Contacts the Jedi Counsel

Qui-Gon walked back to the bridge and slumped back down into the chair. He was glad that he was able to stop the invasion in time or everything that he had worked so hard for would have been ruined.

As Qui-Gon left the bridge and sat exhausted in the Viceroy's plush chair and activated Code 4 to Coruscant. The Jedi Counsel quickly appeared as small holograms on the table in front of him.

"Masters." Qui-Gon greeted them. "Peace is at hand. I believe a major invasion has been averted here."

"Believe an invasion was imminent you may." Master Yoda's hologram spoke. "But acted you have without the approval of the counsel."

"Master," Qui-Gon sat forward in his chair, "My apprentice and I were attacked, and our vessel destroyed with all hands aboard. The Neimoidians claim they did this at the behest of a Sith Lord." Master Qui-Gon." Senior Jedi Mace Windu addressed him. "You don't know the problems you have caused here on Coruscant."

"Problems?" Qui-Gon asked incredulously. "In the Senate?"

"Yes." Mace went on. "You have all but **** a settlement upon the Trade Federation at the point of your lightsaber. The Neimoidians have rallied unprecedented support in the Senate by showing images of you storming their bridge and holding them hostage."

"Hostage!" Qui-Gon exclaimed in anger. "They tried to **** my apprentice and I! They murdered Republic citizens and they have a droid army larger than any I've seen ready to-"

"Never the less," Yoda interrupted. "Great sentiment against the Jedi you have created. Even the senator from Naboo denounces your intervention."

"We've saved his planet from an invasion!" Qui-Gon protested. "Surely the senator must see that. If he is denouncing our actions then he has his own agenda and is not representing his planet's interests."

Qui-Gon paused then continued. "And what of the Sith? The fact that they were behind this proves-"

"Not substantiated the return of the Sith has been." Yoda explained calmly.

"All the Senate sees," Mace Windu continued. "Is that two Jedi have stepped in and **** a treaty upon the Trade Federation and the Naboo. Two Jedi have usurped the power of the Senate and the Courts to make the law. We've never seen so much anti-Jedi sentiment on such a scale before. I've been arguing on your behalf before the Senate all morning."

"Many of the Jedi," Yoda continued, "Recalled to the temple have been. Now need we solidarity, more than ever."

"Masters..." Qui-Gon spoke slowly, trying to contain his frustration. "I have acted for the good of the Naboo and believe I have prevented a Sith plot. I acted by following my conscience and the will of the ****. If I have exceeded my mandate, I tell you it was for the greater good."

"Greater good you say, Master Qui-Gon?" Yoda asked cryptically, "What greater good has come?"

"Return to Coruscant at once with your apprentice." Mace Windu ordered sternly. "We will discuss these matters in person."

"Masters, I tell you this: If I leave the Naboo system now and don't see this treaty through to its completion, the Neimoidians will invade and conquer this planet. I cannot return now. I cannot leave until peace has been assured here."

"No more action can you be permitted to take." Yoda pointed his finger at Qui-Gon's hologram as he spoke. "Already much damage done has been. Return to Coruscant, you must."

"Masters, with no third party to complete this mediation, the Naboo lose all their bargaining power. They will be at the mercy of the droid armies of the Trade Federation."

"Return to Coruscant." Mace Windu repeated. "That is all."

The transmission was cut abruptly. Qui-Gon stood from the Viceroy's chair in disgust. How could they be so blind?! How could they ignore his warnings of the Sith's return? And to leave Naboo now, at this most critical phase...it was madness.

Qui-Gon calmed himself, then stood and walked to the bridge, the doors sliding open to reveal Obi-Wan standing next to the ornately dressed Queen Amidala as the negotiations with the Viceroy dragged on. As Obi-Wan saw his master approach, he silently walked to his master's side.

"What did the counsel have to say, master?"

"Apparently," Qui-Gon said quietly, "Our actions have provoked a galactic controversy. The counsel orders us to return to the Coruscant immediately."

"What?!" Obi-Wan exclaimed, then lowered his voice as the Neimoidians looked over to him suspiciously. "If we leave now, the entire treaty will fall apart. The Federation will probably invade again."