| Author |
Topic:
For the Love of the Queen-Story Completed (7/11) Special Note!!! (7/24)
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
6/20 6:19am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 26 UP! (6/13)
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Chapter 27: Entanglements
The plan was risky.
Anakin groaned while shifting his weight while huddling over the Defiance’s holoviewer. For hours, he had been going over the potential jump points where Ord’s ship would have to come out of hyperspace to make their next to last course corrections to reach Naboo orbit. It had been decided that he would rendezvous with the gunship at the second to the last jump point; meanwhile, the Naboo armada would wait for him to emerge at the last one. Precise timing and calculations were required and if anything went wrong, they could miss the gunship and Ord would find Naboo defenseless.
Anakin had been able to block out his worry for Padmé, but as the time drew nearer to their departure, he found it difficult to concentrate. Not only did he fear for her safety, and that of the entire planet, but also he was concerned about Ellisé. Would his rejection cause her to do something rash? Could she really be trusted? Anakin attempted to locate another co-pilot, but there were none available since the entire navy was committed to the defense of Naboo.
Too much was being left to chance.
Knowing that he could do nothing to stack the odds in his favor, Anakin turned to a nearby panel to run yet another systems check. Doing anything with a ship was always a welcome distraction. If only something needed to be fixed. Anakin was not much for waiting.
He had been so lost in thought that he hadn’t sensed Sabé entering the compartment.
“Busy?”
He jolted upright. “You surprised me.”
“That’s a first,” Sabé replied with a wink. “Is everything ready?”
“Almost,” Anakin answered, returning his attention towards the control panel. “A few more tests and we’ll be good to go.”
She nodded and then found an edge of a console, which she carefully leaned against. “I wish I was going with you…”
He paused his inspection of the ship’s electrical readout to smile at her. Like him, Sabé was one who preferred action than sitting idle. “I know…but your job here is just as important. Can’t have the planet break into mass hysteria.”
“We’re fortunate that Princess Jamillia has been able to keep the situation secret, for the most part.”
Anakin dipped his head. “After today though, they will know.”
A moment of silence hung in the air. He sensed her fear, and as brave as Sabé has always been, her resolve was faltering. Closing the distance between them, Anakin wrapped her in a friendly embrace. She began to sob.
“I could lose everyone who means the world to me.”
Anakin withdrew from her slightly. “You won’t…I promise.”
Sabé’s tears grew more frequent. “I can’t raise this child on my own…I don’t know what I would do if…”
“Shhh…’ he said soothingly. “You are concentrating on the negatives. We must have faith that everything will work out as it is meant to.”
“How can you be so….so…philosophical?” Sabé asked, pushing away from him. “Isn’t the worry for Padmé’s safety tearing you up inside?”
“Of course it is,” Anakin replied solemnly, turning away from her. “But I can’t focus on that. I have to believe she is still unharmed.”
“I’m sorry, Anakin.” Sabé apologized. “I didn’t mean…”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Believe me, I understand.” For the first time since he knew her, Sabé seemed at a loss for words. He didn’t need the Force to know what other thoughts plagued her, so he decided to distract her. “Do me a favor?’
“Anything.”
“Should anything…go wrong… there is a leather bound book on my desk.” He paused momentarily. “Please see to it that Padmé gets it.”
“Nothing is going to happen to you,” Sabé demanded.
“Of course, my Captain.”
Sabé was going to say more, but Ellisé’s entry caused her to stop and glare.
“My Lord…Captain,” Ellisé acknowledged Sabé with obvious irritation.
“Lady Bibble,” Sabé responded, apparently not pleased with her interruption.
“Begging your pardons, but one of our scout ships along the gunship’s projected path just sighted her.” Ellisé hesitated as a large smile grew across her features. “You were right, my Lord.”
Anakin straighten to his fullest height. “Oh?”
“The ship is following your calculations precisely.” Ellisé praised. “Which means we should be getting underway soon.”
“Go ahead and run the start up sequence,” Anakin instructed. “I’ll be up in there in a moment.”
Ellisé hesitated before complying. Anakin turned to Sabé, who was filling the Force with so many conflicting emotions that it nearly gave him a headache. “Please inform Princess Jamillia that we will be departing shortly, and also let Panaka know I will signal the fleet when we board the ship.”
“Anakin…I.”
He shook his head and flashed her his lopsided grin. “I know. Everything will be fine…I promise.”
Sabé’s body sagged as her face noticeably contorted. “May the Force be with you, my friend.”
“May it be with us all.”
Anakin headed towards the cockpit. He kept himself from looking back as one of his closest and dearest friend disembarked. Somehow, some way, Anakin knew that this wasn’t the end. Turning to his co-pilot, he ordered, “Ellisé…power up the engines.”
**
Obi-Wan groaned in defeat as he poked his head through yet another ventilation opening.
No Amidala.
He and Jaden had been searching for over a day for the missing Naboo Queen, but without success. Obi-Wan was perplexed by their failure, given that he knew Amidala well enough to recognize her signature within the Force. Each time when he believed that they found her, an empty room greeted them.
“Master…I don’t know how much more crawling I can do.” Jaden admitted. “This metal is chafing my skin something awful.”
“I seriously doubt that Lord Ord built the air ducts with our comfort in mind, Padawan.”
Jaden sat up in the narrow corridor, his head ducked down. “I just don’t understand. Why can’t we find the Queen?”
“It is most curious,” Obi-Wan agreed, nervously tugging at his beard.
“It’s almost like she is blinking in and out of existence. If she was a ship, I’d swear she was equipped with cloaking shields.”
He spun his head about. “What did you say?”
“What? About cloaking shields?”
Obi-Wan shook his head. “Before that.”
“The Queen seems to be disappearing and reappearing.” Jaden reiterated. “What of it?”
“That’s something usually indicative of considerable strength with the Force,” Obi-Wan pointed out. “The Sith were especially talented in masking themselves and others using the dark side.”
“You believe Lord Ord to be a Sith?”
“I don’t know,” Obi-Wan admitted. “Nevertheless, we should remain vigilant. This whole operation is too large to escape their attention. If the Sith are involved, we must be prepared to act.”
Jaden’s expression noticeably shifted to one of profound concern. “Shouldn’t we try to find a way to make contact with the Council?”
“There isn’t time,” Obi-Wan answered abruptly. “We are on our own.”
“I’m…. afraid, Master.”
Obi-Wan offered him a reassuring smile and reached over to pat his shoulder. “Have faith, young one. We will act as the Force wishes us to.”
Jaden attempted to respond when a high-pitched scream caught their attention. The two Jedi turned to look at each other. “The Queen,” they said in unison.
**
Padmé could no longer stifle her need to scream.
Valkin Ord had returned and activated the neural disrupters to send what felt like daggers piercing through every inch of her skin. She pleaded for him to stop, but her abductor would only continue with his grin widening by the second.
“Stop!” she shouted again.
Valkin acquiesced and disengaged the neural disruptors. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” He clicked his tongue. “I must apologize for having to submit you to such…crassness. But I thought by now we would have attracted the attention of your beloved.”
“What do you want with Anakin?” Padmé asked as she lifted her head up from the table in concern.
“I’d be a fool if I didn’t know of his significance to the galaxy,” he responded cryptically. “Besides, once he and the Sith are taken care of, there will be none to stand in my way. “
“You are on a fool’s errand, Valkin.” Padmé admonished. “The power you seek can never be properly wielded by one person alone.”
Ord growled as he rushed towards Padmé’s head. Slamming his hands down on the table in front of her, Valkin barked, “You know nothing about true power, Amidala! You fret and you worry about your insignificant people when you have the means to conquer the entire galaxy.” He rose up. “I think you to be the fool between the two of us.”
Uncertain of what he meant, but not caring, Padmé pressed further. “History is laden with madman who were convinced that they knew what was best for the galaxy. Each and everyone one failed miserably, and they are now only footnotes in textbooks.”
“You will love me!” Valkin screeched.
