Greetings everyone. My apologies for the delay in this update; however, in our galaxy, things have been extraordinarily hectic. But have no fear, chapter 5 is now here for your viewing enjoyment. My undying thanks goes out to all who reviewed Chapter 4. It really means alot to me to get your feedback so thank you all again. This chapter was especially challenging so aside from my normal thanks to my wonderful beta Pokey 1984; an extra special thanks goes out to her in helping me put in some of the best lines in this update. So admittantly, I couldn't have done this by myself.
Lokigirl: Hi and welcome. I'm glad that you are enjoying.
Padme fleur: As far as this fic, my current plans are to see them through until Anakin is about 14 and Padme is 18 since there is a sequel in the works.
Pokey: Thank you for your kind comments. I always found it hard to swallow that in canon, Padme and Anakin did not keep in contact with each other unti AotC. Now of course the Jedi could have prevented their interaction; however, with Anakin's feelings the way they were, I think he would have found a way depite that. So I wanted to write a fic in which the had the opportunity of time to become true friends.
Sailor-azure: Happy that you like!
Emerald Green Queen: It definitely seems like old Palpy is up to his usual tricks. We will find out soon how Anakin will deal with that.
Ultima-03: I appreciate your kind comments. Since I have not written the ending to this series of fics, I honestly can't tell you what will happen. However, keep reading to find out ;).
Opal: That probably would have been a good idea; however, I think Darth Maul would have preferred convenience over security, Besides, who would truly want to mess with a Sith Lord's bike? Certainly not I. :)
Natalie-Corr: As always, I am humbled by your thoughtful comments. We will definitely see how all these changes will influence Anakin's decision when Palpy offers him the keys to the Darkside.
Humg321: Glad you liked this chapter. We should be seeing Shmi in the not too distant future. It is amazing though what a Sith Lord leaves behind on his ship. We will find that out soon.
NothingFeelsGood: Thank you for your kind comments. I thought that with Anakin's crush on Padme, he would want to show her some grand gesture as far as what she means to him. I also hadn't really considered what Palpy's take on Anakin having Maul's ship. You definitely gave me something to ponder. But yes, the ship will be the source of many interesting adventures for our hero.
Pokey1984: You are too kind. I really wanted to give everybody a good feel of the palace since it will be home for Anakin for quite a long time. Already we are seeing him adapt into his new life and over the next several chapters I hope to convey how all the changes will affect his character development. The ship, as I mentioned previously, has great potential so keep on tuning in. As far as the Jedi's inspection, I think their arrogance and continued disbelief of the Sith's presence caused them to overlook several important things. That and a certain 14 year old Queen kicking them off the planet didn't do wonders for their thoroughness.
Ghostrider: Glad you are enjoying. My apologies on the update time. Work and RL have been literally a 3-ring circus for me, but please don't give up on me as I won't give up on this story.
Padawan Sydney Bristow: Ani is definitely overwhelmed, but I think he will survive. As I mentioned above, I plan to continue this story until he's about 14 and then start in with the subsequent fic. Thanks again for reviewing!
Weeks of hyperspace travel was always hard on the soul. However, it was a necessary evil. Throughout his near seventy year existence with the Order, Jedi Master Sar Dooku had learn to use this time to focus his thoughts. Yet, time and thinking were things he'd rather do without at the moment.
For days he had refused to leave his cabin after receiving the devastating news of Qui-Gon's death. The man had been much more than just a former apprentice; the two were kindred spirits, as their idealism often placed them at odds with the Jedi Council. Indeed, it had been a much younger Qui-Gon Jinn that had been the voice of reason during many of their adventures and even after the boy was knighted.
And now he was gone, making the void in the former Master's heart that much greater. Losing Qui-Gon was terrible enough, but the seasoned Jedi was dismayed that the Council did not directly contact him about finding someone who might be the Chosen One.
