Chapter 15: Counter-Attack

Anakin's trick of jumbling their signal was a blessing.

The Trade Federation were quite aware that they landed, but their actual location was secretive thanks to Anakin's assistance. Despite the discreet landing, Master Rhara insisted the Queen's entourage abandoned the ship. Captain Panaka led the way through the thick forest, blaster out and ready for any enemy soldiers. Padmé was no longer dressed in her regal attire. Rather, her trusted handmaiden, Sabé, was donning the Queen's clothes while Padmé and the other handmaidens dressed in functional trousers, tunics, boots and a deep purple-red, long-waisted overcoat. Strapped along their waists were blasters. Armed and dangerous.

Obi-Wan still wore the clothes provided to him by the Jedi Order. Anakin too. They could easily be mistaken as Jedi if it weren't for the fact that Obi-Wan was armed with a blaster, provided by Captain Panaka. The head security wasn't thrilled to hand over an active blaster to him. He disagreed with Queen Amidala's insistence to bring Obi-Wan and Anakin into the fight. His distrust was pungent in the Force, but Obi-Wan held no animosity. Already, he has dealt with several people's anger and he had no desire to lament over Captain Panaka.

Anakin stayed by his side, armed only with the Force. Captain Panaka refused to give him a weapon as he was only a child. Anakin scrunched up his nose in retaliation, reminding the captain that he saved them from Naboo with his own blaster the first time they met. That didn't convince the captain and Anakin ended up staying beside Obi-Wan during their trek through the woods.

Anakin looked wildly around the woods with a great smile on his face. "I know this is a stressful time, but it feels good to be home."

Obi-Wan glanced down. "Home?"

"Yeah," Anakin said. "Since the Jedi released us, we're free! We don't have to keep running and Padmé will protect us too."

Obi-Wan nodded in understanding. "If you like to live in Naboo, I'm sure arrangements can be made."

A small sigh of blissfulness escaped. "It feels right. Here, I mean. Being here feels like home," Anakin said. "Don't you think?"

Obi-Wan thought so too. Naboo had been nothing but peaceful during their months of living in the small mountain village. It was the normalcy they both craved and possessed until the invasion. Of all the planets Obi-Wan lived, Naboo did feel the most like home.

Captain Panaka signaled everyone to stop. Obi-Wan whispered to Anakin to stay beside the Queen. Anakin backtracked while Obi-Wan moved forward, joined by both Jedi. "What happened?"

Captain Panaka gestured northwest. Obi-Wan spied a massive tank position on the outskirts of Theed. It wasn't aimed at them, but it could be if they were spotted. Slowly, they backtracked to the rest of the group and convened on what to do next.

"Is there no way around the tank?" asked Master Rhara.

Captain Panaka was thinking. "No. Our only option is to take the tank by force," he said. "Unfortunately that would alert the Trade Federation of our location and they'll send the droid army our way."

Obi-Wan agreed. Any massive explosion or firefight would alert the Trade Federation of their location and endanger the Queen. He peeked at Padmé, who thought with a great deal of concentration and burden. Fourteen and already in charge of an entire planet's safety. She had no army. No government support. She had no chance. All she had was hope. Obi-Wan could see it in her eyes. The blinding hope that spirited the fire within her.

Captain Panaka exhaled deeply after reporting the odds against them. "Your Highness, without assistance," he began. "We have little chance to do anything. Our best bet is to get control of the tank and use that to barge our way into the city."

Padmé frowned, not pleased with the option. "Is there no other way?"

Master Rhara stepped beside Captain Panaka. "Your Majesty, without more assistance, I fear that this is a battle you cannot win."

Padmé was undeterred. Her eyes snapped to Obi-Wan. "What do you think, Obi-Wan?"

Suddenly everyone turned. One by one, different pair of eyes found him amongst the circle. All staring in either great interest or in skepticism. He felt a nudging of encouragement from Anakin, persuading him to speak. But, Obi-Wan had to think. He agreed that it was a highly dangerous mission. One wrong move and it was all over. Everything had to be precise. He did not believe taking control of the tank would do them any good. It would only signal their location. There was, however, one more way to enter the city.

"We could use the tunnels underneath Theed to enter discreetly," Obi-Wan offered.

Captain Panaka shot him a look. "Those tunnels are out of commission. They haven't been used in centuries."

"Doesn't mean they still aren't usable."

Master Rhara was puzzled. "What tunnels?"

Obi-Wan looked to her and Garen. "During the formation of Theed, the city's engineers constructed underground tunnels in case the city needed to be evacuated. However, there has never been a need for them, so they been left untended. It's sort of became an old legend."

Padmé was thinking. "If we use these tunnels, we can get into the city undetected," she looked around for a moment until her eyes landed on a blue droid. "Artoo? Bring up a map of the old tunnels."

