Disclaimer: I down own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 25! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Burning Vendetta
Chapter 25: Demonstration of Power
It had been a perilous three months for the fledgling alliance, as they scoured the galaxy for intelligence on the location of the Death Star. And finally, they had a lead...thanks to the Bothan they were now speaking with. Anakin and Padme were gathered around the situation table with General Dodonna, Admiral Ackbar, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Obi-Wan.
"I must be quick...before I am discovered. I have word that the Death Star is en route for..."
The transmission was plagued by static and Anakin's fingers quickly flew over the controls to fix it.
"The Emperor himself has ordered that his own home planet be destroyed as a show of just how ruthless he can be...and what the consequences will be for those who cross him," the Bothan spy said, in a hushed voice.
"Naboo..." Padme uttered, as her husband put his arm around her waist. He gently rested his hand on her swelled stomach. Shortly after they had returned from Eriadu, they had discovered that she was eight weeks pregnant. Now, she was five months along with twins and the anxiousness could be seen in their eyes about the arrival of their children, despite their precarious lives. The Bothan suddenly cried out, as blaster fire could be heard around him.
"Sever the transmission before it can be traced," Dodonna ordered. Anakin did so and everyone shared a moment of silence. Ackbar sighed sadly, as he was silent with his thoughts for a moment.
"We must prepare to defend Naboo and not let this Bothan's death be in vain," the admiral stated.
"Commander Skywalker, can you have your pilots ready to leave by dusk?" Dodonna asked.
"Yes General," Anakin answered. He'd spend the last three months training their pilots rigorously after the General had surprisingly given him the rank of Commander and charged him with this mission.
"The rest of us must be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice in case our location is discovered," Ackbar stated.
"Where is the new base located?" Organa asked.
"That's not information you need to know, Organa," Dodonna replied.
"You're just lucky we don't leave you behind," Anakin taunted and Bail glared at him. Dodonna motioned to his aide.
"See that the King is escorted to his quarters and stays there until further notice," Dodonna ordered.
"What?! You're locking me up again!" Bail screamed angrily. In the last three months since their arrival on Yavin, Bail had been watched around the clock and was frequently placed on lock down in his quarters, specifically at night.
"Commander Skywalker does not trust you around his wife, especially in her current condition. While he is away, you are confined to your quarters," Dodonna said.
"Since when does this grease rat give orders to you!" Bail screamed.
"He does not and merely made a suggestion that you be kept in lock up during this operation and I agree with him! Mon may have a soft spot for you, your highness, but I do not! You are lucky I have not ordered your execution and you can thank Mon for that too! Get him out of here!" Dodonna ordered. The meeting was dismissed and Anakin and Padme returned to their quarters to spend some time together before Anakin's departure...
Han sat on his parent's bed, swinging his legs back and forth, as Dorme went about packing their things.
"Mommy, is we leaving?" Han asked.
"I'm not sure yet, baby. But we have to be ready, just in case," Dorme told him.
"Daddy, is you and Uncle Ani really gonna fight in ships?" Han asked Obi-Wan, who was standing in the doorway.
"That's right, young one. It is our job to defend innocents against the Empire," Obi-Wan replied. Han hopped down and Obi-Wan lifted him into his arms.
"Is you gonna be gone long?" Han asked.
"Hopefully not more than a few days, son," Obi-Wan said, as he hugged him and kissed his hair.
"Mommy and I will miss you," Han said.
"And I'll miss you both as well. You take care of mommy for me, okay?" Obi-Wan asked. Han nodded.
"Make sure she eats and doesn't overwork herself," Obi-Wan said, tossing a sly smile to her. Obi-Wan let him down and he ran out to play.
"Telling our four-year-old to take care of me? Really, love," she scolded playfully.
"I mean it, Dorme. I know how you are when I go on any kind of mission. You don't eat or sleep properly and you work your fingers to the bone on anything they'll give you," Obi-Wan said.
"I worry, Ben and sleep escapes me when you're out there, Force knows where and Force knows doing what. I work to keep my mind off the worry and the unknown," she replied. He sighed.
"I know," he replied.
"Han and I will be fine. Dex will take care of us too. You concentrate on what you have to do and then on getting back to us," Dorme replied. He nodded, as he tilted his head and placed a kiss on her lips. Dorme's arms flew around his neck and their lips moved over each other's in passionate desperation.
"You better come back to me, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Dorme said, as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.
"I promise, my love," he whispered to her, as their lips met again. They spent the next few minutes together and then collected Han. Dex followed them, as they left for the landing pad where Obi-Wan would be leaving shortly.
The Bothan spy was dragged onto the bridge and thrown at the feet of Darth Malice and Grand Moff Panaka. Both were aborad the Death Star en route to Naboo.
"We found this Rebel spy making contact with his Rebel friends. The transmission was severed before we could trace it," the Storm Troopers said, as he and another held the Bothan's arms. Panaka looked coldly into the young aliens frightened eyes. Panaka grabbed a plasmic pike and shoved it into the Bothan's abdomen. The unfortunate soul screamed in agony.
"What did you tell them?!" Panaka demanded.
"N...nothing," he cried.
