We're Wizards, Not Warriors: What If
Volume 7:
Chapter 33: Alatu
Sometime later….
We see Eda, Padme and Barriss on a mission.
They were headed to Geonosis to make sure the Empire hadn't tried to take it over.
Soon their ship landed on the planet.
Eda grabbed two blasters and said, "maybe if any of those old droid factories are still intact, that could allow the Rebellion to build some more droids to help against the Empire."
Padme said, "I'm most so sure about that. I feel like that could escalate things."
Barriss said ,"but Sam was able to convince some battle droids to join the rebels, don't you remember?"
Padme said, "still, making more droids might cause issues in the future."
"But we should at least give it a try", Eda said.
Barriss said, "she has a point."
Padme sighed.
She said, "alright…. If we find any more droids here."
Eda then kissed her wife's cheeks.
The three women exited the ship.
They all held their weapons close.
Barriss clutched her new lightsaber she had gotten after being accepted back into the Jedi order by Sam.
The trio stayed close to one another.
Eda asked, "whatever happened to the Geonosians on this planet?"
"The Empire killed them all. Both Palpatine and Malakis wanted to drive the Geonosians to extinction", Barriss said.
Padme said, "I hope there are a few left. I don't think any species deserves extinction."
Eda smiled at her wife, she really loved Padme's drive to help people.
The three continued onward.
Padme held her staff close.
Barriss asked, "remind me what we're looking for, exactly?"
Eda said, "anything Imperial."
"And that could help us and the rest of the Rebellion", Padme said.
Barriss said, "I wonder what the Empire would want with Geonosis?"
"Maybe we will find some clues", Eda said.
Eda said, "hopefully."
Padme said, "hopefully."
The trio kept on walking.
"I sense darkness in this place", Barriss said.
Padme and Eda nodded. Things seemed…. Off….
Barriss quickly activated her new lightsaber as she slashed a rock that was thrown their way.
Eda yelled, "what the Hell?!"
Padme shouted, "who threw that!?"
They saw someone emerge from a nearby cliff.
The trio all held their weapons close.
They saw what the fugue looked like.
He was wearing a mask that looked almost like a skull. It was all gnarled and twisted. Blood red eyes glowed from within.
"Alatu", Barriss growled out.
Eda and Padme asked, "who?"
"He is Malakis' personal assassin", Barriss said.
Alatu growled, "Barriss. It's been some time…."
Barriss asked, "too long. What are you doing here?"
Alatu said, "my job. Malakis ordered I scour the planet for Rebel activity…. And any surviving bugs."
"Well the only bug here is you", Eda said.
Alatu jumped down across from them and growled, "I could say the same thing."
He activated his red double bladed lightsaber.
Barriss activated her own green blade.
Padme and Eda held their staffs, and thankfully, these staffs were designed to withstand Lightsabers.
Alatu began to slowly approach.
"My master will be pleased when I kill the mother of the Skywalker twins", Alatu growled.
Padme said, "and Vader will castrate you after my wife chops your hands off."
Alatu chuckled as he spun his lightsaber before jumping towards them.
Barriss quickly intercepted him.
Her green lightsaber clashed against Alatu's red lightsaber.
The two glared fiercely at one another.
Alatu force pushed Barriss.
He then attempted to strike her down.
Padme quickly blocked his attack with her staff.
She growled, "don't you dare!"
Eda then lunged towards Alatu.
They began dueling.
Alatu growled out, "how are you so skilled at defense?!"
Eda said with a smirk on her face, "Sam and the Jedi taught me and my wife how to battle people like you!"
Eda pushed Alatu back.
Eda and Padme stood side by side.
They spun their staffs around.
Barriss quickly got up.
She growled out, "you aren't getting out of this in one piece."
Alatu yelled in anger as he ran towards the trio.
But suddenly…. A red lightsaber blade pierced his chest!
This caused the three women to gasp.
Alatu gasped in pain as he fell to his knees.
He turned to see…. Vader!
Vader said, "y'know…. I always hated you…. Say hi to Palpatine for me."
Vader then deactivated his lightsaber. He turned to look at the girls.
They were still in shock.
Vader said, "hello there."
Eda asked ,"what are you doing here?"
Vader said, "I heard Alatu was heading here and knew I had to stop him."
Padme said softly, "Sam was right…. You are truly changing."
Vader said, "I'm doing my best."
Padme then whispered to Eda and Barriss.
