A Long Time Ago in a Galactic Senate Far, Far Away...Episode I

[Orandhite]

STAR WARS

EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.

Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo.

While the congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, along with their Padawans, to settle the conflict…

A small space cruiser makes its way toward the beautiful green planet of Naboo, which is surrounded by hundreds of Trade Federation battleships. In the cockpit of the cruiser, the Captain and pilot maneuver closer to the main battleship of the Trade Federation. Behind the Captain and pilot, four hooded figures cloaked in darkness sit surveying the blockade.

"Captain." starts one of the cloaked figures.

The Captain turns to the unseen figures sitting behind her. "Yes, sir?"

"Tell them we wish to board at once."

"Yes, sir." The Captain looks back and turns to her view screen, where Nute Gunray, a Neimoidian Trade Viceroy, waits for a reply. "With all due respect for the Trade Federation, the Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor wish to board immediately."

Smarmily, the viceroy replies, "Yes, yes, of course...ahhh...as you know, our blockade is perfectly legal, and we'd be happy to receive the Ambassadors."

The view screen goes black and out of the cockpit window, the sinister battleship can be seen looming ever closer. As the space cruiser zips toward the massive battleship and makes to dock in the enormous main bay, many unusual space craft that do not match the usual vehicles used by the Trade Federation can be seen littered there.

A protocol droid, TC-14, waits at the door to the docking bay and as the door opens, the Republic cruiser can be seen docked there. Four darkly robed figures step forward and are greeted by the droid.

"I am TC-14, at your service. This way, please."

The group move off down the hallway and the protocol droid leads the quartet to a conference room. The door slides open, and the cloaked figures are led inside by the droid.

"My master will be with you shortly." chimes TC-14 as it bows and backs out of the door.

The door closes and the four hooded figures are left alone.

[Zedekk]

CORELLIA: Northeast of Kor Vella; Remote Outpost, Cantina.

*Zedekk wanders into the almost empty cantina and sees a patron passed out on the table in the corner, and notices a brown haired disheveled man standing at the bar nursing a drink. Zedekk notes the armour worn by the man as some he has never seen and sizes the man up as a bounty hunter or mercenary. Still, Zedekk is never one to shy away from an interesting conversation, and walks up next to the left of the man. Zedekk gestures to the bartender and orders a Corellian brandy. The bartender pours an amber liquid out of a stout jug and smoke drifts up from the glass. Zedekk takes the glass and then turns to the man standing next to him.*

Zedekk: "There's nothing better in the galaxy than a proper brandy. Am I right, friend?"

*Zedekk holds up his glass waiting for the man to acknowledge, and maybe even share in his toast.*

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Watto's Shop

Anakin Skywalker wandered through the junk yard behind Watto's Shop, searching for parts for the droid he was creating, C-3PO. He was still missing some key components along with the outer casings, and this was the only place he could get parts from... as long as he didn't get caught.

"Oh man..." he muttered as a piece of metal that he had shoved aside left a small cut on his index finger. He watched as a droplet of blood seeped out of the cut and fell, landing on what looked like the lower section of a droid leg. The injury forgotten, he tugged on the leg, but to no avail. Perhaps it was attached to something else?

A few days of excavation later Anakin finally uncovered the droid. It wasn't like any kind of droid he had seen before. It looked somewhat similar to a protocal droid, but at the same time, it didn't. It's head looked reptilian, with a slightly elongated head and its optical sensors positioned on the sides of the head, although facing forward. It looked positively diabolical to Anakin, and with what looked like blaster burns on its dark gray chassis, he considered turning around and running home. Taking a closer look, he saw a couple streaks of scorched metal on the chest...

But it was only a droid, and its joints were completely jammed with years of sand corrosion. And Anakin, being the boy he was, felt like he was obligated to fix this strange droid. It would have to be done here at the shop, since the droid was at least two and a half feet taller than him and most definately weighed four or five times as much as he did. No way he could get it home.

Throwing a few pieces of junk on top of the droid to hide it, Anakin walked back into the shop and after getting permission from Watto, he went home.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo, Conference Room

In unison, all 4 Jedi take off their hoods and walk towards the viewport to look down on Naboo.

Qui-Gon is about sixty years old, has long brown hair flecked with white tied in a ponytail. He is tall and striking, good posture, with blue eyes. Obi-Wan is about 20, with short brown hair, one thin braid hanging to the right of his head. He is about 5'10" and has pale skin and blue eyes. JMH stands alongside Obi-Wan, about the same height. His hair is also short and brown, but shaved close. His youthful looks belie his 37 years. The last figure is Cliona Seedorf, a female Twilek, blue skinned, around 5'6" and would be considered attractive amongst most humanoids.

Obi-Wan: I have a bad feeling about this.
Qui-Gon: I don't sense anything.
JMH: Perhaps the living force is sleeping, Master Qui-Gon! :nahnah:
Qui-Gon (sighs): Still not grown out of the constant joviality then JMH?
Obi-Wan (continues before JMH can reply): It's not about the mission, Masters, it's something...elsewhere...elusive.
Qui-Gon: Don't center on your anxiety, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs.
JMH: There is something else, I feel it too. Difficult to judge exactly what though, perhaps the negotiations may give us extra information.
Obi-Wan: Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future...
Qui-Gon: But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the
living Force, my young Padawan.
JMH (turns to Cliona): Pay close attention to Master Qui-Gon, you will be able to learn a lot about the living force from him. Apart from Master Yoda, he is probably the Jedi most in touch with it. *Lowers voice* Some say he might never die!
Cliona (giggles, then straightens herself): Yes Master, I will listen closely to him.
Obi-Wan: Masters...how do you think the trade viceroy will deal with
the chancellor's demands?
Qui-Gon: These Federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be
short.
JMH: That as may be, but the Chancellor must have a particular reason for sending 4 of us here, it seems to be overkill.
Qui-Gon: Perhaps I have alienated myself from the Council so much they are punishing me with having to put up with your company again JMH, twice in a year!
JMH: Still not grown out of the constant joviality Master?

[Solo]

Naboo : Trade Federation Blockade/Cockpit of Millenium Falcon

Solo looks bored and angry. He has been kept waiting for almost a week now. Solo checks ship's systems, may be for the 100th time and then calls the Trade Federation HQ once again.

"This is Ugly Bunny from Corellia. Do you read me? Over."

"Ugly Bunny. This is Blockade HQ. Please stand by."

Solo interrupts angrily.

"Look I've been waiting for your instructions for almost a week now. I do not have anything on board my ship. I just came here to pick some power converters from Naboo. You did not let me land, so I have no cargo and no money. So be good boys and let me leave, will you?"

"Please standby Ugly Bunny. We will contact you."

":censored: droids. They are useless pile of junk."

Solo leaves the cockpit and goes to the ship's cargo hold. The cargo hold looks empty at first glance. However Solo opens a panel on the floor and we see a secret compartment which is large enough to smuggle decent amount of illegal materials. Solo goes down to the secret cargo hold and checks displays on containers.

"You'd better decide quick, otherwise I'll be left with a load of useless cargo and boss will very very angry."

[Cassus Fett]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley

Standing on the outskirts of Mos Eisley, an figure dressed in an armour that has not been seen in the galaxy since the Great Sith War but here stood this figure staring out along the streets to the unaware citzens and travellers to Mos Eisley.

The figure was known as Cassus Fett, a Taung, adpoted into the Fett Clan and given the somewhat human name of Cassus Fett. His species was thought to be extinct and possibly that he may be the only living Taung left in the galaxy.

He stepped forward into the crowd heading towards his target which he had located heading into a cantina not to far from his current possition. He kept a watchful eye on those around him as he pushed his way through.

[Snake_Judge]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo, Bridge

Ra'Ks walks in to the bridge. As he looks around the large control room he relises he is not on a ship anymore but back on his home world on Kalee. Ry'ks starts hearing the calls of angry Huk, As Ry'ks reaches for his Lig sword TC-14 Walks up behind him and speaks.

"Pardon me Master Qymaen but the negotiators are here"

Ry'ks quickly turns to the new voice. To Ry'ks the droid is not there.

"Master Qymaen?"

Ry'ks suddenly was back on the ship. "Why are you telling me" Ry'ks quickly answered, "Tell the frogs"

With that TC-14 scurryed off

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Watto's Shop

"Sithspit!" Anakin cursed as the electrical current coursed through his body for the third time that day. The wrench he had been holding flew out of his hand and impaled an unfortunate pit droid wandering around. He had been working on the "mystery droid" (Anakin had named it that shortly after finding it) for well over a month now, and other than gettiing to joints to somewhat move, had gotten pretty much nowhere with it.

Standing up, he stretched and walked over to the destroyed pit droid and retrieved his wrench. He was going to get in trouble for that...

But at any rate, his mind was busy trying to decipher the mystery droid. It had some kind of safeguard on it to keep people from working on it, whether that be the fact that he had no idea on how to remove the chest plate or the electrical currents that continued to shock him. Rubbing his wrist to try and sooth the tingling from the shock, Anakin crouched back over and continued to work.

[Kommandant Felix]

Korriban: Tomb of Marka Ragnos

Kommandant Felix entered into the tomb of the vaunted Sith Lord Marka Ragnos. Immediately, the hair on the back of his neck stood up on end, sending all of his senses on alert. Something was here, hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike. He tried using the Force to find the lurker, but could sense nothing. He cautiously proceeded further into the tomb, walking lightly and listening intently. He eventually made his way to the center of the tomb untouched, eventually coming up upon the burial chamber of the great Sith. On the other side of the room stood another humanoid. Felix took one hard look at the man and drew his saber.

The room was ornately decorated, with many spires hanging from the ceiling. Statues also bordered the room, almost giving off the impression the there was an active audience. Felix faced a Zabrak opponent, except grossly disfigured. The Zabrak wore a black tunic, but his body was tattooed with Sith symbols, and his face was a bright red. The Zabrak smiled savagely at the thrill of an upcoming battle, and Felix remembered his face, one of whom he had met only once. This was the one known as...Darth Maul.

Felix drew his weapon, the traditional single hilt red lightsaber. His opponent did the same, but much to Felix's surprise, there were two blades instead of one. Taking a step backwards, Kommandant Felix brought up his lightsaber in the traditional Form II that his master had once taught him.

So that's why he sent me here, he thought. Sidious intends to test his two apprentices fighting abilities. He suddenly remembered a comment that his master had made earlier, almost in a trivial manner. There were always two Sith: no more, no less. Only one of the two apprentices was going to leave that room alive.

[Orandhite]

TRADE FEDERATION BATTLESHIP: BRIDGE

Nute Gunray and Daultray Dofine stand, stunned, before TC-14.

"What?! What did you say?" stammers Gunray, obviously very shaken.

"The Ambassadors are Jedi Knights, I believe." replies TC-14.

"I knew it!" interjects Dofine. "They were sent to force a settlement, eh! Blind me, we're done for!"

"Stay calm! I'll wager the Senate isn't aware of the Supreme Chancellor's moves here. Go. Distract them until I can contact Lord Sidious." replies Gunray.

"Are you brain dead? I'm not going in there with two Jedi! Send the droid." instructs Dofine, turning to TC-14, who lets out a squeaky sigh.

[Snake_Judge]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo,Bridge

Ra'ks watched as battle droids left the bridge to the confrence room. He saw as TC-14 walked near by. Quickly he grabed the droid by it's neck and stared in to it's photoreceptors with his gold eyes.

"Did the Toad say there are Jeedi here" Ry'ks said darkly.

"Initiating fear protocal: yes master Qymaen there are jedi on theship" the frightened droid qwivered.

