Naboo
Ancient Ruins
"Anakin!"
"Kitster!"
It wasn't just his mother who was freed.
All of the slaves he had known back on Tattooine were here, appearing in beams of light from Padme and Qui-Gon's strange friends. As Anakin was with his mother and friends, the Starfleet officers were speaking with Padme and Qui-Gon.
"During their attack we scanned the droid fighters and Mr. Spock was able to isolate the frequency that is used to control them through a detailed scan of the droid fighters and their built in receivers." Kirk said, gesturing to Spock.
"Indeed. The Trade Federation uses a rotating frequency, sending new commands as the situation changes with a new encryption. I believe we have found a way to interfere with that signal." Spock stated.
"You mean you can jam them?" Panaka questioned skeptically. "How? The Trade Federation made their signals to be un-jammable."
"Yes, when their frequency was isolated I determined that the frequencies and command patterns are changed with each command." Spock held his tricorder to R2. "Fortunately our scanners were able to pin point the signals being transmitted to every droid on the planet, detailing every command frequency which is fairly limited and basic."
"So you think you can jam them?" Padme asked, hoping for a non-violent solution.
"Not jam them as much as disrupt them." Kirk answered, much to the Queen's confusion. "Since they rely on networked communications we simply need to broadcast something on the same frequencies as the control ship. Mr. Spock?"
"The Droid Control ship uses laser based transmissions to send orders instantly to all droids in range and their computer systems appeared to be analog based, similar but more advanced to early Earth twentieth century computer technology, using electrical signals flowing through various resistors and capacitors. I believe they would be vulnerable to a multiphasic sweep." Spock surmised as he shared his findings with R2.
"Oh yeah, compared to V'Ger these Trade Federation droids aren't even considered toys." R2 beeped and an antenna popped out of his head and ran a scan of his own through Spock's findings. "I suggest you try something very loud to make overload their systems. I estimate it needs to be done at 57.7 megahertz."
"Well, that's part of why we're here now." Kirk said, looking at Padme. "Hypothetically speaking, if there was a solution to this that didn't involve violence, would you take it?"
Padme nodded. "I would but the Trade Federation leaders, especially the Viceroy will never agree to a ceasefire as long as he has his army and believes the Senate won't act against him."
"Then maybe he just needs some persuasion of a different variety."
Nute Gunray was confident that once the droid army had subdued the primitives the Queen would be forced to sign the treaty and they could legalize their occupation here. As for the strange ship Enterprise, he had already called for reinforcements and thus had no reason to believe he was in danger.
After all the battle was taking place far from here-
There was stunned cry as there was a flash of light…
And Nute Gunray found himself facing down Queen Amidala, flanked by the two Jedi.
"Hello Viceroy."
Padme had to keep herself from smiling from ear to ear at the flabbergasted look on the Viceroy's face as he was beamed away from Theed to a little spot picked out in the woods for her to have a nice little chat with him. Kirk along with the other Starfleet officers had decided it would be best for them to remain hidden which Padme agreed with.
No need to show all her cards yet.
"Wha-wha-wha…I…" Nute Gunray sputtered as he looked around, seeing Naboo guards around him with their weapons trained on him. "How did you…"
"Sit." Padme said in a clear commanding tone.
Panaka decided to make a little show of it as he grabbed the Viceroy's shoulder and forcefully sat him down at the table.
"Where am I?" Gunray asked, literally shaking.
"Out here, in a neutral spot picked out by me, Viceroy so we can discuss your illegal invasion of my planet." Padme got right to the point. "And how you are going to call it off and leave."
While the Gungans were helping out with the slaves that were brought down by those beams of light Anakin had noticed Padme seemingly going somewhere with the Jedi and those strange people that had appeared and wanted to follow. As much as he was happy to be reunited with his mother he couldn't help but follow to see what was going on, watching as some slimy toad like alien appeared in a flash of light and Padme was talking to him with a fierce look on her face.
Beautiful.
"You invade my planet, force my people to starve just to legalize your occupation and threaten us with war if you don't get your way." Padme continued, standing up and staring down at the sniveling Viceroy. "Well, now you're out here without your armies to protect you. So I am going to give you one chance to end it. Order your armies to leave my planet and I won't have to take it back by force."
"You…You can't…You can't threaten me like this." Gunray sputtered, trying to regain his nerve.
"I don't use threats, Viceroy. I am giving you a choice." Padme retorted. "Even if your army is on its way it's at best an hour out. Meaning you're on your own."