Artoo-Detoo chirped and projected a map that had a series of trails running along underneath the Naboo capital. Obi-Wan observed the projection. "Yes," Obi-Wan agreed. "If my memory serves me right, there are a few entrances on the outskirts." He pointed to the far end of Artoo's projection, just right at the corner. "This one may be our closest."

Captain Panaka's hard stare was suspicious. "How do you even know about the tunnels?"

Obi-Wan flickered a glance to the stone-faced captain. "I read," he deadpanned and returned his focus to Padmé. "Once we enter the city, we will need to act fast."

"If we face the droid army—" Garen began.

"We don't need to face off against the entire army," Obi-Wan interrupted, his gaze hard on Padmé, Captain Panaka and the Jedi. "All we need to do is capture the Neimoidian viceroy. Without the viceroy, the Trade Federation cannot function. Neimoidians cannot think for themselves. They follow one leader and if we capture the viceroy, we can easily win this."

"What if we encounter the droid army prior to capturing the viceroy?" Garen raised, arms crossed. He turned to Queen Amidala "We don't have enough people here to take out an army."

Padmé considered the question. "If we capture the hanger, we could send our pilots to attack the orbiting control ship. Once that is destroyed the droids would shut down."

Obi-Wan agreed. With the droid army dismantled, the capture of Neimoidian would be swift and successful. "This is our best plan," Obi-Wan averred. "We will have to be quick. Any hesitation will give the Neimoidian's the upper hand."

"Then we will not hesitate," Padmé stated before she looked to Captain Panaka and the Jedi. "Are we all in agreement?"

The Jedi shuffled and Obi-Wan sensed their unease at agreeing to his plan. It irked Obi-Wan that their hesitation was due to their distrust of him. As Jedi, their emotions should be subdued in their decision. Yet, it ran rampart as each second tick. The silence grew longer and the animosity thickened.

Obi-Wan was no longer amused and prepared to make them see reason when Master Rhara nodded. "We are."

Padmé smiled. "Good, let's not waste time," she turned to Obi-Wan. "Where's the nearest entrance?"

Obi-Wan mapped out their path to the tunnel. Obi-Wan's memory served them well. In less than a half hour, they found one of the old entrances to the tunnels covered in overgrowth and hidden away from stray eyes. Captain Panaka entered first, followed by Padmé and her handmaidens, a few security officers and then lastly, the Jedi and Obi-Wan and Anakin.

Anakin tugged on Obi-Wan's sleeve. "What do I do?"

Obi-Wan put a hand on Anakin's head. "Stay close to me and do as I say," he said. "You'll be safe, I promise."

"But I can help!"

"Not with this Anakin," Obi-Wan said. "You don't have a weapon."

Anakin frowned at being the only individual not carrying any sort of weapon. "I can if they would let me. Can't you ask the captain again? Or Padmé?"

"I already did and the answer was no. I'm sorry. Just—stay close to me."

That wasn't exactly what Anakin had in mind, but he didn't argue any further. As long as he got to stay with Obi-Wan, he could witnessed or even participate in some way in the action. "Can't wait until this is all over and we can go back to living here in peace," he commented as he let Obi-Wan hoist him off his feet and lower him into the dark tunnel.

Once Anakin was secured in the tunnel, Obi-Wan recruited Garen to assist in lowering Artoo-Detoo into the tunnel. As they lowered Artoo into the tunnel, peacefully cooperating as promised, Garen shot up a raised, questionable glance. "You didn't tell him, did you?"

Sweat beaded down the side of Obi-Wan's face. "What?"

"You didn't tell him that you aren't joining him on Naboo," Garen clarified. "I'm surprised. I figured you two tell each other everything."

Obi-Wan inhaled deeply as he carefully pushed Artoo through the entrance. "I-I can't tell him. Not now anyway. It would only be a distraction."

Garen shrugged, taking over the spot where Artoo once was. "If you say so," he said and when he saw the warning look on Obi-Wan's face, he gave a dismissive wave. "Don't worry. I'm not going to tell your brat anything."

"He's not a brat."

"He is to me," Garen said and he jumped down into the tunnel, disappearing with all the others.

Master Rhara stepped forward, her eye studying him with indifference as most Jedi Masters do. "Forgive my padawan, Kenobi," she said, giving a disappointed glance to where Garen once stood. "Your appearance has brought some overdue issues and emotions."

Obi-Wan knew quite well of the issues Garen had with him. "I am not insulted," he said as a dismissal. He did not want to discuss Garen or the Jedi. He gestured to the tunnel's entry. "After you."

Inside Theed's Royal Palace, Nute Gunray stood in the middle of the throne room, addressing the robed, hologram figured before him. "Our scouts have reported no sightings of her yet, my Lord," he said quickly. "I have placed extra troops at all entrance points of the capital and increased security at the detention camps. We will find her and force her to sign the treaty."