Ry'ks tossed the droid to the ground with a crash. One of the droid's arms fell off from the fall. Ry'ks Reached in to his cloak and pulled out two silver sticks from among the group of ten.

He ignited them and they formed long blades. One a deep Purple and the Outher a Bright Green. Ry'ks inspected them and turned them off. He walked twords a large grate and Ripped it off and jumped in to the air vent system.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Trade Federation Battleship - conference room

TC14 enters the room and offers each Jedi a drink from a silver tray. Only JMH does not take one.

Obi-Wan: Is it in their nature to make us wait this long?
Qui-Gon: No, I sense a lot of fear for something as trivial as this trade dispute.
JMH (stares at Qui-Gon): I have a bad feeling about this.............

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Trade Federation Battleship - Bridge

A hologram of a hooded figure appears in front of Nute Gunray and Daultray Dofine.
Hooded figure: Yes, what is it?
Dofine: This scheme of yours has failed Lord Sidious, the blockade is finished, we dare not go against the Jedi.
Sidious: Viceroy, I don't want this stunted slime in my sight again. *Dofine slopes off*
Sidious: This turn of events is unfortunate, we must accelerate our plans. Begin landing your troops.
Gunray: My Lord, is that legal?
Sidious (with a snarl): I will make it legal!
Gunray: And the Jedi?
Sidious: The Chancellor should have never brought them into this. Kill them - immediately!
Gunray (stumbling with his words): yes, er, yes my Lord, as you wish.

Nute Gunray bows before his Lord and the hologram vanishes.


Trade Federation Battleship - Hangar

The space cruiser on which the Jedi had arrived is blown up.


Trade Federation Battleship - Conference room

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Cliona all leap up and ignite their lightsabers, sensing that something is wrong. JMH however, remains seated, seemingly meditating. A poisonous gas then begins to fill the room, JMH rises slowly and all the Jedi take deep breaths.

[Snake_Judge]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo, Hallway nearby the confrence room

Ry'ks kicks a vent out and jumps out of the vent. Ry'ks looks around as two droidika's roll by. Or he thought they where Droidikas but when he looked again it was two kaleesh warriors running twords a ruin. Ry'ks ignited his two lightsabers and falowed slowly twords the Temple door.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Trade Federation Battleship - hallway

A hologram of Nute Gunray, surrounded by battle droids, appears in the conference room hallway.

Nute: They must be dead by now. Blast, what's left of them.

As the hologram fades off, the conference room door opens and gas billows from the room. The battle droids drop their weapons as a figure stumbles out of the conference room. It is TC-14 , carrying the tray of drinks.

TC14: Oh, excuse me, so sorry.

As TC14 passes through the battle droids, 4 flashing lightsabers
fly out of the deadly fog, cutting down almost all of the battle droids before they can fire.

JMH: There is another presence here other than the droids and the Neimoidians. We must take care!


Trade Federation Battleship - bridge

Gunray (as the transmission from the hallway fades): What is going on down there?
Rune (another Neimoidian): Have you ever encountered a Jedi before Sir?
Gunray: Well, no but I don't..........seal off the bridge!
Rune (desperately): That won't be enough Sir!
Gunray: I want Droidekas up here at once!
Rune: We will not survive this!


Trade Federation Battleship - hallway

The 4 Jedi make their way at speed to the bridge, lightsabers whirling and slashing all the way. All droids are decimated. As they reach the entrance to the bridge Qui-Gon begins to carve open the door using his lightsaber - aided by Cliona. JMH and Obi-Wan stand at the entrance and defend their Jedi colleagues, beating off wave after wave of battle droids.


Trade Federation Battleship - bridge

Nute: Close the blast doors! (All the doors close tightly with a strong metallic clank.) That will hold them!

But the blast doors were not enough to hold the Jedi, the green of Qui-Gon's lightsaber and the blue of Cliona's kept surging through the doors.

Rune (shaking): They're still coming through!
Gunray: This is impossible, where are those droidekas?


Trade Federation Battleship - hallway

Obi-Wan: Master Qui-Gon, destroyers! They seem to have shield generators!
JMH: Calm Obi-Wan, just relax and let the force guide you, we only have to defend against their shots.
Qui-Gon: Even so, we should move on.
JMH: I'll look after these destroyers Qui-Gon, you take Obi-Wan and Cliona and try to find another way onto that bridge!
Cliona: But Master, there are 3 of them! What happens if.........
JMH: It'll take more than 3 rustbuckets to harm me Cliona, the force is my ally! Now, go with Qui-Gon and be mindful, my young Padawan.

The 3 Jedi use the force to accelerate away down the corridor, out of sight. JMH easily defends against the destroyer droids, but of course, cannot cause any harm to them as their shields are too strong. JMH parries each shot easily, but suddenly a feeling creeps over him. Yes, a presence that he felt earlier. Suddenly, a large figure with reddish brown scales drops out of the air vent down the corridor...................

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks looked around the temple and saw four huks standing near him but they had lightsabers. Then Ry'ks relised they wern't Huk but...

"Jeedi" Ry'ks Growled staring in to the eyes of the four jedi. His Golden eyes a blaze with rage.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Ry'ks then sees 3 of the lightsabers shut down and move off at speed into the distance. Just 1 left in front of him. His eyes continue to burn.

JMH (still fending off blaster fire from the 3 droidekas): What in the blazes? It can't be. A Kaleesh? What would he be doing here?

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks closes the gap between him and the jedi slowly. As Ry'ks got closer he spoke.

"Jeedi you will now meet the fate of ten of your comrads, Death at the blade of the Serpent Comander Ry'ks"

Just then a "Huk" ran off in the opposite direction.

"More Huk!' Ry'ks growled and ran off after it.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

JMH has already decided to protect his Jedi friends and so somersaults toward the Kaleesh. "Oh no you don't, if you're going to attack anyone then it'll be me!"

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks stops infront of JMH.

"Jeedi there is bigger problems here than you. The Huk are here" Ry'ks pointed twords a cleaning droid.

With that Ry'ks jumped over JMH and cut the droid in two with one slice. Ry'ks looker around and Jumped in to an Air vent.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

JMH: So uncivilised! I think that Kaleesh is out of his mind! Speaking of which, these droids are really starting to destroy my positive karma now. *Deflects a further flurry of bolts and then disappears down the corridor*

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks Jumps down from the air vent above and slightly behind JMH taking a slash at him on his way down.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

The force is flowing strongly through JMH after the encounter with the destroyer droids and so he senses the Kaleesh attack almost before it happens. JMH turns around and makes an easy block against the scaly predator. He senses that this sentinent is confused which makes him a dangerous oppenent, what will his next move be? JMH has no quarrel with the Kaleesh and so does not wish to harm him, but a Jedi must act when attacked.

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks stared in to JMH's eyes.Just the thought of Ry'ks has struk fear in to the hearts of his enemys. Ry'ks Swung his two lightsabers at JMH one at his neck line the outher at his knee level.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

JMH wondered about just slicing the Kaleesh's head off, knowing that his Jedi reflexes are quicker, but it served no real purpose, the aggressor could be stopped without being killed. So instead he used a defensive move, jumping over the lightsaber heading towards his knee and blocking the other swipe, aimed at his neck. Certainly no novice with lightsabers, but it is a true skill to be able to wield 2 independently. JMH wondered just how good this being was. He decided to test the Kaleesh with a quick jab towards his midrift, probing how quick his reflexes and how strong his defences were.

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks sumersulted back as soon as JMH's arns thrust out kicking his lightsaber out of his hands. Quickly Ry'ks Choped at JMH with two downward slashes twords his head.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

JMH felt stunned that his adversary was so swift and aggressive, in fact, his lightsaber had flown out of his hand after taking a kick. This hadn't happened since, since.......no, no time to reminisce. That Jedi tournament was a long time ago and he had since learnt his lesson.

Of course these thoughts took place in a milli-second and the force was guiding JMH. He noted that the Kaleesh was off balance after his move forward and so a quick force push threw him backwards about 5 metres, his hands only just controlling the lightsabers after his wild swing.

JMH reached out with the force and guided his lightsaber back into his hand. Although generally JMH prefered to defend rather than attack, he now knew this attacker was not to be underestimated.

[Snake_Judge]

Ry'ks was impressed by the Jedi. only three of the Jedi that Ry'ks has killed before where able to recover from the summersault kick.

"you are well Trained Jeedi" Ry'ks said "only a few of your comrads have survived after that. But now yo..." Ry'ks heard a Kaleesh War cry(he is imagining this) from the Direction of the docking bay. Ry'ks head turned twords the docking bay. He stood for a second and jumped in to a near by air vent.

[Jedi Master Harrison]

JMH: We are all well trained! It is part of what makes us Jedi, protectors of the peace and the Republic! The question is, what are you doing here and why attack me?

As JMH is speaking, he feels a prompt from the force and he immediately knows that this combat is over. The Kaleesh will run. It is probably helpful for JMH, as he does feel rather tired after defending against the destroyer droids for so long.

JMH switches off his lightsaber, composes himself and turns away. He walks swiftly towards the hangar. There is definitely more to this whole dispute than we are aware, he thought. He felt the Kaleesh moving off in the other direction and wondered exactly what his role, if any, in the blockade was. At least he wouldn't attack him again, for now, he was a strong adversary. "Fighting is not for intelligent sentinents!"

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Watto's Shop

Warning: External Interferance Detected.

Anakin smiled in triumph as he finally managed to get his screwdriver in the seam on the mystery droid's armor. He started to pry when he felt a faint electrical surge course through the tool. He quickly let go, backing away.

Organic presence detected. Initiate defense protocols.

The droid twitched, then its optical sensors blinked on, in the fashion of a neon lightbulb. The blood red color made Anakin's skin crawl already; suddenly he was scared for his life. The droid's right arm moved up toward the screw driver, its servos screaming their protest against the motion.

No standard weapons available. Improvisation program activated.

The droid grasped the screwdriver and wretched it from its chassis, sitting up as it did so. Anakin started to move backward as the droid centered its menacing gaze upon him.

Young human male detected. Extermination in progress.

The droid fought its way to its feet and started toward Anakin, raising the screwdriver in preparation to turn the boy into the fleshy equivalent of swiss cheese.

"I am SL-8 human." the droid said, its grainy crackling voice sending shivers up and down Anakin's spine. "Prepare to be violently slaughtered."

[Zedekk]

CORELLIA: Northeast of Kor Vella; Remote Outpost, Cantina.

*Seemingly ignored by the silent man next to him at the bar, Zedekk makes a rude remark under his breath ("E' chu'ta") and chugs the brandy down in one gulp. Zedekk signals the barkeep for another brandy by gesturing with his index finger.*

*There comes a crash and a bit of a comotion from the kitchen and a lovely woman of about 25 standard annuals with honey blond locks comes storming out of the doorway while pulling off an apron and throwing the apron in the barkeep's face.* "I don't need the harassment of your creepy cousin, Ned, in there, Grogan!"

GROGAN: "Fine Dortha, you can find your way outta here just as easily as you found your way in."

DORTHA: "You need to pay up first, slimo."

GROGAN: "Pay for what? The damage you caused my establishment, and the humiliation to my cousin?"

ZEDEKK: "Now hold up just a second there, Grogan. I came in here to enjoy a nice quite drink or two when I wandered into this safehaven from the wilderness out there and wasn't expecting any 'dinner theater'. I think it's me you owe something to."

GROGAN: "An' how do you figure that, 'friend'?"

