Chapter 10
o O o
Holo News Network live report.
"This is Poola Zhun with the Holo News Network embedded with the fleet under the command of General Antilles. Earlier today I wasn't even sure if I would be alive to make this report. Our fleet was taking a pounding, and then the incredible happened. A small fleet of ships like nothing I had ever seen before came charging out of hyperspace and tore through the Vong fleet. Within the first five minutes the tables were turned and not long later the Yuuzhen Vong retreated before the onslaught. I have been able to ascertain that the New Republic hero Han Solo now an Admiral was leading the Naboo fleet in this victory. The Naboo then helped in the repair of several severely damaged New Republic ships."
"There has been much debate today about this new group, called the Naboo, that have so recently appeared on the galactic scene taking it by storm and proving victorious in their first battle against the Yuuzhen Vong. These Naboo appear strong enough to be the kind of ally we need but are not the type to take our need of help as a sign of weakness. On the one hand they made a grand entrance but on the other no one seems able to ascertain the location of their home world. Their leader, Queen Amidala, is not some one to underestimate, she may be an unknown to the galaxy but the galaxy is not unknown to her. She apparently managed to survive being a thorn in the Emperor's side and now the rose for all its beauty is preparing to stick it to the Vong. From what they have seen so far, all of the men of this fleet that I have spoken with, agreed that they now feel this war is win-able. Back to you Andirsan Quoper."
o O o
To: Luke Skywalker aboard the Naboo vessel New Hope.
Sanctuary has been compromised. Jag has details.
Wedge.
Kenan and everyone else sensed Luke's shock as he read Wedge's message. They all turned to face Luke even though he hadn't made a sound; they all sensed that something had happened.
Then Luke spoke. "We need to set course for the Maw Cluster best possible speed! Wedge has reason to believe that our sanctuary there has been compromised. Jaina, do you know how to get a hold of Jag?"
"Yes, I'll get him on line." Jaina said setting to work. Though it was evident that she didn't know what Jag could do to help, she understood that now was not a time ask questions.
Padme too was watching in wonder as her family set to work. It was like they all knew what they needed to do even without being told. "The fleet is going to need to know how to get in to the base." Padme said turning to Mara who seemed a little lost as what she should be doing. "Mara?"
Mara looked up at her. "The easiest way in should be no problem for the Naboo, let a Jedi pilot them in, that's how we learned of it in the first place. I'll go brief the pilots just to be on the safe side, especially since my son is involved." Mara said finally having something to do besides worry.
"Space might get tight in there, most of the fleet should remain outside for support. While smaller vessels head in to evacuate." Luke said as they watched some of the smaller ships start jumping to hyperspace around them.
"How big is the population that we will be evacuating?" Kenan asked finally breaking his silence and hoping to be of help. He couldn't help wondering how much of this was his fault.
"Approximately, Sixty-five to a hundred. Drew, check in the records and see if any of the Jedi are closer to the Maw?" Luke ordered.
As Drew pulled up the map of the area they saw that there weren't any other Jedi closer, but there was another interesting fact. The Norghi home world though now in Vong hands was one of the closest planets to the Maw.
Considering that most of the Skywalker Clan was in this room, it wasn't surprising that there was at least one of the Norghi around. Almost a dozen of the Norghi had chosen to drop everything and accompany them, while the rest were going to follow them to Naboo as soon as they could. So sure enough standing out of the way was Barakh one of the Norghi that had been in the Senator's entourage. The Norghi understood that Kenan was a clone of their former Lord but that he also had at least some of Lord Vader's memories. Yet, even if he was not the original he and his family were once more saving the Norghi people by giving them a place to live. Barakh's people had been scattered to a large degree after the loss of their home. Now they not only had a place to gather but a reason for hope. Between their Lord and Lady and Skywalker Clan they had no doubt that the Vong would soon be in for a surprise. If there was anything they could do to make up for the all of the problems they caused to those they owed so much, then it would be done. Detaching himself from his out of the way and self imposed post Barakh made his way toward Lord Kenan.
"My Lord?" Barakh said as he bowed.
"Barakh," Kenan said quietly addressing the young Norghi by name. Kenan still wasn't quite sure how to handle these Norghi but with a war going on, if they could help and were willing, then who was he to complain. 'At least they aren't calling me Vader anymore.' Kenan thought as the young Norghi bowed again.
"My Lord, there is a small group of Norghi on Aduba-3. They wanted to stay close in case there was ever a chance to reclaim our world. They could warn the Jedi hidden in the Maw of the threat so that they can begin making preparations."