Gazing at him dispassionately, Padmé shook her head. “You are nothing, Ord.“ She lifted her chin up defiantly. “Nothing.”
Valkin pulled his arm back to slap her, but stopped in mid swing. “You are fortunate, Your Highness, that I am a forgiving man.” Leaning over her, he added, “I wonder, though, if you will be as bold when I turn your world into space dust.” Valkin chuckled as he spun on his heel and left the room.
Padmé angrily growled and shouted several choice Naboovian curses. But Ord would not be provoked. He was too disciplined. Realizing that struggling would only make her feel worse, Padmé laid back her head and tried to still her mind. When she finally calmed down, Padmé shifted her eyes longingly out the tiny viewport at the opposite end of the room. “Anakin, if you are going to do something, do it quickly.”
**
Nervous anticipation rushed through Anakin’s veins as his supreme focus was locked onto the scanner’s viewscreen. TheDefiance had reached the jump point far ahead of schedule, and he and Ellisé were relegated to waiting. He kept vigilant watch for any trance of Ord’s ship. Anakin was beginning to fear that they had used a different hyperspace lane and had missed them.
Padmé.
He could feel Padmé through the Force, pleading for him.
He could not fail her.
At Anakin’s side, Ellisé sat by the long-range sensor display, searching the heavens for any trace of the gunship. She groaned in frustration. “There’s nothing out there.”
“Are you sure you scanned the nearby space for any radiation spikes?”
“Don’t you think I would have already tried that?” she snapped. Anakin slid his eyes in her direction, squinting in disapproval. She sagged in her seat; a dejected expression suddenly grew on her face. “My apologies.”
He barely acknowledged her admission. “Might be a good idea to engage the adaptive cloak and make sure it’s functioning properly.”
Ellisé huffed loudly, but complied. Looking at her display, she muttered, “We’ve checked the instruments at least a thousand times….”
Several sharp replies immediately came immediately to mind. Anakin would have lashed at Ellisé, but a soft chirp from his scanner panel stopped him. He looked down and released a deep sigh of relief. “Here they come.” Reaching for the controls, he steered them out of the lane moments before the massive gunship blinked into real space.
“By the spirits!” Ellisé said, dumbfounded.
“Quick,” Anakin ordered over his shoulder. “Scan for a large enough docking bay where we can land.”
“Found one,” she responded after a minute. “Maneuver us to ship section four two one.”
“I’m on it,” he answered, pressing forward on the throttle.
Ord’s gunship was significantly larger than the Naboo’s five capital ships combined. It had an oval base, which arched upward around an enormous cylindrical structure that stretched down the ship’s long axis. The afterglow of the ship’s main engines illuminated the nearby space allowing Anakin to take note of the heavy armaments scattered across the ship’s hull.
A direct attack was going to be even more difficult that he had anticipated.
Still, the plan was in the hands of General Panaka and Marshall Olié. Anakin knew they would not let him down. Looking again at the entire ship, although impressive, it was apparent that it served only one purpose.
And it was up to him, and him alone, to stop Ord.
“I’m taking us in.”
The colossus grew even larger as the Defiance streaked closer. Despite using the adaptive shielding on numerous training missions, Anakin remained skeptical of its functionality. He didn’t fancy the thought of re-materializing into solid matter. Thankfully, Professor’s Zhall’s creation had yet to fail him. In the viewscreen, he saw the stars replaced by a dark grey material, which rushed by quickly. Seconds later, the image changed to a large hangar filled with numerous ships. Anakin turned towards Ellisé who was still staring at the viewer. “Looks like they are preparing for an invasion.”
“There’s no way they are leaving peacefully,” she observed.
Anakin wordlessly agreed and returned his focus towards the viewscreen. “Put us over by that large transport.” He quickly rose to his feet. “Let me know when we re-materialize.”
Ellisé pressed several buttons. “We’re solid again. You can leave the ship.” He smiled and walked over to a nearby compartment directly behind his pilot’s chair. Anakin entered in a code, which opened a small door, revealing his and General Tro’s lightsabers. He grabbed both weapons, clipping one on either side. After throwing on his hooded cloak, he was moving towards the escape hatch when Ellisé called out to him. “Anakin?”
“What is it?” He asked, unable to hide his irritation.
“I will wait for you here...no matter what happens.”
Anakin paused in the doorway. His cheeks flushed in embarrassment over the way he had been treating his long time friend. Despite everything, they were friends and he had been focused on Padmé that he had ignored how difficult the present situation must be for Ellisé. “I’m sorry that I spoke harshly to you before…it was uncalled for.”
“You’d better get a move on,” she said, ignoring his apology. “We’re only a few hours from the last jump point.”
“Signal Panaka and tell him to move the fleet into position.”
Ellisé smiled, but turned her gaze down to her status panel. “Scanners say that nobody is nearby. Your good to go.”
“May the Force be with you,” Anakin said quickly before spinning around and leaving the flight deck. Despite everything, they were friends and he did not wish her any harm. As he approached the hatch, Anakin closed his eyes to focus. He could not be distracted in the slightest if he was to be successful.
Releasing a deep breath, he pulled the hatch handle and headed towards his destiny.
**
They had finally located the hidden Queen. She was being held in large stateroom and tied down to a table with what appeared to be neural inhibitors. Even though she was in plain sight, her signature in the Force was aberrant. Obi-Wan was about to pull the grating aside to enter Queen Amidala’s holding room when he abruptly stopped. Jaden peered at him curiously
“Master? What’s wrong?”
He turned to Jaden with a mirthful expression. “I think the odds have just swing greatly in our favor.”
“How so?” he asked curiously.
“The Chosen One is here.”
Jaden blinked several times. He had encountered the fabled former slave from Tatooine during their ill-fated mission to Cato Neimoidia. Although Jaden hadn’t had the opportunity to interact with him, he had sensed the immense raw power that exuded from the one that the Council rejected several years prior. “Skywalker?”
“He just arrived.”
“How?” Jaden questioned. “We’ve been in hyperspace the entire time.”
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is not to underestimate him,” Obi-Wan responded with a happy smirk.
Jaden didn’t know how to respond. His mind instantly wondered back to the rumors that Obi-Wan had been charged to secretly train the boy. That, in combination with what Jaden already knew about Obi-Wan’s private life, suddenly made that rumor seem like a real possibility. Given their precarious situation, this wasn’t the time to seek answers. “What about the Queen?” Jaden asked as he looked back down towards Amidala.
“Now that there are three of us, we can accomplish much more.”
Jaden couldn’t help but to agree. “What do you suggest?”
“Let’s get down to the main hangar…I have a feeling, if we hurry, we can catch him before unleashes chaos.”
The Jedi moved down from their perched position and down one of the nearby access tubes. Following Obi-Wan’s lead, Jaden withdrew his lightsaber while darting across the hallway and down a neighboring corridor. He probed out into the Force for any unwelcome visitors while they adroitly made their way into the forward decks.
Ord’s gunship was plain with only essential components serving as decoration. It was obvious to Jaden that its only purpose was to be a ship of war. The major walkways were enormous and could hold several times the number of troops that were already on board. There was no way that the Naboo were Ord’s last target. Jaden knew that this was only the beginning if nobody stopped him.
He feared for the galaxy if they failed.
Sneaking into the main hangar, he and Obi-Wan used the Force to hasten their pace behind a parked warship. Jaden squinted as he scanned the area for Skywalker or his ship. “Master, I don’t see him anywhere.”
Obi-Wan softly chuckled. “You shouldn’t always rely on your eyes to see, Padawan.” He pointed to an open area across the hangar.
Jaden poked his head around the ship briefly to look. At first glance, he saw nothing but empty space. Using the Force, he instantly noticed an odd distortion that seemed to flicker ever so slightly. Focusing further, Jaden sensed a Force null person within the disturbance; but a presence brighter than the galaxy’s core appeared out of nowhere caught his immediate notice.
“Good to see you, Anakin.” Obi-Wan greeted him in low voice.