The hologram flickered as the velvet voice of Dooku oozed. "That will not be necessary," he said. "The plans have changed."

Nute Gunray nervously looked to Rune Haako. The plans keep changing and Gunray was worried that their goal was far out of reach. He looked back to the hologram. "Again, my Lord? Already we are close—"

The door to the throne room burst opened and a truly terrifying figured marched in. The Neimoidians scurried back, shocked at the jagged red and black stripes down the man's face. His skull was bald and studded with a crown of sharp horns. Dark eyes penetrated the Neimoidians, assaulting them and stripping them bare until he dismissed them as cowardly fools. The figure turned to the hologram and bowed respectively. "Master," he addressed. "I have arrived as requested."

The hologram gave no indication of the figure's greeting. Its shadowy persona kept talking to Gunray and Haako. "Meet my disciple, Maul," he said as an introduction. Gunray and Haako inclined their heads in acknowledgement. "He will deal with the Jedi and the Queen."

There was a momentary pause before Gunray spoke up in a quivered voice. "And once we secure her signature, how do you wish for us to proceed?"

The faceless man spoke. "There will be no signature, Viceroy," he intoned. "They will be wiped out. All of them."

"But the treaty! It needs to be—"

Gunray's voice was cut off by constricting pressure around his esophagus. He wheezed, trying to regain any air as his hands came up to his throat for relief. It did not come. The shadowy blue figure glared at him. "The treaty matters no longer. The Queen, the Jedi and her aides will die today. The exclusion being Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker." The Sith Lord turned to Maul. "I entrust you to do what Ventress could not."

Maul's mouth rose in a predatory grin. "It will be done, my Master."

"Good," concluded the Sith Lord. "Do what needs to be done."

And with that, he disappeared and Gunray collapsed on the marble floor, hacking. He swelled in deep breaths, so thankful to be alive. Slowly, he got back to his feet in time to watch Maul marched right out of the throne room. Haako hurried over and assisted him to his feet.

"Another plan? Another Sith Lord?" Haako agonized, shaking his head. "We should not have made this bargain!"

Gunray brushed his robes. "It is too late now. We must proceed forward. We must get the Queen's signature! I don't care what the Sith Lord says. We need her signature or else the Republic will destroy us!"

The tunnels led them directly beside the palace hanger. They kneels, hiding themselves the best they could as they took stock inside the hanger. Anakin peeked underneath Obi-Wan's arm and saw a platoon of droids holding a group of starpilots hostage. They looked frightened and wary of the blasters directed on them. Any sudden movement, the droids could fire a single bolt and their life would cease to exist. A cold, hard knot tangled in the pit of his stomach as he realized the same could be for them too. Any second, the droids would become aware of their presence and start firing. In those seconds, those bolts could strike Obi-Wan or Padmé dead, while he only could stand and do nothing. He couldn't let that happen. Not after reuniting together. He wanted to help! He needed to save them!

Staying crouched, Anakin swore he would keep both Obi-Wan and Padmé safe from harm—one way or another.

"Anakin? Once we are inside, you will need to find a safe place to hide until the firefight is over," Obi-Wan advised, bending close to him. "Can you do that?"

It was almost as if Obi-Wan read his mind. Anakin nodded. "Sure."

"And stay there," Obi-Wan firmly added.

He definitely read his mind. Anakin nodded his promise, which lessened one anxiety for Obi-Wan. Upon Padmé's signal, weapons slid free from their holsters and safeties released. Obi-Wan came to his feet, blaster in hand and ready to fire. It was time to face destiny.

"Stay close," Obi-Wan mumbled to him.

Then on Padmé's second signal, they charged.

Anakin rushed after Obi-Wan, ducking his head when he heard the firing sounds of blasters. Battle droids turned to face them, but the Jedi's lightsabers sliced them before they could fire or a single bolt would blast them apart. The droids were panicking. They were not expecting a sudden attack and were too slow in their retribution. Anakin followed Obi-Wan's heels, keeping close as instructed. He watched Obi-Wan take a shot one after another, each bolt meeting every target. Anakin searched for Padmé and was riveted the moment he found her. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Padmé was charging in front, moving with skill and precision that Anakin only ever saw from Obi-Wan. She was a seasoned warrior, taking down her enemy one bolt at a time. A week ago, Anakin would never assumed the handmaiden he met on Tatooine to be a deadly combatant. Yet, here she was! Proving him wrong as she helped Obi-Wan drive the droids back from the pilots. Anakin heard her yell to the now freed pilots.

"Get to your ships!"

The pilots all stormed to the Naboo starfighters, climbing up ladders as R2 units joined the pilots. Engines hummed, overpowering the sounds of blasters being fired. Anakin watched the yellow N-1 starfighters lift off, jetting out of the hanger and toward the sky. He was so distracted, that he was nearly hit by a stray bolt.

