“Thundering Force”

“Preview of Thundering Force”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

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Author's Forward: Here is a preview of the Thundering Force series. I wrote it while listening to Star Wars Episode III track, “Battle of the Heroes”.

I was inspired by the “Battle of the Heroes” music video made of Star Wars Episode III, on the second disc of Star Wars Episode III soundtrack.

(_)

In Padme's living room of her apartment, Padme spoke to Senator Bail Organa.

Padme stated, “I did not expect the Chancellor to use my proxy to both put forth the emergency powers resolution, and him be the first person to vote for it.”

Bail commented, “The situation was well played by the Chancellor. And when that act was presented by your representative, our alliance, the Loyalist Committee, was shattered.”

(_)

In the Jedi High Council meeting:

Jedi Master Depa Billaba pointed out, “But, that power is not of the force. Even if we train her. She is not one of us.”

Jedi Master Yoda commented, “The Jedi have a long history of allying with those that did not use the force. Many such allies proved themselves more honorable and more capable than even some Jedi Master.”

Jedi Master Stass Allie stated, “But, those allies were not as powerful as we were. If they turned on us, we could swiftly deal with them. That is not the case for the Senator and her new hammer. Even presently untrained, she would a handful for any one of us to deal with. And if she was trained, she might present a challenge for all of us working together to deal with her.”

Jedi Master Mace Windu commented, “We could use a hammer like that to bring down on a lot of large nails.”

Jedi Master Yoda caution, “When one has a hammer. Sometimes everything looks like a nail. And it is unwise to heavily rely on one single person.”

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In a hallway of the Jedi Temple, Obiwan and Anakin walked as they talked to each other.

Obiwan commented, “You know. Padme might now be more powerful than you.”

Anakin stated, “If it comes down to a fight between her and the Jedi Order, I am not going to fight her. I don't care if I am thrown out of the order for not doing so. And if the council starts the fight, I am siding with her.”

(_)

During a meeting of the Jedi High Council.

Yoda commented, “Onto more important matters concerning Senator Amidala than training. We should inform her of Sidious.”

Mace stated, “With that hammer and her powers. Sidious will likely focus some of his attention on her. Since Dooku knows. If Dooku is in league with Sidious. Then Sidious already knows. She is already a target. She needs to know.”

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In the Supreme Chancellor's office, Padme, in her stronger form,

Padme calmly asked, “What is thy bidding, my chancellor?”

Palpatine smiled, as he complimented, “I like the way you worded that question. I will have to remember it.”

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Padme inquired, “What is a Sith?”

Yoda stated, “A master of the dark side he would be. Deception. Lethality. Brutality through the force, would be his tools.”

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In the Chancellor's office, Palpatine stated, “I plan for there to be many heroes of the Republic.”

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Padme in her stronger form and armor, as she held the hammer, while she faced a large, three meter high, orange brute in armor, whom was holding a large two-handed serrated white bone sword

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In her stronger form, Padme cracked a grin, as she said, “Aggressive negotiations it is.”

The woman facing her complimented, in an excited tone of voice, “That's the spirit!”

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During the day, on Coruscant.

Outside the Senate Building, people were coming and going. Even a few tourists were admiring the large metal statues in the plaza surrounding the Senate Building.

Then, they saw an explosion from outward of the Senate Building, several floors up. As a woman in armor, holding a hammer, flew backward, across the plaza, over between the different levels of skylanes of speeders, and into an upper level of skyscraper. With her crashing through the outer wall, and into an office level.

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It was day time for that side of the planet. But, day quickly turned to night as the clouds built.

The droid forces stretching out into the horizon.

As the droids, and their military vehicles approached, the rain, winds, and lightning picked up.

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Mace questioned, “What are your views on Padme? Were we correct in training her?”

Obiwan replied, “Yes.”

Mace inquired, “I sense a, but, in your comment.”

Obiwan sighed. He said, “I use to think that Padme would be a bad influence on Anakin. Now, with her having as much power from that hammer, as Anakin has in the force, I have come to believe that Anakin is a bad influence on her.”

“She is very aggressive on the battlefield. She takes Anakin's lead on this. I am glad she is on our side.”

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The storm had passed, and all could view in the light of the day, were destroyed droids and vehicles, for as far as the eye could see.

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A female voice, with eagerness in her tone of voice, “Yes. Show her the possible joys.”

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Padme saw herself, in her normal form, playing with children. Anakin was there as her husband. And they were all happy as a family. Though, she did not know how she knew this, she just knew this.

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The former apprentice ignited her two new white blade lightsabers.

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A male voice, in more sadness than anger, “Now, show her the likely sorrows.”

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At night, the three hundred meter beast towered over the small city, while fires burned through the town.

From the fires nearby, and the smoke, Anakin saw the silhouette of the beast look down at them.

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While in her stronger form, Padme stated, in a dangerously low tone of voice, though using normal wording, showing how much control she was in, “You know nothing of what you speak up. In the hopes of killing me, the Separatist leaders put more death marks on my head than likely any other individual in the known galaxy. I have had people die to protect my life. People I personally knew and cared for. I spent years looking over my shoulder, wondering if any one of the countless people I pass by was an assassin looking to cash in by taking my life.”

“To add insult to injury. If history ever records these events. I know I will be held responsible for starting this war.”

“Though, I realize I am not fighting this war. I am fighting a single person. A person pulling the strings of both the Republic and the Separatists. A person I do not know. A person that is beyond my reach. Even with all the power at my command.”

(_)

In a hallway in the Galactic Senate Building, with Padme and Bail talking as they walked.

Bail commented, “I agree. Now, while we cannot keep the peace, let's see if we can still maintain the freedom.”

Padme said, “We can try.” She then remembered something Anakin had told her during their time on Naboo, when they were in the meadows near the bottom of waterfalls. She paraphrased what Anakin had said to her, in a soft spoken voice, “Perhaps the system doesn't work. And it is only natural for someone to come along. To rise to the occasion. And make everyone agree with their point of view. To take control. After all, we Senators are appointed. We are not elected. Dictatorship might be the natural path we are on.”

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An older male voice stated, “Before you held that hammer. The previous individual whom held that hammer served a being of dark designs. And the wielder was not alone. All of them served the will of a monster whom rivals in power, will, and intelligence, as the creature you face.”

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Sidious and Dooku conversed over holo-monitors.

Dooku said, “The girl is powerful. She might be as powerful as you.”

Sidious flatly responded, “No one is as powerful as I am.”

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A woman stated, “If you go after Sidious now. Before you are ready. You will either be killed, or turned into a monster. You might end up replacing your friend in his fate. With you becoming a far more dangerous and destructive beast than he ever would be.”

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A male voice stated, in an authoritative tone of voice, “That storm outside is literal battle between two clashing beings of immense power."

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In a dimly lit throne room, a woman in full black armor, and helmet, holding a hammer with her right hand, walked towards a man in a black cloak and hood, whom was sitting in a chair, on a three step raised platform.

The man's face and body were hidden in the shadows.

As the woman came to a stop in front of the man, she then held up the hammer in her right hand. With just her right hand, she reversed her grip of the hammer to where the top of the hammer was pointed down.

Women then knelt down, on right knee, as she brought the hammer down with a cling, onto the floor.

Padme lowered her back and head down, to where she was bowing before the man in dark robes.

In her stronger form, Padme asked, in her stronger form's voice, “What is thy bidding, my master?”

The dark hooded man said, in a grainy and dark voice, “Arise Lady Tonnerre.”

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And of the force itself, the light recoiled in horror, as the darkness soon realized its mistake.

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On an upper, outside level of Coruscant, it was sunrise on a sunny morning, as a slender, young looking woman, with fair skin, long black hair, and green human eyes. Whom wore green clothing. Looked out at the morning city, and she began to laugh as she realized where she was.

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“You made this world, everything in it, and then you decided there should be evil. Why did you make me evil?” Loki to Donnerson in Earth X Trilogy comic, Volume 3: Paradise X, Ragnarok Issue 02.

To be continued.

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Author's Notes:

I do love stories dealing with metaphysics. The belief that fiction is real, a reality, elsewhere in the multiverse, and how such fiction relates to its own reality and other realities.

Such as the Earth X comic series, which is why used the above quote from the Earth X comic series.

And the Earth X comic series covers such concepts in length. Though, the characters did not directly acknowledge they were works of fiction from other realities. Many of the characters realized they were characters in stories. And for someone cast as a villain to find out they are just a character is story is both shattering and liberating. As was show with the story of Loki of the Earth X trilogy.

Loki went from someone who saw the chains of their flaws, to become someone that Loki wanted to be, not had to be.

If you understand the difference, then you understand what freedom and free will is.

One could call me, the writer, a hypocrite for realizing all this and still writing characters in a story.

While one cannot liberate characters from being a works of fiction. Though, through skillful storytelling and broad strokes, one can still give said characters good lives.

And this is why I am not a hypocrite on this matter.

This is why Loki of the 616 reality became the God/Goddess of Stories. They realized this, and they believed becoming a deity of stories was the best way they could liberate themselves from their current situation.

And I use plural nouns because Loki of the 616 is gender fluid. Loki can shapeshift between male and female. And thus, 'he' and ''she, along with 'him' and 'her' are to limiting in words for one such as Loki of the 616 reality.

I hope you enjoyed this preview. And as you can see from the preview, this story has only just begun.

The next chapter is titled, “Portrait of a Fallen Senator.”

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter One: “Bringing Forth The Storm.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

Reality, Marvel Battleworld. Also known as Latverion. It was the apocalypse on this patchwork world. The literal end of everything in that reality.

In that reality was an army of Thors whom had rebelled with almost everyone else against a God Emperor whom had been exposed for what he had done.

Though, the God Emperor did have his own forces still loyal to him. The clash between army was on a scale of biblical proportions. And while the battle raged, everything was slowly collapsing around them.

As the end approached, one of the Thors realized that it was truly was the end. And while he showed no fear, he did not want what he and his allies had done to all be a waste. That something good should could come from all this. That the power he wielded. The hammer he wielded, Mjolnir, could be sent into the unknown, and hopefully find its way into the hands of someone worthy to use the hammer.

And so, this Thor threw his hammer away from the planet they were all battling on. He threw it with all his strength, with the hammer going beyond the orbit of Latverion.

Soon after Latverion disappeared into a white light, as the reformation of that section of the multiverse, which had previously collapsed to create Battleworld, began to be recreated.

This restoration released a wave of energy that hit the flying mystical hammer. But, the energy did not destroy, nor even damage the mystical hammer. The energy did something else. The energy did something wondrous.

Due to the multiverse being all about possibilities. As this energy hit the hammer, where there was one mystical hammer flying through the multiverse, there were now countless versions of the same hammer. With each hammer sent to a different corner of the multiverse. With each hammer how having a different destiny.

In one possibility, the hammer when into a reality, far, far away. And while the hammer was not sure where and when it was. The hammer did sense where it needed to be. The hammer needed to head to a planet on what was considered to be the Outer Rim of the galaxy it found itself in.

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It was midday on the area of the planet the hammer was heading for.

As the hammer flew towards the atmosphere of the planet, it pass by military starships in the process of invading the planet.

The hammer did not care for starship navy it passed by. Presently, the only desire the hammer cared for was to find someone worthy to wield it. And the hammer could sense where to find such an individual.

As the hammer began to enter the atmosphere of the planet, the entry heat from the fiction of the atmosphere tickled the hammer, causing the sentience that dwelled inside Mjolnir to silently giggle a little.

(_)

Planetside, the battle raged in the middle of the Petranaki arena pit, on the planet of Geonosis, between a few dozen Jedi and Senator Padme Amidala Naberrie, against a small army of battle droids the handful flying Geonosian soldiers.

Except for a handful of individuals, the stadium above the arena pit had been evacuated.

On the floor of the arena, the battle droids were mostly the skinny, small, B1 battle droids. Some larger, tougher B2 super battle droids. And a few of the three legged, roller droideka droids.

Along with this, of the three large beasts previously released into the arena before the battle, the big horned beast was still alive, with the horned beast causing mayhem for everyone.

Nearby, in the area, Padme was riding atop the back of a large lizard animal, which was tied to a hover chariot. Padme steering the animal while using a blaster rifle to shoot droids and Geonosians that has been attacking them.

Padme wore a white long sleeve shirt, white pants, white belt, and white boots. During the battle, one of the beasts had swiped its claws across Padme's back, tearing her shirt and given her cuts along her back. Though, the cuts were not deep. Also, during the altercation with the arena beast, the lower part of Padme's shirt has been tore off, giving the shirt a midriff look to the shirt. Along, with the right sleeve being torn off, as well.

Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker stood in the have chariot which was being pulled by the lizard animal Padme was steering. Anakin used the ignited green blade lightsaber another Jedi had given him to deflect blaster bolts and slice through droids he passed by.

Anakin wore a gray undershirt, a reddish-brown long sleeve shirt, a dark gray-green sleeveless vest which went down below his waist, a brown belt and reddish-brown boots.

That was when some of those in the arena began notice something from the sky heading towards them. It looks like a flaming comet.

Then, the flaming item hit dead center of the area, with the explosion from the landing knocking everyone to the ground. The impact also created a dust cloud which filled the arena.

Though, there was flames and an explosion on impact. The flames and explosion were minor compared to the flames and explosion should have been. And while the explosive kinetic force was strong enough to knock everyone down, the explosion did not otherwise harm those present.

It was as if the item knew how to apply just enough force to stop the battle, and get everyone's attention, without harming anyone.

Instead of a large explosion, the item transformed that energy into an energy wave that was harmless to those nearby. But, the energy wave disrupted the battle droids ability to be communicate and be controlled by their remote command centers. This causing the droids in the arena to shut down.

Some of the droids stood in place, while other droids were in mid-step and fell to the ground.

A few seconds later, a mysterious strong wind below down into the arena, and across the floor of the pit, clearing the dust away, and allowing everyone to see.

(_)

Nearby, C3-PO's head was attached to a battle which had fallen on its back. The droid was unable to move, as it whined, “Could someone help me?”

Meters away, R2-D2 was already heading over to help his annoying, though long time friend.

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Meanwhile, in the stands of the arena, Jango Fett, in his blue armor and helmet, stood near Dooku. The two of them watched Jedi and others in the arena.

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Within the pit of the arena, as the dust settled, everyone stood up and saw the shallow crater in the center of the arena pit.

The surviving animals in arena had decided it was time to back away from the others, and it stayed near the outer walls of the pit.

The nearby Geonosian soldiers in the arena looked around and they realized that their droid allies had stopped functioning. They quickly used their wings to fly away. Either into the air, or into the nearby tunnels. Before the Jedi got their second wind and came after them.

As the Geonosians fled, most of the Jedi stood got up. And Jedi found they were all fine. They turned off their lightsabers, but they kept their weapons in hand as they looked around at the eerie calm the impact had created.

The explosive force of the impact had caused Padme to be thrown from the animal she had been riding, and Anakin to be thrown from he was standing were on.

As she was thrown from the large animal, Padme lost her grip on the blaster rifle she had been using.

As Anakin stood up, he turned Padme. He asked, “Padme? Are you alright?”

While Padme made her way to standing up, she was reminded of the cuts on her back she had received only a few minutes before. The cuts were fresh and the stung. But, the pain was manageable for Padme.

After Padme fully stood up, she turned to Anakin. She calmly inquired, “I am fine, Anakin. How about yourself?”

Anakin replied, “I am okay.”

Meters away from Padme and Anakin was Jedi Master Mace Windu. Mace Windu was Master of the Order, the head of the Jedi High Council and the Jedi Order. Mace looked around, as he ordered, “The droids are not functioning.” He turned to the newly formed crater, near them. He continued, “Let's find out what this is. And quickly.”

Everyone in the pit heard Mace's orders, and they swiftly made their way to the crater's edge.

A few seconds later, made it to the crater. They saw the crater was only about half a meter deep, with a circular impression in the dirt being three meters wide. Also, they could see a shiny chrome shaft sitting up from the center of the crater, with a small ring on the end of the shaft.

The Jedi and Padme looked on at the bottom of crater, in the center to see a large, chrome, two-handed weapon, with an axe on one side and a hammer on the other side. The shaft of the weapon was long and ended in a point, with a small metal ring attached. The middle of the shaft gentle narrowed, then gently widened, before it gently narrowed to the end of the shaft.

Though, where the head met the shaft, there was a slight indention, then thickness, to a rim at the widest part. Then, there was a slight indention where the thickness stopped widening, and gently contract, there was a slightly lip, with the widen parting being wider than where it started to narrow. And right before the shaft reached the round cone shaped tip, there was a slow rim. This was to allow for a better grip. The head of the weapon was slightly embedded into the earth itself. But, surprisingly, the hammer was mostly exposed, with it appearing to be undamaged.

Anakin was the first to slide down to the bottom of the create. Anakin held the hilt of his lightsaber deactivated in his left hand as he approach the hammer sticking out of the ground.

The others watched Anakin came to a stop in front of the shaft of the hammer.

While those present watched Anakin use his right hand to reach out towards the shaft, Obiwan warned, “Be careful. It may be hot.”

Anakin was careful as he brushed his right hand against the handle. Anakin said, “It is not hot to the touch. Nor, is the ground. It is safe to come down.”

In response, the others present made their way to stand near the hammer.

As everyone stood around the hammer, Obiwan said, “It looks like a weapon.”

Anakin noticed an inscription on one side head of the weapon. He stated, “That is something written on it. But, I don't know the language.”

Mace stated, “We can find out what it is says, later. We need to take it, and wait for our allies to arrive.”

Obiwan turned to Mace, as he joked, “Well, I am glad you did not come alone.”

Suddenly, more battle droids began to pour into the arena from tunnels surrounding the arena.

Unlike the first wave battle droids, whom ran out into battle. The present wave of battle droids marched out in formation, much like the same wave of battle droids which came before it. The droids coming out of the tunnels marches in rows of ten deep and four wide. With four B2 super battle droids being in the front row, and the rest of the droids behind were B1 battle droids.

The battle droids knocked down and marching over the disable droids.

Though, the battle droids had yet to aim their weapons.

As everyone look over at the droids, as they advanced on their location, Obiwan, as he stated, “And it looks like you are not the only ones whom invited more company.”

Anakin held his lightsaber in his left hand, as he grabbed the shaft of the weapon with his right hand. He found the weapon would not move. He stated, “It won't budge.”

Mace offered, “Let me try.”

Anakin let go of the shaft, and he backed away.

Mace held his lightsaber in his right hand, as he gripped the shaft of the weapon with his left hand. Mace could not move it. He tried to move the hammer with the force, but the weapon would not move from it's place.

Mace let go of the shaft. He commented, “Even the force will not move it.”

Obiwan holstered his lightsaber on the left side of his belt. He said, “I will give it go.” He moved to stand by the hammer. He gripped the shaft with both his hands. And with all his physical strength, he found he was able to move the hammer an inch from where it had been in the dirt. He also tried to use the force to help him move it. But, to no avail.

Obiwan let go of the weapon. He stated, “You're right Mace. The force has not effect on it. And it is very heavy. We are going to need a droid to lift it.”

One of the Jedi stated, “Speaking of droids. The battle droids will be in firing range in any second.”

Several of the Jedi, including Anakin and Mace, had reignited their lightsabers. As they got ready for the coming battle.

Meanwhile, Padme stood within the group, as she watched this go on. She was trying her best to ignore the slashing cuts on her back, which were given to her back one the arena animals. But, even her curiosity got the better of her, as she request, “Let me try.”

Obiwan pulled out and ignited his blue blade lightsaber. He turned to Padme. He said, “I apologize. It is too heavy. By trying to do so, you would likely just harm yourself.” He then turned to look at the droids, as he held his lightsaber in a defensive stance.

Suddenly, the droids aimed their weapons and opened fire on the Jedi and Padme.

Due to years and years of training. The Jedi did not need orders for what they knew to do next.

The Jedi swiftly formed a circle, as they used their lightsabers to deflect blaster bolts. The circle surrounded Padme and the hammer.

Anakin kept his eyes on the droids, as he ordered, “Padme, stay between us.”

Padme did as she was instructed. She moved between the Jedi, with her standing right beside the hammer.

It was that moment which Padme felt drawn to the hammer. As Padme came closer to the hammer, dark storm clouds suddenly form over the sky of the arena.

Padme did not even think, as she used her right hand to reach for the middle shaft of the hammer. She found the weapon to be as light as a feather, as she raised the hammer to the heavens, which by then were dark as night, save for the little light which escaped from the horizon.

Then, there was lightning, swiftly followed by thunder, as Padme's life changed forever, with her vision suddenly turning white, while she felt a rush of energy that was both joyous and intoxicating.

The bolt of lightning that struck Padme did no harm to herself, nor the those around her, but the power of the lightning striking the ground, through the hammer, and Padme, did knock those around Padme to the ground, on their stomachs. Though, none of them were hurt by their lightsabers, nor each others lightsabers.

Given they were laying on their stomach, as a safety measure, the Jedi all deactivated their lightsabers. And they all felt immense power suddenly form behind their backs.

They turned around on, to lay on their backs, to avoid being shot at by the battle droids. Though, what they saw startled them.

Padme was now holding the hammer, with her right hand, over her head. And she was wearing a strange, shiny armor and leather clothing which was reminiscent of a far older age.

Padme's now stood a few inches taller than she had been before, with her now having the muscles of a warrior woman. Her hair was no longer brown, and spun into several small locks which were made into bun behind her head. Instead, Padme's hair was blond, and much longer. Her hair was left loose to flow wildly in the wind, with most of it dropping down her back, all the way to her waist.

And Padme's clothing was no longer the white shirt, pants, belt, and white shoes she had been wearing before, but armor that looked to be from a another age.

Padme's head was covered in a one piece, dark blue, metal helmet. A, Y, shaped two and a half centimeter wide slit in the front of the face part of the helmet. The slit composed two circular holes around her eyes, with piece of metal stretching down to protect the nose, as a nose guard. The circular holes stretched down to meet below the nose guard, to go all the way down, to reveal Padme's mouth.

The helmet contoured her her jaw and neckline, exposing her neck, but also allowing her to move her head without a problem.

Padme's shoulders, upper chest and upper back were covered in dark blue, metal armor that was similar to the chest plate, shoulder plates, and back plate that mandalorian warrior wore. With the shoulder plates, which attached to the chest and back plates, with brown leather straps. The small, thin, slightly curved shoulder plates were smooth at the top, and each were shaped like a pentagram, with a flat edge from each facing the sides of Padme's neck, and a point from each of the armor slightly stick out from over her shoulders, to her sides.

Padme's breast plate was contoured to her breasts, which appeared to have gained slightly in size, in proportion her increased height and muscle mass.

Under Padme's arms, the chest and back armor pieces were connected with a small brown leather strap on each side. Each of these straps had a small bronze buckle, which allowed the chest, shoulder, and back armor could slide off the head and be taken off.

Under the chest and back armor was a full, brown leather bodice, which completely covered the front of her breasts and the shoulder blades on her back, down to her waist. The brown leather laces of the bodice being located along the back of Padme's spine.

Padme's upper arms, down to below her elbows were left exposed. But her hands, up to her elbows, were cover in brown leather gloves. Over the leather on her forearms were dark blue metal bracers.

At Padme's waistline, her bodice when under her brown leather pants. The pants had a button and zipper in the front of her crotch. With the pants going down to her ankles. The pants had pockets on the sides and back.

There was a black leather belt along the loops of the waistline of the pants, with a bronze belt buckle around the front of Padme's waist.

And there were a few dark blue cloth pouches loop through the same black leather belt, along her sides. With the pouches having snap-open fastener buttons that kept the pouches closed.

On her feet, Padme now wore brown leather, knee-high boots, which were tied with brown leather laces going up to the top the front of the boots.

Padme felt comfortable in new her clothing.

And while electrical arcs radiated off her body and armor, from blaster bolts continuing to hit her, she had no signs of injury to herself. Nor, damage to her current garb and the shiny chrome hammer.

While it only took less than a second for the hammer to turn her into this warrior form. Within that second, during Padme's initial transformation, the power she gave off in that second, while not the force itself, sent large tremors into the force. Tremors that were immediately felt across the galaxy. From the nearby stands in the arena stadium, where Dooku stood. To an ancient, physically small, Jedi master, whom was at nearby staging area of the Republic military. And even far across the galaxy, to such planets as Coruscant. Where warriors of both light and darkness lived.

It was as if a beacon of light had just announce itself to the coming darkness. And for a few brief seconds, all those whom sensed that power turned their heads towards where that beacon of light came from. With that beacon being Padme and the hammer she now held.

And even those nearby, whom were not force sensitive, such as Jango, Boba, and a few nearby Geonosians, could sense in their core that something very powerful had made its presence known.

(_)

A few seconds after Padme's transformation, in the arena stands, Jango Fett was standing by Count Dooku, to Dooku's left side.

Jango was in his full blue and chrome mandalorian armor, helmet, and equipment. His two blaster pistols were holstered on the sides of his outer thigh armor.

Just before the hammer hit the arena, Jango had just shot a Jedi whom had tried to take out Dooku. Jango's shots knocked the Jedi off the parapet and down to the arena floor. Then, the hammer has the arena.

Jango and Dooku has silently watched as the droids stopped moving, the Geonosian soldiers flee back into the tunnels. And the Jedi and Padme walking over to investigate the hammer.

Jango and Dooku had watched the sudden storm forming, with the lightning strike that change Padme into someone else.

And while Jango was not a force sensitive, even at this distance, in his core, he could feel the energy and power radiating from Padme's body and that hammer she now held up to the sky.

This sudden change of events made Jango do an immediate threat assessment of the situation.

Which was Senator Padme Amidala had just lifted a weapon that had changed her into much stronger, physically imposing blond woman, with armor and a helmet, similar to his own.

And Jango guessed that the sudden change of the sky going dark with clouds meant Padme likely now controlled the weather. A powerful ability by any standard.

On top of this, Padme was not showing any response to being pounded by blaster bolts. Meaning that Senator Amidala had become much more tougher and more powerful to the point Jango felt that likely none of his own weapons would work against her. Which, as far as he was concerned, made his contact to kill her, null and void.

Jango Fett was paid to kill a Senator, not a Goddess.

Besides, Padme and Anakin had already been captured and sentenced to die. It is not his fault his clients decided to make killing Senator Amidala, the Jedi Skywalker, and the Jedi Kenobi, a big spectacle, instead of just taking them out back and shooting them.

So, as far as he saw it, his contract had already been fulfilled.

In addition, Jango noticed that within the arena pit, the Jedi, whom had been knocked down by Padme's sudden change, were had turned onto their backs, towards her. And he could tell the Jedi were clearly concerned by this change of events.

And Jango then looked over at Dooku, whom was standing near him. Jango could see the much older man was scared. Also, Dooku was so focused on what was going on below, that he paid Jango no mind.

From all this, Jango came to one sane conclusion. It was time to find his son and for both of them to leave this planet as soon as possible.

And Jango did just that. Jango silently backed away from Dooku, while the older man was focused on the events of the arena pit below.

Jango left the battle to find his son.

Within the next few minutes, Jango found his son, Boba, and they were able to Jango's ship, which was hidden near the arena. Jango then piloted his ship off the planet before a more different hammer fell upon the planet of Geonosis.

(_)

Meanwhile, in the center of the arena pit, it has been a few seconds after Padme had lift the hammer, with her being changed and empowered.

Anakin was the first to comment, “Padme? Is that you?”

Padme lowered the hammer in her right hand, to hold the weapon to her right side. She turned to Anakin. She answered, in a female voice that was more soothing, yet more powerful, than her normal voice, “Aye. Anakin.”

Anakin happily said, “I like the new look.”

Padme smiled, as she stated, “Thank you, Anakin... Thou looks forward to looking in the mirror when the battle is finished.”

Anakin complimented, “You look like a Goddess to me.”

Padme's warm smile became wider, as she said, “Thou is glad you feel this way.”

Obiwan asked, “Padme. Do you even feel the blaster bolts hitting you?”

Padme turned to Obiwan, as she said, “Nay. Noble Obiwan.”

Obiwan asked, “As fun as this is. I am guessing this sudden cloud cover is going to slow down our rescue. So Padme, if there is anything you can do. Now, would be the time to do it.”

Under her helmet, Padme made a slightly confused look on her face. Padme stated, “Thy feels that thy has power. But, thou does not know of the power thy holds.”

Mace suggested, “How about you just point your weapon as the enemy, and see what happens.”

Padme turned to Mace, as she said, “Good idea. Jedi Windu.”

Padme pointed the top part of the head of her hammer at the nearest formation columns of droids, which equaled over forty battle droids all together.

Padme tried to mentally push the power she felt within her, from herself to the hammer, and out of the hammer and towards the droids.

Suddenly, bluish-white lightning erupted from the end of her weapon and annihilated the standing droids into slag.

Padme was slightly shaken at the power she realized she now had at her command. She slowly said, “That was... Interesting.”

Mace and Obiwan looked at each other.

Mace asked, “Force lightning?”

Obiwan stated, “I sense no darkness.” He turned to Padme, as he requested, “Please. Do that again.”

Padme turned to Obiwan. She smiled, as she said, “With pleasure.”

Padme turned her attention to another formation of droids. She held her weapon towards the droids and used her lightning to destroy them. And she did this again to another set of droids. And again. And again. And again.

(_)

From the stands of the arena, everyone but Count Dooku had already fled. Dooku was the only one left. He watched Padme destroy his droid army with ease.

Dooku came to one conclusion, as he thought, 'Now would be a good time to flee.” He looked around, as he thought, 'And I am somewhat embarrassed that I was the last to come to this conclusion. Still, I cannot fight this level of power. At least not until I learn what it is. That weapon has given Padme great power. Power on par with a master of the force.'

'But, she lacks the wisdom and knowledge to properly the use of that power. Even if the Jedi were not here, I would not face her. Because even she does not know what she is capable of. And facing her now. Before any of us has an inkling what she can do. Would have only unpredictable results for everyone involved.'

'Also, I sense my old master nearby. And a very large group of clones... The clone army... They're early... It is possible that this Jedi attack by Mace and the others was only a distraction. Not only to save their friends. But, to keep us occupied, while they brought their forces into place.'

'No matter. I still have time to escape. My ship is hidden in the mountain, likely far away from the Separatists ships and any coming conflict.'

'Though, before I leave. I need the blueprints which I can to the planet for, in the first place. Also, I need to make arrangements with my subordinates. To alley their fear. Then, I will escape. Still, I also need to make some last minute arrangements for my secret hangar bay. Just in case.'

Dooku saw the last of the droids in the arena destroyed. With the Jedi standing up from their positions.

Dooku turned and calmly walk passed the droids and into the arena tunnels, to the secret command center, near the arena.

(_)

By then, the cloud cover above the arena was starting to break apart.

On the ground, even with the battle over in the arena pit, Jedi held their deactivated their lightsabers at the ready.

With the blaster fire no longer hitting Padme and her armor, Padme and her armor no longer had any electrical arcs coming from her body and armor.

Anakin walked up to Padme, he found that Padme's new height had almost made them be at eye level. With Anakin only an inch or two taller than Padme presently was.

Anakin quickly asked, “Are you okay? You were hit by a lot of blaster bolts?”

Padme turned to Anakin, as she commented, “Thou feels fine.”

Anakin said, “Good. Also, I noticed you are not having electrical arcs coming from your clothing.”

Padme stated, “Thou believes that was blaster energy being bled off of body and armor.”

Anakin commented, “Interesting. And better than the energy deflecting everywhere, like a lightsaber.”

Padme replied, “Thou agrees.”

Anakin asked, “Don't take this the wrong way. I am not complaining. But, what is with the speech?”

Padme answered, “Thy wishes she knew. Just speaking this way, as if it were natural. Thou shall find out why, later.”

Anakin replied, “Okay.”

Padme asked, in a concerned tone of voice, “Is thou okay with the way thy am? Thy still is Padme.”

Anakin stated, “With the force I can sense that you are still you, on the inside. And I am happy you are still here and unharmed.”

Padme replied, “Thou appreciates your support.”

It was then they noticed someone coming towards them, from the air.

(_)

As the day brightened, Republic Low Altitude Assault Transport-infantry gunships appeared over the arena. The gunships began fly towards the arena pit, near the Jedi.

The Republic gunships acted as flying troop carriers with gun turrets and missile banks,

The side doors of the gunships were open, with white armor clone troops standing in the small decks of the gunships, with their blaster rifles at the ready.

But, what the Republic forces saw was not what they expected.

Instead of a battle, they saw a rout. Where there were only a few dead Jedi, while hundreds of destroyed droids littered the arena.

The Jedi whom were alive were standing by a strange, armored woman, holding a weapon in her right hand.

(_)

Padme stood next to the Jedi, they watched gunships coming in to land close to them.

It was then that Anakin realized, as he stated, “They might not recognize Padme. They may think Padme is an enemy.”

Padme set the hammer down on the ground, on it's head. She agreed, “That is a wise assumption.”

Obiwan said, “That is a good point. Everyone surround Padme.”

All the Jedi immediately stood around Padme, to shield her.

As the gunships landed, the clone troops were not sure what to do. They were trained that the Jedi were considered friendlies. But, they did not know who the person the Jedi were protecting. And since the Jedi considered the person to be worth protecting, The clone troops did not point their weapons at anyone.

Obiwan looked at the nearby clone troops. He stated, “Everyone here is friendly. Don't fire.”

From within one of the gunships, a familiar voice ordered, “Hold your fire. No enemy still stands in this battle.”

They saw Jedi Grandmaster Yoda standing on an open deck of one of the gunships.

One of the nearby clones replied, “Understood.” The clone then relayed the order by the internal comlink system that the clones used in their helmets.

The Jedi and Padme turned to see Yoda hop off one of the gunship and walk toward them with his cane.

Yoda walked to them, as he commented, “Sense much power. But, do not know from whom.”

The Jedi then moved away from Padme to show her and her hammer, to Yoda.

Padme calmly look at Yoda, as he approached her.

Yoda came to a stop two meters from Padme, as he looked up at her.

Yoda said, “Senator Amidala. My, you have changed much since last we met.”

Padme replied, “Yes.”

Yoda turned to the hammer, as he answered, “This hammer. Is this the cause of your sudden change?”

Padme answered, “Thy held it, and it changed thee.”

Yoda turned to look at Padme. He stated, “An odd occurrence for an item of power to do so. But, not completely unheard of.”

Padme requested, “That is comforting to know. Thy wishes to take it will me, until thy can find a way to change back.”

Yoda said, “Agreed. It is best to take with you. The item is the key to the return of your normal self.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.” Picked up the hammer with her right hand. But, she held it at her side, so as to not appear threatening to anyone. Just in case one of the clone troopers had an itchy trigger finger.

Mace turned to Yoda, as he said, “There is much we need to tell you.”

Yoda turned to Mace, as he responded, “This is not the time for discussion. Much to do. Little time to do it in. Later we will talk of this. Now, we must head to the field of battle.”

Mace turned to Obiwan and Anakin. He stated, “Obiwan, Anakin, take Padme with you. She could prove useful. We will divide up and head towards the staging area.”

Padme requested, “Thou does desire to come. So, thou can crack Dooku's skull against thy hammer.”

Obiwan turned to Padme. He stated, “Then, come on. I would pay credits to see that.” He then turned, and headed towards a nearby gunship.

Padme and Anakin followed. They both laughed little at Obiwan's joke as they followed their friend onto the deck same gunship.

As they stepped into the back of the gunship, Padme found that she had not difficulties climbing into the gunship by herself.

Meanwhile, Yoda, Mace, and the other Jedi also divided up and went aboard other, different gunships.

Soon, they were all on the gunships. The vehicles took off into the air, and towards the Republic staging area for the Republic invasion of Geonosis.

(_)

At that moment, Dooku made his way into the underground command center of Separatists. There were consoles and monitors on some of the walls. While also a huge circular holo-monitor in the center of the room. The holo-monitor showed the battle, with holograms of Republic ground forces converging on Separatists forces and spaceships.

There were subordinates work around the room.

Dooku walked up to two neimoidian men, whom were talking to each other by the large holo-monitor.

One of the neimoidians was Nute Gunray. The other neimoidian was Rune Haako.

Nute Gunray stated, in galactic basic, “The Jedi have amassed a huge army.”

By then, Dooku came to a stop, with Gunray to Dooku's right.

Dooku held back a chuckled. He maintained a mask of calmness, as he stated, “That doesn't seem possible.”

This startled the two neimoidians, with them turned to look at Dooku, whom had walked to close to them without being noticed.

Dooku looked a the holograms of the battle happening outside.

Dooku continued, “How could the Jedi come up with an army so quickly?”

Nute Gunray looked at Dooku. Gunray commented, “We must send all available droids into battle.”

Dooku continued to look at the holo-monitor, as he said, “There are too many.”

Across the large holo-monior, Poggle the Lesser, Archduke of Geonosis, supported himself with his cane in his right hand. spoke in Geonosian, “Our communications have been jammed.” Poggle looked over at Dooku. He continued, “We have heard of strange reports coming from our troops in the arena?”

Dooku looked at Poggle. He calmly responded, “That is nothing to concern yourself about. Though, I do have a request concerning my departure.”

Dooku made his request.

(_)

The Republic gunship Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan were riding in reached the staging for the Republic, and passed over the staging area.

Inside the deck of the gunship, with the side doors open, Padme had her left hand on one of the hand grips above her, on the ceiling of the deck, while she firmly gripped the shaft of the hammer with her right hand.

Padme looked out of the left side of the gunship and down at the stage area. She realized she could see what was going on the ground in stark detail. She saw the red and white Republic Star Destroyers land, and she could make out not only the vehicles and people on the group. But, she could also make out exactly what type of weapons they carried. What color armor they wore. All the way down to her being able to tell if their helmets and armor had dirt on them, where the dirt was located, and what color dirt it was.

Padme looked forward, out of the gunship. She could also see in the distance they were heading for an open area. And she could make out droids and separatists vehicles heading their way, from the other side of the clear area. Several kilometers away.

Padme thought, 'On top of everything else this hammer has given me. I now have excellent eyesight. That is nice.'

Padme then realized something very profound, as she thought, 'I am not scared. Not in the least. I feel fine. I am high up in the air, expose on to side two the outside, while standing up inside a high speed vehicle, and I feel fine.'

By then, they had passed over the Republic forces, and they were heading to where the Separatists ships were located at.

As this went on, Padme looked down at the hammer in her right hand, as she continued her thoughts, 'I wonder if this is because of you. This is very likely.'

Anakin's voice brought Padme attention back to the situation at hand. Anakin was looking towards the pilots, as he stated, “Aim right above the fuel cells.”

Padme saw the gunship fire two missiles towards the middle of a large, vertical cylindrical Hardcell class interstellar gunship ship in front of them.

As the two missiles flew towards the target, the gunship Padme was on veered to her right. With Padme seeing, from the left open door of the gunship, as the missiles hitting the large ship, just as they passed by it.

The ship collapses as the gunship she was on continued forward into battle.

In the gunship, Obiwan looked at the ship fall behind them, then to Anakin. He smiled, as he said, “Good call. My young padawan.”

Padme thought, 'I cannot let the boys have all the fun.'

Padme let go of a hand grip and moved over to the right side of the deck. She grips another hand grip above her. After which, Padme looked out the right side of the gunship and down at the battlefield. With her enhanced eyesight, she saw they were able to pass over hundred of droids. Padme firmly held the head of the hammer with in her right hand towards the ground below, at the droids, and away from the gunship. She then fired her lightning from the heard of the hammer.

Padme's lightning raked across ground, destroying hundreds of droids.

Those on the gunship noticed this.

One of the clone asked, “What the?”

Obiwan quickly said, “It is quiet alright. She is one our side.”

The clone in question looked at Padme, whom was looking at him. He said, “Glad you is.”

Obiwan and Anakin then looked over at what Padme did. They saw the destruction.

Obiwan complimented, “Good shooting.”

Anakin said, “Good job.”

Padme commented, “On top of everything else. Thy now has good eyesight.”

Obiwan requested, “That is nice. If you want. Please, continue.”

Padme cracked a grin, as she said, “Sure.” She then turned and fired lightning out of the gunship at separatists droids and vehicles.

Meanwhile, the gunship fired their weapons at very targets, including large ships trying to take off. Such as Separatist Federation starships.

For a little while they continued to aid the Republic in attacking the Separatist forces.

(_)

Inside the underground command center, Nute commented, in galactic basic, “This not looking good at all.”

Rune stated, in galactic basic, “We must get the starships back into space.”

Both Rune and Nute turned and walked out of the room, as they made their escape to a starship which would take them off planet.

Meanwhile, Poggle turned to Dooku. He stated, “All preparations for your departure.”

Dooku replied, “Thank you.”

Poggle slammed his left fist onto the holo-monitor. He commended, “Though, we have to order a retreat.” Poggle then turned and began walking towards a console.

Meanwhile, Dooku walked to his left around the holo-monitor, as he stated, “My master will never allowed the Republic to get away with the treachery.” He then came, with the holo-monitor being to his right.

Poggle reached a console and began to work on it, while he stated, “I'm sending my warriors to hide in the catacombs.”

Poggle turned to Dooku. He stated, “The Jedi must not find our designs for the ultimate weapon.”

Behind Poggle and to his left, above the console was the large red hologram of a spherical design.

Poggle turned to the console, he shut off the hologram and with his left hand he pulled out a small circular hologram device.

Poggle turned back to Dooku. He walked over to Dooku with the device in his left hand.

As Poggle walked, he stated, “If they find out what we are planning to build, we're doomed.”