Nute Gunray looked like he wanted to argue but he was still unable to figure out how he had been brought here and all the Naboo guards around him made him feel very intimidated.
"So make your choice, Viceroy. Leave or do I have to resort to force." Padme questioned.
The Viceroy was trembling now, trying to weigh his options. As much as he was intimidated by the Queen at the moment he still feared the ramifications from angering Lord Sidious if he surrendered right now.
"You won't torture me, Your Highness. It's not in your nature." Gunray retorted. "And when my army arrives I'll be saved."
Padme sighed and shook her head. "Too bad. This was a one-time deal."
Before Gunray could say anything else he was beamed away, letting out a startled cry…
And was left trembling back in the throne room of Theed.
His aide, Haako and Darth Maul starred in stunned silence as the Viceroy fell onto the chair, shaking in great shock from the ordeal.
"Well, I suppose things could have gone better." McCoy said, once the Viceroy was beamed away and it was safe to come out.
"I honestly though he was going to consider it once he had seen what could be done with your transporter technology." Padme sighed as she stood up.
"Indeed. The Viceroy was afraid but it wasn't just fear of how he was brought here that guided his actions. He was fearful of something else as well." Qui-Gon replied.
Anakin was remained hidden, watching as Kirk stepped out to speak with her. For some reason, the boy had a small frown on his face when he looked at the Starfleet Admiral. The way the man carried himself and the confident look in his eyes as he conversed with Padme…
He didn't like it.
"Maybe not but he'll be understandably rattled." Kirk said. "I know it was a risk because he might be tempted to flee but his confidence will have surely taken a hit."
"It would have been easier if we had kept him." Panaka stated.
"No, Captain. Admiral Kirk and his people have done more for us than we have the right to ask them. If we're to take back our planet we have to show that even if we prefer peace we're not afraid to fight for it." Padme scolded the captain of her guard before turning to Kirk. "Are you sure this will work?"
"Your R2 unit and Mr. Spock have looked at everyone's comlinks to emit the disruption signal one any battle droid in range of them which I am told is up to fifty kilometers." Kirk nodded with a small smile. "I suggested to Mr. Spock he pick something that perfectly represents Naboo culture."
Padme smiled back. "Thank you, Captain Kirk for everything."
"Don't thank me yet. You still have to win." Kirk pulled out his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise. Landing party ready to beam up."
Anakin watched as Kirk along the pointy eared guy and the other one vanished in a flash of light.
Once they were gone, Padme turned to Panaka. "Get everyone ready. We're moving out."
Anakin knew Qui-Gon had told him to remain with his mother and the other slaves as the Gungans took them to a safe place in the swamp…
But he really wanted to be with Padme.
USS Enterprise
Bridge
The turbolift doors opened up, allowing Kirk and Spock to step onto the bridge. Sulu immediately got out of the Captain's chair as Kirk reached it and Spock was at the science station.
"Status." Kirk stated.
"Our long range scanners detect two large ships approaching. They have ninety percent match to the Control Ship." Sulu reported. "Looks like those modifications worked perfectly, Mr. Spock. We're able to detect ships in hyperspace."
This would be something that would later surprise anyone who knew about the Enterprise because as far as they knew, detecting ships through hyperspace. However after taking the chance to thoroughly study the hyperdrive on the Naboo Royal ship to modify the ship's scanners to scan for not only ships in hyperspace but also their entry and exit points.
"How long before they arrive?" Kirk asked.
"Estimated three minutes." Spock reported from the science station. "It is logical to assume they are reinforcements to the control ship and are likely coming for us."
"Red Alert. Battle stations." Kirk immediately ordered.
"Raising shields and power weapons, Captain." Chekov immediately replied, activating the defense screens around the Federation ship.
All was peaceful. Small critters drank out of a large swamp lake. Suddenly there was a disturbance in the middle of the lake. A rush of bubbles, then a Gungan solider riding a kaadu emerged from the water, followed by several others.
Frogs and other little animals fled in all directions as the Gungan army marched through the swamp. The kaadu shook themselves off as they exited the lake. When Jar-Jar's kaadu shook off, Jar-Jar fell off. Soldiers on huge, lizard-like Fambas with large shield generators mounted on their backs follow the marching warriors.
The Gungan Army headed out of the swamp and onto the rolling grassy hills. Hundreds of Gungan warriors march in long lines toward the horizon. Federation tanks moved up to a ridge and stop. In the distance they saw the Gungan Army marching toward them.
