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Prologue

=KR=

Part 1

Royal Palace

Theed

Naboo

When she got out of bed yesterday, Queen Padme Amidala didn't expect to receive a pair of... strange visitors. Yes, that was perhaps the best way to put it. The young monarch was delighted to host the confused and decidedly odd Jedi. Who would have thought that the distinguished looking older man and the boisterous redhead woman were married? Jedi weren't supposed to marry or have attachments, were they?

Still, the guests were delightful company and told fascinating tales of an age that was largely forgotten unless you were a scholar with interest in history.

"Captain, how fare our guests?" Amidala asked the Commander of her Royal Guard, when the dark skinned man appeared by her side.

"They were talking with the Jedi Council and retired only early in the morning. We're to expect more visitors – a Jedi Master Adi-Mundi, a Knight and their Padawan as well. They should arrive in the next few days."

"We'll be honoured by their presence." Amidala used the Royal we, even if personally she wasn't too fond of holding herself at a hands' length from her people as protocol dictated. "The Trade Federation?"

"We received another demand to remove any taxes and tolls from their ships passing through our system. This time there was a very emphatic 'or else' implied." The Commander answered in a long suffered deadpan tone.

"They're getting even bolder, then. This is not how a Republic members should act!" Amidala was unable to keep her righteous indignation out of her voice. She took a moment to smooth her bearing before continuing. "If they have problem with our taxes, then such a dispute should be solved through the proper channels. If they persist we will lodge a former complain both with the Ministry of Trade and the Senate if we have to!"

"I'm sure your ministers will be delighted to hear that, your Majesty." The Commander's tone did hold a hint of approval, Amidala thought.

"We certainly hope so." The Queen allowed.

In truth, there were members of her government who were eager to cave in to the Trade Federation's demands. Amidala wasn't sure if they were bought, thought that it might be for the best for some reason or were actually afraid of what the corporation might do. She found the latter unlikely even if rumours confirming it did reach her handmaidens, who among other things acted as an informal channel to quietly pass messages between the office of the Queen and her government.

"What is on the agenda for today?" Amidala asked. She did know the important points – meeting her government to formulate how to respond to the latest round of Trade Federation harassment, a working lunch with ambassadors from various close trade partners and a formal dinner with the Jedi lost in time as guests of honour. All that did leave her with hours of technically less important meetings and time set aside to file in all the paperwork required to ensure Naboo ran smoothly. When all was said and told, it was going to be another long day.

"Well, first you're meeting..."

=KR=

Guest suites

Royal Palace

Theed

Naboo

"Tell me it was all a dream. Please..." A soft female voice whispered.

A body shifted under silky sheets when Jedi Master Delkatar Veil awoke as he heard his wife's voice. He spooned behind her and pulled her into a warm embrace. "I don't think we're that lucky, love." The Force felt odd ever since they exited hyperspace thousands of light-years off-course and ended a few light hours from Naboo.

"Everyone's gone." The woman mumbled.

"I know. At least there are no more Sith running around."

"Silver lining as you're fond of saying?"

"The Queen didn't lie. So unless she's particularly uninformed, the galaxy has been in peace for nearly a thousand years." Delkatar continued. "That certainly sounds like the Sith weren't around."

"Master Yoda said the same thing. But you don't trust him." Kira pouted.

"I could sense his disapproval all the way here when he figured we were married. I don't trust anyone who has a problem with our marriage." The older Jedi Master declared.

"You've been saying that loud and clear to our Council for years. At least Satele came around." Kira smiled sadly. "I'm afraid to see what happened to all our friends." She admitted.

"Me too, dear. Me too. Any idea what should we do?"

"Try not to freak out too much?" Kira smiled wanly. "We'll meet Master Mundi and see for ourselves what the Council has in mind."

"I can't wait." Came the sarcastic response.

"Delkatar, you'll behave unless they really provoke you. I meant it!" A pointy elbow pocked him in the ribs.

"Ouch. I always behave!" Delkatar exclaimed. His warm breath tickled his wife's bare neck and sent pleasant shivers down her spine.

"That's what I'm afraid of." Kira singsonged. "Yet we usually end up dealing with shenanigans."

"I blame the Force. It's a safe bet." Warm fingers sneaked around Kira's midriff and Delkatar held her close.

"That's the best explanation of why we ended thousands of years in the future, intact." Kira sighed. "It's not so we can enjoy the peace and quiet after everything we've been through, is it?"