Poggle came to a stop in front of Dooku.

Poggle handed the device to Dooku. Dooku took the device into his right hand.

Dooku said, “I will take the designs with me to Coruscant.”

Dooku turned on the device, which showed a small hologram of the same spherical device.

Dooku looked at the hologram, as he continued, “They will be much safer there with my master.”

Dooku then turned off the hologram. He pocketed the device. And he headed for his own escape. He walked towards a nearby hangar, where he had a speeder bike parked there for him.

Dooku would take the speeder bike to a hidden hangar away from the battle. And he would not be leaving the command center alone.

Meanwhile, Poggle began to issue the retreat orders.

(_)

Outside, on the flying gunship which Padme, Anakin and Obiwan were on, the battle became more intense. Some of the large Separatists starships were shot down while trying to leave the planet. With large dust clouds being created as the starships crash landed back to the ground.

Though, this did not stop any of the fighting, and those in the air just switched to flying by instruments, until they cleared the dust clouds. And those on the ground, on both sides, continued advancing on each other, as they fired their weapons.

As the gunship that Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan were on, passed through the dust cloud, Padme then saw something in the distance.

On nearly the other side of the battlefield, Padme saw in the Dooku on a speeder, while flanked by starfighters. From within the cockpit windows she saw a Geonosian piloting each starfighter.

Padme used her hammer to point in the direction she saw Dooku, as she stated, “Thy sees Dooku to our far left, with two Geonosian starfighters flanking him.”

Obiwan turned to the clone pilots, as he asked, “Do you have him on sensors?”

The lead clone pilot stated, “Yes.”

Obiwan ordered, “Then follow him. And try to intercept him.”

The clone pilot replied, “Yes sir.”

The gunship then turned towards Dooku and his two separatist vehicles, as it gains speed towards them.

Within less than a minute later, the republic gunships was almost on top of the Dooku and his two starfighters. By then, they all saw that it was Dooku in the lead on a speeder bike.

Anakin asked, “Shoot down that speeder.”

The clone pilot answered, “We're out of rockets, sir.”

Padme asked, “What about blaster fire?”

The clone pilot replied, “They are out of range.”

Anakin turned to Padme, as he asked, “Can you hit him?”

Padme turned to Anakin, as she answered, “No. Dooku is in front of us. Thy can cannot get a clear shot from this angle. The cockpit is in the way.”

Obiwan conceded, “That is a good point. And he is going to fast for us to just turn and give you a clear shot.”

Padme felt more sure of herself, as she inquired, “Can we handle this? Or, will we need help?”

Obiwan said, “I believe we can handle this on our own. Besides, he will be gone before help can arrive.”

By then, in their chase their gunship has become to fly over some sand dunes, away from the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Dooku noticed them, and he signaled the Geonosians.

Those on the gunship watched as the two starfighters circle back from both the left and right sides, to come up behind the gunship.

The starfighters started firing on the gunship.

Padme let go of the hand grip with her left hand and she moved over to the left side of the deck. She then used her left hand to grip another hand grip.

Out of the left side of the gunship, with Padme's facing the back of the gunship, Padme could see the starfighter to her right side.

Padme stated, “Thy has this.” She still held her hammer in her right hand. She let go of a safety hand grip on the ceiling of the gunship with her left hand, as she carefully learned out of the left side of the gunship, while she took aim of with top part of the head of her hammer.

Obiwan, Anakin, and the clones saw what she was doing. Obiwan stated, “Good idea.”

Anakin cautioned, “Careful now, Padme.”

Padme continued to take aim, as she said, “Don't worry. Thy has this.” She then fired a bolt of lightning at the starfighter. The lightning hit the starfighter and causes the starfighter to explode.

Obiwan complimented, “Good shot.”

Padme leaned back up as she pass by the those by, to the other side of the gunship, as she stated, “Thy's task is only half complete.”

She then swapped hands with her hammer, to hold the shaft in her left hand. She leaned out out the right side of the gunship. She took a shot, and the lightning hit the starfighter, causing it to explode.

Unfortunately, starfighter got off a lucky shot, right before it was destroyed. The shot hit the gunship, while the shot did not serious damage the gunship, it did cause the gunship to rock. And with Padme already partly leaning out of the gunship, she lost her balance and fell to the top of sand dune below.

Though, no one else fell out.

Fortunately, it was a brief drop, with the clone pilot barely missing the top of the sane dune.

As Padme fell she let go of her hammer, and she was able to do a mid flip to land on her back.

Obiwan, Anakin, and the clones saw this. As they rushed to the right side of the gunship, to see that where Padme had landed.

Anakin turned to the pilot, as he firmly ordered, “Turn this ship around.”

Obiwan looked at the pilot, as he quickly said, “Belay that order.”

Anakin and Obiwan looked at each other. Anakin stated, “We need to see if she is alright.”

Obiwan said, “I can't take Dooku alone. Besides after everything that Padme has so far withstood. I doubt she is injured. Chances are, she will be fine. And if we stop Dooku, we can stop this war before it even begins.”

Anakin thought about Obiwan said for a few seconds. He then replied, “Okay. Let's go get Dooku.”

Their gunship continued their chase of Dooku's speeder.

(_)

Elsewhere, behind the Republic lines of the battlefield, there was one that felt Dooku's location. And that person also felt that he needed to have a word with Dooku.

(_)

A few seconds after Padme hit the sand, she immediately got up from where she had landed.

Fortunately, the impact did not harm her.

As Padme stood up, she saw that the hammer was partially buried in the sand, on it's side, three meters from her.

While Padme looked around, she thought, 'At least I am alright.'

Then, with her enhanced eye sight, Padme then saw in a direction, in the horizon, the gunship she had been on. The gunship was flying away from her.

Padme continued her thoughts, 'And they left me behind. I am not surprised they would leave me behind. Dooku is more important.' She turned to look at the hammer, as she mentally reflected, 'Now, to retrieve the hammer.'

As Padme took a step towards the weapon she thought about retrieving the hammer.

Suddenly, the hammer moved slightly in the sand, with the shaft of the weapon moving to point towards Padme.

Padme noticed this. She immediately came to a stop. She thought, 'I wonder. I have seen Anakin do this with a piece of fruit. And the hammer is clearly linked with me.'

Padme outstretched her right arm towards the hammer, with her right hand open, as she willed the hammer to come to her.

In the blink of an eye, the hammer pulled itself out of the sand, and flew to her open right hand.

The hammer's shaft landed perfectly into Padme's right gloved hand, without harming her. With the head of the weapon pointing upwards.

Padme firmly closed her right gloved hand around the shaft of the hammer.

Padme then turned back to look towards the horizon, in the direction that Anakin, Obiwan, and Dooku went. She could still barely make out the gunship in the distance.

Padme smiled wickedly, as she thought, 'If I can make this hammer come to me, with my mind. Maybe, I can make the hammer move while I am holding it.'

Padme tightened her grip on the shaft of the hammer. She then held up the hammer in her right hand, towards the horizon, in the direction she want to go. Next, she willed the hammer to move in that direction, as fast as the hammer could safely take her.

Suddenly, the hammer moved, with Padme being pulled with it, into the sky, in the direction she willed the weapon to go.

While Padme had no problems holding onto the hammer, the centrifugal force created by the speed the hammer was going caused Padme's body to move to be horizontal with the ground.

As Padme flew through the air, she tilted her head up to see in front of her, over the hammer. While flying, she thought, 'I have to keep in mind I am making the hammer move. If I stop thinking about the hammer moving, me and the hammer with probably drop to the ground. But, that should not be a problem. And I can also just make this hammer hover in place. With my strength, I have no problems holding on. In addition, I guess I am going as fast as the gunship was. If not a little faster. I have a feeling that this is nothing compared to the speed the hammer can take me. But, this will do for right now.'

Padme smiled, as she continued her thoughts, 'I should catch up with Anakin and Obiwan in no time. And with my enhanced sight, I should have no problems seeing where they went.'

As Padme quickly approached the gunship, they were at a slight angle from her, to her right, she saw that it had come to a stop by landing pad build against a cliff face of a mountain wall. She also saw the landing pad lead into a tunnel in the mountain.

Padme then watched as Obwan and Anakin jumped of the gunship almost at the same time, and run into the tunnel. With both of them igniting the lightsabers they had been given in the arena battle. Obiwan's blue blade lightsaber. And Anakin's green blade lightsaber.

Next, Padme watched as the gunship safely left, with none of the clones following the two Jedi into the cave.

Padme thought, 'It is clear Obiwan order them to head back to the front. They are likely no match for Dooku. And they will probably get killed if they face Dooku. Now, to surprise Anakin and Obiwan. Though, I better do it in a subtle way. I don't want to get sliced with a lightsaber.'

By then, Padme reached the landing pad. She quickly rush into the cave, right behind Anakin and Obiwan.

Padme saw both of her friends were still running through the cave. Obiwan was to her right and Anakin was to her left. Though, she found she was quicker on foot, as she swiftly caught up to them.

When Padme within three meters from them, she slowed down, and landed on her feet. She held her hammer in front, with her right hand, as she casually asked, “Do thee miss anything?”

Anakin and Obiwan immediately stopped in their tracks. They turned around to see Padme.

Once Padme saw that they realized it was her, she calmly approaching them.

Obiwan stated, in mild surprise, “Okay. This day is just full of surprises. And nice ones at that.”

Anakin asked, “How did you get here so quickly?”

Padme came to a stop a meter from her friends. She held out the hammer in her right hand, towards them, as she answered, “Thy found that thy hammer lets thee fly.” She then lowered her right hand to her right side.

Obiwan commented, “Will wonders never cease?”

Anakin smiled, as he said, “Cool.”

Padme smiled as she agreed, “Thy knows.” She turned her attention to behind the men, and towards an open doorway down the hallway. She asked, “Did Dooku go this way?”

Obiwan turned in the direction Padme was looking. He then turned back to look at Padme. He answered, “Yes.”

Padme stated, “Good. Let's see if thy can end this, right here and now.”

Obiwan responded, “Mine thoughts exactly. Though, before we continued. Do you know how to use that hammer as a melee weapon?”

Padme held up the hammer in her right hand, as she used her left hand to point at the head of hammer. She casually said, “Yes. The large end is used to smash in the opponent's face.” She then dropped her left hand to her left side and her hammer to her right side.

Obiwan commented, with a bit unease in his tone of voice, “Not exactly... We will work on that, later... Anyway, for now, stay back Padme.” He continued, in a more concerned tone of voice, “Dooku is a trained lightsaber expert, and master of the force. Almost as good as Yoda. I want you to only provide range support.”

Padme said, “Thy will keep that in mind.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin, as he stated, “And Anakin. Support me. But, do not directly engage Dooku, unless to assist me. I want us to go in slowly. I will take him from the right. While you take him from the left.”

Anakin looked over at Obiwan. He replied, “Yes, master.” Anakin thought, 'With Padme here, I need to be more mindful of both her, Obiwan, and myself. I do not dare try to be reckless. Doing so could get one of us hurt.'

Obiwan and Anakin turned around. The three adults then headed passed the doorway, to find themselves in a small hangar bay.

To their right, they passed by the parked speeder bike that Dooku had used to fly to the hidden base.

As they entered into a larger room, they passed by a small starship to their left, with the ramp set to the ground, and the doors to the ship being open. Also, the ship blocking their view from rest of the shuttle.

They walked passed the starship, Anakin and Obiwan immediately came to a stop, with Padme stopping right behind them.

On the other side of the hangar bay was Dooku, whom has just giving some instructions to a pilot droid. The droid heading towards the ramp, with it soon being inside the ship's cockpit.

Meanwhile, Dooku calmly looked at the three of them.

And between Dooku and them was about a dozen B2 super battle droids, line up in a horizontal row in front of them.

Fortunately, they droids had not raised their right arms and fired their blaster guns that were located in their right forearms.

Obiwan quickly ordered, “Anakin take the four in front of us. Padme, the four to our left. I will deal with the rest.”

Before the droids could raise their arms, take aim, and fire, Anakin and Obiwan quickly used their lightsabers to slice up the droids and destroy them.

Meanwhile, given Padme was not worried about being harmed by blaster fire, she decided to try out her hammer. She rushed at the four droids to her left, as she used the flat hammer of her weapon to literally crushed the four droids with only a few blows each.

After Anakin, Obiwan, and Padme finished their attack, Anakin and Obiwan turned to looked over at at Padme' handiwork.”

Obiwan commented, “You seem to have the strength to go with that weapon.” He thought, 'Which explains how she held on to the hammer to fly here.'

Anakin complimented, “Nice work.”

Padme turned to her two friends. She replied, “Thank you.”

The three adults then turned to look at the much older man, Dooku.

From across the room, Dooku gazed back towards them.

Obiwan asked, “Honestly Dooku. What was the point of those droids?”

Dooku answered, “I was hoping they would have reacted more quickly and softened you up some.”

Padme commented, “Let thy guess. Built by lowest bidder?”

Dooku answered, “Unfortunately, that is the nature of business.”

Obiwan said, “Please surrender peaceful. I do not want to have to harm you.”

Dooku responded, “Oh. I doubt I will be the one that is harmed today.”

Obiwan kept his eyes on Dooku, as he stated, “Anakin. Take this slow.”

Anakin did not take his eyes off of Dooku. He calmly responded, “Yes master.”

Obiwan and Anakin slowly advanced on Dooku.

In response, Dooku used his right hand to pull and ignite his lightsaber, which unlike a normal lightsaber was a curved hilt that allowed the blade to point more outwardly from the wield. This style of lightsaber was also known as a dueling lightsaber. Which was well designed for dueling in lightsaber combat. But, due to the lightsaber being pointed more closely towards the front, than the side, the dueling lightsaber was more difficult to use to deflect blaster bolts and other range weapon attacks.

Padme quietly watched as Anakin and Obiwan split up. And they advanced on Dooku from opposite sides. Anakin to Padme's left, and Obiwan to Padme's right.

Dooku could clearly saw tactic they were using was to outflank him.

Dooku thought, 'A wise tactic. With one lightsaber I cannot defend both my front and my back at the side time, from two trained Jedi. But, this tactic is easily countered.'

Dooku backed away and more towards Obiwan, in an attempt to get Obiwan and Anakin back together. But, the teacher and student would not have this, as they continued to slowly advance on Dooku from opposite directions.

By the time Dooku nearly had his back to the back rock wall, Obiwan and Anakin had made it to just outside of Dooku's lightsaber reach.

Then, there was stillness, as everyone was silent, and stood in place. With only the hums of the lightsabers and the starship being the only sound.

Everyone waited for someone to make the first move.

Dooku was first. He used the lightsaber in his right hand to swiftly reached across himself, with him making a slashed attack towards Obiwan. Dooku did this move while also allowing himself to turn counterclockwise, with his back now facing the open floor.

Anakin was still to Dooku's left, and Obiwan to his right.

Obiwan took a step back from Dooku's attack, while Anakin did not respond with his own attack.

Then, a second later, Obiwan struck out at Dooku with his lightsaber.

A moment after Obiwan attack, Anakin took his lightsaber strike towards Dooku.

In two stroked of his lightsaber, Dooku swiftly parried Obiwan and then blocked Anakin's strike.

(_)

Across the room, Padme watched as Dooku was able to successfully divide his attention and single lightsaber, against to attackers at once.

Also, Padme could tell from the attacks that Anakin was only assisting. With him looking for a weak point in Dooku's defenses, while Obiwan handled most of the fighting.

Then, Anakin spotted the weak point, but as he thrust with his lightsaber, Dooku immediately used his left free hand to send lightning into Anakin, knocking him back into the air.

Anakin's lightsaber deactivated as he let go of it in midair.

Anakin landed a meters across the room, on his back, with his lightsaber landing beside him, half a meter to his left.

By reflex, and worry for Anakin, Padme screamed, “NO!”

Padme then noticed that Anakin was breathing. Though, he was stunned by Dooku's attack.

Padme turned her attention to Dooku, as she thought with rage, 'Let's see him get a taste of his own medicine.”

Padme lifted the hammer. She took aim by pointing the hammer's head towards Dooku.

Meanwhile, from the corner of his left eye, Obiwan saw what Padme doing. He immediately backed away from Dooku.

Unfortunately, the force warned Dooku of Padme's attack.

Dooku turned around to face Padme, with him holding his lightsaber blade between him and Padme.

Padme sent a bolt of lightning at Dooku, only to watch as Dooku countered the lightning with his lightsaber blade.

Padme was left silent after watching Dooku fully counter her lightning attack.

Obiwan noticed this, as he divided his attention between Dooku, Anakin, and Padme. He stated, “Don't worry Padme. That is just a defensive trick that Jedi are taught. So, snap out of it.”

Obiwan's words quickly brought Padme back to reality. This allowed her to be more aware of the danger they were all in from Dooku.

Meanwhile, Dooku calmly looked at Padme. He stated, “That was a nice try. But, you are still untrained. Now, this is how to such an attack is properly done.”

Dooku then used his left hand to channel and attack Padme with force lightning.

Padme did not react, as the lightning hit her.

For the next few seconds, Dooku continued his attack with force lightning against Padme.

Dooku swiftly realized that his attack was not harming her, nor her armor. As such, he quit his attack.

From under her helmet, Padme cracked a grin. She said, “That tickled.”

Obiwan smiled, as he held back a chuckle.

Dooku raised an eyebrow, as he calmly commented, “Well now... This was unexpected.”

Dooku then used the force, as Padme felt something pull her up, and throw her out of the hangar bay, through the cave, and onto the outside landing platform.

Next, Dooku turned to Obiwan, as he held the red blade of his lightsaber towards Obiwan. Dooku calmly requested, “Let us continue.”

Obiwan responded by attacking Dooku with his blue blade lightsaber.

And so, they continued their lightsaber battle.

(_)

At that moment, Padme landed on the landing deck outside the tunnel. Though, she laid on her back, she still held onto the large hammer with her right hand.

After Padme sat up, she noticed that a Republic gunship that had landed behind her on the landing pad. There were a few clone troops standing by the gunship, on the deck. She then saw Yoda, using his cane in his right hand, as he stood just over a meter next to her, to her right side.

The ancient Jedi Master was calmly looked at her.

Yoda guessed, “Dooku used the force to throw you out?”

Padme said, “Thy believes so.”

Yoda stated, “Powerful you are now. But, the force is still dangerous even to you.”

Padme said, “Thy will be wary of it.”

Yoda replied, “Good.”

Yoda turned to the clone, as he ordered, “Stay here.” He then turned to Padme, as he requested, “Accompany me. I will handle Dooku.”

Padme stood up, as she replied, “Yes sir.”

Yoda smiled, as he said, “Powerful. But, still respectful of elders.”

Padme did not reply, as she smiled slightly at Yoda's compliment of her.

Yoda then started walking into the hangar bay, with Padme right behind him.

Padme was mildly surprised at how fast Yoda hobbled from the entrance of the cave, down the hallway, and to the hangar bay.

As they reached the hangar bay, Padme saw the situation was quite the reverse to what she had expect.

Instead of Anakin on the floor, Obiwan was on the floor with mild burn marks from his clothing, on his left upper arm and left upper thigh. Obiwan was close to the far, back wall, and several meters away from the entrance to the small starship.

And instead of Obiwan fighting Dooku with a lightsaber. It was Anakin using two lightsabers to fight Dooku. A blue blade lightsaber in his right hand and a green blade lightsaber in his left hand.

Padme overheard Yoda mutter under his breath, “The foolishness of youth.”

Yoda immediately used the force to swiftly, through gently pull Anakin away from Dooku.

Anakin found himself, on his feet, with his lightsabers in his hands, several meters away from Dooku, and about three meters way from Obiwan.

Dooku immediately turned to Yoda and Padme. He stated, “Well, if it is not my old teacher.”

Yoda did not take his eyes off of Dooku, as he ordered, “Young ones attend to Obiwan. I will handle Dooku.”

Anakin deactivated the lightsabers in his hands. He swiftly tucked the lightsabers into his belt. Then, Anakin and Padme headed over to check on Obiwan.

Meanwhile, with Dooku facing the possibility of three active combatants, Dooku kept his lightsaber ignited. Dooku thought, 'As tempting as it is to show off to my old master. Right now, doing so would be to dangerous.'

Dooku commented, “An interesting day this has been. My old teacher.”

Yoda agreed, “That is has. Though, long for much better days when we were simply teacher and student. Instead of enemies.”

Dooku said, “I feel that same way.” He voice grew a little tired, with only a hint of regret, as he stated, “But, what is done, is done.” Dooku shrugged towards Padme, as he commented, “The girl and that hammer are going to be a handful.”

Yoda commented, “The Jedi are not strangers to challenges.”

Dooku responded, “Yes. And what is life without challenges. Do you still have your lightsaber?”

Yoda dropped his cane onto the floor, as he answered, “Always.” He then pulled out his smaller lightsaber, and ignited its green blade.”

Dooku stated, “Then, let us see if either of us has lost their edge over the years.”

Yoda said, “Absolutely.” He then charged as Dooku. And as their lightsabers battle began, they both became like blurs at they fight one another.

(_)

Nearby, Anakin reached Obiwan first. By the time Anakin knelt down to check on Obiwan, Padme had reached both Anakin and Obiwan. Though, Padme always kept an eye on the fight between Yoda and Dooku.

Anakin looked at Obiwan, as he asked, with concern in his tone of voice, “Master, are you going to be alright?”

Obiwan turned to look at them. He groaned. He then answered, “These are only flesh wounds. I should recovered.”

Padme stated, “Thy is glad to hear this news.”

Anakin agreed, “So am I.”

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he stated, “Padme. I saw Dooku throw you out of the room. Are you alright.”

Anakin turned to Padme, as he said, “He did?”

Padme commented, “I am fine.”

Obiwan said, “Good.”

The three of them then turned to look at Yoda fighting Dooku.

Obiwan commented, “Savor this moment, children. It is a rarity to see Yoda truly cut loose.”

Padme was in awe at Yoda's display of lightsaber combat and acrobat skill, as she said, “Thy will.”

Anakin commented, “I admit. I am impressed.”

Obiwan said, “You are not the only one.”

(_)

Dooku and Yoda continued to clash lightsabers, with them presently away from the ramp to the small starship, and Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan.

As they fought, Dooku thought, 'Over nine hundred years old, and he is still this fast. And even if I defeat him, I will still have to face the boy, the girl, and maybe even Obiwan, again. I have to escape. But how?... This will do.'

Dooku immediately jumped back, away from Yoda, with him landing about three meters by the ramp to his ship.

Yoda did not follow him.

Dooku deactivated his lightsaber in his right hand, as he used his skills in the force to create a force whirlwind. He willed the force to pick up the wrecked parts of the droids in the floor, that Anakin, Obiwan, and Padme had destroyed.

The droids parts circled around Dooku in counterclockwise fashion, until he use the force to throw the droid parts from where Yoda was to where Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan were. Though, he was careful not to thrown any parts towards his starship.

Yoda used the to jump above most of the wreckage coming his way. He used his lightsaber and the force to protect himself from the small pieces that he did not clear in his leap.

A few moments later, Yoda safely landed on the floor of the hangar.

Meanwhile, Anakin swiftly used the force to stop the droids part heading for Padme, Obiwan, and himself, from hitting them.

As the droid parts were stopped in midair, they lose all inertial, and dropped to the floor near Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin.

The rest of the droid parts, which did not head in the direction of the Jedi and Padme, slammed into the various walls of the hangar.

(_)

As this went on, Dooku used the force to swiftly enter the small starship. Even before Dooku had actually entered the ship, he has used the force to activate the ramp to begin retract and the doors to the ship to close.

Less than a second later, as Dooku entered the cockpit, he quickly turned to the droid pilot and ordered, “Raise the shields. And get us out here.” Then, he sat in the chair to the left of the droid pilot.

(_)

Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin watched as the ramp door to the ship

Padme ordered, “Do not let Dooku escape.” She raised her hammer with her right hand, and fired at the ship with a bolt of lightning. But, the ship's energy shields protected spacecraft.

Anakin stated, “Wouldn't dream of it.” He then used the force to grip the ship and prevent it from leaving.

Padme fired another lightning bolt, but the ship's shields were able to withstand another blast.

A moment later, from across the room, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan heard Yoda yell, “Discontinue the attack!”

Padme stopped firing at the ship. Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin looked over at Yoda. Though, Anakin continued to force group the small starship.

From across the hangar, Yoda had immediately realized what was going on, and what was happening.

Yoda looked at them, as he explained, “Continuing this course of action will cause the ship's engines to explode. With the explosion consuming us in this cavern. Allow Dooku to escape, we must. There will be other opportunities to deal with him. Just not today.”

Anakin did not argue with Yoda, as he telekinetically let go of the starship.

The starship took off towards the sky.

Padme, Anakin, Obiwan, and Yoda, heard a blaster fire from outside, meaning the clone troops were shooting at the starship. But, since these was no explosion to be heard, they realized the Dooku's starship had escaped.

Meanwhile, within the hangar bay, Yoda deactivated his lightsaber and he hid his weapon back in his clothing. He then used the force to retrieve his cane into his right hand. After which, he started using his cane to slowly walked towards his friends.

While Yoda approached them, Anakin pulled out the two lightsabers from his belt.

Anakin could tell which lightsaber was the one he was using and which was the one Obiwan was using.

Anakin handed the lightsaber that Obiwan used to him. Obiwan took the lightsaber, and put it in his holster on his belt.

Anakin also holstered his lightsaber on his belt holster.

Anakin asked, “Can you stand up?”

Obiwan answered, “Yes. But, a little help would be appreciated.”

Anakin and Padme gently helped Obiwan stand up. With Anakin standing to Obiwan's left, and Padme standing to Obiwan's right.

Padme allowed the hammer in her right hand to hang by her right side, as she used her left hand to help Obiwan up.

Anakin used both his hands to help Obiwan up.

The three of them facing towards the tunnels leading out of the hangar bay, as Padme and Anakin helped Obiwan stand up.

After all three of them were upright, Obiwan said, “I should be able to make it on my own from here.”

Padme and Anakin let go of Obiwan.

Anakin walked around Obiwan, to come to a stop, by Padme, to Padme's right side.

Padme turned to Anakin, as Anakin looked at Padme.

Both were well aware that they were not in private. And as such, they did not show any outward signs of affection.

Anakin asked, “Obiwan mentioned you were hit by Dooku's lightning. Also, you fell off the gunship. And you were thrown out of here. Are you alright?”

Padme calmly said, “Thy is fine, Anakin. The electricity only slightly stung. Thy only barely felt hitting the sand dune, and later the outside ramp.”

Anakin requested, in a concerned tone of voice, “Good... Ah... Now that we have a moment to catch our breath. I have a question. Can you speak normally?”

Padme gave an unreadable expression, as she answered, “Aye... I can. But it is difficult. Though, I think and feel like I normally do.”

Anakin said, “Good. I could sense in the force that you were you in your mind. I just wanted to make sure you could respond normally. That you could take control, and willfully block how the hammer was influencing you.”

Padme said, “Thank you for your concern.”

Anakin carefully requested, “I was wondering. Could I see your face? If it is possible to remove your helmet”

Padme answered, “I believe so. I feel this clothing and helmet slightly shift as I move.”

Padme gently set the hammer onto the floor, on the top of its head. She then gently used both her hands to lift her off her head, she then lower her helmet with both hands to her be in front of her chest.

Anakin look at Padme.

Anakin saw Padme's loose long blond hair, which shined, and appear silky smooth. And though, Padme's face was the same, it was also different. As what her face would look like in the best possible light, in the best possible way.

Anakin smiled, as he happily complimented, “You look great.”

Padme returned Anakin's smile, which look very pleasant on her exposed face. She warmly said, “Thank you.”

They then heard someone cough.

Padme and Anakin turned to both Obiwan and Yoda looking at them.

By then, Yoda had come to a stop, about two meters from Anakin, Obiwan, and Padme. With the wise Jedi master looking over at Padme and Anakin.

Obiwan stated, “While I am glad everyone is okay. Padme. Your sudden... abilities are concerning.”

Yoda said, “Much to discuss. Much to learn. For all of us.”

Padme responded, “Thy is as much in the dark about this as you are.”

Yoda commented, “This is what we are sure of.”

Obiwan explained, “First. You have done nothing wrong Padme. Actually, you have been a great help. You saved a lot of lives today. Perhaps even our own.”

Padme replied, “Thanks.” Padme then put on her helmet, and used her right hand to pick up the long shaft of her hammer. After she lift the hammer up, she held up the head, to allow it to slide slightly, to where she was holding the middle of the shaft. She continued, “And thy realizes that we have to talk about this. But, perhaps it would be best to discuss this further in private, on a ship.”

Yoda replied, “Agreed.”

Anakin said, “Same here.”

Obiwan smiled. He shrugged, as he commented, “I have nothing better to do.”

Yoda stated, “Then, follow me. My gunship is outside. Clone troopers are guarding it. Did not want to waste lives facing Dooku. We will take you three to a shuttle that will take us to my Jedi Cruiser, in orbit. And I will inform Master Windu to meet us there. Victory over the planet for the Republic is already won. The rest of the Jedi and Clones can handle the battle without us. For we are on our way to Coruscant.” He turned towards the exit to the hangar bay, and he began walking back the way he came in.

The other three adults did not responded, as they followed the ancient master of the force.

Soon, they were on the gunship. The gunship closed its side doors.

A few minutes later, they made it back to the Republic front. Yoda arranged for them to take a shuttle to the Star Destroyer in orbit of Geonosis. Though, the starship in question was not the Republic Star Destroyer in orbit of Geonosis serving as the main command center for the planetary invasion.

(_)

An hour later, a shuttle took Yoda, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan to one of the Star Destroyers in orbit of Geonosis. The shuttle dropped them off, refueled, and headed back down to the Republic front on Geonosis.

During the entry time, Padme had held on to the mystical hammer.

After boarding the Star Destroyer, Yoda had orders to be relayed for Jedi Master Mace Windu to join them on the Star Destroyer.

When Mace arrived on his own shuttle, he brought with him to other passengers that he know that Padme and Anakin would want to come along. R2-D2 and a repaired C3-PO with his head on his proper body. Also, it seemed that R2-D2 has say what happened to Padme in the arena. And R2-D2 had informed C3-PO of Padme's change.

In addition, Mace had informed Padme that Clones had found her space yacht. The ship was undamaged, and they would send it back to Coruscant, within the week. All things considered, Padme was happy to hear that.

Yoda then ordered the captain of the Star Destroyer to immediately set course of the planet, Coruscant, the Capital planet of the Galactic Republic.

That with that before coming to Geonosis, Yoda had been given the rank of a High General, the captain of the starship did as ordered.

A few minutes later, the Star Destroyer in questioned jumped to hyperspace, with the ship heading for Coruscant.

Meanwhile, Yoda had set up a private meeting to begin discussing an important matter on their minds. Padme and the hammer that literally fled into Padme possession.

Yoda lead Padme,Yoda, Mace, Anakin, Obiwan, R2-D2, and C3-PO to a private meeting room in the Star Destroyer.

After everyone had entered the room, the door to the meeting room was shut.

And while the meeting room had a large, circular table. There were chairs placed around the table.

Though, none of those present in the room were sitting down. Though, Yoda had leapt onto the table, to allow him a better look at the others present.

As the others stood around the room, Padme held the hammer in her right hand, at her right side.

C3-PO looked over at Padme, as the droid look at Padme, he complimented, “Senator Amidala, you look positively radiate.”

Anakin overheard the compliment. Anakin looked towards Padme. He said, “No arguments there.”

Padme smile, as she looked at Anakin, then to C3-P0. She replied, “Thy is thankful for the compliment, C3-PO.”

Mace stated, “Well, I guess I need to get this started.” He turned to Padme, as he asked, “What are your current plans now, Senator Amidala?”

Padme turned to Mace, as she said, “Thy is not sure.”

Yoda stated, “Much power you have been given. In a short amount of time. Overwhelm most. It would.”

Obiwan said, “I feel that Padme here just needs some time to adjust.”

Anakin spoke up, “I agree.”

Mace stated, “And it is not just the hammer and the abilities. The hammer also changed your clothes, your physical appearance, and even your speech patterns.”

Anakin said, “She still the same Padme on the inside.”

Padme defended herself, “Anakin is correct. Thy am still myself in my mind.”

Mace commented, “While I believe you believe that. And we will cover to this topic in the minute. Let us first talk something more tangible. Such as this armor you wear. Where did it come from?”

Padme answered, “Thy does not know where the armor came from. Nor where thy clothing went.” Padme turned to Anakin, as she inquired, “Though honestly. How does thy look?”

Anakin said, “You look good. Your armor looks kind of like what the mandalorians wear?”

Under her helmet, Padme had a confused look on her face. She asked, “Mandalorian? Why mandalorian?”

Yoda spoke up, “The hammer likely took from your subconscious what you viewed an armored individual should be. And the mandalorians are well known through out the galaxy by the style of armor they armor.”

Mace stated, “The mandalorian are also trouble.”

Obiwan commented, “I won't say that. I can think of a few nice mandalorians.”

Mace pointed out, “They are only nice when they are not on the war path.”

Obiwan said, “This true for anyone.”

As Mace and Obiwan had their minor disagreement, Anakin walked over to Padme's left side. He whispered near the left side of Padme's head, “Your armor is very good. It is a nice mix of armor and cloth clothing.”

Padme turned to Anakin. She smiled towards him, as she said, “Thank you.”

Just then, Yoda spoke up, and everyone in the room when silent, as he said, “Still, the ability to arrange matter. Both inorganic and organic, is quite a feat.”

Mace turned to Padme. Mace agreed, “True.” Mace looked down at the hammer, at Padme's right side, as he requested, “It would be best if you let us have a closer look at this troublesome hammer.”

Padme said, “If that is what thy wishes.” Padme walked over to the table, as she grip the hammer in her right hand, as she held up the weapons. She then used both hands to grip her hammer, and turned it upside down. Next, she gently set the hammer on its head, onto the table itself. After which, Padme took a few steps back to allow the others to get a closer look at the hammer.

The hammer was placed on the opposite end of the table from where Yoda was standing on the table.

Obiwan was the first to move closer to the hammer, and look at weapon.

While Obiwan looked at the hammer, he noticed something about the way the hammer was set on the table. Obiwan said, “Interesting. The axe blade and the circular hammer are what is holding the hammer up. Not the middle of the head.”

Everyone turned towards the table, to look more closely at the hammer. They saw that Obiwan was correct. The hammer rested up right on the tip of the axe blade, and the rim of the head of the hammer.

Padme said, “Thy did not realize that when thy set the hammer down, the weapon stayed in place in such a peculiar position.”

Anakin stated, “This is odd. The hammer looks like it should not be able balance itself like that.”

Yoda commented, “Clearly mystical in origin, the hammer is. Obviously the hammer wishes to remain the way its wielder desires.”

Padme stated, “Master Yoda speaks the truth. Thy can summon and control the movement of the hammer. It will move around in the air, as thy desires. And when thy is holding the hammer, thee can use it to fly into the sky.”

Mace turned to Padme. He showed a slightly curious expression towards Padme's claim. He asked, “You can fly?”

Padme turned to Mace, as she replied, “Yes. With the force, thee is surprised that the Jedi do not fly.”

Mace said, “For year I have been trying to figure how to do use the force to fly. I still have not ironed all the chinks in the techniques to do so.”

Padme requested, “Let thee know if you do. Thy would very much like to such a feat of skill.”

Obiwan spoke up, “As would we all. Also, Padme has other abilities. She is very strong. And she has enhanced sight, as well.”

Yoda commented, “Senator Amidala has likely been enhanced in many ways by the hammer.”

Padme said, “Thy agrees.”

Anakin stated, “Still, I do not understand one point about the hammer. It will not move unless it wants to move. Not even the force will be move it. Though, Dooku used the force to throw both Padme and the hammer.”

Mace commented, “It is likely while in the hand of its chosen wielder, it will move as the wielder desires. If the wielder is not mindful, the hammer will move with the wielder. But, if the wielder is mindful for the hammer to stay in place, then the hammer will stay in place.” Mace turned to Padme. He continued, “And should the wielder have enough strength, the wielder gripping the hammer may stay in place, as well.”

Obiwan commented, “This could have some defensive applications.”

Mace agreed, “This is very possible.”

Padme understood what the Jedi were hinting at. She inquired, “As in thy will not be thrown about with the force.”

Mace said, “Exactly.”

Obiwan turned his attention to the hammer. He stated, “These is something about the hammer which we can immediately learn from it. The inscription on the side of it might provide a clue as to whom it originally belonged too.”

Anakin commented, “Yea. I noticed that earlier. And it would be a good idea to find out what it says.” He turned to C3-PO and R2-D2. He requested, “C3-PO, translate that inscription.”

C3-PO replied, “With pleasure, Master Anakin.”

Obiwan stepped out of the way, as the protocol droid walked up to the hammer, and studied the instruction.

C3-PO came to a stop in front of the hammer, and looked over the words he then stated, “The runes are similar to galactic basic. Only they appear to be from a much older branch of the same language.”

Mace asked, “Can you translate the inscription?”

C3-PO continued to look at the inscription, as it stated, “Yes. I believe the inscription states. To whom be worthy to wield the hammer shall have the power of Thor. Though, the sentence structure uses slightly different order, this is basically what the inscription says.”

Obiwan commented, “Whomever this Thor is. He, or she, must have been a pretty powerful fellow.”

Meanwhile, Yoda was standing on the table. He walked across the table to the hammer, using his cane in his right hand, to help him walk.

The others saw this. And in response, they remained silent. Though, C3-PO backed away form the hammer, and the table, to give the ancient Jedi Master some room.

When Yoda came to a stop within thirty centimeters of the hammer.

The hammer's shaft was actually longer than Yoda was tall.

Yoda shifted his cane from his right hand to his left hand. Then, he looked at the weapon for a few seconds.

While Yoda continued to look at the hammer, you stated, “A strange one. You are. I sense no force in you. But, I do sense power and awareness. You crave battle, but only for defense. You seek to help through violence. Not the way of the Jedi. But still, a noble path. Also, I wonder.”

Everyone then watched as Yoda used his right hand to pick up the hammer with ease. He held the hammer in his right hand. While he showed no exertion in doing, he looked at the hammer in his right hand. He stated, “Yes. Light in the hands of the worthy.”

Yoda then set the hammer gently back down on top of its head. He turned to Padme, whom was looking at him, along with the rest of the group. He continued, “But, a weapon for much younger hands. A much younger spirit. Let us see the control you have of this weapon. Outstretch your hand, and call the weapon with your mind. The hammer will come.”

Padme did not say a word as she did as Yoda had instructed. She outstretched her right hand towards the hammer, and she thought for the hammer to come to her right hand.

A second later, the hammer lifted itself off the ground, with the middle of the shift slipping into her right hand. Padme then closed her hand around the weapon's shift, as she held it in her grip.

Yoda looked at Padme. He calmly said, “A great gift you have been given, young one. Very few Jedi would have the power to match you with the force.”

Yoda looked at Anakin, then back towards Padme. Everyone in the room noticed this, but they did not comment on it.

Yoda stated, “But, you are untrained. Still, that is a matter for another time. Now, we much figure out if we can have you to return to normal. Or, if that is not possible, take precautions. For with your strength and power. With you being untrained. You risk much damage to the ship, before we arrive at our destination.”

Padme responded, “Thy has no intention to damage this ship.”

Yoda pointed out, “But accidents do not need intentions.”

Padme said, “Still. Thy wishes to return back to my mortal form...” Padme realized what she said. She asked, “Is thy immortal in this form?”

Yoda explained, “Given the ages of some of us. Perhaps, along with vast vitality, you are longer lived in this form. But, as to being immortal. I leave that debate to the philosophers.”

Padme responded, “I agree. Though, thou still needs to learn how to return to her original form. Thou has duties that would be more difficult to undertake in this form.”

Anakin turned to Padme. He commented, “I do not see how your new look and abilities could make things more difficult.”

Padme looked at Anakin. She said, “Negotiation and diplomacy require more than use of force. Especially between senators.”

Anakin joked, “I'm not so sure. Some of them could use some aggressive negotiations. And you clearly know how to do that with your new weapon.”

Padme was the only one to lightly laugh at Anakin's joke. She then said, “In some situations. Thy admits to thinking that.” Padme continued, in a more serious tone of voice, “But, only thinking about that.” She turned to Yoda, as she requested, “Does thou have any suggestions on how thee can return to thy mortal form?”

Yoda stated, “With your mind. Humbly ask the hammer, with desire and intent to do so, that you may receive your request.”

Padme closed her eyes. She made herself feel a desire and intent to return to the way she was, as she thought, 'Please, return me to normal.'

Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and she felt the power she had since she first lifted the hammer leave her body.

When Padme opened her eyes, she saw that she was back to normal. Her long brown hair was back being several small brains made into being a bun on the back of her head. And even in her white shoes, and white clothing, with the rips along the back, were the way they had been before the hammer had changed her body.

Anakin asked, “Padme? Are you okay?”

Padme said, in her normal voice, “I feel fine...” She realized she spoke as she usually did. She continued, “I am back to normal.”

Anakin then noticed something about Padme's back. He stated, “And the cuts on your back are healed.” He then turned to look back towards Padme's face.

Padme used her left hand to reach around her back. She felt that there was no stings sensation from her back. She let her left hand drop to her side. She looked at Anakin. She said, “You are right, Anakin.”

Yoda commented, “One of the gifts of the hammer seems to heal the body. Or, at least heal physical wounds.”

Padme turned to Yoda. She said, “That is nice.”

