71 Chapter 68: The Phantom Menace Episode III
(Van: POV)
A neutral expression on my face I watched as everyone else got the news about Wattos' death.
For what passed as police officers here in Mos Espa.
After they told us they left the Skywalker home.
"I can't believe this." Padme spoke.
A true look of shock on her face.
Which doesn't surprise me.
Given that's she's spent her entire life growing up with a loving family, a warm bed to sleep in, and some of the best education possible in the galaxy. Then she became Queen of Naboo, a planet whose culture revolves around non-violence.
Simply put Padme has lived in a bubble and sees numerous things through rose-colored glasses.
'I wonder if I can change that as well?.' I thought.
Since one of the things I never liked about Padme was her naive idealism.
Don't get me wrong ideals are great. Even I have those.
But if you don't have the strength to do what is necessary to make your ideals a reality, then they are nothing but talk with no substance.
I truly wonder how a Padme who did what it took to make her a ideals a reality could do for the galaxy?
Just thinking about it sends a shiver down my spine.
I know I shouldn't be thinking about corrupting Padme Amidala of all people, and yet I want to.
No, I'm am going too.
"You may not be able to believe it Padme but the reality is it did happen." I spoke.
Which caused Padme to look at me.
"Knight Sunrider is correct." Qui-Gon spoke up. "There is nothing we can do but move on."
"But what about Shimi and Ani?" Padme asked. "Now that Watto is dead they have no way to make a living."
"They'll be fine, since we're going to bring them both with us." I explained. "Anakin is strong with the Force. So there is hope he might be accepted into the Jedi Order." I spoke. I then looked at Shimi. "As for you Ms. Skywalker I would be remiss if I simply left you here alone, separating you from your son. That's why I'll take you back with us on my personal ship."
"Really, thanks Van." Anakin happily spoke. Using my first name which I told him. He then ran up to me and gave me a hug, which I reciprocated.
Happy that all went according to plan.
Boy I wish I was wearing glasses right now I could adjust them using my finger.
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[Naboo, Royal Palace]
(3rd Person: POV)
Facing the hologram of Sidious Gunray and his Haako couldn't say a single word, nor dared move a single inch.
Not after explaining to Sidious just what had happened since they began the invasion of Naboo.
"So, not only did you allow the queen to escape your custody, but an unknown fleet of ships managed to attack your blockade and most likely aided in the queens escape from the planet on that Naboo yacht you allowed to slip through your grasp." Sidious spoke.
"Y-yes, that is correct, lord Sidious." Gunray spoke. "But you must understand. You said-"
"-Silence!" Sidious shouted.
Which caused Gunray to clamp his mouth shut.
"Your incompetence has put my plans in jeopardy just as much as this unknown fleet has. As such I am sending you some extra assistance to make sure nothing else goes wrong." Sidious spoke.
Darth Maul hologram then appeared.
"This is my apprentice, Darth Maul. He will depart for Naboo immediately." Sidious explained. "And Gunray, fail me any more and you will regret it." Sidious spoke.
He then cut the holo-call.
Leaving the two Nemodians with his words rolling around in their minds.
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[Hypserspace, En Route To Coruscant]
(Van: POV)
In the conference room aboard the Milano I stared at a life-size hologram of Cohl, being projected on the rooms holotank.
"So, how are things there on Naboo?" I asked.
For that is currently where Cohl is.
He was on one of the ships that slipped through the blockade when our forces attacked it, and is currently leading our forces there on the ground.
Oh and as to how we're communicating right now, even though the Trade Federation is jamming all signals to and from Naboo, if you know a good enough slicer then punching communications through jamming is possible.
And Dominicus has several highly skilled slicers in our ranks, hence how we can get around the Trade Federation jamming.
(A/N: Quick note. The name of Van's mercenary squadron Dominicus comes from the gundam anime Witch From Mercury for those who didn't know)
"Not good." Cohl replied. A tired look in his eyes.
Yet despite it I can also sense passion, melancholy, and nostalgia.
Which makes sense, given Naboo's current situation is the exact same one Cohl faced on his home planet, Mirial, decades ago.
"Is It really that bad?" I asked.
"Yes." Cohl immediately replied. "It is. More and more bodies are dropping every day. Our forces and the Naboo resistance we've made contact with are doing what we can, but it's nowhere near enough." He explained. "Hurry back kid, we really need your help."
"Don't worry, I'll be back there as soon as I can. On another note, are you taking care of that thing I asked you to?" I spoke.
"Yeah. Now that we're finally established on Nabbo it's getting underway." Cohl replied.
"Excellent. Keep me posted." I spoke.
The two of us then ended the holo-call.
Just as we did I heard HK-47 voice over the ship side comms.
"We have exited hyperspace and have arrived at Coruscant." He spoke.
"Finally." I mused.
Now the second act can begin.
Leaving the conference room I went to go and prepare for it.