The two nod their heads and leave to allow Padme to speak with Vader alone.
She stood in front of Vader.
Vader felt a little nervous at seeing Padme.
He looked down at his feet.
Padme walked towards Vader.
Then she hugged him!
Vader was shocked by this.
"Thank you", Padme said.
Vader said, "I'm just doing the best I can…. To make up for a lifetime of mistakes."
Padme smiled with tears in her eyes.
She said, "you're on the right path."
She hugged Vader again.
"Thank you for protecting Sam…. I am so grateful", Padme said
Vader said, "it was my pleasure. He's our son. I was just doing what a father should always do…. Protect their child."
More tears fell down Padme's face.
She smiled at Vader as she wiped her tears away.
"Sam misses you a lot", Padme said.
Vader said, "I know. But he's better off with all of you."
"But at least promise that when the time comes…. You'll see Sam and the rest of our children again…. Anakin", Padme said.
Vader froze when he heard his old name.
Padme asked, "Anakin?"
She snapped her fingers in front of him.
Vader turned to look at Padme.
He said, "I…. Don't deserve to be called that name…."
"You deserve it…. Cause it's your true name…. Anakin", Padme said.
Vader sighed.
"I promise I will try to visit you and our children in the future…. When Malakis is finally gone", Vader said.
Padme smiled and said, "I look forward to that."
Padme gave Vader another hug. Vader smiled.
….
Some time later….
Barriss, Eda and Padme had arrived at an old Geonosian village.
They made their way carefully towards the village.
Barriss said, "it looks abandoned."
"Don't be so sure", Eda said.
Padme spotted what looked like a trap door in one of the abandoned buildings.
"You are right on that honey", Padme whispered.
Padme went over to the trap door.
She poked it with her staff.
They listened for any noise.
The group then began to hear noises.
Barriss whispered, "what is it?"
The noises grew closer.
Eda said, "sounds…. Strange."
"Let's keep our eyes open for anything that moves", Padme said.
Eda and Barriss nodded.
The trio held their weapons close.
They all peeked into the trap door. They saw something in the corner. Several pairs of eyes.
Eda said, "what the?"
Padme asked, "who's there?"
All they heard was growling.
Barriss said, "we mean no harm."
The figures in the corner kept growling.
Padme whispered, "lower your weapons."
The trio then lowered their weapons. The growling seemed to stop.
"We're not here to harm you…. We are from the Rebel Alliance", Barriss said.
The figures seemed to tilt their heads.
"We're here to help protect you from the Empire", Padme said.
The figures seemed to finally settle down.
They stepped out.
The girls were shocked to see several Geonosians down there.
"Well, looks like the Empire didn't manage to wipe out the Geonosians", Eda said.
Padme said, "you're right."
One of the Genosians approached.
It performed a few hand motions.
Eda asked, "does anyone understand this?"
Padme said, "I do. As a Senator, I learned various languages. That includes sign language."
Barriss asked, "what's he saying?"
Padme said, "he's saying…. Please…. Help us."
"We will help you, it's what us Rebels do", Barriss said.
The lead Geonosian made more hand gestures to explain the situation.
Eda asked, "what's he saying now honey?"
Padme said, "he and his friends here seem to be the last of their kind. And they are currently keeping watch over…. A queen egg."
Eda and Barriss gasped.
One of the Geonosians, who was missing an eye, held the egg carefully.
Padme further translated the leader, "he says they only wish to make sure their species survives."
Barriss and Eda looked at the Geonosians.
Eda said, "ask how they plan to raise the queen."
Padme nods her head.
Padme made some hand gestures to ask the question. After she finished, the Geonosian made hand gestures.
Barriss asked, "what's he saying?"
Padme said, "they wish to raise the queen to be kind towards others. Unlike the one the Republic once faced."
"That actually sounds like a wise plan", Barriss said.
Eda and Padme nodded in agreement.
Padme made some hand gestures, saying that they will help the Genonosians.
The Geonosians all looked at one another.
"You can trust us", Eda said.
Padme held out her hand.
The Geonasians looked a bit hestitate…. But they shook hands with Padme.
Padme smiled.
Barriss and Eda smiled as well.
Eda said, "we better contact the Rebellion about this."
"Hopefully they will be happy to know we have new allies", Barriss said.
Padme and Eda nodded in agreement.
….
Meanwhile….
We see Sam in the Ebon Hawk.
He was wearing a long purple dress.
And he had a long purple veil on his head.
