A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Episode I
THE PHANTOM MENACE
Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.
Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo.
While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict...
Mid Rim
Chommel Sector
Naboo System
The Republic cruiser dropped out of hyperspace, coming upon a beautiful green and blue planet known as Naboo and the hundreds of battleships surrounding it, blocking any attempts for ships to land or take off.
"Captain."
The female pilot turned her head to the speaker. "Yes sir."
"Tell them we wish to board at once."
The caption opened a channel and one the view screen resting above the viewing window appeared a grey skinned orange eyed Neimodian dressed in sophisticated robes and a headdress. "With all due respect, the ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately."
"Yes, of course." The Neimodian replied. "As you know, our blockade is perfectly legal. And we'd be happy to receive the ambassadors."
The ship came upon the main battleship that to people of another galaxy would have thought was shaped like a food called a donut that was missing a section of its circumference and it had a central sphere that contained the ship's bridge and reactor assemblies. A massive acceleration compensator secured the center sphere to the stern of the ship, and the deck structures in the center sphere provided living space for the crew, and the sphere also had its own reactor assemblies. The bridge was in a tower on the center sphere.
The front void of the craft held two mammoth docking bays on either side, which were lined with forward docking claws. Fortunately the claws were not needed as the Republic ship settled into the main docking bay which was crawling with smaller ships, land based vehicles and programmed machines that spared the ship only a glance as it landed. The ambassadors exited the ship, heading to the main exit and spotted a silver plated humanoid machine waiting for them on the other side of the door.
"I am TC-14 at your service. This way please." The machine said, its voice sounding feminine.
It led them to a conference room with a round circular table in the center and a wall with a large enough window to show the planet and the fleet surrounding it.
"We are more pleased with your visit, ambassadors. Make yourselves comfortable. My master will be with you shortly." TC-14 bowed and left the room.
The ambassadors removed their hoods once the doors were closed. One of them had short dark hair with a single thin braid dangling over the shoulder and the other was much older with greying hair and sporting a small neck beard.
"I have a bad feeling about this." The younger man said once his hood was down.
The older man seemed confused. "I don't sense anything."
"It's not about the mission, Master. It's something elsewhere. Elusive…" The younger man tried to explain.
"Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan." The older man advised. "Keep your concentration here and now."
"But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future." The man named Obi-Wan pointed out as they walked over to the window.
"But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, young Padawan." The elder said, stopping at the window.
"Yes, Master." Obi-Wan nodded. "How do you think this trade viceroy will deal with the Chancellor's demands?"
"These federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be short." The man glanced at the door, wondering what was taking so long.
Saak'ak
Bridge
"What? What did you say?"
If Nute Gunray was not nervous before he was certainly nervous now, standing on the bridge of the lead ship of the Federation fleet surrounding Naboo. The ship's pilot sat at the navigation station and controled the ship through data goggles and hand-operated instrument panels. Pilot battle droids were stationed at a recessed floor at navigation computers. A view screen was situated at one side of the bridge.
"The ambassadors are Jedi Knights as believed." TC-14 reported.
Daultay Dofine was shaking as he turned to the viceroy. "I knew it. They are here to force a settlement."
"Distract them." Gunray ordered. "I will contact Lord Sidious."
"Are you brain dead?" Dofine exclaimed. "I am not going in there with two Jedi. Send a droid."
The Neimoidians adjusted the rooms to their benefit when dealing with clients—the chairs were remote-operated 'concentration deficit' units. The door opened as soon as they were seated but instead of the viceroy it was the same droid from before, bringing them drinks.
"Is it in their nature to make us wait this long?" Obi-Wan asked, accepting the drink.
"No." The man answered. "I sense an unusual amount of fear for something as trivial as this trade dispute."
The holo-projectors activated and before the Nemoidians appeared the blue tinted image of the mastermind behind the entire blockade: Darth Sidious.
The mysterious figure wore a long robe and hood that covered most of his face, keeping his identity hidden but the Nemoidians knew he was extremely dangerous.
"What is it?" Sidious asked as soon as he appeared.
"This game of yours has failed, Lord Sidious." Dofine proclaimed surprisingly. "The blockade is finished. We dare not go against the Jedi."