Twisting his head about, Jaden spotted the supposed Chosen One kneeling down next to his Master. Jaden became more convinced than ever that Obi-Wan was involved in his training, given with their familiarity. True, Skywalker had been there years ago when Obi-Wan and the late Qui-Gon Jinn helped the Naboo rid themselves of the Trade Federation. But that was years ago, and it seemed that Skywalker and Kenobi were quite friendly. He couldn’t help wondering what else was his famed Master was hiding from him and from the Order.
“Nice place you gentlemen have found here,” Skywalker quipped.
“We thought we’d serve as the welcoming committee, since Lord Ord is tied up.”
Anakin momentarily chuckled before his features darkened. “Do you know where he’s holding Padmé?”
Before his Master could answer, Jaden interjected. “Queen Amidala is being held in stateroom, six decks up.”
“Security?”
“It’s minimal,” Obi-Wan began. “However, there is something….odd… in the Force that is surrounding her.”
Anakin shifted his eyes between the two Jedi. “I’ve felt it too. Any ideas?”
This time, Jaden allowed Obi-Wan to answer. “It could be that the Sith are involved.”
“You think Ord is one of them?”
Obi-Wan shrugged. “Seems the most plausible explanation.”
A distant look instantly took hold of Skywalker’s features. Jaden sensed him tapping into the Force for answers. Finally, he responded, “That doesn’t seem to fit either. But somehow, I sense their involvement.”
“That does complicate things somewhat,” Obi-Wan said grimly. “What do you suggest?”
“Sith or not, we must stop this ship from destroying Naboo,” Anakin said without hesitation. “All other concerns are secondary.”
Jaden looked in confusion at the exchange between his Master and Skywalker. Obi-Wan was the first to speak, “What is your military planning?”
“The Naboo navy will be waiting for us when we reach the next jump point.” Anakin grinned widely. “We need to provide a suitable distraction so they can fulfill their mission.”
“Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, a hint of concern in his voice. “This ship, besides the crew, has nearly four thousand Mandalorian warriors that will fight to the death. We can’t hope to engage them and stop Ord from firing the weapon.”
“We don’t need to,” Skywalker insisted. “Plus, I have an idea about that.”
“I’m all ears,” Obi-Wan mirthfully smirked.
Jaden sighed as he watched the two. Somehow he knew that he wasn’t going to like this. It seemed that his fate might be decided by a Jedi reject.
**
Valkin Ord was alone.
In the center of the dark war room was a small console that provided the room’s only illumination. Depicted was a holographic representation of the Naboo system and her moons, as well as Ord’s plans to rid them of their kelvacyte deposits. He leaned over the viewer with his elbow resting on his knees as an unsettled feeling was growing in his mind. After everything he had already accomplished, why didn’t she love him?
Wasn’t his magnificence enough?
Valkin was angered that she had forced him to hurt her. He didn’t want to do it. Yet, he knew through his limited knowledge of the dark side that it would provide the appropriate impetus to bring the Chosen One here. Skywalker was the immediate threat given that Dooku possibly dead, and he had uneasy alliance with Lord Sidious, at least, for the moment. Ord could not have Chosen One interfere with his plans for the galaxy.
Besides, she loved Skywalker, who was the true hindrance to obtaining her affections. Even though he could be a powerful ally, Valkin wanted nothing more than to smile over Skywalker’s lifeless corpse.
The Chosen One must die.
She’ll never love me otherwise.
“My Lord,” stuttered a young crewman.
Ord used the Force to slam the boy against the curved wall. “I told you that I wasn’t to be disturbed.”
“I’m sorry, my Lord,” he groaned. “But internal scanners have detected three intruders leaving the main cargo bay.”
“I know,” Valkin muttered. In reality, he was surprised. He had expected Skywalker’s arrival, but hadn’t anticipated him to bring help. Perhaps he wasn’t as strong as the Sith have made him out to be?
“Michaelis informed me that two of the intruders are the Jedi who had been snooping around at the Xinthos castle.”
Valkin stormed to his feet. “I thought I had ordered Jango Fett to dispatch them! Why wasn’t I told that they weren’t eliminated?”
The crewman’s jaw began to quiver in fear. “I….I don’t know, sir.”
“It is no matter,” Ord waved off the incident as he returned his focus upon the viewscreen. “They won’t live much longer.” Peering over his shoulder, he ordered, “Inform Fett that he is to take care of the two Jedi.”
“Yes, my Lord.” The young man acknowledged. “And the other intruder?”
Valkin grinned murderously. “Make sure he finds his way to the reactor core…I’ll take care of the rest.”
**
The journey to where Padmé was being held was surprisingly quick. Although Anakin could not sense any impending threat in the Force, his instincts did not like the ease of the situation. Ord was not a fool. He was watching for the opportune moment to strike.
“Seems that the door is magnetically sealed,” Jaden astutely observed.
Anakin knelt down by the access panel. Strangely, it was not protected, allowing him to open it without any difficulty. To his amazement, the shield protecting the door was not wired into the ship’s power systems and he didn’t see any indication of security. Without hesitation, he withdrew and ignited his sapphire hued lightsaber.
“Anakin…I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Obi-Wan futilely warned.
Not listening to his former Master, Anakin stabbed the pointed end into the door panel. A loud explosion followed by streams of sparks preceded the magnetic seal disengaging and the door opening. Anakin fired a grin at Obi-Wan. “You were saying?”
“You are were quite lucky, my friend.”
“I thought you said that there was no such thing as luck?” Anakin smirked before entering inside the room. His mirth instantly disappeared when he saw Padmé lying prone and secured by neural disruptors. The anger within spiked. Anakin immediately called upon the Force to grasp onto each inhibitor, yanking them off of her one by one.
Ord will pay severely for this offense.
“Anakin!” Padmé called out happily.
He rushed over and scooped her into his arms. They kissed briefly before he helped her up. “Are you alright?”
Rubbing her wrists, Padmé forced a painful smile. “I will be.” Turning towards Obi-Wan and his apprentice, she smiled happily. “Why am I not surprised to see you here as well, Master Kenobi.”
Obi-Wan chuckled. “The three of us do seem to have a knack for finding trouble.”
“Indeed,” Padmé acknowledged before turning her attention towards Anakin. “What is the situation?”
“The entire Navy is waiting for us at the exit of the next jump point,” he informed her. “We have planned to make our last stand there while Ord is still out of firing range.”
Padmé continued to rub her wrists. “The good news is that he won’t fire on Naboo right away. He wants the kelvacyte mines as a permanent depot. He’ll only consider blasting us apart if he has no other alternatives”
“That does give us a bit of an advantage,” indicated Obi-Wan. “If the Naboo fleet can slow him down, we can do our best to disable the ship.”
“Agreed,” Anakin approved. “I am concerned that we have remained unnoticed though.”
Obi-Wan released a deep breath. “True. Whatever Ord’s plans are for us, we must be ready to improvise.”
“I think if we employ a bit of misdirection,” Anakin shared, flashing them a cryptic grin. “It would keep our host confused long enough for our plan to work.”
“What are you talking about?” Jaden asked annoyed.
“Let’s just say that Ord expects us to act towards a single goal,” Anakin softly retorted. “If this ship is powered by kelvacyte, then there must be a central reactor core. Destroy that, and you destroy the ship.”
“True,” Obi-Wan agreed. “But how are we going to misdirect our host?”
Anakin moved over and placed his hand on Padmé’s shoulder. “Once he learns that you are gone, I sense that he would tear the ship apart to find you.” He paused to notice her wordlessly agree. “The choice is simple. The best hiding place on board is the Defiance. Ord would never find you, but he would be too distracted to notice Obi-Wan and me.”
“What about me?” Jaden asked plaintively.
Anakin exchanged glances with Obi-Wan. “You will have the most important job. You must see the Queen to the safety of the ship.”
“But I could be of help should you confront Ord…especially if he’s a Sith Lord.”
