Chapter 15
If someone told Sabé that, one day, she would meet with the Gungan Leader, Boss Nass himself, she would have never believed them in a million years. As far as Sabé knows, she lacks tactics in negotiation given she has never done things such as this before!
And yet she is going to be the one who will meet with the Gungan Leader that probably holds as much bad blood to the Naboo as much as his predecessors, hoping to Naboo's heavens Padmé nor she won't say the wrong words that would seal not only their fates but Naboo's. Despite maintaining mainly a stern face, she and people close to her know who she is behind the mask and decoy of Queen Amidala. A teenage girl who is currently learning more about her education.
Deliberately, Sabé slows her steps, wishing to keep Darth Vader behind her at all times. She feels safer in his presence, given Vader must have encountered greater foes, given the power he demonstrated on the Naboo skiff.
Emotionally, right now, she is unsure how to feel about the man. Sabé has been on the ship, watching Vader addressing Captain Panaka and she knows from experience Darth Vader unquestionably hates Captain Panaka, though this confuses each of the young women. What did their captain friend and his guards ever do to Vader that makes him hold them in a darker light?
Then again, Vader is a paradoxical, bemusing being that can never be observed. Just when one thinks they know everything about him, he pulls out another card that just throws one off-guard. Although she never met him and only saw him on holo recorders when the Republic speak of the Jedi Order, she is reminded of the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order but of course much darker and a warrior at heart, unlike the Grandmaster who preaches peace and negotiation whereas Vader jumps in battle without any shred of hesitation but shares a pearl of similar wisdom and calmness but his willing to go into battle is impressive. His attitude changes swiftly; he can go from a kind individual who sprouts wisdom to someone who is rough-spoken to an absolute warrior in a mere second, but she gets a distinct impression that he will never harm them, Padmé most of all for some reason, though that can be due to her title... but Sabé gets a distinct impression it's something more.
Truth be told, her view of the Republic and Jedi Order, along with the rest of her fellow handmaidens and even her Queen, poisoned even more since Vader's claims have been confirmed that they wouldn't lift a finger in helping their people.
How can one be a peacekeeper in times of war?
It is times like these when she wishes she never agreed to be a decoy to Queen Amidala, but if she never became one, she would have never met Padmé nor the others so perhaps it's just her nerves speaking mentally.
The group traverses the swamp for some time, first skirting the lake, then plunging deep into a forest of massive trees and tall grasses, following a water-screened pathway that connected a series of knolls. Somewhere in the distance, Trade Federation STAPs buzzes and whine as a search for the transport fugitives commenced in earnest. Jar Jar glances about apprehensively as he picks his way through the mire, but did not slow. Vader remains impassive, his eyes directed towards the fake and real Queen.
Finally, they emerge in a clearing of marshy grasses and stands of trees with roots tangled so thickly they form what appears to be an impassable hedge.
Binks stops, sniffs the air speculatively, and nods. "Dissen it."
He lifts his head and makes a strange chittering noise through his billed mouth, the sound echoing eerily in the silence. The group waits, eyes searching the misty gloom.
Call it bias but Sabé is beginning to honestly get annoyed with that Gungan and his antics.
Suddenly Captain Tarpals and a scouting party of Gungans riding kaadu emerge from the haze, electropoles, and energy spears hold at the ready.
"Heydey ho, Cap'n Tarpals," Binks greets cheerfully.
"Binks!" the Gungan leader exclaims in disbelief. "Notta gain!"
Binks shrugs nonchalantly. "We come ta see da Boss!"
Tarpals rolls his eyes. "Ouch time, Binks. Ouch time for alla yous, mebbe."
Herding them together, Gungans on kaadu providing a perimeter escort on all sides, Tarpals lead them deeper into the swamp. The canopy formed by the limbs of the trees becomes so thick that the sky and the sun almost disappear. Bits and pieces of statuary begin to surface, crumbling stone facades and plinths sinking in the mire. Vines snake their way across the broken remains, dropping down from limbs that twist and wound together in vast wooden nets.
Pushing through a high stand of saw grass, they arrive in a clearing filled with Gungan refugees-men, women, and children of all ages and descriptions, huddled together on a broad, dry rise, many with their possessions gather around them. Tarpals lead the company past the refugees to where the ruins of what had once been a grand temple are being slowly reclaimed by the swamp. Platforms and stairs ate all that remained intact, the columns and ceilings having long ago collapsed and broken apart. The massive heads and limbs of stone statues poke out of the mire, fingers clutching weapons and eyes staring sightlessly into space.