"That would be great!" Kenan said looking up at the others who were listening to Jag's report of his discovery. 'Luke.' Kenan called out through the force. When Luke turned to face him Kenan continued. 'There is a way to get a message to the base.' Kenan sent, nodding towards Barakh.
Luke made his way over to where Kenan and the Norghi were standing. "Whoever undertakes this mission will need to follow a detailed flight plain that must be followed to the letter if they are to arrive safely." Luke said pulling up the data; he was focused on what needed to be done. "I will also send a message to assure the Jedi there the order is legitimate."
Kenan realized that Luke's last statement might not go over well with an honor driven species like the Norghi so he explained. "Though I and my family trust the Norghi, we want to ensure that whoever carries this message on our behalf is well received." Kenan understood that Luke was distracted since his son was in danger and Kenan could tell that he had said the right thing when Barakh stood up a little straighter. He could almost hear Barakh thinking that 'Lord' Kenan still trusted them even after they had caused him so much trouble.
"Thank you, Lord Kenan." Barakh said watching Luke record his message.
"Why don't you contact your people so they can be making the necessary arrangements while we wait?" Kenan asked leading Barakh to one of the com-stations. A brief word and the connection was made. Kenan watched as Barakh sat and started speaking quickly in his native-tongue.
Luke returned handing a disk to Barakh. "This has both all the information the pilot will need to get to the base and that the Jedi will need to begin making preparations... Thank you for this Barakh and thank the messenger for me."
"It is our pleasure to serve Lord Luke." Barakh said relinquishing his seat so the com-officer could transmit the data.
o O o
Wedge's Ship
"This is General Wedge Antilese to New Republic High Command.
Sir, I know that the Republic is still trying to figure out how to approach the Naboo situation but it has come to my attention that the Jedi Sanctuary in the Maw Cluster has been compromised. I respectfully request permission to help in rescuing the children and families of the Jedi there in. I think that it would be the wise thing to do if we ever want to be considered as their allies. The Naboo are very protective of the Jedi and our rendering assistance would go far in their eyes. And besides it is the right thing to do."
Wedge said as he carefully worded his request. Deep down Wedge knew that the answer to this transmission would be the deciding factor in how things would turn out. He was not abandoning the innocent children of the Jedi to the Vong. He would either be going as a New Republic officer or it would be the start of whole new rebellion. He had not fought all these years for a government that could turn a blind eye as children were slaughtered.
To: General Antilese.
You are here by authorized to ensure that the inhabitants of the Maw Cluster are safely delivered into the protection of the Naboo. Once they reach the safety of the Naboo fleet you are to set course for Mon Calmari.
New Republic High Command.
"Helm, set course for the Maw Cluster best possible speed. Communications I need to talk to Luke Skywalker aboard the Naboo Flag ship New Hope." Wedge ordered.
"We are being patched through to Prince Skywalker now." Called out the com-tech on duty.
"Cooler heads have prevailed your 'Royal Highness.'" Wedge managed to say with a straight face; it was just to good to pass up. "I have been granted permission to assist in evacuating the Maw. We just passed Hut space and will probably beat you there. Since there are no Jedi on board I will need entry instructions so we can get the evacuation under way."
Luke was smiling both at Wedge's joke and his good news. "I'll have the necessary information sent your way. They will probably be packing everything up by the time you get there."
"Got it, see you there."
"May the Force be with you," Luke said signing off.
o O o
On the edge of the Maw
When the Norghi messenger arrived at Maw, there wasn't really much to see because the black holes that made up the Maw didn't let even light escape. If Makhar's orders had not come from Lord Vader's clan he would be questioning their sanity. He was ordered to surf the gravity tides between the massive black holes that separated the Jedi Sanctuary from the rest of the galaxy. Closing his eyes and saying a quick prayer to his deity he started the program that would take him in. The trip was made all the more hair raising because of the total absence of any visual cues of what was happening. All Makhar had to go on was his trust in Lord Vader's Clan was the sound of his ship as it was pulled in all directions. Finally the screen cleared he had made it.
o O o
Jedi Sanctuary
"Commander we have an unscheduled arrival through the main entrance corridor! There is only one life form aboard and it appears to be a Norghi vessel."
"I wonder who told them how to get in? Are they in com-range yet?" Streen the Jedi Commander in charge of Sanctuary asked.
"Yes sir and we are receiving Master Skywalker's clearance codes." The comm technician said. "We are being hailed."
"Patch'em through."
"This is Makhar I bring a message from Lord Skywalker. 'Prepare to evacuate Sanctuary. Security has been compromised. Reinforcements are on the way.' There is a more detailed message once I dock." Purred a soft voice over the line.