Obi-Wan Force-shoved him down. "What did I tell you?" Obi-Wan admonished him. "Find cover and stay there!"

Anakin nodded and he searched for place for cover. He darted across the hanger, crouching low as he raced to the other end. More starfighters flew out of the hanger and the droid numbers were dwindling. Anakin searched hastily for a place to hide when he heard the whistling sound of Artoo-Detoo above him. Anakin looked up to find Artoo enclosed in one of the starfighters socket, his dome rotating to get a better look at him. With more blaster fire, Anakin quickly climbed abroad and jumped into the cockpit in great relief.

Seated comfortably, he nestled himself out of sight as per Obi-Wan's orders. He still heard shots being fired, but through the Force, he felt Obi-Wan's and Padmé's presence. They were alive.

Daring, Anakin peeked through the bolt-hole of the starfighter and watched the last of the battle. Two more starfighters rocketed out of the hanger. The last one getting caught by tank fire and cartwheeling into the side of the waterfall. Anakin winced and turned to the last of fight. Obi-Wan, Padmé and Captain Panaka were fighting in one corner with the Jedi blocking any bolts that came near Padmé. Obi-Wan raced ahead, taking out the last few droids with both blaster bolts and the Force. It was all over. Only the carcasses of droids were left for evidence of the fight.

The Naboo team regrouped, having a quick conference before marching toward the big sliding door. Anakin saw that they were leaving. He shot up on his feet, popping out of the cockpit. "Wait for me!"

Obi-Wan spun around. "Stay in that cockpit!"

"But I—"

"Stay right where you are," Obi-Wan ordered, motioning for him to sit right back down. His face was beat red and intense. It was Obi-Wan's warrior face. The same face he wore when battling bounty hunters or Jedi. It was a face of a man who was focused and yet barely in control.

But, Anakin ignored him, climbing out of the cockpit to join up. "No, I want to go with you and Padmé!"

"No—you will stay in that cockpit!" Obi-Wan snapped in a voice that brokered no arguments or negotiations. Anakin was to do as told.

He didn't want to leave them, though. He thought about the pilot who recently died and worried over the fates of Obi-Wan and Padmé if he didn't tag along. He needed to be with them to protect them. How else could he save them if he was stuck hiding in the hanger? He wrestled what to do. Should he obey Obi-Wan and stay hidden in the cockpit with Artoo or ignore his orders and join by picking up one of the droid's discarded blasters?

He was contemplating over the dilemma when the large doors slid opened. The Naboo team slowed to a stop when a dark-robed figure stepped into the opening. All the warmth in Anakin's body chilled and his breath got caught in his throat. There was something far sinister in that man. A vile, wretched monster that reeked of the Dark Side of the Force. It reminded him of the woman. She too had the same tainted Force presence.

Anakin ducked back into his cockpit, watching over the edge as the dark figure dropped its hood. He was more terrifying than Anakin anticipated. The tattooed face of red and black patterns gave the creature a horrifying mask and his crowned horns intensified the creature's predatory appearance. His eyes burned in rage and anticipation at the Naboo team. He blocked their path, drawing out a long-handled lightsaber.

Anakin gulped. He must be working for Dooku and Qui-Gon!

The Jedi strode forward, beckoning Padmé and the others to stand behind them. Master Rhara and Padawan Muln approached the dark figure.

"We'll handle this," Master Rhara assured the group.

Padmé nodded, knowing there was nothing she could do to help. "We'll take the long way."

Padmé redirect the group to the side doors as the Jedi disrobed to prepare to fight. The only person who didn't do anything was Obi-Wan. He hesitated to follow Padmé, eyes fixed on the monster ahead of him. And, it seemed to Anakin, the monster was also fixated on Obi-Wan. There was a sense of determination and resentment radiating from the dark figure as its brimstone eyes glowered at Obi-Wan.

"Obi-Wan!" Padmé called and Obi-Wan stepped away, running off to join the Naboo in capturing the Viceroy.

Anakin sunk lower in his seat, watching carefully through the bolt-hole as Master Rhara and Padawan Muln ignited their weapons. The dark figure stripped off his robe and ignited his weapon: a red, double bladed lightsaber.

Anakin's stomach rumbled. He did not have a good feeling about this.

The sounds of erupting blasters jerked Anakin back to looking over his cockpit. Obi-Wan and Padmé were facing off another batch of droids, but this time, they were not the simple droids. A cluster of destroyer droids wheeled into the hanger and with their protective bubble, began to fire at the small band of resistance soldiers. Obi-Wan kept close with Padmé, staying at her side to keep her safe while the Jedi battled the Sith. Or at least, what Anakin believed to be Sith.

