Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 13! Thanks for all the great reviews. Enjoy this next installment and let me know what you think!
Force Jumper
Chapter 13: Manipulations
After leaving Padme's apartment, Anakin jumped to the slums and then unhooked his hover board from his back. When enough time had passed to assure his jump scar outside Padme's apartment had faded, Anakin traveled to their Coruscant apartment on his hover board. His jump trail would leave any lurking Xal'Kaar at a dead end in the alleyway, while he kept the location of their apartment secret.
His mind though was more focused on the surprise kiss that he had just shared with the woman he had loved for almost ten years. He could still feel her lips on his and he had already memorized her sweet taste. He craved more and knew she was something he would never be able to get enough of. He had been so close…so close to telling her everything. But he knew he had to wait for the right time and that time would not come here on Coruscant while she was in so much danger. But Naboo would promise more perhaps. He was so lost in his thoughts, he didn't even realize that he had already taken the lift up to the fifth floor apartment and entered.
"Coruscant to Anakin!" Quinlan called for the third time.
"Huh?" Anakin asked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"Whoa kid, what planet were you on? Cause it sure wasn't this one," Quinlan teased.
"Uh, sorry, I guess I was lost in my thoughts," Anakin replied, as he started toward his bedroom. Quinlan smirked deviously.
"Are you sure you weren't on planet Padme?" Quinlan teased. Anakin reddened immediately.
"Master!" Anakin cried in embarrassment. Quinlan laughed.
"So I was right. Red is a nice color on you, Hero With No Fear," Quinlan teased. Anakin huffed and rolled his eyes.
"I'm going to bed," Anakin announced.
"Wait a minute, young one," Sifo-Dyas called. Anakin sighed and turned around.
"I assume you'll be shadowing the Senator on her trip home and then maintaining close proximity on Naboo?" Sifo asked. Anakin nodded.
"Yes Master, I am positive that there will be more attacks against her," Anakin replied. Sifo-Dyas nodded.
"I agree. Be careful though, for I fear that the Xal'Kaar will be pursuing you as well. She won't be their target, but they also won't hesitate to take her out if it means getting to you," Sifo warned. Cox's smug ugly face flashed in his mind and he attempted to lock his emotions down as tightly as he could.
"I'll take anyone who goes near her out," Anakin assured him.
"Still…just be on your toes, kid," Quinlan warned. Anakin nodded.
"I will Master," Anakin promised. Quinlan's sly smirk returned.
"So…" he prompted. Anakin looked at him questioningly.
"So…what?" he asked. Quinlan chuckled.
"How was it? You know...your first kiss?" Quinlan asked. Sifo-Dyas couldn't help but chuckle himself this time, as Anakin's mouth dropped open.
"How did you…never mind," Anakin replied, with a sigh. They lived to embarrass him! He was sure of it.
"Good night Masters," Anakin said, as he made a quick exit to his bedroom.
"Yep, that was definitely some kiss," Quinlan concluded.
"Our boy is growing up. We're soon going to have a young lady in our company so you had better learn to behave," Sifo teased.
"Anakin would think me ill if I behaved," Quinlan scoffed, as he poured himself a glass of scotch.
"Besides, you're sure this thing between them will really go that far?" Quinlan asked.
"Love is a mysterious thing, but there is something that binds him to her. The Will of the Force, perhaps. But I want you on a separate transport to Naboo tomorrow afternoon. Anakin doesn't need to know, but I fear the Xal'Kaar will follow him there," Sifo-Dyas said quietly. Quinlan nodded.
"Okay. But what are you going to be doing?" Quinlan asked.
"I must see to something on Kamino. I am afraid a project that I commissioned may not be used as I intended. The deception of the Sith goes far deeper than I imagined," Sifo-Dyas said gravely.
"If that's true, then be careful Master," Quinlan replied. Sifo-Dyas.
"You too. If things get too dangerous on Naboo, have Anakin jump you and Padme home to Yavin IV. The Xal'Kaar nor the Sith can reach you there," Sifo-Dyas instructed. Quinlan nodded in agreement.
Obi-Wan looked at the curious dart that he held between his fingers. It had been drained of the poison inside that had killed Zam Wessel, but the markings on it were nothing that he was able to find in the Archives. So he had come to the one place and one person that might know the origins of the strange dart.