"With our luck?" Her husband snorted.

"There's no luck." Kira quoted.

"There's the Force and that's my point." Delkatar suddenly became serious. "For an age without Sith, the Dark Side sure is as strong as I could remember."

"You should know, Dark Jedi husband of mine." Kira pocked him with her elbow again. "The peace won't last, would it? I could feel it. There's tension in the air as if the galaxy is taking a deep breath before something changes."

"We arrived here for a reason." Delkatar agreed. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the Force. The Dark Side was like a veil thrown over the whole galaxy and it shrouded the future. It was uncomfortably similar to the days when the fates of the Republic and Sith Empire were balanced on a knife's edge.

=KR=

Part 2

=KR=

Bridge

TFS Wraith

High orbit above Naboo

Nute Gunrey was nervous and did his best not to show it. He hadn't felt such amount of apprehension ever since he clawed his way out of the hell that was Neimodia. He was the Trade Federation's Viceroy. That was the highest position someone of his species could ever aspire to and Nute reached it years ago! He shouldn't have any reason to feel that way!

The Trade Federation was everything for the Neimoidians. The organization was their salvation and the one thing most of their people owed their allegiance to. That's why when the Republic in general and certain member systems in particular began levelling what the Trade Federation deemed unfair taxes and tolls, it infuriated and scared him. This was an attack both to his position, his person and the corporation he owed everything to and such a state of affairs could not be left unanswered.

Nevertheless, just a toll dispute wouldn't have brought Gunrey along with a powerful Trade Federation fleet. The risks were simply too great compared to the danger. A cost-benefit analysis done even by a foolish grub would have told the same tale. Yet, here he was, the Viceroy himself leading a blockade of another Republic member. Not for the first time, Nute wondered if it was a mistake to ally himself and the Trade Federation with a Sith. The promises of power, money and security were alluring and the Republic's policies didn't help matters. Everyone knew that the Senate was corrupt, Nute better than most. He had personally bribed multiple Senators in the past after all. A few were even honest and stayed bought.

It simply wasn't enough! Despite the Trade Federation's best efforts, the Senate passed laws raising taxes and tolls for entities like the Trade Federation. Other corporations, like the Techno Union and the Interstellar Commerce Guild felt the bite too.

This was a direct attack upon corporate entities with seats in the Senate, all in the name of fair and free trade. Bah! As if the Core Worlds cared about any of that. For the Trade Federation, which had most of its revenue coming from the Mid and Outer Rim, the new taxes could prove ruinous for the bottom line and they weren't alone. Many systems in those regions chaffed under legal bonds and tremendous soft power leveraged by the Core. While Gunrey usually wasn't really sympathetic about their plight – what did he care if it didn't benefit or hurt him!? However, this time it actually mattered. A response was mandated.

Still, a blockade of Naboo, the most recent offender that raised tolls, was beyond the pale. Even if the Federation actually had broad support in the Rim, the Core would likely walk all over them for such an overt display of defiance. That's where the Sith came in. Sidious promised that he could ensure the Senate and thus the Republic didn't react. Gunrey actually had proof of the Sith's influence – various minor laws either passed of failed just as he requested despite the Federation lacking the means to force the outcome. Another bill to further curtail corporate influence in the Senate went in limbo despite the corporations lacking the votes, either their own or bought, to actually block it.

Whoever Sidious was, he had real, tangible influence in the Senate, on Coruscant and thus right under the nose of the whole Jedi Order. That very idea terrified Gunrey and in the same time gave him confidence that this scheme could actually work.

He hoped so at least. Nute had invested too much to fail.

"Viceroy, we're being hailed by the Royal Palace. The Queen wishes to speak with you again." One of Gurney's aides spoke.

"Put her on." Nute allowed.

Hopefully the child monarch lost her nerve. He wasn't in a mood for another row of accusations and threats that she would report him to the Senate.

"Viceroy Gunrey." The chit's image glared at him.

Coming from her painted face it was almost fearsome, probably why she wore enough white and red make-up to make her face resemble a porcelain mask.

"Are you ready to surrender, your majesty?" Gunrey smiled. Surely there was no reason to be impolite at this stage. That would imply that he had something to fear.

"We were about to ask you the same." She replied coldly

"I hope you would reconsider sooner rather than later."

"We think not. We believe that we will let the Jedi speak with you." The child-queen actually smiled for the first time since the blockade formed yesterday.