"Viceroy." Sidious said, looking directly at Gunray. "I don't want this stunted slime in my sight again."
Gunray glared at Dofine until he ran off the bridge, not wanting to upset Sidious any further.
"This turn of events is unfortunate." Sidious continued as soon as Dofine was gone. "We must accelerate our plans. Begin landing your troops."
"My lord…" Gunray trailed off, surprised by the order. He had the armies ready but didn't think he would have to use them. "Is that legal?"
"I will make it legal." Sidious said simply.
"And the Jedi?"
"The Chancellor should never have brought them into this." Sidious snarled. "Kill them immediately."
Gunray stepped back, stuttering now. "Y-Yes my lord. As you wish."
Sidious seemingly grinned before vanishing, signaling he had ended the call. He turned to the ship's interior controls, bringing up the image of the Republic ship in the hangar. A simple button brought down an interior gun that aimed directly at the ship and another one made the gun fire, destroying the ship and its crew.
Now to deal with the Jedi.
Suddenly a warning of immense danger went off, causing them to stand up and ignite their weapons: cylindrical hilts emitting beams of light resembling swords, glowing blue and green. Just as they stood up a hissing sound was heard as the room was being filled with gas.
"Dioxide." Qui-Gon said as they deactivated their weapons and took deep breaths.
The doors opened and they could see a small group of skeletal battle droids waiting for them. Battle droids were commonly used by the Trade Federation as the main security force, cheap to produce and easy to control.
The protocol droid had collected the dropped drinks and hastily exited, stopping when she saw the droids pointing their weapons at it. "Oh, excuse me!"
"Check it out, corporal. We'll cover you." The command droid ordered.
"Roger, roger." The droid took a step forward, aiming its weapon.
Two bars of light appeared in the gas, alerting the droids. "Uh-oh! Blast them!"
However the droids were no match for the two as they easily deflected the blast shots and cut through the droids rather easily.
Negotiations seemed to be concluded.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rushed through the halls of the ship, easily cutting down through any droids that tried to stop them. Upon reaching the bridge they saw it had been sealed with droids guarding it that were quickly cut down. Qui-Gon began cutting through it, trusting Obi-Wan to protect him while he was busy. A rumbling sound was heard that made Qui-Gon pause and quickly realized that a series of blast doors must have closed in front of the doors, sealing the bridge even tighter.
However that would not nearly be enough.
Qui-Gon plunged his lightsaber into the center of the door, slowly burning through it and the blast doors behind it.
"Master, destroyers!" Obi-Wan called out.
Qui-Gon pulled out his lightsaber, spotting two more droids that were different from the previous ones. They resembled wheels at first but upon stopping they unfolded themselves, standing on three crab like legs, armed with two sets of twin blaster cannons and were equipped with shield generators that activated as they switched to bio-mode.
"They have shield generators." Obi-Wan said as he and Qui-Gon deflected the blaster bolts.
"It's a standoff. Let's go!" Qui-Gon ordered.
The two took off down the hall with the destroyer droids chasing after them, needing to hide before more arrived. Luckily they were able to slip away through the service vents, owing their luck to the fact the Trade Federation's droid security did not have the imagination to search the shafts. They came out the end of the shaft, emerging into a gigantic hangar. The two jumped down and hid behind cargo piles, looking out across the hangar.
"Battle droids." Qui-Gon noted.
That was an understatement.
The entire hangar was filled with battle droids, all lined up in ranks and folding themselves into deployment racks of large carrier transports that were then loaded onto giant H-shaped landing craft that would be used to transport them down to the planet's surface.
"It's an invasion army." Obi-Wan said.
"This is an odd play for the Trade Federation." Qui-Gon noted. "We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum. Let's split up, stow aboard separate ships and meet down on the planet."
"You were right about one thing, Master." Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan who was smiling at him. "The negotiations were short."
Naboo
Swamp
It had been a nice clear day in the swamps of Naboo.
That was how Jar-Jar Binks had started with his usual hunting in the swamp, looking for food when a giant monstrous thing had appeared. It was huge with a bulbous head and it knocked down the trees in its path which he happened to be in the middle of. The swamp animals fled from it, along with a tall bearded Human.
"Hey! Get out of here!" A Human that Jar-Jar had grabbed onto in sheer panic of the monster heading directly towards them.