"Give him directions where to dock and have him escorted to me." Streen ordered as he activated the internal address system. "All department heads report to the Command Center."
"What's going on Streen?" Tionne the head instructor asked when she arrived.
"That's what I'm trying to find out." Streen said.
Just then the Norghi pilot Makhar arrived. Glancing around he made his way to where Streen and Tionne were talking and with a bow handed over the diskette with the orders. "Thank you," Streen said as he loaded it into the computer. There laid out in black and white was his worst nightmare. Looking up he addressed the now assembled department heads. "I now have confirmation. Sanctuary has been compromised and the Vong could show up at any time. We have to begin preparations to evacuate. Reinforcements are on their way; they will be here as soon as they can. We know that the Vong have acquired the directions to enter through at least one of the corridors but it is unknown as to which corridor or corridors it is. We are to remain within the relative safety of the Maw and up our patrols until reinforcements arrive. There is also information about a new group of friendlies. Basically if it glows and you can sense it in the Force don't shoot it. You know what to do, so let's get a move on people."
With that the group dispersed and the commotion of their evacuation plan began.
o O o
'Te grow ups are upset and taatin a bout leavin.' Ben thought. 'Mama comin ta get me! I has to be here when she get here. I hide wih te stuf aminals. I be warm 'n safe till Mama fin' me.' (baby snores)
o O o
Sanctuary Command Center
"Unscheduled arrival through one of the secondary corridors."
"What now?" Streen said turning to look at the display.
Just then a voice came over the com-line. "This is Rouge Squadron, we heard you could use a hand blowing this joint. We have a small fleet back out the way we came with orders to protect the evacuees until the Naboo fleet arrives to take you home."
"That's good to hear. They almost have all the children loaded on the first transport and it will be leaving shortly. You should keep your eyes peeled for any Vong sneaking in, we just had a skip slip in and we aren't sure which entrance he came through."
"Rodger that, we will also escort the transports to the exit corridor when they're ready."
"Thanks again Rouge Leader." Streen said signing off.
o O o
Wedge's Ship
"Luke, the first transport is out and is safely in my ship's main docking bay they'll be safe there till you get here. From the report I received all the children are on board. That was the good news. The bad news is the Vong have also arrived and started sending ships in to the Maw. We are still unsure of which entrance the Vong are using." Wedge said.
Mara stepped in to the holo field. "Can you transfer us to the transport I want to check on Ben?"
"Of course," Wedge said letting the com-officer do his job.
"Sir, we are receiving a message for you from a group of fighters that just dropped out of hyperspace."
"Patch them through. Glad you could make it Jag. Do you want to stay out here or lend a hand inside?" Wedge said not doubting for a minute that it was his nephew or what his answer would be.
"Inside is where they will need the help. Show me the way in, Uncle."
o O o
New Hope
As the Naboo fleet arrived on the far side of the Maw from Wedge's location Mara came to a decision. "I am going to go get my son. I'll take the Jade Sabre around the Maw and avoid the fighting, but I am going to be with my son."
Padme smiled, fully understanding what Mara was going through. "And I am sending a fighter squadron with you as an escort."
"They are welcome to try and keep up." Mara said as she left the room.
"And I'll take a battle group and see if we can cut the Vong off from the outside." Luke said picking about six ships to go with him.
o O o
Inside the Maw the battle was heating up. The Vong had started pouring skips through a second corridor, where Rogue Squadron and the other fighter groups had been managing to take them out as fast as they could come in. They were now taken off guard when the Vong caught them in a pincer movement. The small piece of stable space was starting to fill up with fighters, pieces of fighters and various types of weapons fire.
While on the outside Luke's battle group jumped out of hyperspace catching the Vong off guard. They had them pinned against the Maw. Having devoted most of their skips to the battle within the Maw the Vong found themselves with very few fighters to act as a defense against the Naboo fighter squadrons.
o O o
Twin Saber
When Han and his fleet caught up with Wedge they started transferring the refugees to the Twin Saber. With the refugees being transferred and getting them settled things were not as orderly as the Naboo usually kept them. While on her way to the Twin Saber and its fleet which were waiting far enough away the Maw to clear of the gravity well Mara had called to check on Ben and was not happy since she had been receiving the run around.
Everyone cleared the way when Mara went through whether they realized who she was or not. It was a self-protective instinct, Mara was going to her son and anyone that got in her way was going to be wearing her boot prints if they weren't careful. 'Let's see them try to transfer me now.' Mara thought entering the makeshift nursery that had been setup for the refugees.
Grabbing the first adult that looked like they were in charge. "I want my son, Ben Skywalker, where is he?"
