The Phantom Menace (rewritten)

[Baffalo]

The Phantom Menace
Rewritten by Baffalo

Chapter I

The hell blasted landscape was barren and almost lifeless as it stretched out before the massive invasion ships, sitting on a massive pylon with four large wings to provide lift. Surrounding it were hundreds of tall, gangly battle droids, each painted according to their function. The only life here was that being led in chains towards the ship, the humanoids sobbing or eerily quiet as they marched, under constant scrutiny by blaster armed droids.

One droid surveyed the surroundings, then turned and activated a holographic projector, and two creatures that looked similar to salamanders in robes appeared. The droid began with no preamble and in only a slightly modulated tone spoke, "The planet has been secured. No hostiles detected."

On the cold, dark bridge of the Trade Federation Battleship, the two figures stood before the projector. The taller of the two nodded, and said, "Excellent. We can begin landing our worker droids soon. Finish rounding up the prisoners for the slave markets and get your forces back aboard."

The droid, projected as only a blue hologram, gave a quick nod of its beak like head before saying, "Right away, sir," and disappeared as it cut the projection.

Viceroy Nute Gunray stepped away from the projector, heading for a throne nearby. Sinking into it, he sighed, "This quarter will show excellent profits."

A technician looked up, her eyes and mouth covered with devices to enable her to look at the instruments without an actual control panel before her. She spoke in a metallic voice, "Sir, we're receiving a strange transmission..." but was cutoff before she could finish explaining by the appearance of an older man wearing dark robes.

The Viceroy was out of his throne in a rage, and began demanding, "What is the reason for this intrusion!"

The cloaked figure only smiled, though even through the blue hologram projected across lightyears of space, he still managed to make it look evil and snide, "Viceroy... I have a proposition for you to hear. One I'm quite sure you'll be interested in hearing."

The Viceroy was still outraged, "I demand to know why you have overridden my communications!"

The cloaked figure was still only smiling as he said, "All in good time, but first, I think you'd better listen to what I have to say," his hand moving subtly as if brush away a small fly.

The Viceroy sat back down in his chair, eyes focused on the cloaked figure, and said, "I'm listening..."

The dark figure managed to smile a little more, "Excellent."

* * *

The twin suns of Tattooine shone down upon the sand scarred surface of the planet as a figure in brown robes walked among the many stalls. Merchants hawked their wares and tried to get anyone interested to buy, dismissing anyone who didn't take an immediate interest. The hooded figure ignores most of them, stopping only to get his bearings before heading towards a nearby shop. Out front, a protocol droid missing its legs looked up at the cloaked figure and managed to say through a broken speech module, "Welcome to Master Watto's Second Hand Equipment Depot."

Inside, in stark contrast to the blinding light outside, the interior is darker and more subdued. There is plenty of light to see, and near the front counter, a short blue pudgy alien is speaking to a couple of humans, and even laughs at one of their jokes. He takes their money and they pick up a box of parts and head for the door, nodding to the cloaked figure as they pass. He returns their nod, then walks up to the counter.

Watto takes one look at the man and smiles, "Ah, welcome to a ma shop. How can I help ya today?"

The cloaked figure pulls his hood back and smiles, revealing the features of a brown haired man who appears to be in his early 20s, "Hello, my name is Obi Wan Kenobi, and I'm here to try and trade in some Republic Credits for something a tad more local." He takes a small bag and sets it on the counter, letting Watto pick out one of the credits and peer at it. Just then, a boy of about 13 comes in, setting a box on the counter and wiping his brow. His sandy colored hair looks to be in need of a wash, and his clothes resemble burlap or another rough material.

Watto turns and looks at the boy, before saying, "You done with that droid yet, boy?"

The boy shakes his head, "No, sir, still tinkering with it. One of its stabilizers is caked up with sand and oil, and it's not wanting to all come out."

Watto let out a sigh, then put the credit chip back in the pouch, "I don't exchange Republic Credits very often, so I usually let the bigger shops do it. Since I have to get that stabilizer cleaned out before the droid will run, I'll have my boy Anakin here show you to one of them."

Anakin comes over and offers his hand, "Hi, I'm Anakin Skywalker."

Obi Wan takes the boy's hand, "And I'm Obi Wan Kenobi. A pleasure to meet you, young Skywalker."

Watto gets up, flapping his stubby wings, "Pick up some food while you're out, we need something to eat tonight."