Just as the monster was on top of them the Human flung them down and the monster passed over them. A moment later it was gone and the Human detangled himself from Jar-Jar, continuing his way.
"Hey wait!" Jar-Jar said, following after the Human. "Oyi! I luv you!"
"You almost got us killed." The Human berated. "Are you brainless?"
"I speak." Jar-Jar retorted in offence.
"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent." The Human replied. "Now get out of here."
"No, no. Mesa stay." Jar-Jar said, following after the Human. "Mesa called Jar-Jar Binks. Mesa your humble servant."
"That won't be necessary." The Human said, not even looking at Jar-Jar.
"Oh but it is! Is demanded by the gods, it is!" Jar-Jar argued.
Whatever he was about to say next by the sound of explosions with another, younger Human running at them, being chased by two flying machines, piloted by skeletal droids that fired bolts of red light at them.
"Oh no!" Jar-Jar cried out.
The bearded Human pushed him down. "Stay down!"
A bar of green light ignited, reflecting the bolts back at the machines and destroyed them on impact. All was quiet as the bearded Human deactivated his weapon.
"Yousa saved my again, hey?" Jar-Jar asked happily.
"What's this?" The younger Human asked, unimpressed.
"A local." The bearded one answered. "Let's get out of here before more droids showed up."
"More?" Jar-Jar asked as they walked off and quickly followed after them. "More did you speak?"
The Humans seemed to be ignoring him following them which slightly annoyed him. "Ex-queezee me? But da safest place would be Gungan city." He said, catching with them as they stopped to listen. "Tis where I grew up. Tis a hidden city."
"A city?" The bearded Human asked. "Can you take us there?"
"Um…On second thought, no." Jar-Jar answered, stepping back. "Not willy, no."
"No?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Iss embarrassing, boot- mya afraid may been banished. The bosses will do terrible things to me if mya going back there." Jar-Jar explained, cowering a bit from the strange noises.
"You hear that?" The bearded Human asked.
"Yeah."
"That is the sound of a thousand terrible things headed this way." The bearded Human said as the second one advanced on Jar-Jar.
"If they find us, they will crush, grind us into little pieces and blast us into oblivion."
"Yousa point is well seen." Jar-Jar relented. "This way, hurry!"
Jar-Jar led them through the woods until they came upon a lake.
"How much farther?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Wesa going underwater, okey-day." Jar-Jar said, pointing at the water. "But mya warning. Gungans no likey outsiders so don't expect a warm welcome."
"Oh don't worry. This hasn't been a day for warm welcomes." Obi-Wan replied dryly.
Jar-Jar let out an enthused yell as he jumped straight into the water while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slipped on portable breathers to allow them to remain underwater far longer than they would have if they tried holding their breath.
Jar-Jar popped his head above the water. "Yousa follow me now, okey-day?"
The two Jedi walked into the water, swimming after Jar-Jar as he dived down and led them deep blow the surface. Less than meter below the sunlight began to dim and as Jar-Jar led them deeper it almost reached the point where it was completely dark…Until a light was seen in the dark up ahead. As they grew closer they could make out a number of yellow lights and large bubbles, varying in size and held in bronze structures.
Jar-Jar led them to a bubble and stepped right through it. Hesitant at first, the Jedi followed and stepped into the city, their bodies still wet and dripping while the bubbles sealed behind them. Hyrdostatic membrane bubbles, able to displace water and prevented the entry of foreign objects through the bubble's except at specific entry portals.
Now to find a transport to reach the Naboo.
"Wesa no care about the Naboo."
Unfortunately the Gungans found the idea of helping the Naboo less than receptive, even as Obi-Wan tried to argue that helping them was in their best interest.
Seeing no use in arguing Qui-Gon decided to end it. "Then speed us on our way."
"Wesa gonna speed yousa away." The boss agreed.
"We would a need a transport." Qui-Gon pointed out.
"Wesa gives yousa una Bongo." The boss replied. "The speediest way to the Naboo is through the planet core. Now go."
"Thank your help, we leave in peace." Qui-Gon bowed, him and Obi-Wan turning away.
"Master, what is a Bongo?" Obi-Wan whispered.
"A transport I hope."