Mace asked, “Can you change back?”

Yoda turned to Mace, as he quickly spoke up, “That question is for later. But, the answer is obvious.” He turned to Padme, as he continued, “The hammer has chosen its wielder. Now, we must worry about the wielder. Power such as this attracts the dangerous, the cunning, and the bold. Both to covet this power, and to be challenged by those that wield this power.”

Padme looked down at the hammer in her right hand. She then looked at Yoda. She asked, “People will look for me just to fight me?”

Yoda answered, “Yes. To prove themselves. Whether you use this power, or not. For your safety, secrecy and discretion of this matter must be kept at the highest of levels.”

Obiwan pointed out, “This could be a problem. From what Dooku said, he clearly he knows. Also, I believe Jango saw Padme gain the power of the hammer. This not counting the inhabitants of Geonosis. And the clones troopers.”

Mace said, “Dooku and Jango have their own agendas. And they do not easily share information with others. Most of those in the arena flew away before, or during the battle. And those few Geonosians whom know the truth are likely in hiding. With all communication being blocked from Geonosis to the rest of the galaxy. And with the planet under our control. They will not be a problem. That leaves only the clones and us.”

Yoda looked around the group, as he stated, “Order the clones to stay silent. We will. The rest of the situation can be mitigated.”

Obiwan said, “Still, it is likely that Chancellor Palpatine has probably already been given a report about this.”

Yoda responded, “Matters cannot be helped. Discuss this personally with the Chancellor. But, knowledge of the truth is still limited to a few.” He turned to look at Padme, as he continued, “Though, we still need to see how much the hammer has changed the senator.”

Padme asked, “What do you mean? I am back to normal.”

Yoda pointed out, “As Mace pointed out the obvious. Spoke differently while under the influence of the hammer. Still under the influence you might be. And while the hammer may not be dark, its influence may still be.”

Padme inquired, “You want to sense my thoughts? Look into my mind?”

Yoda said, “With your consent. There is no pain, nor discomfort if done by the skilled. Still, it is a matter that needs to be addressed.”

Obiwan said, “We won't make you do this Padme. But, this is a concern.”

Mace stated, “The Jedi have a long history dealing with situations like this. Power such as this can alter the mind in ways that those effected would not be aware of.”

Anakin stated, “Don't worry. I am sure Yoda knows what he is doing.” He thought, 'I need to keep calm. If I object, I might accidentally reveal what I am sure Padme would want to keep secret. Our relationship. Still, if she is a half as clever as I believe. I doubt the others will learn the truth.'

Padme thought, 'I knew from Anakin that Jedi can sense emotions from others. But, I did not realize they could read thoughts as well. This could cause problems for a number of reasons.'

Padme pointed out, “The problem is, I am a Senator. There are matters of the state. Secrets I cannot divulge.” She thought, 'Among other things. But, if I don't think about those things, the less likely someone will read them.'

Yoda said, “Understand matters of secrecy. Only sense emotional state.”

Padme said, “Alright. But, Yoda only.” She thought, 'It is better that only one person do this. And he is likely the most qualified... Now, I just hope I don't accidentally get Anakin and myself in trouble.'

Yoda said, “Set down the hammer. Clear you mind. And relax.”

Padme did so. She set down the hammer on its head, by her feet. She then cleared her mind. Soon she felt something or someone mentally push against her mind.

Yoda stated, “Not to worry. This is I. This will be done in a few seconds.”

Padme then suddenly felt the presence in her mind leave.

Yoda stated, “You care deeply for the innocent.” He turned to look at Anakin, as he continued, “And those close to you.” He looked back at Padme, as he went on to say, “But, nothing beyond one would expect of your age and status.”

Anakin asked, “So, she is fine?”

Yoda stated, “Yes. It seems the influence only happens when using the power of the hammer.”

Anakin thought, 'Good. Then, we are in the clear.'

Mace said, “Good. We do not need to worry about this.”

Padme thought, 'That was close. I need to get out of here before I get Anakin and myself into trouble. And I really could use some rest.' She picked up her hammer with her right hand. She stated, “It has been a long day. I believe I need to retire to which ever quarters you decide to assign for me.”

Anakin stated, “I know the design of this ship. And I where the diplomatic quarters are. I will take you to one of the quarters there.”

Padme replied, “Good.”

Yoda looked at Anakin. He said, “Padawan Skywalker. Your Republic Jedi access code should open the doors of any unused quarters in the diplomatic area of this ship. If your code does not. Please, inform me.”

Anakin turned to Yoda. He stated, “I will.”

Yoda turned to Padme. He cautioned, “Senator Amidala. Place hammer in a safe place. But, be wary in summoning the hammer while in the ship. Such power will likely create holes in the ship, as it comes to you. And none of us can breath vacuum.”

Padme said, “If I need the hammer. I will retrieve it on my own. I will not summon it to me.”

Yoda commented, “This would be a good idea.”

Anakin turned to the droids, “R2. C3-PO. Come on.” He turned to Padme, as he playfully said, “This way, my lady.”

Padme let out a small giggle.

Anakin then turned and headed for the door to the hallway. Padme followed with her hammer in her right hand. The two droids were right behind them.

When Anakin reached the door, he hit a button on the panel by the door, to open the door.

The door slid open. Anakin walk through the doorway, then Padme, then R2 rolled into the hallway, and C3-PO was last.

A few seconds later, the door slid closed.

The three Jedi masters then turned to look at each other.

Mace asked, “Is it wise to continue to allow those two to stay near each other? Only the blind would fail to notice that they both have some affection for each other.”

Obiwan pointed out, “Anakin was assigned to protect Senator Amidala until his mission to protect the Senator was over. And that mission will continue at least until they return to Coruscant.”

Yoda stated, “The padawan's mission will be over when we reach Coruscant. And when we return to the Jedi Temple we will have a meeting with the Council concerning the Senator and the hammer. After which, we will bring Senator Amidala with us when we meet with the Chancellor.”

Obiwan said, “That is if he will meet with us about this matter. He may just want to privately meet with Padme. And either way, should the Chancellor invite Padme to discuss this matter, she will not be able to decline the invitation.”

Yoda commented, “True. Though, chances are the Chancellor will not wish to meet with the Senator alone. Old friends they once were. Teacher and student of politics. Now, after the developments on Coruscant and the galaxy, concerning the Chancellor's new role in leading this war. And Senator Amidala's desire for peace. They will be destined to be political rivals. The Chancellor would likely not feel comfortable with such power present without the Jedi to counter it.”

Obiwan stated, “That is likely. Though, I doubt Padme will do something foolish.”

Yoda agreed, “No. She will not. She is too much of a politician to challenge the Chancellor in such a direct manner.”

Obiwan suggested, “We might want to bring Anakin along, as well.”

Yoda replied, “Yes. He is a friend to all parties. He will help keep things peaceful.”

Mace commented, “This should be some meeting. I think I will come along.”

Yoda stated, “Yes. But, limit the meeting to us three, Senator Amidala, and Padawan Skywalker.”

Mace said, “Then it is decided. Now, there is the matter of training Senator Amidala. She needs training. Whether she likes it or not. She is going to use the hammer. I want to make sure she understands and knows how to use such power, so no one is accidentally hurt, or killed.”

Yoda replied, “I agree.”

Obiwan pointed out, “The question is how? With the amount of power she wields, it would be unwise to force her to be trained.”

Yoda said, “It is best to let her make the choice for herself.”

Mace inquired, “And if she declines?”

Yoda responded, “In the fullness of time, she will accept training. And as long as we remain peaceful towards her, she will come to us for this training. All we have to do is wait and be there for when she is ready and willing to be guided.”

Mace said, “I do not like it. But, I do not have a better idea.”

Obiwan stated, “Well, I don't have a better idea, either. So, it will have to do.”

Mace turned to Yoda. Mace stated, “Speaking declining role. I will be stepping down as Master of the Order.”

Obiwan and Yoda look at Mace, with mild surprise, before they reigned in their emotions to both display a mask of calmness.

Obiwan thought, 'To become a Master of the Order requires a unanimous vote by the Jedi High Council. But, I can see Mace's reasoning.'

Mace continued, This is only the start of the war. This army will need skilled commanders to lead it. I feel I may be better suits at the front instead of in the council chair. Though, I still intent to retain my seat on the council. If it is not a problem.”

Yoda said, “Problem that will not be. I will not argue. Understand your reasons. Until another is from, I guess I will be the one to lead the Order.”

Mace commented, “I was hoping you would say that.”

Yoda turned to Obiwan. Yoda requested, “Though, hoping for your discretion on this matter. Master Kenobi.”

Obiwan turned to Yoda. Obiwan stated, “Of course. Now please tell me, what have I missed while I was away from Coruscant?”

Mace responded, “Much. Let me start by telling you what the dear Senator's foolish proxy did while she was away.”

Obiwan comment, with concern in his tone of voice, “I got a feeling I am not going to like this.”

Yoda stated, “No. You certainly will not.”

Mace and Yoda then informed what had happened on Coruscant during Obiwan's absence. And as the two Jedi masters talked, Obiwan's mood grew grimmer and grimmer.

(_)

Meanwhile, Anakin lead Padme down the hallway of the ship to the section where the diplomatic quarters were located, which were on the same level as the meeting room they had just left.

As they walked, Anakin's was to Padme's left side. Padme held the hammer by its shaft, in her right hand, which she kept to her right side.

The two droids stayed about two meters behind them, as they followed Anakin and Padme. With R2-D2 being Padme, and C3-PO was behind Anakin.

There were no clone troopers, nor officers in the hallway.

As they continued walking, Anakin commented, “So, what you are your plans for tonight?”

Padme stated, in a slightly tired tone of voice, “Find a bed and get some sleep. As much as I would like to get a shower. I am too tired for even that.”

Anakin said, “I am not surprised that you would be tired after all that happened to day. I am a little tired myself.”

Padme admitted, “Actually, I am not that physically tired. Just emotionally tired.”

Anakin replied, “I can sympathize.”

R2-D2 beeped and whistled a comment. Anakin understood R2 was inquiring if Padme was going to be alright.

But, before Anakin, or C3-PO could translate R2-D2's question, Padme answered, “Yes R2. I will be fine.”

Anakin asked, “You understand droid?”

Padme said, “A little. Given everything else. I didn't want to also mention that, while empowered by the hammer, I was able to understand any language that I overheard.” She thought, 'And with my apparently enhanced hearing, that was a lot. At least I do not hear all that right now. If I did, I might not be able to sleep.' She continued, “While right now. While I am back to normal, I can understand a little of what R2 says.”

Anakin commented, “That is interesting. So, while you are normal, the hammer can still give you these abilities. Even in a limited fashion.”

Padme explained, “Actually, I have been slowly learning droid languages. It is likely that the hammer just allowed me to jump ahead a bit in my abilities with the languages I already knew. By allowing me to make the language connections while I was using the hammer, the experience and memories of which I retain, even when not using the hammer.”

Anakin said, “I guess that makes sense. So, the hammer makes you speak strangely, but the weapon also lets you understand everyone around you. There is a certain sort of irony to that.”

Padme replied, “I agree.”

C3-PO whined, “I hope I soon won't be out of a job.”

Anakin did not turn back to look at his creation, as he answered, “Don't worry, C3-PO. We will keep you around.”

Padme giggled a little at Anakin's comment.

When they reached an intersection in the hallway, Anakin stated, “Turn to the right.”

As they continued walking, Anakin, Padme, and then droids turned right at the hallway intersection.

Padme commented, “Yoda did bring up a good point.” She looked down at her hammer, then back to her front. She continued, “I am untrained. I am going to need to eventually train in the use of these abilities.”

Anakin stated, “While you do not use the force. I am sure the Jedi Order would be more than happy to teach you. I would be more than happy to help teach you.”

Padme pointed out, “But, that is the issue. This is not the force.”

Anakin responded, “True. But, the Jedi Order is the most logical choice in the matter. And some basic abilities the Jedi teach do overlap with your abilities. Such as energy projection and moving that hammer. And while your physical enhancements are far more than a Jedi, the Jedi are taught to use the force to enhance their physical abilities. I believe you can still learn a lot from us.”

Padme said, “I agree. Though, I am not sure when. I am a Senator. And that can be a full time job in of itself.”

Anakin pointed out, “So can being a Jedi.”

Padme commented, “We are going to have to do better with our scheduling abilities.”

Anakin replied, “Agreed.”

Padme flirted, “Still, I would enjoy for you to be one of my teachers.”

Anakin flirted back, “And I would love to have you as a student.”

Padme offered, “You could spend some time in my quarters. I am tired. But, not that tired.”

Anakin said, in a sober tone of voice, “We cannot spend the night in the same quarters. Obiwan might not know what is going on. But, I believe Mace is started to suspect. And Yoda will find out.”

Padme pointed out, “Yoda didn't say anything after he read my mind. Or, at least my emotional state.”

Anakin inquired, “You know how Jedi have a reputation of never giving a straight answer?”

Padme said, “Yes. Half the complaints I hear by senators about the Jedi concern that problem.”

Anakin commented, “Well, it is no secret in the order that Master Yoda either wrote the book on that. Or, he amended the book on that. He is so old, we are not sure which it is.”

Padme let out a laugh at Anakin's comment.

Padme asked, “Do you think he knows?”

Anakin stated, “If he knows, he has given us an out. And we need to take it. We need to be more careful. We will just have to wait and continue this when we reach Coruscant.”

Padme replied, “Agreed.” She then took on a sad look to her face, as she asked, in a sober tone of voice, “How are you dealing with your mother's death?”

Anakin sadly said, “I am still finding it hard to cope with.”

Padme replied, “I understand.”

Anakin admitted, “I am also thinking about what I did to those sand people. I do not regret it. Still, I feel conflicted about it. It was not something a Jedi would do.”

Padme stated, “I will not condone what you did. But, I can understand why you did it. And if you need to talk about it more, let me know. I am willing to listen.”

Anakin said, “I konw. And thank you. Though, not tonight. I feel that if something else had happened to me, I may have asked you to married me.”

Padme quietly said, “I may have said, yes.” She looked at the hammer in her right hand. She looked forward, as she said, in a slightly more serious tone of voice, “But, I have more immediate concerns to deal with.”

Anakin responded, “I understand. You have been given a great burden to deal with. I should know. Chosen one, and all that.”

Padme questioned, “Yoda said it was a gift?” She said, in a quieter tone of voice, “Though, now that I think about it, I am not sure, anymore.”

Anakin stated, “It is both. Someday you will come to understand that.”

Padme replied, “I hope so.”

Anakin asked, “So, what are your plans now? After we reach Coruscant do you plan to head back to Naboo?”

Padme answered, “I was planning too. But, with this hammer I am far safer than I have ever been. So, there is no reason for me to return to my homeworld so soon.” She turned to Anakin, as they continued walking. She said, “You do not even need to protect me.” She then looked ahead, as she went onto say, “I believe it would be best if I returned to Coruscant, and resumed my role in the Senate. I need to see what Jar Jar has done in my absence. And I need to talk to my allies in the Loyalist Committee to see what we can do to stop this war from getting any worse.”

Anakin commented, “Good luck. But, at least I doubt Jar Jar has done anything too foolish.”

Padme replied, “I hope not.”

By then, they made the hallway where the diplomatic quarters were located.

Anakin soon came to a stopped by a doorway. In response, Padme and the droids stopped a second later.

Anakin was not standing between Padme and the droids.

Padme turned around to face Anakin.

Anakin turned to a nearby door, to their right. He stated, “ When you are not with me, or the other Jedi. Or, doing something like going to the mess hall to eat. This is where you will be staying. This is a military ship. You do not want to be caught wondering down a restricted hallway.”

Padme said, “Thank you. And I will keep that in mind.”

Anakin walked across the front of Padme, and he punched in a code on the panel by the door, to open for Padme. The door then slid open.

Anakin backed away from the door, as he turned to face Padme. He stated, “You can set a personal code for the door on the interior panel.”

Padme said, “I will. And thank you, Anakin. For everything.”

Anakin responded, “No. Thank you. I don't know what Obiwan and I would have done if you were not there to help us against Dooku. I did not realize how powerful he was.”

Padme said, “At least we all got out of that battle in one peace.”

Anakin replied, “Agreed.”

Padme said, “Good night, Anakin.”

Anakin stated, “Good night, Padme.”

Padme walked into the diplomatic quarters of the ship. Which was not much more than a dimly lit bedroom. The only lighting was from wall lighting designed to give just enough light to see with in the room. Though, Padme could turn on the main lights in the room using a panel by the wall.

The bedroom had a small a bed, a small table and chair, an office area with a desk and chair, and a chest of drawers. There other door in the room lead to the washroom, which had a toilet, sink, and shower.

Padme overheard Anakin say, “Come on R2 and C3-PO. It is this way to my quarters.”

A second later, the door to Padme quarters then slid closed behind her.

Padme walked over to the small, circular table. She set the hammer down on top of its head in the middle of the table.

Padme took a few steps back from the hammer. As she came to a stop, she looked at the dark silhouette the hammer made in the dimly lit room.

Padme continued to look at the hammer, as she asked, “Now, what I going to do with you?... I will figure out what to do in the morning.”

Padme turned and saw the nearby bed to her left and the doorway to her right. With the headboard of the bed set on the same wall as the door to the hallway. She walked over to the bed, removed her white boots. And laid down on the bed. She did not even both to remove her clothing, undo her hair, nor turn down the covers. She just laid on her stomach. As her head on the pillow and quickly went to sleep.

(_)

The next morning. Well, morning for Padme's internal clock. Padme woke up.

For a few seconds, as Padme begin to wake up, she thought the last day had all be a dream. Then, she realized where she was. She turned around on her back and sat up.

Padme quickly found the panel to the right of the bed, which control the lighting in the room. She turned on the ceiling lights.

Padme looked around her surrounding and saw the hammer standing on the small table in the room.

She looked at the hammer, but she did not do anything, as she allowed herself to slowly wake up.

A few minutes later, once she fully awake, she used the intercom system on the wall to order some clothing for herself. Her current clothing was ripped, dirty, and it smell a little.

As senator of the Galactic Republic, she knew that it was protocol for her to be allowed to do this. Though, she would likely be given simple clothing.

After talking to the officer on the other end of the line. With her politely telling the officer what she needed, and her basic measurements. The officer stated they would have someone bring her some clothing in a few minutes.

As Padme waited, she put in her personal pass code into the panel on the interior side of the door leading to the hallway. Padme did this so, she could freely come and go from the quarters, as she wished.

Padme also found that the last day had been so stressful that she currently had no appetite. But, she was sure that she would feel like having something to eat before lunch rolled around. And she know that asking where the mess hall was would be no problem.

Around five minutes after requesting the clothing, there was a knock at the door. Padme opened the door to see a clone trooper holding a stack of clothing. The trooper was in his white armor. The trooper swiftly handed Padme her clothing.

After Padme took the clothing, the clone trooper turned and walked away.

Padme brought the clothing into her room, with the door to the hallway soon sliding closed. She set the clothing on the bed and she look at it.

It was a simple set of black pants, shirt, and undergarments. As she had requested and expected. She knew that such clothing was kept on various sizes, on all Republic ships, for emergencies. Including, aiding rescued travelers that had been stranded in space.

Instead of taking off her clothing and putting on the new clothing, Padme headed for the washroom. As she headed for the door to the washroom, she began to undo the braided bun she had her hair in.

Half an hour later, after taking a shower, and getting cleaned up, Padme had dressed in her new clothing. With the only thing that she had on from yesterday was her white boots, because she doubted the army could provide her with a comfortable set of shoes.

She then folded old clothing into a stack, and put it on top of the chest of drawers.

Padme left her long brown hair to hang loose down her back.

With all this done, Padme could turn her attention back what she had been thinking about all morning. The hammer.

Padme walked over to the hammer on the small table.

She looked at it for a few seconds. She then thought, 'I wonder.'

She used her right hand to grip the weapon by the middle of the shift. She saw that nothing happened.

As she then reversed her grip, so as she lifted the weapon, she held it with the head of the weapon facing up.

She found the weapon was as light as ever.

While Padme looked at the weapon in her hand, she thought, 'Good. That means I can carry it without worry of accidentally changing to that other form. Though, I admit. I kind of liked that form. I was really powerful, and I felt so alive. But, I did talk funny. I doubt I will get jealous of that other form, because I realize it is still me on the inside. But, I need to see if I change back and forth. Or, if yesterday was a once off. Yoda seemed to imply that I could. But, I need to make sure before I head to Coruscant.'

Padme thought of changing into that stronger form she was yesterday. Then, as she also included desire in her thoughts.

Padme saw a flash of light, as electricity enveloped her body for a second. As before, she felt the same power enter her body, as she changed into her stronger form. The clothing on her body had been replaced with the armor and helmet she wore from yesterday.

Though, there was no thunder, nor lightning this time.

Padme thought, 'Well, at least I can change more quietly. Now to change back.'

Padme then thought, with desire, changing back to her normal form. She then saw a flash of light, as she felt the power leave her. She instantly changed back into her normal form, and her clothing returned to what she had been wearing.

Padme thought, 'This answers those questions.' She then place the hammer back on the small table, on the top of its head.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, as she heard Anakin's voice on the other side asked, “Padme? Are you alright?”

Padme thought, 'I should not be surprised that the Jedi would sense my change. Now, to calm down Anakin, before he breaks down the door.'

She walked over to the door, and use the panel to open it.

As soon as the door slid open, she saw Anakin's worried expression looking back at her face.

Padme calmly said, “I am alright, Anakin.”

Padme saw Anakin quickly calm down. Anakin said, “I sensed you change. Like yesterday in the arena. I want to make sure you are okay.”

Padme calmly said, again, “I am alright, Anakin. I just needed to test to see if I could change back and forth at will. And I can.”

Anakin replied, “Oh. Okay. I see what you mean.”

Padme then realized something, as she thought, 'I need to know.' She asked, “How noticeable was my change in the force?”

Anakin answered, “It was not a big tremor. Nothing compared to yesterday. Probably only the Jedi on the ship sensed you change.”

Padme thought, 'I wonder.' She inquired, “Did you also sense me change back to normal?”

Anakin stated, “No. Just when you first changed into your stronger form.”

Padme thought, 'That means when I change into my stronger form, those that are force sensitive, whom are nearby, such as in the building, or surrounding area, will sense my change. But, they do not sense when I change back to normal. I will have to keep that in mind. And this knowledge is useful if I want to change back and forth, while unnoticed. Though, there is one more issue on this matter.'

Padme inquired, “For secrecy reasons. I have to ask. Can you sense my power in the force? Even when I am in my normal form?”

Anakin said, “No. All I can sense is you. In that other form, you do feel a little different in the force. But, of both your forms, you only radiate in the force like anyone else. The only time that is not the case is when you use that lighting attack.”

Padme mentally reflect, 'That is nice to know. I won't have to worry about people tracking me with the force. They can only sense me stand out from a crowd when I use my powers.'

Padme replied, “Thank you, Anakin.” Then, a thought occurred to Padme. She asked, “How is Obiwan doing this morning? How are his wounds?”

Anakin answered, “He said is okay. He is going to be fine.”

Padme replied, “Good.”

Anakin suggested, “Also, the others and I got to talking this morning, at breakfast. When you feel up to it, you might want to think about getting a full medical check up, in both your forms.”

Padme said, “That is good idea. I will check on that later this morning.”

Anakin responded, “Good. Let me know if you want to talk.”

Padme smiled at Anakin, as she stated, “No problem. I will.”

Anakin turned and walked down the hallway.

Padme turned and heading back into her bedroom, with the door sliding closed behind her.

Padme then walked over to her bed. She sat on her bed, as she thought about what she was going to do next.

A few minutes later, she for found that she had finally development an appetite. She used the intercom system to find out where the mess hall was, and she left her quarters to get some breakfast.

(_)

Later that morning, after Padme had some breakfast in the mess hall, she had come back to her quarters.

While the breakfast was not great, it was okay.

She used the rooms intercom system to contacted the medical droids in the medical wing and she found that she could come by and get a check up, any time. And she decided the sooner the better. The droids then gave her directions to the medical wing.

Padme then headed to get a medical ward, with her hammer. Given she wanted both her forms checked. She needed to bring the hammer with her. She decided to carry the hammer, by its shaft, with her left hand. To do something different.

When she reached the medical wing, she found she was only only person in the area, except for the droids which were present.

Padme was soon met by one of the medical droids. The droid escorted her to a private room.

After Padme followed the droid into the private room, the door to the room slid closed. Padme set the hammer on the floor, on top of its head.

Next, the medical droid instructed Padme to lay down on the patient bed. There was medical examining equipment set above the table. Though, the equipment was height enough for Padme not to hit her head on the equipment as she sat down on the bed. So, the droid could use the equipment in the above the bed to scan Padme's normal form.

When Padme was done with those scans. She stood up and used the hammer to change into her more powerful form, with her clothing changing into her armor, and helmet, as well.

Unfortunately, she had found that the scans could not penetrate her armor. So, she had to disrobe to be scanned. Fortunately, she found that her armor and clothing in that form came off quite easily.

After those scans were finished. She stood up and put back on her clothing and helmet.

When she was fully clothed, she picked up the hammer by its shaft and used the weapon to change back into her normal form, with the clothing she had one changing back to what she had earlier that morning.

Presently, Padme continued to stand. She held onto her hammer with her right hand, in a nonthreatening manner, as she was waiting for her medical results.

The medical droid turned to Padme, as it stated, “Senator Amidala. Your test results are complete.”

Suddenly, the door to the room slid open.

Padme turned to see Yoda walked in, with him using his cane in his right hand.

Padme thought, 'I am sure even if the door was locked, he could still get in if he wanted to. Though, he was polite enough to wait until I was finished. Also, given this morning with Anakin. They all likely realize I was in the medical area when I changed to my stronger. I am surprised they did not show up sooner. Though, after seeing his fight with Dooku, I wonder how necessary is it for Yoda to use his cane? And how much is just for show?'

Padme and the medical droid remained silent, as they waited for Yoda to come to a stop.
Yoda soon came to a stop, right pass the doorway. With the door sliding closed behind him.

Yoda looked up at Padme, as Padme looked down at Yoda's much shorter stature.

Padme commented, “I was wondering which one of you Jedi would show up.”

Yoda said, “It was decided that among those Jedi present, I am best suited to discuss such delicate matters with you.”

Padme thought, 'Now, to state my boundaries.' She said, 'I like my privacy on such matters. Still, I wonder what took you so long to show up.”

Yoda commented, “We only worry about possible problems. We respect your privacy for the rest. This is why I waited outside until tests were finished.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.” She turned to the medical droid, as she inquired, “Speaking of which. What are the results?”

The medical droid looked at Padme, as it answered, “Except for the strange ability for you to change shape. Everything else is normal. You are healthy in both forms. Though, what is the primary cause of your shape changing ability?”

Padme held up the hammer in her right hand, as she replied, “This hammer.” She then lowered her right hand back to her side.

The droid inquired, “So this is not hereditary?”

Padme stated, “No. Both my parents are human.”

The droid asked, “And which form is your natural form?”

Padme said, “This one. My smaller form.”

The medical droid commented, “Given the advantages which your larger form has. This is not surprising. And while we do not know the mechanics of how this is done. Given what I saw. We will take your word on the matter. That and I do not feel like being caught in a logic loop.”

Padme responded, “I understand. I try not to think about how the hammer does this, either. So is the change harmful to my body.”

The droid answered, “No. The change does not harm you. While mass and tissues change, there is no sign of cell damage, tissue damage, nor neurological damage between forms.”

Padme replied, “Good.”

The medical droid said, “Though, you have far less body fat and far more muscles mass in your larger form.”

Padme stated, “That is obvious.”

The medical droid mentioned, “Also, along with your height and mass changes, you are forty percent heavier in your larger form, when compared to your smaller form.”

Padme commented, more in a curious tone of voice, than annoyance, “Forty percent? I thought the weight difference was be a little less.”

Yoda commented, “Muscle weighs more than fat.”

Padme replied, “Oh.”

The medical droid went onto say, “Factoring in differences between height and mass. Except for increase in muscle mass and decrease of fat tissue. And hair color. There are no anatomically differences between forms. Except for muscle and fat ratios and amounts. Tissues, organs, bone structure, and basic musculature, are the same for both forms.”

Padme asked, “So, I am just more physically fit in my other form?”

The medical droid offered, “Yes. You are in better physical health in your other form. Do you wish for blood samples to be taken in both forms?”

Padme firmly answered, “No.” Padme looked over at Yoda. She then turned back to the droid. She continued, “I do not want to risk someone foolishly thinking they might be able to create a clone of myself with my new abilities. While I doubt that a clone would have such power. Given it comes from the hammer. The attempt would only lead to suffering for any of my clones.”

Yoda responded, “Agreed I am on this matter. Request that blood samples only be done through trusted personnel.”

Padme replied, “I agree.”

Yoda turned to the medical droid, as he order, “In addition. By order of Jedi Master Yoda of the Jedi High Council. Seal records of Senator Padme Amidala. Also, known as Padme Naberrie of Theed, Naboo. To only be unsealed by order of herself, or a member of the Jedi High Council.”

The medical droid looked down at Yoda, as it stated, “That will be done.”

Yoda looked over at Padme, as he stated, “Except for yourself, us of the Jedi, and likely the Chancellor. No one will have a recording of these medical records.”

Padme gave Yoda a weak smile, as she said, “Thank you. Also, as tempting as it is to try to practice with my new powers on the ship. I believe it would be far wiser and safer to wait until we arrive on Coruscant.”

Yoda gave Padme a small smile, as he complimented, “Your wisdom belies your young age, Senator Amidala.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.”

Yoda asked, “So, not going to Naboo, are you?”

Padme guessed, “I see you have spoken with Anakin?” She thought, 'I don't blame him. Given everything that has happened. Anakin would want to keep me safe. And he might have spoken to Yoda. To allow an old individual to explain the dangers to me of staying on Coruscant. Which is very mature of him.”

Yoda commented, “He has concerns which were warranted.”

Padme said, “While I realize I am still somewhat in danger. I will be heading back to Coruscant. With the hammer, I am now more safer than before.”

Yoda pointed out, “From a certain point of view.”

Padme remembered Yoda's warning from the previous night. She said, “Be that as it may. I no longer need Jedi protection. And I do not need to go into hiding. I can now take care of myself and resume my duties the Senator of Naboo for the Galactic Republic. That being said. I still need training with my new abilities.”

Yoda stated, “Fully understand. I do. And glad you see the value in learning how to better control your new abilities.”

Padme thought, 'I wonder. Yoda is the best person to ask on this matter.' Padme inquired, “Given some of the actions I have read about Jedi in the past. I am mildly surprised, and pleased, that you have not tried to take the hammer away from me.”

Yoda firmly said, “Proved yourself, on Geonosis, you did. The shroud of the dark side is covering everything. I can sense it. We need all the warriors of light that are willing to fight. That is if you are willing?”

Padme pointed out, “I will think about it. Though, I am a peacemaker. Not a soldier.”

Yoda responded, “Not yet. But, situations can force us into roles we do not wish to be in.”

Padme thought back on her life since the original invasion of Naboo by the Trade Federation. Padme said, “This I understand all too well.”

Yoda replied, “Of that I am sure.”

Padme thought, 'I need to get going.' She said, “Thank you again, Master Yoda. Though, I need to check in with the Senate to see what I have missed. I will talk to you, later.”

Yoda complimented, “Please do. Emotionally mature company is a rarity.” He then slightly frowned, as he continued, in a mildly disheartened tone of voice, “Though, much has happened since you left Coruscant. You will find out, soon enough. Much sympathy I have for you. No one saw this coming. And the council does not hold you responsible for such matters, concerning the decisions of others.”

Padme was not sure what to say. But, she felt intense worry. As her curiosity to learn what happened to the Senate while she had been gone had turned to dread.

Without her saying a word, Padme immediately walked passed Yoda. She opened the door the room, and left. As she headed for the diplomatic section of the ship, and to her assigned quarters.

Meanwhile, Yoda silently watched Padme walk away. He realized that it was best for her to find out on own. In her own way.

(_)

Over the course of the next few minutes later, Padme raced back to her assigned quarters in a brisk walking pace. As soon as she reached the door to her quarters, she used a code to open the door. As soon as the door fully opened, she rushed inside.

As the door slid closed, Padme placed her hammer on the floor. She then rushed to the nearby desk in the room.

Padme sat in her chair, at the desk in the room. The desk had a build in computer which was connected to the rest of the ship. Padme quickly used a keyboard and monitor screen embedded in the surface of the desk to connect with the data networks on Coruscant, and her personal files.

The keyboard was set below the monitor screen. The bottom part of the keyboard was a touchpad.

While Padme did this, she thought, 'I was going to check on things dealing with the Senate in a few hours. But, after what Yoda said. I have a bad feeling this matter cannot wait, and that I am not going to like what I find.'

A few seconds later, she on the monitor that she had reached the Galactic Senate datanets. She used the keyboard to type in her account name and password.

Once Padme logged on, she began to check on things dealing with the Senate.

Padme used the computer keys and touchpad on the desk to scroll through the files. As she did so, she thought, 'I think I will start with what Jar Jar has been up to in my absence.'

Padme then pulled up the top of the webpage on what Jar Jar had been up to as her proxy in the Galactic Senate.

Padme began reading and her eyes slowly became wider.

After Padme finished reading the page she was currently on, she stood up. As she continued reading, she placed the flat of her hands on the desk, while looking at the screen.

At that moment, if someone had been standing outside the quarters that Padme had been assigned too, they would have clearly heard through the walls, from within the quarters, as Padme yelled, more in surprise, than in fury, “Jar Jar?! You did what?!”

(_)

A few days later, Dooku's small starship made it to orbit around the planet Coruscant. The capital of the Galactic Republic.

Dooku used codes that had been given to him Sidious to gain clearance to come planetside.

It was morning, just after sun rise in the part of the planet of Coruscant that Dooku was heading too.

As Dooku ship entered the atmosphere, it headed for a location known simply as, The Works. This was an industrial area of Coruscant which was near the Senate District. With the Senate District being the heart of the government for the Galactic Republic.

Dooku had already instructed his droid pilot on where they were heading, which was the LiMerge Building. A tall high rise building that stuck out among the more ruined refineries and factories of that area of The Works, in the Dacho District.

The Dacho District nicknamed the Dead Sector. Though, there were parts of the Dacho district which were populated. And while much of the Dacho District was run down, there were still working refineries and factories within the district.

While the exterior parts of the LiMerge Building were partially ruins, the interior structure was still sound and stable.

As Dooku's starship approached LiMerge Building, Dooku sent a coded signal to the building that made the hidden door in the face of the building open.

The small starship was able to slide into the building and land on the floor right inside of the enterior way.

The starship came to a stop, with the ship hovering in place.

As the droid pilot undid the landing gear and began to lower down to the ground, Dooku got out of his seat and started walking to the back of the ship.

By the time the ship touched the floor, Dooku was in back and he had opened the door and extended the ramp.

The secret door to the building was left open, allowing the morning sunlight to filter into the room.

As Dooku walked down the ramp he saw in front of him, a man approaching him from his left. The man wear a black hood and robe, with only the bottom part of his face and chin being exposed.

By the time Dooku had made it to the floor of the room, the man in the black robe came to a stop in for him.

Dooku came to a stop less than a meter in front of the other man. With the man taking a few steps close to Dooku.

Dooku slightly bowed his head and shoulders to the other man. As Dooku leaned up, he said, “Master Sidious.”

Sidious responded, “Welcome home, Lord Tyranus. You have done well.”

Dooku turned his left left, as Sidious turned to his right. Both of them began walking side by side, with Sidious being to Dooku's right side.

As they continued to walk, Dooku asked, “Did you feel that the power that young Amidala has gained?”

Sidious stated, “Yes. I have been appraised of the situation. The event created a massive tremor in the force. A type of power I have never felt before.”

Dooku informed, “This power is not of the force. I can sense that much, as well.”

Sidious commented, “Even so, it is still power. And this does add an interesting wrinkle into our plans.”

Dooku said, “This could complicate matters. It is apparent that the boy is enamored with her. This power she now possesses will only strengthen their relationship.”

Sidious said, “I am aware of this. Though, the boy can wait.”

Dooku commented, “Still, with her, of all people, having gained this much power. She presents a major threat. Even to us.”

Sidious stated, “Perhaps... But, such power can still prove useful to us. Even in the hands of the stubborn, the foolish, and the naive.”

Dooku responded, “Even so. With her new power, she has already become bolder. She will no longer run. She will return to the Senate. Where she will resume being the voice of opposition to the war. A voice whom others will rally behind.”

Sidious commented, “That matter has already been taken care of. She will find no support in the Senate. Perhaps quite the opposite. And in the end she may find she prefers it that way.”

Dooku realized what Sidious was alluding too. Dooku said, “And with her new power, she may change her mind about the war effort.”

Sidious agreed, “Exactly. Power like that demands an outlet for its use. And this war is a perfect opportunity to fulfill such desires.”

Dooku asked, “If that is the case. Do you think she can be turned to our cause?”

Sidious said, “Perhaps. I do not know. It has been reported that the boy, nor anyone else, but her, was able to lift that hammer. It is possible that hammer will only allow those of a specific character to lift it, and use its power.”

Dooku realized, as he said, “If that is the case. Even if we turn her. She will lose her power, and her usefulness to us. And then she will have to die.”

Sidious stated, “This is a possibility. But, that is for later. This development has not changed our plans. Actually, these events might have eased, and even hastened our plans.”

Dooku commented, “That is possible.”

Sidious inquired, “So, were you able to accomplish your primary mission?”

Dooku stated, “Yes. I have the plans.”

Sidious smiled, as he replied, “Good.”

Dooku commented, “Though, the invasion was early. I almost did not make it out in time.”

Sidious pointed out, “This would not have been a problem if Senator Amidala's death was not dragged out and made into a public spectacle.”

Dooku agreed, “True. Nute Gunray was a fool for demanding such idiocy.”

Sidious questioned, “Yet. You went along with him.”

Dooku defended, “To keep him and the others from realizing why I was truly there.”

Sidious commented, “Of course. Sometimes we must humor the fools if we wish to achieve our goals.”

Dooku said, “The down side of politics.”

Sidious stated, “No matter. When Gunray and the other Council Members are no longer of use, they will be dealt with.”

Dooku asked, “Is there any preferable way you wish for them to die?”

Sidious' lips curled into a wicked grin, as he answered, “I was thinking of roasting them alive in lava.”

Dooku smiled, as he said, “I might be willing pay credits to see that.”

Sidious chuckled a little, as he commented, “I am sure you would. I even have the planet picked out. Mustafar. A volcanic world on the Outer Rim.”

Dooku commented, “At least the disposal of their bodies will not be a problem.”

Sidious inquired, “True. So, have you looked at the blueprints?”

Dooku complimented, “Yes. It was a long trip. And I did not have much else to do. It is a marvelous creation. The design allows for it to create a mobile base of operations to be taken to any battlefield we desire. While its weapon's systems offer more direct means to destroy those worlds we do not wish to conquer. It is unfortunate we will have to kill the designers.”

Sidious said, “Yes. Unfortunate. But, it is a large galaxy. And when the time comes, I am sure we can find replacement engineers to go over the plans and implement the construction of this project.”

Dooku questioned, “Of course. So, what moves will we now be taking?”

Sidious responded, “We must make sure this war does not stall. Have you already begun to recruit our agents of chaos and darkness?”

Dooku answered, “Yes. Jango Fett and his son survived and escape the invasion of Geonosis. He will be one of my first agents. During the trip here, I already spoke with him. He is open to accepting contracts with me. Also, he has contacts in the bounty hunters guild. Should I wish to go that route for me agents.”

Sidious happily replied, “Excellent.” He inquired, in a more calmer tone of voice, “And what of his contract with killing the girl?”

Dooku responded, “Jango stated he felt he delivered on his end of the contract. He captured and turned the girl over to his clients. It was not his fault that his clients choose to immediately kill the girl.”

Sidious shrugged, as he commented, “To be fair. That is true. He did deliver the girl to her fate. He has proven useful time and again. And he is more than willing to be of use to us in the near future. So, we will move passed this matter and work on what his next mission will be.”

Dooku stated, “My thoughts exact. And for obvious reasons, he refuses to take any jobs concerning the girl.”

Sidious questioned, “Of course. Only a fool would desire to directly challenge such power without first understanding that power. How was your battle with her?”

Dooku answered, “I did not directly fight her. It seems that she was warned of my abilities. She only offered minor support to Obiwan and the boy, from a distance. Though, I found she was immune to force lightning.”

Sidious commented, “This is not surprising. Given her electrical powers and durability to blaster fire. How did she handled being force choked?”

Dooku responded, “I did not have the opportunity to find out. Once I realized she was immune to my force lightning, I immediately attempted and found I was able to use the force to thrown her back, out of the hangar we were dueling inside of.”

Sidious inquired, “That was perhaps a wise move on your part. At least we know that the force can directly effect her. And while blaster fire may not harm her. I am sure that more intense energy attacks, such as from a lightsaber, will be able to harm her. So we have options, should we face her before we are ready to do so. Now, what other possible recruits do you have in mind?”

Dooku mentioned, “I have been informed that Grievous' transformation has been completed. Though, I wish to hold back on using him in direct combat. He needs training before I send him out in the field. Until then, I will use him for his military leadership and naval expertise.”

Sidious said, in a supportive tone of voice, “Of course. That is a wise approach to take. Now, were else do you plan to look to find competent help?”