Anakin nods, and then leads Obi Wan outside. They walk and Anakin begins to tell him a bit about Tattooine, "It's not so bad at night. At least then, the Night Roses come out. They're nice to look at. You ever seen a night rose?"

Obi Wan confesses he hasn't, and Anakin continues, "They're like a regular rose, but you can't even see them during the day. They burrow down in the sand and disappear, but come out at night and bloom. It's amazing." He pauses for a few moments, then says, "Why would anyone in the Republic want to come all the way out here?"

Obi Wan laughs and says, "I'm here on official business. I stopped here to get some supplies and maybe information before I move on to the next planet. Speaking of which, have you heard anything about your neighbor, Naboo?"

Anakin shook his head, "No I haven't. We get some of their stuff though. Watto's is the only place on Tattooine to sell Nubian engines and parts. Not many people like the really shiny ships though, because they glare too much in the suns. Here's the shop," and Anakin led Obi Wan into a larger dealership.

They emerge a short while later, and Anakin says, "That should be what you need. I guess I'll let you get on your way then."

Obi Wan thinks for a second, then says, "I have an idea. To repay you and your friend, Watto, how about I buy your supper tonight? I'll even cook. I'm told I cook decent enough not to choke a bantha, anyway."

Anakin laughed and said, "Well... I guess if you wanna..."

Obi Wan nodded and they begin walking the way they'd come, Anakin going on about this and that, and Obi Wan listening sagely.

[Baffalo]

Chapter II


Later that night, Obi Wan is serving the fruits of his labors to Watto, Anakin, and a young girl of about 9 who was introduced as Anakin's sister, Baru. Obi Wan serves them from the large metal pot, before sitting down and sharing the meal. Mostly idle chit chat is passed before Watto asks the same question posed before, "What brings you to Tattooine, Mr. Kenobi?"

Obi Wan tears off a piece of bread and says, "I told your... son? that I was stopping by to gather any information I could before I move on to Naboo. All their communications dropped off a few days ago and I was sent to investigate." The piece of bread disappears into Obi Wan's mouth.

Watto processes this, before saying, "I have business deals every now and then with the Nubians. It might be good to find out what would make them disappear, yes? And Anakin and Baru aren't really my children, obviously. I adopted them after my business partner was killed by the Hutts. These two were sold as slaves, so I bought them and freed them. The debt their father owed is done away with, so I doubt the Hutts will come after them when they get older."

Obi Wan thought about that a moment, then said, "Were they ever tested as children by Jedi?"

Watto muttered something under his breath, then said, "No, they weren't. We don't get many Jedi like you, Mr. Kenobi, so it's rare they get tested."

Obi Wan raised a brow, "You knew I was a Jedi?"

Watto nodded sagely and tapped his head, "I been around too long to be completely ignorant of how the galaxy works. And when you meet a Jedi, you remember." Anakin was staring at Obi Wan, unsure of what to make of the sudden knowledge. Watto asked, "You think he might be a Jedi?"

Obi Wan nodded, "I think so, yes. He'd need to be tested, formally, at the Temple on Coruscant, but I don't think he'd have much trouble with it. I sensed the Force around him almost as soon as I entered your shop. That's rare among anyone who doesn't have formal training."

Watto bit into a root before saying, "Hmm. Well... Anakin? What do you think? You think you might want to be a Jedi?"

Anakin was round eyed as he looked at Watto, then back to Obi Wan, then back to Watto, "You mean it? I might really be a Jedi!?!"

Watto put a finger to his lips, "Shh... Baru's already gone to sleep. And yes. If Mr. Kenobi here says he'll take you, and you want to go, you can. You're almost a man, and it's time you saw more of the galaxy than this sandy ball of waste."

Anakin looked ready to bounce off the walls in joy, but he said, in hushed tones, "Oh thank you thank you thank you!"



The next day, as the suns began to rise above the horizon, Obi Wan and Anakin set out. Anakin had a backpack, Obi Wan had nothing. They walked to Obi Wan's ship, which was a boxy shuttle with two large wings folded up to conserve space. Once aboard, Obi Wan began powering up, and Anakin sat in the back. It was only a few short minutes before Obi Wan pulled the levers to enter hyperspace, before he walked back to sit with Anakin.

"Now Anakin, I need to explain. We're going somewhere that might be extremely dangerous, and I don't want you to get hurt. So if I tell you to do something, you need to do it, alright?"