The poor Naboo nurse stared at Mara in shock, she had not realized until that moment that the child they had all been trying find so franticly was the Queen's grandson.
Just then Mara and every other Force sensitive in the sector heard a small scared voice call out through the Force. 'MAAMMMAAAA!'
Mara spun around all of a sudden she knew her son was not onboard the New Hope. Yanking out her com-link she dialed up the bridge. "This is Princess Mara Skywalker to all fleet commanders. My son, Prince Benjamin Skywalker is still in the Maw. I repeat that my son is unaccounted for, last seen in the Maw."
"Mara this is Jacen. We just jumped to a securer location for the safety of the children."
"What about Ben! He is still in danger!" Mara said still heading toward the Jade Sabre.
"We aren't going to leave without him, but others closer to his location. Amidala is sending someone to rescue her grandson, her part of the fleet is in the best position to stage a rescue." Jacen said trying to reassure Mara.
o O o
New Hope
"I repeat that my son is unaccounted for last seen in the Maw."
With those words Padme locked eyes with Kenan. They were both done with sitting on the sidelines. "Kenan, Norghi with me." Padme said as she disappeared out the door.
"Someone call Mara and tell her to stay put we are closer and on our way in to get him." Kenan said trying to keep up with Padme.
o O o
Jaina had been briefing her Mother on the status of the evacuation when she sensed Ben's cry, Mara's panic and that Grama was on a mission.
"I've got to go Mom, something just came up." Jaina said signing off and heading for the Hanger bay following the wake in the Force that Grama was leaving.
'Kenan, where are we going?' Jaina asked through the Force.
'Your Grandmother and I, are going to get Ben who got left in the Maw.' Kenan said as he launched the transport.
Jaina stood there for a moment watching the ship leave her behind. Looking around she spotted a pilot getting his final instructions; his fighter was ready and waiting behind him. A smile spread across her face as she sprinted past the pilot and leapt in the fighter. She closed the canopy only to get squawked at by the astro-droid.
"I'll have you know that as the Princess this is my ship and I am exercising my royal prerogative. Now be a good little droid and get me clearance out of here." Jaina snapped.
Yes Ma'am. The droid beeped.
Jaina poured on the speed as soon as she cleared the bay, quickly catching up with the rescue transport. 'Just don't get hurt or Padme will kill me.' She heard Kenan mumble through the Force. As they plunged into the Maw skating the event horizons at speeds that few Jedi would dare.
'You're warning me not to get hurt? You're flying like this is some kind of pod-race.' Jaina sent back.
o O o
"What are you smiling at?" Padme asked Kenan as they cleared the final event horizon and got their first glimpse at what remained of the sanctuary. The small section of clear space was teeming with corral skippers, Republic and Naboo fighters.
"Your Granddaughter. She didn't like being left behind, so she is flying interference for us in a Naboo fighter." Kenan answered weaving his way toward the station.
"Tell her not to get hurt." Padme said shaking her head wondering whom Jaina took after most.
"I already did." Kenan said as he docked the transport, thinking that Jaina took after her Grandmother.
o O o
Jaina's com crackled to life. "Aren't you going the wrong way? We just finished evacuating this place and we were about to clear out ourselves." Jag growled.
"Well someone forgot to get the Queen's Grandson in the commotion." Jaina said taking out a corral skipper. "So I'm making sure the Queen doesn't get herself killed trying to get him back."
"Jaina!" Jag said in shock. "Anymore royals going to show up?"
"I wouldn't put it past Mara." Jaina said as she formed up with Jag's wing.
o O o
Naboo Throne room
It had taken Leia forever to get a straight answer as to what was going on. No one knew for sure where her daughter was, although they had a good guess when they learned of a commandeered fighter. The panicked Captain of the New Hope knew all to well though where the Queen was. She was heading straight into the heat part of the battle.
"I believe that both the Queen and Princess Jaina are attempting to rescue young Prince Benjamin, My Lady." The Captain swallowed, "Apparently he got left in the Sanctuary Nursery."
"I will let you get back to your duties then Captain. Please inform me when they return." Leia said cutting the connection. Turning to Sabe she smiled. "Where else would they be, but in the thick of it?"
o O o
Jedi Sanctuary
With all the Vong that had managed to get on board the former Jedi sanctuary it was decided that the Norghi would break off and run interference allowing Kenan and Padme a relatively clear run to the nursery.