Dooku stated, “I learned that in a week's time there will be a tournament on the planet, Rattatak, in the Outer Rim. From the history and reputation of that world, this tournament is worth checking out. I might be able to find recruit one or two agents from the tournament.”

Sidious commented, “I have heard of that world. Many strong warriors have come from that planet. Including a few notable Sith.”

Dooku responded, “I will keep that in mind. There are other sources and contacts I can use. But, these are the leads I am pursuing.”

Sidious complimented, “Good. It sounds like you have a solid foundation to work from. When you are ready we will plan out and use your agents to sow fear and distrust, to prevent this war from stalling.”

Dooku commented, “A death here and there, of certain individuals, will go a long way on insuring this war heats up.”

Sidious stated, “And from there, we can use both sides to cleanse the galaxy of the weak.”

Dooku agreed, “Yes. The coming conflict will separate the strong from the weak. We, the powerful, shall lead the strong and purge the weak from existence. The weak have no place in the future we are creating.”

Sidious cracked a grin, as he said, “Yes. That is the way of the Sith. When do you believe you may be able to turn a few Jedi to our side?”

Dooku stated, “I have an eye on a few Jedi. But, I do not wish to attempt such measures until I have my other agents ready. In case my efforts backfire.”

Sidious responded, “Of course. Such individuals should be a secondary concern. Not a primary concern. Even in the best of circumstances, by itself, we will not turn enough Jedi to effect the outcome of this war. The main reason to do so is to demoralize the Jedi. And there are other ways to demoralize the Jedi. Ways I intend to use. When the time is right.”

Dooku replied, “I look forward to hearing you plans on these matters.”

Sidious said, “All in good time, my student. All in good time.”

The two Lords of the Sith continued their conversation of dark designs, as they made their way through the hallways of the building, to their intended destination.

(_)

“Hell is full of good wishes and desires.” Bernard of Clairvaux, date 1150 AD

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

Okay. The answer to the question you are all asking. Why give one of the Mjolnir hammers to Padme? And why that specific Mjolnir hammer?

Before I began writing this first chapter, I had just finished reading the “Thors” miniseries of the Secret Wars 2015, and I began to think. The Ultimate Thor there threw his hammer so hard that it went across realities to the newly restored Marvel 616 reality.

But, as anyone whom studies metaphysics knows all about the probability loophole of the multiverse. That in one reality the Ultimate Thor hammer, Mjolnir went to Marvel 616 reality, but in another possibility, the hammer went to another reality.

Or say, several realities. Countless realities. Where each of the Ultimate Thor's Mjolnir hammers did not go to the Marvel 616 reality, but to other people elsewhere in the multiverse.

Also, it is shown that when versions Mjolnir that were shown to leave its home reality for other realities, still retained its power. That Mjolnir did not need to draw power from Yggdrasil, the great tree, to maintain its own power.

I am not sure why this is. But, this is the case.

Though, one of the more recent origins for Mjolnir, in the Marvel 616 reality, states that the power of Mjolnir came from a sentient cosmic storm, called the Mother Storm. A long time ago, Odin defeated the Mother Storm and transferred the storm into the lump of raw metal uru which would later be used as material to forge the original Mjolnir hammer of that reality.

In addition, in that Thor comics series, it is shown that in modern times, Mjolnir has developed a nice personality with a wicked sense of humor.

Now while thinking about who else could use the hammer, and whom could be considered worthy, I got to thinking about the new female Thor, Jane Foster.

Once it was revealed that Thor was Jane Foster, I admired the character ever since. Then, I realized something. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jane Foster is played by Natalie Portman.

Natalie Portman also played Padme Amidala Naberrie in Star Wars movies. These thoughts caused the gears to begin going in my mind.

As a character, I admired Padme. To be honest, Padme and Qui-Gon Jinn carried Episode One. She was respectable in Episode Two, from the stand point of being a peacemaker. There was strength in Padme's character. She had inner conviction to try to find a peaceful solution in Episode Two.

But, during the Clone Wars, Padme's strength of will had been slowly been worn away, from seeing the Republic she cared for turned into an Empire, that by the time Padme died in childbirth, at the end of Episode Three, she had become a shell of her former self.

So much potential squandered. That is why I picked this point in the timeline for the hammer to drop. It was the right time and the right place for Padme to rise to the occasion.

Concerning Padme, there is a gold mine of potential plotlines which were wasted. And I am going to mine as many of these ideas as I can in this story.

Save for Yoda, I feel Padme is the most worthy to wield Mjolnir of those of Clone Wars era of the Star Wars realities.

Once I realized all this the rest of the story practically wrote itself.

The point where the hammer fell into the arena was timed so Jango Fett would not die, but this would be a wonderful starting point for Padme to claim Mjolnir. From there, it is a slow deviation from the original timeline.

And I already have this planned out. And I assure you that Padme as a peacemaker will have problems dealing with the responsibilities that her new abilities and powers which Mjolnir has given her. I am having immense fun I am having writing her personal, inner conflict on this matter.

And Padme will soon learn the name of the hammer is Mjolnir.

Also, I made sure Anakin did not lose his right arm. And there was no marriage between Padme and Anakin. This frees up a number of possible plotlines. But, they are going to spend some time together. Just not in that way.

In addition, the main bad guys know that Padme has Mjolnir. But, they are intelligent and cunning enough to use that to their advantage.

The one thing about Star Wars were most of the top bad guys were very good at being very bad. They are the type whom will use a situation to their advantage. They would not just destroy someone unless they cannot use them.

As I pointed out, while with the hammer's abilities Padme is very powerful, strong, and tough. She is not immune to the force, nor, a lightsaber and vibro-weapons. And she is untrained. All this will be addressed in the following chapters.

This story is just warming up. The Clone Wars are warming up. And the fun we are going to have.

Now, taking this logic further, Padme Amidala Naberrie and Jane Foster could be reality counterparts. Besides them both being played by the same actress Natalie Portman, in various realities. Both have the heart of a warrior. Both of them have political positions. Padme is a Senator in the Galactic Senate. And Jane Foster is a Senator of the Congress of Worlds on Asgard. Both are worthy to wield a Mjolnir hammer. Both have problems with those they love in life. Anakin for Padme. Odinson for Jane. And both seemed to be destined to die.

Padme died at the end of Star Wars Episode Three. Jane has died at least once and came back to life in the timeline of the 616 reality.

On the Mjolnir itself, if you notice is not exactly the same large hammer that Ultimate Thor used in the Ultimate Marvel Reality. Actually, Ultimate Thor used a number of mystical hammers. One such hammer from Ultimate Marvel had leather strap at the bottom. This hammer did not.

And as for the inscription, I used some artistic license. But then, C3-PO was translating it from one language to another. And I even had C3-PO point out the sentence structure on the translation. So, that the translation can be hand-waved.

Since this is not the hammer from the Ultimate Marvel reality, and this is a hammer from Latverion, I can use that as an excuse to change a few things when is come to powers from that Mjolnir. Nothing serious. Just a few changes to help with plot. And a few things I found foolish.

And when it comes to the quote at the end of this chapter. I decided to do something quote meaningful and foreshadowing.

Also, the Jedi nickname for Republic Star Destroyers are Jedi Cruisers.

I do not like retreading plotlines. Reusing the same scenes and dialogue as before. But, this is one of those stories that slowly deviates until it is a completely different story than the original would have been, at the same point in the timeline.

To that end, you will notice that some of the scene and statements are not exact. Similar. But, not exact. This is intentional. To show further and further deviation from the original timeline.

In addition, I would consider “Thundering Force” to be a sidestory to another set of stories I worked on, with those stories being called, “Badasses Of the Multiverse.”

Though, you did not have to read those stories to understand what is going on. Only, both sets of stories worth within a similar mindset of the plot.

The reason I did not post “Badasses Of the Multiverse” on this website.

If I decided to continue “Badasses Of the Multiverse” I would definitely incorporate the “Thundering Force” story and characters into future volumes and books.

But, given Thundering Force story is not connected with “Badasses of the Multiverse” I am separating this story from the “Badasses of the Multiverse” section of my stories archive.

Given a lot of people post ambitious beginnings without following through on their stories, I am posting a large preview to give you and idea of what happens in this story.

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter Two: “Portrait of a Fallen Senator.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

A few days after the Republic Invasion of Geonosis, the time was mid-morning, on a partly cloudy day for those in the Senate District on Coruscant.

The evening after Dooku had arrived on Coruscant, to deliver the blueprints to Darth Sidious and talk with his master, Padme, Anakin, Obiwan, Yoda, Mace, C3-PO, and R2-D2, had returned to Coruscant.

They had departed from the Star Destroyer by a shuttle, which took them to Westport, which was a large spaceport located in the Senate District of Coruscant.

At the spaceport, Padme rented a speeder vehicle. She took the mystical hammer, as she flew back to her apartment. Given the powers that the hammer gave Padme, no one was worried about her safety.

And Padme has became a much lighter sleeper since Padme had almost be assassinated in her apartment while she had been sleeping.

Due to this, while on the Star Destroyer, Yoda had already released Anakin from his mission to protect Padme.

Meanwhile, Anakin, Obiwan, Yoda, Mace, and the droids, took a passenger transport speeder to the Jedi Temple, which was in the Temple District, north of the Senate District. The Temple District was not far from the Senate District.

The droids went with Anakin because Padme wanted some time alone to think about all that had happened. Anakin and the droids were more than willing to comply with Padme's request.

That night, they all got much needed rest in their own beds.

The next morning, morning, Padme had awoken, cleaned up, and gotten some breakfast in her apartment. Soon after she had finished eating, she had been contacted by Anakin, through her holo-monitor in her living room, that her audience was requested by the Jedi Order for that morning. And for her to bring the hammer with her.

Given the circumstances, Padme did not argue. She came, with the hammer.

Later that morning, in the Dacho district, Dooku use his small spaceship and droid pilot to leave Coruscant.

(_)

Meanwhile, in the Temple District, within an hour after Dooku's departure from Coruscant, Jedi High Council was in full session inside the Jedi Temple.

The Jedi High Council met inside the high council chamber, in High Council Tower on the southwest side of the Jedi temple.

Once the Jedi Council was called to session, the council members began great many important topics.

In the room anti-chamber, outside of the high council chambers, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan stood, awaiting the deliberations of the council concerning Padme and the hammer.

Presently, Padme allowed her long brown hair to hang loose down her back. She wore a white cloth shirt, and blue cloth pants. Over her white shirt was a blue cloth coat, the same color of blue as her pants, which had coat tails going down to her ankles. She wore shoes that were the same blue as the rest of her blue clothing.

Padme had done as she was instructed. She took a speeder vehicle to the visitors parking area on the west side of the Jedi Temple.

Padme carried the hammer in her right hand to her right side as she walked up to the western entrance of the Jedi Temple. At the large double door entrance Padme was met by Anakin and Obiwan.

Obiwan and Anakin were in their usual Jedi clothing.

The two Jedi then escorted her to through the Jedi Temple. With Padme noticing that the hammer got a few stares from some of the members of the Jedi Order they passed through the large hallways of the Jedi Temple.

Eventually, after walking through a few hallways and they took an elevator up the High Council Chamber.

They then stood in the anti-chamber outside of the Jedi High Council chamber.

They waited to her on the Jedi Council's decision concerning Padme and the hammer.

All three adults stood near each other. Also, they were the only ones in the anti-chamber.

As Padme looked at her two friends, she could see Anakin's small padawan braid behind his right ear. Also, Padme noticed that Obiwan well groomed full beard.

Obiwan and Anakin could sense Padme's worry through the force.

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he commented, “I won't worry. If Master Yoda says they are not going to take the hammer from you. They won't.”

Padme turned to Obiwan, as she said, “That is not what I am worried about.”

Obiwan inquired, “Then, what is it?”

Padme stated, “I will need to be trained. The questions are how? And by who?”

Anakin turned to look at Padme, as he commented, “If it is by the Order. There are plenty of good teachers that would be more than happy to help you learn about your abilities.”

Padme turned to look at both Anakin and Obiwan, as she pointed out, “But, this is not the training of a Jedi. As we go along this will be learning experience for everyone.”

Obiwan conceded, “You have a point.”

Padme stated, “Trust would be needed. To allow openness in learning. And I mean no offense. But, you Jedi can be very ridged in your thinking.”

Anakin replied, “No offense taken.”

Obiwan commented, “I have heard worse. But, do not worry. I am sure this will all work out.”

Padme said, “All I have left is my faith. I hope I do not lose that.”

Anakin looked at the hammer in Padme's right hand. He then looked back at Padme's face. He asked, “Has the hammer gotten any heavier?”

Padme held up the hammer to look at its head. She then lowered it back to her side. She looked over at Anakin, as she casually answered, “Nope. Still as light as a feather. So, where are the droids?”

Anakin said, “R2-D2 and C3-PO are doing a few errands for me.”

Padme replied, “I hope they do not get into trouble.”

Anakin said, “I am sure if that happens that R2 will get them out of trouble.”

Padme inquired, “That I do not doubt. So, how long do these meetings using take?”

Anakin commented, “Sometimes all day. But, that is rare. It should only be a little while longer.”

(_)

Meanwhile, inside the Jedi High Council Chambers, the meeting was in full swing. And besides the upcoming war, Padme was the main subject of the gathering.

Though, at the beginning of the meeting, Mace Windu officially stepped down as Master of the Order. Though, Mace Windu retained his seat on the council.

To replace Mace Windu in the role, Grandmaster Yoda was quickly appointed by unanimous vote as Master of the Order.

Everyone, including Mace Windu felt that Yoda could handle the role. And with the war building, they would need Yoda wisdom to guide them in these turbulent times.

Many of members were off world, and attending the meeting by holo-comm, using holo-monitors and speakers located in each chair the specific council member was assigned too. Such as Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, whom was still on Geonosis, helping to smooth the transition of region governments to control by the Republic military under martial law.

The only two Jedi council members that were physically present were Mace Windu and Yoda.

For the passed few minutes, the council has been talking about Padme, the mystical hammer, and the abilities the hammer gave Padme. With Yoda and Mace bringing the council up to date. Including, going over the reports on the matter.

Shaak Ti questioned, “Are we sure this hammer is not a tool of the dark side? There have been Sith relics that have been found to hold power and grant power to their wielders.”

Yoda stated, “Absolutely. Sensed no darkness within her, nor inside the hammer.”

Mace stated, “I sense no darkness in her, nor the hammer, either. We are fortunate. This tool has dropped into our laps when we could most use it. And with the coming war, Senator Amidala could be a valued asset.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi commented, “I agree. What we saw she could do in the arena. Even untrained. Was astonishing. She destroyed hundreds of battle droids with little effort. We could use a powerful ally like this.”

Depa Billaba pointed out, “But, that power is not of the force. Even if we train her. She is not one of us.”

Yoda commented, “The Jedi have a long history of allying with those that did not use the force. Many such allies proved themselves more honorable and more capable than even some Jedi Master.”

Stass Allie stated, “But, those allies were not as powerful as we are. If they turned on us, we could swiftly deal with them. This is not the case for the Senator and her new hammer. Even presently untrained, she would a handful for any one of us to deal with. And if she was trained, she might present a challenge for all of us working together to stop her.”

Saesee Tiin said, “She is a politician. Even if we train her. She could someday turn on us.”

Yoda commented, “Worrying of possible treachery in the future will only lead to said treachery?”

Plo Koon stated, “Distrust will only cause problems. And so far she has proven that she is willing to be an ally. I say we give her a chance.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi said, “I agree. We should trust her. For now. If there are problems later on. So be it. We will deal with those problems then.”

Mace commented, “That is a good point. And as long as the power is not dark this does not matter. We could use a hammer like that to bring down on a lot of large nails.”

Yoda caution, “When one has a hammer. Sometimes everything looks like a nail. And it is unwise to heavily rely on one single person.” Everyone in the room knew that Yoda was not just commenting on Padme, but their Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker.

Mace conceded, “Point taken.”

Mace could tell by the facial expressions of many council members that they agreed with him.

Mace continued, “Still, I am the first to admit that Senator Amidala needs to be assigned help. That someone needs to temper her lightning and thunder before problems begin to arise.”

Yoda said, “Delicate matters, this is. But fortunately, Senator Amidala seems willing to learn from us.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi asked, “But who will we assign to teach her?”

Yoda stated, “Master Kenobi and padawan Skywalker are trusted by her. The simplest choice would be them.”

Mace said, “I am wary of how close the boy and the Senator are to each other.”

Yoda responded, “Besides Skywalker only being a padawan, this is why suggesting both Kenobi and Skywalker. Master Kenobi can keep an eye on the situation.”

Mace conceded, “That should work. If they will agree to teach her.”

Yoda replied, “Surprised I would if not both accepted the offer.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi looked over at Plo Koon's hologram. He suggested, “Also, Master Koon here might be able to help. Concerning the Senator has the abilities of the storm. Your electric judgment, as you call it. And your force whirlwind are both abilities that are similar to the Senator's new abilities. Perhaps you could at least give her some pointers to aid her with.”

Plo Koon hologram turned to Ki-Adi-Mundi's hologram. Plo Koon responded, “I doubt I would be able to aid in the Senator's training. Those are abilities that look similar, but clearly come from a different sources and mental outlooks. My abilities come from years of mental discipline. While she clearly has a natural affinity for her abilities.”

Yoda stated, “True. Similarities in effect. But created from vastly different sources. Much like the difference between Master Koon's abilities and the dark side's ability to create force lightning.”

Shaak Ti commented, “This is another issue. Since this is not the force, we will be training someone in a power that even we have little understanding of.”

Plo Koon said, “This training will require a lot of learning as they go. For both the teachers and the student. Which means she will have to trust her teachers. And her teachers will require patience in learning, as well.”

Yoda stated, “All the more reason for Kenobi and Skywalker to teach her. Trust will be the key in this training, as they learn while they train.”

Mace agreed, “Yes. Trust is the key here.”

Suddenly, there was a beeping on the control panels on the right armrest of each of the council member's chairs.

The right armrest of each chair also had a small panel that showed where the communication was coming from.

The beeping concerned a direct communication line between the Jedi Council and only one person in the galaxy that communication code, the highest political office of the Galactic Senate, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, Sheev Palpatine. The location of where the call coming from was the Chancellor's office on a high up level of the Senate Building.

Mace stated, “The Chancellor wants to talk to us.”

Shaak Ti said, “It does not take a genius to figure out what he wants to talk about.”

Yoda commented, “Dreaded this call. We all did. But, we can only protect Senator Amidala for so long.”

Mace suggested, “We will just have to make sure we are with her during the meeting.”

Yoda said, “Yes. We will attend. As will Kenobi and Skywalker.”

Mace commented, “With all of us there the Chancellor will be likely to try to pull something. Now, let us talk to the Chancellor.”

Mace then pushed the button on his control panel on his right armchair to take the Chancellor call.

In the center of the high council chamber, the blue, live-sized hologram of Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine appeared.

The hologram showed Chancellor Palpatine standing in the room, facing Yoda and Mace. This meant that Palpatine was using the large holo-moinitor in the center of the Chancellor's office, instead of the smaller holo-monitor in the desk in the Chancellor's office.

Palpatine wore his black colored Chancellor robe, with the hood down and the robe open to reveal the dark cloth suit he wore underneath his robe.

Palpatine's hologram look around the group of Jedi council members, as he stated, in a kind tone of voice, “Hello honored council members. I would like to discuss with you the reports I read concerning events a few days ago, about Senator Amidala, and this mysterious hammer she has come to possess.”

Mace inquired, in a firm tone of voice, “Have you already spoken with Senator Amidala concerning this matter?”

Palpatine turned to Mace, as he calmly responded, “No, Master Windu. It seems that she left her apartment this morning before I could contact her. When I learned she had been summoned by you of the Jedi High Council, I decided it was best to speak to you, before speaking with her.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi commented, “We appreciate you doing so.”

Palpatine turned to Ki-Adi-Mundi, as he replied, “You're welcome, Master Mundi.”

Yoda said, “We will rely your request, Chancellor. Though, Master Windu and I request that we accompany Senator Amidala.”

Palpatine turned to Yoda. The council members could tell from his facial expressions that he was deep in thought. He then responded, “Yes... That might be for the best... And could you have her bring that hammer with her. I would like to see it in person. Though, I would like to meet the Senator as the Senator. And not that brutish form with such archaic armor.” He smiled, as he continued, “Also, please bring dear Anakin, as well. I do enjoy the time I spend with him.”

Yoda stated, “We will do so. We also feel that Master Kenobi should be present, as well.”

Palpatine casually replied, “He may attend, as well. This will be fine.”

Mace inquired, “So, when is a good time for us to have this meeting?”

Palpatine turned to Mace. He answered, “I believe I can make time in around two hours.”

Mace stated, “Alright. We should be done with this meeting by then.”

Yoda said, “We will continue this discussion when we see each other in person.”

Palpatine turned to Yoda. He stated, “Thank you, Master Yoda. I look forward to seeing you then.” His hologram then showed him leaning down and reaching out of the holographic field of vision.

As few seconds later, Palpatine cut the communication from his end, and his hologram disappeared from the chamber.

Mace said, “This is one conversation I am not looking forward to.”

Yoda pointed out, “But, one that will be necessary. We require the Chancellor's support, should we wish to train Senator Amidala. To do otherwise would create too many problems.”

Shaak Ti questioned, “That is more than likely the case. But, what if the Chancellor wishes someone else to train the Senator?”

Yoda answered, “As a Senator, Padme Amidala has the authority to decline being trained by anyone. I believe that if she supports our idea in training, the Chancellor will go along with it. Doing otherwise would be to difficult for the Chancellor to deal with. Though, options to consider. Should the Senator decide otherwise.”

Shaak Ti agreed, “I believe you are correct.”

Yoda commented, “Onto more important matters concerning Senator Amidala than training. We should inform her of Sidious.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi commented, “We are not even sure that this Sidious even exists.”

Mace commented, “When I spoke with Master Kenobi. He stated that Dooku mentioned Sidious being in control of the Senate. As such, I believe Sidious is be very real.”

Yoda commented, “Likely the master to the apprentice that Master Kenobi defeated on Naboo. Sidious is.”

Depa Billaba said, “Even if this is the case. This is a Jedi matter. This should be not discussed with outsiders.”

Mace stated, “With that hammer and her powers. Sidious will likely focus some of his attention on her. Since Dooku knows. If Dooku is in league with Sidious. Then Sidious already knows. She is already a target. She needs to know.”

Yoda commented, “Allow Amidala to know of Sidious will not harm us. And it may even aid us. We will also inform padawan Skywalker, as well.”

Everyone in the council chamber knew better than to argue with their oldest and wisest member.

Stass Allie stated, “Moving on. We need to discuss assignments for Jedi in the coming war.”

Depa Billaba stated, “Not everyone within Order is open to being a soldier.”

Yoda said, “We cannot expect those we spent a lifetime teaching be bring peace to immediately be willing go to war.”

Mace commented, “There will be members whom will feel too conflicted to fight.”

Plo Koon said, “We can will quietly find out who is willing to fight. Who is open to fighting. And who are against fighting. We will work out assignments from there. If the force is willing, this will not become a serious issue.”

Yoda agreed, “A good idea. That is.”

Shaak Ti mentioned, “We also have some healers that I am sure would be willing to work as medics for the war effort.”

Depa Billaba said, “That is a good point.”

Mace turned to Depa. He inquired, “Master Billaba. By the way, how is your sister, Jedi Labooda? I lost track of her on Geonosis?”

Depa Billaba turned to Mace. Depa thought of her sister, Jedi Knight Sar Labooda. Depa answered, “I am on the medical ship that brought her back to Westport this morning. She is resting in a nearby room. The clones found her hiding in the small room inside the interior of the Petranaki arena. She was badly injured. Though, if that hammer had not fallen when it did, and deactivated the droids near her, those droids would have killed her. She has a long recovery ahead of her. But, she should fully recover.”

Mace commented, “That is good to hear. Please, keep me update.”

Depa gave Mace a weak smiled, as she replied, “I will.”

Mace looked around the room, as she pointed out, “Now someone will also have to go Kamino and oversee the training of the clones to help integrate our leadership of them.”

Yoda agreed, “True. Doing so will lead to better teamwork, which will bring less brutal and quicker victories.”

Depa Billaba pointed out, “On another matter concerning the war. We lost a few Knights and Masters in the battle of Geonosis. Before we do these assignments. Some padawans will have to be reassigned to other teachers.”

Yoda complimented, “A good point that is.”

Saesee Tiin stated, “For that matter. We may face other problems. We will lose teachers and students in this war. We may need to relax the restrictions on allowing a teacher to have more than one student. We do not want to send potentially skilled members of the Order to AgriCorps because we lack in the needed number of teachers. By doing so, we would be cutting ourselves both ways.”

Ki-Adi-Mundi said, “That is true. With no students, there would be no teachers for the next pool of students to come from. And within a generation the Order could become a shell of itself.”

Mace said, “These issues do need to be addressed.”

The council then continued their meeting, as they discussed potential future problems within the Jedi Order, concerning the upcoming war.

(_)

Around an hour later, the Jedi Council meeting was over.

From inside the anti-chamber directly connected to the council chamber, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan watched as the doors to the council chamber slid open. They saw Mace walk out, with Yoda in his hover chair, beside Mace, to Mace's right side. They saw no one else behind the two Jedi council members. This was due the holo-communication systems in the room already being shut down.

Padme still had the hammer in her right hand, hanging to her right side.

Mace and Yoda came to a stop just inside the anti-chamber.

As soon as the doors to the council chamber slid closed behind the two Jedi Masters, Obiwan asked, “So, how did the meeting go?”

Mace smiled towards Obiwan. He kept his smile as he looked at Padme. He answered, “Everything is quite alright. Padme can keep the hammer, for now.”

Padme let out a sigh of relief. She said, “Thank you.”

Yoda commented, “Do not thank us just yet. You still need training.”

Obiwan said, “We were discussing that.”

Anakin said, “The question is, who?”

Mace stated, “We realize that, as well. And we came to the same decision. And our answer was two teachers for her.”

Obiwan asked, “Two teachers?”

Anakin asked, “Who?”

Padme immediately understood what Mace was inferring. She smiled and giggled a little.

Anakin and Obiwan turned to look at her.

Anakin asked, “What is it Padme?”

Padme stopped giggling. Though, she kept her smile, as she said, “The answer is simple. You two.”

Yoda complimented, “A keen mind you have, Senator. And true in your deduction.”

Padme looked over at Anakin, then Obiwan. She turned to Mace and Yoda, as she requested, “And I agree. Should I decide to train. I would prefer to it be from someone I trust and have known for a long time. Such as Jedi Kenobi, with Jedi Skywalker assisting Jedi Kenobi.”

Mace stated, “I see no problems with that.”

Yoda said, “Good experience for our padawan. And a chance for Master Kenobi to brush up on his teaching skills.”

Anakin replied, “I am okay with this.”

Obiwan stated, “I guess it is settled.” He turned to Padme, as he continued, “I will be your teacher. Should you decide to train.”

Padme turned to Obiwan and Anakin. She said, “Well, you two being both my friends and possible teachers will help with my decision.”

Anakin happily replied, “Good.”

Obiwan calmly said, “We look forward to your answer. But, with the war effort. We will need an answer sooner, rather than later.”

Padme stated, “You will have your answer by tomorrow morning.”

Obiwan replied, “This will be fine.”

Mace commented, “We would very much like to help you learn about this power you have gained. Though, if you do decide to train with the Order. You will need to take a short leave of absence from the Senate.”

Padme responded, “As I said. I still have to decide.” Padme turned to Obiwan and Anakin, as she asked, “But, if I did decide to train. How long would the training last? And what would this training entail?”

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he answered, “Besides learning about your powers. There will be other lessons. Along with training and becoming stronger in both mind and body... Hmm... Likely around six weeks. A month at the earliest. It depends on how fast you can train in learning your new abilities, and learning what else we have to teach you. But, this is only the basics. You will likely be training off and on for the rest of your life.”

Padme thought, with mild disappointment, 'That is not going to work.'

Padme responded, “While I am not opposed to continuing training for the rest of my life. I cannot take off being a Senator for a month to six weeks, for the duration of the basic training. I just returned to Coruscant to resume my senatorial duties. I cannot immediately take another extended leave. I can maybe give you a full week. But not an entire month to six weeks.”

Padme thought, 'Especially not after what Jar Jar has done.'

Mace offered, “Together, I believe we can come up with a schedule that will work for you. Maybe you can divide your time between these two duties. You can train in the morning. And perform you senatorial duties in the afternoon.”

Padme turned to Mace. She thought over Mace's suggestion for a few seconds. She mentally reflected, 'This is possible. As a Senator, I do keep my own hours.' Padme said, “Should I decide to do so, I believe this could work.”

Obiwan stated, “We will need at least a full week to figure out your basic abilities and work on a training regimen and schedule to train you with.”

Padme turned to Obiwan, as she stated, “I can give you a full week. Though, not in the evenings. You of all people can understand how things can come up at the last minute.” She thought, 'I will just say I caught a bug during my travels, which will take me a week to recover from. This will explain why I was fine only to become sick a few days after returning home.'

Obiwan suggested, “I understand. Also, if you do train with us. It might be best to leave the hammer inside the temple. Due to the item being a little too big to be carrying around. People will notice and eventually put two and two together concerning you and your stronger form's look and abilities.”

Padme inquired, “I have no problems leaving the hammer with you. Though, what about the members of the Jedi? I will be coming here a lot. And practicing with the hammer. They will figure out who I can become and what I can do.”

Yoda stated, “This cannot be helped. But, since the Order prefers to keep its privacy, it will not be a problem.”

Mace said, “We will just order everyone here to keep quiet. Do not worry. They will remain silent on this matter.”

Anakin turned to Padme, as he said, “Don't worry. We have kept much bigger secrets than this.”

Then, Anakin immediately realized what he had just said. He turned to look at Obiwan, Mace, and Yoda, were looking at him with stern frowns on their faces.

Anakin became visibly uncomfortable, as he hastily said, “I didn't actually tell her any of those secrets.”

Obiwan put his right hand up to his face in embarrassment. Mace shook his head a few times. Yoda just rolled his eyes and looked away, for a few seconds.

Padme could not help but giggle a little from the entire situation. A few seconds later, Padme forced herself to stop giggling. Padme said, “It is alright. I have no interest in prying into the secrets your Order has.” She thought, 'It is clear that the Jedi Council will make sure those here who figure out what is going on, will not advertise this information to others. In return I will respect their privacy.'

This brought everyone's attention back to the conversation. Obiwan lowed his right hand from his face. With the three Jedi Masters turning to look at Padme.

Mace replied, “That is comforting to know.”

Padme inquired, “Though, if I do train with you. Where I can keep this hammer? I cannot just take with me, back and forth from my home. You're right, people will noticed.”

Mace stated, “During training, you can just set your hammer in one of the corners in the main gym. It is not like anyone could take off with it.”

Padme halfheartedly replied, “Yea. It has a way of just sticking around.”

Yoda stated, “Settled it is then. Should you decide to train.”

Mace said, in a more sober tone of voice, “Good. Now, for some less than good news. During our meeting the Chancellor contacted us.” Mace turned to Padme, as he continued, in the same sober tone of voice, “Senator Amidala, the Chancellor wishes to speak with you in his office, in the Senate Building. And he requests you bring the hammer with you. But, in your present form.”

While Padme realized that with the force, those around her could sense her emotions. She forced herself to not act surprised, as she thought, with worry, 'He knows... Sheev Palpatine about the hammer and the powers that the hammer has given me. And he knows about my new stronger form.'

'My one time friend and teacher. Now he is my greatest political rival, due to him accepting his role as leader of the new clone army in this coming war. During my reign as Queen of Naboo, he advised me by holo-comm. And he continued to advise me after I became the Senator for Naboo and the rest of the Chommell sector. His counsel was one of the reasons I became the skilled politician that I am today...'

'I wonder what would have happened if things had gone differently and the hammer had not come? If I had married Anakin? Would I had been so caught up being with him that I would remain blind to what is going on around me? The sad part is that may have been the case. But now this is not the case.'

Mace went onto say, “Though, we convinced him that all of us here should attend the meeting, as well.” Mace looked towards Yoda, Obiwan, Anakin, and then back towards Padme.

All those present understood what Mace had meant.

Padme said, in a sad tone of voice, “I would I appreciate your company during this meeting. Still, I should have expected this to happen. He is the Supreme Chancellor, after all.”

Yoda stated, “It was obvious such a situation would have arose from the actions you took with the hammer. No matter how noble were actions were.”

Padme was not sure how to take Yoda's comment. So, she decided to be polite, as she replied, “I will take that as a compliment.”

Anakin inquired, “When is the meeting?”

Mace answered, “In a little under an hour.”

Obiwan commented, “At least we are not pressed for time.”

Yoda agreed, “Yes. Fortunately, time is still with us. But, not much time.”

Padme asked, “What should I say to him?”

Yoda stated, “The truth. He already knows you have gained much power. There is no point in hiding the truth. And we have everything to gain by speaking openly on this matter. Though, before we leave we have another important matter to discuss with you.”

Mace looked at Padme, then to Anakin, then back to Padme. He said, “We do need to discuss this with you both.”

Yoda stated, “Yes. This concerns you both. Senator Amidala and Padawan Skywalker.”

Padme questioned, “What?”

Anakin did not respond, but he had heard what Yoda and Mace said. And he immediately gave the two Jedi Masters his complete attention.

Yoda said, “We have reason to believe that the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious may have an interest in the both of you.”

Padme inquired, “Who is that?”

Anakin commented, “I thought he was rumor.”

Obiwan looked towards Mace and Yoda. He requested, “May I tell them what Dooku told me?”

Yoda turned to Obiwan. He replied, “You may.” He turned back to Padme and Anakin.

Obiwan turned to Padme and Anakin. He stated, “While I was captured on Geonosis, Dooku said to me that Sidious controlled the Senate. While I do not know if this is true, I feel that Dooku now serves Sidious as his Sith apprentice.”

Padme inquired, “What is a Sith?”

Yoda stated, “Not your fault that you lack the knowledge concerning such matters. We prefer to keep such secrets within the Order. So as to not tempt those outside the order with corrupting knowledge and power.”

Mace said, “A Sith is someone that uses the dark side of the force. Using negative emotions to enhance their powers in the force. But, doing so is very addictive.”

Yoda said, “Corrupting is such power. Always leads to tragedy and death. This is why we always guard our emotions so tightly.”

Padme said, “This does explain much. Please, continue.”

Mace said, “Also, there are always only two Sith at any given time. At least for the last thousand years. A master and a apprentice. We also have reason to believe that this Sidious might be the Sith master of the Sith assassin whom Master Kenobi fought on Naboo. The one who killed Master Qui-Gon Jinn.”

Padme remembered Qui-Gon Jinn, and how he died. Padme asked, with concerned in her tone of voice, “How dangerous would this Sidious be?”

Yoda stated, “A master of the dark side he would be. Deception. Lethality. Brutality through the force, would be his tools. The Sith whom died on Naboo was almost as skilled as a Jedi Master. Dooku was one of my best students. For them to serve another means the other much be even more powerful and skilled than they.”

Mace said, “Be on your guard. Though, the good news is that Sidious clearly does not like to act directly. Which means you may never have to face them. Neither of you. But, be aware that he is likely out there. And Anakin. With you as the Chosen One. I am sure Sidious would love to turn you to the dark side. To make you his next apprentice.”

Anakin said, “I will keep that in mind.”

Mace stated, “And Senator. If Sidious finds he cannot turn you to his cause, he will eventually seek to kill you.”

Padme casually said, “Well, the line forms to the left.”

Yoda snapped, “Do not be so caviler with your attitude. Having a Lord of the Sith as an enemy is no laughing matter.”

Padme dryly said, “I am not laughing. I have spent years having to watch my back. This is nothing new. Just another person out to kill me.”

Mace mentioned, “We also have reason to believe that Sidious might be behind the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo.”

Padme demeanor completely changed, as her body stiffen in barely contained rage. She firmly stated, “Though, that is new. If he is behind that... Incident. He is likely behind all the pain and suffering that my friends and I have been through for the last several years. This makes it personal.” Padme continued with a hint of anger in her tone of voice, “Very personal.”

Yoda cautioned, “Do not seek vengeance. Especially against one so powerful as Sidious.”

Padme firmly said, “I will not seek him out.” She held up her hammer in her right hand, as she continued, “But, if the opportunity presents itself. I will act.”

Yoda said, “I will not condone such an action. But, I will also not prevent such an action be taken.”

Mace requested, “If such an opportunity presents itself. Let us know. So we can handle it. We have more experience concerning such matters. But, you are more than happy to watch.”

Padme replied, “I will think about it.”

Anakin asked, “Now, what of the coming war? Where will the Jedi fit in?”

Yoda said, “As with other wars. The Jedi will participate as the leaders in conflicts of battle. Whether you train the Senator here. Or not. You and Master Kenobi will eventually be assigned to the front. Though, if you do train her, it will only delay your departure.”

Anakin said, “I understand.”

Obiwan commented, “While I do not relish battle, some things are necessary.”

Padme took note of what Yoda has said. But, she did not reply.

Mace turned to Padme, as he stated, “Speaking of which. If we do train you. We hope you would be willing to help us in the conflicts of this coming war.”

Padme was taken flatfooted by Mace's comment. Padme quietly said, “While circumstances have forced me to be no stranger to violence. I always tried to follow a path of peace, not war.”

Yoda said, “The Jedi also believe in attempting to first walk the path of peace. But, even the wisest of negotiators knows when the time for peace is over and the time for war has begun.”

Padme softly said, “I will consider your words.”

The five adults then continued their conversation. Which their discussion mostly revolving around more casual and relaxing topics.

They continued to talk until it was time to leave for the Senate Building to meet with Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine.

(_)

Around an hour after the Jedi Council meeting had ended, Padme, Anakin, Yoda, Mace, and Obiwan took had one of passenger transports, which the Jedi Order had for moving large groups of Jedi from place to place, south of the Temple District to the Senate District to the Senate Building.

The Senate Building was south of the Jedi Temple.

Once they had arrived at the Senate Building, the five adults headed for top of the Senate Building where the Chancellor's office was.

Yoda used one of his hover chairs to move though the building.

As they passed through the hallways and elevator lifts of the Senate Building, Padme carried the hammer in her right hand. Padme noticed that while a few people staring at her. There was not as many looking at her as at the Jedi Temple.

Padme chalked this up to face that the Senators and staff of the Senate has seen and experienced more in their lives than likely those that lived in the Jedi Temple.

When the reached the entrance to the Chancellor's office, the droid secretary had informed the Chancellor, in his office, of their arrival. After the Chancellor said for them to come in, the droid opened the doors for the five adults.

As the doors slid open, they saw across the room.

The room was painted mostly red, with a gray strips running from the floor to the ceiling, to create a color pattern for the walls. With the columns on the wall painted gray with a black striped running from the floor to the ceiling.

At the entrance, passed the doors, to their sides, was a small alcove a couch on each side of them. With each couch set against the wall.

They soon reached the point where the office opened up further, with two Republic guard, in full red robes, and red helmet, to their sides. With each guard silently stating with their back to the wall, where the walls expanded into the larger part of the office. Each guard faced the Chancellor's desk. And each guard held a stun-staff in their right hand, leaning against their right shoulder.

As Padme passed by the guards, she noticed them. She thought, 'Palpatine likely informed them I would to bring the hammer to him. So, I should be fine.'

Padme continued to walk with the group further into the large office.

Much of the room was on upper platform. With there being a center section of the room being the lower, with the upper level wrapping around the sides of the room.

There were four sets of steps to the upper level. One set on each side. And to sets of steps that were offset from each other, in the center. With the center steps leading to the four guest chairs, Chancellor desk, and the Chancellor's chair behind the desk.

Between to two staircases was a large holo-monitor built into the floor and located on the upper platform of the room. Though, the Chancellor had a small holo-monitor built into his desk, when he wanted to conduct more private communications for when the Chancellor was alone.

Padme and the members of the Jedi soon reached the steps leading up to the raised platform to the back of the room.

In the center part of the platform were four chairs, in set in semi-circle row. Beyond the four chairs was the Chancellor's desk. Behind the desk, was Chancellor Palpatine sitting in his chair.

Large windows wrapped around the back of the room, to show a vast view of the cityscape of Coruscant.

While standing facing the windows, on the upper level of the room, to the right side of the office was a doorway which left to the Chancellor's personal quarters.

Palpatine stood up from his chair. He looked at the five adults. He smiled, as he happily said, “Come in. Please, come in. We have much to discuss.”

The five adults them made their way across the office, with the doors to the office sliding closed behind them.

They soon made their way across the room, with Mace and Obiwan walking up the left central steps. With Yoda floating beside them.

Meanwhile, Anakin and Padme walked up the right central steps.

For a few seconds, Palpatine look at them as they approached him.

The five adults soon came to a stop behind on the upper platform, right behind the four chairs facing the desk.

Palpatine looked at the hammer in Padme's right hand, as he requested, with a bit of eagerness in his tone of voice, “So, that is the hammer that I have read so much about. May I please take a closer look at it.”

Padme calmly replied, “As you wish, Chancellor.” Padme then walked away from the group, and between the middle of the two central chairs in the front of the desk. When she reached the middle of the desk and chairs she turned to face the desk. She brought up her hammer, reversed it in her hands. She gently set it on its top of its head. With the axe being to her left and the flat, rounded head of the hammer being to her right. After which, she let go of the hammer, and took a single step back.

