The Enterprise came out of warp at the planet, Naboo. It looked like a sapphire jewel hanging in the blackness of space. Its moon hung within sight in its half-moon stage. "I'm surprised they didn't destroy this planet," Jim murmured as he and Spock stood looking out the viewport.
"They believed Alderaan would make a bigger statement," Spock replied. "It is so close to the capital planet of Coruscant, it could not be denied that the government ordered the destruction."
Jim nodded. "We have to stop it if we can, Spock."
"I agree, Captain."
"Uhura, hail the planet."
Uhura sent the hail and received an immediate reply. "This is Naboo security," the familiar man on the screen said. "Who am I…" Panaka suddenly recognized Jim Kirk and the others. "Captain Kirk."
"Yes," Jim replied. "We would like to visit the planet and talk to Anakin and Padme if possible. I would also like to talk to you."
"You're welcome on Naboo, Captain."
"We'd like to use our transporter if that's alright with you…and if you can send us coordinates."
"I'm sure we can and I'm also sure that Senator Amidala will be delighted to see you."
"Thank you. Let us know when you're ready."
Jim ended the transmission. "Mister Sulu, you have the Bridge until Mister Scott arrives," he said.
Jim and Spock left the Bridge and headed for the transporter room. He called Bones and told him to come along, as well as Solan. They would go along with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Kavis. They all soon arrived at the transporter room. "Are your friends enjoying the ship?" Jim asked to Kavis.
Kavis smiled slightly. "Maybe too much," he replied. "They especially love the showers."
Jim smiled. "I'm glad." He looked at Scotty. "Do you have the coordinates, Mister Scott?"
"Yes, Sir," Scotty replied. "Just received it."
"Energize."
Jim and the others were soon standing in the palace on Naboo. Panaka was there. He did not think he would ever get used to that display, but he bowed slightly. "Welcome to Naboo," he said.
Jim returned the bow. "Thank you."
"Right this way."
Jim and the others followed, and Panaka led them to the throne room where the new queen sat. She had her face painted like Amidala always did so Jim was sure he would not recognize her anywhere if she were not obvious. "Your Majesty, Captain Jim Kirk has arrived, along with some of his crew," Panaka announced.
"Welcome, Captain Kirk," the queen said.
Jim just stood there a moment not knowing how he should address this queen. Bones nudged him in the side with his elbow. "Bow, you dummy," Bones whispered.
Jim bowed from the waist. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Captain," the queen continued. "You helped our planet and helped to stop what could have been a grave tragedy. But how did you come to be in our galaxy again?"
"The same way as last time…through a rift in space."
"Do you know how these rifts occur?"
"No, Ma'am, although we do know that they are caused by warp fields in some way."
"What brings you to Naboo today?"
"We would like to speak to Senator Amidala and Anakin. We believe there's a very dangerous situation developing in this area of space, and we want to try and stop it if possible."
The queen frowned. "Do you believe our planet is in danger?" she asked.
"I can't say no. This whole galaxy will be affected."
"What is this threat you speak of?"
"I don't know all the details, but I know that there's a monstrous weapon being developed, and it is being constructed somewhere in this region of space. I believe it and many other factors are the reason for the trouble this planet had before. It's all tied together, Your Majesty."
"You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. We will contact Senator Amidala for you and let them know you are here."
"Thank you."
"I hope you enjoy your stay on our planet, and if you need anything, you need only to let us know."
"I thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty."
As Jim and his crew moved away, along with Kavis, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan moved up to talk to the queen. "I didn't know we would be meeting a queen," Kavis remarked. "I feel so underdressed."
"I don't think she is worried about it," Jim replied. "What do you know about that area of space?"
"What do you want to know?"
"You say you're from Corellia. What's it like there?"
"Like any other planet. Beautiful in places, not so beautiful in others, hot and dry, cold and raining. Certainly no death star there."
"It's far from out here though. Whatever's going on is out here."
It was not long before an answer was received from Padme inviting her friends to come to the Lake Country where they were staying. Jim had also informed the crew that they could come down to the planet in shifts. They were soon on their way to the area where Padme and the others were staying. Once they arrived, Jim thought he knew why they were staying there. It was isolated, and no one would guess that they were there. He supposed it would be a good place where they could talk about all the issues they had before them without any unauthorized ears listening.
The transport stopped at a large house situated near a lake and waterfalls which was also surrounded by mountains, and even had its own stretch of beach. Amidala and Anakin were waiting for them when they arrived. As Jim came off the transport, he could not help but look around them at the beauty of the place. He wished he could bring Carol there…and perhaps she could be transported there.
"Welcome, Captain Kirk," Amidala said as they met.
"This is a beautiful place," Jim replied.
"I love staying here."
"I can see why."
"Come inside."
Jim and the others with him went inside to a large luxurious sitting room. It had a large fireplace which he supposed would be needed on this planet since the weather was somewhat cold at night. "This is a beautiful place," Jim commented.
"Thank you," Amidala replied. "It's my summer house. What brings you to Naboo?"