"Daza setten yous up. Goen through da planet core is bad bombin!" Jar-Jar argued with a sheepish grin. "Ahhh...any hep hair would be hot."
Qui-Gon stopped, seeing Jar-Jar in handcuffs and remembered he was likely to be executed.
"Master, we are short on time." Obi-Wan frowned, knowing what his master was thinking.
"We need a navigator to get us through the planet's core." Qui-Gon replied. "This Gungan might be of help." He turned to the boss. "What is to become of Jar-Jar Binks?"
"He is to be punished." The boss grinned.
"I've saved his life. He owes me what you call a life debt." Qui-Qon stated. "Your gods demand his life belongs to me now."
"Hisen live tis yos, outlauder. Begone wit him." The boss waved his hand.
"Count mesa outta dis! Better dead here, den deader in da core..." Jar-Jar whimpered as the guards removed his handcuffs. "Yee guds, whata mesa sayin?!"
A strange little bat winged submarine with three bubble canopies and a fished tailed engine propeled itself away from the Otoh Gunga, leaving the glow of the settlement in the distance. Obi-wan sat in the co-pilots seat while Jar-Jar guided the craft.
"Dis is nusen." The Gungan muttered.
"Master, why do you keep dragging these pathetic life forms along with us?" Obi-Wan asked to which his master only smiled in reply."...Here, take over."
Jar-Jar veered the craft to the left and turned the lights on. The coral vistas were grand, fantastic, and wondrous.
"Why were you banished, Jar Jar?" Obi-Wan asked, in an attempt to have conversation and to keep the Gungan calm.
"Tis a long tale, buta small part wawdabe mesa...ooooh...aaaa...clumsy." Jar-Jar admitted, bowing his head.
"They banished you because you're clumsy?"
As the little sub glided into the planet core, a large dark shape began to follow.
"Mesa cause-ed mabee one or duey lettal bitty axadentes...yud-say boom da gasser, un crash Der Bosses heyblibber...den banished."
Suddenly there is a loud crash, and the little craft lurches to one side.
Qui-Gon looked around and saw a huge, luminous Sea Killer has hooked them with its long gooey tongue. "Full speed ahead."
Instead of full ahead, Jar-Jar jammed the controls into reverse and the sub flew into the mouth of the creature.
Obi-Wan took over the controls and the Sea Killer instantly released the sub from its mouth.
"Wesa free!"
As the sub zoomed away they see a larger set of jaws, munching on the hapless Killer. The jaws belong to an incredible bigger monster. The lights on the tiny sub begin to flicker as they cruise deeper into the gloom.
"There's always a bigger fish." Qui-Gon muttered.
Sparks were flying, and water was leaking into the cabin. The sound of the power drive drops.
"We're losing power." Obi-Wan said and started working with the sparking wires while Jar-Jar started to panic.
"Stay calm. We're not in trouble yet." Qui-Gon said quietly.
"What yet? Monstairs out dare! Leak'n in here, all'n sink'n, and nooooo power! WHEN YOUSA TINK WESA IN TROUBLE?!" Jar-Jar yelled.
"Power's back." Obi-Wan said as the lights flickered on, revealing an ugly giant eel like fish right in front of them.
"Monstairs back!" Jar-Jar shrieked.
The large fish was surprised and reared back as the sub turned around and sped away.
"Wesa in trouble now?"
"Relax."Qui-Gon puts his hand on Jar-Jar's shoulder and the Gungan relaxed into a coma.
"You overdid it." Obi-Wan said.
The eel fish leapt after the fleeing sub as it shoots out of the tunnel and into the waiting jaws of the giant monster that ate the first fish.
"This is not good!" Obi-Wan said as Jar-Jar regained consciousness.
"Wesa dead yet? Oie Boie!" Jar-Jar's eyes bulged, and he fainted again.
The sub narrowly avoids the deadly teeth of the giant monster. The eel chasing them wasn't so lucky. It was munched in half by the larger predator as the little sub slipoed away.
"Head for that outcropping." Qui-Gon said, pointing ahead.
Eventually the Bongo reached the surface of the Naboo lake in the city of Theed just as the power finally died.
"Wesa did it!" Jar-Jar cheered.