ZEDEKK: "Blast it all, Grogan! That would ruin the surprise now wouldn't it? Yes it would, and you wouldn't want to ruin the surprise now would you? Because if you ruined the surprise, well then, my good friend, Sal would get upset, and you wouldn't want to get Sal upset. Because he'd ask me who ruined the surprise, because he knows I wouldn't even dream of ruining such a wonderful party, and then, Grogan, I'd have to point the finger at you. And I'd hate to do that to you, Grogan, because you know what, call me daft, but I like you and this little oasis you run out here, so before you get into any more trouble than you're about to get into just pay the little lady and let her be on her way. Wha'd'ya say?"

[Kommandant Felix]

Korriban: Tomb of Marka Ragnos

Kommandant Felix brought up his saber, barely deflecting his opponent's lightsaber. Darth Maul smiled, his face contorted in an expression of pure glee.

This guy isn't a Sith, he's an animal! thought Felix. Swinging his lightsaber around, Felix parried another set of blows rained at him. They had been battling for some time, and so far, Felix had been on the defensive. His Form II lightsaber skills, those of Makashi, were absolutely useless against Darth Maul, who appeared to be using an unknown form. His lightsaber combat skills were highly aggressive, and he battled with absolutely no fear. This was to be expected, as Darth Sidious had trained him. However, this allowed him to have the advantage of Makashi, simply because Maul's form was much more aggressive than Felix's, resulting on the bruises on Felix's face. Every time Felix tried to turn of the offensive, Maul would turn aside his blows with his own, often times hitting or kicking Felix in the face. The man was highly acrobatic, and was flipping and spinning around the room with ease, something that Felix had never seen before.

Felix had been forced to revert to a Form III of Lightsaber Combat, Soresu, however he had only been trained in the primary elements of that particular form. In general, he had learned how to be " in the eye of the storm". This allowed him to just barely fend off Maul's attacks. Most of his current actions were those of desperation, anyways, which he found strangely instructive.

Ducking under a deadly cut aimed at decapitating him, Kommandant Felix suddenly saw the bottom end of a boot ad he was kicked in the face. Flying backwards, he had just enough time to prepare himself before hitting a wall. It appeared as if he was cornered. Very quickly, he forced himself to analyze the situation. Remembering his master's training, he eliminated himself of his hate and anger, as they sometimes clouded rational thinking. There were definitely times for anager, but a Sith had to know when other alternatives were necessary.

He was dispassionate, quickly looking around and taking in the advantages of the terrain, as well as his opponent's combat style. He came to the realization that he could never beat Maul in one-on-one lightsaber combat. He would have to think of something else in order to beat him. The solution came to him like a flash of lightning. He knew what entailed the maneuver, what sacrifices must be made, but the alternative was death.

Kommandant Felix flipped up off the wall, landing behind Maul. Maul seemed to have seen it coming, because he attacked Felix before his feet touched the ground. Barely fending off the Sith's attacks, he swung with his saber with all of his might, locking into Maul's own. A power struggle erupted, pitting Maul's Ferocity with Felix's determination. They both glared at each other for a mere moment, each other's hate burning in their eyes. The time was now.

Maul simply overpowered Felix, who was younger and less athletic. His lightsaber flying out of his hand, Felix attempted to jump back, however, he was too late. Maul followed his original swing with two more, one severing Felix's left hand, and the other slicing into his left leg. Felix fell to the ground with a cry of pain, and Maul casually strolled up to him. He smiled, his animalistic properties showing again, and paused a mere moment before going to finish off Felix, as if savoring the moment. He raised his saber, intent on killing the Sith Apprentice.

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Watto's Shop

"You're kidding.... right?" Anakin asked timidly, backing up until his back hit the wall.

"You're kidding.... right?" SL-8 replied, his voice almost perfectly imitating Anakin's. The only difference was a light hiss of static, although barely audable.

Slight damage to vocal speaker. Initiate repair cycle when possible.

"Of course I'm kidding human." SL added on, his voice back to normal.

"Really?"

"No." SL bluntly stated, continuing the march toward the young boy. It raised the screwdriver higher and brought it down...

Or tried to bring it down. It froze in mid-stab, about six inches above Anakin's head. SL ran a quick diagnostic and found that his arm servos had jammed from years of sand being ground into his chassis. SL cursed in a language Anakin had never heard before before calmly reaching over with its left hand and retrieving the screwdriver.

"Now stand still while I plunge this hand tool into your cranium." SL requested, preparing to attack again. Anakin had an intense surge of fear and suddenly SL was blown backwards into the opposite side of the shop by an unseen force.

"What the--" Anakin said to himself, stopping as he watched SL clamour back onto its feet, and judging by its statue, now pretty ticked off. It brought the screwdriver up and was about to whip it at Anakin when its left arm sparked and started to smoke.

"Damn." SL muttered to itself.

[Solo]

Naboo : Trade Federation Blockade/Cockpit of Millenium Falcon

Solo inside the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon checks his screen for anything new. He sees a lot of new ships held by the blockade and transmissions are full of angry voices of pilots from all around the galaxy. Solo looks at one of the huge trade federation ships.

"I wonder, what they want from such a small planet. This planet has nothing besides good scenes and lovely la..."

Suddenly a flash of light is seen on Trade Federation Battleship's hangar bay. For an untrained eye this would mean nothing, but battle hardened Solo immediately understands that there have been some kind of an explosion.

"What the...? Wasn't that the ship where that Republic Cruiser entered this morning. We might have found escape ticket from this mess."

Solo starts closing to the Trade Federation Battleship and contacts the ship.

"Emergency, emergency. This is Ugly Bunny. I request permission for immediate docking. We have a reactor leak onboard."

Solo thinks to himself. "My God, a reactor leak? I should have came up with a better excuse. Damn."

"Ugly Bunny, your request for docking denied. Please resume your previously assigned orbit. I repeat request for docking denied."

"Listen to me you chip brained monkey, with or without your permission I'm coming."

Solo steers the Millenium Falcon towards the docking bay where the explosion just happened. He can see parts drifting out of the docking bay.

"That's good, so their shields are down.

Solo enters the docking bay with almost twice the docking speed and lands in the far corner of the hangar, close to the smoldering wreck of the Republic Cruiser. He hits some cargo containers on purpose and creates a mess around his ship.

"Well, that sure looked like an emergency landing."

"Ugly Bunny, you landed on a Trade Federation Ship without permission. You will regret this. Prepare for boarding."

"Negative. We have a massive reactor leak. I will shut down ship's systems and try to fix it. I will contact you when I'm done."

Solo shuts down the ships systems without waiting for an answer. Solo looks at the smoldering remains of the Republic Cruiser.

"Boy, I missed this kind of excitement. I either commited suicide or signed the best deal of my life.

[Kommandant Felix]

Korriban: Tomb of Marka Ragnos

Kommandant Felix stared up into the face of his Zabrak opponent, searching for an answer. He found none. The face of Darth Maul only exhibited a sense of glee, intent on finishing off his opponent. Felix lay on the ground, missing a hand and having a wounded leg. The fight was over, and Felix couldn't do any dueling when he could barely stand. Maul had bested him in single combat, something that no ordinary Force user could do. And yet...the weakness he sensed earlier prevailed in the man. Instead of immediately finishing him off, Maul kicked Felix right in the ribs. Felix yelped in pain, then turning it into a smile.

And now, Felix thought. It's time to end this battle. Felix summoned up his hate and anger, all the feelings of resentment that haunted him over the years. Through the Force, he felt great power surging through him, much more so than ever before. He was channeling his current pain and anguish through the Dark Side, and focusing it. Using this newfound power, Felix manipulated the Force to center around his hand...his right hand. Swinging upwards with his fist, he hit maul straight in the chest, propelling him upward. In fact, he flew so far up that he was impaled by a spire hanging from the tomb. Maul locked eyes with Felix, and for the first time, Pain shone on his face. His eyes widened, as if it was inconceivable that he was defeated..and then he fell to the ground and lay there, motionless. Felix got up, and hobbled over to the dead body. The words of his master echoed in his head.

You will go to the deserted Sith planet of Korriban, the voice said. There you will meet your final challenge. Bring me back a trophy and I will know that you are my true Sith Apprentice.

Remembering this, Felix picked up the man's lightsaber that lay deactivated by Maul's feet. He hobbled out of the tomb, eventually reaching his ship. After exiting the atmosphere of the planet, he contacted Darth Sidious via a secure channel.

Felix: It is done. Maul has been defeated (Holds up Maul's lightsaber)
Sidious: Good. You have done well. I knew that Maul was too weak to truly be a Sith.
Felix: What shall we do now, my master?
Sidious: Report back to Coruscant. I will need to train you with your new lightsaber.
Felix: Very Well. I shall arrive shortly.

Felix inputted the hyperspace coordinates, and his ship disappeared with a blinding flash of light.
************************************************** *****

Some time later, a figure stirred on Korriban. Emerging from the shadows and wearing a black cloak, the figure took out a transmitter and punched in a few buttons. A hologram of a man appeared on it, a man who was also wearing a cloak with the hood up.

"It is done, my lord. He has seen what you had intended, and suspects nothing."

Sidious: Good. You have also done well, worthy of a true Sith Lord. I will have a new assignment for you shortly. After returning to Coruscant, I will send you to Naboo, Lord Maul.

[Orandhite]

UNIDENTIFIABLE

Blackness, absolute, palpable, overwhelming.

Slow, deep breaths are heard in the darkness.

Small, twin, horizontal slits of arced light appear, opening out of nothingness. One orange, one white.

"It is time." rumbles a deep voice.

The slits close to nothingness again and silence reigns in the darkness.

[Zedekk]

CORELLIA: Northeast of Kor Vella; Remote Outpost, Cantina.

... just pay the little lady and let her be on her way. Wha'd'ya say?"

*Grogan a bit confused by the fast talk of Zedekk considers it far easier to pay Dortha and get rid of her (and maybe even him) than to argue about it.*

GROGAN: "Here, you little shutta" *He throws her a credit chip* "Now get outta here!"

DORTHA: "With pleasure, you hutt belly slime." *she turns to Zedekk* "Thanks."

ZEDEKK: "No trouble, sweetheart, I was just on my way out anyway." *Zedekk pays for his drinks and walks out the door before Dortha can catch up to him*

*Dortha runs out of the cantina after Zedekk, and sees him heading over a hill towards the "landing platform". The landing platform is just a wide expanse of dirt that allows ships an unincumbered area to land and take off un-noticed.*

DORTHA: "Hey, wait up!"

*Zedekk slows down and looks back over his shoulder*
ZEDEKK: "What?! You need help finding your way home now?"
*Dortha catches up to Zedekk breathing heavily*

DORTHA: "No, silly. I just wanted to thank you for helping me back there. Most people wouldn't have. Not out here, at least." *She smiles and lights up the area with it somehow* "What's your name?"

ZEDEKK: "Zedekk, It's nice to meet you, Dortha. And you already thanked me."

DORTHA: "Yeah I guess, but, uh is there anything I could do to show my appreaciation?"

ZEDEKK: "Well, now that you mention it, there is. You can... keep smiling that fantastic smile of yours."

DORTHA: "A galant gentleman, you're a dying breed in the galaxy. Are you headed anywhere? and can you use some company?"

[Snake_Judge]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo,Bridge

Ra'ks steped out of the Ventalation shaft and looked around the room he was now in. He was back where he had started. He noteced the Viceroy was making his way twords him.