"Halt!" Captain Tarpals saw the tanks on the ridge and ordered a halt.
The Gungans spread out in a large line. Jar-Jar was nervous.
Captain Tarpals signaled to the shield operators. "Startin' up da shield!"
A red ray shot out of the generator and blasts into a large dish on the back of a second Faamba and spread like an umbrella over the assembled warriors.
"Ani? Ani?" Shmi called out, looking for her son as the former slaves got ready to be escorted by the Gungans to several villages and places where they would be safe. "Ani, are you here?"
Theed
The plan had been simple.
With the droid army lured away from Theed Panaka's team would enter the city over the canal, destroying any droids in their way. Once they made it to the plaza Panak would create a diversion so they could enter the palace.
Only there was a small complication.
"Wouldn't it just be easy to ask the Enterprise to beam him up?" Obi-Wan asked, throwing a look at the stowaway that Qui-Gon had found just as they entered the palace.
"Unfortunately we run the risk of being spotted." Qui-Gon replied, knowing there was no time to send Anakin back.
Padme, followed by Eirtae, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Anakin, and Artoo, stealthily made her way toward the entrance to the main hangar. They were followed by about twenty Naboo guards, pilots and troops.
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner. I know it was a surprise." Padme whispered to Anakin.
"It's okay." Anakin said, just happy to see Padme.
"I guess knowing I'm a Queen makes you feel differently about me, doesn't it?"
"I guess, but it's still okay. As long as you still like me…I still like you."
Padme grinned at him. "Of course I still like you, Ani."
They stop, and Padme uses a small red laser light to signal across the plaza to Captain Panaka, Rabe and twenty other assorted Naboo troops. They signal back.
Qui-Gon leaned over to Anakin. "Once we get inside, Ani, you find a safe place to hide and stay there."
"Sure." Anakin shrugged.
"And stay there!"
Droid troops milled about the tank-filled plaza. Suddenly, a blast of fire from a speeder next to Captain Panaka blew a hover tank to bits.
"Engage! ENGAGE!" Panaka shouted, aiming and firing.
At the far end of the plaza, several droids begin to run and fire. Naboo soldiers began to fire back at the battle droids. As the ruckus erupts at one end of the plaza, Padme and her troops rush into the main hanger. Captain Panaka and his soldiers continue to engage the droids outside with the captain taking out his comlink.
Alarms were sounding as Padme, the Jedi, Anakin, Eirtae, and Padme's troops rushed into the hanger. Battle droids begam firing at them as they ran for cover. Anakin ran under a Naboo fighter. The Jedi deflected bolts aimed at Padme back onto the battle droids, causing them to explode.
Nute, Rune and four council members watched the plaza battle on a large view screen.
"How did they get into the city?! I thought the battle was going to take place far from here...this is too close!" Gunray said nervously, still shaking from his transporter episode.
"What is going on?" Haako asked.
Darth Maul entered the throne room. "I told you there was more to this...the Jedi are involved. Wait here until I return."
He turns and started to stalk out.
"Where are you going?" Gunray asked.
"Where do you think I'm going, Viceroy? I'm going to deal with these Jedi once and for all." The Sith Lord said, leaving the room.
Gunray turned back to the screen, watching in shock as some droids seemingly started to malfunction for no apparent reason at all.
Great Grassy Plains
The Federation tanks began to fire on the Gungans, but they are protected by their energy shield. The tanks stop firing, and the Gungans cheer, until they see the doors to the massive transports open, and racks of battle droids are pulled out and lined up by a squad of STAPS. The battle droids reconfigure into their standing position. The Gungans quickly got ready for an attack.
OOM-9 gave the command to move forward, and thousands of battle droids marched toward the Gungans who powered up their weapons. The droids slowly marched through the protective shield and start firing. The Gungans threw their power poles and fling small balls of energy with slingshots. The warriors dumped large balls of energy into mortars that heat up and fire the energy goo onto the battle droids, causing them to short out.
The battle raged and the Gungans defended their shield generators against the army of droids. OOM-9 watched from a tank on a hill overlooking the battle.
Theed
Palace Hangar
Anakin hid behind one of the Naboo fighters, ducking as large bolts whizzed past and exploded near him. Padme and the two Jedi destroy battle droids right and left. The Queen's troops and Eirtae also blast away at the droids.