Theed
Palace
Queen Amidala, Governor Sio Bibble, Captain Panaka and five of the queen's handmaidens were being forcefully escorted by battle droids personally led by Nute Gunray and his aide, Rune Haako through the palace which was overcrowded with battle droids.
"How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?" Bibble asked.
"The Naboo and the Federation will forge a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I've been assured it will be ratified by the Senate."
"I will not co-operate."
"Now, now, your Highness. You are not going to like what we have in store for your people. In time, their suffering will persuade you to see our point of view. Commander."
OOM-9 stepped forward. "Yes, sir."
"Process them."
OOM-9 turned to his sergeant. "Captain, take them to Camp Four."
"Roger, roger."
The plaza was filled with tanks and battle droids, which they passed on their way to the detention camp. Unbeknownst to them, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Jar-Jar had snuck across on a walkway above the plaza. As soon as the group was close enough the two Jedi jumped from a balcony to begin an attack to rescue the Queen. The four battle droids were instantly cut down but more moved forward and were also cut down by the Jedi's' lightsabers.
Queen Amidala and the others looked amazed while Jar-Jar is getting used to this. "Yousa guys bombad!"
Qui-Gon led them into cover and bowed to the Queen. "Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor."
Governor Bibble sniffed. "Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassador."
"The negotiations never took place. It's urgent we make contact with the Republic."
Captain Panaka stepped forward. "They've knocked out all our communications."
"Do you have transports?"
"In the main hanger. This way." Panaka led them down an alleyway, through the backstreets to a service door behind the main hangar.
Panaka cracked open the door to the central hanger and they looked inside. Inside the hangar were several Naboo spacecraft guarded by about fifty battle droids.
"There are too many of them."
"That won't be a problem." Qui-Gon turned to Amidala. "Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us."
"Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is here with my people." The queen refused.
"They will kill you if you stay."
"They wouldn't dare." Bibble said, shocked at the idea.
Panaka agreed. "They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her."
"The situation here is not what it seems. There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you."
Bibble considered Qui-Gon's words and seemingly agreed. "Please, Your Highness, reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us... Senator Palpatine will need your help."
"Getting past their blockade is impossible, Your Highness. Any attempt to escape will be dangerous." Panaka pointed out.
"Your Highness, I will stay here and do what I can...They will have to retain the Council of Governors in order to maintain control. But you must leave..." Bibble begged.
The Queen turns to her handmaidens. "Either choice presents a great risk...to all of us..."
"We are brave, Your Highness." One of them spoke.
"If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now." Qui-Gon said, taking note of the queen's indecision.
"Then, I will plead our case before the Senate." She glanced to Bibble. "Be careful, Governor."
The door opened to the main hanger and the group walked in, heading for a sleek chrome spacecraft.
"We need to free those pilots." Panaka pointed to men and women held in a corner by six battle droids.
"I'll take care of that." Obi-Wan headed toward the group of captured pilots, ducking out of sight.
Qui-Gon along with the Queen, Panaka, Jar-Jar, and the rest of the group approached the guards at the ramp of the Naboo craft.
"Where are you going?" The lead droid asked.
"I'm Ambassador for the Supreme Chancellor and I'm taking these people to Coruscant."
"Where are you taking them?"
"To Coruscant." Qui-Gon repeated.
"Coruscant? That does not computer. I…uh…we don't…uh…you're under arrest!" The droid drew his weapon, but before any of the droids could fire, they were cut down.
As other droids ran to their aid Obi-Wan attacked the guards around the pilots. Qui-Gon stood, fighting off the droids as the others rushed on board the spacecraft. After everyone had made it onto the ship, Qui-Gon jumped on board as the ship started to take off.
Now they had to get past the blockade
Naboo
Orbit
Royal Naboo Starship
The sleek spacecraft sped away from the planet of Naboo and headed for the deadly Federation blockade.
The pilot, Ric Olie, navigated toward the massive battleship, with Qui-Gon and Panaka watching.
Meanwhile Jar-Jar was led into a low, cramped doorway by Obi-Wan. "Now stay here, and keep out of trouble."
He closed the door, leaving the Gungan to look around and see a long row of five short, dome-topped astro droids. They all look alike, except for their paint color, and they all seem to be shut down.
"Ello, boyos."
In the meantime the ship shuddered and alarms rang out as Obi-Wan entered the bridge.