Everyone remained silent as Palpatine turned to face the hammer. He then leaned over his desk, to take closer look at the weapon.

As the elderly man studied the hammer, he had the expression of a child looking at a new toy he wanted. He noticed how the weapon was actually held up by the top of the axe blade and the round part of the flat hammer.

Palpatine said, with wonderment in his tone of voice, “What a remarkable ability for it to balance itself like that and remain so. It is almost like magic.”

Palpatine then slowly outstretched his right arm and hand, to touch the hammer. But, as the seconds passed, just as Palpatine was able to touch the weapon, a single small electrical arc came from the hammer to zapped Palpatine's right hand.

On reflex, Palpatine leaned up, as jerked his right hand back. He held his right hand with his left hand, while he yelped, “Ouch!”

Everyone saw what happened. Padme quickly took a step forward and grabbed the shaft of the weapon. She picked it up, and took a few steps back away from Palpatine.

Padme quickly said, “I sincerely apologize, Chancellor Palpatine. That has never happened before.”

For a brief moment, everyone noticed a faint expression of rage show on Palpatine's face. But, the rage disappeared from his face in the blink of and eye. With the expression of calmness and understanding showing in its place.

Palpatine lower his hands to his side, as he casually replied, “That is quite alright. There is a first time for everything. I am not hurt. Now, let us sit down and talk.”

Palpatine then calmly sat down in his chair.

The others also seated themselves.

Padme sat down in the chair to the far left of Palpatine. Padme puts the hammer across her lap. With her being careful to have the axe's blade edge of the top of the hammer pointed away from her.

Anakin sat in the chair to Padme's left side. Obiwan sat in the chair to Anakin's left side. Mace sat in the last chair to Obiwan's left side. And Yoda hovered in his chair to Mace's left side.

After everyone was seated, Palpatine looked over at Padme and the hammer. Palpatine calmly asked, “I noticed there was an inscription on the head of the weapon. Were you able to translate it?”

Obiwan stated, “Yes. The translation is. To whom be worthy to wield the hammer shall have the power of Thor.”

Palpatine casually inquired, “I do wonder who this Thor is?”

Mace commented, “We all do.”

Palpatine looked over the group, as he said, “Oh well. A mystery for another time. And there are so many mysteries out there.” He then focused on Padme, as he continued, “Now, dear sweet, Senator Amidala. It is not everyday that someone has becomes one of the most powerful people in the galaxy. Most likely the most powerful non-force user in the galaxy.” He turned to Anakin, as he continued, “And maybe more even powerful than Anakin may someday become.”

Anakin looked over at Padme. He shrugged, as he said, “I really wouldn't mind, either way.”

Padme looked over at Anakin. She smiled at Anakin's casual attitude towards the situation. She turned back to Palpatine, as she offered, “Chancellor? Would you like to see my other form?”

Palpatine calmly responded, “No. There will be time for that later. After you have a better understanding of your abilities. Though, I did read in the reports on how your mannerisms changed with your form. Specifically, the way you spoke. How much of that change effects your mind?”

Padme dropped her smile for a more calmer expression. She answered, “Fortunately, not much. As Yoda will attested to.”

Yoda stated, “She is still Padme Amidala in both her forms.”

Palpatine said, in a kind tone of voice, “That is good to know. Now, Senator Amidala, I know we have had our differences in the past.”

Padme felt bitterness she held back from showing, as she thought, 'To say the least. And I am starting to realize how much that is the case.'

Palpatine calmly continued, “But, with this power that has dropped into your lap. You could be of great assistance to the war effort.”

Padme replied, “I am not sure I can do so.”

Palpatine pointed out, “From reports I have read. You have the highest kill ratio of any single individual during the Battle of Geonosis.”

Padme looked away from Palpatine, as she felt regret about that. She then turned back to look at Palpatine.

Palpatine quickly realized his mistake. Palpatine said, “Though, that is total numbers. Including counting all the battle droids which were destroyed.”

Padme commented, “There is a difference between destroying mass produced death machines and killing people.”

Yoda looked at Padme, as he complimented, “That is true. It is good that you know the difference.”

Padme looked over at Yoda and she smiled towards Yoda. Both of them turned back to looked at Palpatine.

Palpatine pointed out, “Though, not all of those you have killed were droids.”

Padme admitted, “True. But, I did not like doing so.”

Palpatine stated, “I can appreciate that. Given your position as Senator. I cannot make you do so. And given the power you demonstrated, I do no desire to attempt to force you to do so. All I request is that you consider my request. You could save a lot of lives, on our side, if you joined our cause.”

Padme replied, “I will think about.”

Palpatine asked, “Good. Now, the question is whom will train you?” He looked over at the Jedi in the room.

Mace stated, “There is already been much discussion about this.”

Palpatine said, in a firm tone of voice, “And let me guess. Your Order is hoping to train her.”

Mace replied, “Yes.”

Palpatine inquired, “And whom do you have in mind to be her teacher? Or, is it teachers?”

Mace stated, “We plan for her to have Master Kenobi train her, with his apprentice, Padawan Skywalker, assisting him.”

Palpatine visibly relaxed, as he smiled. He said, “Really?... Well then, I have no complaints about your choice of teachers. You will have my full support in the Jedi training Senator Amidala.” He turned his attention to Padme, as he continued, “That is if she wants to be trained?”

Padme stated, “I have already told the Jedi here that I will give them a decision by tomorrow.”

Palpatine maintained his smile, as he calmly requested, “That will be fine, my dear. Though, please let me know what you decide.”

Padme replied, “You will be inform after I tell the Jedi Order.”

Palpatine's smile widened slightly, as he commended, “Good. Very good. And please keep in mind. The war is young. It is in its early stages. Battle lines have not been clearly drawn, yet. Now is the time when single individuals of power could have the greatest effect on the war. Before the battle lines harden. And with your help, we could win this war sooner, and save countless lives on both sides.”

Padme looked down in her lap, at the hammer, as she softly said, “I will keep that in mind.” She then looked back up at Palpatine.

Palpatine responded, “Please do. Also, as the war progresses, you could still be useful.” He looked around at the members of the Jedi order in the room, as he continue, “With you most likely working in conjunction with the Jedi Order.”

Palpatine could tell that his words had a positive effect on those in front of him.

Palpatine relaxed his face, as he stated, in a calm, through firm tone of voice, “Also, given these secrets are a matter of the State, I ask that you keep Padme's new hammer, along with her new powers and abilities to yourselves.” He turned to Padme, as he continued in a more calmer, kinder, and reassuring tone of voice, “Except for you Padme. This is your secret. And you may share this secret with whomever you desire to tell.”

Padme said, “Thank you.”

Yoda stated, “Chancellor, we shall do as you request. Though, we ask that you do the same.”

Palpatine commented, “I will. And I see we are on the same page.” He looked around at the group, as he smiled. He continued in a more relaxed, and joyous tone of voice, “Now. There is an event that will be held this evening that I wish for all five of you to attend. At the open area of the spaceport of Westport, we will be overseeing the launch of the new fleet. This will truly be a beautiful and marvelous sight which should not missed. I suggest you arrive at nineteen hundred, at the latest. Though, please do come early. And I do expect you to wear you best clothing for this event.”

Given the invitation came personally from the Chancellor, none of them could turn down the invitation.

Mace stated said, “We will be there.”

Padme said, “I will be there.” She then thought, with disgust, 'Great. I get to see off an army that I opposed. Whom are going to fight a war that I am against. I need to get some fresh air. And I know just how to do it.'

Padme stood up, while gripping and picking up her hammer in her right hand by the shaft. She looked around, as she stated, “Now, if you will excuse me. I need to meet with some people this afternoon.”

Padme thought, 'In my apartment to start with. I will retrieve a speeder from a Senate parking garage. The valets always have a few nice ones for senators to use. I will then head to my apartment. I would be tempted to fly with my hammer, in my stronger form. But, not right now. Later, after I learn more about my abilities.'

Palpatine said, “That will be fine, Senator Amidala. I am sure the last few days have been trying enough. I wish you luck in the your meetings. And get some rest. You earned it.”

Padme turned to Palpatine, as she replied, “Thank you, Chancellor.”

Anakin looked up at Padme. He requested, “Let us know if you need anything.”

Padme turned to look down at Anakin, as she said, “I will.”

Mace turned to Palpatine, as he stated, “If our business has been concluded, I believe we should leave, as well.” He continued, in a tone of voice that had a slight edge to it, “We have a war to organize for you.”

Palpatine calmly responded, “Quite right. I believe we are finished here. For now.” Palpatine looked around at the group, as he continued, “I will see you all this evening, then.”

Palpatine watched Anakin, Obiwan, and Mace stand up. With the three of them, and Padme, walking around the chairs, and down the steps of the platform, to the lower level of his office.

Yoda followed the four other adults in his hover chair.

Soon Palpatine saw the five adults reach the doors to his office.

Anakin walked over to the panel on the right side of the doors, and he punched a button to open the doors.

The doors then slid open, and the five adults exited out of Chancellor Palpatine's office and into the hallway.

A few seconds later, the doors to the office closed. Palpatine then turned around in his chair. He looked out at the cityscape through the large windows of his office, as he smiled.

(_)

An hour later, it was early afternoon.

Padme had since returned to her apartment in the Senate District. Padme's apartment was located at the top floor of a high-rise building. With her apartment spanning an entire floor of the building. The entrance to her apartment was through an elevator which opened up to the hallway, which branched into three different direction. The direction in front of the elevator lead to her living room and other areas of her home. With the living room being down the hallway to the second right from the elevator doors.

From the direction of entering the living room, there were windows on the sides of the room. With the ceiling curving up from the sides of the room. Also, on the left side was a small terrace balcony connected to the living room. There was a window door to the terrace that rolled up into the curved ceiling. The interior controls to the window door were on a panel on a wall, next to the right side of the door. The controls on the outside had a numerical pad. The exterior controls were located on the opposite side of the was from interior controls.

Further down the living room, to the far left was hallway that lead to Padme's bedroom.

Connected to the hallway that lead to Padme's bedroom was a set of steps which lead to a set of double-doors. The other side of those double-doors lead to an open veranda, with a high ceiling. White columns lined the outside of the walls. With white drapes tied to the columns.

The veranda had a white, red, and black motif using painted curves and circles within circle in the room.

In the center of the room, there were a pair of curved, cushioned benches facing each other. With each bench having a small table placed on the sides of the bench. With each of the four tables having a lamp on it.

Pass the benches, closer to the edge there was a small fountain in the center of the room

The edge of the veranda, had to large black statues facing each other, with the center of the edge extending just fair another to allow a speed to dock there. So, Padme could be picked up from that point.

Though, the parking area for speeders were several levels below Padme's apartment.

Before Padme had to deal with death marks put on her life, Padme occasionally came out to the veranda to walk about and think. She found the open view to the city to be very peaceful.

Now, Padme was worried if she visited the veranda a sniper might take a shot at her from a distance. So Padme usually left that area of her apartment alone.

Double-doors leading from the veranda into the interior of the apartment were locked from the inside. On the exterior side, in the veranda, there was a numerical pad by the doors. Though, the interior side could just be opened by the press of a button on a panel set by that side of the doors. Still, the doors were tied to an alarm going off if someone tried to break into Padme's home that way.

Save for the veranda, the interior of Padme's apartment, among the floors, walls, and ceilings were a light blue motif. With purple painted pathways on some of the floors. In addition, the pathways, and the trim on the walls being a yellow color.

The furniture and amenities in the apartment were of a modern style for the era.

Padme had already had lunch. Which was from a delivery service. Also, she had contacted those she intended to meet with.

Padme had scheduled three meeting for the afternoon. All the involved parties had been contacted, with each party agreeing to meet Padme upon times and locations Padme had requested.

One meeting was presently about to happen in her home. Another meeting which would be happening in half an hour in her home. Then, she would head to the Senate Building, and to her office, to work on paperwork, until her last meeting of the afternoon. Which was schedule to happen in two hours.

The reasons she did not have the third meeting in her home was that it was not going to be a pleasant meeting in any way, shape, or form.

And even with these meetings Padme knew from experience in such matters that she would still have time to get ready and prepare for join the Chancellor, her Jedi friends, and others, in seeing the fleet off at Westport.

Presently, Padme calmly stood, in the hallway that lead to the elevator, with the entrance to her living room being to her left. As she stood in place, she calmly faced the closed elevator doors.

Padme had already been contacted by her guests, with the intercom system from her apartment, to the speeder parking lot in the building, several floors below her apartment. And Padme used her apartment computer to let them into the elevator, to take them to her apartment.

Padme was still dressed in the clothing she had on that morning. And for the time being, she had hidden the hammer in her bedroom.

Padme continued to look at the elevator doors, as she thought, with a touch of sadness, 'I loath that I am going to have to do this. But, no matter my decision concerning my training this has to be done.'

A few seconds later, the elevator reached her apartment and the doors slid opened.

Padme smiled, as she saw two of her of long time friends.

In front of her was one of her surviving handmaidens, Dorme. And the head of her Security, Captain Gregar Typho.

Dorme wore a simple velvet colored dress. While Gregar wore his dark red and black security uniform and hat, with Gregar's long time eyepatch over the left eye he long since lost years ago.

During the assassination attempts on Padme's life, both Dorme and Gregar had played roles in helping to protect Padme. That last time Padme had see them in person was when Dorme acted as her body-double, and she stay on Coruscant, as a decoy, while Padme left for Naboo, with Anakin Skywalker. And Typho was with Dorme as her bodyguard.

Both of Padme's friends stepped out of the elevator. As the elevator closed behind them, Gregar slowing approached Padme, while Dorme briskly walked up to Padme and she gently hugged Padme.

A few seconds later, Dorme let go of Padme, and she took a few steps back. By then, Gregar came to a stop right beside where Dorme stood, to the handmaiden's left side.

Dorme smiled, as she said, “It is good to see you, milady.”

Gregar calmly stated, “I am glad that you are safe, Senator.”

Padme thought, 'And I am glad you are both alive, well, and you were still monitoring the hidden channels we has set up to communicate with each other.'

Padme smiled, as she responded, “It is good to see you both. I am glad that both of you made it out of this mess in one piece.”

Dorme inquired, “What happened during your time away?”

Padme answered, “A lot. But, much of which I cannot talk about.”

Gregar commented, “With your return, I am ready to resume my role as your chief of security.”

Padme dropped her smiled, as she stated, in a sober tone of voice, “I apologize. But, that will not be necessary.”

Dorme asked, “What do you mean?”

Padme chose her words carefully, as she said, “I know this is sudden. And I have my reasons. I want you to both know you have done nothing wrong. And what I state it in the records will reflect both of your exemplary efforts in in aiding me. But, your services are no longer required.”

Dorme flatly replied, “What?”

Gregar stated, in a calm, firm, even tone of voice, “Milady, I am completely protest this. Without us, who will help to protect you?”

Padme calmly said, “I understand. But, my mind is made up. I want you both to return to Naboo for reassignment. And I wish for you both to leave immediately. The longer you stay the more at risk you are. After we finish this conversation, I will fill out the paperwork for your transfers. With proper references to state the fine jobs both of you have done.”

Padme thought, 'I need to do this. I have seen too many of my friends die protecting me. And I can no longer allow others to be in harms way for my safety. Not when they no longer need to protect me. And with the hammer I have all the power I need to protect myself.'

'And while Anakin can take care of himself, none of the rest of you can. This is why, during our return trip to Coruscant, I subtly convinced Anakin to allow C3-PO to go with him and R2. After all C3-PO was created by Anakin. It was his droid. Besides, the joke of having C3-PO say. Thank the maker. At least once a day. With Anakin being its maker. Got old real quick. Still, that droid maybe annoying... Actually, it is annoy. But, it is still one of my friends.'

Dorme all but begged, “At least explain to us why?”

Padme cryptically responded, “I cannot tell you what happened. All I can say is that during my time away, I have attracted the attention of several key members on both sides of the coming war. The good news is that given what happened, no one will be coming after me for a while. And in the meantime, I have found a way to protect myself. But, only for myself. I cannot protect you, as well.”

Gregar firmly inquired, “How do you plan to protect yourself?

Padme stated, “I cannot tell you. But, it involves the Jedi. And I might be doing a lot of traveling.”

Gregar said, “Considering the Jedi were able to bring you back in one piece, I trust they will protect you.”

Dorme said, “I am against what you are requesting. Though, I will comply with your orders, as well.”

Padme gratefully said, “Thank you. Both of you. I just do not want more people to die on my account.”

Dorme asked, “So, who will be replacing us?”

Padme answered, “No one.”

Dorme inquired, “If we are gone. And no one is with you. Who is going to help you with your needs? Such as fixing your meals. Cleaning your clothing. And styling your hair.”

Padme sighed. She then gave Dorme a weak smile, as she stated, “I can take take care of myself. And there is no requirement that I need to restyle my hair for every single day. And that does become tiring.”

Dorme conceded, “I can see how it would.”

Gregar questioned, “Are you sure you do not want us to stay on Coruscant?”

Padme calmly responded, “I feel that what is coming will be dangerous for everyone. And I want you both out of the line of fire. I believe that Coruscant is no longer safe. Naboo is far enough away that I feel you with be safe there.” She mentally added, 'Along with my family and friends. Save for Anakin, Obiwan, Jar Jar, and the droids.'

Dorme soberly replied, “I understand, milady.”

Padme requested, “And let me know when you both reach Naboo. So I know you're safe.”

Dorme gave Padme a weak smiled, as she said, “We will.”

Gregar stated, “Stay safe, Senator. And good luck. You're going to need it.”

Padme halfheartedly replied, “I know.”

Dorme replied, “Goodbye.”

Gregar said, “You will be in my prayers.”

Padme stated, “Have a safe trip.”

Gregar and Dorme then turned around and headed to the elevator. Gregar pushed the button, on a panel by the elevator doors to summon the elevator.

Fortunately, the elevator was not in use, and elevator soon arrived.

Though, the seconds that it took for the elevator doors to open were uncomfortable for everyone present.

After the elevator doors slip open Gregar and Dorme entered the elevator. They both turned around to stand side beside each other. With Dorme being to Gregar's left side.

Gregar gave Padme a simple nod. Dorme grave Padme a weak smile, as she used her right hand to do a small wave towards her.

In response, Padme gave them a weak smile and a simple nod.

A few seconds later, the elevator doors closed.

With her friends gone, Padme turned around, clockwise, with her stopping with back to the elevator doors. She lowered her head slightly, as she placed her right hand on her face. She forced back her tears at not only having to say goodbye to two of her closest friends. But, to say goodbye so abruptly. It did not help her emotional state that she also had to keep secrets from them. Though, she felt that she took the right course with her actions.

A minute later, Padme lowered her right hand to her side, and she looked up. She thought, 'They will be fine. Now, I must deal with the here and now.'

'I am fortunate that Bail agreed to come here. And to do so on short noticed. I have much to discuss with him about what is happening in the Senate. And he is the only person in the Senate that I trust right now. Though, I do not trust him to know about the hammer and my new abilities. Still, it is a good to know that I have retained an ally in the Senate.'

Padme continued her thoughts, with a bit of bitterness, 'And so recently so many have been lost due to the foolishness of others whom I trusted.'

Padme then forced herself to reign in her emotions, as she mentally reflect, 'After I finish meeting with Bail, I will have to get ready, and head to the Senate Building for my final meeting. I will leave the hammer here. The Jedi have a point. It is too risky to carry it around with me, everywhere I go. Once I am done, I will head back here to get ready to meet with the Chancellor at Westport this evening.'

(_)

Around twenty-five minutes later, Padme stood in the hallway where she had greeted Gregar and Dorme. She faced the elevator doors as she waited for her next visit. The person had already contacted her when he arrived in the building, and she had allowed him to come up.

A few seconds later, the doors of the elevator opened to reveal the human Senator Bail Prestor Organa of Alderaan.

Padme saw that Bail was wearing white uniform with white boots.

Bail took a few steps out of the elevator. He came to a stop facing Padme.

As soon as Bail heard the doors fully close, he smiled towards Padme. Bail happily said, “Greetings, Senator Amidala. It is reassuring to see you return in good health.”

Padme casually responded, “Please. There is no need to be this level of formality. It is just the two us here. Padme is fine.”

Bail visibly relaxed a little, as he stated, “Well, Padme. It is good to see you.”

Padme smiled at Bail, as she requested, “It is good to see you too, Bail. Let us head into the living room and talk.”

Bail replied, “That would be fine with me.”

Padme turned to her right and headed into the living room of her home.

Bail followed her.

Less than a minute later, they had seated themselves. With them each sitting in couch across from each other, in the center of the living room. Both couches were light brown in color.

There was a small table between the two couches.

The small table was actually two smaller tables. Each small table had a small transparent, oval, flat surface, with a single chrome metal stand hold the top up. Both metal stands were connect to a single base on the floor. Each small oval top was set next to each other, with the other end of each oval surface face one of the two couches.

Upon Padme's return to Coruscant, she had recently moved one of her holo-monitors to the center of the top surface of the oval table nearest to the couch which faced the translucent door to the balcony.

Padme on the couch sat facing the windows with the balcony. While Bail sat facing the windows on the wall opposite side from the balcony.

After they became comfortable in their seats, Bail asked, “So, how are you doing?”

Padme answered, “Fine. Actually.”

Bail stated, “Good. I heard some things happened on Geonosis. But, I was unable to find out specific details of what really happened.”

Padme was about to speak, before she caught herself. She thought, 'I cannot tell him the truth. But, I have to tell him something. He is one of the few allies I have left in the Senate, after Jar Jar's blunder.'

Padme stated, “Actually, a lot happened on Geonosis. But, I cannot really talk about it, at this time.”

Bail replied, “I understand.”

Padme thought, with a hint of worry, 'Now, to find out bad things are, after what Jar Jar did.' She asked, “So, how did Jar Jar do in my absence? Or, dare I ask?”

Bail guessed, “You heard?”

Padme stated, “It was a long trip. I had nothing better to do than review what has happened in my absence.”

Bail asked, “While Jar Jar can be an idiot. He is a stubborn idiot. What he did was monumentally foolish. But, he would not do this for just anyone. The question is who would be able convince him to do this?”

Padme stated, in a sober tone of voice, “The answer is real simple. This has to be someone that Jar Jar respected and whom would gain from this resolution being passed. And the only person I can think of is Chancellor Palpatine.”

Bail responded, “The Chancellor? He has always been one to push for peace. He even formed the Loyalist Committee to negotiate with the Separatists. A committee we were both a part of.”

Padme said, “I am coming to the conclusion that the good Chancellor is not as good as he would have us all believe.”

Bail commented, “You are perhaps correct.”

Padme admitted, “I did not expect the Chancellor to use my proxy to both put forth the emergency powers resolution, which included the military creation act for this war, and for my proxy to be the first person to vote for resolution. Due to this, if I openly oppose this war, I will have to admit that I lost control of my proxy representative, which would cause me to lose power and respect within the Senate and the galaxy.”

Bail said, “Which is something that we both know you cannot afford to do at this stage of the game.”

Padme agreed, “That is correct.”

Bail stated, “If that is the case, the situation was well played by the Chancellor. And when that act was presented by your representative, our alliance, the Loyalist Committee, was shattered. In one move, the Chancellor removed all political opposition against this coming war. And at the same time he has politically crippled you.”

Padme groaned, “I am well aware of this.” She thought, 'And this is why the Chancellor wants me to join in fighting this war. Though, I cannot tell you this, because I need to keep the hammer and my abilities secret. At least until I have a better understanding of what I can do with my new abilities.'

Bail commented, “This would explain some of the other changes made by the emergency powers act.”

Padme inquired, with concern in her voice, “Such as?”

Bail stated, “Also included in the act was the removal of term limits for the Supreme Chancellor. Palpatine is in office for as long as he desires.”

Padme pointed out, “He is not going to willingly leave office.”

Bail agreed, “I know. When the act was passed into law, Chancellor Palpatine claimed lay down this power when this crisis has ended. Which I doubt he will.”

Padme stated, with a bit of worry in her tone of voice, “Palpatine is now Supreme Chancellor for life. He has an army at his command. And he has a war that will keep the public supporting him as he amasses more political power for himself.”

Bail grimly said, “The makings of a dictatorship.”

Padme commented, “Yes. But, it might not be too late to stop this through the Senate. The Senate gave Chancellor Palpatine his authority and power. And the Senate came remove his authority and power.”

Bail offered, “I would not be here if I believed it was too late. It will take time to rebuild the opposition movement in the Senate. Though, I will be more than happy to be the face of opposition to the war, in your place. You can still aid us behind the scenes.”

Padme stated, “Thank you. We will work on putting something together within the coming weeks. When I am not busy. And we will do so quietly.”

Bail said, “Of course. The war has just started and immediately opposing the conflict right now may politically backfire on us.”

Padme replied, “Exactly. Also, I will talk to Jar Jar this afternoon.”

Bail mentioned, “Good. I believe he is in his quarters, near the surface area of the district.”

Padme responded, “Thank you. Though, I have already contacted him to meet with me. I guess, if I leave the planet, I will have to directly conduct my Senatorial duties, including my votes, via holo-comm.”

Bail stated, “The Senate rules do allow for this. But, doing so is frowned upon.”

Padme let her mask slip a little, as she said, while showing annoyance her in tone voice, “Then, I will deal with frowns. I cannot allow what happened with Jar Jar to happen again.” Padme then forced herself to calm down.

Bail said, “I understand your frustration. I have some good news. I heard there is already a neutrality movement being put together from various worlds whom want nothing to do with the war.”

Padme inquired, “How many worlds so far?”

Bail said, “Eight hundred worlds and climbing.”

Padme mood brightened, as she questioned, “This is good news. And who is behind this movement?”

Bail said, “Among others, the current leader of the Mandalore system, the Duchess Satine Kryze.”

Padme let out a breath of relief, as she stated, “Good. We do not need any more mandalorians in this war effort. We have plenty from the clone troopers.”

Bail inquired, “The clones are from a mandalorian?”

Padme stated, “Yes. From a bounty hunter named, Jango Fett.”

Bail inquired, “The same one that I heard was hired to kill you?”

Padme commented, “Yes.” She inwardly smiled, as she thought, 'And given he knows about my new powers. I believe he will not be trying to kill me again, anytime soon.'

Bail asked, with concern in his tone of voice, “How dangerous is this Jango?”

Padme answered, “Master Kenobi stated Jango was able to fight him almost to a standstill.” She thought, 'While returning to Coruscant we had nothing but time. Obiwan and I compared notes on what we had been through to better idea of the situation with the Separatists and what lead to this war. Though, I kept my relationship with Anakin. And what happened with his mother. To myself.'

Bail stated, “He is dangerous.”

Padme agreed, “Yes. With him, they picked from really good genetic stock.”

Bail commented, “Be that as it may. From what I have learned. It is interesting that a Jedi ordered the creation of those clones.”

Padme said, “From what I have managed to gather, the Jedi did not. Someone else did, in the Jedi's name. And it was done years ago by someone with deep pockets.”

Bail stated, “And it is known that someone has been pulling the strings with the Trade Federation since the initial invasion of Naboo.”

Padme said, “Someone has been setting up this war to happen for a very long time. And this person is clearly influencing both sides.” She thought, 'It is likely this Sidious that the Jedi warned me about. But, it is best I not mention this to Bail. He can do nothing about it.'

Bail asked, “But who?”

Padme thought, 'Even if it is Sidious, I have no proof. And we need to make sure, and have proof in hand, before we start making accusations.' Padme said, “We will have to find out. But, right now we have no way of doing so. As such, we will deal with what we can do.”

Bail said, “I agree.”

Padme inquired, “Now, please tell me more about these neutral worlds?”

Bail responded, “Well, the better news on the neutrality front is that the Duchess and her direct subordinates are pacifists.”

Padme sighed, as she stated, with slight disbelief evident in her tone of voice, “Everyone else decides to go to war, while the Mandalorians decide to become pacifists.”

Bail casually replied, “Insane galaxy? Isn't it?”

Padme could not help but giggle, as she said, “Yes. I guess so.”

Bail politely waited for Padme to calm down.

A few seconds later, after Padme stopped giggling, Bail inquired, “Do you want me to contact the Duchess' subordinates? To try to coordinate our efforts with theirs?”

Padme stated, “No. We cannot get directly involved with them. Doing so would cheapen their political movement. Maybe even sabotage their efforts before it truly begins. And if they stay out of the war this will allow for a safe haven for the refugees this war will create to flee too.”

Bail said, “I see your point.”

Padme slowly took a deep breath. She then slowly let it out. She mentioned, “You know. When I first became a Senator, I thought this would be an easier job than ruling an entire planet as a Queen. I admit I was wrong.

Bail commented, “True. This is a cutthroat job. But, someone has to do it.”

Padme stated, “Yes. While doing this job let us hope that it is not our throats that are cut.”

Bail asked, “Speaking of this matter. I was invited to the fleet launch this evening at Westport.”

Padme said, “So was I, and a few of the Jedi.”

Bail lamented, “Well at least at that event I won't be surrounded solely by the Chancellor and his sycophants.”

Padme agreed, “True.”

Bail commented, “And with you there it will not be too unpleasant.” He then realized, as he continued, “Though, I can see how you might be uncomfortable with attending this event.”

Padme said, “I did not support the creation of this military. And for me, watching them leave and go to war is neither glorious, nor enjoyable.”

Bail complimented, “This just means you have a firmer grasp of the situation than most.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.”

The two of them continued their conversation for half an hour. With them talking about the more casual comings and goings of those within the Senate since Padme had left Coruscant to go into hiding.

When they finished their conversation, they said their goodbyes, and Padme saw Bail to the elevator doors. With Bail soon leaving.

A little while later, Padme left her home as well.

Though, Padme left the hammer behind, in her apartment.

Padme took the same speeder she used to get home, back to the Senate Building. From there, she headed to her personal office to catch up on some paperwork that she had been neglecting. And while she did her paperwork, she patiently waited for her next scheduled appointment.

An appointment where she planned to drop a hammer on someone. Just not a physical hammer.

(_)

Meanwhile, as Padme headed to the Senate Building, in the Temple District, Anakin and Obiwan were walking down an empty hallway inside of the Jedi Temple. As they walked, they were having a pleasant discussion about recent events, and up coming events.

Anakin and Obiwan walked beside each other, with Anakin being to Obiwan's right side. With them close to the wall to their right than their left.

While they walked, Obiwan said, “You know with this war we are going to be traveling a lot?”

Anakin said, “I understand that master.”

Obiwan commented, “There will be a lot of danger. Likely more so than either of us have faced.”

Anakin replied, “I know.”

Obiwan said, “Also, there will be times we will be assigned to separate missions. Likely light years apart.”

Anakin stated, “I realize that as well.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin, as they continued walking. He asked, “What are you thoughts on this?”

Anakin turned to Obiwan, as he answered, “I will do my duty as a Jedi.”

Obiwan said, “Anakin. I realize that I spent a lot of time instructing you on the importance of duty. But, there is more to life than duty within the Jedi Order.”

Anakin replied, “I know.”

Obiwan stated, “There were times, when I was raising you, that I was tempted to drop you as an apprentice.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he commented, “I do not think I would have made a good farmer.”

Obiwan shrugged, as he responded, “No. You won't have. You have many talents. But, the patience to have a green thumb is not one of them. I knew that even then. If I had to drop you as an apprentice, I would have made sure you would be left with a good family. And a family that specializes in mechanics and engineering.”

Anakin dropped his grin, as he stopped walking. He looked away from Obwian, as he quietly said, “Family...”

Obiwan noticed this. He stopped walking. He turned to Anakin, as he inquired, with concern in his tone of voice, “Is everything all right?”

Anakin did not look at Obiwan, as he softly answered, “I guess so.” He then turned to Obiwan. As his voice returned to normal, he said, “I may have likely been fine with such a family.”

Obiwan commented, “I would have still checked in on you.”

Anakin casually replied, “Of course.”

Anakin then started walking, with Obiwan resuming a pace that allowed him to walk beside Anakin.

Obiwan commented, “You know. Padme might now be more powerful than you.”

Anakin casually responded, “Honestly. As I said at the meeting with the Chancellor. I could care less that she is now more powerful than me. While I am the Chosen One. It is said that there is always someone better than you. More powerful than you. Can do things better than you. When it comes to myself, I am glad it is her.”

Obiwan shrugged, as he casually said, “That is one way to look it.”

Anakin looked over at Obiwan, as he stated, “By the way. If it comes down to a fight between her and the Jedi Order. I am not going to fight her. I don't care if I am thrown out of the Order for not doing so. And if the council starts the fight, I am siding with her.” He then turned to look in front.

Obiwan looked over at Anakin, as he said, “I will keep that in mind.” He looked in front, as he went onto say, “Though, I hope Padme takes us up on our offer to training her.”

Anakin stated, “Even if she does not want to join the war effort, she likely will accept our offer to train her. She clearly does not accidentally hurt someone with her new powers.”

Obiwan pointed out, “That is a good point. But, she might not have a choice in the matter.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he said, “Actually, after we returned to the temple, I check into this matter. You cannot draft a sitting Senator into the military, Jedi Order, nor even make a seating Senator go to war.”

Obiwan stated, “This is nice to know.” He continued, in a more serious tone of voice, “Still, Dooku and others know that she had that hammer. And Master Yoda is correct. This much power will make her more of a target than she already is.”

Anakin smiled widened, as he responded, “After what we saw in Geonosis, I realize it is going to be very hard to hurt her now. And this is a good thing. I feel that the hammer will protect her.”

Obiwan commented, “Speaking of protecting someone. Since you returned from your bodyguard mission with Padme, you have not spoken about those visions of your mother.”

Anakin suddenly stopped walking. He dropped his grin, as he looked away from his teacher, and long time friend.

Obiwan stopped as well. Obiwan did not need the force to tell something was wrong in with Anakin.

Obiwan calmly inquired, “Anakin? Did something happen? Did something happen to your mother?”

Anakin continued to remain silent as he looked away from Obiwan.

Obiwan asked, in a more concerned, though firmer tone of voice, “What happened while you were gone?”

Anakin continued to look away, as he said, “She's dead... My mother is dead... Shmi Skywalker is dead...

Obiwan said, under his breath, in horror, “Oh Anakin...”

Anakin said, “While on Naboo, my visions became too much. And I had to do something about them. I shared by visions with Padme. She agreed to come with me to Tatooine. We went to Tatooine... During my absence, a moister farmer had bought her from Watto. The farmer freed her. And she married him. From what I understand. For a time she was happy with that moister farmer and his family. I won't begrudge them for that...”

“But, the visions... They were not vision of the future. Nor the past. But of the present. When we had met with the moister farmers, whom had taken my mother into their home, we learned that a month ago she had been kidnapped by the sand people...”

“I set out on a speeder bike to find her. I tracked her to a village of sand people. By then, it was nightfall. I snuck into their village and I found her in a tent. She was tie up like a dead animal left to be drained of blood...”

“She was the kindest, most giving woman in the galaxy... They had been torturing her. Just for the fun of it...”

“I cut her down... We talked a little. But, she was delirious from the pain... She then died in my arms... I felt her die in the force...”

Obiwan sense in the force as anger well up inside Anakin.

Though, instead of an outburst. Anakin did quite the opposite.

Anakin said, in a soft, quiet tone of voice, that was far too subtle for the situation, “And I lost control...
I set my mother down... I then took out my lightsaber. I ignited it. And I then killed every man, woman, and child in that village...”

Obiwan was shocked to his core at what Anakin has so calmly confessed to him.

Anakin went onto say, in the same soft, quiet tone of voice, “After which, I returned to my mother. I wrapped her body in some blankets I found. I then used the speeder bike to return her body to the moister farm she had been taken from. There we soon gave her a proper burial.”

Along with anger, Obiwan sensed bitterness from within Anakin.

Anakin softly stated, “If I had just listened to my visions sooner...” Anakin turned to look at Obiwan. Obiwan saw rage in Anakin's eyes, as Anakin spat out, “Instead of listening to you...”

Obiwan realized his actions. His arrogance had lead someone he considered like a son down a very dark path.

Obiwan showed pity and regret in his eyes, as he calmly said, “You're right. I should have listened. This is my fault. Not yours.”

Obiwan could see some of the anger fade fade from Anakin's eyes. But, not all of it. Anakin softly said, “Still... She is dead...”

Obiwan said, in an emotionally pained tone of voice, “And she is in a better place. Try to take comfort in that. I know that it is hard. But, I need you to try.”

Anakin said, in an even tone of voice, “That is the only reason we are talking.”

Obiwan stated, “I realize that. And I realize this is more my burden to bear. Not yours. I will not tell this council of this. Now would not be the time to do so. And even if the time was right, I won't tell them. Not over this. Mainly because I fear for your future and your soul. And their reaction would only hurt you further.”

Anakin realized what Obiwan was alluding too. He responded, “I am only upset. I am not falling to the dark side.”

Obiwan commented, “Most people that fall to the dark side do not intent to, at first. And while you are on that path, it is not too late to turn back.”

Anakin understood that as much resentment he had for his teacher, over the death of his mother, that his teacher was serious, and that Obiwan had a point. Anakin calmly asked, “And how would I do so?”

Obiwan said, “Control your anger. Reign in your emotions. Especially, when violence is involved. And the next time you have visions of someone you know getting hurt. Let me know. I promise. We will immediately look into those visions. The Jedi Council be damned. And I will do everything in my power to help you avoid another tragedy such as this, and keep something like this from ever happening to you, again.”

In his entire life, Anakin had never heard Obiwan curse the Jedi Council in such a matter. And Anakin realized that Obiwan was very serious. Anakin said, “I promise. If I have visions like this again I will tell you.”

Obiwan used his right hand to gently pat Anakin on Anakin's upper back a few times. Obiwan then gently placed his right hand on Anakin's upper back. He stated, in a comforting tone of voice, “Good. Now, let me tell you how I was able to deal with the loss of Qui-Gon Jinn. A man whom I considered to be like a father to me.”

Obiwan then told Anakin how he was able to deal with loss and move on, while he did his best to comfort his student... His friend... His son...

(_)

Around an hour later, Padme was sitting in her office chair, behind her desk in her Senatorial office, in the Galactic Senate building. Her office was located in level midway up the building. Her office was around the same size as Senator Bail's office. The office was painted white, with the large windows on the wall, behind her desk, allowing plenty of sunlight into the room.

There were two chairs in front of Padme's desk. And Padme sat in the chair behind her desk, with her back to the windows of her office.

Padme was reviewing a datapad which she had set on top her desk. The datapad had a contract that required her signature. And like all contracts she reviewed, she was reading the document before she decided on signing it.

It was then that someone buzzed her intercom which was tied to the controls on top of her desk. The intercom was connected to the intercom on the other side of the doors across the room, which lead to one of the Senate hallways. The doors were locked from the outside. Except for those that knew the codes to get in. Which were herself, and the Senate security personnel.

Padme set down the datapad down. She then used the intercom on her desk. She asked into the intercom, “Who is it?” She thought, 'Like I do not already know. While I have droid secretary located in a desk near the entrance to my office. Years ago, I informed my droid secretary to allow my friends to pass by and use the intercom by the doors to my office.'

The voice on the other end of the intercom stated, “Senator Amidala wanted to see mesa.”

Padme replied, “Come on in.”

Padme then pressed a button on her desk to allow the doors to her office to slide open.

As the doors opened, across the room, Padme saw Junior Representative Jar Jar Binks, walk into the room. Jar Jar served under Padme's authority.

Padme saw Jar Jar was wearing formal clothing and a robe over his clothing.

Jar Jar continued further into the room, with the door sliding closed behind him.

Jar Jar could see Padme looking at him, from behind her desk. He saw Padme had an unreadable expression on her face.

As Jar Jar approached Padme's desk, he asked, “Senator Amidala wanted to speak with mesa?”

Padme stated, “Yes Jar Jar. I wanted to talk with you.”

By then, Jar Jar came to a stop in front of Padme's desk. Jar Jar remained standing between the two chairs in front of Padme's desk. Jar Jar looked at Padme's face, with Padme looking back at Jar Jar's face. Jar Jar could tell something was wrong. He asked, “What is the matter?”

Padme asked, “It is about that emergency powers resolution, which included the military creation act. That had you brought forward in the Senate, and had passed during my absence. By supporting that resolution, do you realize what you have done?”

Jar Jar realized he had made a mistake. Jar Jar quietly said, “No. Mesa only wanted to help.”

Padme firmly commented, “You did quite the opposite of helping. That resolution. Which I opposed. And I thought you understood I opposed. I see I was wrong about that. Has allowed this war to start. A war that could destroy countless worlds. Creating bloodshed on an unimaginable level.”

Jar Jar began, “Mesa sorry...”

Padme cut him off, as she firmly stated, “Sorry is not enough Jar Jar. I believe you cannot began to comprehend the gravity of your mistake. And while I cannot undo what you did. I can prevent you from making another costly mistake. I am stripping you of all authority I have given you. I will keep you around for simple tasks and errands.”

Padme sighed. She said, in a sightly softer tone of voice, “If I sent you back home to Naboo. You might be targeted by any number of people for your foolishness. For your own safety, I highly suggest, when you are not performing errands for myself, or spending time in your nearby office, that you stay in your quarters where security is close by.”

Jar Jar replied, in a sad tone of voice, “Mesa will do as you ask.”

Padme stated, in a blunt tone of voice, “Good. Now leave.”

Jar Jar turned around and walked back to the doors to the hallway, with his head hung low. When he reached the doors, he press a button on a nearby panel to opened the doors.

