I would like to thank all those who have been waiting patiently for a post
on this fic. I greatly appreciate you doing so!!! :D Just so know, I will
be finishing this fic this week finally, so please bare with me. I will be
posting a chapter daily.
Neniae - Thanks for reading, I hope the final bits aren't too bad.
Rosyredfingured Dawn - Please forgive me, if you had to re-read the story again. *blush* But hopefully, you won't have to again. I think you'll notice that you have nothing to fear about the ending. ;) I just hope it does the rest of the story justice. Tell me what you think when it's over. And if you feel there is need for improvement, I will do my best to correct it for you!
kikeriki - THANK YOU!! :D I appreciate the support both here and at TF.N. I also appreciate the fact you enjoy all my stories, despite who they are under! I hope you continue to enjoy them. Thanks again!
Athena Leigh - Thank you for reading! I truly do wish to thank you for your patience! It means a great deal to me. I hope you like what I've done. :D
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Once they destroyed the few ground troops outside, the party headed into the Royal Hanger. As soon as they entered, they encountered resistance. Federation Droids crowded the room, fending off the small attack force. But with well aimed blasters and the quick moves of the Jedi, they were quickly dealt with.
"Get to your ships!" The Queen commanded. And most ran for their waiting craft. Before all the pilots could reach their destinations a squadron of droidekas rolled in and peppered the air with laser fire. Amidala watched as some of her men were cut down. Unfortunately there is no time to grieve in the midst of battle.
The destroyer squad effectively pinned the raiding party behind some of the machinery and workbenches scattered thoughout the bay. Padmè shouted of the din, "We are never going to get through!"
From their previous dealings with the war machines, Anakin thought quickly. A solution struck him, it was daring, but it was all he could think of. "I think I have an idea." Without further explanation, he maneuvered closer to one of the remaining starfighters. When he determined it was safe enough he used the Force to propel himself up into the cockpit of the yellow craft. Deactivation his lightsaber, in one swift movement he accessed the controls and engaged the drives. Mechanics were always the Padawan's strong suit and he quickly found the armaments and fired away at the droids. Their shielding was not strong enough to resist the powerful laserbolts. They were quickly annihilated allowing the group to move ahead.
But at the joy of his victory, he soon found the system heading into autopilot. Before he could even consider overriding the piloting controls, he was heading out into space. Yet he wasn't destressed by this turn of events and even welcomed it. Something told him he needed to be out here instead of in the hangerbay. Before he got too far, he did send his Master a hasty mental apology. {Sorry, Master. But the Force is requesting me elsewhere. Take care of Padmè.}
Qui-Gon watched as his apprentice executed his plan and destroy the team of droidekas that hindered their progress. He felt pride at his Padawan's quick thinking but it changed the instant the ship continued to head out of the hanger. Not that he was any less proud of the youth, but he was unsure of the outcome should he face the dark warrior alone. Upon receipt of the mental message he glanced over to the young queen. Movement beyond caught his attention, and he motioned the youngster forward. "I need you to stay with me at all times. I want to make sure your safe."
Obi-Wan nodded. He wished he could be of some use to his friends on their quest, but resigned to the fact that he would have to remain an observer. When they pressed on he stayed as close as he could to the Jedi Knight. Still he worried. Not for himself, but for those he had come to care about. He even worried for the Apprentice who dismissed him so easily. But he knew that the young man meant a great deal to the Knight before him, and therefore meant a lot to him.
Moving ahead, they were about to enter the lower levels of the Palace when the doors opened suddenly. Before them stood a man completely tattooed in red and black. Several horns crowned the man's head and his feral gaze fell upon the Jedi. Qui-Gon recognized the warrior immediately and again craved his Padawan's presence. But it was not to be. Relinquishing his fears to the Force, he said smoothly, "I will handle this."
Padmè didn't argue, "We'll take the long way." As they bound for their mark, Padmè briefly glanced back at the Knight. Silently, she sent him all her heartfelt support before following her troupe inside.
Obi-Wan hung back to conceal himself behind a workbench, but it was already too late. The Black Knight extended his arm and activated a double bladed lightsaber. A wanting grin passed over his features as he looked at the small boy. Noticing the smirk as well as the cause, Qui-Gon activated his own weapon in response. His actions seemed to please the foul being as they prepared to engage each other.
Slowly, they circled, waiting for one of them to make their move. At last the Sith Lord, swung out at the Knight. Qui-Gon easily blocked it and returned with his own blow. Together they began their battle, a hypnotic minuet of Death. The green blade moving as quickly as it could to fend off the ends of the black combatant's weapon.