"The Jedi? Why would they care?" Gunrey certainly hoped that the Senate wouldn't call them in. They scared him almost as much as the Sith.

"Perhaps because we've been hosting two of them as honoured guests for the past few days?" The Queen's response caught Nute flat-footed. He stared at the screen with a dawning sense of horror.

The Queen stepped back and someone new appeared on the screen. He was an ageing human man, if the greying hair and weathered face were anything to go by. He wore white armour with a symbol that was somewhat familiar. It was similar to that of the Jedi Order but not quite. For one, it was far more ornate and the shape of that sword...

"Greetings Viceroy Gunrey! I'm Jedi Master Delkatar Veil." The human smiled pleasantly and gave him a respectful bow. For some reason, Nute found that smile highly unsettling. "Would you kindly explain to me why your fleet is blockading Naboo, a peaceful member of the Galactic Republic?"

Gunrey wasn't sure what exactly it was, but he had no doubt that this human was a Jedi just like he never doubted the fact that Sidious was a Sith. Was it the way they carried themselves or something else? Nute never questioned it. He just knew the truth. It took all his experience not to blanch at the Jedi's kind tone. There weren't supposed to be any Jedi here!

"Master Jedi, it's good to make you an acquaintance." Nute began. His voice didn't break, right? "May I ask why is this dispute your concern? The Jedi haven't been sanctioned by the Republic to intervene." That was the case, right? It would take time for the Senate to gather and even without Sidious they couldn't have authorised the Jedi to intervene.

"What does that have to do with anything?" That kind voice... Why did it sound so disturbing?! "I am a Jedi and I can assure you, any hostile actions by anyone against Naboo would not be tolerated."

"I see." Gunrey said, though he really didn't. The Jedi were supposed to act within certain bonds. While this was somewhat grey area until the Senate decided something... The Jedi surely wouldn't do anything without sanction from Coruscant unless it was in self defence. Surely. "I believe that this dispute does not concern the Jedi Order. It is between Naboo and the Trade Federation."

"That may very well be the case. However, it does concern me, Viceroy."

The Jedi was surely bluffing. Right? Yes. He had to. He was a Jedi Master as he said. Someone like that wouldn't act without a Senate's say so. Didn't their Code forbid doing so or something?

"I'll get back to you, Master Veil. Have a nice day." Gunrey managed to keep his smile on until his aide terminated the connection. Only then he allowed himself to slump in his chair. "Contact Sidious!" He snapped.

=KR=

Part 3

=KR=

Senator Sheev Palpatine's office

Senate building

Coruscant

Sidious entered his office soon after receiving a call from Nute Gunrey while he was at one of his safe-houses. Just as a vital part of the Sith's long term plans was finally coming into fruition, this had to happen! Jedi, oh how he loathed them and their impossible 'luck'. This shouldn't have happened!

The Dark Lord of the Sith spent too long planing and taking everything into account. He knew what all notable Jedi were supposed to be doing at this vital point of time and none of them should have been in any sector ever in the general vicinity of Naboo. He even engineered various trivial accidents that would nevertheless channel the Jedi's attention to different parts of the galaxy and now this!

While Sidious did have a reason to believe Gunrey's information wasn't entirely correct, there was no Jedi Master called Delkatar Veil, not even a Knight with that name that he knew of, it was hard to believe that the Neimoidian couldn't tell if that man was actually a Jedi. Or perhaps the overgrown toad was indeed overreacting? While Gunrey's fear during their conversation was genuine and the man believed everything he said, that didn't mean he was correct.

Nevertheless, this wasn't the time to take chances. If there were Jedi on Naboo, even a Knight and Padawan, much less a Master, then this part of the plan was threatened. Or perhaps not... Gunrey certainly didn't know that Sheev Palpatine was Sidious and while this wasn't the best time to reveal the continued existence of the Sith, sooner or later rumours would reach the Jedi. It was inevitable because the time of their revenge was fast approaching and that would mean more and more overt action.

In the end, the whole Naboo fiasco had a single purpose – to ensure his election as the next Chancellor. At this point Palpatine had almost enough votes and the sympathy created by the Trade Federation actually invading Naboo would be more than enough to swing sufficient number of neutral votes.

Palpatine sat behind his desk and began plotting.