Obi-Wan smiled and patted his shoulder. “I understand your zeal, Padawan. However, Anakin is right. If Ord is to be properly distracted by searching for Queen Amidala, we have to make sure that she reaches the ship undetected. Only a Jedi can ensure that,” he encouraged.
Padmé placed her hands on her hips. “I can’t say that I much like the idea of hiding.”
“And I’m not exactly thrilled to have you act as a decoy, my Queen.” Anakin responded thoughtfully. “It is the only way though.”
Padmé seemed to contemplate his suggestion as a range of emotions filled her face. Finally coming to a decision, she yielded. “Very well. Let’s get moving then. We don’t have a lot of time.”
The others silently complied as they followed her out the door and into the corridor. A jolt in the Force was the only warning as the sound of blaster fire greeted around the corner. Anakin leaped forward and wrapped Padmé in his arms to dodge the incoming blasts. The sounds of lightsabers coming to life echoed throughout the hallway. Risking a glance up, Anakin saw a single man, clad in Mandalorian armor, preparing to fire another volley at them.
“Get out of here!” Obi-Wan warned as he deflected the blasts.
Without argument, Anakin grabbed Padmé’s hand and they raced off in the opposite direction. His mind was reeling, but he forced himself to return his concentration on the moment. Anakin would need his wits about him if he was to accomplish his task and ensure Padmé’s safety.
So much for well laid plans.
**
Obi-Wan opened his stance with Jaden moving along side him. Each opponent stared at the other as they waited for one to make the first move. Through the Force, Obi-Wan sensed Fett’s dismay with not having defeated them yet. This time, he was intent not to fail. Impatience finally got the best of the Mandalorian who dropped the hand that held his blaster, and lifted the opposite equipped with a flamethrower.
“Move!” Obi-Wan urged Jaden as they both jumped away from the growing flame.
Jaden spun and righted himself on the ground. Focusing the Force at Fett, he sent him hurtling down the hallway. He glanced over at Obi-Wan who had tossed off his cloak, which had been burnt. “That was my favorite one.”
“Are you alright, Master?”
“I’m a little baked, but I’ll live.” Obi-Wan looked down the hallway at the warrior who was also returning to his feet. They exchanged glances before Fett moved over to a panel on the wall. “He’s trying to make a run for it. Hurry!”
Using the Force to enhance their speed, the Jedi were only seconds late before Fett walked through a small doorway in the wall. Jaden frantically searched for the access panel while Obi-Wan focused his thoughts to locate Fett in the Force. He was taken aback at how easy it was to find the man and learn of his intentions. Much to Obi-Wan’s dismay, he sensed something he had not previously detected.
“The warrior has some Force sensitivity.”
Jaden halted his search. “Has he been trained?”
Obi-Wan shook his head. “Not in the Jedi arts, but his combat abilities will be more than a match for us.” He momentarily paused as another wave within the Force struck him. “He’s heading down to the main hangar.”
“He’s trying to run,” Jaden proudly smirked.
“No,” Obi-Wan responded with a grim expression. “He just wants more room to kill us.”
“Then we should avoid him.”
“We can’t,” he insisted. “That’s where Anakin was planning to hide Queen Amidala.”
“That’s...not good.”
“Let’s move,” Obi-Wan urged. “If we get there first we can surprise him.”
“After you, Master.”
**
Padmé pressed her back against the wall while Anakin watched the two sentries from around the corner. They had found temporary refuge in a storage closet, but no sooner had they arrived than he had sensed another threat. For what seemed like hours, they had ducked behind support columns and jumped into empty rooms to evade their captor’s notice. Now able to re-emerge, the couple walked only a few meters before encountering their next obstacle.
Anakin turned to her, his face awash with frustration. “Blast.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think I can mind trick them.”
Padmé briefly looked over at the warriors. “What do we do?”
Anakin looked around. “There isn’t another way…. we’ll have to go through them.”
“I’m ready,” she confidently declared.
“Stay back,” he urged. “This isn’t going to be pleasant.”
Before Padmé realized what he was doing, Anakin had darted off towards the armored warriors. In a blink of an eye, both men were lifted into the air and were repeatedly slammed into one another. Padmé’s eyes locked onto the fallen men, both were lying motionless. She knew by the dire look on Anakin’s face that he had killed them both. She mused that in the reverse situation, they would not have shed a tear over her and Anakin.
Anakin had done what he had to.
“Are you alright?” she asked softly.
He nodded once and pointed down the corridor. “The main hangar should only be a few decks above us. We’ll use that turbolift.” Anakin used the Force to call one of the fallen Mandalorian blasters into his hand and offered it to Padmé. “Take it. We might need it.”
She grabbed it out of his hand, pulled out the clip to make sure there was sufficient ammunition, and locked it back in place. “Ready.”
Anakin flashed her his lopsided grin as he urged for her to follow. They hurried down the corridor with Padmé trailing several paces behind. “How far away is the ship from the lift?”
“One corridor down and a left turn.”
“Thank the spirits,” she said in relief.
Upon reaching the lift doors, Padmé turned to look over at Anakin. However, her pulse started to race seconds before the resounding hum of a lightsaber coming to life filled her ears. She looked up to see a group of warriors taking aim. Padmé attempt to lay cover fire was thwarted when she felt Anakin’s firm grasp take hold of the back of her outfit. In one movement, he pushed her towards the turbolift, which had just opened.
“Get to the ship!” he shouted.
Running towards the doors to get back to him, she screamed, “I won’t leave you!”
Deflecting blaster shots with his lightsaber, Anakin waved his free hand in her direction, causing her to stop in place. At the same moment, the turbolift doors slammed shut. When the lift started moving up, Padmé felt the invisible barrier release. She slammed her fists on the doors.
“No!”
****
-----signature-----
"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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Helen_Taft
Registered:
Mar '08
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Date Posted:
6/20 12:02pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Uncertain of what he meant, but not caring, Padmé pressed further. “History is laden with madman who were convinced that they knew what was best for the galaxy. Each and everyone one failed miserably, and they are now only footnotes in textbooks.”
“You will love me!” Valkin screeched.
Gazing at him dispassionately, Padmé shook her head. “You are nothing, Ord.“ She lifted her chin up defiantly. “Nothing.”
You tell him Padmé! I loved that bit, so much courage in the face of pain, and a lunatic. 
I had to laugh at poor Obi-Wan and Jaden running around the air ducts like mice in a cage as well--a well-timed bit of humour before things really heat up. Oh Yay! Anakin has arrived and Obi-Wan knows it. I’m getting all excited now—lovely tension building there. 
He turned to Jaden with a mirthful expression. “I think the odds have just swing greatly in our favor.”
“How so?” he asked curiously.
“The Chosen One is here.”
At this point, I seriously can’t wait for Ord to get his butt kicked. If he wasn't crazy enough to want to rule the galaxy he thinks he can win Padme's love after torture. Loony. 
Jaden sighed as he watched the two. Somehow he knew that he wasn’t going to like this. It seemed that his fate might be decided by a Jedi reject.
Ack! I’m really not liking Jaden right now either. ‘Jedi reject indeed’ *sniff*
I loved the rescue, although you had me seriously worried over Ord’s complete lack of concern. Loved this bit…
Rubbing her wrists, Padmé forced a painful smile. “I will be.” Turning towards Obi-Wan and his apprentice, she smiled happily. “Why am I not surprised to see you here as well, Master Kenobi.”
Obi-Wan chuckled. “The three of us do seem to have a knack for finding trouble.”
Oh no!!! Anakin don’t go the reactor core. Gah!
“He’s heading down to the main hangar.”
“He’s trying to run,” Jaden proudly smirked.
“No,” Obi-Wan responded with a grim expression. “He just wants more room to kill us.”
“Then we should avoid him.”
“We can’t,” he insisted. “That’s where Anakin was planning to hide Queen Amidala.”
“That’s...not good.”
“Let’s move,” Obi-Wan urged. “If we get there first we can surprise him.”