But the destroyer droids were no match against the blasters. It deflected from their bubble, causing no damage to their structure. They were wasting charges and soon, they would be weaponless and in trouble. Already the destroyer droids were marching onto them and Sabé, the decoy Queen received a graze burned and fell back into Captain Panaka. Padmé kept shouting out orders, but their resistance was becoming futile. Soon, they would be captured. Anakin had to do something! They needed his help.

"Artoo! We have to do something!" Anakin said to the little droid. "What do we do?"

The droid chirped and the control panel came to life. The screen brightened and Anakin realized what the droid was suggesting. "Good idea!" he said, studying the controls. "Which one fires the cannons?"

The ship began to levitate and Anakin took the controls to rotate it in order for the cannons to fire appropriately. He searched the control panel, still looking for the weapon system. He's seen multiple starfighter jets, but none like the Naboo's starfighter jets.

"Which one, which one," Anakin muttered as he eyed the options he had.

When he heard a cry from the group, Anakin reacted quickly. He flipped switches and pounded on buttons. Then he slammed his hand on a button. Instantly, his ship rocked as two lasers fired into the cluster of destroyer droids. The blasts ripped away their protective bubble and shattered them into pieces. Three went down as two swayed back.

"Oh no you don't!" Anakin murmured and he fired again. The destroyer droids were hit, smoldering in a crushed pile. Anakin cheered! "Yippie! Look at what we did Artoo!"

Artoo-Detoo beeped his approval.

But, before Anakin could savor his victory, the cockpit's hood slid into place, locking him inside. Anakin glanced up, nervous. "Artoo? What's happening?" he screamed as the engine roared louder than before. The ship turned around on its own accord, moving in the direction of the exit where all the other starfighter jets blasted off.

Anakin didn't like where this was going. "Oh no. Oh no," he repeated as he tried to find the right switch to get him stay. "Artoo! Do something!"

Artoo nervously beeped and groaned. Panic rose in Anakin. "I know I pushed something, but what?" he said to the droid. "Automatic pilot? Can't you override it?"

But it seemed Artoo could not. Before Anakin knew it, he was blasted out of the hanger. Tank fire blasted underneath his starfighter, rocking it. Anakin held onto the controls, steadying the ship as he was rocketed into space.

Up ahead, he saw the slaughter of a space battle. His heart plummeted. "Oh… this isn't good, Artoo," he muttered, looking ahead at the swarm of starfighter jets. "Obi-Wan's going to kill me."

Obi-Wan chased after Anakin when he watched the starfighter rocket out of the hanger. He reached one of the ladders up to the starfighter when Captain Panaka called back to him. "What are you doing?" he shouted. "We need to go to the throne room."

Obi-Wan stopped, an old dilemma returning. He had a duty to perform. He needed to help Padmé rescue Naboo from its occupation, but at the same moment, he needed to protect Anakin. Duty versus attachment. Jedi warnings rang in his head. He heard Master Yoda's voice, instructing him and his clanmates the danger of attachments. Obi-Wan couldn't abandoned his mission. After all, he created the plan. But, Anakin was in danger! He needed to save him!

"Obi-Wan!" called a handmaiden and suddenly, with great reluctance, Obi-Wan knew what must do.

Guilt and desperation wrecked Obi-Wan. If Anakin simply just stayed put then he wouldn't be wrestling over his anxieties. He knew he could not go after Anakin. It wouldn't change the boy's situation and it would leave Padmé in more vulnerable. Anakin was on his own path, following his destiny and Obi-Wan had his. He prayed silently to the Force to look after Anakin for him.

Obi-Wan returned to the group. Padmé decided they should separate in order to confuse the viceroy as to where they were located within the palace.

"Obi-Wan, you'll come with me," Padmé said.

"Your Highness, I feel it would be best if I go with you," said Captain Panaka, but Padmé shook her head.

"The viceroy will assume you will be protecting the Queen," she argued. "You will stay with Sabé. Obi-Wan will come with me."

"But as your head of security—"

"Obi-Wan will be fine," Padmé insisted, a frown crossing her face. "He's protected me enough times on Tatooine for me to trust him. Now, let's split up."

Obi-Wan gave an apologetic stare to Captain Panaka. "I'll lay down my life for her," he said to reassure the head security. "You have my word."

Captain Panaka glared at him with furrowed eyebrows and a taut mouth. "I will hold you to it. If she dies, I will not hesitate to kill you."

And there was dark sincerity in Captain Panaka's declaration. Obi-Wan noted it. "Understood."

The group separated and Obi-Wan joined up with Padmé and her small band of starfighters down the skywalk that bridge the hanger to the rest of the palace. They encountered no droids along the way, which gave Obi-Wan a dark, sickly feeling. It caved into him, making his legs heavy as he strode alongside the Queen with an uncivilized weapon in his hand. Perhaps it was his anxieties about Anakin. He checked the Force and found Anakin's presence a great beam of light. He was still alive. Terrified, but alive.