At the far end of the ruins, Boss Nass appears, lumbering out of shadows with several more of the Gungan council to stand atop a stone head partially submerged in the water. Amidala and her retinue approach within hailing distance over a network of causeways and islands.
"Jar Jar Binks, whadda yous doen back?" Boss Nass rumbles angrily. "Yous suppose ta take dese outlanders and no come back! Yous pay good dis time!" The fleshy head swivel. "Who yous bring here ta da Gungan sacred place?"
Sabé, for some reason, feels something on her right shoulder, making her stare down with her left eye, finding nothing there before she stares at Vader who tilts his head, and she knows immediately he is the cause of what she is feeling. How can he touch her without physically touching her? Perhaps just a Force thing those Force Sensitives ramble about.
She can hear the man's voice in her head, authoritatively but with layers of calm and compassion that she hasn't heard from him before.
'I will protect you.'
How is this possible when the mysterious man isn't even speaking? Why does he care about her when she's just a handmaiden? Mentally promising never to doubt the Force again, biting her lip before nodding, Sabé steps forward at once towards Boss Nass, white face lifting but speaking nervously, feeling slightly reassured with Vader being prepared to protect her should the Gungan choose to attack.
"I am Amidala, Queen of the Naboo."
"Naboo!" Boss Nass thunders. "No like da Naboo! Yous bring da maccaneks! Dey bust up our homes! Dey drive us all out!" A heavy arm lifts, pointing at the Queen. "Yous all bombad! Yous all die, mebbe!"
Vader stiffens as the handmaiden as he, along with Skywalker, notices suddenly that they are completely surrounded by Gungans, some on kaadu, some on foot, all with electropoles, energy spears, and some sort of throwing device. Captain Panaka and the Naboo guards are looking around nervously, hands straying toward their blasters. The Jedi flanks the Queen and her handmaidens, but their arms hang loosely at their sides.
"We wish to form an alliance with you," Sabé tries again, despite part of her childish instincts screaming at her to run, though this is swiftly silenced. In her sacrifice of becoming a handmaiden, she has trained and became experienced quickly with the many attempts on Padmé's life by bounty hunters.
"We no form nutten wit da Naboo!" Boss Nass roars angrily.
Abruptly, Padmé detaches herself from the others and steps in front of the Queen.
And suddenly, the familiar presence of Darth Vader that had placed a shield over them several days back evaporates from over the Queen and handmaidens, them each feeling this but it didn't disturb them.
"You did well, Sabé. But I will have to do this myself," she says quietly and turns to face Boss Nass.
"Who dis?" the head Gungan snaps.
Vader can't help but grin slightly at the slight exasperation from the handmaiden's aura, annoyance ringing off her and evident in her eyes. He knows she would support Padmé through almost anything but she is overprotective and can grow exasperated at Padmé's disobeying tendencies, doubtlessly disliking this plan.
Standing next to Anakin, R2-D2 beeps softly in recognition. The little droid figures it out first.
'Unsurprisingly,' Vader states mentally, knowing that his old friend has shown much intelligence to the point where he played a major role in destroying the first and second Death Star.
Padme straightens. "I am Queen Amidala," she announces in a loud, clear voice. "Sabé serves from time to time as my decoy, my loyal bodyguard. I am sorry for my deception, but given the circumstances, I am sure you can understand." She turns to the Jedi, her eyes shifting momentarily to find Anakin. "Gentlemen, I apologize for misleading you."
Her eyes return quickly to Boss Nass, who is frowning suspiciously, clearly not understanding any of what is happening. "Although our people do not always agree, Your Honor," she continues, her voice softening, "we have always lived in peace. Until now. The Trade Federation, with its tanks and its 'maccaneks,' has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. The Gungans are in hiding, and the Naboo have been imprisoned in camps. If we do not act quickly, all that we value will be lost forever."
She stretches out her hands. "I ask you to help us, Your Honor." She pauses. "No, I beg you to help us." She drops abruptly to one knee in front of the astonished leader of the Gungans. There is an audible gasp of surprise from the Naboo. "We are your humble servants, Your Honor," Padmé says so that all can hear. "Our fate is in your hands. Please help us."
She motions, and one by one, her handmaidens, Panaka, and the Naboo pilots and guards drop to their knees beside her. Somewhat begrudgingly, Vader drops to his knee stiffly and tightly, much to the secret levity of the participants as they could hear a slight grunt of annoyance. Anakin and the Jedi are the last to join them. Out of the corner of his eye, Anakin sees Jar Jar standing virtually alone in their midst, staring around in wonderment and shock.
