The Jedi Knight and Master nearly suffocate while attempting to resolve a trade dispute between the Galactic Republic and Trade Federation. How did Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon survive the gas?
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are able to survive the gas by holding their breath. Qui-Gon quickly identifies the gas as “dioxis” and the two hold their breath. Once Battle Droids open the door, the two exit.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are able to survive the dioxis gas
The gas is meant to eliminate the Jedi after suspicions that their presence is meant to force a settlement of the trade dispute.
At the start of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the Supreme Chancellor secretly dispatches two Jedi, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, to resolve a trade conflict. Qui-Gon is a Jedi Master and Obi-Wan, a Padawan Learner to Qui-Gon, is a Jedi Knight.
The two Jedi board a Trade Federation ship as ambassadors for the Galactic Republic. Ushered to a waiting room, the duo anticipate that negotiations with the trade Viceroy will be short.
Concerned that the presence of Jedi implies a forced settlement, the trade Viceroy contacts his Lord Sidious for advice. Looking to accelerate their plans, Sidious instructs the Viceroy to begin landing troops on Naboo.
Sidious instructs the Viceroy to eliminate the Jedi Knight and Master immediately. A weapon hanging from the docking bay ceiling then swings around, firing a blaster shot into the Jedi ambassadors’ transport vehicle.
Dioxis gas fills the waiting room where Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon reside. The two lower their lightsabers and deeply hold their breaths. B-1 Series Battle Droids open the door, assuming the Jedi have fallen from the gas.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exit the room, lightsabers swinging, and destroy the droids.
So that’s the answer. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are able to survive the gas by holding their breath. Qui-Gon quickly identifies the gas as “dioxis” and the two hold their breath until the doors are opened.