He didn't know what was keeping him disturbed. Only a bad feeling about something in the future.

"Everything okay?"

Obi-Wan turned to Padmé, who looked at him cautiously. Obi-Wan nodded. "In a way," he replied tentatively. "I have a bad feeling about something, but I can't pinpoint what it is."

Padmé grew concerned. "Is it Anakin?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No… I don't know what it is. But, it's fast approaching."

And right when he said, a platoon of droids marched into the palace corridor, effectively blocking off their path. Padmé glanced at Obi-Wan. "You were saying?" she commented before they both dove behind a pillar.

Pressed into alcoves or doorways, they fired their weapons in response to the droids onslaught. They were trapped. Unable to move forward or backward to escape and more droids appeared to join in the firefight. Alarms blared over the blaster shots. They did not have the time for this.

Padmé agreed. "We don't have time for this!" she shouted over her shoulder to Obi-Wan, above the heavy blaster fire.

Obi-Wan thought, hurriedly searching until he saw the windows. He turned his blaster away from the marching droids and fired at the window. It blew out the frame and transparisteel. "Outside!" Obi-Wan called.

Obi-Wan covered for Padmé and their fellow officers to join outside. Obi-Wan shot a few droids down before joining the others on the broad ledge six stories above the thundering waterfall. Obi-Wan sharply inhaled at the sight, but turned away. He could not let the possibility of falling deter him from doing the necessary. He looked over to Padmé, who was furiously glancing around for an escape route.

Then she looked up. "Ascension guns," she called, motioning to a ledge about four stories above.

Everyone drew out their grappling hooks and fitted them to the barrels of their guns. With careful aim, they fired and watched the hooks claw onto the ledge. Swiftly, they activated the ascension mechanism and were being towed away in time before the droids made it to their original spot.

Obi-Wan held tight and rebalanced himself on the new ledge. They all unhooked their cords and tossed them aside. Padmé moved to the corner of the ledge and aimed her blaster at the window. Seconds, the transparisteel shattered and they were all able to climb through into a new corridor. Obi-Wan scanned the area and found no signs of droids.

"We should keep moving," Obi-Wan advised.

Padmé agreed. "We are close to the throne room."

There was a fierce exultation echoing in the Force and Obi-Wan couldn't help but share the same feeling. He checked in with Anakin and found the boy to be jubilant mood as well. They strode down the corridor, hurrying as they drew closer and closer to the throne room. The tide was turning. Their victory rising…

Only to plummet when a pair of destroyer droids wheeled in front, halting their progress. The droids transformed into battle positions. Obi-Wan stepped in front of Padmé, blaster aimed when another sound of destroyer droids came from behind them. Four destroyer droids and a small cluster of battle droids at the other end, weapons readied.

In a mechanical monotone, the battle droid ordered them to surrender. Obi-Wan quickly scanned for fast escape routes, but being out-gunned and out-numbered dwindled any chances. Going back out the window would do little good and attempting to engage in a fight would leave more dead and alive. They were sufficiently captured.

The droid repeated again. Obi-Wan turned to Padmé for command. There was hesitancy, but the light in her eyes did not dim. The cogs of her mind were clicking and the light only burned brighter. She had a plan.

Padmé spread her arms in surrender and dropped her weapon. "Drop your weapons," she commanded. "They win this round."

One of the officers blanched. "But—"

"I said laid down your weapons," Padmé interrupted, looking at everyone who still held onto their blasters.

Giving her an insane look, they all did as told. One by one they lowered their weapons and raised their hands. Even Obi-Wan. The droids confiscated the weapons and shoved them into formation to be marched away. Obi-Wan walked beside Padmé. "Is this a good idea?" he questioned.

"Have faith, Obi-Wan," was all Padmé said as they were escorted straight to their original destination.

Anakin Skywalker buckled in and kept both hands on the controllers.

He was in the midst of an epic dogfight. Naboo and Trade Federation fighters exploded left and right and Anakin moved his controllers quick to avoid collusion. Artoo had managed to get them off auto-pilot, but it was too late to do anything now. To avoid any confrontation, Anakin drove erratically and evasively to the point he was often skirting the main battle scene. He was still trying to learn how to fly the starfighter, doing trial-and-error exploration of the mechanics. He looked outside his canopy and watched destroyed fighters whiz past him.

"Whoa! This is intense," he muttered. Artoo-Detoo soundly agreed.

Despite the dangers and his lack of starfighter knowledge, Anakin could not help but feel an immense jubilation at being able to participate in the battle. Who would want a blaster when they could pilot a starfighter? He piloted around the fray, gunning at Trade Federation ships that neared him. Anakin gave chase, firing away until it burst into flames.