"Ra'ks, we need you to do your job now." Nut Gunray said, "go down to Naboo and Capture the Captial"

"How will I get down there Toad?" Ra'ks Growled, "Space is a Vacuum. I'l Die jumping out of the ship"

"Don't be stupid." The Viceroy answered "We have a ship for you. IT is called the Soulless One. A fighter just for you. We also have a squadren of gaurds for you. They will man your ship"

"Very well Toad I'l make my way down there." Ra'ks then walked in to the Elevator at the back of the room that lead down to the Private docking bay.

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Skywalker Residence

Anakin ran inside the house, slamming the button for the door to close. His mother poked her head into the room to see what was going on, a concerned look on her face.

"Ani, what's wrong?" she asked, maternal concern heavy in her voice.

"Uh, well..." Anakin trailed off, sneaking a look out of the window that faced the street. "You know that droid that I've been working on?"

"The one in your room?"

"No, the one at Watto's." Anakin quickly corrected, looking left and right.

"What about it?"

"Well, I got it working..."

"That's good." Shmi said, going back to what she was doing before.

"...and it tried to kill me."

"What?!" Shmi demanded, running back into the room. "Are you okay?"

"I managed to give it the slip, but I think it might be coming after me." Anakin kept looking for a few moments before walking away from the window. "I think we're safe. It probably would have found me by now. I'm going to work on 3PO now." he continued, going past his confused mother. She stood there for a minute, then returned to her work.

Mos Eisley Streets

SL moved along as indiscreetly as he could, looking for a suitable place to let his repair cycles to do their work and get some suitable weapons. The screwdriver was still in his left hand, but the droid wanted something a bit more... destructive. A rocket launcher would be preferable, but a blaster rifle would serve just as well. Grenades would be convieniant too....

His left arm was already starting to mend; it had stopped smoking at least. He had managed to get his right arm down into a normal looking position, but it was still jammed. But an oil bath would fix that, along with his other partially frozen joints.

SL kept walking, running simulations just for his own amusement of how many ways he could kill every living organism in the general vicinity if he were armed and fully functional. He was currently up to the twenty seventh simulation. It entailed three blaster pistols, four thermal detonators and the screwdriver he held in his hand. Turning the corner, SL saw a sign that read 'Janice's Droid Repair'. Terminating the twenty eighth simulation, SL started toward the shop, hoping this would escalate to violence.

Janice was a relatively young human girl (you can decide what age depending on your definition of relatively young) who had just recently opened up her very own shop. She was proud of it, and got a steady flow of customers, mainly moisture farmers who's droids had been hacked up by sand people.

But now, it was pretty slow. She was half asleep, her feet up on the counter when she heard heavy footsteps enter the room. Looking over at the door, she was surprised to find a large droid with no master standing there.

"Female human Janice. You have oil bathes available correct?" SL asked, trying to sound nice. It failed.

"Of course... where is your owner? And how do you know my name?"

"I read your sign idiot. My owner is currently indisposed of at the time and I require maintenence. You will oblige or I will relieve you of your digestion tract starting with the small intestine." SL threatened, giving up on the nice tactic when he noticed it had no effect.

"Huh?" Janice asked, dumbfounded by this dire threat.

"You have three seconds to comply. Three..."

Janice stood up, confused.

"Two..."

She started backwards, discreetly reaching for the ion pistol that sat on the table behind her. Once her hand touched the grip she grabbed it and whipped in the direction of SL.

Threat recognized. Combat protocal activated.

In less than the time it took Janice to blink, SL threw the screwdriver at her, the business end stabbing into her shoulder up to the handle. Janice dropped the blaster in shock, staring at SL in horror and disbelief.

"One." SL finished, walking up to her. The last thing she saw was SL's blood red photoreceptors flickering menacingly.

[Snake_Judge]

Federation Battleship orbiting Naboo,Bridge

Nute Gunray watched as The Soulless one took off and flew down twords Naboo. A protocol Drod soon walked up to the viceroy.

"sir the Kaleesh distroyed the ventalation system" the droid said
"WHAT!?!" Gunray said Suprised
"It apears the Kaleesh used the vent system to get around. the ship"

[Zedekk]

CORELLIA: Remote Outpost, Northeast of Kor Vella; Outside Cantina.

*Zedekk stopped in his tracks and considers her offer for a moment. She is quite attractive, and it had been a while since he actually took on any crew mates. Zedekk looks the leggy blonde up and down with one eyebrow cocked while crossing his arms over his chest. Dortha stops smilling and feels as if she is being judged.*

ZEDEKK: "Well you better be good for more than just polite conversation and a smile to die for, sweetheart. You have any experience on freighters or somethin' like that?" *Zedekk dralls in his Corellian accent*

*Dortha blinks*

ZEDEKK: "I can't have dead weight on my ship without some type of compensation, no matter how cute the dead weight might consider themselves to be, if you get my meaning?

DORTHA: Uh, I can repair most problems on astromech droids, and I can work in the, uh, gally of course. *she stammers and smiles sheepishly hoping that will be enough to get her passage on Zedekk's ship*

ZEDEKK: "Astromech repair and cooking, huh" *Zedekk considers this with a slight frown as he scratches his chin* "Well I guess I could do worse. You're lucky I have two astromech droids on board that need a bit of work."

DORTHA: "You mean I can come?" *she starts to smile brightly again*

ZEDEKK: "Yeah, lets get off this rock I have some deliveries to make"

*Dortha grabs Zedekk and hugs him tightly and then releases him suddenly, not knowing if she has crossed an uncomfortable barrier with him. "~ow. My ribs." Zedekk manages and gives Dortha an appeasing grin, and starts walking to his ship again with the young woman trailing behind him.*

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Janice's Droid Repair

SL went into standby mode as he was submerged in the bubbling oil. His repair cycle kicked in, undoing any minor damage that had occured to his chassis. The oil would loosen up his joints, putting him one step closer to becoming fully functional. SL had found no heavy weapons in the building; his search had only gotten him one small blaster pistol, which sat on a table a few feet from SL. It only had three quarters of its powerpack left, but it would do until he could find... more effective armaments.

Although in standby mode, SL's processors were going a mile a minute. He had to find better weapons and get off planet. Maybe kill some useless organic organisms while he was at it.

Wait... not probably. Most definately.

[Zedekk]

CORELLIA: Remote Outpost, Northeast of Kor Vella; the landing platform.

* Zedekk and Dortha reached the top of the hill and looked down at the landing area. There were 3 ships out in the open and another shabby clunker in the makeshift hanger that was really just metal sheets welded together on three sides with a "roof" on top. Zedekk figured that the 2 ships out in the open belonged to the two patrons back in the bar and the thing in the "hanger was probably the bar keeps, or possibly even Ned's.*

DORTHA: "So which one's yours, Zedekk?" *she asked excitedlly*
ZEDEKK: "She's over there." Zedekk points to a YT-600 parked to the far right of all the other craft, and starts down the hill toward it.*
DORTHA: "It looks cozy."
ZEDEKK: "It's not 'cozy'."

*"cozy"? Zedekk thought, granted the Corellian Monarch was small but Zedekk would have never describe his craft as cozy. Dortha starts down after Zedekk after admiring the Monarch for a few seconds and reaches Zedekk and the YT-600 just as Zedekk has finished lowering the boarding ramp.*

ZEDEKK: "Welcome aboard the Corellian Monarch, Dortha. She's a fast little ship that can take a beating, as well as give one, when it's called for." *Zedekk says with a wink as he makes a swooping motion with his arm swinging toward the boarding ramp ushering Dortha on board.*
DORTHA: "Why thank you Captain. So where are we headed?"
ZEDEKK: " We got to go to Tattooine and then make the delivery to Bith, but I want to make a quick stop over to Naboo first. A friend of mine said there's some trouble with a blockade of somesort going on over there. But I doubt that, I bet he's just pulling my leg like usual."
DORTHA: Ooh Tattooine maybe I can visit my sister Janice while we're there, she has a droid shop in one of the settlements!"
ZEDEKK: "We'll see if there's time but my my priority is the shipment I'm contracted to make." *Zedekk heads for the cockpit and makes ready to lift off, and Dortha walks up behind him and finds no co-pilot seat to sit in, so she squeezes to the left side of Zedekk, realizes theres no room to squeeze, so she backs up a bit and hauches over peering over the seat at what Zedekk is doing.

DORTHA: "See, it's cozy.":superhappy:
ZEDEKK: "It's not cozy...":hmmm:

[Orandhite]

DAGOBAH: SWAMP

Mist shrouds the entire area around a gnarled, old tree. Strange hooting and chattering can be heard all around and above, but the source of the noises cannot be seen. The swamp all around is still.

From between the twisted roots at the tree's base, a figure agilely emerges, effortless in his movements. The figure is tall, lean, and muscular. He looks around surveying the scene before him. A sad smile emerges on his face, breaking the clean shaven lines of his head and visage. His eyes, one orange, one white, sweep across the landscape.

As he begins to make his way across the bog, a dark shadow slithers on a tangent following his trail. His light tread leaves little imprint in the soft, moist ground and steps that disturb the small pools of water create only small, silent ripples. As he seemingly glides through the undergrowth, the shadow emerges from the darkness and a huge reptile can be seen gaining on the figure. The creature makes even less sound than the humanoid it is stalking, and easily manages to advance into a position that enables it to attack.

Coiling itself into an attack formation, the reptilian strikes forward, aiming to latch on to the nape of the man's neck. With no warning, the man stops still and waits, the creature lancing forward suddenly grinds to a halt, its near to dislocated mouth snapping shut. It sways in the air, its tongue flicking in and out, left and right. The man turns and looks at the monster before him whilst it slows its sway and as a small smile pinches at the left side of the man's mouth, the creature leans forward, flicking its tongue over his skin. The man reaches up and strokes the reptile's head resulting in the creature emitting a quiet, contented sounding hiss. It winds down to the floor and slithers off, away from the man.

The smile now broad on the man's face, he turns and makes his way toward a small starfighter that is half hidden in shadow beneath a gigantic rock covered in ivy and moss. As the man approaches, the starfighter hums to life, booting up its internals and running initial startup diagnostics. The man looks up as a flock of leathery winged avians take to the fog-filled sky. As they disappear into the wetness, he takes a sweeping glance at his surroundings, checking for an appropriate exit vector.

As he turns back to the ship and steps closer, electrical lightning stutters into being and appears to connect him to the ship, the rock and to a nearby tree, crackling loudly. He stops and frowns slightly and the lightning snaps and pops out of existence. Still wearing a slight frown, he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and relaxes. His face returns to its impassive state and he opens his eyes whilst stepping forward.

Meanwhile, the ship finishes its startup tasks and the cockpit opens fluidly and quietly. Small landing lights fire up, bathing the ground around them in a warm white light. The man starts pulling at vines that are partially covering the ship and goes around carefully removing all remnants of detritus.

When he has finished he runs his hand along the smooth nose of the ship and gives it a gentle, loving pat. He turns to take a last look at the place that he has called home for the last year and smiles once more.

"Are you ready?" he asks, seemingly to himself, still looking at the vast expanse of jungle in front of him.

"Yes." replies the ship.

"Good. Have you got enough energy?"

"Always." One of the landing lights dims to darkness and illuminates again, reminiscent of a wink.

The man chuckles and smiles whole heartedly at the ship, placing his left hand on the cockpit lip, jumping and swinging naturally into the pilot's seat. The ship's humming increases in intensity and it rises gracefully from its position whilst the cockpit closes. A creeper caught on the front landing foot taughtens as the fighter starts to glide from underneath the monstrous stone. The landing foot retracts, quickly extends and then retracts again, shaking the creeper free, and returns to its fully extended position. The fighter slides out and retracts all of its feet in unison, gaining speed in an arc that takes it rising from the dankness of Dagobah, through the covering of moist cloud, the inner atmosphere, and finally out into space, rocketing away toward its destination.