"He is lying," Malice spat. Panaka shoved the plasma into his chest this time.
"Talk you putrid pile of slime," Panaka demanded.
"The transmission was...bad...lots of static," the Bothan coughed.
"It is possible they heard where we are headed," Malice stated.
"Tell me where the Rebel base is...and I will spare you," Panaka said. The Bothan screamed in immense pain, as the Storm Troopers beat him with their staves on Panaka's orders.
"Yavin...IV..." the Bothan screamed in pain. Panaka motioned for them to stop and for a split second, the poor alien thought he might live. He looked up into Panaka's cold eyes and had no time to scream, as the Moff shoved the barrel of his blaster into his mouth and pumped three bolts into his throat. Blood spattered from the dead Bothan's mouth and he slumped to the floor.
"Get this piece of garbage out of my sight," Panaka spat, as he kicked the body away.
"And clean up this blood!" he ordered.
"They may know we're headed for Naboo," Panaka said.
"It doesn't matter. They will all perish," Malice replied.
"Such an insignificant fleet cannot damage this grand station," Panaka said.
"Do not get too overconfident about this technological marvel. It is nothing compared to the true power of the Force. Vader could be problem. But the other Rebel's confidence in their mission may be diluted with a small demonstration of just what we're capable of. Let's show them what Naboo's fate will be," Malice said.
"You want to use the super laser on another target?" Panaka asked. Malice nodded.
"Captain Needa, is there a suitable planet nearby that would serve our purpose?" Malice asked.
"We're approaching Jabiim, sir," Needa responded.
"Excellent. Drop us out of hyperspace and lock on to our target. Jabiim is sparsely populated and has been known to harbor Rebels. It will serve as a sufficient demonstration of what's in store for Naboo and the Rebellion," Malice said evilly. The Death Star loomed toward the small, remote world of Jabiim and its people were unaware of the travesty that was about to befall them.
"We're locked on, My Lord," Needa informed him.
"Fire..." Malice ordered. The Death Star's super laser struck the small planet and reduced it to nothing more than space dust.
"That should give the Rebel fleet a taste of what they're up again," Malice sneered.
"Panaka, you will board my Star Destroyer with a legion of Storm Troopers and go to Yavin IV. Capture the Rebels leaders and kill the rest. I'll handle the Rebel fleet myself," Malice said.
"Yes, my Lord," Panaka answered.
"Take Ventress with you," Malice ordered.
"The Emperor has ordered that I stay here..." Ventress hissed. Malice snarled and Force lightning erupted from his fingertips. She writhed in agony, as he tortured her.
"Listen to me, you sniveling lap dog! You will obey me or you will die! Choose wisely, you sack of filth!" Malice growled.
"I...shall obey you...my Master," Ventress growled. Ventress struggled to her feet and Malice shoved his foot into her back, causing her to fall painfully again.
"What you just endured is a mere taste of the pain I will inflict upon you should you betray me...Ventress," Malice promised. She snarled at him, before pulling herself to her feet and following Panaka.
"Captain Needa, as soon as my Star Destroyer leaves the Death Star, resume our course to Naboo," Malice ordered.
"Yes, My Lord," Needa answered.
Padme watched him finish fastening his utility belt and clip his light saber to his side. Tears slipped down her cheeks and she quickly swiped them way. He heard her sniffle and turned to her. He was still amazed at how she could still render him speechless and take his breath away with her beauty. In her current condition, she had only grown more beautiful, if that was even possible. She argued that point with him, but he always won her over to his side with a soft kiss and a gentle caress on her distended belly. She glowed radiantly with that glow only an expectant mother could have. And she glowed brighter than most, for she was so deeply in love with the father of the children she carried.
"Come here, angel," he said. She dove into his arms and he could feel her tears dampening his tunic.
"I'm sorry...I don't know why I can't stop crying," she scolded herself, as she swiped her tears away. He smiled and brushed a droplet away with his thumb.
"It's okay to cry, you know. Especially in you condition," he replied.
"Yes, well, besides you, Dorme is the only other person that's seen me cry and I'd like to keep it that way," she sniffed.
"You do know that I'd take you with me on this mission if I could. I'd much rather have you up there with me than the rookies I have going up with me," he said. She pressed her fingers to his lips.
"I know...but we both know that being thrown around in a dog fight could harm our babies. And they and you are the most important thing to me. Besides, I can no longer fit into any of my battle attire and probably could not fit into a star fighter either," she rolled her eyes.
"Yes you could. And you're still gorgeous. I think I proved last night that I still very much desire you. And I always will," he whispered to her. This earned him a blush from her.
"Please promise me you'll be careful while I'm gone. Thing's could get dangerous around here if they discover the base," Anakin said.
"I'll be fine and the Falcon is all ready to go for a quick getaway," she replied, as she smoothed her hands along his flight suit.
"You look so handsome," she choked back a sob.
"You have to promise to come back to me. I could not bare to lose you," she sobbed. He tilted his head and crushed his lips against hers. Their tongues and teeth clashed, as they kissed furiously and passionately, drinking in each other's taste.