"Obi-Wan!" Dex called. Obi-Wan grinned.
"Hello Dex," Obi-Wan greeted. The four armed alien pointed him to a table.
"Have a seat. I'll be right wit ya," Dex said. Obi-Wan did so and the waitress served him a cup of jawa juice.
"What brings you to my neighborhood? It's been a while and where's that bright little padawan of yours?" Dex asked.
"She's on another assignment and I'm here about this," Obi-Wan said, holding up the dart.
"Say...now I haven't seen one of these in years. I'll be..." Dex said, as he examined the dart.
"Do you know its origin?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Sure do. What you got here is a Kaminoan sabre dart," Dex said.
"Kamino? I've never heard of it," Obi-Wan replied.
"Not surprisin'. Them Kaminoans keep to themselves. They're cloners," Dex said.
"Cloners?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yep. Damn good ones too," Dex replied.
"Curious," Obi-Wan said, wondering what connections this bounty hunter had to Kamino. And more importantly...why...
"Cloners...are they friendly?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Depends," Dex replied.
"Depends on what, Dex?" he asked. Dex smiled slyly.
"On how good your manners are...and how big your...pocketbook is," Dex said with a sly laugh. Obi-Wan smiled and sipped at his drink.
Kamino. He had never heard of it and so it would be back to the Temple to consult the star maps in the Archives…
"I really, really would feel better about all this if you'd let me come," Sabe said, as they rode in a private transport to the designated landing pad. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were silent in the back, while Captain Typho piloted.
"I know, but I need you here to make sure Jar Jar doesn't get into too much trouble," Padme replied, as she gazed out the window. She was barely paying attention, lost in thought again. Thinking about him again, Sabe was sure. Sabe sighed.
"No one can keep Jar Jar out of trouble. It's not possible. I'll still never understand why you appointed him as a representative," Sabe replied. Padme smiled slightly.
"He's clumsy and downright annoying, but he has a good heart. You know how rare that is in the Senate," Padme said.
"I know…but you need protection. I don't think for a second that the danger is over," Sabe lamented.
"The Senator will be perfectly safe with padawan Tano, I assure you milady," Obi-Wan chimed in. Sabe gave him a stern, cool gaze.
"I hope you are right, Master Jedi, but forgive me if my confidence in your abilities to protect her have been recently shaken," Sabe retorted with ice in her voice.
"Sabe, that's rude. I'll be fine," Padme assured her, giving her a peculiar look of confidence. Sabe narrowed her gaze on her best friend and realized the truth without any words being exchanged. They knew each other so well sometimes; it was almost like they were actually real sisters. Padme had no such closeness to her real sister like she did with Sabe. But the older woman understood. Padme had seen the mysterious stranger known as Knightblade again. And she believed that this man would protect her again. Sabe had no choice but to hope that was true. She had a really bad feeling about this trip. She knew Padme would be safe once she reached Naboo, but it was getting her there that Sabe worried about. The transport arrived and they disembarked. Padme was dressed as a refugee, as was Ahsoka, and they hoped it was a convincing cover. Padme looked around the landing pad, but her eyes did not find what or rather who she was searching for. That didn't surprise her though, for she knew he didn't want to be seen by the Jedi. Somehow, she knew he was near, even if it sounded crazy to her. She knew he was around. Sabe hugged her best friend tightly.
"Be careful," Sabe whispered.
"You too, take care of each other," Padme told Sabe and Typho, while Obi-Wan spent a few moments giving instructions to his padawan. With surprisingly no difficulty, Ahsoka and Padme boarded the Naboo bound transport.
From his vantage point, aboard the ship already, Anakin could feel Mace's half-witted minions waiting for him to appear. He was one step ahead of course and had snuck aboard the transport the old fashioned way, leaving no jump scar energy for them to pick up on. He knew the danger was far from over though. The Jedi Council, and therefore Mace, would know of Padme's exact position at all times, thanks to the loyal padawan who would likely report to them at least once a day. When the time came, he would have to take action to ensure both Padme's safety…and his own.
"He didn't make an appearance, Master," a Xal'Kaar operative known as Slade reported. Mace's stoic face showed telltale signs of annoyance.
"Of course he didn't. I told you this one was good, yet you and the rest insist on conducting yourselves like amateurs. I told you that this kid is far more skilled than his age could ever suggest. Fortunately, everything is still going as planned," Mace said over the comm.
