An alarm was being given from somewhere close, and there was the sound of running. Qui-Gon glanced toward the street where the battle droids lay. 'Do you have transports?'
The Naboo captain nodded, quick to see what the Je-di intended. 'In the main hangar. This way.'
He led the little group to the end of the alleyway, where they crossed to other passageways and backstreets, encountering no one. They moved quickly and silently through the growing sound of alarms and the wicked buzz of STAPs. To their credit, the Naboo did not resist Qui-Gon's leadership nor question his appearance. With Panaka and his men newly armed, the Naboo Queen and her companions had a sense of being in control of their own destiny once more and seemed more than ready to take a chance on their rescuers.
It did not take them long to reach their destination. A series of connected buildings dominated one end of a broad causeway, each one domed and cavernous, the central structures warded by arched entrances and low, flat-walled outbuildings. Battle droids were stationed everywhere, weapons held at the ready, but Captain Panaka was able to find an unguarded approach down a narrow corridor between adjoining buildings.
At a side door to the main hangar, Panaka brought the group to a halt. After a quick glance over his shoulder for droids, he unlocked and nudged open the hangar door. With Qui-Gon Jinn pressed close, he peered inside. A handful of Naboo ships were grouped at the center of the hangar, sleek gleaming transports, their noses pointed toward a wide opening in the far wall. Battle droids guarded each, positioned across the entire floor of the hangar to cut off any unseen approach.
Panaka pointed to a long, low ship on the far side of the hangar with swept-back wings and powerful Headon-5 engines. 'The Queen's personal transport, ' he whispered to the Jedi Master.
Qui-Gon nodded. A J-type 327 Nubian. In the distance, the alarms continued to sound their steady wail. 'That one will do,' he said.
Panaka scanned the hangar interior. 'The battle droids. There are too many of them.'
The Jedi eased back from the door. 'That won't be a problem.' He faced the Queen. 'Your Highness. Under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us.'
The young woman shook her head, the feathers on her headdress rustling softly. Her white-painted face was calm and Iher gaze steady. 'Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is here with my people.'
'I don't think so,' Qui-Gon responded, locking eyes. 'The Trade Federation has other plans. They will kill you if you stay.'
Sio Bibble pushed to the Queen's side. 'They wouldn't dare!'
'They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal!' Captain Panaka pointed out. 'They can't afford to kill her!'
The Queen looked from face to face, the barest flicker of uncertainty showing in her eyes.
'The situation here is not what it seems,' Qui-Gon pressed. 'There is something else going on, Your Highness. There is no logic to the Federation's actions. My instincts tell me they will destroy you.'
A shadow of real alarm crossed Sio Bibble's face as the Jedi Master finished. His strong features melted slightly. 'Your Highness,' he said slowly. 'Perhaps you should reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to take our side in this matter. Senator Palpatine will need your help.'
Captain Panaka was having none of it. 'Getting past their blockade is impossible, Your Highness-even if we were to get off the planet! An escape attempt is too dangerous-' 'Your Highness, I will stay here and do what I can,' Sio Bibble interrupted, shaking his head at Panaka. 'They will have to retain the Council of Governors in order to maintain some semblance of order. But you must leave-'
Queen Amidala brought up her hand sharply to silence the debate. Turning from her governor and head of security and the Jedi as well, she looked suddenly to her handmaidens, who were pressed close about her. 'Either choice presents great risk to all of us...,' she said softly, looking from face to face.
Qui-Gon watched the exchange, puzzled. What was the Queen seeking?
The handmaidens glanced at one another, faces barely visible within the confines of red and gold hooded robes. All were silent.
Finally, one spoke. 'We are brave, Your Highness,' Padme said firmly.
Alarms continued to sound. 'If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now,' Qui-Gon urged.
Queen Amidala straightened and nodded. 'So be it. I will plead our case before the Senate.' She glanced at Sio Bibble. 'Be careful, Governor.'
She took the governor's hand briefly, then beckoned to three of her handmaidens. Those not chosen began to cry softly. Amidala embraced them and whispered words of encouragement. Captain Panaka selected two of the four guards to stay behind with the handmaidens and Sio Bibble.
The Jedi Knights moved through the side door and into the hangar, leading the way for Jar Jar and the Naboo. 'Stay close,' Qui-Gon admonished softly over his shoulder.
Captain Panaka moved next to him, dark face intense. 'We need a pilot/for the vessel.' He pointed to where a group of Naboo were being held captive in a corner of the hangar by a squad of battle droids. The insignia on their uniforms indicated a mix of guards, mechanics, and pilots. 'There.'
'I'll take care of it,' Obi-Wan declared, and veered toward the Naboo captives.
Qui-Gon and the rest continued on, striding boldly across the hangar floor, moving direcdy toward the Queen's vessel, ignoring the battle droids who moved to intercept them. Qui-Gon took note of the fact that the boarding ramp to the transport was lowered. More battle droids were closing on them, curious without yet being alarmed.
'Don't stop for anything,' he said to the Queen, and he reached beneath his cloak for the lightsaber.
They were barely twenty meters from the Queen's transport when the nearest of the battle droids challenged them. 'Where are you going?' it asked in its blank, metallic voice.
'Get out of the way,' Qui-Gon ordered. 'I am an ambassador for the supreme chancellor, and I am taking these people to Coruscant. '