The Worst case scenario – the Jedi actually knew something was up and that's why they had agents in place. Sidious could work with that. He just had to be more careful. First, he would actually speak with the Jedi and fish for information. After all, it was practically expected that someone in his position would contact them and beg for help. He smiled coldly at that thought. The Jedi, protectors of the Republic. He wondered if any of them would have the nerve to break ranks and actually help when the Senate paralysed the Republic as planned. It would be a win win situation. Either the Jedi did nothing and thus torpedo their own reputation or even better, they would act and help him stroke anti-Jedi sentiments among certain circles of power who would be afraid of the Jedi overstepping their bonds. It would be easy – there were too many people on Coruscant with a lot to hide and thus to fear from the Jedi.

Palpatine schooled his face into a concerned mask, checked and then rechecked that anything a Force Sensitive would get from him would be only what could be expected by a man in his position and only then placed an emergency call to the Jedi Temple. It took disgustingly long to actually speak with anyone important, but at least he got a Jedi Master in the end.

"Master Plo Koon!" Palpatine smiled in relief at the sight of the Kel Dorn male. "I must beg your help!" He exclaimed and hastily explained about the dastardly, highly illegal Trade Federation blockade.

"Earlier today were made aware of the issue. We already dispatched as ship carrying Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi as well as Jedi Knight Qui-Gonn Gin and his Padawan. I'm confident that they would be able to resolve the situation with all haste." The Jedi Master did his best to reassure Palpatine.

That was the case, at least outwardly. Inside, Sidious cursed. There was a Jedi Master already on the way? That was way faster than he anticipated when he set the plan in motion. That by itself gave more credence to Gunrey's words. If there was already a Jedi Master on Naboo... What did he miss?!

"I'm relieved to hear that. If it isn't too much to ask, why such a prompt response? I'm ashamed to admit I didn't expect anything to come out of my plea for help before the Senate session tonight. Please rely my gratitude to the rest of the Jedi Council, Master Koon."

The Jedi examined Palpatine for a few seconds before he made a decision. "I'm sure that Queen Amidala will tell you as soon as she can. Something unexpected happened on Naboo."

"Unexpected, Master Jedi? I am unaware of anything out of the ordinary." Palpatine's relieved smile died. "Except my home being illegally blockaded."

"A lost ship carrying two Jedi Masters arrived on Naboo the previous night." Plo Koon explained.

"How could two Jedi Masters get lost?!" Palpatine didn't need to fake his surprise. Say what you will about the Jedi, especially their Masters, but they didn't get lost.

"It may very well be a thousand of years old mystery. Are you familiar with the legend of Jedi Masters Delkatar and Kira Veil?"

Palpatine frowned as if deep in thought. "Those names seem familiar. I was very interested by galactic history in my youth, especially that of our protectors, the Jedi..." He blinked in recognition. "Veil, The Crusader?"

"The same. He and his wife vanished years after we won the Great War. It was some time after the liberation of Tatooine during their Anti-Slavery Crusade." Despite his breath mask, Palpatine was sure the Kel Dorn was smiling.

"Are you telling me that their remains turned up at Naboo?" That might explain why some Jedi Master Palpatine didn't know of went there. Perhaps some historian or archivist who never left the Temple...

"Remains? No. They're very much alive. There's only so much we can confirm without examining them in person but we had a long conversation last night. If our records are right, the people on Naboo are indeed the lost Jedi Masters!" Plo Koon said with barely contained glee.

It was all Palpatine could do not to show how he really felt.

"That's amazing! Can I meet them once the current un-pleasantries are over?!" He explained. On the inside, Sidious was cursing up a storm.

Two infamous Jedi Masters from nearly four thousand years ago suddenly turn up on Naboo hours after Sidious activated the Sith plan for revenge and galactic domination? That was no coincidence nor bad luck. That was the Force interfering!

"I think something could be arranged." Plo Koon chuckled.

"Then I can face the Senate sure that my people are in good hands! Thank you very much, Mater Jedi!" Palpatine beamed at the Jedi and finally the conversation was over.

