decided to follow the Gungan named Jar Jar Binks to the Gunga City hidden underwater in a swamp in Naboo, they definitely weren't expecting to be put on the spot like this, in front of their leader, no less.

As soon as they stepped foot in the Gunga City, Jar Jar Binks was arrested and quickly restrained by placing cuffs onto his wrists. The three humans were then presented to their leader, Boss Nass, as they were summoned by the Gungan himself.

Layna's dark eyes flickered around the room, taking in the peculiar structure of the walls and marveling at the sight of the fish swimming outside as they could be seen clearly from inside the room. This was her first time visiting an underwater city, and the young girl definitely didn't mind living in one after all, even if it is located in a swamp. She was so fascinated by the city that Obi-Wan had to capture her attention by placing his hand on her shoulder to snap her out of her little daze.

The Gungan seated in the middle of the five clicked his tongue, gazing upon the three humans standing in front of their council. It didn't take a genius to figure out that this was in fact Boss Nass, the leader of the city of Gunga. "Yousa cannot bees hair! Dis army of mackineeks up dare tis new weesong!"

Layna's eyebrows met in confusion, as Jar Jar's native tongue wasn't exactly that easy to understand if you weren't used to hearing it. And seeing as this is the girl's first time in Naboo, and her first time meeting a Gungan, she had slight difficulty translating the words of the Gungan leader. Thankfully, she wasn't the one who was supposed to speak as she was only an apprentice, a much lower rank of the Jedi Master present.

"A droid army is about to attack the Naboo, we must warn them." Layna turned to the Gungan again, watching as Boss Nass leaned out of his throne.

"Wesa no like the Naboo! The Naboo think they so smarty, day tink day brains so big!" Boss Nass replied, dismissing Master Qui-Gon's statement. The young girl did not know anything about Naboo history and culture, so she decided to just stay quiet the entire time, as she was afraid she might may something incorrect and jeopardize this mission.

The male Padawan left his place beside Layna, taking a few steps forward as he began to speak. "Once those droids take control of the surface, they will take control of you."

Layna nodded in agreement, but the Gungan leader didn't share the girl's opinion. "Mesa no tink so. Dey not know of uss-en."

Obi-Wan furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing the Gungan's reply, and he quickly voiced out a thought. "You and the Naboo form a symbiont circle. What happens to one of you will affect the other. You must understand this."

"Wesa no caren about the Naboo!"

Layna stepped towards the older men, her dark gaze fixated on the Gungan seated high up on his throne. She wasn't going to try and convince a Gungan to start caring about the Naboo, this wasn't part of their - Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's - mission. They only needed to negotiate with the Trade Federation to settle the dispute and bring balance to the Force once again. And she, of all people, knew that time is of the essence and the droids could be taking over Naboo right this moment. They needed to hurry. She waved her hand, just as her Master taught her and used the infamous Jedi mind trick on the Gungan leader. "Then speed us on our way."

"Wesa ganna speeds yous away." Boss Nass repeated, obviously under the influence of the mind trick, but only the three humans were aware of this.

Layna cracked a small smile of triumph upon seeing her succeed in using the mind trick, as this was her first time actually using it outside of training with her Master. She waved her hand again, and continued, "We also might need a transport."

Boss Nass nodded, his blubbery cheeks moving as he did so. "Wesa give yousa una bongo. Da speedest way tooda Naboo tis goen through da core." Layna turned her head to the Jedi Master, hoping she translated the language right but there was a word she did not quite understand. Bongo. "Now go."

Qui-Gon placed his hand on the tiny girl's head, a gesture of appreciation and praise. This caused the little girl to smile, and the Master could practically feel the giddiness radiating off of the Padawan. "Thank you for your help, we leave in peace." All three of the humans bowed in respect to the leader, and they turned to take their leave.

Obi-Wan positioned himself beside his Master, leaning closer to whisper a question he has been meaning to ask since Boss Mass spoke of it. "Master, what's a bongo?"

The young Hale nodded, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked alongside the two men, with Obi-Wan in between her and Master Qui-Gon. "Yeah, Master. Is that some sort of underwater speeder?"

"Hopefully." The forty year old replied, and his eyes locked on the Gungan being chained to the side. He stopped, which caused the two Padawan to stop as well, pausing to look at Jar Jar being restrained by the guards.

Layna may have somewhat disliked the Gungan, but she still felt pity for the poor creature. She had no idea what Jar Jar did to make them banish him from the city, but he didn't deserve to be thrown into prison. She highly doubted that Jar Jar could do anything that bad just by looking at him. It was near impossible. "Deysa setten yousa up. Going to the planet core? Bad bombin!"

He watched as the humans continued to walk away, and he glanced over at his restraints and sent the humans a sheepish smile. "Any help here would be hot."