Aside from being the Order's expert in ancient lightsaber forms, Master Dooku was an eminent scholar, with the prophecy of the Chosen One being central to his studies. How dare they dismiss this Skywalker child without contacting him! The resentment he had harbored for years was dangerously turning to anger. While he admonished himself for knowing better, something inside almost wished that he would let go.
The only comfort Dooku had taken in these many days was that his former student had made the
initial discovery and was prepared to leave the Order in order to train the boy. If only he had been there to face the Sith warrior, then perhaps Qui-Gon would have survived, not just his apprentice. Dooku owed it to himself and his former padawan, his son, to get answers from the Council. The Council needed to explain itself.
He had been so involved in his thoughts when he nearly bumped into a very young Jedi.
"Excuse me, Master," Obi-Wan said as we was exiting the Council's chambers.
Master Dooku looked at him, feeling that he should know this young man. "Padawan Kenobi?"
The newly knighted Jedi nodded as he stood respectfully before the elder Master. "I am Master Dooku….I was Qui-Gon's…" His voice failed him as the overwhelming grief was again taking its hold of him.
However, Obi-Wan knew of his teacher's Master by reputation. Throughout his entire apprenticeship, Qui-Gon had spoken often of Dooku, and usually with reverence. They were both mavericks, shunned from seats on the High Council due to their idealistic natures. It had been often joked that Qui-Gon Jinn and Sar Dooku were probably the only two people in the Universe that could rationalize with the other.
"I know who you are, Master Dooku…" Obi-Wan said as a sad look crossed his face. Before Obi-Wan could offer his condolences, a short Padawan cautiously approached the two Jedi.
"Master Dooku, please excuse the interruption, but the Council is ready to meet with you."
The grey bearded man nodded as he offered his hand to his Padawan's student. "I hope our paths cross again, Obi-Wan."
"As do I, Master."
After the two Jedi shook hands, then respectfully bowed as Dooku entered the chambers while Obi-Wan was heading for his transport bound for the training facility on Corellia.
"Master Dooku," uttered the voice of his former Master. Probably the only member of the Council that intimidated to him.
"Master Yoda," Dooku replied, offering the revered Jedi a half bow.
"Report, your findings in the Outer Rim, you shall"
"Yes, my Master. I am troubled to report that several civilizations in the Outer Rim have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Republic and are adamant in seeking out new alternatives. However, my negotiations seemed to quell their anger, for the moment though"
Mace Windu looked up in concern at the revered Jedi. "Are they proposing war, Master Dooku?"
"Not at this time, my Master. They are ill-equipped and too divided amongst themselves."
"They pose no threat then," pointed out Ki-Adi Mundi.
Dooku folded his arms tightly against his chest. It was shortsighted Jedi like Mundi that he felt had weakened the Order into near irrelevance. "Despite that Master, I believe the root cause of their problems needs to be addressed. We should use our place in the Republic to…"
Before he could continue, Master Yoda pounded his gimer stick against the ground. "Know your position towards the Republic, we all do."
The stately Jedi remained silent as we glanced around at the disapproving stares of the other Council members. Dooku hated when they would probe his thoughts and feelings like he was a junior Padawan. However, his thoughts were audible to his former Master.
"More to say, have you, Master Dooku?"
The highly experienced Jedi straightened himself as he gathered his thoughts. "I would very much like to know what you uncovered of the Sith on Naboo and why I wasn't informed about the potential Chosen One."
A murmur echoed throughout the chambers as the Jedi Masters were aghast at his bold question. Master Windu was the first to address him.
"Due to the sensitivity of the issue, as well as your great distance at the time, we acted in the best interests of the Order." The dark complected Jedi stopped momentarily, as he felt a surge of strong emotions building up within his longtime friend. He then softened his tone. "And as far as Qui-Gon is concerned, a great man has been lost, and we extend to you especially, our sympathies."