Anakin nodded his head, and Obi Wan smiled, "Good. Now, let's see if you're really as powerful in the Force as I think you are. Let's start with this," he said, producing a small drinking bulb from the nearby table. He held it up and said, "Now, concentrate on the bulb. Feel it in your mind. Imagine it fully. Have you got it?"

Anakin was focused intently on the bulb, but he nodded, and Obi Wan said, "Now... imagine the bulb rising up into the air."

The bulb slowly began to rise, not very much, but Anakin was so shocked that he lost concentration when he looked up. Obi Wan laughed and said, "That was good, for your first time. Here, let's try again. This time, try closing your eyes, and reaching out with your mind. Try picking it up and bringing it to your hand."

Anakin closed his eyes and concentrated, and the bulb slowly rose from Obi Wan's hand. It floated, teetering, over to Anakin's hand. When Anakin opened his eyes, he was shocked to find it there. Obi Wan laughed again, and gave his hair a tossle, "You're doing very good. Let's practice a few more times while we wait to get to Naboo."

[Iroscato]

Pretty good so far, maybe a little rushed about how Obi-Wan meets Anakin, but a huge improvement over the real thing

[Baffalo]

Pretty good so far, maybe a little rushed about how Obi-Wan meets Anakin, but a huge improvement over the real thing

Thank you. I know the meeting with Obi Wan was rushed but that was because I wanted to use Anakin the same way Luke Skywalker was, in that he's an outsider who helps bring the story down to a level we can understand. For Obi Wan and the others, this is all old hat, but to Anakin, he's having to figure this stuff out. So I'm quite happy introducing him early, just so that I can have a character who is there to ask a question or two.

Also, I'm sure everyone's eager to see how I re-imagine Jar Jar, so here he is in Chapter III!

Chapter III


The Throne Room of the Nubian Palace was a wreck. Broken furniture, the remains of a hastily constructed barricade, and several bodies littered the floor. The King sat on his throne, pinned there by the threat of violence from several blaster wielding battle droids. His right arm was in a sling, and he was none too pleased. He kept his mouth shut as the Viceroy entered, looking around at the destruction before pleasantly saying, "Ah, your Majesty. It is a pleasure."

The King scowled, "Why have you invaded my planet? We have no armies, no extravagant resources. What would make you want to invade our beautiful planet?"

The Viceroy shrugged, "I have my reasons. But since I'm here, I'll go ahead and come right to the point. I have a small treaty I would like you to sign, so that we can clear up the legality my lawyers keep hounding me about." He produced a sheet of plastic with letters on it, and a droid took it to the King.

The King threw the treaty away from him, "So long as I am King, I will never surrender. Do I make myself clear?"

The Viceroy sighed dramatically, "As you wish. Guards, take him away. I want to examine my new throne room."

The King was forced out of the throne and led away. The Viceroy waited till he was out of sight before activating a hologram, showing the dark shrouded figure. "The King did not sign the treaty," he said.

"I figured he wouldn't," the shadowy figure said, "But that doesn't matter. The Senate is growing restless, so I will divert their attention elsewhere. Begin forging a document with the King's name on it, and be ready. The Chancellor might have dispatched a Jedi to investigate matters, which might complicate our plans."

The Viceroy bowed his head, "As you wish, my Lord."



The shuttle carrying Obi Wan and Anakin arrived in the Nubian system. The two were seated at the controls, though Anakin kept his hands well away from them as Obi Wan approaches. They don't have to wait long before a droid appears on the screen. "Unidentified vessel," the droid said in its buzzing speech, "You have entered a lawful police action by the Trade Federation. You are ordered to heave to and await boarding."

Anakin watched the droid, then asked Obi Wan, "What's that mean?"

Obi Wan reached across Anakin and grabbed the seatbelt, buckling him in, "It means things are worse than I imagined." The screen began to light up with red targets as fighters began launching to intercept them. "Hang on tight, Anakin."

The shuttle began twisting and weaving as fighters began shooting at them. From a vast distance away, the huge battleships began pouring turbolaser shots almost as wide as the shuttle through space, doing more harm than good as it mostly picked off fighters pursuing the shuttle. Obi Wan's hands flew over the controls, sending them through rolls and dives to avoid fire from the ships. They were getting closer and close to the battleships, and Obi Wan said not a word as he worked.