"We should abort sir. The deflector shields can't take this." Ric Olie advised.
"Stay on course!" Panaka snapped.
Qui-Gon could see the battleships growing closer. "Do you have a cloaking device?"
Panaka shook his head. "This is not a warship. We have no weapons. We are a non-violent people."
The ship shook again and an alarm sounded.
"The shield generator's been hit!" Ric Olie reported.
A view screen showed astromech droids popping out of a nearby airlock to repair the damage. However they quickly fell under attack, three of them being blasted away in a matter of seconds.
"We're losing droids fast." Obi-Wan stated.
"We won't make it. The shields are gone."
The remaining droid, colored white and blue worked to reconnect the wires despite the continuing attacks.
Olie looked at the screen, seeing the power for the shields coming back. "Powers back! That little droid did it. He bypassed the main power drive. Deflector shield up, at maximum."
The lone blue droid finished his repairs and goes back into the ship. The Naboo spacecraft raced away from the Federation battleship.
But they were still not out of the woods.
"There's not enough power to get us to Coruscant...the hyperdrive is leaking."
"We'll have to land somewhere to refuel and repair the ship." Qui-Gon studied a star chart on a monitor.
Obi-Wan pointed to his monitor. "Here, Master. Tatooine... It's small, out of the way, poor... The Trade Federation has no presence there."
"How can you be sure?" Panaka asked.
"It's controlled by the Hutts..."
"You can't take Her Royal Highness there! The Hutts are gangsters" Panaka protested. "If they discovered her-"
"It would be no different than if we landed on a system controlled by the Federation...except the Hutts aren't looking for her, which gives us an advantage." Qui-Gon interrupted.
Panaka took a deep breath in frustration as the Naboo spacecraft raced away, entering hyperspace.
In this moment however, everything changed. By a stroke of pure chance so infinitesimally small that it would be derided as impossible or the work of a fantasizing mind, the Nubian cruiser's entry into the realm of hyperspace coincided with the entry of a vessel from a completely different universe into a realm known as subspace. This precise timing was accompanied by a shift in realities, one of countless shifts that went unnoticed by entire civilizations, occasionally manifesting as a vessel that would disappear under mysterious circumstances.
As the Nubian transport plunged through hyperspace it found itself caught up in what could be best described as a current that pulled it off of its intended course. This current, crossing through time, space and dimension ripped the ship out of its home reality and pulled it along into a completely foreign one. Alarms wailed as sensors registered what they could only quantify as a hyperspace anomaly. Automated safeties attempted to disengage from hyperspace, much like they would in the presence of a mass shadow or any other navigational hazards.
The next few minutes were spent desperately trying to keep the ship from shaking itself apart. Sensors were unable to identify what was going on around them, but the two Jedi on board could feel something beyond the hull, something moving through this new pathway with them in tow…
Until finally, like a fish that had gotten loose from a fisherman's line, they were cut free and found themselves being flung back into normal space. The Nubian ship's thrusters fired to arrest its momentum while inertial dampeners kept the rapid rotation from reducing its occupants into molecule thin paste against the nearest bulkhead.
Captain Panaka groaned as he climbed to his feet. "Report…what was that?"
"Unknown, Captain." Olie shook his head and tried to clear away the pounding headache he'd developed. "Running a navigational analysis."
Sensory instruments on the hull scanned nearby star formations, comparing them to existing star charts to try and pin down the ship's exact position. Even a single familiar constellation would have been all it needed to know that they were still on the map somewhere, but when the readout came back to Olie he felt a chill run down his spine.
"Pilot?" He felt a hand on his shoulder and a sense of calm wash over him as he looked up to see Jedi Master Jinn had entered the cockpit.
"I can't place our position." Olie announced. "Nothing in our nav-computer can match up to the surrounding constellations. Not even long range scans of the Unknown Regions. We're more than off the map, Master Jedi."
"Which means no known hyperlanes, no safe hyperspace vectors…" Panaka cursed under his breath. "How can we be someplace that far out of known space?"
"The only answer can be is…we may not be in our own galaxy anymore." Qui-Gon hypothesized. "I feel the Force, but it is…different, too different from anywhere else I've travelled. Where ever we are, it's nowhere near home."