Sidious slammed a fist into his desk. Ancient Jedi Masters alive no Naboo! Could he possibly salvage something now?! No! There was no reason to panic yet. He was the Dark Lord of the Sith! He could still leverage the situation in order to become Chancellor, however any further plans might need to be re-examined. He had to test those two. The Crusader indeed... If what he knew of that era was correct... Sidious smiled. The man loathed slavery with a passion worthy of a Sith. Perhaps aiming him at the Hutts... or could he turn them against the Republic by showing them how corrupt the whole rotten structure was? That might work, but first there were things he needed to know. Could they recognize him for what he was? Sidious had met Yoda as Palpatine and the Grandmaster was none the wiser. If the same was true for those relics, his plans could continue. Otherwise, everything could become so much more complicated. At least his predecessors ensured that the laws against being a Sith got repealed a long time ago.

Sidious made his decision. He would order Gunrey to actually invade, ensure that the Senate would paralyse itself and go for the position of Chancellor. The big question was could he salvage something at Naboo or should he simply write Gunrey and that whole fleet? If he played his cards right he might be able to become Chancellor no matter what happened at Naboo from this point onward. Perhaps throw the Trade Federation to the wolves wholesale too?

Decisions, decisions...

=KR=

Bridge

TFS Wraith

High orbit above Naboo

"My friend, we were betrayed. There are Jedi en route to arrest you and drag you in front of the Senate." Sidious' voice was mournful.

"WHAT?!" Gunrey jumped from his comfortable seat.

"It's true I'm afraid. They want to use you as an example and further leverage against any corporation daring to protect its right. The Jedi believe that you will back down and when they bring you in front of the Senate in chains they will dictate the narrative! We can't allow them to succeed!"

Nute Gunrey nodded in mute horror. What Sidious spoke was the manifestation of his fears! "What am I to do!" He didn't squeak! He really didn't!

"You need to prove them wrong, my friend. Make the Jedi disappear. Invade, capture the headstrong Queen and force her to sign the treaty! I will stall the Senate for as long as I can. Then, you will come with a treaty in hand and we will be the ones who the galaxy believes! That's the only way!"

"You speak sense." The Viceroy nodded.

"Thank you, my friend! I know you won't fail!" Sidious smiled.

The Sith was such a good friend... Nute nodded with a smile of his own. Now he knew what to do! The Jedi would not make a fool of him! How did they dare!

Hours later, when a Republic Consular Frigate entered the system, Gunrey immediately had an invitation sent to them so they could resolve the regrettable misunderstanding with all due haste. When the unwitting light-ship approached the Trade Federation Flag, its crew was stunned to notice active weapon systems locking on them...

=KR=

Part 4

=KR=

Cockpit

Millennium Falcon

Naboo

"May the Force be with them..." Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi whispered numbly.

"Are they mad?!" Bergost Shin, the ship's Captain exclaimed while all four humans in the cockpit stared at the sensor feeds. He should have known this run was more trouble that it was worth! "This was supposed to be a legit blue milk run!" Shin spat. Just ferry a bunch of Jedi from Corellia to Naboo. No big deal. Right. He should have known! They didn't even want him to run the blockade, just observe!

On the screen, a Republic Consular frigate slowly approached one of those huge Trade Federation doughnut shaped freighters. For a few seconds everything looked legit, then targeting sensors came online with enough power to practically shine in the Falcon's scanners.

The frigate was too close. Shin didn't know if the Feddies caught it with a tractor beam or perhaps the crew was less paranoid than his passengers. In the end it didn't really matter. Shin's leathery skin tightened when it became painfully obvious that the frigate was doomed. The Falcon was close enough to actually see multiple emplacements containing some of the 'freighter's' capital scale weaponry rotate and then sent a single blood red salvo in the graceful Republic ship. It didn't look like the Consular had its shields up but even if they were at full power, at that range it wouldn't matter. That 'freighter' was loaded for krayt dragon.

A blinding flash of light followed by a small explosion as the frigate's atmosphere burned and that was it. Only a shower of glowing debris cooling in the void remained to mark the final resting place of a ten man crew.

"I'm getting us out of here!" Shin exclaimed.

"That's good idea. But first contact Theed. They need to know what just happened." Mundi snapped out of his shock.

"They must have seen it!"

"Not necessary if the Federation jamms their scanners." Ginn, the much younger Jedi disagreed.

"It doesn't matter! We've got incoming fighters!"

"Unidentified vessel, you are in a restricted space. Heavy ho and prepare to be boarded. Resistance will be met with deadly force." An emotionless machine voice came over the comm.

Shin hit the afterburners. Those tin-cans would never catch his baby!

"The jamming around Naboo just went off the scale. We aren't getting through that." Mundi shook his head after trying the comm. "I'm calling the Council. Right now, we can help Naboo better as witnesses."