Once the doors slid open, Jar Jar walked outside, with the doors sliding closed behind him.

As soon as the doors closed behind Jar Jar, Padme groaned as she shook her head a few times.

Padme thought, 'Jar Jar already knows too much for me to cut him loose. But, I will make sure he learns nothing about the hammer. Knowing that fool, he would find someway to sabotage the situation. I will keep him around. But only for him to be assigned to do the most simplest of tasks and errands.'

Padme took a deep breath. She then slowly let it out. She looked down at the datapad, as she thought, 'Now, I have to finish reading this contract. And then I need to get ready for the public event concerning the launching of a fleet that I oppose. But, every record states I supported. And worst of all, because this is a political event, I am going to have to be on my best behavior. And while Anakin will be there, as well. Because it is public, and we will be around our friends and other individuals, we not be able to show any affection towards one another.'

Padme put her elbow on her desk, and she brought her hands together. She then leaned her face down into her cupped hands.

Padme thought, with emotional tiredness, 'How did my life become so complicated?...'

A few seconds later, she lifted her head from her hands.

She then mustered the effort to pick up the datapad and continue to review the contract. She found it was about something that she did not approve of, so she declined to sign it.

Padme turned off the datapad and put the datapad in a drawer in her desk. After which, she headed out of her office, and to a nearby speed parking lot in the Senate Building.

When she reached the speeder parking lot, she took a one of the speeders that was reserved for senators and she headed back to her apartment to have an early dinner. Then, she would get ready and change her clothing for the fleet send off that evening.

(_)

That evening, at sunset, it was close to seventeen hundred hours. Padme, Anakin, Obiwan, Mace, Yoda, Bail, and others, that were invited by Palpatine, had gathered in meeting room, high up in one of the main buildings of the Westport spaceport. The exit to the meeting room was connected to hallway.

To the left direction of the meeting room lead down the hallway to a bank of elevators. The right direction of the hallway lead to a terrace that overlooked the surface of the spaceport landing area, where the Republic military was staging their fleet for their send off.

The doors to the hallway were left open, but the hallway was well guarded.

Among other security measures, there were two Republic guards station by the entrance to the meeting room. Each guards were in their full red Republic clothing, red cloak, with their red dome helmet on. Each guard held a stun-staff in their right hand, with the staff resting against their right shoulder.

Those invited had all just arrived at the spaceport half an hour ago. With them all being lead to meet with Chancellor Palpatine in the meeting room.

The invited members were requested to stay in meeting room, as Chancellor Palpatine waited for the military to inform him they were ready to start the fleet send off. For Chancellor Palpatine this was like a child showing off his new toys.

Those present were, including the Chancellor, Senators, and other invited delegates, were in their uniforms or dresses, depending on their individual gender, culture, and social standing. And the Jedi were wearing their finest clothing and robes.

Yoda stat in his hover chair, with the chair hovering a meter in the air. Meanwhile everyone else in the room was standing.

Padme wore one of her finest dress. The dress she wore was a red, sleeveless dress that went down to her ankles. She wore a red sash tied around her waist. And she wore red slippers on her feet.

Padme decided to leave her long brown hair to simply be loose, and draped down her back. Given Padme had released her assistants and she did not have time to go to a stylist. Though, Padme had come to realize that it might be best to go with a more simple look.

After claiming the hammer, Padme had now begun to feel the responsibility of having true destructive power at her command. And that power had scared her a little. This fear forced her to take a harder look at her own life. With her realizing that she may have been blind to certain evident truths in front of her which she willfully chose to ignore.

One such truth was that somehow, trying to be the person with the most outlandish look in a room full of politicians did not seem as important as before she wielded the hammer of Thor.

Padme looked around. She saw Palpatine with his inner circle in one corner of the room. In another area, she saw the Bail talking to a few former members of the Loyalist Committee. Of whom, Padme had no desire to talk to at the moment. And in another area was the Jedi, whom were keeping to themselves.

Padme did engage in some small talk, with a few of those present speaking to her. Though, she mostly kept to herself.

In all honesty, she would have preferred to talk to Anakin and the Jedi. Though, given her current situation with the Jedi, there was nothing she could discuss with them in public.

Just then, Padme noticed a man in a security uniform walk into the room and over to the Chancellor Palpatine. The security officer gained Palpatine's attention. Then, the officer whispered into Palpatine's right ear.

In response to what the security officer had said to Palpatine, Padme saw Chancellor Palpatine stand straight up.

The security officer then turned and swiftly exited the room.

Palpatine looked around the room, while he stated, in a slightly louder tone of voice than normal, “People. People. If I could have your attention. Please.”

Everyone stopped talking, and they turned to Chancellor Palpatine.

Palpatine noticed this. He looked around the room, as he continued, “I have just been informed that the fleet is ready to see. If you will please follow me to the terrace. This will truly be a marvelous sight to behold.”

Palpatine then started walking towards the exit to the hallway, with everyone else in the room following him.

Palpatine and the others in the room walked passed the two guards and into the hallway.

As Palpatine entered the hallway her turned to his right. He walked down the hallway, towards the terrace, as the rest of the group followed him.

As soon as the last of the delegates left the room the two guards quickly followed behind the rest of the group.

The group made their way through the hallway, which was empty, save for them, and the guards.

Meanwhile, Padme was in the middle of the group.

The group soon made it to a large, rounded terrace. Palpatine came to stand at end of the terrace, by the curved, meter high parapet.

Padme came to a stop to the right side of the terrace, beside the parapet. She stood right behind Bail, but both of them were to caught up in the moment to acknowledge each other.

The other members had also filed onto the terrace to look out at the large deck of the Westport spaceport. Meanwhile, the two republic guards in red came to a stop just inside of the hallway entrance to the terrace.

Of the two guards, one stood to the right side of the entrance, while the other guard stood to the left side of the entrance. The two guards then silently watched the group in front of them.

When Padme look out at the Republic fleet getting ready to launch. Instead of her feeling conflicted, the view almost took her breath away as what she saw left her in awe.

The sunset, on the partly cloudy evening gave the area, and those present, an eerie reddish hue.

All the clone troopers were in their white armor and helmets. They were standing at attention, in formation, with each of them having their blaster rifle set against their left shoulder. The troopers were in rectangular formations that each numbered at least several hundred troops. With hundred of these formations.

And all the clone troopers in standing at attention, and in formation, were facing the group on the terrace.

Between the formations there were hundreds of six-legged All Terrain Tactical Enforcer Republic Walkers moving in single file.

Behind the formations, across the spaceport, from Padme, Palpatine, and the others, were docked Republic Star Destroyers.

Scattered between the Republic Star Destroyers were a mix of hundreds of Republic gunships, troop carriers, and low altitude assault transport carriers. The transport carries were used to carry and drop republic walkers and other ground vehicles into battle.

As Padme looked more closely at the formations, she could see the foundations were broken down into small formation groups. With the smaller formation groups being marched into the Star Destroyers. These smaller formations marched between the AT-TE Republic walkers, as both the walkers and the troopers made their way towards the entry ramps of the Star Destroyers.

Though, when the small troop formations cleared the stationary trooper formations, the marching trooper formations were combined, as they made it up the ramps of the Star Destroyers. Though, these large formations were still smaller than the standing formations they had just come from.

After each Star Destroyer was fully loaded, both with personnel, vehicles and was cleared to leave by air traffic control in Westport. Said Star Destroyer closed it's entry ramps, and it then hover upward until it cleared the rest of the military personal on the ground. Once the hovering Star Destroyer was cleared, the large starship took off into the sky, towards space. When the Star Destroyer would reached orbit, the starship would jump to hyperspace. With the Star Destroyers heading off to war, to battle the Separatists forces in various parts of the galaxy.

Padme could not help but to continue to be both awestruck and disturbed at the seeing this much military power in one place. A force she opposed as a Senate. And now that there was war being conducted, where fleets would be used to fight battles, with untold numbers of innocents suffering and dying due to being caught in the crossfire between those that fought.

And then Padme thought about how she could effect the war in a more direct manner. With the hammer and the powers the hammer gave her. Padme felt her conflicting emotions increase. Given she now knew she could act to direct manner which would effect the course of this galactic war. And if she could not use this newfound power to stop the war, she could at least use this power to mitigate the loss of civilian lives on both sides of the war.

But, the use of such power in such violent ways directly conflicted with the civility she was taught to show as a political leader. And the application of such violence conflicted with her spending her life trying to be a peacemaker instead of warrior.

And Padme did realize she could have been a warrior. A leader of soldiers. If things had only played out a little differently. Years ago. After the retaking of Theed from the Trade Federation. And after Jedi Master Jinn's funeral. The night after the celebrations. In her private chambers, while still Queen of Naboo. She had seriously considered changing careers, after her term as Queen was over, with her then joining the military officer academy on Naboo.

Padme had rationalized saving Naboo from the Trade Federation as an act of defense against hostile invaders. While if she joined the war effort she would be looking for trouble instead of trouble finding her.

Though, the retaking of her home planet had excited her in ways she never felt before. To be able to liberate others from tyranny. While also cutting loose from the constraints of civilized behavior. The idea was tempting. The idea was intoxicating.

It would not have been the first time that a sitting monarch of Naboo would have moved to become a military leader, after they had abdicated the thrown for the next monarch whom was elected by the people of Naboo. And some of those former monarchs went onto become skilled military leaders.

In the following days after the retaking of Naboo, Padme had continued to think about entering the officer corps, after her reign as Queen was over due to term limits. But, Padme had ultimately decided against doing so. And instead, after she left her position of Queen, she eventually was eventually appointed as Galactic Senator for Naboo and the rest of Chommell Sector by person whom replaced her as Queen of Naboo. With Padme going on to represent the people of Naboo and the rest of the Chommell Sector in a civil manner on the galactic stage.

Padme had always suspected the other governments of Chommell Sector supported her appointment as Galactic Senator due her heroic actions in leading the retaking of Naboo from the Trade Federation. With the victory of that planetary skirmish being rewarding for Padme's political career.

Now, Padme faced that same choice again. Though, this time the stakes were far higher. Then, there was no a galactic war starting. Now, there was. And if she correctly remembered her history of such wars, hundreds, if not thousands of worlds would likely burn before this war was over.

And Padme felt in her heart, that she, with the hammer, could save many of the people on those worlds, if she decided to act.

Then, Padme realized that all this was starting to emotionally overwhelm her. She turned to her left, away from the sight of the fleet in front of her, as she Allowed herself to catch her breath.

Padme then began to look at the crowd around her, at the reactions they had at what they saw.

From the right side of Bail's face Padme could tell that Bail had a look of concern.

Yoda's expression was unreadable.

Mace was frowning.

Obiwan's reaction was much like her own. With Obiwan showing a conflicted expression of astonishment, while he also showed concern and realization at what this military power would be used for.

Anakin was slightly excited, but he was mature enough to show reservation and restraint on his face.

The other people present were mostly politicians whom were trained not to show much emotion, due to this being a political event, and depending on how things played out, and such displays of emotion could later be used against them. Though, a few were in awe as well, at the sight. Some of them were even smiling.

Padme then saw Palpatine turned his head to his right as he looked at the military down below, to their right. This allowed Padme to see Palpatine's expression. Padme noticed that instead of a smile, as she expected, she saw that Palpatine had a calm expression on his face.

Padme thought, 'Considering the excitement he showed in inviting us, I would think he would be more happy at seeing this sight before us. Not that it matters right now. Though, I doubt I would want to know what he is thinking at this moment.'

Palpatine then turned back to look forward, towards the fleet in front of the terrace.

Padme looked again, around the crowd by her. She saw Anakin and their eyes met.

Anakin silently mouth lipped the words, “You're apartment later?”

Padme understood Anakin. She simply nodded her head once. After which, she turned back to face the fleet. As she continued to think about the decisions she had to make before the next morning.

An hour later, much of the fleet had already departed. And it nearly was dark. Palpatine decided to call the event over. With those invited them heading home, or to conduct their business elsewhere.

(_)

Around hour later after those invited to the fleet launch had left Westport the last of twilight in the horizon fully gave way the night.

After the fleet send off event was over, Padme took her speeder to the apartment building she lived in.

While Padme parked her speeder in the speeder port, she saw Anakin park a speeder nearby hers.

The two of them then headed up to Padme's apartment to talk. They just made it up to Padme's apartment, and they decided to talk on the terrace balcony of Padme's apartment. The terrace was located by her living room. With the terrace not being connected the veranda of the apartment. The terrace was much smaller than the veranda, and there was less risk in using the terrace than the veranda. The terrace had no roof, with only a meter high parapet wrapping around the edge of the semi-circle shape of the terrace.

Padme used a panel by the terrace entrance to raise the window that acted at the large door to the terrace. After the window was fully raised, Anakin and Padme stepped outside.

They stood near the forward parapet, next to each other, with Padme to the left of the living room, and Anakin to the right.

They faced each other, as the light, cool night wind pleasantly blew around them. Meanwhile lights from the cityscape illuminated their view.

Anakin said, “That was some show.”

Padme responded, “I agree. I have never seen anything like that in my life.”

Anakin replied, “Me neither.”

Padme asked, “Did you think about all the people on those ships are going to war, where they will be killed people and people will be killing some of them?”

Anakin answered, “Yes.”

Padme pointed out, “But, you still admired the show.”

Anakin responded, “Yes. Jedi are taught to admire beauty in all things. Even in dangerous things.”

Padme said, “I can appreciate that point of view.”

Anakin did not need the force to tell that Padme had a lot on her mind. He knew he her well enough that he could tell just by the look on her face. He asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Padme turned her head away from Anakin, as she looked out pass the terrace, and at the vast, brightly lit cityscape in front of them. Padme said, “A lot of things.” She then turned back to look at Anakin, as she stated, “But, right now I am thinking about you. Though, I am thinking about the dangers such as this coming war. And the danger from the person the Jedi warn us about. Sidious.”

Anakin asked, “I have thought about him a few times during today. Though, what concerned me most about that conversation was your response after we were told about Sidious. I could not believe you could even consider facing a Sith Lord.”

Padme said, in a sober tone of voice, “If what our friends say is true. Sidious has caused me a lot of pain. I would like to respond towards him in kind. With the hammer I can respond in kind.”

Anakin pointed out, “But, even with your power. You are untrained and no match for him.”

Padme admitted, “True. And even trained, I still might not be a match for him.”

Anakin said, “That is possible. And I am happy you realize that. I would be more than happy to have your back in such an endeavor.”

Padme gave Anakin a weak smile, as she said, “I am sure you would. But, I am not the only one this Sidious might come after. They warned you about this Sith Lord, as well. What are you thoughts on this?”

Anakin stated, in a sober tone of voice, “While being a Jedi there is always a risk of being turned to the dark side. Either by accident, or intention. This is not new. I was trained to expect this risk.”

Padme responded, “That is good. But, after everything it is easy to tell that you could fall. You are on the edge.”

Anakin remembered his conversation with Obiwan that afternoon. He admitted, “I realize that. And I am trying my best to not fall.”

Padme said, “I know. This is one of the reasons I love you.”

Anakin smiled, as he stated, “I know. And I love you too.”

The two of them leaned closer, as they were about to kiss. But, as they were about kiss, they immediately stopped themselves.

They leaned back up straight. Padme stated, “We can't do this. Not right now.”

Anakin agreed, “I know. There is too much attention from everyone.”

Padme responded, “I agree. I thought when we got back to Coruscant that we would some time. But, with the council and the Chancellor.”

Anakin stated, “Yes. I cannot even risk spending the night with you.”

Padme said, “You are correct. Though, I am sure there will come a time we can be together. Just not tonight. But, speaking of spending time together. I have been giving some serious thought to training with you and joining the war effort. With the power I now have I could make a difference. I could save lives on our side...” She continued, in a softer tone of voice, “But, taking lives on the other side.”

Anakin showed concern in his expression, as he responded, in a serious and sober tone of voice, “While I am not crazy about the idea. I can understand where you are coming from. And I will support whatever decision you make on this matter.”

Padme gave Anakin a weak smile, as she said, “Thank you.”

Anakin mentioned, “By the way, I did check. The Chancellor, nor the Jedi, can draft a sitting Senator to go to join them. Nor can you be forced to go to war.”

Padme smile slightly brightened, as she said, “I know.” She then frowned, as she said, in a sad tone of voice, “But, you will still be sent to war.”

Anakin stated, “I am trained for the job.”

Padme pointed out, “But, if I trained I could be there with you. Actually, I might end up protecting you.”

Anakin let out a small laugh. He smiled, as he happily said, “Won't that be a change. And one that I would not mind, if it meant I could spend more time with you.”

Padme admitted, “I feel a similar way.” She took a deep breath. She slowly let it out. She then said, “I've decided. I am going to train. I want to join the war effort. I want to help end this war sooner.”

Anakin stated, “I also desire to end this war. I respect your decision. When can you start training?”

Padme answered, “I can start to tomorrow. If you will have me.”

Anakin said, “That will be fine. Obiwan and I are more than happy to have you start training as soon as possible. I will make the arrangements when I get back to the Temple.”

A thought occurred to Padme. She asked, “If you tell them tonight, do you think they will suspect something between us?”

Anakin commented, “They know we are friends. There is no point in hiding that. The fact I am coming back to inform them this early in the night might help us keep our relationship a secret.”

Padme was silently for a seconds, as she thought over what Anakin said. She soon came to understand what Anakin meant. She smiled, as she complimented, “That is brilliant. How did you come up with that plan?”

Anakin returned Padme's smile, as he replied, “I have been dating you.”

Padme giggled a little.

Anakin patiently waited for Padme to stop giggling.

As soon as Padme calmed down, Anakin mentioned, “Though, you will be spending a week with us before you can return to the Senate in the afternoon.”

Padme said, “I realize that. And I was thinking of a good excuse. I will state in the data log that I am not feeling well tonight. And tomorrow, I will state I am sick with a bug I caught on our travels. But, I should be fine in a week.”

Anakin agreed, “That should make a good cover story.”

Padme inquired, “So, what time do I need to show up?”

Anakin stated, “We will work on a more fixed schedule, later. Tomorrow we will be learning how to training. So, if you can showing up around eight thirty hundred. That should be fine.”

Padme said, “Okay. I will see you then.”

Anakin inquired, “By the way, where is the hammer?”

Padme answered, “In my bedroom.”

Anakin complimented, “That is a good choice in hiding it. There it will be very close to you, should you need it.”

Padme responded, “My thoughts exactly. After that last assassination attempt in my bedroom, I decided I need that hammer to be close to me... At least until I start training.”

Anakin said, “I wouldn't worry. No one is going to make a move against you until they can figure out what you can do.”

Padme replied, “I hope so.”

Anakin said, “Have a good night, Padme.”

Padme replied, “Have a pleasant night yourself, Anakin.”

Anakin leaned over and he kissed Padme on her forehead. He then leaned up. He softly said, “I will.”

Anakin turned and walked out of the terrace, through the living room, and down the hallway to the elevator.

As soon as Anakin was out of sight, Padme walked into the living room. She used the controls on a nearby wall panel to set the window door to close the terrace to the living room.

While Padme waiting for the window to fully close, from the entry hallway she heard the elevator doors close. This meant that Anakin had left for the night.

Once the window door had completely closed and locked itself, Padme headed to her bedroom to get ready to could turn in for the night. She also set her alarm clock to wake herself at six thirty in the morning. So, she would have plenty of time to get ready and head over to the Jedi Temple, with time to spare before the scheduled meeting with Anakin and Obiwan at eight thirty in the morning.

Ten minutes later, she was in her bed. And five minutes after that, she was a sleep for the night.

(_)

“Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.” From “Proverbs or Adages”, by Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, published by Richard Taverner in 1539 AD.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

An interesting plothole about Star Wars was when Obiwan Kenobi went from being a Jedi Knight to a Jedi Master.

At the end of Episode One: The Phantom Menace, Yoda promoted Obiwan from Padawan to Jedi Knight after Obiwan defeated Darth Maul.

If you noticed in Episode Two: Attack of the Clone, the question of whether Obiwan was either a Jedi Knight or a Jedi Master is not clear.

Though, we do know that at the beginning of Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith, Obiwan was both a Jedi Master and a member of the Jedi High Council.

In the Attack of the Clones script, Taun We twice refers to Obiwan as a Jedi Master. When Taun We first meets with Obiwan, when Obiwan first arrives on Kamino, Taun We refers to Obiwan as “Master Jedi.”

Later, Taun We introduces Obiwan to Jango and Boba Fett was “Jedi Master, Obi-wan Kenobi”.

These lines are part of the theatrical cut and was shown in the movies release.

Taun We was a female Kaminoan. Taun We was the administrative aide to Lama Su whom was the Prime Minister of the planet Kamino.

Later in the Attack of the Clones movie, while Obiwan was capture, Dooku spoke to him and referred to him as Jedi Knight.

Also, further in the Attack of the Clones script, Padme refers to Obiwan as, “Jedi Knight, Obi-wan Kenobi”. This line is part of a deleted scene which did not make it to the theatrical cut, but can be found in the extras of the North American DVD release.

The Expanded Universe never makes it clear when Obiwan gained the rank of Jedi Master. Or, if he ever did before becoming a member of the Jedi High Council.

Still, baring a very few exceptions, Jedi had to be the rank of master before becoming a member of the Jedi Council. And except for what happened in Episode Three, the exceptions to those Jedi Knights appointed to the Jedi High Council were then given the rank of Jedi Master at their appointment to the Jedi High Council.

There was be not reasons for such exceptions for Obiwan. So, it stands to reason more than likely Obiwan became a Jedi Master than later a member of the Jedi Order.

For simplicity sake, in this story, Obiwan Kenobi became a Jedi Master a short time before the events of Episode Two began. With the explanation being that Obiwan was humble enough not to mention his promotion to Padme, whom was a friend. And Dooku had not heard of the promotion. But, when Obiwan went to Kamino, it was on official business which represented the Jedi Order. As such, the government officials on Kamino would have been informed of Obiwan's rank as a Jedi Master.

No one here can argue that by the time Episode Two was happened, Obiwan had the skill, patience, and wisdom to be have earned the rank of Jedi Master.

Note, there are other Jedi Councils within the Jedi Order that work below the Jedi High Council. But, that is another matter.

When is comes to military ranks with the Jedi Oder. Padawans had the rank of Commander. Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters had the rank of General. And Jedi High Council members had the rank of High General.

It should be noted that the Star Wars Wikia has an error in that different webpages claim that the Jedi High Council Tower in the Jedi Temple are at different corners of the Jedi Temple. With the Jedi Temple having five towers. One in the middle. And a tower at each of the four corners of the temple.

To keep things simple, I stated the Jedi High Council Tower is the “southwestern tower” of the Jedi Temple, as stated in the Legends page on the “High Council Tower”.

In this chapter, I wanted to show some of what had been hinted in the Star Wars movies. That due to Palpatine tricking Jar Jar into supporting measures that Padme opposed, while Jar Jar was Padme's proxy, this destroyed Padme's political power base.

While in the movies, we know that Padme continue to sink lower. And she hit rock bottom hard. For this story, this is Padme's low point. And this is a major low point.

But now, because Padme did returned to Coruscant and she did not marry Anakin. The situation has forced her to face and deal with the repercussions of what has happened in her absence.

And with the power of the Mjolnir, she has been forced to take a hard look at her life. And she does not like what she sees going on around her.

For her, this is like waking up to a nightmare.

Now, she has a mountain to climb in more ways than one.

In addition, I loved writing the scenes of Padme chewing out Jar Jar for his idiocy. And I enjoyed writing the scene between Anakin and Obiwan, about Anakin's mother, Shmi Skywalker's death, and how Obiwan contributed to her death.

In the movies, Obiwan was never called out by Anakin about him stopping Anakin from heeding Anakin's own visions about his mother. Though, this allows them to start to patch up this situation as best they can.

And Jar Jar... Where to start?... He was never called on any of the idiocy he did in the movies. And in the end, he ended up replacing Padme as Senator of Naboo and the rest of the Chommell Sector of the Mid-Rim.

This may have been the final insult in Padme's life. Padme's life in the Star Wars prequel movies is truly a “Portrait of a Fallen Senator”.

Though, to add to this insult, as if the Star Wars Universe was mocking Padme, after her death, Padme's apartment on Coruscant was converted into a restaurant named, the Naboo Queen.

I do not believe that Darth Vader knew this. Because if he did, he would have burned that restaurant to the ground.

And Padme was such a well made character, whom was wasted because the writers involved did not know what to really do with her, besides have her be Luke and Leia's mother.

Well, I am using this story to take the opportunity to see where the possibilities of Padme's potential may lead.

Along with Padme leadership skills, Padme has already been shown to have skills that most people miss. In Episode One and Episode Two, Padme was shown to know how to use a firearm. At the beginning of Episode Two, Padme was show to know how to fly a starfighter. In the arena battle on Geonosis, Padme was shown to know how to pick a lock to her cuffs, from a pick she hid in the waistband of her pants.

Also, Padme has shown hints of having a devious and crafty mind. In addition to hints of Padme's personality that she likes to be prepared.

In the next chapter. Someone cue some Vince Dicola music tracks. Especially, the Rocky IV soundtrack. Because we are going to have some fun seeing the Jedi train Padme in using Mjolnir and her new abilities.

Another point is that much of the tragedy of the Star Wars prequel trilogy was lack of trust and communication between various individuals whom should have trusted each other. As you saw in the above chapter, I am going to address this aspect in this story. Though, not in a foolish manner.

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter Three: “The Black Solace.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

It was a slightly cool, sunny morning on the day after the fleet send off at Westport spaceport. It was eight twenty hundred in the morning. Padme had taken a speeder to the Jedi Temple. She had just landed her speeder in a parking area outside of the plaza of the front of the Jedi Temple. The parking lot in question was set aside for visitors to the Jedi Temple on the west side of the plaza.

The speeder vehicle was an included vehicle with four doors. The driver's seat was on the left side of the vehicle. Padme had set the mystical hammer on the front right side.

While Padme got out of the speeder from the left driver's side door, she picked up the hammer with her right hand. She shut the door to the speeder. After which, she calmly walked towards the entrance on that side of the Jedi Temple.

Padme had also decided to wear simply clothing for the day. Among other things, she was wearing a red short sleeved shirt, orange pants, blue leather blue around her waist to hold up her pants, black socks, and blue athletic shoes.

Padme left her long brown hair loose, to run down her back.

Padme walked up to the grand entrance on that side of the giant pyramidal ziggurat which was the Jedi Temple. She held the hammer at her right side, as she thought, 'While I do not care for lying, this morning I did post a log on the Senate data logs that I am feeling sick. That I likely caught a bug during my travels and I would be resting for the rest of the week. And that I do no wish to be disturbed. This should prevent any outside questions about what I am really doing.'

Padme soon made her way up the steps, with a large statue set to each side of the stairs. She then made her way passed the giant columns that surrounded the Jedi Temple, and held up the alcove that lead to the main entrances of the temple. After which, Padme made it up a second set of stairs, where the large entrance to the temple, on that side of the complex, was located.

When Padme made it to the large, open doors of the Jedi Temple, she saw one of the robed Jedi Guards on duty approach her. Under the man's robe he wore a shirt, pants, belt, and shoes. His lightsaber holstered to his belt.

Unlike the temple guards, whom wore a brown robe, with hood, and a brown mask covering their faces. Along with being each being equipped with double-blade lightsaber pike. Those Jedi assigned to guard the temple entrances were either older Jedi Padawans, or Jedi Knights. With these individuals wearing their usual temple clothing and robes, with their lightsabers kept on their person.

Padme came to a stop, as she waiting for the guard to approach her.

A few seconds later, the guard came to a stop two meters in front of Padme. The guard said, in a calm tone of voice, “Good morning, Senator Amidala. We were told to expect you. If you will please follow me. Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker are waiting for you in a nearby of the atrium.”

Padme replied, “Please, lead the way.”

The guard then turned and started walking, with Padme following right behind him.

Like what happened yesterday, while Padme made her way through the Jedi Temple, some of the Jedi Order members she passed by turned to look and stare at her, and the hammer she carried in her right hand. But as before, Padme paid them no mind.

Soon, they passed through a hallway, and entered a small garden atrium. As they turned the corner, and passed by some planets, Padme saw Obiwan and Anakin standing by a small fountain, with the fountain surrounded on four sides by benches. Behind the benches were areas where soil and plants were placed on the ground, in large containers set below ground. The top of the soil from the containers being level with the stone tiles of the floor.

Obiwan and Anakin were in their usual clothing.

Padme saw they were the only two people in the room. Anakin was to her left side and Obiwan to her right side.

While Padme approached her two friends, they turned to look at her. The Jedi guard saw this. He came to a stop. He turned and left the three friends to conduct their business.

As Padme came nearer to Anakin and Obiwan, Anakin happily said, “Morning, Padme.”

Padme then came to a stop in front of her two friends. She kindly said, “Good morning, Anakin. Master Kenobi.”

Obiwan replied, “It is good to see you, Senator Amidala.”

Padme requested, “Since I am going to be learning from you, I believe it would be best if you simply called me, Padme.”

Obiwan responded, “Well, Padme. I guess you can call me, Obiwan.”

Padme replied, “That will be fine. Obiwan.”

Obiwan gave Padme a weak smile. He said, “I am glad that you decided to take up our offer on training you.”

Padme explained, “Watching the fleet send off yesterday evening caused me to more deeply think about such matters. I want to stop this war sooner, so as to save lives.”

Obiwan complimented, “That is a good mindset to have.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.” Then, a thought occurred to her. She asked, “Anakin. Where are the droids at?”

Anakin answered, “This morning they are running a few errands for me.”

Obiwan requested, “Padme. I have been thinking about something the droids. Since you will be training. With the hopes of joining the war effort. Which I am sure will be the case. Should you be fighting with us. It might be a good idea to bring C3-PO along. The droid may prove useful in some ways. Though, he may also be annoying.”

Padme commented, “He is annoying.”

Obiwan said, “Still, we could use a protocol droid when dealing with diplomatic matters. He is well versed in millions of languages, Or, so the droid claims.”

Padme turned look at at Anakin, then back to Obiwan. She stated, “Will, C3-PO is Anakin's droid. Not mine. Years ago he left it to me.”

Obiwan turned to look at Anakin. He saw Anakin lips curl into a small smirk, as he let out a small laugh.

Obiwan said, “I sometimes forget that you built that droid as a child.”

Anakin commented, “What can I say? I was bored when I built him.”

Obiwan questioned, “And the annoying programming.”

Anakin stated, “At the time, I was trying to create a droid to help...” Anakin was about to say his mother. But, given everything that had happened concerning his mother, he instead said, “People. And I was too young to truly understand how annoying my creation can be. Still, his personality has been that way for years without any serious malfunctions. So, I see no reason in changing it.”

Obiwan said, “This is understandable.”

Anakin mentioned, “Besides R2 has told me on occasion that he likes C3-PO this way.”

Obiwan asked, “I wonder why?”

Anakin commented, “R2 said something about how the more annoying C3-PO is the less people around them pay attention to R2.”

Obiwan agreed, “Well, when that gold plated droid whines, it would make for a wonderful distraction.”

Padme said, “Yes. It would do well in that capacity. Though, except for the personality, C3-PO has been a great help.”

The two Jedi turned to look at Padme.

Anakin then turned to look at both Padme and Obiwan. He said, “Well, I am more than happy to take him with us. He and R2 are good friends.”

Obiwan turned to look at both of his friends, as he replied, “Good.”

Padme inquired, “Now that this is settled, when and where do we start in my training?”

Obiwan said, “Before we begin your training, there are a few things I would like you to do. As a safety measure we will need to test your connection to the hammer in a few ways that I have in mind. To prevent something unforeseen from happening.”

Padme held up the hammer in her right hand and looked at it. She then lowered the hammer back to her right side, as she turned to look at Obiwan and Anakin. She responded, “Okay. I agree precautions are needed, given we barely know how this hammer works.”

Obiwan stated, “Good. We will head to the main gymnasium in the temple. The council has clear us to have the gym in private, in the mornings. For the rest of the day we will be training you elsewhere. Until sunset, when you will go home. And if we still need the gym at another time, we will just have to share it with the other members of the Order.”

Padme asked, “Okay. I appreciate the council setting aside space for my training. So, after we test my connection to the hammer, what next?”

Obiwan answered, “You will need to change your clothing. I have some clothing that I got for you. Which should suit our purposes. The clothing is already folded neatly on a bench in the gym. After we finish with testing your connection to the hammer, I would like for you to put the clothing on. It is just a shirt and pants. There are changing rooms and showers by the gym, which are segregated by gender. So that will not be a problem.”

Padme questioned, “Okay. What else?”

Obiwan stated, “Then, we will begin testing your physical abilities in both forms. So, we can get baselines of your abilities to work from in your training.”

Padme pointed out, “Of course. But, don't forget. I can only give you a full week. And I will likely need my evenings free this week. In case something comes up. Then, after this week is over, I will have to divide my time between here, in the mornings. And at the Senate in the afternoons.”

Obiwan responded, “I realized this. And we will arrange for your evenings to be free this week. Also, in the next few days, once we work out a training schedule. By this time next week your training should be working like clockwork. With you having the afternoons and evenings to yourself. To conduct your senatorial duties.”

Padme inquired, “That is good to hear. Now, while I train here, where do you want me to keep my hammer?”

Obiwan said, “And as for where you will keep the hammer. Mace suggested a corner in the gym and I agree with him. But, this is up to you. Though, make sure it is out of the way.”

Padme requested, “Okay. I agree placing it in the gym is for the best. Now, please, lead the way.”

Obiwan said, “Follow us. It is not far from here.”

Obiwan turned and started walking, with Anakin and Padme following close behind the Jedi Master.

When they reached the main gymnasium of the Jedi Temple. They came into the room by a set of double-doors which slid open as they approached and closed after they passed through the doorway. This was due to motion sensors set on the doors.

When they entered the room, it was empty.

Padme saw that the room was large, with a very high ceiling. Also, she saw the room was divided up into sections. Part of the room was matted and used for acrobatics. And given the Jedi's use in force enhanced physical abilities, that section of the room had the walls and ceiling padded as well.

There were other sections of the room, including a section for weight training. This part of the room had various muscle strengthening exercise equipment, including even a few treadmills.

There was an area with stones set on tracks.

Presently, they were in a clear area, near the weight training section. They stood near each other.

Padme looked over at the area with stones on tracks. She guessed, in thought, 'This must be was were some Jedi practiced their use in the force. Which makes sense. If one was exercising their body, why leave the room to go some place else to train their powers.'

Then, Padme looked along the wall so the gym. She saw the entrances to the changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. One set for the women. And one set for the men.

After which, Padme turned her attention towards Obiwan and Anakin.

Obiwan looked towards Padme. Obiwan stated, “Padme. This is where some Jedi come to spar. Both in hand to hand and with training lightsabers, which are lightsabers designed not to cut anyone.”

Padme inquired, “That is another point. In my training, what what weapons will I train with. Or, will it just be the hammer and in hand to hand?”

Obiwan answered, “While we do not have time to teach you to use a lightsaber. We will cover some of the basics of lightsaber combat. And we will be giving you some lessons on the use of maces. Such as your hammer. Along with knives, swords, and staffs.”

Padme responded, “I welcome any lessons you can provide for me. And I agree. I have seen lightsabers used up close. They are very dangerous.”

Anakin looked at both Padme and Obiwan. He commented, “Yes. You can easily cut off your own limbs as the limbs of your enemies.”

Obiwan said, “In addition, we will be using private training room for sparring. This will decrease the chance of having any interruptions. I do not want a detraction during your training causing one of us to be harmed.”

Padme replied, “Of course.”

Obiwan stated, “Also, we will cover other weapons and skills during your training. But, first we need to test your connection to the hammer. After we are done, you will find the clothing for the next part of your testing over there.” Obiwan turned and used his right index finger to point at a bench.

A second later, Obiwan lowered his right hand back to his side, as he turned back to look at Padme.

Padme looked over at the bench to see a set of nearly folded brown shirt and pants on the sitting bench Obiwan had pointed to.

Padme turned back to Obiwan. She requested, “Okay. Now, tell me what we need to do.”

Obiwan explained what he wanted Padme to do in testing her connection to the hammer.

Once Obiwan was finished with his instructions, they began testing Padme's connection to her hammer.

Padme began to changed back and forth, into her stronger form, with her clothing changing back and forth, from what she had on to her armor and back.

Though, within the first thirty minutes of testing various factors in Padme's connection with the hammer, they found a weakness to Padme's abilities. But, they soon found a work around which allowed them to continue Padme's training.

They then spend another twenty minutes Padme's abilities.

When they were sure things would be fine, then begin Padme's physical training tests.

Obiwan had Padme changed back to her normal form, with clothing she had on. After which, he had them move over to the weight training section of the gym, by one of the bench presses.

Padme then set her hammer down, on the top of its head, near the bench press in question.

Anakin and Obiwan stood nearby.

Then, Padme retrieved the folded clothing Obiwan had given her from the nearby sitting bench.

Obiwan's instructions were to change out of all her clothing, and to just put on those two pieces of clothing. He promised to explain to her after she changed clothing.

Padme then carried the clothing into the women's changing room. A few minutes later, Padme walked out of the changing room in just the brown short sleeve shirt and brown pants Obiwan had given her. She had folded her previous clothing. As she carried her folded clothing, she had placed her shoes and other items on top of the clothing.

While Padme walked with her folded cloths and items being held up in her hands, Padme realized, as she thought, 'This shirt and pants were a few sizes to big for me. Though, the waistband on these pants is still snug enough to stay on my waist. The shirt and pants were not to big to be impractical for me to use. Also, the leggings on the pants went down to her ankles, but not to the floor. So, I won't trip. I think I know what Obiwan has in mind. But, I will keep this to myself.'

'Also, it is fortunate the floor of the gym is neither cold too for my feet. And the floor was clean. As such, I can tolerate being barefoot. Now to set down my items and head back to to Obiwan and Anakin.'

By then, Padme made it to the sitting bench where she had retrieved the brown clothing. She set her clothing and other items on the sitting bench.

After which, Padme turned and walked over to stand in front of Obiwan and Anakin, near the mystical hammer.

Padme came to a stop by her friends, and the hammer. The three adults were standing by a very technological bench press. While padded, the bench itself was re-enforced. The barbell was held up by the two stands above the end of the bench. On each end to be bar was a gravity weight. With the gravity weights electronically tied together, so that when one was adjusted, the other adjusted to the same weight, to balance the bar. Thus keeping the bar from tipping over.

Right now, the gravity weights were turned off. With the default setting for the gravity weights being a total combined weight twenty-five pounds.

Obiwan turned to Padme. He stated, “Now that we know how your connection to the hammer works, we can begin your training. We will start simple. As you already know, we need to know what your baseline abilities are in both you forms, and work from there. Also, I would like to know what training you already have done in the area of combat.”

Padme said, “I have had some training in hand to hand, using blaster pistols and rifles, some use with knives, and I am a trained to fly a starship. I am even competent enough to fly a starfighter by myself. Which I have done on occasion. Though, I am nowhere near the level of skill that you two are.”

Obiwan responded, “Good. We will work out those details later. But, once we know what you already have learned, this will only hasten your training. We will help you brush up on some of you skills already have. Then, we will train you further. Now, in your normal form, I want you to do a few pitch presses, so we can see what we have to work with. The default is setting is at a total of twenty-five pounds.”

Padme turned to Obiwan. She replied, “Sure.”

Anakin asked, “Do you know how to work these machines?”

Padme looked over at Anakin. She stated, “I know the basics. The Senate Building has some of the best gyms in the galaxy.”

Anakin replied, “Of course.”

Padme turned and walked over to the bench press they were standing near. She then sat down on the end of the padded bench opposite to where the bar attached to the gravity weights was being held up. As she lean down, she was careful not to hit her head on the bar held up by the trays on the opposite side of the bench. After she was on her back, she moved her body to where her head under the weight bar.

Anakin walked over to Padme's left, by the controls to the gravity weight. He checked the weight on the settings. He leaned up. And he said, “Okay Padme. We are started with twenty-five pounds and work up from there. I want you to give one rep. As in repetition. One time. I am focused on the bar. If something goes wrong, I will grip before it can harm you.”

Padme replied, “Thank you, Anakin.”

Anakin turned on set the gravity weight systems. He continued, “Ready when you are.”

Padme knew how to properly grip the barbell with both hands. She then lifted it over the trays that held the barbell over her. She easily did one rep without a problem, before lifting it back up and then down into the tray.

Obiwan asked, “Any problems?”

Padme answered, “None. Make it heavier.”

Anakin move it to ten more pounds. He said, “I am setting it to thirty-five pounds.”

Padme did a rep without a problem. One she finished she requested, “Set it to fifty.”

Anakin did so. He said, “Ready.” He then walked around to stand in front of the bench over Padme's head. In case he needed to spot for her.

Padme did another rep only this time she showed that her arms were straining a bit. Anakin paid very close attention. He was read to act a moments notice.

A second after Padme put the barbell back into its trays, she requested, “Let's try five more pounds.”

Anakin complied, but he kept a watchful eye on Padme. He said, “Ready. Just say the world if you have any problems.”

Padme replied, “I will.”

Padme lifted the bar off the trays. She strained against the weight. Anakin and Obiwan watched as it took several seconds for her to do one rep and then place the barbell back on the trays.

Padme groaned slightly from the strain she had put on her muscles, Obiwan commented, “Fifty-five pounds. Not bad for someone your size and lifestyle.”