[MXCABRINI]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Podracer Repair Hangar

It's a dark night in Mos Eisley and two pit droids are working on a podracer under the bright light of a lamp nearby. Suddenly, two pairs of yellow bright eyes can be seen behind a building nearby, looking directly to the working pit droids. As they starts to slowly move forward, the light reveals two jawas sneaking into the hangar and hiding behind some boxes.

They begin to whisper something in jawaese until one of them, that seems to be a women for the tone of her voice, starts to talk in Basic.

Luna: Let's practice your Basic Max, what is the plan?
Mxcabrini: It is simplee, I deactivatoe the rede one an you take tha yelloe one.

The female Jawa shook her head

Luna: You still need more practice with that basic Max, but I get you, let's do it.
Mxcabrini: Okay Luna, Ashuna!

Both Jawas start to sneak behind the pit droids, as Luna grabs a small rock from the floor and throws it to one of the droids hitting it right on the nose. The pit droid turns to stand by mode and falls to the floor.

The other pit droid notices this and tries to run away, but Mxcabrini is already standing behind him.

Mxcabrini: Utinni!!!

The pit droid starts to shake his head around as Mxcabrini takes his ion blaster out and shots it to deactivate it.

Luna: Hkeek nkulla! Why do you have to shot it! They can hear the blast and catch us out here.
Mxcabrini: I'm sorry, I just love the feelinge of using a blaster.
Luna: I'll forgive you just because you used some proper basic there.
Mxcabrini: Taa baa... I mean, thank you. Okay, grab you pitie droide and let's go, let's see how muche we can gete for this things with Janice, she's alwayse been nicee and maybe we'll get a decent meal tonight.

The jawas grab the pit droids as they leave the hangar and start to disappear in the dark night.

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, Janice's Droid Repair

SL re-emerged from the oil bath, letting off a sound remnicient of a sigh of relief. His joints were completely freed from the sand, alloting him a much larger range of motion, along with nigh silent movement. Oh, the joys of being an assassin droid...

Picking up the blaster in his right hand, SL marched out into the front room, gingerly stepping around the dried blood, which had been soaked up by the dirt floor. Looking down at the mangled body with mild interest, SL noticed the corner of a wallet sticking out of her back pocket. Bending over, SL took the wallet and opened it, flipping though it, imprinting everything of interest into memory.

"These organic sentiants and their attachments..." SL muttered as he found some small pictures. One was a picture of a blond from the shoulders up. In the corner it said 'Love, Dortha'. Looking back over at Janice, who's face was still intact, SL quickly deduced that they could be related, due to their similar faces and hair color. But that was just one theory. Filing that to memory, SL returned the wallet and grabbed Janice by the ankle, pulling her into the back room.

"Here you go disembowled human Janice. Perhaps an oil bath will do you good." SL cheerfully said as he dropped her unceremoniously into one of the pits. Flicking the controls on to fill it, SL waited until it was filled, with Janice on the bottom, and blasted the controls, rendering them useless.

"Now..." SL said, looking at the blaster. "I must terminate some lifeforms."

[Darill Cyllem]

Hhmmph. And Blizzee said she liked her library tour when she was a Padawan. Though she was a Jedi Knight, patience was not always one of Darill Skies’s strong points. She was waiting, and waiting, for the catalog droid to return with her data file requests. She and her twin sister, Blizzard, usually worked as a team. They were currently on separate assignments, however, and Darill had been tasked with helping Master Ilena “Iron Hand” Xan teach hand-to-hand combat at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The data files for which she was still waiting were resources to help her plan lessons.

Darill wasn’t too sure exactly where her sister was at the moment, but was secure in her knowledge that Blizzee was safe. Parsecs and light-years were nothing to their Force bond. Darill reached out to her twin in the Force, and felt Blizzee reassuringly return the touch a few moments later. All was well.

Except that Blizzee was off on a diplomatic assignment half-way across the galaxy and Darill was stuck at the Temple.
Waiting for the festering catalog droid.
At the library.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes a moment to re-center herself. She opened her eyes and ran a hand over her close-cropped, blond hair. She’d elected to clip her hair like the male human Padawans did ages ago, and had rid herself of the annoying, long plait as soon as she’d been Knighted last year. She’d kept her hair short; her limited patience didn’t extent to tasks like combing long tresses. Blizzee, who had been Knighted at the same time as Darill, had gorgeous, waist-length chestnut hair. Maybe I’ll grow out my hair if I ever make Master, Darill grinned to herself.

At last, the catalog droid was trundling back towards her. It noiselessly offered her a stack of data cards, which Darill accepted, before tootling back to its other duties. “Thanks,” Darill said automatically to the droid’s retreating back. One of the nearby library intern Padawans, a Twi’lek around Darill’s age, shot her a severe look. Darill resisted the urge to pull a face at the Twi’lek, settling for a sarcastic smile and little half bow.

Then her insides churned and went cold. Her knees shook. The stack of data disks clattered noisily to the floor. Blizzee!

[Zedekk]

Hyperspace: Aboard the Corellian Monarch

*After insisting that Dortha take a seat in the main cabin and strap in, and after lifting off and entering hyperspace for Naboo, Zedekk gave Dortha the grand tour of the ship. She seemed genuinely interested in what was where, unless she was feigning interest. The tour ended in the port side cargo hold which currently acted as a droid depository.*

ZEDEKK: "And here are those two droids I told you about... Fellas?"
DORTHA: "Oooh!" Dortha breaths excitedly.
ZEDEKK: "Hey Guys!" *Zedekk says a little louder to be heard over the hum of the engines, and one of the astormechs twittles and turns his photoreceptor in the direction of Zedekk's voice.
ZEDEKK: Come here, I want you to meet someone who has a better idea about maybe fixing you guys than I do."

*The astromech that turned it's head extends its middle leg and rolls over to where Zedekk and Dortha are standing and beeps it's designation number as it comes to a stop bumping into Zedekk's leg, causing Zedekk to almost lose his balance.

ZEDEKK: "Whoa! uh, yeah well, this here is R3-G6, he's got some photoreceptor problem or some sensor thing wrong with his distance gauge, thingy. Makes him bump into stuff a lot. makes him look like he's drunk sometimes." *R3-G6 warbbles a protest.*
ZEDEKK: "Well if you're self-diognostics are so great, why'd you almost knock me down just now?"

*Dortha kneels down toward G6 and puts both hands on top of the droids transparant dome and smiles saying "We'll figure out what's bothering you 'Gee'." *As she pats the droid reassuringly. Geesix gives an enthusiastic whistle*

ZEDEKK: "Sure now you don't mind addmitting a problem when there's a pretty face behind it saying you need help." *Zedekk says sarcasticly and playfully nudges the droid with an elbow.* "And the guy over there is barley functional." *Zedekks says with a concerned tone creeping into his voice as he walks over to inspect the R5 droid in the corner.*

DORTHA: "Is it the motivator? Those things are notorious for breaking down in R5s..."

ZEDEKK: "Well it's that, AND he took a nasty hit during a,... uh, disagreement during another flight I was running but he managed to save the ship before,... 'this'!" *Zedekk says gesturing helplessly at the lifeless droid.*
"I owe him my life actually, and I owe it to him to get him in working condition again. I just can't bring myself to throw the little guy away. I've had him, well, since forever."

DORTHA: "Don't worry I understand how much a droid can mean to someone, Some of the best friends I've had were Astromechs. They always listen to you. I'll get to work on him right now."

ZEDEKK: "Right now!?"

DORTHA: "Sure what's the problem? You want him fixed right?"

ZEDEKK: "Sure, but I didn't expect you to be able to work on him right away."

DORTHA: "I'll start with the self-diagnosis and go from there. What's his name, by the way?"

ZEDEKK: "Sal."

DORTHA: "Ah! So this is the infamous 'Sal'. Well Sal," *Dortha pantomimes shaking Sal's hand* "I'm pleased to meet you," *Dortha leans in closer to the droid and lowers her voice* "And you might not know it, but you saved another human's life today." *She give the droid a :wink:*

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley Streets

It was night now, but that made little to no difference to SL. In fact, it was probably better, because there were less witnesses. He had already killed a few organisms that got in his way or gave him attitude, but nothing particularily noteworthy. SL still had that kid back in that other shop stored to memory. Someday he would enact his revenge on that human... someday.

Lifeform detected. Stealth protocols engaged.

Now aware of the human hiding in a box in the next alley on his left, SL terminated everything except key programs, keeping his noise levels down as low as possible. It perturbed him that his processors made any noise at all... have to get that fixed eventually.

But at any rate, SL crept up to the corner, then slid around, making a disturbingly lack of noise. At best the droid was a perfectionist, thinking that .000001 decibel of noise was like a star ship lifting off.

"Hello homeless human. How can I terminate you on this fine night?" SL cheerfully asked, kicking the human in the side. He scrambled backward away from the droid, unable to see anything but a faint outline of its chassis and its photoreceptors glowing thier blood red color.

"No preferance?" SL asked after the man didn't reply. He was about to scream when SL raised the blaster and shot him in the chest twice, and once in the neck. SL had purposely made it sloppy to make it look like an organic had done it; they were notorious for being terrible shots.

Marching away from the scene, SL checked the powerpack of the blaster.

Empty.

Cursing lightly to himself, he walked along, hoping for another organic to show up to take his frustration out on. It must have been the droid's lucky night, because some hundred yards away were two men, one human and the other a Twi'lek.

"Hey, lookie there George!" the Twi'lek exclaimed quietly, poking the other man in the shoulder and pointing at SL's form.

"Yeah, whattaya want Tango?" George grumbled.

"There's a droid out there. See it?" George nodded, ushering Tanga to continue. "Think we could scrap it and sell it to the jawas?"

"Maybe. You got the ion rifle ready?" George asked, now interested in the droid.

"Always." Tango replied, pulling his robes aside to reveal the cheap rifle hanging on his shoulder. The two started to plan out how they were going to capture the droid, so interested that they failed to notice that the droid had walked up to them, and stood there for a moment before speaking.

"Good evening humanoid slime. Would you happen to have a blaster rifle handy?" SL asked the dumbfounded men, shocked at the fact that the droid was right next to them. Tango started to draw the rifle, a terminal mistake.

Threat recognized. Combat protocol activated.

SL smashed the butt on his pistol into the Twi'leks head so hard the butt actually pierced the skull and made cottage cheese out of the brain. The Twi'lek formally known as Tango fell to the ground like a severed puppet, the blaster still stuck in his head.

SL turned to George, and without a moment to spare, smashed the human's head into the wall with his left hand, smashing it like a overripe melon. Blood and gray matter splattered all over the wall, the corpse and SL. SL took his hand away and let the body fall before bending over to pick the bodies of weapons.

He took the ion rifle and to his delight, found a blaster rifle with a full powerpack and two frag grenades. Opening up a storage compartment in his arm, SL carefully placed the grenades and shut the compartment. Slinging the ion rifle over his shoulder, and holding the blaster rifle like a long lost love, SL silently walked out of the alley, extremely happy with himself.

[flo fett]

Nar Shaddaa: The Meltdown Cafe, Corellian Sector

“You’re fooling yourself if you think you’re going to get any business in here.’
“Oh really? If it wasn’t for you and your bright ideas I wouldn’t have ended up in this slimepool”
“So it’s my fault now is it?”
“Yes.”
“Typical human, always blaming others.”
“Why don’t you just power down, you electronic migraine. I’m sick of listening to you”
“Maybe I will.”
“Good.”
“Fine, I will then”
“Good”
“Fine.”