For a moment, no one says anything. Then a slow, deep rumble of laughter rises out of the throat of Boss Nass. "Ho, ho, ho! Me like dis! Dis good! Yous no think yous greater den da Gungans!"
The head Gungan comes forward, reaching out with one hand. "Yous stand, Queen Amidoll. Yous talk wit me, okay? Mebbe we gonna be friends after all!"
The former Sith is the first to stand and he storms off to the back of the crowd, the guards and other handmaidens separating, less they will find themselves be knocked aside since to be blunt it is something he would do.
Vader will not be treated like a humble servant by these primitive Gungans.
Boss Nass is as mercurial as he is large, and his change of attitude toward the Naboo is dramatic. Once he decides that the Queen did not consider herself his superior, that she is quite sincere in her plea for Gungan's help, he is quick to come around. The fact that his dislike of the battle droids is every bit as strong as hers didn't hurt matters, of course. Perhaps he has been hasty in his belief that the "maccaneks" wouldn't find the Gungans in the swamps. Otoh Gunga was attacked at daybreak two days earlier and its inhabitants were driven from their homes. Boss Nass is not about to sit still for that. If a plan can be put together to drive the invaders out, the Gungan army will do its part to help.
He takes Amidala and her companions out of the swamp to the edge of the grass plains that ran south to the Naboo capital city of Theed. Any attack will be mounted from here, and the Queen comes to the Gungans with a very specific plan of attack in mind.
The first step in that plan involves sending Captain Panaka on a reconnaissance of the city.
As they stand looking out from the misty confines of the swamp toward the open grasslands, waiting for Panaka's return, Boss Nass trundles up to Jar Jar.
The armored man stands in the background, Boss Nass notes. He is darker in armory than the Jedi and something about being in his presence is complicated to behold. There is something about him that intimidates the Gungan, enough to nearly make air leave his lungs for a brief moment.
"Yous doen grand, Jar Jar Binks!" he rumbles, wrapping a meaty arm around the slender Gungan's shoulders, attempting not to stare at the armored man. "Yous bring da Naboo and da Gungan together! Tis very brave thing."
Jar Jar shuffles his feet and looks embarrassed. "Ah, yous no go sayendat. Tis nutten."
"No, yous grand warrior!" Boss Nass declares, squeezing the air out of his compatriot with a massive hug.
"No, no, no," the other persists bashfully.
"So," Boss Nass concludes brightly, "we make yous bombad general in da Gungan army!"
"What?" Jar Jar exclaims in dismay. "General? Me? No, no, no!" he gasps, and his eyes roll up, his tongue falls out, and he faints dead away.
Padmé is in conference with the Jedi and the Gungan generals, to whose number Jar Jar Binks has just been added, so Anakin, at loose ends, wanders over to keep company with the Gungan sentries who are keeping a lookout for Panaka. The Gungans patrols the swamp perimeter on kaadu and keep watching through macro binoculars from treetops and the remains of ancient statuary, making certain Federation scouting parties didn't come up on them unexpectedly.
She can tell Vader is not pleased with the presence of the Gungans nor fond of trusting them, that being given he is not interacting with any of them and is instead standing at her back, arms hanging at his side.
Anakin stands at the base of a temple column, still trying to come to terms with Padmé's revelation. Everyone has been surprised, of course, but no one more than he. He isn't sure how he feels about her now, knowing she wasn't just a girl, but a Queen. He wants to talk to her, but there isn't any opportunity for that here. He supposes that things won't be the same after this, but he wishes they can. He likes her as much now as he did before, and to tell the truth, he doesn't care if she is a Queen or not.
He glances over at the girl and the Jedi and thinks how different things are here than they had been on Tatooine. Nothing worked out the way he hoped for any of them, and it remains to be seen if this is a good idea to come with them is a good idea after all.
The Gungan lookout standing atop a piece of statuary above him grunts. "Dey comen," he calls down, peering out into the grasslands through his macro binoculars.
Anakin gives a yell in response and races over to Padmé, the Jedi, and the Gungan generals.
"They're back!" he shouts.
Everyone turns to watch a squad of four speeders skim over the flats and pull to a stop in the concealing shadow of the swamp. Captain Panaka and several dozen Naboo soldiers, officers, and starfighter pilots jump down. Panaka makes his way directly to the Queen.