"What about the Jedi Masters down there?" Obi-Wan Kenobi opened his mouth for the first time since the crisis began.

"I hope they would be able to extract the Queen and escape."

"We certainly ain't hanging around to watch!" Shin vowed. His fingers ran over the controls and the Falcon jumped to hyperspace before the Trade Federation Droid fighters could reach them.

"What are they thinking?!" Obi-Wan continued. "Master, this means war!"

"I don't think that they care right now, Obi-Wan."

=KR=

Royal Palace

Theed

Naboo

"We're being jammed all across the spectrum! They're blinding optical sensors too!" A Royal Guarswoman reported. She was overseeing the sensor feeds from all across the planet before automated systems fed them to a central mainframe below the Royal Palace in Theed.

"That can easily blind anyone looking up in the vicinity of our sensor platforms." Tycho, the Commander of the Royal Guard grimaced as he voiced his grim conclusion.

"Before the ECM went up, we got something that suspicious looks like an explosion before the Republic frigate could dock with the Trade Federation Flagship. I can't say more for sure, your Majesty."

"All communication frequencies are being jammed. I'm attempting to compensate..." Another guardsman spoke. "There's too much interference. We can't punch through without more power."

"Your Majesty, I would recommend that you leave Naboo for the time being." Master Veil's gentle words brought Amidala out of her shock.

"They..." The young monarch looked at the Jedi for guidance. "Why would they do this?! It makes no sense!"

"We don't know, your Majesty. However, my husband speaks the truth. We can't allow the Trade Federation to capture you, especially when they are acting so irrational."

"I won't abandon my people!" Padme's composure broke and she discarded the Royal 'we'.

"You can serve them better in front of the Senate. Becoming a martyr would only help the Trade Federation." Veil's calm voice somehow lessened the tension in the room.

"We've got incoming fighters!"

"Scramble all pilots. Your Majesty, you need to decide now. If we're to get you out we need to move!" Commander Tycho demanded.

"Larger ships too." The sensor operator paused and rechecked her console. "It looks like an invasion." Her voice was thick with disbelief.

"We're leaving now, your Majesty. There's two of us. We can't fight a war for you while the enemy controls the orbitals. If they continue to be less than rational even a temporarily victory here might push them into doing something regrettable." Master Veil put a reassuring hand on Padme's shoulder.

Her breath hitched when that simple gesture chased away the raising panic choking her. The Queen took a moment to regain her composure and turned to face the Jedi. "What do you recommend, Master Veil?"

"Have your security forces go to ground. Have them loot and disperse their arsenals, gather information, document any crimes committed by the invaders. I can promise you, I will do everything in my power to see justice done for your people."

"We don't have an army, as you well know, my Queen." The Commander added. "The Jedi Master is correct. Fighting right now can cause unnecessary harm to our people."

To Padme it was obvious how hard those words came to her guardian. She wanted to deny him, yet she couldn't. The Naboo were peaceful people! They were part of the Republic! Why would they need an army?!

"To the hangars." Padme's voice sounded hollow to her ears. It wasn't that of a Queen but of a child disillusioned by harsh reality.

=IK=

Zebulon

Royal Naboo Ship

Naboo

When the Queen's ship left the hangar, it did it on the heels of two squadrons of ageing Nubian fighters – which was a significant part of the whole Royal Naboo Navy. A whole swarm of Vulture droids descended to meet them and the best Naboo pilots flew straight in their teeth in order to screen their Queen. Behind them, the few AA emplacements in Theed, all of which were stationed at or near the Royal Place, opened fire.

The Naboo fighters opened with proton torpedoes and concussion missiles before the enemy could enter effective range of their own weapons. Within seconds a whole Droid squadron blew up and rained in burning fragments upon the river valley below Theed. More Vultures became victims to the Palace anaemic AA network, then more missiles wiped out a second squadron.

Those were the last free hits the Naboo pilots got. The two elite squadrons slammed into the leading droid fighters and spread in a desperate attempt to punch a hole for the following royal yacht. Only their shields allowed them to survive the initial onslaught but even that grace was not enough. A Nubian fighter on the right flank of the melee was first to die – a whole squadron of its droid counterparts swarmed him and scattered its debris in their wake. Another was unlucky and slammed head-on into a damaged Vulture. Then a third fell prey to an unusually skilled droid.