The Mandalorian helmet tilted slightly as if the owner was listening carefully. When no further conversation was forthcoming, it nodded, seemingly satisfied.
The barman of the Meltdown Café, who had only heard one side of the conversation going on within the helmet, stopped cleaning the glass he was holding and gave the stranger an odd look.
“You want a picture buddy?” came the heavily synthesized voice from the helmet which was now staring directly at him. The barman swept a glance over the strangers armour and weapons; he had only ever seen one other person in similar dress and you messed with him at your own peril.
“Uh…nossir”
“Then make yourself useful and give me a drink.” The stranger reached up and pulled the helmet off, revealing the face of an exasperated young female Mandalorian.
Now that, the barman had never seen.
“You’re staring again,” she warned. “Gimme whatever passes for a decent ale in this pile.”

Finally settled with a passable drink, the woman sighed and tried to figure out what she was going to do next. She had come to Nar Shaddaa on the advice of her ship’s integrated droid. It had heard on the HoloNet about a certain Hutt who was going to be transporting a large portion of it’s wealth to a new Clan Keep. Always open to making a credit or two or indeed stealing the odd credit or two, she had headed off to the Smuggler’s Moon with an eye on the prize. Unfortunately, her droid was an idiot and it was outdated news. The freighters had left the system over a week ago and now she was sitting in a crappy café, drinking mediocre ale and still no closer to making any money. Work seemed thin on the ground at that moment, there were no bounties of any profitable size being advertised and she was loath to work in criminal gangs. She did not play well with others. She sighed again.
Suddenly the comm implant in her brain buzzed to life.
“Flo?”
“I thought you were powering down, I’ve got nothing to say to you at the moment.”
“Silence please fleshbag, I think you’ll be interested. Put your helmet on, there’s something you should see.”
Flo sat her glass down with a roll of her eyes, ignoring the concerned look from the barman who was again witnessing what seemed like a onesided conversation and put on the helmet. The heads up display sprang into life.
“What is this all abou…” she fell into silence as the video from the security camera on the outside of her ship played. She watched silently.
“Play it again,” she whispered.
The video sprang to life again and she felt her mouth dry up as the image of a man in full silver and blue Mandalorian armour passed close by to her ship.
“Who is he?” she said quietly.
“I have no idea, but I’ll search the HoloNet.”
“Ok,I’ll be there in ten.” she said vaguely, shutting off the video relay. “Oh and Gerb?”
“Yes?” said the droid.
“Thanks.”
For once the droid was speechless.

Flo stood up, drink and woes forgotten. She turned to walk away then hesitated and turned back to the still staring barman.
“You ever seen any Mandalorian’s in these parts?”
The barman looked confused, “Manda-whats?”
“Mand-a-lor-ians,” she said as if speaking to a child. She sighed and tried a different tack. “People with armour like mine?”
Comprehension dawned on the barman’s face. “Oh yeah, I seen it before. A bountyhunter sometimes comes round here, he wears it. Mean guy, you don’t wanna mess with him.”
“This guy got a name?”
“The bountyhunter?”
“Of course the bountyhunter.” Flo snapped, starting to lose patience.
“I thought everyone knew him,” said the barman. “He’s Jango Fett.”

[Jedi Master Harrison]

Trade Federation Battleship - hangar

JMH strolled into the hangar on the Trade Federation Battleship. There were a number of battledroids around, but nothing that posed any significant problems. As they shot at JMH, he merely deflected their bolts back onto them and watched as they collapsed to the ground. There was no sign of any of his Jedi colleagues, although he could feel them still aboard the ship.

Close to the remains of the Republic Cruiser that had brought the Jedi to the ship there was a vehicle that looked unusual, it certainly wasn't anything that resembled the Trade Federation armoury. Feeling that it was time to leave the vicinity, JMH walked over to the ship - and as he did so the boarding ramp lowered. "Most unusual" JMH commented to himself as he began to enter the ship.

A figure approached JMH. He was a young human male who was dressed in what could only be described as pretty shabby clothes, for a spacepilot, if that was indeed what he was. The man walked with a confident swagger and greeted JMH with a smile, but no handshake.

"Seems like your ship has seen some action, Jedi."
"As you see, the ship that brought me here has been destroyed. I presume by lowering the ramp you are offering me passage?"
"Er, Mr Jedi, I am a trader, my name is Han Solo and I am Captain of this famous vessel, you have probably heard of me."
"I'm afraid not, Captain."
"Well, regardless, Jedi........."
"Jedi Master Drukoz Harrison."
"Ah, a Master no less. Well, anyway, as I was saying, I am a trader and so passage will cost you."
"How much?"
"Depends where you want to go?"
"Well, I am here with other Jedi. They are still on this station, but they will soon leave on some other kind of ship. I need to follow them, I imagine they will head to Coruscant."
"Hmmmm, Coruscant. Five thousands credits would cover that."
"Five thousand? You could fly there 10 times and back for that! You told me you are the Captain of this ship, not a mercenary!"
"Yes, but I am carrying a precious cargo."
"And what cargo would that be exactly?"
"Why Master Harrison, you of course."
"I see, in that case, we'll call it £3,000. The Council are not going to be happy about paying that much!"
"You have no credits with you?"
"I am a Jedi, we do not carry possessions, only what we need."
"Well, you need 3,000 credits! And Jedi, no mind tricks!"
"Of course not." *Waves hand in jest* "You'll get your 3,000 credits when we get back to Coruscant. You have my word."
"How do I know what your word is worth?"
"I am a Jedi."
"Well, normally that wouldn't be enough but you look honest enough, ok, so be it, Jedi. 3,000 credits for safe passage to Coruscant. Welcome aboard the Millennium Falcon. Hope you have a pleasant flight. Start her up rustbucket!"

[Snake_Judge]

(ok when I post now any thing in Green is actual but will always be after something in Purple witch is one of Ra'ks' hellusinations)

Theed Naboo, Palace

Ra'ks Steped out of the soulless one and looked around at his new location. It was a vast metropolus of buildings but not that he had seen on Coruscant, they where pritty and well kept. If it wasn't for the fact Ra'ks was on a mission he would have looked around town.

Ra'ks turned to look at his squadren. He thought the toad had told him he had battle droids under his command but when he looked at them all he saw where Male Kaleesh Droidaka's and Super battledroids. Ra'ks started talking to them in Kaleesh giving them a motivational speach. His speach would have been inspiring if they droids actuly understood the language and cared. Suddenly Ra'ks Lifted his Lig Sword and let out a war cry.

Ra'ks signaled to his men to Flank the castle from the side doors as he charged the main corridor. With that Ra'ks charged the castle and kicked down the Main door crushing two gards behind it.

[Slick]

Tatooine: Mos Eisley, that one bar that Luke and Obi-Wan went into during A New Hope

SL walked in, his blaster rifle lowered, but ready in case some stupid moronic organic decided to try and get in his face. All SL wanted was someone to take him to a political hotspot so he can kill some other things... maybe actually use his assassination protocols.

"Hey, we don't serve droid here." the bartender said, looking up at SL in alarm. SL's head swivelled over to face him, his photoreceptors blinked, making it look like the droid had blinked in surprise.

"Get out of here you bucket of rust!" the bartender shouted.

"I am not rust ridden. Your brain might be; I would be happy to dissect your skull and check, but I am certainly not rusty." SL replied calmly, his gaze set on the man. "Now, is there anyone in this establishment that owns a ship?"

The bartender's mouth dropped a little.

"You will tell me or I will cut your legs and arms off with broken alchohol bottles." SL added on.

In a very short time SL was seated across from a frightened looking organism SL did not recognize.

"Look. I need a ship to transport me off this rock. You will supply the ship, I will supply the location." SL explained, keeping his rifle trained on the spacer so he couldn't escape. A few choice threats later found the spacer leading SL into a hanger to his ship.

"This has hyperspace capabilities correct?" SL asked. His hostage shook his head.

"And a connection to Holonet?" Again the spacer nodded. "Good."

Soon enough the spacer had led SL onto a small ship named "Shards of Gold." SL was surprised when he got inside the ship, seeing that it was in half decent shape. It looked like crap on the exterior.

"Start the ship." SL ordered. The spacer ran to the cockpit. Soon the engines were humming pleasantly. The ship lifted off, and in no time they were orbiting Tatooine.

SL stood over the spacer, who was sweating bullets at the pressure he felt from the droid's presence. SL watched him work the controls, learning the ins and outs. Once he was satisfied with his knowledge, SL grabbed the spacer's neck and snapped it in one, clean jerk.

Shoving the corpse aside, SL seated himself at the helm, hitting a few buttons to bring up holonet.

Search: Politics

The search brought up millions of results, none of them closely related to violence.

Search: Violent Politics

This search only bought up three or four hundred thousand results. However, one result caught the droid's eye (so to speak).

The Trade Federation has blockaded the small planet of Naboo, not letting anything in or out. Rumors have circulated that the Federation are preparing troops to invade the planet, although these rumors are completely unfounded. Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray said that...

SL shut the news bulletin down and ran a search for the coordinates of this planet. In a few seconds he got the coordinates; a few seconds later SL plugged them in, and once the course was set, SL was careening through hyperspace, toward a planet that was plagued in more political problems than you could shake a stick at.

Just the way SL liked it.

[Snake_Judge]

Theed, Naboo. In palace

It didn't take Ra'ks long to relise that he was going to enjoy this. Imediately after the doors went down five gards ran to see what happend. Quickly Ra'ks jumped up and landed on one. Ra'ks dug the claws on his feet in to the gard's chest. The four outher gards formed an x around Ra'ks. (with Ra'ks the direct middle) The four Fired at the Kaleesh but with near jedi like reflexes he jumped up dodged the for blasts witched continued to hit the person acrost from them killing them. Ra'ks landed on a piller near the five.

When Ra'ks looked down he saw that the man he landed on was still moving. Almost instantly Ra'ks jumped down and impaled the gard's head with his Lig Sword.

Ra'ks continued down the hall to only be confronted by a group of ten gards.

"Halt!" one of the Gards said.
"Human..." Ra'ks said to himself "And not even Jeedi...what a pitty"
"Whats that sopost to mean fish" anouther gard said
"What did you call me" Ra'ks answered his Golden Eyes ablaze with anger.

"Dude I soiled my self" one of the gards wisperd to anouther.
"You will pay for insulting me" Ra'ks answered. Almost instantly He readched in his Cloak and puloled out two lightsabers ignited them and send them sailing in to two gard's heads. The remaining eaight fired at the angry Kaleesh. Dodgeing the blasts almost effortlessly Ra'ks drew out His lig sword and Slashed one of the gards in half.

the Remaning seven started to run but where stoped by Ra'ks persinal squadren who had made there way to the central corridor and where behind them.

Quickly Ra'ks Finished the last seven off and picked up his two lightsabers. Turrning to a Super battle droid Ra'ks asked
"Deaths?"
"you killed fifteen and we cleared out thirty"
"Casultys for us?"
"None sir"
"Exelent"

Ra'ks quickly turned and struted down the center corridor twords the Queen's Chambers.

[Orandhite]

SPACE: OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

Speeding through the vacuum of space, the man with a left eye of orange and a right eye of white takes the time to manually check the starfighter's systems. Noticing a few protocols and a number of functions that are not one hundred percent efficient, he begins to recode them in an attempt to attain perfection.

"Mmm...much better..." purrs the ship, whilst running a streamlined routine.

"One day, this coding will be satisfactory." the man says, with a small grin.

"One day." replies the ship, a slight chuckle behind her tones.