Some footsteps in front of the Queen, Vader stands, imposing and large as always, proving to be intimidating whenever he is silent more than whenever he is talking. However, given the two enter a brief conversation, this cannot help but make Anakin wonder what the man is planning. The Captain appears to nod before continuing his stride to the Queen.
Anakin is grateful that someone so-so wizard is going to be at Padmé's flank and appears to be willing to protect her at all times but there is still that coldness that radiates around him yet there is something mysterious about him. Not an angel of course like Padmé but more-or-less what is called a spacer.
"I think we got through without being detected, Your Highness," he advises quickly, brushing the dust from his clothing.
"What is the situation?" she asks as the others crowd close to them.
Panaka shakes his head. "Most of our people are in the detention camps. A few hundred officers and guards have formed an underground movement to resist the invasion. I've brought as many of the leaders as I could find."
"Good." Padmé replies, nodding appreciatively toward Boss Nass. "The Gungans have a larger army than we imagined."
"Very, very bombad!" the Gungan chief rumbles.
Panaka exhales wearily. "You'll need it. The Federation army is much larger than we thought, too. And stronger." He gives the Queen a considerate look. "In my opinion, this isn't a battle we can win, Your Highness."
Standing at the edge of the circle, Jar Jar Binks looks down at Anakin and rolls his eyes despairingly. Vader agrees wholeheartedly.
"Don't underestimate our chances, captain," Vader's cool voice vibrates behind them. "Superior numbers they may have but their arrogance and lacks of intelligence is a flaw, one we can exploit."
Padmé, too, is undeterred. "I don't intend to win it, Captain. The battle is a diversion. We need the Gungans to draw the droid army away from Theed, so we can infiltrate the palace and capture the Neimoidian viceroy. The Trade Federation cannot function without its head. Neimoidians don't think for themselves. Without the viceroy to command them, they will cease to be a threat."
She waits for them to consider her plan, eyes fixing automatically on Qui-Gon Jinn, asking. "What do you think, Master Jedi?"
"It is a well-conceived plan," Qui-Gon acknowledges. "It appears to be your best possible move, Your Highness, although there is a great risk. Even with the droid army in the field, the viceroy will be well guarded. And many of the Gungans may be killed."
"That is the price of war, Jedi," Vader interjects, "unless you are prepared to lead the army, Jedi, then you should exclude yourself out of it, for there is going to be casualties due to you seeking to remain moral peacekeepers," Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan briefly glares at Vader before deflating as Vader speaks again, his attention now on Padmé. "It's a envisage plan for your age, your highness, but it is flawed. Like Jinn states, it will cause the death of many, but if they will be able to distract the droids long enough..." He purposely trails off, sensing she will get his jest.
"Then we will be able to deactivate the army..." Padmé finishes for him. It's a horrible outcome regardless of the death of many but preferable to the alternative.
Boss Nass snorts derisively. "They bombad guns no get through our shields! We ready to fight!"
Jar Jar gives Anakin another eye roll, a sentiment Vader shares, but this time Boss Nass sees Jar Jar do so and gives his new general a hard warning look.
Padmé is thinking. "We could reduce the Gungan casualties by securing the main hangar and sending our pilots to knock out their orbiting control ship. Without the control ship to signal them, the droid army can't function at all."
Everyone nods in agreement. "But if the viceroy should escape, Your Highness," Obi-Wan points out darkly, "he will return with another droid army, and you'll be no better off than you are now. Whatever else happens, you must capture him."
"Indeed, we must," Padmé agrees. "Everything depends on it. Cut off the head, and the serpent dies. Without the viceroy, the Trade Federation collapses."
Vader tilts his head at that. It's a smart plan for certain, though his old Master is correct. The Trade Federation is full of pitiful incompetence that doesn't know when to lay down their power until the galaxy comes crashing down upon them, the Clone Wars being evidence of that. He finds it pathetic really. When they are cornered, he sees them for who they truly are, sniveling cowards who most likely can't stand a challenge against even a Jedi Youngling.
Vader notes as they move on to other matters then, beginning a detailed discussion of battle tactics and command responsibilities which he chooses not to involve himself in since if it is up to him, they will just charge the palace, lightsaber, and guns blazing. Anakin stands listening for a moment, then eases his way close to Qui-Gon and tugs on his sleeve.
"What about me?" he asks quietly.
The Jedi Master puts a hand on the boy's head and smiles. "You stay close to me, Annie, do as I say, and you'll be safe."
Keeping safe isn't quite what the boy had in mind. Even Qui-Gon Jinn doesn't understand Anakin Skywalker completely.