Dooku nodded his head in agitation more than acceptance. "I thank you for your platitudes, but I know my Padawan is one with the Force. However, there are more pressing concerns. What of the Sith? Do you know whether it was the Master or an apprentice that attacked Master Jinn and his student?"
Mace shot a pained look over to Yoda whose eyes focused down towards the floor. "Uncertain we are, of who Jedi Kenobi defeated. But sense, we do, the rise of the dark side. Unbalanced the Force may become, if the Master still lives."
Maybes and perhaps should be the mantra of the Jedi Order. The anger was now swelling in Dooku as he heard their pitiful excuses. The Council was even weaker than he had previously thought. Just as weak as the institution they serve. Perhaps it was time to serve something else.
"And what is the position of the Council towards this emerging threat?"
Master Mundi responded, "Until we can further investigate the information we gathered on Naboo, there is nothing further that we can do."
"Nothing further," mocked Dooku. "We have yet to do anything at all. Meanwhile, the Sith have returned and there are rumblings throughout the galaxy against the Republic." Master Windu raised his hand to stop the venerable Jedi, but he continued, "We are Jedi and attuned into the will of the Force; it should be our mandate to stop at nothing to bring the Sith into the open."
"Forget yourself, you do, my old Padawan," chastised Master Yoda.
"No my Master, you and the entire Council have forgotten what and who we are," barked Dooku in reply. "If you are all unwilling to take action, then perhaps change is in order."
Before Yoda could protest, Dooku pulled out his elegantly designed silver and black colored lightsaber. He looked upon it affectionately before tossing it towards the Masters. "I renounce my status as a Jedi Master and reclaim my noble Serenno birthright."
All in the Council chambers gasped as the distinguished man turned heel as he departed for the exit.
Meanwhile, Yoda pleadingly called out, "Master Dooku…Sar…"
The former Jedi turned abruptly towards his former teacher and paused as they looked at one another for possibly the last time. However, that momentary affection gave way to the swirl of anger and contempt he held for the Order. "Address me as Count Dooku, Master Yoda." He then left the astonished room of Jedi as he was finally free to do the true will of the Force. Now, with his family's fortune and his numerous contacts on countless worlds, change was on the horizon.
Captain Ric Olié was one of the most seasoned pilots in the Naboo starfighter corps. This had earned him the honor of being Queen Amidala's Chief pilot. He had also been the obvious choice to help lead the numerically inferior Nubian starfighter squadron against the Trade Federation.
A less daunting task asked of him by the Queen was teaching Anakin Skywalker how to pilot his new spacecraft. Ric had never seen anything remotely like the newly christened Angel Queen and was thrilled to be given this task.
"Ready, Anakin?" Ric asked eagerly.
The sandy haired boy smiled happily in response. The two were first acquainted during the voyage to Coruscant and had become fast friends, especially after Anakin had dispatched with the Droid control ship.
Captain Olié had been awestruck then, but was further impressed that after just three training flights, the boy was ready to operate the ship on his own. He privately wished that Anakin was of age to join the starfighter corps; hopefully he would in a few years. They would greatly benefit from his natural talent.
Before settling in the cockpit, Anakin motioned to the seasoned pilot. "Captain, I found something late last night that you might want to take a look at."
Giving the boy a curious look, Ric walked over to stand next to Anakin at the left rear portion of the ship. Anakin knelt down and removed several panels, which revealed a cylindrical shaped, translucent piece of machinery.
"What's that?" Anakin asked as he pointed.
The veteran flier knelt down to examine the unit. As he looked around, the boy remarked, "It looks like it's connected with the ship's main power systems, hyperdrive and shielding systems. Yet, I can't figure out what it does."
Ric nodded as he continued looking about. He then found another feed that appeared to be lined to a control in the cockpit. The two spent the next few hours tracking down the controls until they found it concealed in a small retractable control pad next to the ship's main controls.
"Could it be some kind of shield enhancer?" Anakin questioned.