Obi-Wan watched with admiration and trepidation, pleading with the powers that be to protect his Master. In his mind, the man that rescued him from slavery had become his new master. A lifetime of slavery could comprehend no less, and he followed the two warriors into the power center of the Palace.
*
Anakin allowed the craft to guide him to the battle. Nearing the Droid Control Ship, he could already see the dogfight that ensued. Just as the autopilot disengaged, he felt a warning in the Force. Hastily, he decided that he should assist the fighters and take out the Control Ship as quickly as possible so that he could get back to help his Master as well.
His expert piloting skills used to their highest potential, he flew right into the midst of the scrimmage. Twisting and turning, he blew away a number of droid fighters. Carefully, he dove and dodged the random fire that sizzled through space. He watched as his and his wingmates' shots ricocheting of the Federation's shields. He knew that defeating them would not be as easy as he originally hoped. They needed to find a way around those shields.
*
When he realized that their defenses were not weakening, the Droid Commander halted the Tanks. Instead he instructed the ATT's to release the cargo. Purposefully, the ships moved ahead and stopped beyond the glowing shields of the Gungans. The hatches opened allowing a large arm to extend out. Each vessel containing an entire regiment of battle droids. Methodically, they deposited their load as the commander activated the army.
The troops rose and stood at attention, waiting for the order to advance. As soon as the instructions were received, they horde marched toward the awaiting adversaries. When they came to the bubble shield, they pushed their way inside and began the ground assault. The Gungans immediately responded with their own barrage of weapon's fire. And so the battle began.
*
Pinned again! The young Queen thought. But this time all was not lost. Turning to Captain Panaka behind her, she motioned with her head the window across the hall. She knew Sabè would know what to do. Not only looks were considered when choosing a personal bodyguard but also intelligence and leadership.
Meanwhile, the good Captain blasted the window away, giving them a way out. A small group broke off from the main hall and exited out the opening. Quickly, they extracted their ascension guns and raised themselves up to the next level. Moving aside, Padmè was able shoot through this pane for entry.
They made their way toward the Throne room with little resistance. About half way there, a squad of Destroyers and Battle Droids suddenly halted the group. The sergeant instructed, "Put down your weapons."
Glancing at her men, she complied, "They win this round." Once they lowered their blasters, the group was herded to the Throne room to face the Viceroy.
---------------------------------------------------------------
If you would please be so kind as to leave a review, I would be forever in your debt. I hope you enjoyed and look for another update tomorrow! :D
Neniae - Thanks for reading, I hope the final bits aren't too bad.
Rosyredfingured Dawn - Please forgive me, if you had to re-read the story again. *blush* But hopefully, you won't have to again. I think you'll notice that you have nothing to fear about the ending. ;) I just hope it does the rest of the story justice. Tell me what you think when it's over. And if you feel there is need for improvement, I will do my best to correct it for you!
kikeriki - THANK YOU!! :D I appreciate the support both here and at TF.N. I also appreciate the fact you enjoy all my stories, despite who they are under! I hope you continue to enjoy them. Thanks again!
Athena Leigh - Thank you for reading! I truly do wish to thank you for your patience! It means a great deal to me. I hope you like what I've done. :D
------------------------------------------------------------
Once they destroyed the few ground troops outside, the party headed into the Royal Hanger. As soon as they entered, they encountered resistance. Federation Droids crowded the room, fending off the small attack force. But with well aimed blasters and the quick moves of the Jedi, they were quickly dealt with.
"Get to your ships!" The Queen commanded. And most ran for their waiting craft. Before all the pilots could reach their destinations a squadron of droidekas rolled in and peppered the air with laser fire. Amidala watched as some of her men were cut down. Unfortunately there is no time to grieve in the midst of battle.
The destroyer squad effectively pinned the raiding party behind some of the machinery and workbenches scattered thoughout the bay. Padmè shouted of the din, "We are never going to get through!"
From their previous dealings with the war machines, Anakin thought quickly. A solution struck him, it was daring, but it was all he could think of. "I think I have an idea." Without further explanation, he maneuvered closer to one of the remaining starfighters. When he determined it was safe enough he used the Force to propel himself up into the cockpit of the yellow craft. Deactivation his lightsaber, in one swift movement he accessed the controls and engaged the drives. Mechanics were always the Padawan's strong suit and he quickly found the armaments and fired away at the droids. Their shielding was not strong enough to resist the powerful laserbolts. They were quickly annihilated allowing the group to move ahead.