Shaking his head at their naivety, Vader walks over to Anakin Skywalker, whose eyes are fixated on Qui-Gon, the older man's eyes sympathetic.
"Anakin, I know you are sad about leaving your mother behind for the first time, but a Jedi's life is sacrifice, and while I don't follow the code to the letter, and view it as more of a guideline, the basic principles are the same regardless. You have to learn to let go sometimes."
"I can't," Anakin replies, "I can't be something who I am not, Qui-Gon."
Vader frowns when Qui-Gon meets his eyes, a hardened glint flashing across his eyes. "While I understand your stance, Jinn, Skywalker deserve to know what type of life he was walking into, and he especially deserved to knew that the life of a Jedi is about having to let go of his mother. He's already formed an attachment to his mother, a deep one, one that got him through his early life as a slave. Discovering that he would be helpless to help her after the fact, asking him to give her up, he never would have been able to fully do that, Jinn. If she perishes while he has the strength to save her, it would have destroyed him. It would lead him straight to the dark side. Take a good long look at him Qui-Gon, stretch out your senses and feel. He loves and cares to readily and to freely to be a proper Jedi. It would just clash with who he is as an individual and leave him unbalanced and unstable."
Anakin stares between the two men before Qui-Gon nods slightly. "I do care for him and would take your advisement under deep consideration when I begin training him."
Vader nods, sensing the truth within the Maverick Jedi's words, before he replies, "Good. Do so."
Qui-Gon nods before walking away. Vader remembers why he adored the Maverick Jedi so much. He is able to admit his mistakes and shortcoming in the Jedi instead of being another emotionless tool.
"I-I thought being a Jedi would be easier. I just can't lose my mother."
Vader feels empathy for his younger self, for he once has been in that position, replying flatly. "I will make a personal promise to you, Anakin Skywalker, you will never lose your mother permanently no matter of the Jedi's distaste of your attachments."
Anakin trembles. "Can-can you become my Master? You would be better in my opinion."
"I cannot," Vader replies adamantly, surprised by the pang of guilt he feels. By the pain in his younger self's eyes, Vader feels like a hypocrite even more, but he knows Sidious would only target him more when he's younger. He would eventually sway him away when he get older. "Contrary to your beliefs, Anakin," he is slightly stunned by using his first name only, "I have my own life to live and there are rivals who would hurt you to get to me."
Vader pauses, knowing that Anakin would need a lesson that he learned later on... unfortunately.
"Anakin... the Jedi Code doesn't give all the answers. I want you to do me a favor.
"Anything?"
He moves to kneel down in front of him. "Don't be the Jedi the Order would want you to be. Be better. Be someone who is not blinded by codes."
With an eager, determined stare, Anakin replies, "I will, by my Podracer, will be the Jedi you see in me."
Vader smiles, hoping to the Force that he doesn't destroy this version of himself's innocence. He heavily doubts it which did leave him with remorse, but hopefully, in the end, this Anakin Skywalker has a happier ending and climax. He would see to it that this boy be the Force User who he wants to be, no matter if others such as Sidious and the Jedi may attempt to stop him.
"Wow," Padmé says from behind him somewhat soberly, "who knows you are good with children?"
Alongside her, her decoy and three of her handmaidens stand, appearing worried about the condition of their Queen.
Vader tips his head to her as he stands back up, saying with conviction. "The boy required such words in his time of conflict. He would not be hurt in such a matter."
"So, you are willing to save us?" Padmé asks sadly. "Why?"
"Because you asked me," Vader replies pointedly, "unless you wish Naboo to be left barred to the mercy of the Trade Federation."
"Hopefully, Palpatine would change this ineffectiveness that has corrupted the Republic," Padmé speaks in deep mourning, though there is an evident change in the belief she once had for the Republic.
Like in the original timeline, Padmé is at odds with the Republic though Palpatine persuaded her that he would change the Republic and make it stronger and better. Much like he did with him, Palpatine manipulated the truth from Padmé, for that is all that sniveling bastard is. A manipulator who deserves what's coming to him and deserves to be in the seven hells of the Force.
Vader knows this would change Padmé's faith in the Republic from the original timeline indefinitely should he speak next. Loathe as he admits to doing it in practically manipulating her, he would carry through since she would probably be one of his strongest allies in stopping Sidious.
"Please, your highness, don't full yourself with delusions and hallucinations. He is another bureaucrat to seize control." Vader replies in a not so forced bored and casual tone.
That causes her to stare sharply at Vader. Senator Palpatine was born on their homeworld and helped them before so they find that sentence mildly insulting. Additionally, this is the first day for the man and he should be given a chance.