"Whoa! Did you see that Artoo?"

Artoo beeped his answer, but then began to whirl. Anakin read the display. "We can't go back now! They need our help. Besides, Obi-Wan told me to stay in this cockpit."

Artoo lowly beeped.

"It might not be what it meant, but Obi-Wan often told me that there are different point-of-views," Anakin countered back to Artoo's disapproval. "And I am using my own. Now—let's get closer."

Anakin performed a great number of evasive maneuvers as he entered the war zone. He forgotten his promise to protect Obi-Wan and Padmé. They were far away from him and his only thoughts were to stay alive and take down the Trade Federation. In his mind, his only focus was to defeat the Trade Federation.

It was the Trade Federation's fault that his relatively normal, peaceful life was interrupted. It was their fault for putting him and Obi-Wan right into the Sith Lords and Jedi's paths. It was their fault for forcing Padmé to flee for her life. It was all their fault! And Anakin was going to make them pay the price for it. He was going to ensure they could never harm his family again.

Artoo gave a scream in despair as Anakin navigated through the trenches of the battle. He dodged shots and flying parts. He weaved through fiery explosions as he gave chase to a few of the Trade Federation ships. Soon the tide turned and he found a Trade Federation ship tailing him. A hit rattled him in his small canopy.

Oh no. "Artoo! I may have gone over my head," he admitted. "How do I shoot the cannons behind me?"

Artoo beeped and indicated to one of the switches. Instead of shooting out laser bolts, it accelerated his starfighter directly toward the enemy's main battleship. Anakin yanked hard on the controllers, banking a right to keep himself from crashing right into the control ship.

"Hold on Artoo!"

Artoo gave a loud shrill as they suddenly spun out of control.

Laser blasts fired at him, but they all streaked passed him, narrowly missing all of them. His ship still spun and Anakin tried his best to stabilize it. He hit every button possible, gripping the steering to command the ship. A shadow fell over him and he realized that the control ship was right next to him, acting more like a wall to him than a control ship. He stared up at the Trade Federation's embalm that was painted on the side.

He refused to crash. Anakin punched in the last buttons on the control panel and, to his utter relief and fright, his ship stopped spinning and stalled. It dropped and for a heart-wrenching moment, Anakin thought he was going to die when his starfighter came back on and stabilized.

Anakin let out a long sigh of relief. "That was close Artoo."

His luck was short ended. A shot blasted his tail and once again, he found himself spinning. Anakin and Artoo both were screaming as the ship blared in warnings. They were hurtling again to the control ship and Anakin wrestled with the controllers to stabilize the ship. It was useless and Anakin did what he could only do. He powered down the ship, hoping that once he powered it up again, he could regain control. His starfighter dropped again, but Anakin didn't panic. He counted a few seconds and then ordered Artoo to turn it back on. The lights flickered up again and the engine roared.

Anakin snatched the controllers and steered the ship toward the battle. But he found himself cut off by three enemy fighters. All of them shooting at him.

"This isn't good, Artoo," he called out to the droid who beeped in agreement. "I'm going to accelerate and dodge. That might help lose them."

He punctured in the buttons and hit the accelerator. He did not race forward, rather he reversed backwards. He felt himself be yanked back by the reverse thrusters' full power. A giant hull enveloped him and the starfighter as they zoomed into the Trade Federation's hanger. Artoo was beeping furiously at him and Anakin was hitting the switches to get back into control.

"I'm trying Artoo!" he shouted back. "I'm trying!"

The tail of his starfighter must have hit something, because Anakin found his vision swirling and spinning. "I'm going to be sick," he mumbled as he tried to put the brakes on.

After a panic-driven moment, the starfighter skidded down the ramp in a screech of metal. It turned once more before finally, it groaned to a rest. Everything on the control panel went dark. Anakin looked to the power drive and found that it completely failed.

Artoo whistled in relief.

Anakin nodded. "Yeah… we're okay. We're okay. We're alive," he said, examining his control board. He checked the switches and the fuel lines. Everything was red. "Everything is overheated."

He ducked down to adjust the coolants when Artoo let out a beep of warning. Anakin popped his head up and peered out of his cockpit. His face drained. "Oh no…"

Dozens of battle droids and destroyer droids were approaching his starfighter, blasters threatening raised.

Anakin slunk into his seat. This was not good.

"Obi-Wan is going to kill me."

The captured Naboo were led into the throne room by ten armed battle droids. The ornamented doors opened and Obi-Wan was amazed by the architectural design. The throne room was an immense, cavernous hall with a high, vaulted ceiling. Both the walls and floors of the room were adorned with marble of different colors, ranging from gray to red. A viewscreen graced one of those polished walls, right across from the monarch's throne, an ornate chair which was raised on a podium and fronted by a low, flat divider.