The ship suddenly shuddered, and Obi Wan looked at the readouts, "That was too close. Anakin, take these controls," he pointed to a section of the board, "And try to pick off some of those fighters."

Anakin stared at the controls, then reached out and began to press a few buttons. His first few shots were wild, but he concentrated and soon a fighter exploded behind them. Anakin cheered, "I got one!"

Obi Wan flashed him a smile, "Good shooting, Anakin. Just hold them off while I get us down to the planet."

Anakin obeyed, firing the lasers at any target that presented itself. His field of fire was limited to a cone in front of the shuttle and a smaller one behind, but he made good use of what he had. Obi Wan flew close along the surface of the battleship, even passing within a few hundred meters of a turbolaser turret larger than their shuttle. Soon the shuttle was flying as fast as possible for the blue and green world below.

"We made it!" Anakin cheered, only to be silenced when a turbolaser bolt clipped the starboard wing of the shuttle.

"Hang on Anakin!" Obi Wan said, struggling to control the shuttle as it plunged into the atmosphere.

Anakin gripped the seat of his chair as they fell down and down. The planet below grew larger and larger, soon filling the entire forward window, and then giving way to large forests. Anakin covered his eyes just at the last second before the shuttle crashed into the ground.

Anakin awoke a moment later, a cut on his forehead. Obi Wan was pulling himself out of his chair and groaning, before saying, "Remind me to land a bit softer next time."

Anakin could only nod in agreement, and soon the two were out of the wreckage and on the ground in the middle of the swamp. The entire place stank of moisture and rotted vegetation, causing Anakin's nose to wrinkle in annoyance. If there was a place of extreme opposites to Tattooine, he was sure he'd just found it. Obi Wan pulled a small device from his pocket and checked it, then said, "This way."

The two walked, making good time away from the shuttle before the droids came looking for them. They travelled for almost an hour through the dense vegetation before Obi Wan put a hand out to stop Anakin's forward movement, "Be still," Obi Wan said in a whisper.

Anakin looked around slowly, trying to see what it was Obi Wan saw, before Obi Wan yanked him out of the way just as a spear sailed through the air to hit and stick into a tree trunk. Obi Wan held up his hands, "We mean you no harm!"

A tall, muscular figure arose from the swamp, the only part visible just moments ago being his eyes. They sat atop stalks that looked perfect for hiding below the water, and the figure strode forward. He was thin, but muscular, and his entire chest was covered in black, blue and green tattoos. Around his waist was a belt holding knives that looked very, very sharp, and his shorts looked worn and used. He stood almost a head taller than Obi Wan, and much taller than Anakin, before the creature said, "Why do yousa come to ma swamp?"

Obi Wan lowered his hands slowly, "Forgive us, we are on our way to see the King and our ship crashed."

The figure studied them a moment, then said, "Then I, Jar Jar, will taka yous to da King. Come."

Jar Jar led them through the swamp, towards a nearby lake. He looked at the two a moment, then said, "I hopes yousa can hold your breaths," he chuckled, before wading into the lake and swimming out a few meters, before diving underwater. Obi Wan shed the outer robes he'd worn on Tattooine, sticking with the lighter colored robes underneith and began wading in. Anakin looked unsure, but followed Obi Wan out. Obi Wan laughed and said, "I guess I forgot to ask if someone from a desert can swim."

Anakin shivered a bit, "I had to help on a moisture farm once. They make you learn how in case you fall into a vat of water. Doesn't mean I like it though!"

Obi Wan nodded, and the two began their dive down.

[Baffalo]

Chapter IV

The lake floor was alight with domes, all of them a warm golden color. The two swam for a short distance before they saw Jar Jar, waving to them from one of the domes before he stepped through. Obi Wan and Anakin swam through, and found it completely dry on the other side. Jar Jar was waiting, and then they turned to walk through the city. They made it a short distance before two figures on mounts approached, wielding energy spears, "Halt. Jar Jar Binks, yousa know you canna come back here."

Jar Jar glowered at the two, "Isa come with Huumon for da King. Let usa go."

The two on mounts look to one another, before saying, "Wesa will accompany you, keeps yousa outta trouble, yes?"

The three walked with their escorts, and Anakin couldn't help but ask, "Why can't you come back here, Mr. Jar Jar?"