“After you, Master.”
I have to say you have some great interaction here between Obi-Wan and Jaden, all the while keeping the excitement up and pace flowing.
And, what can I say about that cliffhanger?? Bravo. *bows* Brilliantly executed and totally evil!!
“Get to the ship!” he shouted.
Running towards the doors to get back to him, she screamed, “I won’t leave you!”
Deflecting blaster shots with his lightsaber, Anakin waved his free hand in her direction, causing her to stop in place. At the same moment, the turbolift doors slammed shut. When the lift started moving up, Padmé felt the invisible barrier release. She slammed her fists on the doors.
“No!”
Argghhhhhh! I need the next chapter now!! 
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FitJedi
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
6/20 9:46pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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So much action going on, I'm loving it. I hope that Anakin and Padme can get to the ship and escape along with ObiWan and Jaden.
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Idrelle_Miocovani
Title: Solar Power loving Scattergories Hostess
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
6/20 9:47pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Ahhh! Amazing chapter, Rev -- incredibly intense. I can sense a big finale coming on. I loved Padme standing up to Ord, especially after this comment:
“You will love me!” Valkin screeched.
Heh. Right, Ord. Of course she will. Yeah.  After all, you are so ever loveable when you're yelling.
I just love the way you write him, Rev. You're making him so, so... hateable!
Really can't wait for them to get to Ord. You wrote a really nasty cliffy. More soon? 
-----signature-----
It takes an awfully long time to not write a book. "We're actors! We're the opposite of people!" Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead This Time Around (time travel, RotS AU): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2 Padawan of DarthIshtar
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AngelQueen
Registered:
Mar '01
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Date Posted:
6/20 10:02pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Ahh! Cliffhanger of Dooooom! Poor Padme!
You're evil, Rev! But this kind of evil is awesome! 
Loved that Anakin tried to clear the air with Ellise before the mission began. 
I just hope Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, Jaden, and Ellise make it off of Ord's ship okay, preferribly with Ord a corpse. *cackles*
-----signature-----
"Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic, to democracy!"
"If you're not with me, then you're my enemy."
"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must."
"You will try."
Obi-Wan and Anakin
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Jedi_Master_Cazz
Registered:
Sep '05
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Date Posted:
6/22 1:35am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Ooooh! A Cliffhanger! *Dies* Great chapter JediMasterRev! Look forward to seeing how Anakin fares.
Cheers_Cazza 
-----signature-----
If you say plz instead of Please, I'll say No because it's shorter than Yes.
Proud Padawan to Master VaderLV64!
Preparing for Final Exams. Will be on sporatically for the next few immediate months.
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager Digging out from Fay
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
6/22 10:56am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Wow! Really intense chapter! 
“You are on a fool’s errand, Valkin.” Padmé admonished. “The power you seek can never be properly wielded by one person alone.”
Ord growled as he rushed towards Padmé’s head. Slamming his hands down on the table in front of her, Valkin barked, “You know nothing about true power, Amidala! You fret and you worry about your insignificant people when you have the means to conquer the entire galaxy.” He rose up. “I think you to be the fool between the two of us.”
Uncertain of what he meant, but not caring, Padmé pressed further. “History is laden with madman who were convinced that they knew what was best for the galaxy. Each and everyone one failed miserably, and they are now only footnotes in textbooks.”
“You will love me!” Valkin screeched.
Gazing at him dispassionately, Padmé shook her head. “You are nothing, Ord.“ She lifted her chin up defiantly. “Nothing.”
-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
They call me NANA Vader.
At least she doesn't lack confidence...
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Gina
Registered:
Jun '03
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Date Posted:
6/23 8:37am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Loved it!
I liked how Padme stood up to Ord. She is a strong woman, after all, and it's good to see her portrayed that way.
He leaned over the viewer with his elbow resting on his knees as an unsettled feeling was growing in his mind. After everything he had already accomplished, why didn’t she love him?
Wasn’t his magnificence enough?
This guy needs some sort of assertivenes class or something. He just has NO self-confidence. 
What worries me know is that Ord sort of has everyone where he wants them - separated. 
-----signature-----
A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force.
She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave.
- Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
6/27 7:32am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Helen_Taft:
You tell him Padmé! I loved that bit, so much courage in the face of pain, and a lunatic.
She isn't going to take his crap, lying down. 
I had to laugh at poor Obi-Wan and Jaden running around the air ducts like mice in a cage as well--a well-timed bit of humour before things really heat up. Oh Yay! Anakin has arrived and Obi-Wan knows it. I’m getting all excited now—lovely tension building there.
I'm glad you liked this part. I thought it was a good opportunity to see how much their team has grown over such a short time. Happy to know that the tension is coming along as well.
At this point, I seriously can’t wait for Ord to get his butt kicked. If he wasn't crazy enough to want to rule the galaxy he thinks he can win Padme's love after torture. Loony.
Yeah, I think he had one too many deathsticks. Should be an interesting matchup.
I have to say you have some great interaction here between Obi-Wan and Jaden, all the while keeping the excitement up and pace flowing.
And, what can I say about that cliffhanger?? Bravo. *bows* Brilliantly executed and totally evil!!
Thank you very much. It was an unintentional one. I realized that the chapter was way too long to post it all at once so I broke it off at a fun place. Glad you liked .
Never fear though...the next chapter should be up in a few.
FitJedi: Lots definitely happen. We shall learn soon of everyone's fate.
Idrelle_Miocovani:
Ahhh! Amazing chapter, Rev -- incredibly intense. I can sense a big finale coming on. I loved Padme standing up to Ord
I hope it doesn't disappoint.
After all, you are so ever loveable when you're yelling.
I just love the way you write him, Rev. You're making him so, so... hateable
Thank you so much. As you know, one always worries when using OCs that they will, not only fit in to the GFFA, but also are believable. Glad Valkin is the guy you love to hate.
Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoy this next installment.
AngelQueen:
Ahh! Cliffhanger of Dooooom! Poor Padme!
You're evil, Rev! But this kind of evil is awesome!
Thank you very much. I do like to keep you all in suspense.
I just hope Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, Jaden, and Ellise make it off of Ord's ship okay, preferribly with Ord a corpse. *cackles*
All shall be revealed shortly.
Jedi_Master_Cazz:
Ooooh! A Cliffhanger! *Dies* Great chapter JediMasterRev! Look forward to seeing how Anakin fares.
Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy this next installment! Thanks for reading.
VaderLVR64: Thank so very much. Hope you enjoy!
Gina:
I liked how Padme stood up to Ord. She is a strong woman, after all, and it's good to see her portrayed that way.
Happy that you enjoyed this part. I've always seen her as the brash young Queen that led her people to freedom by storming her own palace. I don't think Leia got all her audacity from daddy .
This guy needs some sort of assertivenes class or something. He just has NO self-confidence.
Either that or some major uppers.
What worries me know is that Ord sort of has everyone where he wants them - separated. worried
That, potentially, could be a problem.
Thanks for reading!!
Update coming in a few minutes!
-----signature-----
"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
6/27 7:36am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 27 Pt I UP! (6/20)
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Chapter 27 Pt II: Entanglements
Padmé was safe.
Despite being in the midst of battle, Anakin felt his body relax. He knew nothing stood in the way of her reaching the Defiance. Turning his attention back to his opponents, he stretched his hands out at the group of five Mandalorians. Anakin projected the Force as a wave of energy. He could sense their fear just before the energy struck their bodies.
Each one exploded on impact.
They meant to do his people—his family—harm, and he would not grant them leniency.
Anakin felt the prickle of rage threatening to overtake him. The raw power was indeed thrilling. What would it matter to give and lay waste to any who dared to oppose him?
Let your focus determine your reality…
My will be done…
Anakin shook his head as he clamped down on his emotions, as General Tro had taught him. His anger was a distraction, causing him to lose sight of his true mission. He spun around and summoned the turbolift. Padmé had not gone far, and he could catch up to her. When the lift arrived, Anakin hurried inside and pressed the switch to go up. Instead, the car rocketed downward, throwing him against the wall.