"Senator Palpatine is not a bur-" Padmé begins to offer as an argument to defend a native of her home planet.
"So far he has failed to convince me," Vader replies, scowling underneath his mask, his leathered hand tightening up into a fist, disliking how Padmé is still a firm supporter of Palpatine at this rate which he will have to break in years' time. "Look around you, Queen, handmaidens, do you see the Republic here? Do you see any assistance from the Jedi? No. There are guards who are hardly worth it of being called soldiers and can't pose a real challenge against those battle droids who have been programmed to kill. There are Gungans who is leading the charge; sentinel and innocent beings who are going to perish in this upcoming battle. So far, all I am seeing is people who never even marched into battle before have to lose their lives due to corruption and ineffectiveness. I highly doubt a newly appointed Chancellor would do better than his predecessors."
"But-" Padmé begins, attempting to offer an argument for the Republic.
"Gunray is behind it, but the Republic is also accountable for the countless deaths that have occurred on the planet," he continues bitingly, interrupting the woman, "imagine how many families are stripped from each other; children. If the Republic and Jedi want to prove they care about any wellbeing of the natives on this planet, they would have dispatched several Jedi onto this planet and this planet would have already been saved. The Senator appears to have forgotten about the wellbeing of his planet." There is no mocking nor taunting in his tone, but pure disgust.
Padmé finally breaks down, clutching her forehead with her nails, replying. "Oh Vader, why do they want to abandon Naboo?! I did all I could yet they are willing to abandon us like this!"
Vader shakes his head as he brushes Padmé in a soothing caress, "They are not your friends. They would never be your friend."
"I trusted the Jedi," Padmé replies softly. "Yet they are doing little."
"I am your only hope," Vader replies adamantly, holding onto both of her shoulders. "This is why I distaste the Jedi and could never in good conscious view them as my allies. There may be casualties but they fail to care for the common good, becoming deeply attuned in the politics of the Republic."
"My last hope have just shattered," Padmé whispers. "Who could help me?"
"I would, Padmé, I promise," Vader replies tenderly.
"Why would you want to help us and not the Trade Federation? Why fight for us when we are limited in numbers? Why serve the Jedi" Padmé asks, breaking the silence.
Vader knows that the handmaiden has a point. If it was anyone else who is among the Sith Order, most would have sided with the Trade Federation in the hope to gain wealth and more power in the galaxy which can easily be his taking given that he has won the support of one monarch. Besides, he knows who the real Queen is and can gain sufficient profit from the Trade Federation, but even so, he still hasn't betrayed them. Either he's an extremely good actor or an unfathomable party outside of the Jedi Order.
"The Trade Federation is full of pitiful lifeforms that hardly even knows the definition of fighting. I respect you each for being able to hold a blaster and fight in decent martial arts skill, but a fool such as Gunray would probably shoot himself unintentionally if given the opportunity to wield a blaster. Strategically, you each are losing numbers but morally and brains you each are higher than the Trade Federation will ever be. I also don't serve the Jedi. I serve the people of Naboo and the Queen. Do your best at attempting not to represent or believe in the ways of others beside yourselves. Furthermore, I despise Gunray in believing money is the situation to everything." Vader replies, rubbing the back of her forehead.
Padmé sniffles. "I-I wanted to help the Republic more someday, but-but how could I serve a Senate? Truly serve one with all hopes and delusions being corrupted?"
Vader shakes his head, replying. "This is what they have become. Come, let us leave. It is time for us to save Naboo."
Padmé stands up, standing straighter, "I'm ready."
"Good. Lead, Queen Amidala, lead and we shall save Naboo. But first thing's first, I have made a recommendation for you and your handmaidens to wear armor. And Captain Panaka and his men obviously agree so you should go meet up with him now to get your armor."
"What?!" The decoy growls.
"You can't do this!" Rabé adds.
Padmé scowls. "And I wasn't informed of this?"
Vader replies strongly. "Padmé, I'll be blunt. There is a war in the horizon and you are several of the fortunate survivors. This means I don't have time to babysit you individuals who in no way, shape, or form are not ready to be Troopers on the battlefield. Just because you are Queen and have a decoy doesn't mean that you would survive. And I may have put in a good word that you would be with me throughout the battle."
"Who put you in charge of this operation?!" Eirtaé growls.
Vader simply says, caring little about their feelings.
"Me."