Jar Jar's left eye swiveled to study Anakin, before he answered, "Da King no like when Jar Jar try and help produce new heirs."

Anakin looked a bit puzzled, but Obi Wan laughed, "In a few years, Anakin, I'll explain what he means."

They arrived before the King of the Gungans, who sat atop a throne that looked to have been grown atop the lilipads his harem lounged upon, and the two mounted Gungans announced, "Boss, yousa got visitors. Two Humons and da bad un."

The King scowled and waved his hand, causing the harem to disappear into the water around his throne. Then he said, "Come forard and wesa talk."

Obi Wan and Anakin approached, this time Jar Jar staying in the rear. Obi Won spoke, "Powerful King, we come before you to ask your assistance. The Kingdom of Naboo has been invaded, and we must speak with their King in order to help them drive the invaders from this world."

The Gungan King studied the two, and then said, "And what makes yousa tink wes care about da Naboo?"

Obi Wan stepped forward, "Despite your relationship with the Naboo, you must surely understand that if the invaders are dangerous to them, they might be a danger to you as well. If we can drive the invaders away, you and your Kingdom will also be safe, with little investment on your own part."

The Gungan considered this, "Yousa smart. Yousa very smart. Very well, yousa get a transport an dis scum Jar Jar. If he goes wit you an gets you to da Naboo, I won punish him for comin back here."

Obi Wan bowed his hand, "We thank you for your hospitality, oh Great King, and leave in peace."



The ride to the Naboo capital was mostly filled with Jar Jar explaining the few patrols into the deep swamp, "Da droids dun last long gainst the boomin balls. Makes it easy ta turn dem into junk."

Obi Wan listened, "And your entire army uses these 'boomin balls'?"

Jar Jar nodded, "Dey do."

Anakin asked from his seat in the rear, "Why is your accent thicker now that we're gone?"

Jar Jar shrugged, "Round da palace, an roun strangas, we gots ta speak all nice nice. Makes it easia for da oders to undastand."

Obi Wan turned in his seat to look at Anakin, "Many places, especially monarchies, have an Imperial speech and a common speech. The two are almost separate languages in some places. You speak very formally around the King or Queen, and then not so much around people like you and me."

Anakin digested that information as the submersible broke the surface to reveal the capital city. It was night, and most of the lights were out. Obi Wan pointed to a nearby pier, and Jar Jar moved the craft towards it. Obi Wan jumped out and took the rope from Jar Jar when he tossed it, tying up the ship and then leading the two further into the city.

Battle droids patrolled the streets, which were quiet and deserted. Obi Wan whispered, "Strict curfew. Common during invasions. Let's try and use the back alleys."

They moved silently down the back alleyways, Jar Jar taking point when they needed to peer around corners. His long eye stalks gave him an excellent advantage, and their only interesting encounter was when one of them kicked the local equivalent of a house cat. The six legged creature make quite a racket as it scampered off to avoid being trampled yet again.

By morning, the trio was near the palace, and Obi Wan called a halt near the stairs, "We'll never make it past all those droids undetected. Any ideas?"

Jar Jar thought for a moment, then said, "There be a narrow set a stairs near da cliff. Dey use it for 'mergencies."

Anakin was amazed, "Have you been to the palace before, Jar Jar?"

Jar Jar shrugged his tattooed shoulders, "Yousa could say dat."

Obi Wan left the question unanswered as they made their way towards the hidden set of stairs. From the street, it was nearly impossible to spot, and there were no droids. The trio hurried down and found the stairs ended with a large hangar bay, with several ships locked down and under guard from droids. The occassional crate of parts or lubricant or other necessary component lay scattered around, and Jar Jar said, "Dis be the 'mergency shuttle for da King. Der are fightas in two oda hangas."

Obi Wan had to ask now, "How do you know so much about the Nubian palace, Jar Jar?"

Jar Jar hesitated, then said, "Before mesa was banished, mesa was a gen'ral. Wesa had to learn whole palace, if da Naboo needed a good thumpin."

Obi Wan kept quiet on that, and pulled a metallic cylinder from his hip, "Anakin, stay behind me. Jar Jar, do you know how to use a blaster?"

The Gungan's grin was predatory, "I do. Dey teach you lotsa stuff when you gets ta be a gen'ral."

Obi Wan walked calmly out, Anakin following behind and Jar Jar ready behind him. A droid stopped and raised his blaster, "Halt, this is a restricted area. State your business."