Captain Olié sighed deeply as he racked his brain for anything that remotely resembled what this mysterious unit was. "No, if it was an enhancement unit or secondary shield, it wouldn't be wired through the hyperdrive. This makes no sense, unless…"
The boy turned his head to one side. "Unless:
"It couldn't be; they aren't on ships this small," Ric said more to himself than to Anakin.
"What?" the boy asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
Ric pointed at the unit as he said, "This could be a miniaturized cloaking device."
"I didn't know any existed."
"They don't, at least not for a ship this size," Ric remarked. "The Corellians a number of years ago had been experimenting with a prototype on their heavy bulk cruisers, but they were always having problems with it."
"Problems?"
Captain Olié nodded. "They usually exhausted the ship's power stores and they had to design a special hyperdrive motivator in order to channel enough power to run the thing. Last I heard, they had abandoned the entire project."
A large, devilish grin crossed Anakin's face as he looked up at the veteran pilot. "Do you think this one works?"
Ric crossed his arms as he thought momentarily. A large smile grew on his face as he looked at the boy. "Only one way to find out."
Anakin let out an exuberant cheer as they both took their places in the cockpit. Within seconds, the Angel Queen's powered up and they rocketed out of the hangar into the sky. Ric quickly got in contact with the Naboo air control station and requested that they track them as they were about to conduct a test. Once everything was coordinated, the Captain gave Anakin a slight nod as he extended the control panel.
"Here goes nothing," the boy said as he pressed the red button.
A slight energy buildup could be heard from the ship's engines as the shield's automatically engaged. After a quick look about, the two didn't notice anything different, except the unit was now illuminating with a magenta color. They were about to shut it down when approach control hailed.
"Angel Queen, this is Central Control. We have lost you on our monitors. Please respond."
Both Ric and Anakin looked at each other in utter amazement as they jumped about in excitement. After a few moments when the revelry subsided, the seasoned pilot turned to the still ecstatic boy.
"I think we'd better inform her Majesty of this development, as soon as possible."
"Sure," Anakin simply replied, unaware of the gravity of the situation. If the Naboo could discover how the device worked, it would provide a considerable advantage to the starfighter corps. For the next several hours, they learned that not only could they pilot the ship through hyperspace, but they could fire all the heavy cannon's and proton torpedoes while cloaked.
The Angel Queen touched down back in the main hangar close to the 10th evening bell. Captain Olié and Anakin had been so engrossed in learning more about the ship that they forgot to have both second and last meal. Although hungry, the boy was too excited to find and tell Padmé of what he discovered; eating was the last thing on his mind.
Anakin was surprised when he didn't find Padmé in her sitting room, which was her normal routine after a day's work. He then went into the Residence's common room, where he found all the handmaidens who seemed troubled. They broke off their whispered conversations as he entered the room.
"Is there something that we can help you with, Milord?" asked Saché formally.
The sandy haired boy rolled his eyes. "Saché! My name's Ani."
Saché, as well as the other handmaidens smiled at his boyish charms. Ever since he boarded the Queen's ship on Tatooine, he was quickly endearing himself to all the young ladies. The dark red haired handmaiden then nodded as she repeated her question. "Can I help you, Ani?"
He flashed his lopsided grin before answering. "Do you know where Padmé is? I can't find her anywhere."
The Queen's attendants looked at each other; almost as if a secret communication existed to determine how best to answer his question. Finally, Rabé was the one to answer.
"Ani, she's….working in her private office and has ordered not to be disturbed."
"What's she doing in there?"
The handmaidens gave each other a knowing glance as they all cast their gazes everywhere else, but at the boy. Finally, the quiet natured Rabé approached him.
"The Queen learned of some very disturbing news today in court and she's been in her office ever since."
"How long has she been in there?" Anakin asked, sensing the increased worry coming from Amidala's attendants.
Now Sabé stood up to move closer to him. "She's been in there since the 1st afternoon bell."