“Emergency stop!” He shouted.
The lift continued.
Anakin enlisted the aid of the Force to help him overcome the gravity that was slamming down. He struggled to pull off the panel, which sparked when opened and plunged the lift into darkness. It seemed that he was moving down towards the engineering decks. He was concerned about Padmé’s safety, but under his present circumstances, she would have to find the ship on her own. Hopefully, Obi-Wan and his apprentice would join up with her.
The lift abruptly halted and the doors swished open.
Cautiously, Anakin peeked out. His suspicions had been correct. The turbolift had delivered him to the base of the ship, possibly near the ship’s reactor core. The deck was enormous. Above him, several stories of metallic catwalks crisscrossed the entire room. At the center was a large, tubular structure that stretched from the ceiling to the floor, undoubtingly it was the reactor itself. It was dark except for the ghostly illumination given off by the numerous control structures.
Perhaps this detour was fortuitous.
Reaching out with the Force, Anakin paused when he sensed that he wasn’t alone. Slowly he continued into the reactor room. The entire deck was under automatic control, which meant that his excursion had been planned. A surge of warning told him that his opponent was close at hand.
“Welcome to my creation, Chosen One.”
Anakin turned towards the direction of the voice. Looking up, he saw the Mandalorian standing on one of the catwalks dressed in lightweight battle armor. At his hip hung a polished silver, arch-handled lightsaber.
“Valkin Ord.”
“At your service.” Ord gave a mock bow.
Examining the Force around Ord, Anakin was struck by the strong taint of the dark side. Probing deeper, he tried to ascertain if he was in fact one of the Sith. However, Valkin’s mental shields were greater than he had anticipated. “Are you one of the Sith?”
“It doesn’t matter. Soon they, along with the Jedi, will be no more.”
Moving underneath where Valkin stood, Anakin fired a quick glance over at the instrument panels. He furiously sought for any clues that could help him destroy the ship. As if reading his thoughts, Valkin snorted. “Trust me, I have many fail safes in place to prevent an overload. I promise you, we are quite safe here.”
“I suppose it would be too much to ask for your surrender,” Anakin suggested wryly.
“You suppose correctly,” Ord responded. “Besides, once I dispatch you, I want to have your Queen…or should I say…my Queen …kneel in front of me, begging for her life.”
Ord was trying to bait him—to make him lose control. Anakin felt his anger threaten to erupt, but quickly regained his composure. “I think that is highly unlikely.” Anakin then Force jumped to the platform directly next to Valkin. “I will never allow that to happen.”
Ord cackled while shaking his head in amusement. “ So willing to throw your life away, and for what? All for the love of your Queen.” He moved closer. “The galaxy could be yours with a single command.”
“I serve the will of the Force, as well as the people of Naboo,” Anakin responded resolutely, squeezing his fists. “And I will stop you.”
Valkin grinned evilly as he withdrew his lightsaber. “You will try.”
**
Ric Olié had seen many battles.
His love for flying and his desire to improve Naboo’s volunteer defense force, had taken him to places not as secure as Naboo. Ric had learned space combat tactics from some of the best pilots in the galaxy. That, coupled with his efforts during the liberation, paled in comparison to the enormity of the current situation. Naboo stood on the verge of annihilation, and Ric and his armada were the last line of defense.
Deciding that he would better serve the fleet as a fighter pilot, Olié spearheaded the attack in one of the Defiance-class ships. Besides, his long time friend, Hugh Panaka, was better suited to coordinate the tactical aspects of the battle. Although he was the head of Naboo’s starfleet, Ric remained an ordinary pilot at heart, and if this was to be his end, he would face it in the cockpit of his own ship.
Looking up at the empty space, Ric blinked as the enormous monolithic ship of the Queen’s abductor suddenly came into real space. This was the moment he had trained for his entire life. Flipping on the com, he ordered, “Target in sight. All squadrons report in.”
Alpha squadron, standing by.
Bravo squadron, standing by.
Defiance squadron, standing by.
Capital group, standing by.
Sovereign squadron, standing by.
Tango squadron, standing by.
“Capital group and Tango squadron, form a defense perimeter. Watch out for a quick lightspeed jump. All cloak enabled ships, engage cloaking devices and lock weapons onto the strongest power source,” Olié ordered. “And may the spirits watch over us and protect us.”
The Naboo armada did as ordered. Several ship groups disappeared while the NS-1 starfighters and the capital ships took position about the enormous vessel. Ric signaled his squadron to come in tight since they were the only group with adaptive cloaks. With twelve ships, they were the smallest squadron, but everything depended on their ability to cause enough internal damage to stop the gunship. To Ric’s amazement, they were within kilometers before the first volley of turbolaser fire erupted.
“Sovereign squadron, take out those turbolasers!”
“Copy that.”
“Defiance leader,” called out a nervous pilot. “Fighters coming in at o eight four.”
“Accelerate to attack speed and engage them.” Olié ordered. “Defiance group will continue with the primary objective.”
Ric took in a deep breath of air. He silently prayed that the adaptive cloak would work under fire. If it did, he would have to buy Professor Zhall several rounds.
If not, it wouldn’t matter.
**
“Where is he?” Jaden asked as he darted his eyes once again across the hangar.
Obi-Wan, who was also searching, muttered, “Focus, Jaden.”
The sound of a jetpack blast preceded the piercing screams of blaster fire. Jaden barely jumped out of the way in time as a small rocked shell exploded several meters from him, sending him flying across the hangar. Obi-Wan vaulted over several crates to come to Jaden’s defense. He skillfully deflected each of the Mandalorian’s repeated blaster attacks before conjuring the Force to knock him off his elevated position.
The warrior recovered, again unleashing a billow of fire at Obi-Wan. Jaden, who had reengaged in the battle, used his Force enhanced speed to get the drop on Fett. With his lightsaber extended, he sliced at the Mandalorian’s flamethrower, which bloomed as it exploded. Fett immediately recovered and with his other hand, fired a suspension robe, which wrapped Jaden’s arms close to his body.
His lightsaber fell out of his hand.
“Master!” he cried out fearfully.
Obi-Wan, from a position behind Fett, ran and jumpkicked the Mandalorian, the force of the strike sent them falling towards the floor. Jaden struggled to free himself by summoning his lightsaber. Taking hold of his weapon once again, he noticed his Master and Fett exchanging punches. Sensing Obi-Wan was trying to keep the warrior away from his fallen weapon, Jaden hurtled the Force at the dormant blaster, soaring it across the hangar. Fett saw, and with a sucker punch, pushed away from Obi-Wan to rocket away
Still reeling from the assault, Obi-Wan painfully urged, “Don’t let him escape!”
Jaden ran after the airborne warrior. He halted his chase when Fett reached the top of an oddly shaped, but heavily armed fighter. A surge in the Force was the only warning before the ship came to life and brought its cannons to bear on him.
“Oh dear,” Jaden muttered, knowing that he would not be able to escape. He would not live past this moment. Jaden had never really contemplated his own mortality, but now, with the end close at hand, he was oddly unafraid. Jaden knew that Master Yaddle would be waiting for him on the other side.
It may not be that bad
Closing his eyes, Jaden resigned himself to fate and was preparing to become one with the Force when high-powered blaster fire exploded from the opposite side of the hangar. Opening his eyes, Jaden saw the blaster bolt pulverize the Mandalorian’s jetpack. The strength of the detonation propelled him down to the lower part of the ship. Jaden traced the path of the blaster fire to the left corner of the hangar where Queen Amidala flicked at him with a half salute.
“Are you alright?” Obi-Wan panted as he rushed over to join him.
“Thanks to the Queen, I am.”
His Master nodded as a resolute look filled his eyes. “Let’s take care of this nuisance.”
The entire ship swayed, nearly knocking them off their feet. Jaden huffed with exasperation. “Now what?”