Obi Wan smiled and said, "I'm here to take the King to Coruscant for urgent business."

The droid processed that, "There are no orders to take the King to Coruscant. Your statement is in error. You're under arrest."

[Baffalo]

Hey everyone sorry for not posting but my sinuses went to hell and it just killed my muse for a bit. So without further ado, here's the next two chapters

Chapter V
The droid never had time to fire his blaster. The lightsabre was ignited and had sliced the droid in two before the command could leave its processor. The other droids had longer to react, and began firing at Obi Wan from around the hangar bay. His lightsabre danced, deflecting shots away from him and Anakin or even back at them. Meanwhile, Jar Jar took the blaster and began returning fire, proving he was a good shot by pegging droid after droid.

Soon the hangar was clear, and Obi Wan pointed to the shuttle, "Anakin, you begin preparing the ship. Don't start up until we get back, and if more droids show up, stay out of sight. We'll come back for you, understand?"

Anakin acknowledged and ran for the ramp, climbing aboard and heading for the cockpit. Meanwhile, Obi Wan and Jar Jar began running through the halls of the palace, heading for the throne room. The odd security droid tried to stop them, and just as quickly became another pile of scrap on the floor. They reached the throne room and found the heavy wooden doors to be open, with the Viceroy seated upon his throne. He quickly jumped up, "What is the meaning of this intrusion!?!"

Obi Wan, lightsabre still lit, said, "I'm here to see the proper King of Naboo, and I have a feeling you're not him."

The Viceroy laughed and said, "A Jedi. So the Chancellor has sent his loyal dogs to investigate hmm? Well go away, little Jedi, because this invasion is legal. I have a written treaty with the King himself that my battle droids are here lawfully to keep order on this world."

Jar Jar scoffed, "Dat is noa true. Yousa came an blowed up all da Naboo who gots in yousa way. Dat paper is good only for wipin da poodoo!"

Obi Wan chuckled, "I'm afraid I much agree with my new friend, we don't believe your flimsy piece of paper."

The Viceroy narrowed his eyes, "Believe it or not, you are an unlawful presence here, and I'll use any force I deem necessary to be rid of you. Droidekas!"

From the doors, two rolling droids came in and deployed, a clear blue bubble forming around them as they opened fire. Obi Wan spun and defended both himself and Jar Jar while the Viceroy ran for the rear exit. Jar Jar tried to shoot him, but a stray bolt made it past Obi Wan's lightsabre and pegged his arm, though thankfully only a graze. Obi Wan began to move back, "Let's retreat, Jar Jar, and find the King. We have to get him to Coruscant."

With Obi Wan providing cover, and Jar Jar shooting any droids that got in their way, the two made their way out the back entrance. Running again, Jar Jar asked, "How are wesa gonna find da King? He could be anywhere!"

Obi Wan pondered that, "I bet there's an information node somewhere we can use. The droids will be using the local networks to figure out local maps and resistance. We just have to find one."

They ran until Obi Wan spotted what he wanted. Running his hand along the screen, he said, "The network still has the King's whereabouts in case anyone wants to see him in a public appearance. Says here he's being kept in one of the palace subbasements. Let's go."

The two continued their way through the palace, and eventually Obi Wan was able to point out the way they wanted to go, "Through here." He guided Jar Jar into a set of offices, marked with such names as Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defense, etc. Many of the offices looked to have been converted into makeshift holding cells as they made sense of the people who'd worked inside, but many of the rooms were now empty. What had happened to the people kept here was unknown.

Finally they arrived at the last group of offices, and a droid stopped them again. Unwilling to deal with another pushy droid, Jar Jar shot him and then the lock on the door.

The King was seated on a desk when the door flew open, and he glowered at Jar Jar when he stepped inside, "So, the Gungans are using the situation to their advantage, huh? Assassinating me as the rest of my people are led away in chains?"

Jar Jar returned the glower, "If only mesa had da blessin a da boss, humon. But no, wesa here to get ya out."

Obi Wan chose that moment to enter, "Your Majesty, I'm Obi Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight. I'm here to get you and your family to Coruscant."

The King stood up, straightening his royal purple robes and straightening his steel grey hair, "Why didn't you say so? Let's be about it then. They're keeping my daughter in the level above. Let's hurry." The King stopped only long enough to collect a blaster off the fallen guard droid, then the trio headed for the stairs. On the next level, they found more prisoners, mostly guards from around the palace. They destroyed each guard and freed the guards, before the King personally kicked down the door to his daughter's cell.