HK-47 was piloting the ship as they received a transmission.
Sam said, "patch it through."
HK did so, showing a hologram of Padme.
Sam smiled and said, "hi Mom."
Padme said, "hello son. We've got some news."
Sam asked, "what is it?"
Padme went on to explain everything that happened on Geonosis, from Alatu's attack, to Vader helping them before taking his leave, to them finding what must've been the last few Geonosians left.
Sam had a look of awe and surprise on his face.
He said, "woah."
Padme said, "your dad promised he would come to see you and your siblings…. Once the Emperor is dealt with."
Sam said, "I'd be happy to have him visit."
Padme smiled at her son.
Sam smiled back.
Padme asked, "where are you going Sam?"
Sam said, "we're following up on a recent lead we got."
HK-47 said, "Statement: we may have a found a Venator Star Destroyer that could help us."
Padme asked, "how? Is it abandoned?"
Sam said, "we think so. We're hoping to commandeer it for the Rebel Fleet. Perhaps put the droids on as the crew."
"That would indeed help the Rebel Alliance", Padme said.
Sam said, "indeed it would. We'll contact you and the others once we hopefully find this ship."
"May the Force be with you my son", Padme said.
Sam said, "and you as well, mom."
The hologram of Padme faded.
Sam asked HK, "how close are we to this ship?"
HK said, "statement: Nearly there."
Sam said, "good."
Soon the Ebon Hawk stopped in front of a planet.
Sam said, "here it is. Bracca. Cal used to live on this planet, junking ships for money."
HK said, "statement: Poor Kid."
Sam nods his head, as the Ebon Hawk flies towards Bracca.
They landed atop a cliffside.
The ship's ramp opened, Sam and HK-47 walked out.
HK said, "obvious statement: this place looks like junk."
Sam said, "it may be, but hopefully we can find that ship we're looking for."
Sam pulled out some binoculars and began looking around.
He hoped he could spot the Venator ship.
He said, "the Venator should be easy to spot."
Sam kept on looking for a bit.
Then he spotted something.
Sam said, "I think I found it."
HK said, "query: how will we get there?"
Sam said, "I think I have a plan."
….
A few minutes later….
HK said, "query: will this be safe?"
Sam said, "these mud jumpers are supposed to last a lifetime."
The two kept making their way.
Sam kept the mud jumper steady.
The two were almost close to the Venator.
Sam said, "the ship is currently deactivated, so we can sneak in through the engines."
HK said, "statement: very well."
The mud jumper approached one of relative engines at the back of the Venator.
"Okay, we're here", Sam said.
The two disembarked the mud jumpers just as it began to sputter and smoke.
It exploded in a fiery blaze!
HK said, "snarky statement: meant to last a lifetime, eh?"
They made their way to the engines.
Sam said, "watch your step."
HK grumbled a little.
The two slowly made their way through the engines until they made it to an access hatch.
Sam said, "this'll lead us inside. Then we can make our way to the bridge."
Sam then opened the hatch.
He and HK climbed in.
Sam and HK saw there was dust everywhere.
HK said, "obvious statement: this ship is old as sin."
Sam nods his head.
The two began making their way through the ship.
HK held his blaster close.
Sam said, "I don't think anyone's here. The scrapper's guild hasn't even started work on it."
HK said, "statement: we still need to be careful."
Sam simply nodded.
The two kept making their way through the ship.
They carefully looked around every corner.
So far they were safe.
Soon they made it to their destination.
The bridge.
Sam asked, "HK, can you open the doors?"
HK nodded and plugged into the door controls.
It took a few minutes, but the doors opened.
Sam and HK stepped onto the bridge.
"It's dusty", Sam said.
HK said, "obvious statement: and there are no stormtroopers here."
The two looked around the bridge.
Sam said, "other than the dust, it seems to be in good condition."
HK asked "statement: now how do we get it out of here?"
Sam said, "simple. Power it up."
Sam then went over to the controls.
He began to power things up.
Then the Venator began to slowly turn on.
Sam said, "HK, help me start up this thing."
HK walked over to the controls.
He began to help start the ship up.
The Venator then began to move.
Sam said, "alright! Here we go!"
HK said, "query: what about the Ebon Hawk?"
Sam said, "I've got an autopilot setting. I'll signal it to follow us."
HK looked relieved.
Sam said, "once we leave the atmosphere, we'll let the Ebon Hawk land on the ship and signal the Rebel Fleet about its newest addition."