Padme signals to her pilots. "Get to your ships!"
The pilots and R2 units ran for the Naboo fighter craft stacked in the hanger bay.
A female pilot jumped into a fighter right above where Anakin was hiding. "Better find a new hiding place, kid. I'm taking this ship."
The ship began to levitate out of the hangar. Battle droids fired at it as it falls in behind five other fighters.
Artoo whistled to Anakin from a second fighter not far away. "Over here!"
Anakin ran and jumped into the second fighter to hide.
As two Naboo starfighters exited the main hanger a tank fired at them, hitting one of them, which causes it to pinwheel into the ground and explode. Captain Panaka, Sabe and Naboo troops rushed into the hanger and overwhelm the few remaining battle droids. Padme, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon joined forces with Captain Panaka.
"My guess is the Viceroy is in the throne room." She looked to Qui-Gon.
"I agree." The Jedi Master said.
They start to head for the exit, on the way passing the fighter where Anakin was hiding.
Artoo whistled a greeting as Anakin peeped out of the cockpit. "Hey, wait for me!"
"No, Ani, you stay there. Stay right where you are." Qui-Gon replied.
"But, I..."
"Stay in that cockpit." The Jedi Master commanded and moved to join the troops.
They headed for the exit. As they were about to go through the door everyone scattered as it opened, revealing Darth Maul standing in the doorway. Captain Panaka, Padme, and her troops back away.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan step forward.
"We'll handle this..." Qui-Gon said, stepping forward.
Padme started to stop him. "No…"
Qui-Gon gazed at her for a second. "This is how it must be. You have your own part to play. Go."
Padme stared at him a beat, then nodded and turned to Panaka. "We'll take the long way."
Padme and the other Naboo fighters head across the hangar while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan started to advance toward Maul. At the far end of the hangar, six destroyer droids roll in and transform into their battle position.
"Look!" Artoo called Anakin's attention to the droids.
"Oh, no..."
The droids began to advance and started firing on Padme and her troops.
"We gotta do something, Artoo! "
The two Jedi take off their robes and ignited their laser swords. Darth Maul took off his robe, and ignited his own laser sword. Both ends of the sword lit up. Back at the starfighter, Artoo whistles a reply. Suddenly, the ship's systems go on, and the ship begins to levitate.
"All right, thanks Artoo! Great idea! I'll take over. Let's see..." Anakin steered the ship toward the droids. He pushed a button, and the ship began to shake.
Artoo beeps. "Will you just aim and fire?"
"I'm trying to! I don't know where the trigger is." Anakin slammed a lever down. The canopy of the fighter closes over his head.
"Oops, wrong one... Maybe this one... No wait, here it is…"Anakin pushes a second button, and the lasers begin to fire, wiping out several destroyer droids.
Artoo whistles a cheer.
"Yeahh!"
The Jedi are engaged in a fierce sword fight with Darth Maul. They have moved into the center of the hanger. While the wheel droids are momentarily distracted by Anakin, Captain Panaka, Padme and her troops exited into a side hallway.
The wheel droids start firing at Anakin, causing explosions all around him. "Oops...shield up! Always on the right...shields always on the right."
Anakin flipped several switched, and the after-burner ignites.
Artoo screeched hysterically. "We're still moving!"
"I know we're moving. I'll shut the energy drive down."
The fighter rocketed out of the hangar while Artoo and Anakin hdld on for dear life.
"I'm not doing anything! It's on automatic pilot!"
Artoo beeps. "Quick, override it."
"I'm trying to override it!"
He picked a starfighter helmet up from the chair and put it on. The starfighter thundered into the sky.
The Sith Lord's moves were incredible. He is fighting the two Jedi at once, flipping into the air, outmaneuvering them at every turn. The Sith Lord drove the Jedi out of the hangar and into the power generator area next door. He backfliped onto a bridge, followed quickly by the Jedi.
Naboo
Orbit
The Naboo fleet left the planet and heads toward the droid control ship. Only it was not alone, two more Trade Federation battleships had arrived, flanking the control ship and were already launching fighters.
But not at them.
They were headed towards the Enterprise.
"Bravo Flight A, take on the fighters. Flight B, make the run on the transmitter." Ric Olie immediately said.
"Roger, Bravo Leader."
As the fighter group approached the space station many Federation fighters exited the hangers and attack.
"Enemy fighters straight ahead!"
A giant dogfight ensued while several squads of fighters were headed directly for the Enterprise.