While still laying on her back, Padme took mild offense to Obiwan's comment. She questioned with slight annoyance in her tone of voice, “What does that mean?”

Obiwan said, in a slightly sarcastic tone of voice, “Less paperwork, more actual work.”

Padme stated, in a slightly playful tone of voice, “You do know, as Senator, I do have enough pull to have you reassigned to the Hoth system.”

Obiwan calmly replied, “Yes. But then, to complete your training, you would have there to join me.”

Padme realized what Obiwan said was true. She sheepishly said, “Oh yea. You're right. That would backfire on me.”

Obiwan dryly commented, “Ah. Some wisdom at last.”

Meanwhile, Anakin was trying his best not to laugh.

Obiwan realized that the situation was getting out of hand. He said, “Alright. Enough fun. Padme get up and head over to the hammer. But, do not change just yet.”

Padme did not reply as she move off the bench, stood up, and walked to stand by the hammer.

When Obiwan saw Padme stand next to the hammer, with the hammer being to Padme's left side, he stated, “Now as you may have guessed the reason I convinced you to change into this oversize clothing is that I want you to try something. I want you to focus on changing into your larger form. But, for only your body to change, not your clothing. I want to see if we can get you to change without your armor. Also, focus on maintaining the clothing you have on. We do not want you to accidentally end up nude.”

Padme replied, “Good point.” She thought, 'It looks like I was right about why this clothing is so big. Now to see if I can do what Obiwan is requesting of me.'

Padme touched the hammer with her left hand, as thought of just changing her body, while maintaining the clothing she had on.

A second later, she felt her body change, as she gained a few inches in height. Slightly changing the point of reference for her vision. But, she kept the clothing she had on, as her body filled out the clothing into her more muscular, though athletic form.

Obiwan and Anakin watched this.

Anakin complimented, “You look wonderful, Padme.”

Obiwan inquired, “How does the clothing feel?”

Padme, in her stronger form used her right hand to lightly pull a little at her chest. She commented, in her stronger form's voice, “A little tight in chest and hips. Loose in the butt. But otherwise, thee is okay.” She then dropped her right hand to her side.

Padme thought, 'This might work in reverse. With me changing my clothing, while my body remains normal. But, that might backfire wildly in public. So, I better no try that. Though, I am glad Obiwan was thinking ahead. I would have ripped out of my clothing while changing into this form. Also, since I am going to train in this clothing, I will need get a sports bra and shoes later this morning for this form. It is nice I feel out in this form. I just hope I don't become envious of myself in this form.'

Obiwan stated, “Now, back to the bench press.”

Padme walked back over to the bench press. She laid on her back. Then, she moved her head under the barbell.

Obiwan commented, “From the way you manhandled those droids on Geonosis, we know you are much stronger in this form. So, let us start with two hundred pounds.”

Anakin set the gravity weights to two hundred pounds. He said, “Done.”

Padme did the rep so quickly that she was done in almost the blink of an eye. With the bar already back on its trays.

Padme complained, “This is way too light. Make it heavier. Much more heavier.”

Anakin set it to five hundred pounds. He said, “Try it now.”

Padme did the rep quickly with ease.

After she set the barbell back on the trays, she flatly stated, “Still, it is very light.”

Anakin set the weights for combined weight of a thousand pounds. Anakin stated, “Okay. Try this.”

Anakin thought, 'At the moment. Given how strong she is I am not that worried about her arms giving out. Still, I will be watchful, and ready, if I need to act. Though, I would have to use the force to help her. Which would not be a problem.'

Padme did not even show any effort in doing the rep. As soon as she was finished, she ordered, “Make it heavier.”

Anakin set the weights to one metric ton, two thousand two hundred four point six pounds. He stated, “Okay. This is one metric ton. Over double the weight of the last setting.”

Padme lifted the bar without a problem. She quickly did the rep and set the bar back into the trays.

Padme commented, “Thy can feel the weight this time. But, it is like picking up my cup of coffee in the morning.”

Obiwan inquired, “Would you say you feel safe to try five metric tons?”

Padme answered, “Yes.”

Obiwan stated, “Okay. Set it for five tons, Anakin.”

Anakin set the weights for a total of metric five tons. He said, “It is set.”

Padme lifted the barbell, while she did the single rep much slowly than the previous time. Though, she showed not signs of trouble in doing so. And she soon set the barbell back into the trays.

Padme ordered, “Make it ten tons.”

Anakin looked over a Obiwan, with a concerned look on his face.

Obiwan looked back at Anakin. He noticed his student's concern for their friend. Though, Obiwan said, “Do it.”

Anakin set the gravity weights to the specified setting of ten metric tons. Both men then turned to Padme, as Anakin was ready to act with the force in case something went wrong.

Anakin calmly said, “The weights are ready.”

Padme lift the bat without a problem. Did the rep. And set the bar back into its trays.

Padme growled, “Try twenty metric tons. Thy grows tired of slowly working my way up.”

Obiwan thought, 'The hammer might be making Padme more aggressive. Or, this could be her natural personality coming out. Given she has been a politician since I have known her. She has always worn one mask or another. Though, it is best that I not say anything. Doing so will not help matters. Though, I will keep a watchful eye on this situation.'

Obiwan said, “We are doing this carefully for the very reason you do not accidentally get harm you.”

Padme relented, as she stated, “Fine. Still, set it twenty tons. Thy believes thy should be able to handle that amount of weight without a problem.”

Anakin replied, “Alright.” He set the gravity weights to twenty tons. He said, “The weights are ready.”

Padme did the rep without a problem. After she set the bar on the tray, she stated, “Now, it is like picking up a hamper full of clothes.”

Anakin commented, “This is not going to work.”

Obiwan asked, “It is really set at twenty tons?”

Anakin flatly said, “Yes. And she is not even straining.” He spoke a little loud, as he asked, “Is that correct, Padme?”

Padme stated, “Correct. Thy could hold this amount of weight all day.”

Anakin commented, “At least you have good control on the small, delicate things.”

Padme said, “Yes. When is comes to gripping and holding things, thy seems to be able to control my strength very well without damaging anything, nor anyone.”

Obiwan replied, “That is a relief.” He turned to Anakin, as he asked, “I wonder what the max weight on this barbell is?”

Anakin looked over at Obiwan, as he answered, “While the bench and arms are rated for over thirty metric tons. The bar is the weak point. Twenty-five metric tons is the limit, then the durasteel-titanium alloy bar will snap.”

Obiwan recalled something from years ago, concerning Anakin. He questioned, “So that is how that bar snapped, years ago?”

Anakin defended, “I was twelve and I wanted to know how they worked.”

Obiwan casually responded, “Oh well. At least, you did not take apart and put back together a hyper drive engine without telling anyone.”

Anakin was strangely silent for a few seconds.

Obiwan realized, as he commented, “Oh, we are going to have a long talk about this later tonight.”

Anakin whined, “Hey. No one got hurt.”

Padme spoke up, “Boys. As fun as this is. Let us focus on the present. Thy wishes to know how strong thy actually am.”

Obiwan turned to Padme. Obiwan said,, “So do we. We are just trying to figure out how to go about solving this little mystery.”

Anakin then realized something. He looked between Padme and Obiwan, as his lips curled into a grin. He said, “I got an idea.”

(_)

Two hours later, it was close to noon, on the southern part of the plaza outside the Jedi Temple, Obiwan and Anakin were standing by where Padme had left the mystical hammer. Anakin was in the middle, Obiwan to Anakin's left, and the hammer to Anakin's right.

In front of them, less than three meters from the walker, and six meters from Padme, they faced the front of one of the six legged mechanical behemoth known as an All Terrain Tactical Enforcer. Or, also known as an AT-TE Republic army walker. With a clone pilot at the cockpit

While there was still over a meter and a half of clearance space between the bottom of the walker and the stone floor of the plaza, Padme was laying on her back, in over the center of the belly of the walker, with her feet pointing in the direct of the Anakin, Obiwan, and the hammer.

Obiwan looked in front, towards the republic walker, as he stated, with slightly disbelief in his tone of voice, “I still cannot believe you talked Padme and myself into doing this.”

Anakin looked at Obiwan. He asked, “Do you have a better idea of how to find out her strength?”

Obiwan continued to look at the walker, as he admitted, “No.”

Anakin stated, “Then, this is the plan.” He looked at the hammer, as he commented, “And as long as we keep Padme within ten meters of the hammer, she is fine.” He then looked back at the walker, and Padme, whom was under the belly of the mechanical beast.

Obiwan looked at the hammer, as he said, “True.” He then looked back at the walker, as he questioned, “Are you sure this vehicle is disarmed?”

Anakin responded, “Positive. I had it checked before I sent for it. And I requested it from a storage area. I found out they had hundreds of them in storage, planetside, in case there is a planetary invasion.”

Obiwan inquired, “Given this was on short notice. To acquire this vehicle, you called the Chancellor? Didn't you?”

Anakin replied, “Yes.”

Obiwan questioned, “Did you tell him why?”

Anakin said, “Yes.”

Obiwan asked, “What was his response?”

Anakin answered, “Laughter. Then, he said he would pay money to personally see her pull this off.”

Obiwan inquired, “Did he ask for a recording?”

Anakin said, “No. For security reasons. But, he does want to know the results of this little stunt and the rest of her training.”

Obwian requested, “Just don't be too detailed. I do not want others to know exactly how strong she is. For her sake.”

Anakin said, “I will keep it vague.”

Obiwan asked, “Good. Now, does the pilot know what is going on?”

Anakin stated, “Yes. To the degree. He does not know who were are testing. But, that we are testing someone with... I guess you would call it, super-strength.”

Obiwan commented, “A little generic. But, I guess that term will work.”

Anakin said, “I believe we my have to invent a few terms like this to name some of her abilities.”

Obiwan responded, “I believe you are right. So, what do you think the chance of her lifting that thing is? Without harming herself?”

Anakin stated, “Fifty-fifty. Still, if something goes wrong, I can hold one of these walkers with the force for about five minutes.”

Obiwan dryly questioned, “Do I have to ask how you know you can do that?”

Anakin shrugged, as he answered, “I was bored on our way back to Coruscant, and the ship had a few them in a hangar bay. Just be ready, on my word, to yank her out from under there with the force.”

Obiwan replied, “Of course.”

A gust of wind then blew through the Jedi Temple plaza, and Obiwan noted the slight chill in the temperature.

Obiwan thought, 'Padme is currently barefooted, with only a shirt and pants on.'

Obiwan inquired, in a slightly loud tone of voice, “Padme. Is the temperature bothering you? Or, at least your feet?”

Padme answered, in a strong tone of voice, “No! Thy can feel the temperature, but the temperature does not bother thee. Even thy's feet feel conformable!”

Obiwan thought, 'I guess it that her toughness includes dealing with temperatures, as well.' He loudly replied, “That is good to hear!”

Anakin said, “Okay. Let's get this show into the sky.” Anakin loudly stated, towards the bottom of the walker, “Say when Padme! Keep in mind you need some room for proper leverage!”

Padme yelled back, “Thy will keep that in mind! Now lower this mechanical beast!”

Anakin pulled out a communication comlink earpiece from a pocket. He turned it on, and put it on his right ear. The earpiece allowed him to talk to the clone pilot at the helm.

Anakin did a slightly downward motions with his hands, as he ordered, “Okay. Slowly bring the walker down.”

Over the radio, the clone pilot said, “Yes sir.”

Anakin kept the downward motions, which he was sure the pilot could see.

And the clone pilot began to slowly lower the walker's belly down to the ground.

A minute later, as the walker slowly made it to forty centimeters above the ground, Padme yelled, “This is good!”

Anakin quickly ordered, “Stop. And lock the walker not to compensate for outside movement.” As he made stopping motions with his hands.

The clone pilot replied, “Yes sir.” And he stopped the walker from going any further down. The pilot also locked the legs to not automatically keep the vehicle stabilized and balanced, should the vehicle or the terrain the vehicle was on unexpectedly move.

Anakin loudly stated, towards Padme, “Ready when you are!”

A few seconds later, they heard creaks of metal from the bottom of the walker's belly.

Then, Anakin and Obiwan watched as Padme slowly lifted the walker off its feet, twenty of centimeters off the ground, and she held the walker in place.

Anakin and Obiwan looked on in disbelief.

Obiwan commented, “She is bench pressing a Republic Walker.”

Anakin replied, “I know.”

Obiwan said, “I realize I forgot to ask before. But, what is the dry weight of a walker? Do you know?”

Anakin stated, “Yes. The dry weight of a walker is over a hundred metric tons.”

Obiwan commented, “In this form, she is stronger than a full grown rancor.”

Anakin replied, “Apparently so.”

Obiwan stated, “We got to teach her some control before she accidentally kills someone.”

Anakin agreed, “You are preaching to the choir.” He thought, 'I like her in this form. But, in this form. Sex with her could kill me. Not that I am going to ever say that to her face.'

In the distance, under the walker, Padme set the machine back down, with a mild thud, as the walker's feet touched the ground.

Padme loudly stated, “Thy can hear you.”

Obiwan stated, in a normal tone of voice, “I was wondering. Besides your sight, are the rest of your senses enhanced as well?”

Padme loudly replied, “Yes. They are.”

Anakin asked, “Are you okay?”

Padme loudly offered, “Yes. Though, thou finds the walker to finally be heavy enough to present a challenge to thee. Does thee wish for thy to do this again?”

Obiwan stated, “Not for right now. We're good. We are just going to say for the record you can lift over a hundred metric tons, and leave it at that.” He thought, 'I am kind of worried about continuing this test. If it turns out she can bench a Jedi Cruiser. In response, I am going to leave the Jedi Order, the Republic, and my sanity behind. Because that would be proof that reality no longer exists.'

Anakin said, “I agree.”

Anakin ordered, into his earpiece, “Lift the walker up.”

The clone pilot replied, “Yes sir.”

Anakin stated, “Also, once you are done, check over the walker. Leave it. And return to your usual duties. We will make a request if we need more help.”

The clone pilot said, “Yes sir.”

A few minutes later, the walker's legs had been unlocked by the pilot. And the pilot then set the walker back to the height it has been before the test. After which, Padme moved out from under the machine and she had walked over to join Anakin and Obiwan.

By the time Padme reached the two men, Anakin had taken off the communication earpiece, turned it off, and put it back into the pocket he had previously had it in.

As Padme came to a stop, by the hammer, she looked at the two men. She saw Anakin and Obiwan looking back at her.

Padme saw the expressions on the faces of her two friends.

Padme thought, 'They are clearly shocked at my raw strength in this form. But, they show shock, not fear. And to be honest, I find this revelation to be sobering, as well. Still, it is best I keep this situation moving forward in the best way possible.'

Padme asked, with a bit of eagerness in her tone of voice, “What is the next test?”

Obiwan said, “You're senses, my dear. Then, we will test your reflexes, speed, and agility.” He thought, 'This is going to be a long day.' He continued, “Now, if we will please follow us. We will be heading inside.”

Obiwan turned towards the Jedi Temple. Obiwan started walking towards the nearest entrance to the Jedi Temple. Padme and Anakin following behind Obiwan, as they made their way to the south entrance.

Meanwhile, the clone pilot in the walker checked over the machine. Twenty minutes later, after he was finished, he sent for a military speeder to pick him up, so he could return to his usual assigned duties within the Republic military.

(_)

A few hours later, it was early afternoon. Obiwan and Anakin had run Padme, through both her forms, on several different physical tests, to get a baseline of her abilities.

One of the odder abilities they found that Padme had in her stronger form was when they tested her language abilities. Anakin remembered during that trip back to Coruscant, from Geonosis, that Padme had commented that in her stronger form she understood many more languages than she normal did. And to their surprise, no only could Padme understand any alien and droid language she was tested with. When Padme spoke, those people she spoke with completely understood her, as if she was speaking in listener's native tongue. Though, each individual tested stated it seemed that Padme spoke in a somewhat formal manner for each language.

Anakin even had an interesting idea. After R2-D2 and C3-PO returned to the Jedi Temple, after completing the errands that Anakin had assigned them, Anakin had his droids test their language abilities on Padme.

During the test with R2-D2, R2 reported that when Padme spoke to R2 in her stronger form, it was as if Padme was speaking in droid in a very formal manner.

Even when C3-PO tested out very obscure languages in its data banks, Padme understood what C3-PO said. But, when Padme tried to speak to C3-PO in a language which was not galactic basic, C3-PO reported that Padme spoke in a basic droid language.

Anakin and Obiwan theorized the reason for the two different results between the droids was that R2's primary language was droid. While C3-PO's default language was galactic basic.

Meaning, that when Padme spoke to someone, the individual would understand Padme as if Padme was speaking that individual's native language.

Anakin guessed the odd manner in which Padme spoke in galactic basic was part of the language abilities of the hammer trying sound formal, but coming off as slightly archaic.

Obiwan made a few video-audio recordings of Padme doing this showed she was actually speaking the languages in question. But, when in her normal form, and the recordings were played back, she did not understand much of the alien languages she was speaking and listening to in her stronger form.

Though, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan, found these language abilities did not extend to understanding encrypted and coded messages and binary that was read out from text. And while there were interesting abilities to have in a diplomatic situation, given they were training Padme to be a soldier in her stronger form, with her keeping her real identity a secret in her stronger form, they all realized that Padme would likely not get much chance to use these language abilities.

They had also gotten some lunch in the mess hall of the Jedi Temple. Which Padme found to be a surprisingly mundane experience, as she ate at a table with Obiwan and Anakin.

Presently, Anakin and Obiwan stood by each other on the interior edge of the section of the gym designated for acrobatics. Anakin stood to Obiwan's left side.

The acrobatics area had padded floor, walls, and ceiling, on that side of the room.

They watched as Padme, in her stronger form, was doing backflips, high jump flips, and cartwheels, with no problems in the movements, nor the landings. And from the look of joy on Padme's face, Obiwan and Anakin did not need the force to tell that Padme was clearly having fun.

Padme was still in her training clothing. Though, during lunch, she took the time to retrieve some socks, shoes, panties, and a sports bra which fit her large form.

As for the clothing, shoes, and other items Padme had on when she first came into the temple in the morning. Padme was assigned a locker in the women changing room by the main gym in the Jedi Temple, where Padme placed her items into for save keeping. Until she was finished for the day, and she would change to her form. After which, she would return to the gym's women's shower. Get cleaned up and change into the clean clothing she had taken off that morning.

Before Padme had started moving around the area, she had placed the hammer on its side, in the center of the matted area. And Padme was careful to avoid the hammer, as she jumped around.

While Obiwan and Anakin watched Padme move around, Obiwan said, “It is nice that Padme found some fun out of all this.”

Anakin stated, “Of course. Once she finds out she could doing something without hurting herself. She is going to try it out. This is the way she is.”

Obiwan replied, “Interesting. Also, we need to teach her how to do a rolling landing. While this height is clearly no problem for her. And she can fly while holding onto the hammer. In the field, that will not always be an option. If she does not know how to land from greater heights, she could hurt herself.”

Anakin said, “I agree. Even with the force, a direct landings, instead of a roll are hard on the knees. Though, we have to be careful to make sure she does not accidentally break something in the attempt. Such as bones. Or worse, her neck. Or, even minor injuries could tear muscles and damage cartilage.”

Obiwan commented, “We will be extra careful when we teacher. And we will start such lessons tomorrow. Once we have a baseline for her abilities to work with.”

Anakin stated, “Speaking of which. Her agility and reaction time are off the chart. With training, she likely could do much more than this. All this is her raw potential on display.”

Obiwan commented, “I agree. And with such quick reflexes, she could hold her own against a Jedi using the force to guide their attacks.”

Anakin said, “Yes. With her abilities she can keep up with us.”

Obiwan pointed out, “I am more worried about us being able to keep up with her.”

Anakin conceded, “You may have a point there. And I am glad we found that while she has enhanced senses, her sense remain at a managable level, unless she needs her senses. At which point the senses she needs use automatically dial up and down, very swiftly, as she needs them. Preventing her senses from overwhelming her.”

Obiwan commented, “True. That could be a weakness if this was not the case. Also, her dexterity and fine motor-control are good, as well. She will not accidentally crush someone with a hug, or a handshake, unless she wants too. And given how much effort she is putting into all this, her endurance must be phenomenal.”

Anakin said, “I agree.”

Obiwan stated, “It looks like we have our work cut out for us.”

Anakin commented, “I always do enjoy a challenge.”

Obiwan inquired, “So do I. Given her other abilities are off the chart. And in her stronger form, she maxed out the treadmill we put her own. How are we going to test her raw speed and reflexes?”

Anakin said, “There is a park near the temple. The park has a nice track that is a three kilometer long, rectangular, oval loop. I am sure, when we need it, we can get the track closed off to the public.”

Obiwan stated, “That will be good for her raw speed. But, what about training her reflexes and agility?”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he responded, “Well on her reflexes and agility. I got an idea. And it is quite creative.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin, as he asked, “What do you have in mind?”

(_)

Half an hour later, in the same gym, Obiwan and Anakin looked on at Padme's new speed and agility test.

Obiwan said, “I admit. This is creative.”

In front of them, they watched as two dozen small, Marksman-H combat remote hovering training balls were being used to test Padme's speed, agility, and reflexes.

While Padme was clearly immune to the stuns bolts that the hover remotes gave. She as not immune from being hit by them. While it did not hurt, she did feel when the remotes hit her. Without the remotes hitting each other, nor swarming in one direction towards Padme. As such, the training balls being programmed to attempt to physically hit Padme. With the point of the exercise was to avoid them.

The balls were design to handle impact collisions without serious damage, which allowed the exercise to continue.

With this exercise forcing Padme into constantly doing acrobatics to avoid being hit by the hovering devices.

And while Padme was far faster than the balls, given there were two dozen of them, moving in different directions. With each ball being able to reverse course in a split second. This exercise proved a challenge to Padme in her new stronger form.

In addition, Padme had been doing this for ten minutes. With the hammer being where it had left on the mats.

As Anakin and Obiwan continued to watch this display of skill by Padme, in Anakin's right hand, Anakin held the remote device controlled all the hovering training balls. He said, “Yes. And it seems her hand-eye coordination and equilibrium are also off the chart, as well. I have not seen her act unbalance once, after doing all those flips, spins, and rolls.”

Obiwan commented, “I noticed that, as well. You know. If I wasn't having so much fun training her, I would be jealous of her abilities.”

Anakin admitted, “So would I. Tomorrow we will also help her refine her acrobatics. I see a few mistakes in her form that could be easily fixed with some proper instruction and practice.”

Obiwan replied, “I agree.”

While Padme continued to move around, she overheard them. She stated, “Guys. This is become vexing.”

Anakin and Obiwan heard Padme's comment.

Anakin replied, “Okay.” He used the remote in his right hand to turn off the hover balls, with the machines then dropping to the padded floor, without any damage to them.

A second later, Padme landed on her hands, and she did a flip onto her feet. Afterward, she turned and walked passed her hammer, laying on its side, on the matter floor, as she made her way towards Anakin and Obiwan.

As Padme came to a stop in front of her two friends, she turned to Anakin. She said, in an annoyed tone of voice, “Now thy understands all the times you complained about Obiwan's teaching methods.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin, as he questioned, “You complained about my teaching methods?”

Padme interrupted, “I am not finished.”

Both men turned back to look at her. She continued, “And Annie, thee is just as bad as him.”

Anakin turned towards Padme. Anakin cracked a grin, as he responded, “We are just getting started.”

Obiwan pointed out, “Besides. If we are to properly train you, we have to find out what you are capable of.”

Padme thought about what Obiwan said, for a few seconds. She then lower her head, as she groaned in surrender. She asked, in a defeated tone of voice, “Alright. What is next?”

Obiwan stated, “We deal with the weakness we found this morning. Now, please pick up your hammer. We are going to a private training room. When we get there, I want you to change back to your normal form.”

Obiwan then turned and start walking towards the double-doors which lead to a hallway. Anakin followed behind Obiwan.

Padme turned towards the hammer. Given her left side was facing more closely to the acrobatic, matted area of the gym, she held out her left hand. Next, she summoned the hammer. The hammer's shaft flew into her left hand. She closed her left hand around the shaft, in a firm grip.

Padme turned around and quickly caught up with her two teachers, as they headed out of the Jedi gym.

(_)

Ten minutes later, Obiwan had lead Anakin and Padme to a private training room. After they ended the room, Obiwan had set the locked the double-doors of the room using a panel by the doors. The lock was set that those inside the room could still open the door from the inside with a push of a button on the panel by the doors. But, to open the door from the outside required passcodes from either a member of Jed Temple Security or a Jedi High Council member.

Padme had changed back to her normal form, but she was her larger forms training clothing and shoes.

Obiwan had instructed Padme to set the hammer against a nearby wall, and then join Anakin and himself, where they were standing in the room.

Padme had set the hammer against a nearby wall. She then walked over to join Anakin and Obiwan.

As Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan stood looking at the hammer, set against a wall across from them.

Obiwan was in the middle. Anakin was standing to Obiwan's left, and Padme was standing to Obiwan's right.

Unfortunately, that morning, the first thing Obiwan tested Padme on was to see how her powers would work when she was separated from the mystical hammer. They quickly found that Padme had a major weakness. That if Padme was separated from the mystical hammer for more than sixty seconds, she would change back to her normal form. With her armor changing back to the clothing she had on in her normal form.

The exception to this weakness being if the hammer was placed within ten meters of her. As long as Padme did not go beyond ten meters from the hammer she would not change back to her normal form. Though, she could move beyond ten meters and come back within less than a minute, without a problem.

Also, they found the hammer would come to Padme, even when she was in her normal form.

As the three adults continued to look at the hammer, while thinking over the problem at hand, Anakin commented, “Sixty seconds is not that long.”

Obiwan commented, “If Dooku gets wind of this weakness. Padme, you're done.”

Padme stated, “I know. He will find a way for me to let go of the hammer, and then use the force to throw me as far as possible from the hammer. By the time I land I will be back to normal and go splat across the landscape.”

Anakin then realized something. He commented, “Maybe now. Padme, in both forms, you have a mystical connection this hammer.” He turned to Obiwan, as he asked, “Master? Do not some force crystals, such as found in lightsabers, gain a bond to their creator and primary wielder?”

Obiwan looked over at Anakin, as he responded, “Yes. Where are you going with this?”

Anakin stated, “Well, that hammer has mystical bond with Padme. And we know that the bond is not purely physically. Padme does not immediately change back when she lets go of the hammer. In both forms she can control where the hammer goes. So, the bond is a mystical bond.”

Obiwan immediately understood where Anakin was going. He said, “Like a force bond between people.”

Anakin commented, “Yes. Exactly. Yoda stated that hammer was aware. Maybe not as aware as we are. But, aware. So, the bond is between two consciousness beings. And the Jedi know all about force bonds and how to strengthen such bonds.”

Obiwan said, “And if this bond in strengthened, then the positive time and distance factors will increase.”

Anakin responded, “My thoughts as well. And it is even better. Given Padme can summon the hammer to her when she is in normal form. This means the bond is not broken even when she is changes back to normal. It is likely that the hammer being separated for Padme for more than a minute, causes the hammer to think it is no longer needed. So, the hammer changes Padme back normal her form.”

Obiwan stated, “But, if the bond is strengthen, with the hammer realizing that Padme wishes to remain in her stronger form, then the hammer will allow her to remain in her stronger form. And this will no longer be a problem. The hammer would be able to sense this from Padme's thoughts and feelings. And she could stay in her stronger for indefinite amount of time.”

Anakin said, “Yes. The theory is sound.”

Padme stated, “Boys. I understand what you are saying. But, I have one question. How?

Obiwan and Anakin turned to look at Padme. Obiwan happily stated, “Simple, my dear, Padme. We strengthen your bond with the hammer with meditation. You will meditate while holding the hammer. Both in your normal form and in your stronger form. And you search for the mystical connection to the hammer. When you meditate you should be able to feel your connection the hammer. And eventually you will strengthen your connection to the hammer as you commune with it.”

Anakin commented, “We might even discover a few more tricks you can do, while we remove this weakness. Also, this connection will allow you to find the hammer if you lose it. The Jedi know a similar trick which prevents them from losing their lightsabers.”

Padme turned to Anakin. Padme commented, “”Didn't you lose your lightsaber during that factory battle on Geonosis?”

Anakin responded, “Actually, my lightsaber was damaged in that battle. So that does not count.”

Padme cracked a grin, as she casually said, “Whatever.” She then turned to the hammer. She held out her right hand towards the hammer. She summoned the hammer into her right hand, but she did not change into her stronger form. Instead, she closed her grip around the shaft of the weapon. Next, she turned to Obiwan and Anakin. She stated, “Alright. Let us solve this issue before it becomes a problem.”

Obiwan complimented, “That is the right attitude to take. This way. I know of a nearby meditation room which we can use.” He turned and started walking towards the double-doors of the training room, with Padme and Anakin following right behind him.

(_)

A few minutes later, they made it to a small meditation room. Once there, they began Padme's meditation training. With the first lessons being on helping her strengthen her mystical bond with the hammer.

The lights in the room were turned off. Only the dim lighting from the slits of the blinds by the windows nearby provided defused illumination for the room.

Padme was in her normal form.

The two Jedi had Padme sit crosslegged, on a large, circular, cushioned stool, with her hammer in her lap.

Padme was mindful of how she set her hammer in her lap. The head of the hammer rested on top of her right knee, with axe blade pointed away from her, and the flat head of the hammer facing her.

Padme held the hammer by placing her right hand over the head of the hammer, and she placed her left hand over the end of the bottom of the shaft.

Obiwan and Anakin each sat on a cushioned stool. They faced Padme. With Obiwan to Padme's left and Anakin to Padme's right. The windows were across the room, on Padme's far right.

Obiwan was giving Padme introductions on meditating and finding her psychic bond to the hammer.

Anakin remained silent due to Obiwan being a far better expert on meditation.

Obiwan concluded, “Now remembered. The key is to relax you mind, but to focus. Take the time you need. There is no rush.”

Padme replied, “Alright.”

Padme closed her eyes. She relaxed as she focused on finding the bond to the hammer in her hands.

Padme spent the next few minutes searching. She then felt something. She quickly realized it felt like a little amount of the power that the hammer gave her when the hammer changed her into her stronger form. And as she sensed that little power, she felt that power go into a much larger source of that power.

Padme kept her eyes closed. She focused on the power she sensed, as she said, “I believe I have found the bond. And I can sense the connection to the hammer.”

Obiwan commented, “Good. Now, let us see if we can strengthen this bond.”

With Obiwan as her guide, Padme found it was simple to strengthen the connection more deeply with the mystical hammer.

Soon after, Obiwan had Padme changing back and forth between her two forms. Allowing Padme to meditate and strengthen her connection to the hammer in both her forms.

By the next day, Padme found she could be separated by up to a hundred meters from the hammer without changing back for a full six minutes.

By the end of the week, Padme found that could be separated from the hammer by a full kilometer, for over an hour, before she changed back.

During the week, after training, Padme did a test. And she found that could remain in her stronger form while asleep as long as she remained within radius from the hammer which allowed her to remain in her stronger form.

Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin, understood what this meant. This meant that even if she was somehow knocked out, she would not immediately change back to her normal form. Even if she had the hammer knocked from her hands.

And while they felt Padme's bond would strengthen and allow her greater distances and time limits, Padme agreed with Obiwan that they needed to move on.

Though, by that point, at any given time, in both her forms, Padme could sense in what direction and the general distance between the hammer and herself.

During this time, they learned there were other things Padme could do with her hammer's abilities.

While Padme needed to touch the hammer to change into her stronger form. All Padme had to do to return to normal was think about changing back to normal, will the desire to do so, and through her mystical bond the hammer would almost immediately change her back to normal, with her clothing returning to normal with her form.

Obiwan and Anakin tested the durability of Padme's armor and clothing. Padme removed the armor and parts of the clothing, so the items could be tested without harming Padme. They found the armor could stand a few strikes from a lightsaber before the lightsaber pierced the armor. But, it took only two solid swings from a lightsaber to go through the leather clothing.

Also, when Padme changed back to normal, even with piece of her armor not being on her. The armor disappeared. And her clothing reappeared as before. With her clothing being undamaged and on her person, as it was before she changed into her stronger form.

In addition, when Padme called for her armor, as she changed to her stronger form, the armor appeared complete and in the same places at before, with the armor being completely undamaged. As if nothing happened to it.

During the tests on Padme's armor Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin found that should Padme desire, she could put something in one of the pouches around her belt, or wear a piece of clothing, or item on her body in her stronger form. Then, when she changed back to normal, those items disappeared as her normal clothing and items she had on returned to her. And when she changed back to her armor in her stronger form, those items were still in the same place on her armor and stronger form.

Padme could remove any items she put with her armor. Like in the pouches. And separate them from the armor. With them now disappearing with the armor.

They all agree on ethical grounds they would not to even try to test this magical ability with living creature.

None of them knew how these processes worked. And they were not sure they wanted to know.

Though, when is came to Padme adding items and tools for her armor, in her stronger form, she found she could even put a comlink radio earpiece in one of her ears, under her helmet, while wearing her armor. When Padme changed back to normal the comlink earpiece was gone. But, when she changed back, the earpiece was in the ear she had it in, and the electronics still worked.

The comlink earpiece she was given over her right ear.

There was one catch to this situation. The reason why Padme wore an comlink earpiece, instead of a wrist mounted comlink, was that as she channeled her electricity through the hammer, electronics near the hammer, such as on her wrists as she held the hammer, occasionally shorted out. While those electronics that were located on other parts of her body usually did not short out..

Though, given how close the hammer was to her belt, she could not place a comlink radio there without risk of the comlink accidentally being shorted out.

Also, they found that it seemed that while the earpiece could be used from inside the helmet, the helmet also protected the earpiece from any energy release that happened outside the helmet.

As such, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan realized that if Padme was going to have wear an earpiece, the earpiece would be best to leave the earpiece. Though, the earpiece used an encrypt channel. Also, while wearing the earpiece, to turn off the earpiece she would to press the switch located near her upper ear.

Unfortunately, during battle, turning on and off the comlink earpiece was impractical, considering to do so, Padme had to take off her helmet. As such, having a communication line left on was just something she was going to have to deal with. Still, given Padme's experience as a politician, she had long since learned how to watch was she said all the time.

Though, because of the chance of Padme's using the hammer could cause electrical shorts while using the hammer, they decided it was best not to put explosives on her when she changed back and forth. The energy release of the change might detonate the explosives.

In addition, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan, were all hesitant to test out this theory, to see if the theory was true.

This was also the reason Padme did not equip a pair of blaster pistols on her stronger form's outfit was that with her stronger form's lightning abilities. She and her teachers considered doing so to be redundant. And her lightning powers could short out a blaster being kept on her person. But, Padme did not have any issues with having a small blaster pistol hidden in her clothing, in her normal form.

Anakin and Obiwan both approved of Padme kept a small blaster pistol on her person, in her normal form, as an added security measure.

Anakin and Obiwan even made a list of tools and items they felt Padme may need in the field. The acquired the items from the Jedi Temple's supply officer.

Obiwan and Anakin taught Padme how to use each item placed that she placed into the various snap closed pouches of her armor.

Among other items were such tools needed for dismantling explosives, detonators. Though, nothing explosive on her. Along with other items that Anakin and Obiwan picked out, which they believe would be useful out in the field. Such as a lighter to start a fire. A small first aid kit. A very small, folded, emergency blanket. The blanket easily fitted in a pouched, but unfolded to make a simple foil blanket from the elements. Though, the lighter, the first aid kit, and the blanket were not for her, but for anyone she finds whom would need such aid.

They thought about giving Padme a compass, until they realized that her electrical powers effected how a compass near her pointed.

There were also other items that Anakin and Obiwan suggested, and items Padme preferred to take with her.

Still, after learning this useful storage trick with her armor, Padme felt this meant she had less to worry about with luggage, which it came to items she wanted to keep with the armor of her stronger form.

(_)

Though, during this time, Padme did more than meditation and basic physical exercises.

After the first few days of training, Obiwan and Anakin had gained an understanding of Padme's baseline physical abilities, and combat skills she had already been taught. From what they learned, Obiwan and Anakin were able to work out what to Padme needed to learn, what lessons Padme already knew and she needed to brush up on. Obiwan and Anakin used this information to form Padme's training schedule. This included the morning schedule after the first week. Thus allowing to resume her senatorial duties during the afternoon. And Padme had her evenings to herself.

Though, Obiwan and Anakin used the first week of training Padme to the fullest. From the morning to evening.

This included training in one of the many private rooms in the Jedi Temple set aside for sparring.

With Obiwan and Anakin training Padme on different levels of sparring. This including hand to hand katas and modified Jedi lightsaber forms that Padme could use with the hammer.

The sparring sessions dealing hand to hand combat, in Padme's normal form, were mostly between Padme and Anakin. With Anakin going easy on Padme by not using the force.

This allowed Obiwan to focus on the fight and see what parts of Padme's techniques needed to be worked on. This allowed them to improve Padme's hand to hand skills very quickly.

Though, given the extreme differences in physical abilities between Padme's physical abilities in her stronger form and Anakin's physical abilities. Even with the force, all three of them agreed it was too dangerous to attempt hand to hand practice between Padme in her stronger form and someone else. Given she was untrained, it was just too easy for her to accidentally hurt someone during a hand to hand sparring match.

Also, given Padme was untrained in combat with using the hammer, and untrained in general with her stronger form, the three of them agreed to take precautions in preventing someone from getting hurt during training. Such as no one else allowed during the private training sessions. Not even R2-D2 and C3-PO could be present while Padme was training with Anakin and Obiwan. The only exceptions were members of the Jedi Council, whom respected Obiwan's request on this matter.

Included in Obiwan and Anakin's lessons on fighting against fighting force users Obiwan and Anakin taught Padme about how the Jedi and Sith could use the force to both partly guide their movements in battle, warn them of danger, and even enhance their physical abilities. Both during battle, and when not in battle. But, these abilities were not full proof. And many Jedi had been killed because they relied to heavily on the force to warn them of danger. When their eyes, ears, and some common sense, would have saved their life.

When it came to sparring with Padme while using the hammer, Anakin and Obiwan used training lightsabers. Which training lightsabers functioned like a normal lightsaber with the exception of the energy blade of a training lightsaber could not cut an person, nor object. Though, the blade of a training lightsaber could cause mild burns on contact and be used as a blunt weapon. So bruising and mild burn injuries were still possible while using such weapons.

In addition, they taught Padme how to use both the flat hammer side of the hammer as a mace in combat, and the axe edge side of the hammer, as an axe in combat.

Though, they did find that the hammer could take direct blows, parries, and blocks from a lightsaber without any signs of damage. Even holding a lightsaber energy blade against the mystical hammer did no noticeable damage to the hammer.

In addition, even in Padme's normal form. For Padme the hammer seemed as light as a feather as she wielded the weapon is. But, when the hammer connected in a blow, Anakin quickly found the kinetic inertia from the hammer's true weight could knock him back, if he was caught unaware while sparring with Padme.

While Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme knew the hammer would only let Padme lift it with ease. With no other force able to even budge the hammer from its locations. The three adults decided it was best to weight the hammer.

Though, something odd happened when Padme placed the hammer on a set of electronic scales. Over the course of a minute, the hammer went up and down from one ounce to a metric ton. Then, over the course of the next minute it went back to the ounce. After which, the hammer repeated the process.

Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan came to the agreement that along with the hammer being sentient, the hammer also had a wicked sense of humor.

From other tests they found that the mystical hammer was indestructible. Or, next to indestructible. Considering Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme could not find a way to even scratch the hammer. Though, they were careful with their tests. They want to see if they could. They did not want to actually destroy the weapon.

From all this, Obiwan guessed that Padme in her stronger form, using her full super-strength in that form, with single swing of the hammer, could break the foundation to Jedi Temple, or even knock down a small building.

As such, when sparring, Padme focused more on quick strikes, blocks, and parries. Especially, in her stronger form.

While they did focus on making Padme stronger, the primary focus was of Padme's training was to learn to control her new abilities.

When Padme practiced in her normal form while using the hammer, Anakin used a training lightsaber. And much like when practicing hand to hand with Padme, Anakin went easy on her by not using the force.

When Padme practiced in her stronger form with the hammer, Anakin did not go as easy, because she was much quicker and stronger.

And he used the force only to guide his training lightsaber and increase his speed. He did not use the force for direct attacks. Such lessons would come later in Padme's training.

Along with Anakin using the force to guide his movements, Anakin use the force to temporally physically enhance his own abilities. Such as physical strength, speed, and reflexes. But, only by a little bit. This boost in physical abilities was nothing compared to the physically enhancements that hammer gave Padme in her stronger form.

During the sparring sessions, occasionally Obiwan stepped in to take Anakin's place in sparring, to allow Anakin to rest. Or, to spar a little so he knew what Anakin was talking about on various points concerning how Padme was sparring.

Sometimes Obiwan would have both Anakin and himself spar with Padme, so she knew how to handle multiple opponents at once.

Also, while Anakin mainly offered pointers to Padme. Obiwan was always there to tell her what she did right, what she did wrong, and how to improve on what she needed to do.

Padme found Obiwan to be a fair, through firm instructor in the martial arts, and other lessons. Obiwan was encouraging towards Padme, but at the same time honest with his assessments of her abilities, and what she was learning.

Fortunately, Obiwan and Anakin found Padme to be a quick learner.

To Padme's delight, Anakin and Obiwan taught her lessons in using very non-Jedi weapons.