Sitting on the throne, however, was a green buggy Neimoidian with large red eyes and his expression petulantly sour until he caught sight of his guests. He rose up from the chair, joined by another Neimoidian in a blue gown that contrasted sharply with the first Neimoidian's red gown.

As they were marched up to where the Neimoidians stood, Obi-Wan took stock of any possible exits. He found only one, a far door on the other side, but it was a big risk. He didn't think it would be a good idea. He followed Padmé up to the Neimoidians, remembering his promise to Captain Panaka and hoping Anakin would forgive him if he died.

The Neimoidians peered at Padmé in confusion and surprise. It was very possible that they did not know whether Padmé was the Queen or simply another handmaiden. They approached her, examining her face until the confusion wore off and they accepted that she really was Queen Amidala.

"Your Highness," greeted the red gowned Neimoidian.

"Viceroy," Padmé coolly replied, confirming their suspicions.

Viceroy Nute Gunray was ecstatic. "Your little insurrection is at an end," he said, smug. "Your Jedi are being dealt with and now, you are my captive!"

Padmé returned with a cool gaze. "Am I?" she said quietly.

Obi-Wan side-glanced at the Queen. Her words were unnerving and challenging, almost like she was daring the Neimoidians. The Viceroy and his companion shared a worried glance, but then the Viceroy took command again. "Yes you are," he pressed. "Your escape to the Senate was pointless. You have no friends there or here. Not anymore. Now—you are going to sign the treaty!"

Padmé bridled at the declaration. "I will not."

Viceroy Gunray was maddened! His fishy lips were pressed and he drew his hand back as if to slap Padmé. Obi-Wan immediately stepped in between the Neimoidian and Padmé, eyebrows furrowed as he glared up at the towering viceroy. "Hit her and you will have me to answer."

Gunray stared perplexed at him, aggravated at his intrusion and yet, cowering a little by the force in his voice. "Who are you to threaten me? You have no weapons to fight back."

Obi-Wan drew in the Force around him. It answered to his beckoning, curling around him as he fixed his challenging gaze upon the Neimoidians. "I don't need a weapon," he said quietly, but controlled.

His statement stunned the Neimoidians that they gave him a second look out of uncertainty as to who they were dealing with. "Who are you?" demanded the viceroy. "Tell me!"

Obi-Wan's lips curled up in a half-smirk. "The name is Obi-Wan Kenobi."

His name caused a flicker of recognition through the Neimoidians. They gaped at him a little longer, studying him as if trying to match him with an image in their head. It clicked together and the viceroy snapped to him. "Droids! Secure him!" he ordered as he searched their small crowd for another face. They were looking for Anakin. "Where's the other one?"

Obi-Wan kept tight lipped as the droids boxed him. Nute Gunray wasn't pleased with his silence. "Where's the other one?" he repeated, enraged at being disrespected. "Tell me where the boy is or else I will torture the young Queen until you are compliant!"

Gunray's threat to harm innocents became his undoing. Obi-Wan's blue-green eyes met the Neimoidians with a cold stare, the Force answering for him. "I don't think so."

The Force pressed against his mind, ready for command. With a deep breath, he unleashed the full might of the Force. The Force coursed through his body and erupted out of him. He directed the first wave at the droids closest to him, sending them crashing into the marbled walls. The next wave targeted the droids preparing to fire on them. They were lifted up by their metal feet and shredded of their armor. Their squalls turned to groans as the droids fell broken. Obi-Wan exhaled, releasing his hold on the Force. He felt elated and weary from the overabundance of the Force. His lack of proper training was not equipped for such strong use of the Force. Nonetheless, it worked in his favor.

But he had no time to rest. There were still a few battle droids to deal with alongside the cowardly Neimoidians.

He took position again to guard Padmé when he realized she was no longer behind him. During the commotion, Padmé ducked behind Obi-Wan and sat upon her throne. After coding something on the throne's armchair, she reached her hand in. In an instant, she stood up, a new blaster in each hand. She tossed one to Obi-Wan and he caught it, understanding what to do. He took aim and shot at the remaining droids. Padmé fired at the depleting droid squad, yelling at the officers. "Seal the doors!"

Two officers, scooping up guns discarded by broken droids, raced to the doors. Mere seconds, the officers triggered the locks. The door snapped shot and the bolts were engaged.

Pleased, Padmé closed the locking system with the butt of her gun. She eyed the two huddled Neimoidians, who were futilely and desperately searching for help. It was to their grave misfortune that their only allies were a bunch of discarded and shattered droids.

Obi-Wan held the blaster loose in his hand. The room was secured. The threat subdued.

Padmé walked over to the cowering Neimoidians. "Now, Viceroy," she said in her regal tone. "We will discuss a new treaty."