The fourteen year old girl, her purple and blue dress rumpled and dirty and her dark hair disheveled, looked up in first fear, then surprise, and finally delight. She jumped up and ran to hug her father, wrapping her arms around him tightly, "Daddy! I was so worried about you!"

The King wrapped his arms around her, "I was worried about you too, sweetheart, but we're ok. We're going to Coruscant, and we need to hurry. Let's go."

The group of people ran through the halls, picking off any droids along the way as they got back to the hangar. As they came pouring in, the engines began to rev up as Anakin activated the controls. They filed aboard, and Obi Wan took the seat beside Anakin, and the King and princess came up behind him, taking a seat. The princess was shocked to see Anakin, and said, "He can't be a pilot!"

Anakin looked over his shoulder at her, and a quick glance told him what he needed to know, "What is she, a princess or something?"

The King smirked, "She's something alright. Young man, this is my daughter, Princess Padme Amidala, and I am King Veruna."

Anakin managed to get turned around enough to partially bow, and said, "Sorry I can't do more, but it's a little crowded in here."

Amidala seemed to scoff a bit, but kept quiet. The King laughed and waved Anakin back to work. Soon the pre-flight checklist was finished, and they lifted off smoothly. Obi Wan gunned the throttles forward, and the sleek Nubian ship shot off like a rocket.The ascent into orbit was fast, and soon they could make out the huge battleships that had given them trouble on the way in.

"Anakin, raise the shields. We don't have any weapons so just concentrate on keeping the deflector shields rotated to keep the most power where we need it," Obi Wan commanded, his hands taking the flight stick and sending the shuttle into swoops and dives just as the battleships began opening up. Amidala squealed in protest as the ship maneuvered so violently she almost became ill. From the sounds coming from behind, many of the guards were actively being sick, much to the humor of their fighter pilot brethren.

Anakin was diligent, keeping most of the incoming fire from fighters bouncing harmlessly against their shields. That didn't mean all the shots were misses, and several shots got through to hit one of the wing pylons on the port side. Obi Wan jinxed around and managed to avoid more shots, before he took off for open space. As soon as they were clear, he pushed the hyperdrive forward and the stars enlongated.

Anakin sighed with relief, but Obi Wan asked, "Anakin, didn't you say Watto's shop was the only one that sold parts for Nubian ships?"

Anakin nodded, "Yeah, that's right. Why?"

Obi Wan pointed to the hyperdrive readout, "Because it looks like we need to pay your dear dad a visit."

Chapter VI
The suns were blazing already by the time the shuttle touched down. They were low on fuel from a leaking hyperdrive, and the guards were busy trying to be helpful. The King sat in a hastily cleared room that served him as a court, though a small and crowded one. He listened as Obi Wan explained the situation, and asked, "Do we have the money to get the parts we need?"

Obi Wan shook his head, "Even with what we have pooled together, I doubt it. I'm hoping Anakin's father will be forgiving and lend us the credit we need, but there are no guarantees."

King Veruna steeped his fingers and thought, before saying, "Tell him I will repay him three times what we need if he will grant it to us. This is a matter of utmost importance." He looked to Anakin, "You have my word to give to your father, and that is not something I give lightly."

Anakin nodded, though he looked a bit apprehensive about conveying the words of a king. He followed Obi Wan towards the hatch when a voice cried out, "I'm coming too!"

Dressed for hot weather, though a bit ridiculous in just a tank top and shorts, Princess Amidala appeared, "I wanna go too. This is important and I have to make sure everything is done right."

Obi Wan bowed to her, "As you wish, Your Highness," but Anakin grumbled, "Why do we have to take her along? She'll just slow us down."

Amidala stomped her foot, "I'm going with you, or I'll tell my father and he'll make you take me."

Obi Wan patted Anakin's shoulder, "Don't worry, Anakin. Things will be fine. You are more than welcome to come with us, Your Highness."

They trudged out into the city, Obi Wan letting Anakin lead the way while he kept an eye on their royal tag along. Thankfully, no one paid much attention to a skinny human girl, and they reached the shop in no time. Watto was fanning himself when they came in, and he laughed, "Home so soon my boy! He drive you insane already, Mr. Kenobi?"