"What are your orders, Master?" Slade questioned.
"Take a transport to Corellia. Cox and Zana are already in position, but they will need assistance," Mace ordered.
"We'll leave immediately, Master," Slade responded, as his three co-operatives flanked him and they headed for their ship.
Padme looked around the small room she and Ahsoka had been assigned on the transport with little interest, as Artoo rolled in beside her. The young padawan was using the comm system in the control room, since none of the small bedrooms had them. They had shared a meal together and the conversation had been short and barely civil. The young padawan didn't trust her, of that, Padme was sure. She wouldn't improve that between them either, since she was not supposed to wander off by herself and had done so anyway. Being around someone who clearly believed she was more trouble than she was worth was unpleasant at best and Padme had no desire for such company any longer. Artoo whirled sourly.
"Yes, it's small, but we'll only be sleeping in here. You're just spoiled," Padme teased, as he let loose with an irritated string of clicks and beeps.
"I know she's not very nice, but she'll do her duty. She is a Jedi, after all," Padme assured him, as she removed the gold headdress she was wearing and shook out her chestnut curls. Artoo wasn't convinced though.
"Your droid is right. She needs an attitude adjustment," a deep tenor voice said, causing her to jump in surprise. Artoo whirled in surprise and started to stomp up and down on his legs.
"Shh…it's ok Artoo. We can trust him," Padme quieted him down.
"You came," Padme said, turning back to him. He nodded.
"You knew I would," he replied simply, as she stared into his eyes behind the mask. He couldn't take his eyes off the brunette beauty before him, especially as she slowly stepped closer and put her hands on his armored chest. She slid her hands along the hard, yet skin tight surface. Whatever the armor was, it did nothing to hide the definition beneath and yet, it looked to be nearly indestructible. She lifted her head to meet his gaze again, letting her eyes memorize his features that she could see. The bottom half of his exposed face was chiseled handsomely and his shaggy dark blonde hair fell nearly to shoulders in unruly waves.
"Will you tell me who are you are?" she whispered.
"You know I can't here," his voice was husky, betraying his emotions. She bit her bottom lip.
"We're alone," she prompted.
"Unfortunately, we won't be for long," he responded, not able to hide the disappointed tone.
"The…kiss we shared last night…what was it?" she questioned.
"A promise of more…so much more," he answered.
"Promise me again?" she requested. He would not refuse. Boldly, as he dreamt of doing the night before, he squelched any day light between them and claimed her lips in a passionate lock. He moved his lips over hers, almost feverishly, as his gloved hand slid into her curls. He sensed Ahsoka coming and forced himself to pull away.
"I'll be near," he promised simply, as he disappeared. She turned away from the door, breathless and trying to compose herself.
"Not a beep or a click," she warned to Artoo, though she knew he wouldn't tell anyone anything.
Ahsoka entered the room, giving the Senator an annoyed gaze.
"I told you not to wander off without me," Ahsoka chided.
"I'm fine. I just wanted to see where I'd be sleeping and Artoo was with me," Padme responded. Ahsoka sighed and let the subject drop, as she went to the fresher. She would be glad when this assignment was over. Padme let out a shaky breath that she had been holding and laid back on her bed, her thoughts only about him.
Jango Fett walked into the dirty cantina, which was located in one of the worst parts of Coruscant. For that reason, he had left young Boba in the hotel room he had rented while on the planet. An unknown person had contacted him earlier in the day, claiming to have information in finding Senator Amidala. He was skeptical since that information was supposedly only known to the Jedi Council and Chancellor Palpatine. Not even he had been successful in discovering the route in which the Senator was traveling home to Naboo on. His eyes scanned the whole place and he spotted a cloaked figure at the corner table, just where he said he would be.
"You have information for me?" Jango questioned, as he squinted, attempting to see who's face was beneath the cloak. But it was too dark and he couldn't make out any facial features except a pair of dark eyes.
"The ship carrying Senator Amidala is taking a route that will put them in Corellian space tomorrow morning at approximately nine thirty," the man stated. Jango raised an eyebrow.
"That's pretty damned specific. How the frack do you know something like that and why should I believe you?" Jango questioned.
"You want the bounty for the Senator's death and I want him…dead," the man said, as a hologram of Knightblade appeared on the man's holo disc viewer. Jango smirked.