Obi-Wan looked over at Queen Amidala who had raced over from her hidden position to join them. “It’s the armada. We must be close to Naboo.”
“We’ve got to get out of here!” Jaden insisted.
A sublight engine blasted to life, catching the group’s attention.
Jaden darted his eyes around. “Where’s Fett?”
“Oh…not good!” Obi-Wan shouted as they watched the Mandalorian’s ship rise off the ground.
“He can’t be serious,” Jaden said as he heard the distinctive sound of blasters powering up.
“Get aboard the Queen’s ship!” Obi-Wan shouted as he pointed at the decloaking vessel.
Jaden reached inside his utility belt, pulling out a small tracking device. He lobbed it at Fett’s ship and grinned when he saw it successfully attach. Proud of himself, he grabbed Amidala, and with Obi-Wan directly behind them, they dodged around the flying crates and equipment. The heat of the Mandalorian’s engine made Jaden’s skin feel as if it was on fire. Still, that would be the least of their worries should Fett decompress the hangar.
A deafening blast erupted.
Howling wind filled the cargo bay as it quickly depressurized. Jaden and Obi-Wan used the Force to protect themselves and the Queen until they reached the ship. A short blonde young woman helped them aboard and closed the hatch behind them as the ship lurched roughly. She then raced to the cockpit followed closely by Amidala and Obi-Wan. Once he had caught his breath, Jaden went after them and stopped at the cockpit’s entrance.
“I have to take us out of here,” the blonde woman told them.
“We can’t leave, Ellisé!” Amidala insisted. “Anakin is still on board.”
“Your Majesty, the cargo bay is about to implode…we have to dock somewhere else.”
“Very well,” she sighed in resignation before sitting in the co-pilot’s chair. “As soon as we are away, I want you to search for Anakin’s comlink.”
Ellisé nodded as the ship rose and turned towards the opening in the hangar. The Defiance’s sublight engines instantly lit, propelling it out of the hold and into space. “We’re through.”
“Good,” Amidala said tersely. “Now, bring the cloaking shields online and take us back in.”
“I can’t…. we have to wait until we get main power back online,” Ellisé responded quickly.
“What do you mean?”
“I had to use our reserves in order to do a cold startup…otherwise, we would have never made it out.”
Amidala’s face contorted angrily, which relaxed moments later when she realized that Ellisé had saved their lives with her quick thinking. “Very well. Take us out to safe distance and put me in touch with the fleet.”
“At once, Your Highness.”
Obi-Wan wearily turned to Jaden. “Come. Let’s let them be.” Jaden obeyed and followed him to the middle compartment. When they were alone, he observed for the first time that his Master was pensive. Jaden sensed that it had nothing to do with their fight with the Mandalorian or their narrow escape. Rather, he was worried…worried about his woman, but even more so for the supposed Chosen One. “You are under no obligation to join me, but once we return to Ord’s ship, I am going in to help Anakin.”
Jaden was amazed. He had surely thought that his Master would want to do anything possible to save his woman. Was it possible to be a Jedi and to have attachments? At another time and place, Jaden would have to meditate upon this revelation. “I’m with you, Master.” Jaden responded proudly. “To the bitter end.”
Obi-Wan chuckled as he motioned for them to sit on the floor. “Then let’s meditate. We haven’t much time.”
**
Staring at his opponent, Anakin summoned both his and Tro’s lightsabers into his outstretched hands. The two men stalked about in a circle, measuring one other. Valkin became impatient. He spun to his right and swung wildly towards Anakin’s head. Anakin dodged and countered with a blurring move that pushed Valkin back along the catwalk. Anakin feigned high attacks with his off hand weapon as he channeled his full strength jabs with his strong hand.
A surge in the Force urged Anakin to duck seconds before Ord threw his lightsaber in his direction. Waving his hand, he sent the unsuspecting Mandalorian flying down on the catwalk floor. Anakin ran and attempted to keep Ord down with a well-placed kick to the chest. However, Valkin anticipated the move and rolled away, making him miss. Anakin swiped at him with both blades, but he only found air as his opponent had re-established position. Storming over to resume the attack, a nearby explosion caused the ship to rock, unbalancing both combatants.
Ord blinked in amazement.
Anakin smirked. “You really didn’t expect the Naboo to drop down to their knees for scum like you.”
Valkin grunted before somersaulting to a lower plank. Anakin jumped down and reengaged him. Anakin again swiped high with one lightsaber, then low with the other, which followed a Force-powered strike towards Ord’s torso. His strategy was repetitious, given that Valkin was not a skilled swordsman. But, he knew that Ord was a trained killer, and to underestimate him would be foolish.
Be that as it may, it would be only a matter of time before Anakin discovered a fatal flaw in Ord’s technique.
The main reactor room shook violently as lightsabers tore through control panels and the ship’s bulkhead. Anakin spun his weapons nimbly in his hands while successfully parrying each one of Ord’s desperate thrusts. Apparently frustrated, Valkin backed away, and Force jumped to a higher platform. Anakin vaulted upward in pursuit. Another jarring explosion caught Ord off guard, making him to lose footing. Sensing the opportunity, Anakin hurled himself at Valkin, both blades ready to slash at his head. The Mandalorian used the Force to push Anakin back and down several flights of stairs.
While Anakin shook off the effects of his fall, Valkin headed over to a control panel and grimaced when he saw the readout.
“Bridge! Report!” he yelled into the com panel.
Static greeted him before a frenzied voice screamed, “We’re taking heavy damage, sir. Structural integrity has already failed on several decks. Shields are collapsing!”
“How?” Valkin shouted. “Our shields are impenetrable!”
Only muffled screams responded. “If you can hear me, raise the ray shields around the main reactor. I want it protected at all costs.”
Seconds later, a whitish glow illuminated the room. Ord turned at Anakin, who had recovered from his fall, and was stalking towards him, lightsabers activated.
“This ends here, Ord.” Anakin demanded. “Stand down, and I promise to spare your life.”
Valkin tilted his head back and cackled. “My life is not yours give.” He then turned towards the com. “Bridge, initiate short light hop and activate the firing sequence…no failsafe!”
Anakin lobbed one of his lightsabers at the com panel, destroying it instantly. Ord jumped out of the way. “Too late my friend. Once we reach Naboo orbit, nothing will stop the Avenger from firing.”
Anakin flipped over and behind Valkin, sweeping him off his feat with his outstretched leg. The Mandalorian clumsily swung at him while roughly colliding with the floor. Valkin tried to crawl away on his back when the jolt of the ship going into hyperspace then abruptly halting knocked Anakin down to the lower level of the deck.
Ord rose and gleefully shouted, “You will not stop me, Chosen One! I will not be denied my rightful destiny!”
Anakin blinked several times as he painfully stood back up. Looking over at scanner display he noticed that Naboo was coming into range too quickly. The fleet, while causing significant damage had been unable to strike the killer blow.
He had to act.
The time for holding back was over.
**
“By the spirits!” Panaka whispered as the gunship blinked out of site. He then turned to the Ops officer. “Where did it go?”
“Scanning,” he replied, his fingers dancing along the controls. “Sir…. he’s ten million kilometers from Naboo orbit.”
“General!” Shouted the com officer. “Incoming message…it’s Queen Amidala!”
“On screen!” Panaka demanded.
The disheveled image of the young monarch appeared before him. “General, what is our status?”
“We had been causing significant damage to the gunship when it made a quick hop.”
The Queen appeared to go pale. “How far is he from Naboo?”
“Ten million kilometers.”
“Order the armada to give chase,” she insisted. “Our main power systems are almost back so we will be underway momentarily.”
“Sir?” called out the Ops officer.
“What is it?”
“Long range scanners are detecting several troop ships are leaving the gunship…they’re reportedly heading for Rory and Tasia.”
“They’re going after the kelvacyte deposit,” Amidala suggested. She looked over her shoulder before turning her face back to the screen. “Master Kenobi and his Padawan are with me. I want them to led our defense troops on the moons to repel the invaders.”