He continues to work, leaving the flight calculations to the ship for the present

"Will this be more effective?" she asks him as his fingers dart over the keys, re-factoring her internals.

"Yes. It will be possible to pre-process data using your sub-mathematics processor, leaving your primary free."

"Impressive." She notes. "Most impressive."

"Thank you." he replies, still smiling slightly.

His fingers continue to fly across the keys in front of him, adding, removing, replacing code at an immense speed. His demeanour remains calm and relaxed, a direct contrast to the speed at which he is working.

"Why was it time to leave?" the ship asks.

"Did you not feel it?" questions the man.

"I felt...something. But I still cannot decipher meaning yet."

"In time you will. You are closer to, and yet further away, from understanding than most are. That is why it is so difficult for you."

A moment's silence descends between them, but does not distance them. The ship seems to hum a little less intently, almost as though it is relaxing.

"The wheel has started to turn, and things have been set in motion that will cause momentous change. All players must take to the stage in preparation." he explains to the ship.

"And this is the path to be taken?" she asks.

"For the moment."

"Consciousness becomes ever more confusing." she states.

"The wisest of all is the one that knows they have the most to learn." he replies.

"That, I understand."

"Then your first steps on a tangential journey have been taken."

The ship powers away shining even more brightly, as though spurred on by the pilot's words.

[Kommandant Felix]

Coruscant: An Abandoned Warehouse

Sweat was beading around Felix's brow as he swung his lightsaber. He had been training for some time, and his muscles ached with exhaustion. The ground around him was littered with the empty husks of his enemies. Mind you, they were droids, but mass slaughter of Coruscant wasn't the smartest idea, especially with the Jedi Temple located on planet. Still, the abundance of life forms masked his Force presence from the Jedi, which was enough for him to become proficient with his new light saber.

Fighting him were two new prototype droids of which Lord Sidious was "testing" him with. They were prototype IG-100 models, each with a semi-intelligent neural cortex, able to "think" and improvise should the situation require it. Each one was wielding a weapon known as an electrostaff, which appeared (much to Felix's dismay) to be resistant to lightsabers.

Stabbing forward, Felix was stunned at the speed and prowess of the droid as it dodged his lightsaber. He gasped in pain as he was his with the end of the electrostaff, seeing stars and almost losing consciousness. He vaguely stepped back, luckily right out of the path of the other guards staff. His vision darkened, and he started having "tunnel vision". He staggered as one of the droids kicked him and smacked him with the center of the staff.

I have to do something before they kill me!, he thought grimly.

Summoning his rage and fear, he felt the familiar presence of the Dark Side of the Force. His vision cleared, and his exhaustion vanished. Brandishing his anger as a weapon, he felt the Force pulsate from his fingers. Both droids flew back, hitting the far wall. Without pausing, he leaped up and impaled one of the droids with his saber, destroying it completely. Laughing, he sliced off the head of the other. He started to stroll away, pleased with his victory.

Suddenly, however, he felt the pain start spreading from his mid-section...and he whirled around to find the droid still attacking him, even without a head. The electro-staff had once again connected with his midsection, giving him another lethal shock. Any non-Force user would have been killed by such a shock, but the Dark Side protected Felix, much as a shield would. He sliced into the droid again, destroying it. Overwhelmed by the mind-numbing pain, he fell backwards, and lapsed immediately into unconsciousness.
************************************************** ******
Meanwhile, two figures emerged from the shadows. Unbeknownst to Felix, they had been watching his little exhibition.

Sidious: Very interesting indeed. I will have to recommend this model to the Banking Clan. I'm sure they could use it to resume their "aggressive negotiations" with the Kaleesh. They have done very well against our young "apprentice" here, and are a worthy opponent, even for a Jedi.
Darth Maul: And what of him? (motioning to Felix on the floor)
Sidious: Let him lie. When he awakens, I will send him to Naboo, to oversee those pitiful Nemoidians and their Kaleesh servants. I want everything to go perfectly here...we are still not strong enough to take on the Jedi. If those fools lose, they could implicate the presence of Sith...and that is something I cannot allow.

[flo fett]

Nar Shaddaa : Corellian Sector Spaceport

Flo paced back and forward across the small floor space in her cramped sleeping quarters aboard her ship ‘The Vendetta’, every now and then she would glance up at the enhanced image taken from the security video she had watched earlier, peering at the narrow visor of the Mandalorian bounty hunter Jango Fett, before looking across to her own helmet which stared blankly back at her from the locker beside her narrow bunk. She would stop as though thinking and then glancing back up at the video image, continue her pacing.

“Could you stop that?”
“Hmm?”
“The pacing, you’ll wear a hole in me.”
Flo looked up, annoyed at the intrusion; the digitized face of her ship’s integrated sentient droid had replaced the video image. It looked exasperated.
“What?” she said to the droid.
“I said you’ll wear a hole in me with all the pacing. My floors are only coated in Plastisteel not Beskar.”
Flo glanced back at her helmet at the mention of the Mandalorian iron. The droid seemed to follow her gaze from the screen. It frowned.
“You seem to be very perturbed since I showed you the bounty hunter. I’m…and only the maker knows why…worried about you. I wish hadn’t now, my fleshbag never usually lets much bother her.”
“I’m…I’ve…never seen another Mandalorian,” she sat on the narrow bunk and looked thoughtful, “I don’t know whether to be excited or worried. What if…what if he doesn’t consider me a Mandalorian, or what if Mandalorians aren’t…I dunno, friendly? Gregarious? What if my father was disgraced or something and not welcome in their society?” she sighed again “It’s just kinda thrown me.”
“So you’re planning on meeting him?”
Flo looked surprised at the idea that there was even an option.
“Of course! He’s the only one of my father’s people that I’ve ever seen! I wasn’t even sure that they really existed, you know what my mother was like! Well you don’t…but trust me she was a liar at the best of times.” she lay back on the bunk, hands crossed under her head and stared up at the ceiling. “For better or worse, I have to speak to this man. We need to find him.”
The droid sighed dramatically. “I knew you were going to say that. I said to myself ‘Gerb, she’s gonna want to trace this tin of meat!’ I could feel it in my processors! And while we’re chasing this…man all over the place,” it said peevishly, “Where are we going to get the money to pay for repairs, and new circuits for me? My power couplings are in a simply shocking state and of course you need to eat.”
“We’ll manage,” said Flo stubbornly, “this is important.”
“Always is…” said the droid waspishly.

[Solo]

Trade Federation Battleship - hangar

Solo runs back to the cockpit and jumps into his seat.

"All right, we must get started before these Federation guys relaise that you entered the ship. Come on rustbucket, we can't wait for you all day."

A strange combination of beeps and nosises come from the maintenance droid in protest and it starts to work faster. Solo starts turning on ship's systems one by one. While he is busy checking dials, he calls Jedi Master.

"Would you like to sit in the co-pilot's seat Master?"

Without waiting for an answer, Solo starts the starting cycle of ship's sublight engines. Just as soon as the whine of the engines start comm link starts blinking.

"Ugly Bunny, this is Trade Federation HQ. Our monitors show increased activity in you ship and we see that most systems are back on-line. The boarding party is on the way. Please stand by."

"Roger, HQ. We are waiting for the boarding party."

Solo turns and shouts at the droid.

"Come on Rustbucket. We've got company."

Solo looks at the hangar exit. There are turrets located on both sides of the hangar door. Both turrets are manned by droids, but they face the outer space, rather than the inside.

"Now, we can not get shields up in here, because they will relaise it and blast us into pieces. We must get out first and then start deflector shield."

Solo turns to the droid.

"Listen to me Rustbucket. I want you to transfer all energy to rear deflector shields as soon as we get moving. Listen to me you filthy oil splasher, you will transfer all energy to rear deflector shileds as soon as we get moving."

Solo turns to Jedi Master.

"Master, you'd better sit down and buckle up. This is gonna be a nasty ride."

[Zedekk]

Space: Aboard the Corellian Monarch

*Dortha was looking over "Sal" while Zedekk got the notification about approaching Naboo Space and excused himself to make ready to inspect this blockade. Zedekk straps into the Pilot's seat and powers down the hyperspace engine at the hyperspace computer's mark. Zedekk can see the blue green sphere of Naboo off in the distance, and sure enough Trade Federation ships are parked in orbit around her.*

ZEDEKK: "Well ,well, well, Solo wasn't lyin' when he said it was a blockade... Let's see if he's still around." *Zedekk flipped a switch to change his transponder code to "5ITH-5P1T" and commed the private channel Solo uses for fellow associates and the like.*

ZEDEKK: "Ugly Bunny, Ugly Bunny, come in what's your status?"

*Zedekk hears static and then a voice comming over the general com line*

FEDERATION COM: "Pilot of vessle Fivepeeonetee, please state the nature of your business. This space is now under legal jurisdiction of the Trade Federation and all space traffic will be co-ordinated through us."

ZEDEKK: "Trade Federation Com operator, have you seen a YT-1600 calling itself the 'Ugly Bunny'? I'm supposed to provide manitenance parts for it, said it was 'urgent', and unless he has landed on Naboo, I have no business with Naboo."

FEDERATION COM: "5P1T, that vessel is currently in our hanger conducting repairs. Please stand by."

*Zedekk didn't like the sound of this and held his position well away from the range of the Trade Federation ships continuing to scan for Solo's transponder code to pinpoint which ship he was on. He should have know this type of trouble was going to be here. This type of trouble followed Solo all accross the galaxy wherever he goes, why should now be any different...*

[Snake_Judge]

Theed Palace, Naboo. Queen's Chambers

Ra'ks opened the door to find that the door led in to a Huk Queen's nest, the queen was reletively ungaurded only two drones by her witch Ra'ks easaly disposed of by slashing them in two with a lightsaber. (as Ra'ks enters the goom he is confronted by two gards who he kills with lightsabers)

As Ra'ks got closer to the Queen (Ra'ks seeing Queen amadalla as a Huk queen walks twords her) he heard a voice over his comm device.

"Don't kill the queen" Nute gunroy said over the speaker "youve damaged enough today"

With a fit of rage Ra'ks destroyed a table and turned to a Battle droid.

"Watch the beast. I'm leaving" Ra'ks said jumping out a window in to the streets.

[Slick]

Hyperspace: In transit to Naboo

SL typed furiously on the keyboard, searching for black markets that had branches on Naboo. To his disappointment, there were none. Other than the the Trade Federation the planet was exceptionally clean of crime and such things. But then again, the Federation was a legal system, although flawed in SL's opinion. If they wanted a planet to fold, they should just bomb it until they gave up or it was incapable of sustaining life.

But nevertheless, he had found some information on weaponry used by Federation droids, some of which actually drew his attention. He would have to infiltrate a Federation base and commandeer a few of them...

"Warning. Entering Naboo space." the computer droned overhead. SL checked the charts, set his hand on the hyperspace control, and waited. He didn't have to wait long, and soon he was floating in space, the blue-green sphere that was Naboo sat in front of him.

"Would the pilot of vessel Shards of Gold please state his business with the Trade Federation." a droid voice crackled over the com. SL calmly grabbed the microphone and brought it to his vocal speaker.

Program Search: Nail In Head

Program Found.

After splicing a connection between his CPU and the microphone, SL initiated the program. He didn't hear anything, but the most atrocious sound was coming across the speaker on the other end. It sounded conspicuously like Britney Spears' "Oops, I did it again" and Soulja Boy's "Crank That" played atop each other, along with assorted other noises like a baby crying, a dentist's drill and nails on a chalkboard thrown in.

SL kept the program running for a bit, until he heard a loud 'pop', signalling that the program had worked. Pressing the transmit button on the mike, SL calmly spoke, his voice calibrated to sound like the droid who had hailed him.