Five minutes after reaching the palace, Vader enters the palace, dealing with the guards with one flick of his hand. They meet no one alive on the way there, however, and this causes the ladies' fear to rise. What is the name of the Force that happened to the guards that Padmé left behind? Vader knows what happened to them all. They are dead.
He can still sense the dear and the desperation of the survivors. They passed by a handful of bodies too, locals, and all but being pierced through by blaster bolts undoubtedly methods. Vader had experienced similar things before – both when he led Vader's Fist in the aftermath of the Clone Wars and even in the battle itself. The Rebel Alliance was a terrorist system despite how their hearts were in the right place, which caused similar Cells to disrupt supply lines, civilians to die, and Troopers to follow their fates.
More often than not, order, even by the flawed Galactic Empire of Sidious was a way to go if the galaxy has any chance to counter any future threat and defend their systems in the Republic. The whole galaxy requires a new order, a just order, and at this point, he was the only one left to assure that the order is accomplished. Many in the past attempted to, but none of them have been successful. No matter her beliefs, Padmé's faith that the Republic could be changed is completely false and that is why Vader has brought them here, to begin with. Recruiting Padmé to his fray is necessary but recruiting several more allies that can assist him in times of conflict is more.
"You are bemused," Vader declares. "They are dead. All of them have been executed the moment they were found. To think of Naboo had stiff resistance, this would have been avoided. If the Republic was as strong as they once were, not many of the innocents would have been killed. Focus on the battle and tell me what you see."
"Gunray's getting intimidated as the reports undoubtedly informed him that we are coming for him." Rabé grumbles, gripping the blaster in her hands. "We would be able to capture him in no time."
Vader can hardly believe that the handmaiden has come to that conclusion. Gunray, while an idiot, is not stupid enough to find methods to counter them. They likely had discovered the danger Vader poses days prior and even Gunray would have to acknowledge that he can slay him easily which is why he would have to move quickly.
"While I agree with you, handmaiden, you should remember that it's a big galaxy out there," Vader smirks. "Don't underestimate Gunray and his forces."
"And we are trying to not kill them all, why?" Rabé grunts. "What's the plan?"
"We'll have to go on top of the palace without reservation. Overwhelm his forces before the reinforcements arrive. At this rate, Gunray's capture would be simple." Vader replies, opening another door and igniting his lightsaber. "Come, the hallways are not without threat."
That is proven when an entire droid division aims their blasters in their direction before pulling the trigger. Without even halting, Vader deflects the bolts back at the droids while Padmé and her ladies crouch for cover, knowing that the droids' accuracy cannot be taken granted for.
Pillars are raised, large pictures of ancient monarchs and others of the past, and statutes collapse about the platoons, crushing most of them with the objects themselves.
Each of the blaster shots flying at him is proven pointless as Vader did not require his lightsaber, instead of using his power of the Force or outright martial arts, even with his lightsaber activated by his side.
Vader deflects each of the shots with merely the Force, their blaster bolts flying at him, realizing how much he misses this as he throws bolts aside. He misses charging head-front into battle and calling off of the Force. In spite of the deaths in marching into Rebels, it has always just felt right in being in the midst of battle. Perhaps another guilty pleasure.
Vader decapitates the B2 droid's lower abdomen, watching each of them fall with slice after slice, impaling, decapitation, and obliterating most of them with the Force itself whilst maintaining a close eye to see if the battle is occurring yet and to assure the Force doesn't play a cruel game with each inside of the palace.
As he turns right, Vader swiftly dispatches a B1 with a head strike, cut the arm off of another, and impales his lightsaber through its chest before he lifts a b2 battle droid with the Force, using the Force to convert its focus from him to its fellow droids, shooting some of them down before it is promptly and ruthlessly shot down by its squad mates.
Seeing that the droid no longer serves its uses, Vader throws the destroyed b2 battle droid behind him into the wall, hearing it shattered which causes him to smile slightly.
Continuing on, the battle droids find themselves being outmatched by the efficiency of Vader's ferocity, parrying each of the blaster shots, growing quickly tired of this display of what can hardly be called a battle.
Down and down, squadrons of battle droids go, each either by the impressive saber sword which is a mixer of Makashi, Soresu, and Djem So, or by his mastery of the light and dark. He keeps a close eye on the small army behind him and is impressed by what he sees: Padmé and her handmaidens firing blaster bolts at the droids, using their position to keep themselves safe from whatever bolts.
Another reason why Vader brought them along is that he wants to arrange for them to grow stronger. Naboo remaining in its current position is precisely why it has gotten raided beforehand.