"So you're one of them," Jango accused. He felt the man glare at him.
"I don't know how it is fortunate enough for you to know about my people, but for your sake, I hope you know the meaning of discretion. If you value your life, that is," the man warned. Jango smirked at the threat, now spotting the light saber. He knew exactly who this was now, thanks to his former friendship with the kid. He clicked his tongue.
"What would your fellow Jedi think of the esteemed Mace Windu if they knew what you really spend your time doing? I thought that Jedi were supposed to protect…not destroy," Jango goaded. Mace dropped his hood and wore his usual stoic expression.
"Things aren't always that simple. It is beings like Knightblade that we must protect the masses from, even if they don't know they need protection," Mace responded.
"So you're willing to let the Senator go down to get to the kid?" Jango taunted.
"The death of one Senator in the grand scheme is of no consequence. Her obvious…attachment to the boy is too troublesome to be allowed anyhow," Mace replied. Jango chuckled.
"Yeah, that's what did it in for our acquaintance too. He got a little pissed at me when I tried to kill the object of his affection," Jango said.
"I'm not here to exchange pleasantries with you, bounty hunter. Are you going to use my information or not?" Mace snapped.
"Are all Jedi this touchy or is it a Xal'Kaar thing? Probably the Jedi thing, right? The crabbiness makes sense since you guys never get laid," Jango joked. Mace's expression turned murderous.
"Utter the name of my people out loud again, Mandalorian scum and it will be the last thing you ever say," Mace threatened. Jango glared back at him.
"Watch who you threaten, Jedi. I've been known to take a few of you down in my day. The job will be done. I'll collect the bounty on the Senator's head and your operatives can have the kid. As for my discretion, if those blind fools in the Temple haven't figured you out yet, then they deserve what they get. They won't hear anything from me. But I don't do anything for free either," Jango snapped.
"When Knightblade is dead, you'll get your bonus. If you know the kid, then you know he won't be easy to take down. Try not to foul things up," Mace spat, as he raised his hood and stood up. Jango joined him.
"I'll take care of the Senator. Your people are the ones you have to worry about screwing up the job with the kid," Jango retorted, as he stormed out. Mace glared at him as he went. When this was all finished, he would have to see about getting rid of that bounty hunter too…
His eyes scanned the surroundings carefully, looking for anything amiss or anyone really. He didn't trust the Xal'Kaar obviously and with Mace knowing the ship's route, he suspected that there may be a few on board somewhere. So far though, he sensed nothing suspicious. That only meant that Mace was trying not to be so obvious. Or that Master Quinlan had headed a few off. He knew his Master was likely following the transport in his own ship, likely only an hour or so behind. Anakin didn't take offense to it. He knew his Masters trusted him and knew he could handle things himself. But a lot of lives were at stake as usual. With so many people always after him, it was comforting knowing that there was someone like Master Quinlan that could always be counted on.
He had risen early, as usual and slipped into the kitchen to grab breakfast unbeknownst to any of the staff. Now he watched passengers do the same, filling their plates and socializing with those around them.
The one he sought finally made an appearance beside a little droid and the young Togrutan padawan. She was breathtaking, as always, dressed in a simple long blue skirt and matching top that left a sliver of her abdomen visible. A blue ribbon gathered her beautiful curls in a low pony tail that draped over her left shoulder and he watched as those beautiful chocolate eyes scanned the room. She likely knew that she wouldn't see him with so many people around, but she was still looking…looking for him. His heart fluttered at the thought and the memory of her taste invaded his thoughts again, just as she had all night long.
He continued to watch, as she ate and tried to unsuccessfully make conversation with the padawan, who still had not warmed up to her. He sighed. If he had his way, he would have taken her away from all this. He knew how to keep her safe. With Mace involved, she would never be safe with Jedi mandated protection. That bastard would willingly sacrifice her for his cause, but he wouldn't let it happen. He just hoped she trusted him as much as she said she did.
Suddenly, he felt the ship shudder. He jumped to the nearest viewport window at the rear of the vessel and saw nothing but stars streaking by. If he didn't know better, he would have assumed it was simply turbulence, but there was someone out there on their tail. Someone who knew their exact position. He could feel it and it was the only way they could get hit directly with anything in the midst of hyperspace. This time, he saw the blast coming and the ship shuddered much more violently this time. The lights flickered and the ship lurched, telling Anakin that they had been knocked out of hyperspace. He jumped again to another viewport window and recognized Corellia in the near distance. Jumping back to the rear of the ship, he spotted the small vessel behind them. He couldn't make out the people in the cockpit, but he knew they were Xal'Kaar.