The tattered remains of Naboo's Second Royal squadron broke ranks and executed high angle turns that strained their compensator to their limits. The fighters shook under the extreme stress and air shear, but managed to turn and pounce upon what was left of the first enemy wave just as they were turning to follow the Zebulon. The remaining Naboo fighters raced to the heavens with the Royal Yacht snapping at their heels.

Only five of the Royal Guard lived long enough to break the atmosphere. Once in space they fell in a loose shell in front of their charge as enemies vectored upon them from every conceivable direction. Three battleships opened fire from extreme range moments after the closest Federation ship – a converted transport filled the Zebulon's chosen vector with all the flack it could.

It was a good thing there were no meaningful shock-waves in space, otherwise Amidala's flight would have been a short one. The Zebulon shook from near misses and her shields blazed with reflected energy.

The leading Royal Fighter died first. Then that on the right flank got bracketed by explosion and suddenly vanished in a flash of light. A third was cut in two and left to tumble in the void before the Zebulon staggered. A direct hit popped her deflectors and left a jagged burning hole above one stubby wing. Her acceleration decreased and that sealed the fate of her escorts.

At that point the remaining fighters had to break off and charge a squadron of Vultures with a vector and speed that guaranteed they would intercept the Royal Yacht. Thirty seconds later, missiles and laser cannons roared in both directions and the Royal Guard died along with another Droid squadrons.

Meanwhile, the Zebulon's astromech contingent fought a battle of their own. The enemy concentrated on the damaged section of the Royal Yacht, while the stubby droids crawled upon the wing in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire and restore full power to the engine. An unseen asteroid splattered a silver droid. Two more vanished in a bright explosion and only a single R2-D2 unit remained in the void. It beeped and whined its displeasure as it worked as fast as its manipulators would allow it. A near miss shook it, then another. R2 beeped silently in distress and jabbed an ark wielder in the jagged crater in the wing. The wing below it jumped and it was only providence that saw the astrometch's magnetic clamp remain firmly attached to the ship. Below it the Zebulon picked up her second wind and accelerated just in time to avoid another Vulture squadron.

Finally, the Royal Yacht cleared Naboo's gravity well. Two more hits connected blasting her shield and opening her cargo bold to space. Only then did the Zebulon vanish in hyperspace just in time to avoid a pair of Munificent frigates that jumped in to intercept her.

=KR=

"That was close." Delkatar let out a sigh of relief. During the flight he was in the cockpit, behind his wife who sat in the co-pilot seat.

"We owe you one, pilot." Kira smiled disarmingly. "To that little fella outside too. Without him those fighters would have caught us for sure."

"Heh. We actually made it!" The dusk skinned pilot chuckled nervously. "I..." The shrill beep of alarm interrupted him. "Damn it! We got hit just before we jumped to lightspeed. That... bloody hell, the hyperspace motivator's acting up. We won't get far this way."

"Get us out somewhere in dark space, then make another random jump away from any system." Delkatar ordered. "We'll see if we can fix it or not."

"If it can take the stress." Kira added.

"I'm not sure about that." The pilot ran a diagnostic. "We might get one, perhaps two jumps after we leave hyperspace. Relatively short ones."

"Where we're heading for? We didn't have much choice in escape vector."

"Straight towards the Outer Rim." Kira immediately answered. After all, she was the one to set up the nav-computer.

"Anywhere we can way low for a bit and either find parts or procure another ship?" Delkatar wondered.

"With how crazy those folks act? It will need to be somewhere out of the way and in safe range..." Kira called up a nav-map.

"Somewhere we can get lost for a bit and lacks heavy Trade Federation presence." Delkatar narrowed down the list.

"That probably eliminates most places we can reach. Please tell me I'm wrong?" Kira smiled at the pilot who gulped and checked the nav-data.

"You aren't, ma'am."

"Delkatar, dear, how do you feel about checking up on Tatooine?"

"We aren't taking the Queen there! It's ran by the Hutts!" The pilot exclaimed.

"I clearly remember kicking those slugs out of there." Veil growled from deep in his throat. The sound was loud and menacing as it echoed around the cockpit.

"Second time's the charm?" Kira stood up and went to hug her husband. "We protect the Queen, save Naboo and then we can see about the rest of the galaxy, all right?" She cooed softly in a soothing voice.

"I..." Delkatar returned the hug and relaxed in his wife's embrace. "I won't blow up my top. I promise."

"I know."