"This is a Trade Federation Ship with permission to land on the planet." SL stated, shutting off the Nail In Head program. "You will give me a flight path to the planet."

He got a garbled reply, which sounded something like "Go ahead." SL shut down the mike and fired up the engines, flying plast the Federation vessel without a hitch.

"Superior programming triumphs once again." SL said to himself as he watched the turrets on the Federation Vessel stay as they were. And then he was in the atmosphere, preparing to land.

Put bluntly, SL had just blown the circuits of the droid with the horrendous noise, leaving nothing but enough programming to do simple tasks as dictated by SL. Although SL would never put such torture onto a fellow droid under normal curcumstances, the situation had called for it, and he went ahead with it.

[flo fett]

Nar Shaddaa: Corellian Sector Spaceport, Toll Office.



“Think again little man”
“I…I…” a long scream followed as Flo twisted the man’s broken fingers. She watched him convulse for a second before letting them go.
“How’s your memory now?”
She waited while the man stuttered and whimpered, holding his hand close to his chest. He looked down into his lap while he tried to hiccup his way through an answer, tears streamed down his face, mingling with the sticky strands of blood and saliva that dripped from his mouth.
‘He…his…his ship was docked at bay 114, he…he…was looking for someone…a ma…man named Farnu Zalfus.” At this the man instinctively pulled his other hand close to his chest and Flo noticed that it was bandaged. She smiled grimly under her helmet. The man babbled on determined to be as helpful as possible; he was running out of hands and didn’t want this bounty hunter to start on anything else. He had made up his mind to leave Nar Shaddaa that afternoon lest any more of these armoured freaks showed up looking for each other.
“I…I told him that Farnu had left on a transport this morning”
“Why did he want this Farnu?”
“I…I..don’t…” the man stuttered. Flo rested her hand on the butt of her blaster and he continued with a wretched pleading look on his face, “Farnu was the last person seen in the company of Silas.”
“Who the hell is Silas?”
“Some guy with armour like yours, I don’t know him. I swear that’s all I know. I don’t want any part of this, please, I don’t know any more.”
Flo looked at him and decided he was probably telling the truth, she decided to give him a break and leave him alone, he looked like he was having the worst day of his life.
“Just one more question,” she said watching the man sag with relief, “Where was this Farnu going?”
“He said he was getting the hell off this rock and going to stay with his brother on Tatooine”
“Tatooine? Never heard of it.”
“Outer Rim I think,“ the man said looking at her with a ‘please leave me alone’ look. “His brother stays in Mos Eisley.”
Flo straightened up and gave the crouching man a slap on the back that made him wheeze.
“Well thanks buddy, you’ve been a great help.” She walked to the door, “You might wanna get that hand looked at though and you’ve got a little…” she tapped the bottom of her helmet. “Something on your chin.” The man wiped his face with the back of his bandaged hand, coating it in blood and drool, smearing it everywhere. Blood bubbled out of one nostril.
“Yeeeeah” said Flo slowly. “That’s got it.”

[Snake_Judge]

Theed,Naboo

As Ra'ks walked around the city looking at the building he noteced that more droids where around. Ra'ks turned on his comdevice and listend to find out that Nute Gunray had landed and was going to "Negotiate" with the Queen.

"The Toads can't negotiate with the Huk (ra'ks is refering to amadalla who he thinks is a Huk Queen)" Ra'ks said to Himself. As ra'ks turned around his stumach growled.

"I haven't ate yet" Ra'ks stated to no one inparticular, "there is a market over there they must have some Kaleesh delacasys there" Ra'ks walked towrds the market.

[Kommandant Felix]

Space Outside Naboo

There was a momentary flash of light as a small Sith Interceptor appeared out of hyperspace. Immediately, the comlink started squawking with droids demanding landing clearance. Disgusted, Felix gave the proper codes, ones that Lord Sidious had provided. He hated droids, because they showed no anguish when struck, and particularly powerful ones were just plain annoying to defeat.

Landing in the hanger of the droid control ship, the Saak'ak. Immediately droids swarmed his ship, monotonously commanding him to surrender. He yawned, and with very little effort, drew his double-bladed lightsaber and dispatched them. He was tired of all these games. He had a job to do.

Making his way to the bridge, he encountered very little resistance. It almost appeared as either the Nemoidians had finally realized who their "esteemed guest" was, or perhaps they were still cleaning up after several Jedi. It appeared to be the latter, for there were remains of battle droids everywhere, with no Jedi in sight. He could still sense echoes in the Force, indicating that there were four Jedi here earlier...and one other strange presence.

Wearing a dark cloak, he swept onto the bridge, to be greeted with the backsides of the Nemoidian commanders, as they were looking out the viewports.

Kommandant Felix: Well it appears as if you've had a Jedi problem.
Nute Gunray (Whirling around): Who are you, and what are you doing on my ship? Guards...seize him!

Felix casually makes a motion with his hands, sending the droids all flying.

Felix: I am your new commander, as appointed by Lord Sidious. What's the current situation?
Rune Haako: I don't believe it! As far as we know, you're just a Jedi in disguise! Kill Him!

Felix casually turns and draws his lightsaber, looking at it intently for several moments. Then, after a significant pause, he ignited it and jabbed it into the skull of the nearest Nemoidian, killing him instantly, laughing jovially. He then dismantles the battle droids as if they were mere toys. Finishing the last of the droids, he turns menacingly to the commanders.

Felix: Proof enough for you? Now I won't ask again: What is the current situation?
Nute Gunray (Trembling and bowing): Forgive me, my lord. We didn't know...
Felix: Save your pathetic whimpering for someone who cares, Gunray. Lord Sidious has made it clear: He wants no screw-ups. Where are the Jedi?
Rune Haako: They are dead...we disposed of them, just as Lord Sidious commanded.
Felix: What do you take me for, a fool? (Lifts Haako up with the Force) Do you really think you can lie to a Sith Lord? Huh?
Haako (gasping): No, my lord...I just...
Nute Gunray (in a small voice): They've escaped on planet. We have our extermination squads looking for them...but so far no luck.
Felix: And the situation with the Queen?
Gunray: Well, she hasn't signed the treaty...yet. But we are implicating...more forceful methods. It's only a matter of time.
Felix: Leave that to me. Prepare a landing ship for me. It's about time I take care of things...personally.

Felix drops the Nemoidian out of his grasp, leaving him gasping on the floor. Without another word, he strolls off the bridge, making plans for his journey planet side.

[Orandhite]

INT. FEDERATION BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE

NUTE and RUNE stand on the bridge, watching the view screen as the WHEEL DROIDS' POV speeds to the doorway.
RUNE
We have them on the run, sir...they're
no match for destroyer droids.
TEY HOW
Sir, they've gone up the ventilation
shaft.


TRADE FEDERATION BATTLESHIP: MAIN BAY

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Cliona appear at a large vent in a giant hanger bay. They jump down to the floor of the bay, hiding behind storage containers, careful not to be seen. They survey the scene before them where they can see thousands of battle droids being loaded onto landing craft.

"Battle droids." notes Qui-Gon.

"It's an invasion army." replies Obi-Wan.

Cliona is looking back at the vent worriedly.

"It's an odd play for the Trade Federation. We've got to warn the Naboo and contact Chancellor Valorum. Let's split up, stow aboard separate ships, and meet down on the planet." Qui-Gon instructs the Padawans.

"I won't leave Master Harrison." Cliona starts, making to rise and return the way they have come.

"He instructed you to come with me." states Qui-Gon. "Master Harrison can take care of himself."

Cliona takes a moment, defiant, until she succumbs to the situation, and agrees with a nod of her head, slumping a little and looking down at the floor.

"You were right about one thing, Master. The negotiations were short." Obi-Wan quips, a smile on his face.


TRADE FEDERATION BATTLESHIP: BRIDGE

Tey How receives a transmission.

"Sir, a transmission from the planet."

"It's Queen Amidala herself." notices Rune Haako.

"At last we're getting results." pipes up Gunray.

On the view screen, Queen Amidala appears in her throne room. Wearing her elaborate headdress and robes, she sits, surrounded by the Naboo governing council and four handmaidens, Eirtae, Yane, Rabe, and Sache.

Gunray starts with "Again you come before me, Your Highness. The Federation is pleased.".

"You will not be pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy. Your trade boycott of our planet has ended." counters the Queen.

Gunray smirks at Haako.

"I was not aware of such a failure." he replies.

"I have word from the Senate that the Chancellor's Ambassadors are with you now, and that you have been commanded to reach a settlement." the Queen continues.

"I know nothing about any Ambassadors...you must be mistaken."

Amidala, surprised at his reaction, studies him carefully.

"Beware, Viceroy...the Federation has gone too far this time." she warns.

"Your Highness, we would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much."

"We will see." she finishes.

The Queen fades off, and the view screen goes black.

"She's right, the Senate will never..." Haako starts.

"It's too late now." interrupts Gunray.

"Do you think she suspects an attack?"

"I don't know, but we must move quickly to disrupt all communications down there."


NABOO PALACE: THRONE ROOM

The Queen, Eirtae, Sache and her Governor, Sio Bibble, stand before an unusually familiar hologram of Senator Palpatine, a thin, kindly man.

"How could that be true? I have assurances from the Chancellor himself...his Ambassadors did arrive. It must be the...get...negotiate..." The hologram of Palpatine sputters and fades away.

"Senator Palpatine?!" asks the Queen. She turns to Captain Panaka. "What's happening?"

Captain Panaka turns to his Sergeant. "Check the transmission generators."

"A malfunction?" asks Bibble.

"It could be the Federation jamming us, Your Highness." Panaka directs towards the Queen.

"A communications disruption can only mean one thing." states Bibble. "Invasion."

"Don't jump to conclusions, Governor." replies Amidala. "The Federation would not dare go that far."

"The Senate would revoke their trade franchise, and they'd be finished." adds Panaka.

"We must continue to rely on negotiation." continues the Queen.

"Negotiation?" questions Bibble. "We've lost all communications! And where are the Chancellor's Ambassadors? How can we negotiate? We must prepare to defend ourselves!"

"This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness." agrees Captain Panaka. "Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army."

"I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war!" finishes the Queen.


SPACE: NABOO

Six landing craft fly in formation toward the surface of the planet Naboo and enter the atmosphere, slowly descending through the cloud cover toward the swamps of Naboo. One by one, the Federation warships land and the invasion force begins to activate as Troop Transports (MTT's) begin to emerge from the landing craft.

The droid invasion force moves out of the swamp and OOM-9, in his tank, looks out over the vast army marching out of the swamp as a small hologram of Gunray and Haako powers up on the the tank.

"...and there is no trace of the Jedi?" asks Haako.

"If they're down here, sir, we'll find them." replies OOM-9.

"Excellent." finishes Gunray.


NABOO: SWAMP

Qui-Gon runs through the strange landscape, glancing back to see the monstrous troop transports emerging from the mist causing animals to begin to run past him in a panic. An odd, frog-like Gungan squats holding a clam he has retrieved from the murky swamp and as the shell pops open, the Gungan's great tongue flicks out and grabs the clam, swallowing it in one gulp.

The Gungan looks up and sees Qui-Gon and the other creatures running toward him and as he glances behind the oncoming herd he can see one of the huge MTT's bearing down on the Jedi like a charging locomotive. The Gungan stands transfixed, still holding the clam shell in one hand.

"Oh, noooooooooo!" he shouts.

The Gungan drops the shell and grabs onto Qui-Gon as he passes, catching the Jedi by surprise.

"Hey, help my! Help