Panic was growing on the ship, as the cabin lights flickered in and out and the ship seemed to be slightly leaning to the right.
"What happened?" Padme wondered.
"I don't know. Stay here and I'll go find out," Ahsoka replied, as she made her way in the direction that would take her to the cockpit. The ship lurched again, dipping to the right even more and Padme held onto Artoo, as he used his grappler to hold onto the wall. The lights suddenly went out and didn't come back on, creating more panic. Padme tried to calm her breathing, wondering where he was, and just like that, her thoughts were answered. She jumped in fright, as she felt strong arms around her waist.
"I can save us all. Do you trust me?" his rich tenor voice asked. She turned in his arms and looked up at the man she knew she was in love with. Her logical mind knew it was insanity to love someone who's name she didn't even know. But her heart saw absolutely nothing wrong with it, as she gazed into the sapphire gaze behind the mask.
"Yes…" she whispered.
"Tell your droid to release his cable," Knightblade instructed.
"Do it Artoo," she ordered and the little droid obeyed.
"Now close your eyes and take a deep breath," he continued. She did exactly as he asked and felt him tighten one arm around her waist, holding her firmly against his body. He put his other hand on the droid's domed head and disappeared.
When Padme felt her feet touch solid ground again, she felt dizzy, but he held her steady. As her vision slowly cleared, she saw that they were now on the bridge of the ship. If it had been up to Anakin completely, he would have jumped the three of them home to Yavin IV and been done with it. But his conscience wouldn't let him leave all these innocent people to a doomed fate.
"Hey…you can't be in here!" one of the pilots called.
"You! Senator, get away from him!" Ahsoka called. Anakin waved his hand before the pilot and his co-pilot's faces.
"You will go back into the cabin and help the passengers calm down and strap in. I will pilot the ship now," Knightblade said firmly.
"We will go back into the cabin and help the passengers calm down and strap in. You will pilot the ship now," the pilot parroted back to him, as the two men simply walked out.
"Don't listen to him!" Ahsoka hissed, but her plea fell on deaf ears.
"Strap in. I'm going to try and put this ship down as gently as possible," Anakin said, as he led Padme to a seat and fastened her into a harness. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him, as he then moved fluidly to the pilot's chair.
"The engines are dead and the landing gear is damaged. We're going to crash," Ahsoka said.
"Not if I can jump us to the surface. Now sit down and strap in. Artoo, you better find something to hold onto as well," Knightblade called, as he took the control yokes.
"Jump the ship? What are you talking about?" Ahsoka cried, as she strapped in.
"Just be quiet and let me work," he snapped back.
"No…you're not even supposed to be here! Are you stalking the Senator?" Ahsoka accused. Knightblade snorted.
"No, I'm saving her since you're incapable. You just think we randomly got shot at?" he snapped back.
"What are you saying?" Ahsoka demanded.
"Think about it, you're intelligent or supposed to be," he leered, earning her glare.
"Only the Chancellor and the Jedi Council know the route this ship is on and as much as I don't trust the Chancellor, I don't think he's responsible for shooting us down," Knightblade stated. Ahsoka gasped.
"Are you seriously accusing the Jedi of trying to kill the Senator?" Ahsoka demanded to know.
"Not the Jedi as a whole. Just a few that aren't what they seem," Knightblade replied cryptically, as he pulled back hard on the control yokes. The ship shuddered again and Ahsoka continued to yell at him.
"You're making it worse!" Ahsoka cried.
"Shut up…I need to concentrate," he snapped, as he reached out with the Force, getting a feel for the mass of the entire ship around him. He had never jumped something this big before. He was easily able to jump speeders and even an air bus once, but the mass of this thing was easily ten times more than any speeder. But if he didn't, none of them would survive the crash. His determination hardened, as he looked back at her frightened, yet hopeful face. She trusted him and he wasn't going to let her down. A surge of adrenaline coursed through his body, as he wrapped his senses around the entire vessel. It trembled violently and then disappeared…