HK nods his head.
The Venator slowly took off into the air.
Sam looked out the windows.
Sam said, "we should be smoothly sailing in a few minutes."
The Venator was now in space.
Sam said, "good. Let's let the Ebon Hawk land in the hangar."
HK then pressed a button that opened the Hangar doors for the Ebon Hawk to land inside.
He said, "statement: the Ebon Hawk is in the hangar."
Sam said, "good. Now let's contact Leia and the other Rebel leaders."
HK nods his head.
After a minute, a hologram of Leia appeared on the bridge.
Leia said, "Sam, HK, did everything go well on your mission?"
Sam said, "indeed it did."
Leia smiled.
Sam said, "we're taking the ship to the fleet."
"Good, this will help us in our fight against the Empire", Leia said.
Sam asked, "any words on Verosika and the others' mission?"
"They came back an hour ago, One-One was able to hack an Imperial Navy database and we got blueprints on their weapons and Star Destroyers", Leia said.
Sam said, "good. We'll be able to fight fire with fire at this rate."
"Statement: the ship is ready to enter Lightspeed", HK said.
Sam said, "well, we'll see you soon, Leia."
Leia nods her head as the Hologram fades away.
Sam said, "HK, put the ship into lightspeed."
HK nods his head as he presses some buttons and the Venator enters lightspeed.
….
Some time later….
The Venator arrives back at the planet the Rebel base is on.
Leia gave the all clear to land.
The Rebels were in awe at the massive Star Destroyer.
The large door opened as Sam and HK walked down it.
Leia and a few Rebel leaders walked towards Sam and HK.
Sam said, "there ya go. One Star Destroyer!"
HK said, "obvious statement: the ship needs a few repairs."
Leia said, "the droid army has offered to repair and work on the ship…. Under one condition."
Sam asked, "which is?"
"That you be their commanding officer", Leia said.
Sam was shocked to hear this.
But then he slowly smiled.
He said, "I'd be honored."
"Then I shall inform the droid army", Leia said.
Leia walked away as Sam looked at the Venator and said, "this ship needs a name…. And a coat of paint."
Sam was in thought for a moment.
Mon Mothma approached and said, "that ship looks like it could run across the stars."
Upon hearing that, it gave Sam an idea for what to call the Venator.
He smiled and said, "Star-Runner."
Now all that was left was to repair the ship and paint it. That would take a few weeks.
But it would be worth the wait.
….
A few weeks later….
Sam stares in awe at the Star-Runner which has now been fully fixed and given a new coat of paint.
It was primarily blue with red accents.
Sam said, "perfect."
Sam stood upon a cliffside to get a good look at the ship.
Sam was impressed at the ship's design.
Especially the modifications made to it.
These modifications would help the Skyrunner during battles. Increased armor durability, improved weapons, more powerful engines, etc.
This ship would surely help the Rebel alliance win many fights.
Sam was proud of the Star-Runner.
"You have your own flagship, how wonderful, my son."
Sam turned to see Obi Wan's force ghost.
He smiled warmly at his father and hugged him.
Obi Wan smiled as he hugged his son back.
Sam said, "hi dad."
"Hello my son", Obi Wan said.
The two smiled at one another.
"I see you have been making great progress my son", Obi Wan said.
Sam said, "just doing my best to help stop the Empire."
Obi Wan smiled.
He pointed at the Rebel insignia painted on the ship and said, "I especially like that detail."
Sam smiled and said, "thanks dad, I had asked Sabine to paint the symbol there, she is a great artist."
Obi Wan chuckled and said, "indeed."
Sam kept on smiling.
Obi Wan said, "I sense the end of the war soon approaching."
Sam looked at his father and said, "I hope so…. I want the galaxy to be at peace again."
Obi Wan said, "I know you do."
Sam smiled as he hugged his father.
Obi Wan happily hugged back.
"I'm very proud of you my son…. You have become a wise and true Jedi", Obi-Wan said.
Sam smiled and said, "I had the best teachers."
"Also, you have managed to bring back the good in your biological father…. And I am happy to see my old friend still lives", Obi Wan said
Sam said, "I'm thankful I was wrong…. There is good in him."
Obi Wan smiled again.
He patted his son's back.
Sam smiled again.
The two just stood there, enjoying each other's company.
….
Reviews:
SuperSentai199: yeah, I'm quite happy with how the scene turned out.
….
If you wanna see a lemon in this specific chapter, read the AO3 version.