The two Padawans noticed the Jedi Master pause, before turning to the Gungan who was still watching them. Obi-Wan knew what his Master wanted to do, but quickly spoke up knowing that it was vital that they leave as soon as possible. "Master, we're short on time."

"We'll need a navigator to get through the planet's core," Qui-Gon told his Padawan, his blue eyes flickering towards Jar Jar.

"Indeed we do, Master." Layna gestured towards the Gungan, sending him a small smile. "This Gungan might be able to help us."

Layna and Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon approached Boss Nass once more, and both knew that he was going to try to convince the Gungan leader to free Jar Jar Binks. It was true that they needed a navigator to get through the planet's core, and it was reasonable to bring a Gungan along with them.

"Do you think bringing him along would be wise?" Layna inquired, her question directed at the Padawan who was twelve years older than she was. Obi-Wan's piercing blue eyes gazed over at her, and he smiled sheepishly.

"Do you want me to answer honestly or as a Jedi apprentice?" Layna chuckled, hitting the older man playfully on the arm. "Honestly speaking, no - since he might either put us in danger or he'll run into danger himself, but as a Jedi apprentice, of course it would be wise. We might get lost out there without him."

Layna reached up to play with the ends of her Padawan braid, and found herself nodding in agreement to Obi's words. "Agreed," the young girl cracked a smile, the corner of her lips slowly tugging upwards as the smile transformed into a smirk. "Except I have another reason to think we shouldn't bring h--"

"Begone wit him!"

Layna's words were interrupted by blubbering sounds then the sound of Boss Nass' voice booming throughout the small room. The two apprentices turned their attention back to their Master, who made his way back to his Padawan with a smile on his face.

Layna tried her best not to show her disappointment, but she pushed those feelings aside as this was what's best for the mission. Bringing the Gungan along with better their chances of survival and making it to Naboo as swiftly as possible.

Jar Jar's restrained were removed as the Jedi passed him, with the young girl lingering a few moments longer to wait for Jar Jar to come along. "Count mesa outta dis one! Better dead here, den deader in da core!" She scoffed, shaking her head as she continued on, ascending the steps behind her Master and his Padawan. "Yee guds, whata mesa sayin?!"

+

Layna breathed out a sigh of relief as soon as the submarine breaks through the surface, and the clear skies of Naboo replaced the dark blue waters they have been navigating through. She probably wouldn't get to ride another submarine in a while, but she decide that she wouldn't want to do it ever again. The monsters of the deep were even more terrifying than whatever was up here, and she preferred the surface than the deep blue of the underwater.

Encountering those huge monster fish during the trip changed her mind about living in an underwater city, she much preferred being on dry land. There weren't going to be any fish monsters who would attempt to eat her at first sight here, not that she knew of.

"Oo, dis'n loverly."

For once, Layna had to agree with Jar Jar. She took in the sight of the city of Naboo, finding herself fascinated by their unique building structures and the clear waters of the lake they just emerged from. It was indeed such a lovely city - but she could sense that something is not right. The droids were here, and all three of them could sense it.

"We need to hurry," Obi-Wan steered the submarine closer to the nearby port as the two other Force-sensitives stood up and hopped out of the vehicle as soon as they were near enough. Layna's hand hovered by her lightsaber as she scanned the area, checking if the coast was clear. She did not feel anything unusual either, which meant that they were not in this area. They must have been somewhere near the Palace, and that meant that they were holding the Queen captive.

The eight year old heard the sound of feet lightly landing behind her, as well as a few grunts from the only non-human companion they have. "The palace."

Once everyone was out of the vehicle, the oldest of all four beings quickly dove to the nearest alley, with the Jedis-in-training following after him with light footsteps. Jar Jar also followed suit, but struggled to be as silent as the humans were.

Layna followed the Master's lead, and the group silently maneuvered their way past the droids, using the walls of the structures to hide them from the droids marching past. Soon, the bearded man stopped moving and the young girl perked her ears up to listen, and the sound of footsteps drew closer to where they were positioned. She tiptoed slightly to peek through a small crack in the wall, and her dark eyes went wide when she saw the Queen being led away, along with her servants. There were droids surrounding the Naboo, and the girl knew that they were in for yet another battle.

Master Qui-Gon began to move once again, and all three followed closely behind him, staying as low as possible so as not to be seen. She could feel her blood pumping through her veins as they turned a corner, which brought them directly above the Naboo, the droids and the soldiers.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan grabbed their own lightsabers from their utility belts, positioning themselves above the small crowd so they could quickly engage in battle using a surprise attack. The two men exchanged nods, pushing themselves off the bridge and activating their respective laser swords. Jar Jar jumped off the walkway as well, but ended up getting stuck on his way down, which left the girl alone on the walkway.

Layna quickly pulled her lightsaber from her belt, and jumped off the walkway where they were currently on, activating the laser sword. A beam of purple extended from the metallic hilt, cutting through the nearest droid as the wielder swung the plasma blade with precision.