"How could we have gotten that far off our intended course?" Olie demanded. "If we were a few parsecs off or dropped out halfway to Tatooine I'd understand, but one bad hyper jump shouldn't have done…this!"
"Remain calm." Qui-Gon urged. "Do your sensors pick up anything else? Signs of civilization? Other vessels?"
Olie checked the readout again. "Strange distortions in space-time, luminal indications of stars with artificial structures partly obscuring light emissions…there are signs all around but it won't do us any good if we can't reach them."
"Engage all distress beacons." Qui-Gon commanded. "If there truly are any spacefaring civilizations in this new region, we can only hope that they might sympathize with our situation."
"Hope is about all we have at this point." Panaka muttered.
"That and happy thoughts." Olie added as he deployed a distress beacon.
"I must inform Her Highness." Panaka said, exiting the cockpit.
Inner Rim
Coruscant
Jedi Temple
The Jedi Temple remained an impressive sight to those who took the time to see with the Jedi Council Chamber located at the very top of the spire. The sight of seeing an entire city would have been described as beautiful but the Jedi Council had no time to enjoy such delights. At this very moment, a small green creature wearing robes with great wisdom in his eyes was gripping his cane as images exploded like a volcano in his mind.
A planet with blue oceans, green land lands, and white clouds shining bright in space…
"Our mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before."
Master Yoda opened his eyes, finding himself back in his room with the curtains closed. "Something has happened. Coming a great change is."
Royal Throne Room
Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Captain Panaka entered the Queen's personal quarters to inform of what had happened. Panaka explained how they managed to slip past the blockade thanks to the astromech droid that was with him.
"An extremely well put together little droid. Without a doubt, it saved the ship as well as our lives." Panaka finished.
"It is to be commended." The Queen smiled at the droid. "What is its number?"
The little blue droid let out a series of bleeps. Panaka leaned over and scrapes some dirt off of the side of the droid and read the number. "R2-D2, Your Highness."
"Thank you, R2-D2." The Queen said, listening as R2 beeped. "Padme."
One of the handmaidens stepped forward.
"Clean this droid up as best you can." The Queen ordered. "Continue Captain."
"Unfortunately Your Highness we seem to be lost with no way of reaching Coruscant. Our pilot believes the damage to the hyperdrive generator is what caused us to drop in this region of space. The damage likely caused a surge that overloaded the hyperdrive and caused us to overshoot our destination. It's not uncommon for ships with damaged hyperdrives to drop out of hyperspace before reaching their destination or even overshoot them all together." Panaka continued. "We estimated we would have had enough power to reach a nearby planet before the hyperdrive generator burned out but we encountered some type of…Anomaly when the hyperdrive was engaged. We did not have the chance to disengage and we ended up in unknown space."
"What are our options?" The Queen asked.
Qui-Gon stepped forward. "All distress beacons have been activated in the hopes that someone will find us and offer us aid. There is evidence suggesting that there are spacefaring civilizations out here."
"Do we have enough power to survive long enough?"
"I believe this is our best course of action." Qui-Gon said, noticing the Queen share a glance with the handmaiden named Padme.
Main Hold
Padme sat in the main cabinet, cleaning R2-D2, the brave little Astra Droid.
"Hidoe!"
Both Padme and the droid jump and let out a little scream.
The Gungan looked embarrassed that he frightened them. "Sorry, nomeanen to scare yousa."
"That's all right." Padme said kindly.
"I scovered oily back dare. Needen it?" The Gungan held up an oil can.
"Thank you. This little guy is quite a mess."
Jar-Jar handed her the oil can. "Mesa Jar-Jar Binksss."
"I'm Padme, I attend Her Highness. You're a Gungan, aren't you?" Jar-Jar nodded. "How did you end up here with us?"
"Me no know...mesa day starten pitty okeyday witda brisky morning munchen. Den boom...getten berry skeered, un grabbed dat Jedi, and before mesa knowen it...pow! Mesa here." Jar-Jar shrugged. "Getten berry berry skeered."
R2 beeped a sympathetic beep. Almost everyone on the ship was feeling that way.
Engine Room
Qui-Gon walked in, watching as Obi-Wan pulled out the remains of the hyperdrive that failed as soon as they appeared in the new galaxy.