"Nothing...nothing can keep me from coming back to you," he promised. He hugged her tightly and breathed in her intoxicating, sweet scent. He sunk to his knees and placed his hands on her swelled stomach.
"Daddy loves you both...so much and I can't wait until you're here. I'll be back soon...so you take good care of mommy while I'm gone," he told them. Padme couldn't help the tears that were falling down her cheeks, as she listened to him talk to their unborn angels. He placed several kisses on her belly, before standing up again. Their lips met again in a passionate kiss and they moved their lips over each other's in desperation. Anakin plundered her mouth, memorizing her taste, her scent, and the way she felt in his arms. They forced their lips apart and slowly exited their quarters, heading for the landing pad.
When they arrived, there seemed to be a commotion traveling through the ranks.
"What's going on?" Anakin asked.
"Malice has seen fit to perform a demonstration. The Death Star destroyed Jabiim with a single blast," Obi-Wan replied.
"Are they still headed for Naboo?" Padme asked.
"We think so. The men are shaken though and have decided that this is a suicide mission," Obi-Wan said, Anakin looked at his wife's frightened face, for she feared for her people.
"I won't let them destroy Naboo, angel. I'll stop them...I promise," he told her.
"Just be careful," she replied, as she kissed him passionately. Anakin approached his ranks and looked over the men that would be going with him. They quieted, as their Commander began to speak.
"I know that you're all frightened and rightly so. But I also know that I can destroy this monstrosity they call the Death Star. However, I can't do this alone. I need all of you there to cover me. Millions of people were just murdered senselessly and if we don't stop the Empire, billions more will die when they destroy Naboo. And it won't stop there. One of your home worlds could be next if we do not stop them! Please...help me save Naboo and you'll be saving your own home worlds too," Anakin said, as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist.
"I don't know about the rest of these guys...but Naboo is my home world too and I will fight proudly to defend it, my Queen," a young man bowed to her. He was probably the youngest pilot there. He was tall and lanky, with short brown hair in a spiked style. He was handsome and had a smile that seemed familiar to Padme.
"Thank you...but I'm no longer Queen," she replied, with a kind smile.
"Forgive me, your majesty, but you were never allowed to finish your term. To the Naboo, you are still our rightful Queen," he replied. Anakin smiled.
"What's your name, pilot?" he asked.
"Ensign Marcus Janren, sir," he answered, as Padme's eyes widened.
"Janren?" she asked.
"Yes milady. Darred was my older brother," he answered.
"Darred was my sister's husband," Padme said, as she choked back a sob. Anakin smiled at the young man.
"Ensign Janren will be joining me. Anyone else?" he called. Slowly, one by one, all the men sounded off.
"Good...it's time to retaliate and let the Emperor know that we won't stand for anymore murdering and tyranny," Anakin announced. The pilots cheered and began preparing for the mission again with renewed earnest.
"I didn't even recognize Marcus. He was just a little boy when Darred married my sister," Padme said.
"Well, when we get back, we can all sit down together and get to know him. He's family, after all," Anakin replied. Padme smiled and hugged him.
"I love you so much. Please be careful," she pleaded.
"I will," he replied, as he caressed her cheek and then leaned in to kiss her passionately. Dorme and Han bid Obi-Wan farewell as well. The fleet boarded their star fighters and followed General Kenobi and Commander Skywalker, as they blasted out of the hanger and into the sky...
Almost five hours later, the Rebel fleet exited hyperspace. The Death Star loomed toward the peaceful world know as Naboo. Anakin heard the distinctive sound of TIE fighters and noticed hundreds being dispatched from the station.
"Look sharp, here comes the welcoming committee," Anakin called to his men, as he engaged his lasers. He began plowing through the oncoming foes, as Artoo wove them through the massive offense.
"Blast!" Obi-Wan cried, as Arfour dodged several blasts.
"This is why I hate flying!" he griped.
"Ah, come on Ben. This is where the fun begins," Anakin replied.
"You really are crazy if you call this fun!" Obi-Wan called.
"There's just too many!" Anakin heard one of his men call, just before a TIE fighter destroyed him.
"Obi-Wan, Marcus, cover me. I'm going in," Anakin called, as he began spiraling through the fighting and toward the trenches on the Death Star surface. Obi-Wan felt his stomach lurch, as Arfour wove him back and forth.
"Nothing too fancy, Arfour!" Obi-Wan cried.
"Woohoo!" he heard Marcus call, as he followed Anakin's lead.
"Bloody hell...there's two of them," Obi-Wan said. Anakin dove down into the first trench with Marcus and Obi-Wan following him in...
Blasts rained down on the surface of Yavin IV, as a Star Destroyer loomed over them. Grand Moff Panaka and Asaaj Ventress led a legion of Storm Troopers toward the Rebel base, which was now in chaos and in the process of evacuating. The barricaded entrance was knocked in and Storm Troopers began invading the base, shooting everyone they could. Ships were leaving from the landing bay and that's where Padme was headed, along with Dorme, Han, and Dex. They soon reached the Falcon and stopped suddenly, as a man, a woman, and several Troopers stood in the way.
"Well, well, if it isn't the lovely Queen Amidala herself," Panaka sneered, as his Storm Troopers surrounded them...