have
sensed then who you truly where. Your royal air was strong
that day as you spoke with me. Perhaps I was blinded by your deception.
You hide
secrets well your majesty," he said.
Amidala smiled. She looked down at her feet and then her
head rose. Her eyes drifted to where Obi-Wan was gazing out over Naboo's
lush green
lands. "Perhaps I should go to him and try to mend my
errors?" she suggested.
Qui-Gon looked at his Padawan learner and nodded. "Do
not let his aloofness bother you your highness. He will understand your
reasons for your
deception. But for now he is focusing his attentions
on the mission ahead. Including protecting you," Qui-Gon said.
Amidala raised her head, her eyes looking into Qui-Gon's. "Protecting me?" she asked.
Qui-Gon nodded. "For all that he projects in his stance
and silence, his main concern is your safety. I can sense that in him.
I do suggest you talk to
him and explain your deception a bit more, but I can
sense that he does truly understand and has already forgiven you," he replied.
Amidala smiled gently. "Thank you Master Qui-Gon," she said.
Qui-Gon smiled and gently touched her shoulder in a paternal
way. "You are very welcome Padme," he said. Amidala began to walk away,
heading for
Obi-Wan.
"May the Force be with you your highness," Qui-Gon called after her.
Amidala turned and smiled again. "And with you Master
Jedi," she returned. Qui-Gon watched her turn around again and walked over
to Obi-Wan. He
stood there a moment, watching the couple before turning
around and returning to Panaka's side.