"The hyperdrive generator is gone, Master. We'll need a new one." Obi-Wan informed him.
"That will complicate things." Qui-Gon stated. "Be wary, I sense a great disturbance in the Force, even in this new galaxy."
"I feel it also, Master." Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.
Cockpit
"It came so fast, I almost didn't see it." Olie said, watching the strange ship approaching. "Certainly nothing I ever saw before."
Qui-Gon noted that, seeing the ship resembling some sort of pod attached to a pair of wings. As he stared at the ship he reached out with the Force, sensing a presence aboard it.
It was a powerful mind, more disciplined than most Jedi he had met.
Emotions powerful and yet almost perfectly balanced, held in place by mental training installing a sense of…Logic.
The console next to Olie beeped. "I think they're contacting us."
Sharing a look with his Padawan Qui-Gon made his suggestion. "Let's hear what they have to say."
Olie accepted the transmission and a calm voice spoke over the speakers. "Unidentified vessel, we have heard your distress signal and offer aid."
The cockpit crew shared a glance before Obi-Wan answered. "We are grateful. We have sustained heavy damage to our engines. Can you direct us to where we can refuel and repair?"
"Unfortunately we are too far away from any planets with suitable facilities. There is a ship in the area that we are scheduled to rendezvous with that will perhaps render the aid you need."
"We are on an urgent mission. We must get underway as soon as possible." Obi-Wan replied.
"Understood." The caller ended the transmission.
"That was brief." Panaka muttered. "Can we trust them?"
"We either take the risk and accept their help or spend possibly the rest of our lives trying to return to known space." Qui-Gon replied. "Do your scanners detect anything?"
"Nothing but…Hang on." Olie looked over instruments. "There's another ship coming in."
A moment later the other ship came within visual range of the Naboo ship, allowing the people in the cockpit to see it.
"That's another ship I've never seen before."
The rest of the cockpit crew agreed.
To Panaka and Olie the ship looked almost Nubian in design with its own unique elegance while at the same time looking very alien. A saucer hull connected to a round hull with a glowing dish by a thick neck and two pylons connected to what appeared to be the ship's engines. Qui-Gon could feel life on that ship, a surge of powerful emotions echoing through the Force.
The ship was literally glowing with life before them, emitting powerful feelings of duty, strength, unity, love and…curiosity.
"Master, a transmission is coming from the ship." Obi-Wan spoke up, observing the signal. "They seem to be speaking Basic."
"Best we answer now." Qui-Gon said to Obi-Wan who nodded and switched the radio on.
"Attention unknown vessel. This is Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise responding to your distress signal." A strong voice spoke through the speakers. "Please reply."
A quick nod from Qui-Gon prompted Obi-Wan to answer. "This is Obi-Wan Kenobi aboard the Royal Nubian cruiser J-327. We thank you for your response and urgently request any assistance you can offer. Our hyperdrive has been damaged and we are unable to repair it. We are also low on fuel and power."
"Our scanners do detect damage to your vessel but we are unfamiliar with what you call a hyperdrive."
"They don't know what a hyperdrive is?" Olie whispered in shock. "We must really be in another galaxy."
"Our shuttle bay is large enough for your ship to dock. If you will accept we will tractor your ship into our bay." Captain Kirk continued.
"Master?" Obi-Wan glanced back to Qui-Gon.
"It seems we have little choice in the matter unless there is an alternative I cannot see." Qui-Gon admitted.
Knowing he was right, Obi-Wan knew they only had one option. "Captain Kirk, your offer is accepted and we thank you for your aid."
"Understood, Mr. Kenobi. We will begin immediately."
The cockpit crew watched as the Enterprise spun around, quite quickly and was now facing its rear end which opened up to reveal a landing bay large enough for the Nubian ship to land in.
"Nubian Cruiser J-327, you must cut power to your engines to allow the tractor beam to tow you in. You should also activate your landing gear as well." Captain Kirk spoke.
"Very well." Obi-Wan replied, him and Qui-Gon glancing to Olie who quickly shut off power to the engines and extended the landing gear.
A second later the ship was being pulled forward, slowly and carefully into the shuttle bay, landing so softly the passengers barely felt anything at all.
"Nubian Cruiser, welcome aboard the starship Enterprise."