Unconsciously, Anakin scoured the room for a chrono. Eirtaé sighed as she said, "It's near the 10th evening bell now and she hasn't eaten anything all day."
Anakin nodded silently as he knew that he had to go to her. As he turned around to leave the room, the handmaidens offered each other a knowing smile as Yané called out to him. "Her favorite delicacy is shuura fruit with hot herbal tea, Ani."
The former slave simply grinned as he dashed from the common room into the nearby private kitchen. He was so eager to do this for Padmé that it took him a few moments to realize that he had never seen shuura fruit before, nor made herbal tea. Anakin then poked his head back into the common room. "What's a shuura fruit look like and does anybody know how to make herbal tea?"
The handmaidens softly giggled before Rabé took mercy and helped him prepare everything he needed to take to the Queen. He watched her intently as he committed to memory the precise way Padmé liked her tea prepared and her fruit served. A few moments later, he was walking upstairs towards the Queen's office with a silver tray in his hands. He hoped that she would allow him to see her, if for just a little bit.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tvorae,
It was with deep sadness that I learned about the death of your son. He…
The young monarch crumbled the piece of parchment in her hands and tossed it across the room in frustration. Pieces of waded up parchment decorated the floor along with piles of datapads with official court business. Amidala exhaustedly rubbed her eyes while she tried to find the words to continue the condolence letter she was drafting to this pilot's family.
'Your Highness, I am saddened to report that we lost eighty pilots and five hundred and twenty five defense force members during the liberation.' The voice of a thousand doubts echoed through her mind as she recalled those numbers. Queen Amidala personally ordered those people to their deaths. It was because of her brash actions that they would no longer draw breath. Fathers, brothers, nephews would be missing forever and what possible explanation could she give. Sometimes saying you're sorry is not enough.
'Your Majesty, we believe between the interment into camps and the liberation, nearly fifty five thousand Naboo civilians lost their lives.' Thousands upon thousands of her people were gone, in a blink of an eye. There was no clap of thunder, no angry echo from the heavens; one minute, the Queen's people were content, the next, they were with the spirits. If only she had signed that treaty, then perhaps none of this would have happened. Amidala then shook her head as she knew that the Naboo would have preferred extermination rather than slavery. No, she did the right thing, but at such a high cost.
'Your Highness, several major cities have been damaged beyond the point where they are uninhabitable. You must make a decision about how to aid the flood of refugees pouring into Theed.' Those thoughts from that morning's Royal Court meeting kept stabbing at Amidala's spirit like sharp, pointed daggers. Every time she read another dossier on a pilot or defense team member that gave his or her life in the liberation, caused her soul to bleed a little more. Nearly sixty thousand dead and all because of me. If I had only signed that treaty. She then laid her head down as the overwhelming grief took hold of her.
Anakin shifted his weight from foot to foot as he looked at the wooden door that led into Padmé's private office. Although the boy could sense that his friend was inside, she was not answering the door. He was becoming increasingly worried as his repeated knocks and calls for her went unanswered. Finally, too concerned, Anakin twisted the knob and entered the room, hopeful that Amidala wouldn't be too angry.
"Padmé?" Anakin called out to no response,
The Queen's private office was plainly decorated in comparison to her sitting room. The walls only had two paintings, neither of which appeared to have been done by Padmé. In the middle of the room was an antique wooden desk surrounded on both sides with two independent terminals that connected into the holonet and Naboo's vast information network. Two tall brass laps were at the rear corners of the room with a smaller one placed on her desk.
The boy became more disturbed when he saw numerous datapads and pages of white parchment covering her desk and the floor surrounding it. More urgently, he saw Amidala bent over in her chair with her hands covering her face. Anakin dropped the now forgotten tray, spilling some of the fruit, before rushing to her side. He then swiveled her chair to face him where he could hear her sobbing while shaking her head.
"Padmé? Padmé? What's wrong?" he asked urgently.