The brunette girl swung her sword left, then right, cutting one of the droid's arms then the other droid's head. Her brown hair whipped against her face as she turned, stabbing her lightsaber through a droid's body before pulling it out and cleanly cutting its head right off.

Sensing that they were now free of the enemy's troops, she deactivated her laser sword and placed it back in her utility belt. She turned to see her fellow Jedi approaching the Queen, who was clad in a gown as black as night, and her face painted with make-up meant for Nabooian royalty. "We should leave the streets, your Highness."

The Queen nodded, and was led away by the Jedi Master. The two Padawan also follow closely behind the Queen and their Master, looking around to check for any troops that might have passed under their radar. The lone Gungan also followed, staying behind the Padawan as they sought refuge in one of the buildings nearby. The remaining soldiers retrieved the discarded droid weapons as a means of protection in case they are found.

As soon as they cleared the streets, Master Qui-Gon began to speak to the Queen and her companion. "We're the Ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor," he stated, informing them of the reason behind their visit to Naboo.

"Your negotiations seemed to have failed, Ambassador."

Qui-Gon shook his head, furrowing his dark eyebrows as he replied, "The negotiations never took place. It's urgent that we make contact with the Republic."

Another man stepped up, clad in dark clothes fit for a military captain. "They've knocked out all of our communications."

Layna's dark eyes scanned the area, reaching out to the Force as she tried to sense anything out of the ordinary or anything unfriendly in the area. She breathed out a small sigh of relief when she felt nothing particularly disturbing. But now they had another problem - they needed to find a way out of Naboo. And they needed to do so soon.

"Do you have transports?"

The man clad in black nodded, pointing towards a building up ahead. "In the main hangar. This way."

+

Captain Panaka, the man clad in all black, led the small group to the main hangar where they kept their spacecrafts. But these spacecrafts were being guarded by the battle droids, and there were most likely around thirty of them there, if not more.

"There are too many of them."

They were clearly outnumbered here, but the Naboo had nothing to worry about, as they had three strong laser wielding peacekeepers on their side. Those three knew that the battle droids would be no match for them, and they could easily get into one of those ships but they still needed a plan.

"That won't be a problem," Qui-Gon dismissed Captain Panaka's words, and this time, focused his attention onto the young Queen, who looked just around Layna's age. She had a rather neutral expression on her painted face as she stared back at the much taller man. "Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us."

"Thank you, Ambassador. But my place is with my people," the young Queen replied, her dark eyes flickering over at the small girl beside Obi-Wan. The female Padawan straightened her back, standing a little taller as the Queen locked gazes with her.

"They will kill you if you stay." Layna tore her eyes away from the Queen, knowing that there was truth in Qui-Gon's words. If Queen Amidala were to remain in Naboo any longer, the Trade Federation would indeed capture her and not hesitate to kill her.

"They wouldn't dare!" Sio Bibble said, his bright blue eyes widening slightly.

"They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her."

The youngest human then stepped in, her hands clasped in front of her as she spoke to the Queen for the first time. "There is something behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here."

Qui-Gon had a rather somber look on his face, as he added, "And my feelings are telling me that they will destroy you."

"Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us. Senator Palpatine will need your help."

The Queen breathed in sharply, her eyes flickering every now and then as she mulled over the options presented to her. It was either to leave, or not to leave, but all of them were aware that either choice would still endanger the young Queen. "Either choice presents great danger," the Queen peered behind her, locking eyes with a young maiden dressed in orange, just as the rest of the handmaiden were. "...to us all."

Layna took a moment to gaze upon the handmaiden standing beside the Queen, squinting slightly as she noticed how much she resembles Queen Amidala. Her eyes found the Queen's once more, and she swore she saw a small smile grace her painted lips. "We are brave, your Highness." The handmaiden reassured her Queen, nodding slightly.

"If we are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now," Layna told the older girl, and Queen Amidala turned to the older Jedi once again, her decision made. "Then, I will plead my case to the Senate."

Layna's right hand quickly found the hilt of her lightsaber as soon as she walked in the main hangar with the rest of the crowd. Her fingers twitched as they approached the droids, spotting Obi-Wan in her peripheral vision as he silently approached the captured pilots.

"I'm taking these people to Coruscant," Qui-Gon gestured towards the Naboo behind him, and Layna traced her fingers along the metallic hilt of her laser sword, ready for the moment she had to draw it to slash through these battle droids.

"Coruscant? Ahh, that doesn't compute -- Wait, you're under arrest!"

With a laugh, the female Padawan let out a grunt as she quickly pulled the lightsaber from her belt, just as the battle droids began to fire at them and activated it, the familiar hum of the plasma blade ringing in her ears. "Come on then, just give it your best shot."

+++