"Information. Since you've lived out here all along, surely you know some about what goes on in the outer rim." Jim looked at Anakin. "And you too. What do you know about Kessel?"
"It's a mining world. Not much good for anything else. It's where the spice is produced."
Jim nodded. "A money maker," he said thoughtfully. "It must be how they're funding the project."
"What project?" Anakin asked.
"The weapon they're developing."
"Who? What weapon?"
"Something we saw in the future of this galaxy."
"You know about the future? How?"
"Before we came to this time, we were here at a later time in this galaxy. We saw something happen…and we want to prevent it if we can."
"What was it?"
"It could have been a lot worse but the weapon was destroyed by the Rebellion."
"Wait," Amidala interrupted. "What rebellion?"
"It all has something to do with the creation of this clone army," Jim said. "It's all connected, including the invasion of your planet."
"How?"
"It's all being engineered by the same person to achieve what he wants, and that's power."
"Who is this person?" Anakin asked.
"We're not certain."
"But you think you know."
"Yeah, but like Qui-Gon and the other Jedi say, we have to have proof."
"That's always the problem, isn't it?"
"It is, but when you're dealing with people in power, you have to have sure proof or no one will believe it."
"So, you think it's someone in high power?"
Jim nodded. "We're not talking about who right now. I just want to know what all you know about this region of space. If there was a large weapon…and I'm talking about one as big as a small moon…where would they hide it?"
Anakin scowled at that. "As big as a small moon?" He considered that. "You know the Geonosians would be likely to build it if there was such a weapon. They're experts."
"We figured that, and since Geonosis is out here in this area, all of this has to be connected."
"That makes sense. And you think Kessel is funding it."
"Who controls the Pyke Syndicate?"
"The Pyke Family from Oba Diah. They just about control the spice routs."
"That's what I've heard."
"The Hutts work with them but they were attacked by the Syndicate and forced into an alliance."
"They get their weapons from the Geonosians, though, right?"
"The Geonosians are cowards. They do whatever they're paid to do."
"You think the invasion of Naboo was connected to the development of some super weapon?" Amidala asked. "Why would it be?"
"It was a coverup," Jim replied. "It was also a manipulation to cause you to get someone else into power."
"This really sounds absurd."
"That's why it's working. It's planned that way so that people think it sounds impossible. Things that don't seem to be connected are connected by one evil individual to deceive those around them into doing their bidding, and catapult them into power."
"You must be talking about some sort of genius."
"He thinks he's a genius. The weapon has to be already in production. It would take years to construct something like that."
"There have been rumors," Padme said.
"Rumors of what?" Jim asked.
"Of some sort of weapon that's more powerful than anything we've ever seen. Captain Panaka told me of rumors he has heard. It would be able to overpower the Trade Federation. I don't know what they're talking about. Why do you think it's connected to everything that's happened?"
"Because of who's behind it all. They had that clone army created, claiming that it's for the Republic when in reality, it's for their own agenda. Somehow, they would take control of the Republic and it would become an Empire, and that's controlled by a dark lord of the Sith."
"A Sith lord could never take control of the Senate," Anakin declared. "The Jedi would know it."
"I'm afraid they do know it," Jim replied. "They've told us that their ability to use the Force is somewhat diminished because of a cloud of the dark side. You mean you don't know about it?"
Anakin considered that. "They never tell me anything. I think they don't trust me."
"Or they simply try to protect you because you're so young," Amidala disputed. "You only take it that they don't trust you."
"She is correct," Spock agreed. "Sometimes, our mentors want to shield us from the worst part of a situation so that we will be shielded from the worry. You should not confuse this with a lack of trust."
"I guess you're right," Anakin replied. "Sometimes I just feel like I'm left out of everything."
"I am certain that Obi-Wan felt the same way before he was a Jedi."
"I wouldn't know. He never talks to me about it."
"Guys, we don't have time for this lecture right now," Jim interrupted. "We need to put all our knowledge of this region of space together and figure out where they would hide such a weapon."
They all looked at the maps that Jim had brought along. Anakin and Amidala were puzzled by the differences in the maps. "How could these planets be in different places like this?" Amidala asked.
"Something big and powerful," Jim replied. "Plus, the planets that were destroyed as a test for that weapon."
"They destroyed planets as a test for a weapon? How?"
"I don't know. The weapon has the ability to destroy a planet, and the ones that were destroyed were most likely those that opposed them."
Anakin looked at the maps a moment. "Well, if you really wanted it to be hidden, you could hide it in the Maw itself. There are passages through the Maw. A Force user can find them."
"A Force user," Jim said thoughtfully.
"It is all coming together, Captain," Spock said. "Is it not?"
Jim nodded. "This Sith lord is hiding his ultimate weapon in the Maw. That's why they were cracking down on those insignificant smugglers at the time we were at before. The weapon was nearing completion and they were afraid someone would see it before they made their big debut."
"How could they destroy planets in the outer rim without anyone knowing it?" Solan asked.