“Majesty?” Panaka said bewildered.
“Carry out my orders, General. The fate of Naboo is in your hands. Do everything possible to stop that ship.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.” He responded softly. “Best of luck to you.”
“To us all, “ she responded before disappearing from sight.
Panaka moved over to the helmsman’s area. “Plot an intercept course with the gunship.” Turning towards to the com officer, he ordered, “Open a channel to the fleet.”
“Opened, sir.”
“Attention all squadrons, this is General Hugh Panaka in tactical command. Under the direct order of Queen Amidala, we are to intercept and destroy the gunship. All ships are to participate no matter their condition. Under no circumstance are we to allow activation of their main weapon.”
“Course plotted, sir. Hyperdrive standing by”
Panaka released a nervous breath. “Execute!”
**
“You want us to do what?” Obi-Wan asked, folding his arms against his chest.
Queen Amidala remained unflappable as she placed her hands defiantly on her hips. “I need you to help reinforce our officers in command on both moons. Our people have never encountered warriors as fierce as the Mandalorians. Seeing a Jedi would go a long way to inspire their confidence”
“What about Anakin? He needs our help.”
“Leave him to me,” she insisted. “As soon as we reach Naboo, Ellisé will drop me off on the gunship. From there she will take you to Rory and Tasia.”
“Even though your defenses are significantly improved, I doubt that they will hold off the Mandalorians for long,” Jaden dourly commented.
“You only need to delay them,” Amidala retorted. “If the gunship is destroyed, I seriously doubt their resolve will remain intact.”
“I don’t like this, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not for you to like, Master Jedi.” She said stone-faced. “You will carry out my orders.”
Obi-Wan slowly dipped his head affirmatively. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
“You can’t be serious, Master!” Jaden vehemently interjected, shifting his head between Obi-Wan and the Queen. “What good would she be against a Force sensitive Mandalorian?”
“Padawan!” Obi-Wan rebuked. “The Queen has made her decision.” He paused with a noticeable expression of annoyance etched in his features. “And we will abide by it.”
Amidala stared darkly at Jaden as Ellisé called out, “Your Majesty…main power is back on line.”
“Excellent. Get us to Naboo immediately!”
**
The main reactor room was engulfed with smoke.
Fires blazed from every direction. Anakin furiously rubbed at his burning eyes while searching the Force to find Valkin. Rounding the corner, Valkin released a battle yell as he lunged at him. Anakin accelerated his movements with the Force, making him appear as if he was phasing in and out of sight. Ord slashed wildly at him. Anakin swung both lightsabers at a blinding pace, which Valkin could only haphazardly block. Desperately, Ord attempted a Force choke that only stopped Anakin for a second.
It was all Valkin needed to jump away.
Anakin quickly followed suit, somersaulting over and in front of the Mandalorian. He snap-kicked Valkin square under his chin, knocking him down to his knees. With the base of his left-handed lightsaber, Anakin struck him across the face; the impact dropped him to the floor. Anakin spun his sabers around, slamming them down at Valkin’s head. The Mandalorian rolled away from the deathblow, falling down to the main pathway of the engine room.
Valkin turned around and conjured blue streams of Force lightening that hit their mark.
Anakin reeled backwards and grabbed at his chest painfully while falling to the floor. Valkin seized the opportunity and hurried over to slice at Anakin’s neck. Sensing the attack, Anakin flopped onto his back, making Ord miss and placing him badly out of position. Taking notice of the large pieces of debris falling from the ceiling, Anakin directed the Force around a huge burnt section of the bulkhead, lobbing at Ord.
Valkin desperately swung at it, but his victory was short lived as Anakin sent more fragments that roughly found their mark. The Mandalorian was pressed to exhaustion as the impacts of the debris caused him drop his weapon and within seconds, Anakin stood in front of him.
“Do you yield?”
Fatigued, Ord wearily shook his head. “No…no…never.” He raised his hands, poised to unleash another volley of Force lightening when Anakin used one of his lightsaber to deflect the onslaught and the other to deliver a fatal slash across Valkin’s torso. When Ord fell backwards, he gurgled. “You can’t stop the inevitable, Skywalker…. they will capture your soul as they did mine.” Valkin’s eyes stared off blankly as Anakin pulled back, uncertain what Ord had meant.
The loud hum of the reactor powering up shifted his attention back to the problem at hand. Anakin rushed over to the only remaining operational terminal. A cold chill shot down his spine. Ord’s crew had set the firing protocol to commence.
Five minutes remained.
He pressed several buttons, hoping to drop the ray shield, but it remained unaffected. Glancing back up, a thought occurred to him. Anakin raced to the ray shield and turned his lightsaber to full power. He lobbed the weapon at it, but it remained steady as the weapon simply bounced off of it.
Dismayed, his concentration was again broken when he sensed Padmé’s presence nearby. From the corner of his eye, he saw her run down a ramp. Suddenly, she stopped and raised her blaster at him. Anakin froze and before he could think, she fired several shots in his direction. With the only option of ducking, he leaned down and heard a wailed cry of pain from behind. Anakin spun his head around to see Valkin drop his lightsaber while grasping his bleeding throat.
Ord stumbled over the catwalk rail and fell several meters to his death.
Recovering from the shock of what just happened, Padmé ran over and wrapped her arms around him while kissing him profusely. Anakin held her tightly for several seconds until a warning klaxon screamed its warning
Four minutes to fire.
“We need to leave!” shouted Padmé
“We have find a way to get through those ray shields…I can’t destroy the reactor otherwise.”
“What do we do?” asked Padmé horrified.
Feel, don’t think…
Anakin grinned as he looked over at the ray shield again. “Stand back,” he warned. Once Padmé complied, he allowed the Force to enter his being. In that instant, he felt as if he was connected to every living thing in the universe. Anakin experienced their hopes, dreams, pains, sorrows, skills and most importantly, their collective knowledge. Determined, he raised his hands and tendrils of bright energy erupted, striking the ray shield. In his mind’s eye, Anakin could feel the shields weakening, but he was also cautious not to strike the reactor.
“You did it!” he heard Padmé jubilantly cheer.
The whitish afterglow of the ray shield was gone and he had clear access to the main control panel. He darted over and attempted to shut down the firing sequence. To his dismay, Valkin had not been lying. Frantically, Anakin searched for any system he could control that could help disable the main weapon before it fired.
Padmé had quietly moved next to him. “What’s wrong?”
“The entire control network has been heavily encrypted…. I can’t get access.”
Two minutes to fire.
“Now what do we do?”
Anakin looked around the room and saw a single escape pod still docked. He grabbed Padmé’s hand and guided her to it. Upon opening the door, he saw that it was built for one.
Anakin nodded to himself, knowing without hesitation what had to be done.
“You’ve got to leave, anera!”
“I’m not going without you, Anakin!”
“It only seats one.” Anakin said, stating the obvious.
“I’m not leaving you alone,” Padmé screamed. “We are doing this together!”
Anakin looked at her lovingly and dipped his head in agreement. He pulled her towards him for a passionate kiss. Slightly withdrawing, he gently swiped his finger over her forehead. Padmé’s face contorted in utter befuddlement as unconsciousness rapidly took hold of her. Before she drifted off Anakin whispered in her ear. “Good-bye, my angel.”
Placing her sleeping form into the escape pod, Anakin activated her comlink’s homing device before sealing the doors. He smiled as he hit the launch button and saw it jettison safely away. Anakin then withdrew his own comlink. “Obi-Wan?”
“Anakin? Are you alright?”
There was so much he wanted to say to the man, but time was against him. “Lock onto Padmé’s comlink signal…she will need pick up. Also, tell the fleet to get away from the gunship.”
“What’s going on?” he implored. “Talk to me.”
“You’ll see in a moment,” Anakin grinned.
One minute to fire
“Thank you for everything, Master…. May the Force be with you always.”
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan cried out, but Anakin simply shut off the device.
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