Vader might claim many droid victims that day, and the man still isn't done, raising his hand to hold blaster bolts into the air before returning them back towards the battle droids, who fall, soon blocking more shots from the accelerating quantities of Battle Droids reinforcements.
Droids fire.
Vader deflects, lightsaber cutting through their humanoids' body parts.
Droidekas attempts to shoot him, raising their shields in the intention to mow him down with their shields being activated and protecting them.
The former Sith delves deep into the Force and exploits it against them, either blasting the droidekas into a wall or the air, decimating them ultimately most with their shields still activated, it buzzing out before demilitarizing completely and thoroughly.
It is like that each time.
Platoons of droids are firing at his location, provoking Vader to lunge at the droids, deflecting shots back towards the droids before landing in the middle with a high Force Wave that destroys each of them.
One other Battle Droid shoots at Vader's flank, causing him to arc his lightsaber, deflecting the shots back at the poor monstrosity of technology as a whole.
"We should be in the hanger!" Sabé shouts.
The two that remain fire at him, him simply deactivating his lightsaber, and only dodges the shots with a smirk before raising both of the droids in the air and bringing them in front of him, causing the droids that were shooting at him to fire on their comrades again before crushing them and throwing them to the side much as he did earlier.
Near the palace's window, Droids and Droidekas are in front of him; Vader propels the blaster bolts to the side before outstretching his hand and Force Blasting the droids and droidekas out of the window, shattering the window instantly but there is no way that such a fall from several stories above wouldn't demolish them the second they land.
Down the corridor where the droids just stand, Vader turns, raises his hand, and propels their bolts to the side, proving a chance for the ladies to shoot and squash the battle droids.
Three hallways away, Vader is not surprised to encounter endless numbers of droidekas; as he begins deflecting the blaster bolts with his lightsaber, Vader feels his adrenaline and power rising to the point where it reaches its climax, red lightning retracting out of his hands. It slams into the droids and droidekas, and ultimately, it pierces through the shields, hurling them to the wall and obliterating them all around before releasing their scattered pieces across the ground.
The ladies are in shock before following behind Vader. He could have marched through this entire army alone and wouldn't have been brought down.
Five hallways away from cutting down mini resistance, and Vader realizing how tremendous the palace truly is, he senses the presence of Nute Gunray and Rune Haako down the hallway and deliberately refuses to go into the room.
"We have made it to Gunray," Vader commands, sensing Skywalker has made it to a ship as well as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in a deep battle.
He opens the door and they rush in, aiming their blasters at Gunray and Haako. They both are surprised but their droids immediately try to resist, only to be shot down in seconds.
"Now, Viceroy, we'll discuss a new treaty," Padmé states with such vigor, still holding him at a blaster point.
Vader can sense the guards are making short work of the droids and that they are not a concerning aspect of the mission but rather what is about to happen is what should draw his attention. The Force itself is apprehensive, deciding the faith between Jedi and Sith which is more important. The timeline itself is altering, meaning that it is likely that the antagonist of the battle is to come to the victor. But as always, the Force has a backup plan, a plan within its Master of the Force itself. The only others who can rival the Master of the Force are the Master of the Light Side of the Force and the Master of the Dark Side of the Force.
"Keep Gunray under control while I meditate," Vader barks to the ladies.
"Meditate?!" Eirtaé shouts. "Are you crazy?!"
Vader does not satisfy her with a response.
Falling onto both knees and closing his eyes in deep meditation, Vader reaches out into the Force to check on his younger self's aura, sensing he is alive and mainly well than Qui-Gon's aura, sensing that he is still alive but in the fray of battle with Darth Maul, than Obi-Wan's, seeing he's in a similar predicament as his Master.
Now, he retreats from their Force Auras, knowing that they are safe for now at the very least.
That animal that now is attacking the Jedi would kill them all if given the chance, and Vader intends to avoid this at all cost, though he knows it is not his destiny nor the will of the Force that he intervenes in the battle between Darth Maul at least yet.
Multiple people Vader cares about are on a battlefront as of now. The Jedi, ever the indifferent and detached people they are, would never understand, but even after two decades, he will never be the Jedi the Code deems for their pupils to be. He simply cannot.
The Force begins to ring around his surroundings, and Vader pays close attention to it.
The light side and the dark side clashing.
The Force itself is eager to see if this battle would result like last time or if it would alter, for Vader is not the only one to unbalance this dimension. Time travel can transform the galaxy as a whole, causing one event that could change the future. The future is always in motion.
Whatever happens next would impact not only the entire galaxy but the duelist.