"Because there is no Republic presence out there," Anakin said. "It's why there is slavery as well, and why the Hutts can control Tatooine and be gangsters. I've heard space pilots talk about the patrols and how they escaped them. There have already been patrols out there, but they thought it was the Pyke Syndicate or the Trade Federation who were doing it to stop smuggling so they can completely control the trade routes."
"But they weren't sure," Jim said. He looked at Anakin. "Do you know the way into the Maw?"
Anakin looked surprised. "Me? Well, no, but I'm sure I could find it, but I was ordered to stay here."
"Anakin, we can't just ignore this," Padme declared.
"They'll never let me go. You would have to take Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan."
"But these planets out here are where we grew up."
Anakin frowned. "I understand what you're saying, but as you have even pointed out, I'm a Jedi, and I have rules."
"He is correct," Spock said. "He cannot simply go off on his own mission."
"Suppose he's on our ship?" Jim asked. "And we're going out there and we ask for his help?"
Spock raised an eyebrow at that suggestion. "Captain, may I point out that we are not in our galaxy, and Anakin may not escape consequences as you do."
"Spock, I'm not talking about mutiny or anything. I'm talking about trying to save this galaxy from devastation. This is serious."
"I understand that, but he must still abide by his rules."
"I don't agree," Padme argued. "If what he says is true, then we are obligated to find out what we can, and no rules should stop that."
"I'm glad someone around here can see the gravity of this," Jim said.
"Do you have any proof?"
"No. That's what we have to get. We have to find this weapon and prove that it's there, prove what's happening."
"Captain, there is one other factor which we must consider," Spock said. "That is the power of the weapon. The Enterprise could be destroyed if there is such a weapon functional. Plus, there would be security around such a project."
Jim nodded. "I don't think the death star would be capable of firing at us at this time," he said. "It would have to be in the early stages of construction."
"You may be right," Spock agreed. "But as I pointed out, there must be significant security around such a secret."
"Yeah, and they're not going to want it to get out about it either."
"I could help you pilot your ship around them," Anakin volunteered. "I'll use the Force to guide us."
"I'm not sure Mister Sulu would approve of that," Jim said.
"I thought you were the captain."
Jim smiled slightly at that. "I am. And that also means that you have to follow my orders."
"Yes, Sir."
Amidala folded her arms. "I think he's really going to enjoy this."
"Hey, any time I get to pilot a new ship, I like it," Anakin declared. "So, where is your ship?"
"It's in space," Jim replied.
"Oh, right. You don't have to bring your ship down to the planet."
"No. Not unless we choose to."
"Are you going to tell Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan that we're going?"
"Sure," Jim said. "I just might leave out that little detail that you two are going along."
"You mean three? My mother is here too. I don't like leaving her unprotected right now."
"Right. Three. Just get ready."
Jim walked outside and looked out across the lake while he flipped open his communicator. "Enterprise."
"Yes, Captain," Sulu answered.
"Have Uhura patch me through to the palace. I need to speak with Qui-Gon."
There was silence for a moment. "Coming in now, Captain," Uhura said.
"Qui-Gon here."
"My crew and I are about to go out and explore some of the outer rim territory here," Jim said. "Are you interested in going?"
"Yes."
"I'm taking Anakin, Padme, and Shmi along. I believe Anakin can help us pilot some of the way."
Qui-Gon was silent a moment. "If that is what you wish," he said.
"We'll be there shortly."
Jim closed the communicator and went back inside. "Get ready for transport," he said. "Spock, once we're aboard the Enterprise, I want you to go to the palace to transport Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Also make sure the crew is all aboard."
Anakin frowned. "I thought you weren't taking them," he said.
"I told them I'm taking you as a guide."
"Qui-Gon agreed to that?"
"Yes."
Anakin looked puzzled but he did not say anymore. He took Amidala's hand in his, and Jim could not help but notice the looks exchanged between them, and they seemed to stand close together for two people who were just acquaintances. He opened his communicator as they were all ready. "Scotty. We're ready for transport. Eight to beam aboard."
"Starting now, Sir," Scotty replied.
They were soon aboard the Enterprise. Everyone left the transporter room except for Spock. "Jim, exactly what is your plan?" Bones asked as they were walking down the corridor.
"Like I said, we're going to explore," Jim replied. He lowered his voice. "Keep Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan occupied, will ya? I don't want them making Anakin nervous."
"How am I supposed to keep them occupied?"
"I don't know. Get together with Spock."
"Maybe he can bore them to death with his logical outlook on life."
"Whatever. Get quarters for Shmi."
Jim walked on to the Bridge with Anakin and Padme following him, along with Solan. "Jim, are you sure we ought to trust him with the ship?" Solan asked.
"We can't get through there on our own," Jim replied. "Besides, Sulu is still going to be there."
Jim sat down in the captain's chair. "Mister Sulu, as soon as Spock is back aboard, take us out," he said. "Anakin will give you coordinates to Kessel."
"Yes Sir," Sulu replied.
Soon, Spock was back aboard and they were on their way further into a strange galaxy…