But at the joy of his victory, he soon found the system heading into autopilot. Before he could even consider overriding the piloting controls, he was heading out into space. Yet he wasn't destressed by this turn of events and even welcomed it. Something told him he needed to be out here instead of in the hangerbay. Before he got too far, he did send his Master a hasty mental apology. {Sorry, Master. But the Force is requesting me elsewhere. Take care of Padmè.}
Qui-Gon watched as his apprentice executed his plan and destroy the team of droidekas that hindered their progress. He felt pride at his Padawan's quick thinking but it changed the instant the ship continued to head out of the hanger. Not that he was any less proud of the youth, but he was unsure of the outcome should he face the dark warrior alone. Upon receipt of the mental message he glanced over to the young queen. Movement beyond caught his attention, and he motioned the youngster forward. "I need you to stay with me at all times. I want to make sure your safe."
Obi-Wan nodded. He wished he could be of some use to his friends on their quest, but resigned to the fact that he would have to remain an observer. When they pressed on he stayed as close as he could to the Jedi Knight. Still he worried. Not for himself, but for those he had come to care about. He even worried for the Apprentice who dismissed him so easily. But he knew that the young man meant a great deal to the Knight before him, and therefore meant a lot to him.
Moving ahead, they were about to enter the lower levels of the Palace when the doors opened suddenly. Before them stood a man completely tattooed in red and black. Several horns crowned the man's head and his feral gaze fell upon the Jedi. Qui-Gon recognized the warrior immediately and again craved his Padawan's presence. But it was not to be. Relinquishing his fears to the Force, he said smoothly, "I will handle this."
Padmè didn't argue, "We'll take the long way." As they bound for their mark, Padmè briefly glanced back at the Knight. Silently, she sent him all her heartfelt support before following her troupe inside.
Obi-Wan hung back to conceal himself behind a workbench, but it was already too late. The Black Knight extended his arm and activated a double bladed lightsaber. A wanting grin passed over his features as he looked at the small boy. Noticing the smirk as well as the cause, Qui-Gon activated his own weapon in response. His actions seemed to please the foul being as they prepared to engage each other.
Slowly, they circled, waiting for one of them to make their move. At last the Sith Lord, swung out at the Knight. Qui-Gon easily blocked it and returned with his own blow. Together they began their battle, a hypnotic minuet of Death. The green blade moving as quickly as it could to fend off the ends of the black combatant's weapon.
Obi-Wan watched with admiration and trepidation, pleading with the powers that be to protect his Master. In his mind, the man that rescued him from slavery had become his new master. A lifetime of slavery could comprehend no less, and he followed the two warriors into the power center of the Palace.
*
Anakin allowed the craft to guide him to the battle. Nearing the Droid Control Ship, he could already see the dogfight that ensued. Just as the autopilot disengaged, he felt a warning in the Force. Hastily, he decided that he should assist the fighters and take out the Control Ship as quickly as possible so that he could get back to help his Master as well.
His expert piloting skills used to their highest potential, he flew right into the midst of the scrimmage. Twisting and turning, he blew away a number of droid fighters. Carefully, he dove and dodged the random fire that sizzled through space. He watched as his and his wingmates' shots ricocheting of the Federation's shields. He knew that defeating them would not be as easy as he originally hoped. They needed to find a way around those shields.
*
When he realized that their defenses were not weakening, the Droid Commander halted the Tanks. Instead he instructed the ATT's to release the cargo. Purposefully, the ships moved ahead and stopped beyond the glowing shields of the Gungans. The hatches opened allowing a large arm to extend out. Each vessel containing an entire regiment of battle droids. Methodically, they deposited their load as the commander activated the army.
The troops rose and stood at attention, waiting for the order to advance. As soon as the instructions were received, they horde marched toward the awaiting adversaries. When they came to the bubble shield, they pushed their way inside and began the ground assault. The Gungans immediately responded with their own barrage of weapon's fire. And so the battle began.
*
Pinned again! The young Queen thought. But this time all was not lost. Turning to Captain Panaka behind her, she motioned with her head the window across the hall. She knew Sabè would know what to do. Not only looks were considered when choosing a personal bodyguard but also intelligence and leadership.
Meanwhile, the good Captain blasted the window away, giving them a way out. A small group broke off from the main hall and exited out the opening. Quickly, they extracted their ascension guns and raised themselves up to the next level. Moving aside, Padmè was able shoot through this pane for entry.
They made their way toward the Throne room with little resistance. About half way there, a squad of Destroyers and Battle Droids suddenly halted the group. The sergeant instructed, "Put down your weapons."
Glancing at her men, she complied, "They win this round." Once they lowered their blasters, the group was herded to the Throne room to face the Viceroy.
---------------------------------------------------------------
If you would please be so kind as to leave a review, I would be forever in your debt. I hope you enjoyed and look for another update tomorrow! :D