As she lifted her face, he could see that her face paint was streaked with tear marks.
"Tell me, please. Maybe I can help? You know I can fix anything."
With her eyes red from crying, a slight smile eclipsed her face as she softly touched the side of the boy's face. "If only," she said as a stream of tears fell from her face. "It's all my fault, Ani."
"What is?" he asked with great concern in his voice.
"Everything…They are all dead because of me."
The boy looked at her in confusion, The images of Padmé leading the charge into the city to restore her rule flashed through his mind. Naboo was safe once again because of her courage. "Who's dead?'
"My people, Ani." Streams of tears were now rolling down her face. "If I was older and wiser, then perhaps…"
"But, you didn't kill them, Padmé. Bad people did."
The young Queen looked up at the boy in frustration. However, that feeling quickly abated as she could see the concern polling from behind his young blue eyes. He simply did not understand. Padmé had spent the majority of her short life preparing for the demands of being Naboo's ruler. At that instant, she had never felt more alone in her life. The entire universe seemed to be resting on her shoulders as her world was in shambles, waiting for her to lift it back up. Everyone was looking to Amidala to restore all that was lost, which was impossible.
Amidala's expression softened, though, as she dropped her eyes back towards the floor. The truth was that she wasn't alone. All she had to do was reach out and no matter what, Anakin would always listen. "It was my place to prevent those bad people from ever doing my people harm."
Anakin looked at his friend, unsure what to do or say to make her smile again. He then wrapped his arm around her, and he instantly felt her pain thrashing against him. Somehow the boy could feel her grief as if it was his own as tears began to fall from his face. Now, unable to hold back her sorrow, Padmé let her grief pour out as she sobbed in his small arms.
The two friends cried together for several moments, until the young monarch slowly pulled back into her chair. She offered Anakin a sorrowed smirk as she softly brushed off the tears that had formed on his face. He returned the smile as he said, "Don't be sad, Padmé; angels shouldn't cry."
Amidala looked up at him through her tears. "I am hardly an angel, Ani. A real angel would have been able to spare her people pain."
Anakin cocked his head to the side as he considered her words. "I don't know anything about being a ruler or being important. But you care, Padmé. If it wasn't for you it could have been even worse."
She managed another faint smile as she studied his intense look, "How come you know so much?"
The boy shrugged his shoulders dramatically while she wiped at her face, further smearing her facepaint. Immediately, the boy reached into his back pocket to find a rag that he had been using earlier on the Queen Angel. As he extended it towards the sorrowful Queen, Padmé instinctually reached for the rag but laughed aloud when she saw that it was covered with grease.
"I appreciate the thought Ani, but I think I should get a clean one," she said as she reached into her desk. Anakin's face flushed red as then realized that he handed the Queen of Naboo a dirty rag.
Amidala righted herself in her chair as she returned her focus to the datapad in front of her. As Anakin was about to leave, he picked up the tray and placed it on the Queen's desk. He looked at the once carefully arranged fruit, then grinned sheepishly. "I brought you dinner." Padmé softly chuckled as they exchanged smiles before the boy turned to leave.
"Ani?"
"Yes Padmé."
She smiled softly before she spoke. "I never did tell you my third best day, did I?
He shook his head, waiting for her to continue. "It was just the other day, when I gave you your ship and you named her after me."
Anakin's face became flushed as he saw her beautiful smile grow at his sudden discomfort. Gathering himself quickly, he responded, "I know you're busy so I will be going, with your permission."
The Queen nodded her head approvingly. "Thank you for the food and for everything else, Ani. I truly appreciate it."
The boy half-bowed in response. As he was about to exit the room, he turned in the doorway slightly. "And Padmé."
"Yes?"
"You will always be an angel to me."
Before she could answer, he closed the door behind him as he left. Amidala smiled to herself as she
silently thanked the spirits for bringing her little friend into her life.
TBC-Please be kind and review...It does a muse and a writer good :).