When Padme and Kenan finally made it to the nursery it was in disarray and there was no sign of Ben. "Ben?" Padme called out as they started looking. "Your Mama sent us to find you, if you can hear me I need you to make some noise so I can find you, okay?" Silence followed, Padme didn't know what to do she had tried the Force but though she was sure the boy was nearby she couldn't pinpoint where. Looking over at Kenan she could see that he had also come up blank as they continued looking the hard way.
"You do realize he takes after you, don't you?" Kenan grumbled.
"What do you mean by that?" Amidala said pulling off the bedclothes.
"He's scared so he's instinctively cloaking himself in the Force just like you always did." Kenan said standing in the middle of the room trying to figure out where he would hide if he were a ten-month-old with a off the chart midi-chlorian count. "That's why Master Qui-gon and Obi-wan were just as surprised as everyone else to learn that Padme was Queen Amidala." Kenan said noticing a small toy box off to one side.
"They were?" Padme said watching him walk over to the toy box that she hadn't noticed before.
Kenan slowly opened the lid and peaked in not wanting to startle any possible occupants.
The box was full of stuffed animals and a pair of large blue-green eyes. For a moment the eyes just seemed to study him then their owner sat up. Strawberry blonde hair framed his smiling face as he held his arms up. "Gapa!"
Kenan blinked, then picked up the precious bundle. "Got'im," Kenan said turning around to see Padme smiling. Just then there was racket behind Kenan and when he turned around there was a Vong warrior sprawled out on the floor covered in stuffed animals and a broken toy chest laying nearby.
"Voo, Voo!" Ben said snuggling deeper into Kenan's arms.
"Did he just do what I think he did?" Kenan asked turning back to Padme.
"Yes, he did. Now let's get out of here." Amidala said checking the hall. "I don't think I am the only one he takes after, Gapa." Padme said as they made their way back to their transport.
"Do Naboo transports come equipped with diapers? Cause I think that this one could be used as a biological weapon." Kenan said trying not to breathe.
"You should be able to improvise something. I mean you managed to build your own droid and pod-racer a diaper should be a snap." Padme joked staying upwind.
"Are you sure you don't want to take your Grandson?" Kenan pleaded.
"No you seem to be doing fine." Padme said as the Norghi caught up with them giving Kenan a wide berth. Padme now pulled out her com-unit. "This is Amidala. I want a fighter to make their way out and inform Mara and all battle commanders that Prince Ben is with me. We are on our way out now. See you on the outside." She said closing the unit as they reached their transport.
"Let me take him, because I have to admit you are the better pilot and I have a better chance at finding something to pin on him." Padme said holding out her hands. "Come to Grama, Ben, let's get you cleaned up for Mama."
"Mama!" Ben said excitedly as Kenan flew them out of the Maw.
o O o
Outside
Jaina felt Kenan calling out to her through the Force. 'We've got'im. Start making your way to the fleet.'
'I'll go back with the New Hope.' Jaina sent as the transport launched from the station.
"I think your getting left." Jag said watching the Queen's transport exiting the Maw toward the Twin Saber and one very anxious Mara. "Mind if we escort you out, Jaina?"
"Sounds good, sending you the flight data now. We're headed back to the New Hope. Gotta give my fighter back." Jaina said breaking off from the fighting and entering the exit corridor.
o O o
Rescue Transport
Once they were clear of the all-consuming effect of the black holes Padme called Mara.
Ben was sitting in Padme's lap and when he heard Mara's voice he started bouncing. "Mama, Mama! Voo Voo, Boom! Gapa Boom Voo! Mama!"
Padme laughed, "As you can hear Ben is safe and sound. He also apparently wanted to tell you what happened. I'll give you the translation when we get there."
"Are you sure he's okay?" Mara asked feeling better but still worried.
"Nothing his Mama, a bottle and a bath can't fix."
"Shooh!" Ben giggled
"I think that means he is ready for his bath." Padme said smiling at the toddler's antics.
"Then tell Gapa to get a move on it, 'cause I don't think anyone on this ship is going to be happy till I have my son back with me. Ben, Mama will see you soon." Mara said cutting the line so she could gather the things she would need to take care of her son.
o O o
Naboo Palace
"Anakin, pacing is not very Jedi like." Leia said staring at the com-unit.
"At least I'm not trying to do Jedi mind tricks on com-units." Anakin said forcing himself to stop pacing.
"Why don't we do something constructive?" Tahiri asked. "You've been wanting to try your hand at the Naboo fighters. So why don't we take a patrol out to check the perimeter?"
"Sounds good, anything to get rid of the feeling that I have been left in the nursery while the big kids get to go out and play." Anakin said following his as yet unannounced fiancé out of the room.
Leia turned to Sabe, "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
o O o
A/N: Thank you again for all of the great reviews.