Obi Wan laughed at the embarrassment on Anakin's face, "No no sir, we're here on business it would seem. We are in need of a T-14 hyperdrive, and your son admitted you were the only one to carry Nubian parts here on Tattooine."

Watto nodded, "I am, I am, but it's expensive. Only got one ya know, and it's a little old. Normally I'd be asking for at the least an arm, buuut I might make you a deal."



"I don't see why you have to get into all that icky oil stuff. Just let one of daddy's mechanics do it. They obviously know more about this than you do," came the ever flowing condescension from Padme as Anakin lay on his back, trying to properly attach the hyperdrive with the help of a cheap astromech they'd bought with the savings Watto had given them. Normally Watto never sold at a loss, but he pulled Anakin aside and said, "Boy, you always want to be on a Jedi's good side, because all the gods in the galaxy help you if you make him mad."

Holding the hydrospanner in place while the droid applied torque on the other end, he said, "You ain't got one of your mechanics on board. Just me, and I know my way around these things. Oops," he said as the droid applied a touch too much torque and the hydrospanner twisted out of his grip.

Padme smirked, "See? Don't know what you're doing. Plus, you're all dirty now! Not like me though, I'm always clean. Clean clean clean," she sang, eyes closed.

Anakin reached out and smeared some dirt and grease across her forehead. Padme blinked in surprise, then flew into a rage, "How DARE you get me dirty! I'm a Princess of Naboo, and I could have your head for this! One word to my daddy and I'll have your head on a stick!"

Anakin laughed and continued working, "No he won't. If he chops my head off, who will fix the ship?"

Padme considered this, and then she grumbled, sitting down on the deck, "I could do it after you fix the ship. What are you working on, anyway?"

Anakin tapped the bolts with his hydrospanner, "This is a hyperdrive core. It makes a field and bends space around us until we fly super fast between the stars." She leaned over, looking intently, and he jested, "Not afraid of getting dirty anymore, Princess?"

Padme glared, "I'm already dirty, thanks to you. Besides, I can't see from over there."

Anakin scooted over and made room, "Here, look at it from here."

Padme leaned over, and Anakin took a moment to look her over. He had to admit she looked nice, and she said, "Quit looking at me and show me what you're working on."

With red cheeks, Anakin began pointing out what went where, explaining a few basics to a princess who never had to do any work herself. She was very interested, and soon they began to talk. Anakin was laughing at one of her jokes when he heard Obi Wan call, "Anakin? You in here?"

Jerking up, Anakin banged his head on the hyperdrive, letting loose a series of curses that had Padme clamping down on her mouth to suppress her giggling. He got up and dusted himself off as he stood with the hyperdrive between him and Obi Wan, "Yeah I'm here. Just working on the hyperdrive."

Obi Wan nodded, "Have you seen the Princess? Her father wants to ask her something."

Standing up, Padme revealed herself, "Here I am Mr. Kenobi. Anakin was showing me how the hyperdrive works."

Obi Wan studied the two, then chuckled and said, "Well Princess, clean that grease off your forehead and go see your father. Anakin, keep working on that core. The sooner we get to Coruscant, the better."

[aussiemuscle308]

Gungan is even harder to read than to listen to

i think obi and anakin need to come across R2-D2 on naboo, so he can join their adventures and help anni repair the hyperdrive (perhaps even include the bit where R2 is outside the ship with the other astromechs).

i like having padme as a young annoying princess, rather than an 'elected queen' (where GL came up with that i'll never know)

You seem to be rushing. perhaps a rewrite you could include descriptions of what the area looks like and what the characters are really thinking. don't assume we've all watched the movie.

[Baffalo]

Gungan is even harder to read than to listen to

i think obi and anakin need to come across R2-D2 on naboo, so he can join their adventures and help anni repair the hyperdrive (perhaps even include the bit where R2 is outside the ship with the other astromechs).

i like having padme as a young annoying princess, rather than an 'elected queen' (where GL came up with that i'll never know)

You seem to be rushing. perhaps a rewrite you could include descriptions of what the area looks like and what the characters are really thinking. don't assume we've all watched the movie.

Thanks. I know it seems rushed, so I'll slow my pacing down. It's just hard to do with so many things coming at me at once this week. Thankfully, I have two days off that I can use, assuming I'm not distracted by my lady friend. I'll slow things down though, and the next chapter will be more detailed.