While the Jedi did not use blasters, they were taught the basics of such tools. So, they knew how they worked. While Obiwan openly told Padme how much he detested such weapons, he mentioned when he learned to use firearms, he found he had a gift in using them. It was just that he preferred the force and his lightsaber.

Padme took this opportunity to brushed up on her firearm skills. To no one's surprised, she found that in her stronger form, she had much steadier, stronger hands, and with enhanced eyesight, she could hit the bulls eye a kilometer away almost every time with a blaster rifle. And she could hit the bulls eye of half a kilometer away with a blaster pistol almost every time.

Obiwan and Anakin even tested Padme's ability to use throwing knives in her stronger form. And they found that she was quickly able to learn to use thrown knives to hit a target on a wall ten meters away.

While Padme already knew how to use a combat knife, Obiwan helped Padme expand her skills with using a combat knife. Both in combat and out of combat.

In addition, Padme was taught how to safely use and dismantle various types of explosives and landmines.

During the lessons in dealing with delicate electronics, as expected Obiwan and Anakin found Padme's dexterity and find muscle control of her strength on fragile items was very good. As an added bonus, they found Padme could still apply her speed in doing such delicate tasks without making any mistakes.

Along these lines, Obiwan taught Padme a few basic lessons on field medicine in treating wounds and stitching wounds up. So should the need arise, Padme could use her stronger forms dexterity and speed to swiftly help someone whom was gravely injured until proper medical help could arrive.

Obiwan even made sure the first aid items in one of Padme's pouch to included the proper sealed medical disinfectant wipes, needles and thread to do such medical stitching on people.

As these lessons went on, Padme found that experience in training while in her stronger form allowed her to more easily control and focus her enhanced senses.

Padme found could enhanced her senses in several ways. She could see far distances, or she could see microbes at the microscopic level.

She could focus her hearing, or tune out hearing those around her. Also, her hearing had a few greater range than her normal human hearing.

And while bright lights, loud noises did not debilitate, nor overwhelm her, she could sense such increased sensations. And she could even tune out those sensations by concentrating.

As a side effect, when Padme was tired in her normal form, when she changed stronger form, she was reinvigorated. And even when she returned to her normal form she still felt reinvigorated.

When it came to more personal physical abilities. Such as Padme's stronger form's physical toughness and recovery. They did not test how far Padme toughness and regeneration abilities were.

Padme did not like the idea, Anakin refused to allow Padme to be harmed to test how durable Padme's stronger form was, and Obiwan agreed that doing so would be unwise.

Still, they did find that while it was rare for Padme's stronger form to be harmed, when she was hurt, she very quickly healed from the few bruises and cuts she had sustained.

And in changing into her stronger form, Padme swiftly healed from injuries she had sustained in her normal form. When Padme changed back to her normal form her body was as good as new. Padme found this was a quick way to fix mostly accidental muscle pulls and strains, such as strained ankles.

This made the training go quicker, because there was no need to wait days for Padme to recover from a training accident.

While training, Padme rarely showed any tiring in her stronger form, which showed the incredible level of endurance she had in her stronger form.

During Padme's training, Obiwan and Anakin did do some very careful testing of Padme's durability in her stronger form, and even more careful testing in her normal form.

They found that testing with stun batons confirmed Padme's stronger form's immunity to electricity.

And while they were very careful, they also found that Padme normal form had a slightly higher level of tolerance to electricity.

By the end of the first week, Obiwan and Anakin found as they trained Padme that the stronger and faster her normal form became the more stronger and faster her physically abilities in her stronger form became. Meaning that the physical enhancements were not a set amount of power, but instead a multiplier of Padme's normal physical abilities.

As time when on, Padme noticed her physical abilities in her stronger form were increasing in proportion to the baseline physical abilities in her normal form.

In response to this revelation, Obiwan increased Padme the training regiment. And Padme learned first hand how aggressive Jedi physical training regiments were.

And while Padme getting stronger in her normal form made her stronger in her more powerful, Obiwan still wanted Padme to do strength training in her stronger form as a way for Padme to learn more about controlling her strength in her stronger form.

While Padme was not thrilled with how tough the training was, she endured without much complaint. Because Padme knew she was going to need this training when she eventually went into battle.

Of the physical training in her normal form, Padme did basic calisthenics, running on a treadmill, and working out on the gym equipment. She was also taught some acrobatics. Though, this was mostly taught in her stronger form, since there was less danger of her harming herself on a bad landing in her stronger form.

Over time, Padme became stronger in both forms from working out in her normal form. Obiwan wanted to also do physical fitness in her stronger form, which took Padme's training to a whole new level.

Obiwan had Padme do most this physical trained in her training clothing and not her armor.

Obiwan and Anakin were always present to supervise, as Padme bench pressed the Republic walker in the southern plaza outside of the Jedi Temple.

Obiwan also trained Padme in her stronger form in other ways.

Obiwan had Padme do speeder stronger form by running around a three kilometer looped track which was located at above ground nature park near the Jedi Temple.

The Jedi had got the park closed in the mornings, so Padme could have privacy during she training. Obiwan and Anakin were also present as she ran around the track loop, over and over.

Padme kept the hammer near the track, so she always passed it, as she did loops in running. Just to break the monotony, she sometimes ran clockwise around the track, and sometimes she ran counterclockwise.

Though, as Padme ran she was a blur to onlookers. Such as Obiwan and Anakin. And every time she finished her morning session around the track, she wore out the training shoes she was using, and she had to get a new pair of training shoes afterward.

And to train Padme's acrobatics sessions were used to train Padme's reflexes and agility while in her stronger form. Anakin and Obiwan continued to use Anakin's idea of having two dozen hovering remotes, in the matted part of the gym of the Jedi Temple.

Padme would have to spend half an hour a day trying to dodge the hovering remotes.

Physical training, meditation techniques, and learning the fighting arts were not the only things Padme learned.

Obiwan and Anakin also taught Padme tactics and book knowledge on what to expect out in the field, and what to do for various given situations. This included the basics on quietly entering and exiting an area without getting caught. Giving Padme could use the hammer to fly, Obiwan and Anakin found Padme could be surprisingly quiet as she moved around.

Also, Obiwan and Anakin taught Padme survival training for various environments she may find herself in on alien worlds.

Then, there was training Padme's more esoteric abilities. Such as her telekinetic abilities over the hammer. And her elemental weather abilities.

Obiwan and Anakin did check to see if Padme could telekinetically move other items besides the hammer. They found that so far Padme could only make the hammer move and nothing else. Since the three adults had their hands full just helping Padme learn the abilities they knew she had, they moved on from checking to see if Padme had other powers.

Given Padme had a weakness in that the force could be used to throw her around, or even grip her, one of the first lessons on defending the force, that Obiwan and Anakin worked on, was to figure out a counter this weakness.

With Padme's help, they found a way to counter this weakness.

They used a suggestion that Jedi Master Mace Windu had mentioned to Padme.

Obiwan and Anakin found that while Padme was in her stronger form Padme's strength was so much that she could still move while being in the grip of the force.

While working together, Obiwan and Anakin found they could not use the force to telekinetically keep Padme from moving.

Obiwan and Anakin taught Padme to use the strength of her stronger form to her advantage. For Padme to use her strength in combination of her gripping the hammer to stay in place. She forced the hammer to stay in place, at one point in the air. Then, Padme grip the hammer and used the hammer to keep her body in one place.

Padme as practiced tactic she learned how to even move about, by mentally moving the hammer, and using the hammer as an anchor point for her strength. This reached the point where Padme could do this in a fashion of quick and fluid movements, as she made her way from one location to another location.

After Anakin and Obiwan did some force moving tests on Padme, they found this to be a surprisingly effect tactic for Padme to use. Even when they tried to alternate the directions of moving Padme. Or, in separate directions at once. Even trying to use the force to grip her in place did not work.

Due to Padme's stronger form's super-strength, physical toughness, and use of the hammer, she could not be moved, unless she wanted to. And by the same token, Padme could not be stopped, unless she chose to halt her movements.

Though, the three of them found that when Padme was not holding her hammer, she could not stop herself from being telekinetically thrown around with the force. Though, Anakin and Obiwan did teach Padme how to use her super-strength, speed, reflexes, and agility, to quickly shift her weight around as a way to keep from being harmed while she was thrown about, and to be able to land on her feet when she was finally let go of the force.

Also, Padme was taught to divide her attention between moving around the hammer and fighting an opponent. Padme even learned to use the floating hammer for offensive attacks, and defensive blocks while sparring.

In addition, they found that Padme still had command of her other abilities while in the grip of the force, such as her command of wind, lightning and rain. This allowed the three adults to come up with some good techniques to counter someone using the force against Padme.

Though, they found that while holding the hammer, Padme, in her normal form, could summon some elemental abilities, the best Padme could do was create a static shock from the hammer and a very mild breeze.

Realizing this type of training would take years, the three adults moved on to train in the elemental abilities while Padme was in her stronger form. They found that using her elemental abilities in her stronger form came naturally to her.

While having Padme consenting to the test beforehand. Padme allowed Obiwan and Anakin to use the force to test how her emotional state might effect her powers.

Given this was all up front and everyone was careful. No one was hurt. Nor, did Padme act out. But, they were able to get her upset and angry. Though, Padme had enough self-control not to display her emotions. But, Obiwan and Anakin could use the force to feel Padme's emotional state.

They found that in Padme's stronger form, her weather abilities were mildly tied to her emotional state. But, only slightly so, to everyone's relief. Padme becoming angry would not create a storm, unless Padme wanted a storm to happen. Padme being angry would cause her to create a harmless, mild breeze coming from her, to the areas around her.

Also, they learned there were drawbacks in Padme trying to use her elemental abilities within enclosed quarters. While inside, in her stronger form, Padme could generate a fog and a storm, but doing so was impractical because of the damage the fog alone would damage electronics, even in the walls. And dense fog would make it hard to breath. And a full blown storm in the enclosed quarters would create to much electrical discharge in the air which would put everyone nearby in danger, but Padme.

Still, they found that Padme could call forth and command powerful, continuous gusts of wind within enclosed quarters, which would not damage the walls and corridors. Though, the wind would not break down metal doors, the wind was powerful enough to knock people down, and even literally blow them away. Usually pushing the people and objects along the ground, unless there was enough height and distance to lift the targets into the air.

Also, they found that gusts of wind were a good counter to being in the grip of the force. And using gusts of wind offered a less lethal counters, as opposed to other options, such as using lightning.

Padme could control the direction of the gusts, to move the item or person where she wanted. Both towards her, or away from her. Or, even to move someone out of the way real quickly.

Padme could use gusts of wind to lift and move her, but doing so was impractical. And it was much easier to use the hammer, or a starship to fly from one location to another location.

Padme could even create a dust devil, inside closed spaces, that that could be used in a similar fashion as grip in the force.

But, such a dust devil was impractical because she had to focus to continue to contain someone in such a small twister. And doing so could easy injure the captive. And even if the captain was not injured, at the very least, after being freed the captive would be too dizzy to be of much use for a while. Or, in the case of the test subject, Anakin, was not able to walk straight for an hour after spending a minute in such a dust devil.

Still, Obiwan was nearby, with him being ready to step in and save Anakin with the force if things went wrong. Which the test did not go wrong.

Also, Obiwan and Anakin had Padme worked on the control of how much electricity Padme could channel out of the hammer. So, she can use the hammer to send enough electricity to stun someone and not serious harm, nor accidentally kill a person.

Padme could use the hammer to send electricity to rake across a small area, to destroy and kill those around. But, she reached the point she could just use electricity to rake across an area to stun entire groups of people, with little chance of seriously harming someone.

Padme also learned to charge the hammer with energy over several seconds and release it in a massively powerful lightning strike.

Still, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan, realized that even a little electricity could kill a person whose body reacted badly to an electrical shock. As such, Padme was taught how use her hearing to learn to detect a heartbeat of someone near her. And Padme could use her lightning ability to restart a heart. Though, for obvious reasons they did not test this technique.

In the Jedi Temple plaza they used lightning rods which were tied with meters devices designed to measure and recording various parts of electricity.

Padme would then attack the lightning rods with the lightning. The devices attached to the rods measured various parts of the electricity, such as voltage, amperes, resistance, and watts. These devices where used to teach Padme how to adjust and control her electrical abilities.

While these lessons were conducted, Obiwan and Anakin were outside of the area where the electrical discharges were taking place, with them standing several meters behind Padme, with the lightning rod being several meters in front of Padme.

Though, Obiwan and Anakin each had a datapad, with wireless datafeeds from the sensor meters, so they could see the results in real time. And each time after Padme made a shot of lightning, they shared the results with Padme, to help her refine her abilities, little by little.

During another lesson, Padme learned to send a channeling blast of energy at a shield vehicle, to the point the energy shields gave way. If the channeling blast was continued after the shields failed the ship was be destroyed. The point of this lesson was to teach Padme to skilled enough to break through energy shields, but be quick enough to stop herself and prevent serious harm the vehicle and the occupants inside vehicle. Though, Padme only tested this ability on empty vehicles.

Even so, the Jedi Order lost a few shielded vehicles in the outside plaza as Obiwan and Anakin taught Padme how to successfully complete this lesson.

Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin found that in her stronger form, Padme could summon and direct lightning from her body, without using the hammer. But, it was far harder to control how powerful the blast was. So, they focused on Padme learning the control of throwing lightning through using the hammer. Or, directly lightning from a storm she could create.

Though, Padme found that in her stronger form, without directly using the hammer, she could create and control the direction of wind, from gentle breezes, to gusts of wind that could knock people down.

And when it came time to train Padme in learning to use and control her more powerful elemental abilities, Obiwan and Anakin already had a place to conduct such lessons.

(_)

During the second week, on the ninth day of training, it was a cool, sunny morning in the Temple District of Coruscant. There was a light breeze blowing across the area.

It was ten hundred local time, a few hours before Padme's morning training was over for the day and she would resume her Senatorial duties in the afternoon.

The building of the Jedi temple was a four sided pyramidal ziggurat with a flat top. Though, the pyramid was not a pure shape. The middle of each side of the building were vertical rectangular boxes, and the bottom of the temple was an even large raised platform for the entire building.

On the plateau of the pyramid there was a large tower on each of the for corners of the temple, and a large tower in the center.

There were gardens and small shrines on the plateau.

The plateau was not truly flat. The plateau had several small raised and lowered levels, with staircases going up and down from those levels.

Anakin, Obiwan, and Padme stood on one of the higher levels of the plateau, near the middle of the edge of the temple, by the waist high parapet surrounding the building. Padme was in her stronger form, with her hammer in right hand, at her right side. Though, Padme was wearing her training clothing and not her armor.

All of them were wearing rain parkas, to protect themselves from this specific training assignment.

Padme stood to the left of the group, Anakin was in the center, with Obiwan being to the right side of the group.

There were large red flags planted throughout the plateau. Each flat pole being two meters high, with a thirty centimeters high by thirty centimeters wide square red flag attached to the top of each pole.

The red flags were planted on the high parts of the plateau, away from the gardens and shrines.

Padme turned to her friends. She asked, “Given thy's destructive abilities with these powers. And thee's inexperience with these powers. Why do we not just go to train with thy weather abilities in the Works? Or, somewhere else with ruins?”

Anakin and Obiwan turned to Padme. Anakin said, “Well, the Jedi Order has control of the airspace over the temple. And we do not want to risk a storm elsewhere that might risk people being nearby, disrupting traffic, or possibly endangering lives in general.”

Padme replied, “Thy can understand your reasons.”

Anakin commented, “Also, if someone sees weather creation on top of the Jedi Temple, they will likely just write it off an another strange event in the long history of weirdness that happens in the Jedi Temple.”

Padme realized, as she said, “Thou was not joking about all those secrets of the Jedi Order”

Anakin shrugged, as he replied, “No. I was not.”

Obiwan commented, “Also. Those locations are not secure. Here we have control. We know who is here. And in the past, the Jedi Temple has weathered quite a few storms. And the gardens and shrines will hold. Now, the objectives of this training is many fold. We want you to learn to create storms. Also, we want you to be able to create different elements in your storms. Sometimes less rain. Sometimes more rain. More wind or lightning. Less wind or lighting. Or, to create single or mixed forms of those elements across this area.”

“When you go into battle, I want you to be able to divide your attention between doing this and fighting in other ways.”

“Training outside with other elements involved will help refine your control. When you are out in the field, you are not going to be working under perfect conditions. So, training like this would be best.”

Padme inquired, “Thy understands. Does thee also wish for thy to try to create hail, snow, and ice? Or, even a blizzard?”

Obiwan responded, in an interested tone of voice, “Hmm... If we have time. For now, we work on the basics.”

Padme looked out in front of them at the red flags across the temple plateau. She asked, “What are the red flags for?”

Obiwan answered, “The red flags are targets in these lessons. Eventually, when you create a storm, I want you to be so skilled that you can hit specific targets with your lightning, from both the hammer and the clouds you create. Think of using your lightning with the hammer like a combination of a flamethrower, blaster rifle, and shock cannon. While lightning raining down from the storms you create are like an artillery barrage. While lightning from the hammer and lightning from your storms may have different roles, both will be important in the coming battles you will be a part of.”

Padme said, “Thy understands. Thy will also try to avoid the gardens and shrines on the lower levels of the plateau. Thy hopes thou will reach the point thee hopes for. How should thy start this lesson?”

Obiwan stated, “I want you to create a small, simple storm over the towers of the temple. About a kilometer above us. Do not worry, the council and other personnel have been informed of what we are doing, so they will not be alarmed by this change of weather.”

Padme thought, 'Good. At least we will not surprise anyone by doing this.' She looked up at the sunny sky, as she continued her thoughts, 'Now, to figure out how to do this. I have some practice with my weather abilities. But, not on such a large scale as this. Though, this might work like controlling where the hammer goes. And to have the weather continue will require me to maintain my thoughts on the weather to continue to do so.'

Padme channeled her thoughts and desires of creating a simple storm, along with the location and rough size of the storm, through the hammer in her right hand.

The skies darkened over their heads, as a small storm suddenly formed just over the circumference of the Jedi Temple, around a kilometer above their heads.

Padme though, 'I was right. Now, I just have to continue thinking about it, as do this. This might eventually become mentally taxing. But, I do need to learn these skills.'

Obiwan requested, “Now, bring on the elements, but do so gently.”

Padme did so. With her focusing on just slightly bringing the elements, and maintaining them.

It started to sprinkle over the Jedi Temple, with the wind picking up slightly. There was even some rumbling of thunder in the clouds.

Suddenly, there was a bolt of lighting from the cloud that hit the top of the center tower of the Jedi Temple.

The three adults saw what happened to the middle tower.

Anakin and Obiwan looked over at Padme. From the expression of mild surprise and embarrassment on Padme's face that Padme had not planned to cause the lightning strike. Though, the lightning strike grounded against one of the red flags in the distance.

Padme looked at her two friends, as she said, “Oops.”

Obiwan stated, “Not to worry. These towers, gardens, and shrines have suffered far worse. And as you can see, the area is very well grounded.”

Anakin turned to Obiwan, as he asked, “Is the council in session? Or, is anyone in those towers?”

Obiwan turned to Anakin. Obiwan responded, “Of course not. While informing the council of our training, I checked with them on their meeting schedule. And I made sure that when we did this, no one is up in those towers. Nor, is anyone else in on the plateau.”

Anakin said, “Okay. That's good.” He turned to Padme. He requested, “And please don't electrocute us.”

Padme turned to Anakin, as she stated, “Thou will try not too.” She turned her attention back to the storm.

For ten minutes, through concentration Padme was able to maintain the small storm.

Then, Obiwan stated, “Okay. Remove the storm.”

Padme stopped thinking about maintaining the storm, and the storm quickly dispersed, leaving only a sunny sky over their heads.

Obiwan inquired, “When you removed the storm, how did you do it?”

Padme turned to Obiwan. She answered, “Thy stopped thinking about the storm, and the storm was soon gone.”

Obiwan stated, “Good. Very good. That means if you are knocked out, any storm you create with disperse, instead of go out of control. This is one problem I am glad we do not have to worry about.”

Padme said, “Thy agrees.”

Obiwan requested, “Now, let us see how you can do handle creating something simple like fog over a large area. No wind. No electricity. No rain. Just a cloud bank at out level.”

Padme said, “Thy can do fog across an area.”

Padme then created a fog over the fog of the Jedi Temple. The fog was so thick they could only see a few meters around them, with much of the sunlight blocked out by the fog.

Obiwan looked around in the fog, as he stated, “Good. But, keep in mind. While fog will work against a crowd, in battle both sides will use electronic that see through fog. As such, in most situations, blanketing an area of fog will only put you and those around you in danger. And trying to use lightning will to fry their sensors across a large area will likely not work. Much of the sensor equipment used on both sides are hardened against electromagnetic pulse attacks.”

A thought occurred to Padme, as she responded, “Thy will remember this. Though, cut electrical discharge from clouds be used to effect long range sensors?”

Obiwan turned to Padme. He answered, “That is possible. We will talk about that later.”

Padme inquired, “Okay. What shall thy do next?”

Obiwan said, “I believe we will work on your wind and rain. Raise the fog into the sky, but try not to make the cloud as dark and heavy as the previous one.”

Padme concentrated and lifted the fog bank up into the area. As she did so, she made it denser, but not so dense as to darken the sky above them.

When the dark gray clouds reached the height of the first storm, around a kilometer above them. Padme stopped raising the cloud. She then began to cause to lightly rain on their, with a mild breeze occasionally in different directions around them.

Obiwan commented, “Good. I want you to hold this, while you work on the control of your wind abilities. I want you to control with direction the wind is going. And keep the wind in the direction you desire. To start with, I want you to call the wind to come from your right side and turn to move towards your friend.”

Padme did as Obiwan requested, as she controlled the wind, while maintain the mild shower.

Padme continued her elemental lessons for another half hour, before Obiwan called for her to stop. The three adults then moved inside, as they went to work on another part of Padme's training regiment.

Later in her training, Padme did learn to create hail, snow, and even a basic blizzard. But, these skills did not come as easily to her. As such, when it came to her elemental abilities, Obiwan and Anakin had Padme mostly focus controlling, lightning, wind, rain, and cloud formations.

(_)

After Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin were finished with their first session of weather training, they headed back inside and removed their parkas.

Then, they went to a begin Padme's regular session on meditation and mental defenses.

Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan were currently inside of a small meditation room, with the only light from the slits in the large blinds from the nearby windows to the outside.

While Anakin and Obiwan were in their Jedi clothing, Padme was in her normal form, in simple, slightly oversize, training clothing she had been using for her stronger form.

The hammer was presently set by a nearby wall.

Each of them were sitting crosslegged on a large, circular cushioned stool. They faced each other, while just over a meter apart from one another.

This lesson dealt with Padme learning more about meditation and mental defenses.

This was Padme's last lesson for the morning, before she left to get changed and ready for her job as a Senator for the Galactic Republic.

Everyone involved supported the idea of medication being last lesson for the day's training. This was because after the mornings intensive training activities, the meditation and mental discipline Padme gained from this type of training helped put Padme in the proper frame of mind and emotional state to preform her Senatorial duties.

Presently, all three of the adults had their eyes closed, as they began to meditate into the proper frame of mind.

Among the mental techniques that Padme had been learning in the first week. She learned how to remain calm and control her emotions. This would help her in battle. Also, she learned mental defenses to shield her mind and emotions from psychic attacks. Both direct attacks, and those that would try to read her mind and emotions. Such as from a force user. These defenses ranged from protecting from simple mind tricks, to recognizing and blocking out illusions, to protecting against mind probes, and those trying to mentally control her.

Given how much power Padme now had at her command, Obiwan emphasized these lessons.

While not force sensitive, Padme has reached a level of experience with these mental exercises that she could feel someone else probing her mind. While she felt that Obiwan was doing so very lightly, she still felt his presence in one of the most private things Padme felt she had. Her mind.

Padme did not like these lessons, but she understood the importance of these lessons, and she did her best to be a willing student.

Padme paid very close attention to these lessons. And she was a very quick learner. This was because Padme did her best to be very, very careful not to allow Obiwan to know how her secrets. From state secrets to her secret relationship with Anakin.

Fortunately, Obiwan intentionally only brush Padme's mind, with him only reading Padme's surface thoughts and emotions. As such, Padme's secrets were still save from Obiwan.

Obiwan delicately used the force to lightly brush Padme's mind, as he calmly said, “I can sense you have cleared your mind, calmed your emotions, and you have found your center. You have already put up wonderfully skilled mental defenses before we have even covers much of these lessons.”

Padme dryly commented, “I do not care for people being in my mind.”

Anakin offered, “No one does. Master, I can take over from here. I have already trained in these lessons to the point you even admitted that my skills revival your own.”

Padme was not sure how to respond to Anakin's comment about a skill she found completely distasteful.

Obiwan commented, “Yes. But, part of this training is also blocking out the thoughts of others, and protecting one's thoughts and emotions from being read and control, while dealing with distractions. Which means it takes two people to teach one student.”

Anakin replied, “I understand.”

Padme said, “At least after some training, I now have a grasp on this now. But, I wonder if I will be ready before I accompany you both to to the battlefront.”

Obiwan commented, “Actually, you are coming along nicely. And we will be continuing your training between missions.”

Padme said, “I am not sure that I should be looking forward to that. Or, feel dread about it.”

Obiwan responded, “Perhaps it is wise to feel a bit of both. But, you are coming along very quickly. You have a very nice grasp on mental discipline. We already solved you bond weakness with your hammer. And now you have firm mental defenses. Even Dooku would have difficulty reading your thoughts and emotions. Let alone him using the force to mentally attacking you.”

Padme replied, “This is nice to know.”

Obiwan said, “Though, keep in mind that such defenses can be broken with time.”

Padme stated, “I will be mindful of that.”

Obiwan responded, “Good. Also, it seems the skill you demonstrate in these mental abilities is the same in both your forms. This further confirms the changes are more physical than mental.”

Padme said, “I find that comforting, as well.”

Obiwan commented, “As do we. Also, I am glad that your enhanced senses have not overwhelmed you in any way.”

Padme stated, “After thinking about the matter. For a little while, I was worried that my enhanced senses might make everything so enjoyable that I would be lost in the moment. Still, this is not the case.”

Obiwan said, “Good. At least you are being mindful of that possibility.” He cracked a grin, as he continued, “When I first taught Anakin how to meditated, I sometimes found it difficult to get him to stay in one place.”

Anakin defended himself, “I was a child, then.”

Obiwan commented, with a bit of dry sarcasm, “Which is why was I was sometimes surprised to get you to be quiet for more than five minutes.”

Padme could not help but giggle a little bit from Obiwan's joke.

Obiwan said, “Careful now. I can feel those defenses slipping a bit.”

Padme mentally reigned herself in. She asked, “How is this?”

Obiwan checked Padme's mental state with the force. He complimented, “Better. Much better. You have incredible strength of will.”

Anakin commented, “Anyone that has gotten to know Padme would realize how strong her will is.”

Padme said, “Thank you, Anakin. Though, with everything that has happened I fear that if the hammer had not found me that even my will would have slowly worn down to nothing.”

Anakin stated, “You think the hammer found you?”

Padme commented, “The hammer came to the Geonosis arena from outer space. We did not come to it. The hammer obviously was looking for someone to wield it.”

Obiwan said, “That is very possible. But, this is a discussion for later. Now let us focus on your mental defenses, Padme. And you too, Anakin. Given the looming war, I wish for you to brush up on these skills, as well.”

Anakin replied, “Yes master.”

Padme stated, “Whatever you say.”

Padme then went back to her lessons for the morning.

(_)

Almost an hour later, Anakin, Obiwan, and Padme, were having lunch in the mess hall of the Jedi Temple.

The three adults had sat at a table. Each of their trays had a plate of food, a glass of fruit juice, utensils, and cloth napkins.

Padme sat across from Obiwan and Anakin. The other members of the Jedi Temple, whom were having lunch at other tables, left them alone.

Due to the meditation exercises ending with Padme in her stronger form that day. Padme had decided to stay in her stronger form. And she had set the hammer down on the floor, by her chair, to her right side.

Though, as they ate, Anakin and Obiwan noticed something important. That Padme had not eaten much of her lunch, nor had much to drank much for her glass of fruit juice.

Given the high level of activity that Padme did that morning, this was strange.

Anakin asked, “Padme? Are you okay?”

Padme looked up at Anakin. She inquired, “What does thy mean?”

Anakin pointed out, “You haven't eaten much.”

Padme casually replied, “Thy is not hungry.”

Obiwan inquired, “While we know you do not tire easily in your stronger form. Do you feel hungry or thirsty in your stronger form?”

Padme said, “Now that thee mentions it. Not really.”

Obiwan theorized, as he stated, “It is possible that in this stronger form, you do not need much food and drink. This is good, considering that if you get caught behind enemy lines for a while, you will not have to worry about such matters.”

Padme replied, “This is nice to know.”

Another thought occurred to Obiwan, as he asked, “Are you hungry right after you change back to normal?”

Padme said, “No. Thy usually has to work up an apatite before eating in thy normal form.”

Obiwan stated, “This is good. This means if you go hungry, or thirsty in your stronger form, this will not bounce back in your normal form.”

Padme understood the ramifications what Obiwan meant. She agreed, “This is good news.”

The three of them then continued their lunch, as they talked about more casual topics.

(_)

After lunch, Padme turned to her normal form. She said her goodbyes for the day to Anakin and Obiwan.

As her two Jedi friends went to resume their afternoon duties, Padme took the hammer with her, as she headed to the main gym in the Jedi Temple.

When Padme reached the gym, she set the hammer on its side, by an interior wall of the main gym, in a locations that was out of the way.

From the gym, she went to the women's showers by the gym to get cleaned up. When she reached the showers, she threw her dirty clothing in a hamper, and she took a warm shower.

Obiwan had arranged for Padme to be provided fresh training clothing every morning. With the clothing set by her locker.

As Padme entered the showers she noticed there were no other women in the communal women's shower. Then, she used the warm water, along with the shampoo and soap that was provided for the women whom used the showers, to clean herself.

After her shower, she used one of the clean towels on a shelf to dried off. Once she dried off, she went into the women's changing room, which was directly connected to women's shower. From there, she went to her locker and she retrieved her normal clothing, among other items.

Padme put on her normal clothing, shoes and other items she had brought with her earlier that morning. After which she used a small mirror and a hair brush she kept in locker to brush her damp hair. She allowed her long brown hair to be loose, and drape down her back. Once she was done with combing her hair, she placed her the comb, small mirror, and her training shoes into the locker.

Given the Jedi could use force to open a lock, Padme did not have a lock for her locker.

But, trust was at a premiere when it came to such matters with the Jedi. As such, Padme was sure her items would not be disturbed.

When Padme finished, she walked out of the women's changing room, through the gym, and towards the hallways which would lead her to the west side of the plaza. Once she reached the west plaza, where the visitors parking lot was located, she would take the speeder vehicle she had parked there to the Galactic Senate Building.

Padme had an appointment to meet in Senator Bail Organa's office. An appointment she had every intention to keep.

(_)

After Padme's first week of training had ended, Padme had to start back on her Senatorial duties in the afternoon, while continuing her training in the morning.

Given it was the ninth day of Padme's training, this was the second day of her return to the Senate.

During Padme's first day back to the Galactic Senate Building, as a senator, she had talked with Bail. Due to Padme having to get caught up work, she talked to Bail by holo-comm from her office.

During the call she learned that over the course of the week Bail had pulled together a meeting with other Senators, to restart their building of alliances against the war.

The meeting being scheduled that afternoon, in Bail's office in the Senate Building. Though, Padme and Bail agreed for Bail to meet with Padme on her way to Bail's office.

After Padme parked her speeder vehicle in a parking lot in the Senate Building which was reserved for government officials, Padme headed for and elevator that would take her to the floor where Bail's office was located.

Presently, Padme was riding up an elevator in the Senate Building, to the floor where Bails' office was. With her and Bail planning to meet each other outside this very elevator on the floor she was heading to.

Padme let her long brown hair loose, to run down her back.

Padme was wearing a simple white gown with sleeves, that had gray trim stripes that went up and down the gown. Under the bottom of her gown she wearing gray flat soled slippers. This was the clothing she had come to the Jedi Temple early that morning, and which she had put back on after cleaning herself in the women's showers of the main gym in the Jedi Temple.

After everything that had happened to Padme. While she could not bring the hammer with her. She decided to not go anywhere unarmed. Under her gown she had a thigh holster strapped to her outer right thigh, with a small blaster pistol holstered on the outside of her right thigh. Her gown hid the weapon well.

Padme mentally reflected, 'While Senate rules state that no one except security can be armed within the Senate Building. Given all the threats on my life. Along with everyone from the Chancellor, to the Jedi, to Dooku, knowing about the hammer and my connection to that weapon. I am not taking anymore chances.'

'Besides, I am a not worried if I am caught with a blaster pistol. I am a sitting Senator of the Republic. The Chancellor knows and supports the Jedi training me. And with all the threats on my life, I highly doubt Coruscant Security would do anything to me if they caught me with a blaster pistol. Though, they might take the pistol away from me. But, that is all.'

'Now, I talked to Bail yesterday afternoon, during my first day back to work. And fortunately, I was able to get caught up with my work here in the Senate. I need to remember that Bail does not know I was training with the Jedi. He, along with everyone else in the Senate, save the Chancellor, think I was sick. And that I am now feeling better. And this is what I wish everyone here to continue to believe.'

'Though, given the need for secrecy, we agreed not to discuss the details over communication lines. But, he did say he a few Senators that wanted to listen to us. Whom would meet with us, in his office, in a few minutes. They should already be there. With Bail coming to meet me.'

'We agreed for Bail meet me at the exit to the elevator on the floor of his office is in. From there we will talk as we head to his office. So, he can let me know what is going on, and who we are meeting.'

'I am not worried to much about the discussion. The Senate is in session. The Chancellor and the Senators are busy. And it is off an hour. So, this part of the building should be clear, to give us some privacy. And I am not sure how Bail is handling the security feeds to this area. But, he hinted that he has that covered, as well.'

From the panel on the front of the elevator, by the right side of the doors, Padme saw she was able to reach the floor that Bail's office was on.

Padme though, 'Now, let us see if we can rebuild what Palpatine shattered.'

Then, the elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open to reveal Senator Bail Organa standing three meters in front of her, in the hallway.

Bail was wearing a blue uniform, with black trim. He wore black dress shoes. His black hair was trimmed short, and combed over.

Padme walked out of the elevator. She came to stand six feet in front of Bail, with both of them looking at each other.

The doors to the elevator closed.

Bail calmly said, “Greetings Senator.”

Padme replied, “Good to see you, Senator.”

Padme looked around, and as she expected, she saw the large hallway was clear, save for the two of them.

The combination of wall lights and sunlight from the skylight windows on the ceiling, offering plenty of illumination to see with.

Bail asked, “How are you feeling today?”

Padme turned to Bail. Padme said, “Fine. Let us talk as we make our way to your office.”

Bail replied, “Most certainly.”

Padme turned to her right, as she started walking. With Bail turning to his left. Both of them walked side by side, at a casual pace, towards Bail's senatorial office, with Bail being to Padme's left side.

As they walked, Bail said, “I heard you let go of your servants. Even your protocol droid.”

Padme thought, 'I was concerned this would become a topic of discussion. But, given my plans this cannot be helped. Though, I do remember a few days ago, both Dorme and Captain Typho had contacted me separately, to let me know they arrived on Naboo, safe and sound. And it warmed my heart to know that. And from what Anakin has told me, C3-PO is settling in with R2 at the Jedi Temple. Now to defuse this topic before it becomes an issue.'

Padme admitted, “Yes. I had to let them go.”

Bail stated, “It is almost unheard of for a sitting Senator to have no assistants.”

Padme pointed out, “I do still have the droid secretary to keep track of my senatorial documents.” She thought, 'Whom is located at a desk in front of the entrance to my office in this building.'

Bail commented, “That is not the same thing. That droid stays in the Senate Building.” He continued, in a firmer tone of voice, “What is really going on?”

Padme thought, 'I have to give him something, and I know just the excuse.' She stated, “I cannot give you any details. But, I tire of having those around me die to protect me. And I am taking measures to protect myself.”

Bail guessed, “That is why you said you planned to use holos to join in on the Senate from a distance. You are planning on leaving the planet, again. With you being a moving target, to keep from being killed. And that you let them go because they cannot come with you.”

Padme said, “Yes.” Padme thought, 'That is not a complete lie. Actually, that is a fairly honest answer.'

Bail complimented, “Not bad. This is something I might have done in your position.”

Padme said, “I still plan to come back here, from time to time.”

Bail replied, “Of course.”

Padme stated, “Now, before I leave I want to get this opposition to the war restarted.” She thought, 'No matter how hypocritical it is for me to do so. And I might as well add to my lie.' She stated, “Also, as a way to further lesson my exposure to danger while on the planet, I will be coming to the Senate Building only in the afternoons and maybe a few evenings.”

Bail said, “That is completely understandable.”

Padme thought, 'This will be a good excuse as to why I am not here in the mornings. Now to find out who you have convinced to hear us out.' Padme asked, “Who have you been able to quietly convince to talk to us?”

Bail answered, “Everyone I could pull together is my office. I have convinced five Senators to talk to us. Senators, Lexi Dio, Nee Alavar, Garm Bel Iblis, Bana Breemu, and Mon Mothma.”

Padme complimented, “That is a good start. I know most of them. They should not take much convincing to join our cause. Though, I am surprised you were able to convince Senator Iblis to meet with us. He is always so boisterous in the Senate chamber. He does not seem like the secretive type. And he strikes me as a bit of a scoundrel.”

Bail shrugged, as he casually replied, “He's Corellian. They're all scoundrels.”

Padme giggled a little. As she calmed down, she agreed, “That's true.” She then continued in a firmer tone of voice, “How much do they know of the situation?”

Bail said, “Not much. Though, I did check with each of them. In private. They all understand the situation of what happened on the emergency powers resolution. You was driven from the Senate, with your life in danger. And while you were gone, the Chancellor played your proxy like a puppet.”

Padme growled, “This will not happen again.”

Bail realized that Padme was in no mood to discuss the matter. He stated, “I realize that. But, I was just informing you so you do not have to worry about the subject being brought up.”

Padme replied, in a calmer tone of voice, “Good. And I am glad they decided to join us while the Senate was in session.”

Bail said, “It is a simple spending bill. I read it completely. It to about funding support to add supplements to food to provide more healthy meals for children. It is not like the Republic is going to collapse if we miss this one bill. Even with the Chancellor there for appearance sake.”

Padme thought, 'I need to ask to make sure.' She asked, “What about security feeds? I would not like these meetings to get back to the Chancellor.”

Bail responded, “I have a few friends in Coruscant Security assigned to the Senate Building. They are certainly on duty, and there will be no recordings from this hallway, right now. There will be no recording of this meeting ever happening. And I can continue to have this done as needed.”

Padme thought, with admiration, 'Bail, you are more resourceful than I thought. You seem like the type of person that could start a rebellion if you wanted to. And given how soft-spoken and polite you are, no one would see it coming until it was too late.' She inquired, “Good. Is there anything else I need know?”

Bail answered, “Yes. Plenty. From my sources within the Chancellor's political circle, within the next few months, the Chancellor is planning on submitting more resolutions to the Senate. But, while the resolutions will look like simple spending bills, within the resolutions are riders to give him more authority and power. Should those bills are voted down in the Senate, he plans to piecemeal his requests through various executive orders over time.”

Padme commented, “It is looked the Chancellor wishes to return to the times before the Ruusan Reformation.”

Bail said, “I agree. From his writings, Supreme Chancellor Tarsus Valorum warned us of this day.”

Padme stated, “True. But, a thousand years of peace and freedom is still a good run for the Galaxy.”

Bail commented, “I agree. Now, while we cannot keep the peace, let us see if we can still maintain the freedom.”

Padme said, “We can try.” She then remembered something Anakin had told her during their time on Naboo, when they were in the meadows near the bottom of a large waterfall. She paraphrased what Anakin had said to her, in a soft-spoken voice, “Perhaps the system doesn't work. And it is only natural for someone to come along. To rise to the occasion. And make everyone agree with their point of view. To take control. After all, we Senators are appointed. We are not elected. Dictatorship might be the natural path we are on.”

Bail pointed out, “While we are appointed by the local governments of our sectors or planets. The governments of most of those planets are democracies, or constitutional monarchies. And we are appointed by those governments to represent the will of the people. The people do not represent our will. That is the difference.”

Padme realized what she had just said. More for her sake, than Bail's sake, she stated, in a normal, reassuring tone of voice, “You're right. And I try to remember that every single day.”

Bail responded, “Good. Still, it is not like you to say such things.”

Padme said, “No. I was just thinking of something someone told to me.”

Bail replied, “Not the Chancellor, I hope.”

Padme said, “No. A friend... A good friend.”

Bail joked, “I always figured you were dating someone.”

Padme retorted, “Who has time to date when you are trying to save the galaxy?”

Bail let out a laugh. He said, “That sounds more like that Padme I know.”

Padme smiled, as she replied, “Thanks, Bail.”

When they came to the entrance to Bail's office, with a secretary droid in a desk beside the office doors, the two adults turned to their right, as they continued towards the office doors.

The secretary droid saw them and the droid pressed a button on its desk to opened the doors for them.

As the doors slid open, Bail stated, “I will let you do the talking. You are better at convincing people than I am.”

Padme casually replied, “Ah. You just need the proper motivation. I am sure you will find it, someday.”

Then, they passed through the doors into Bail's office, with the doors soon sliding shut behind them.

As they continued walking, in front of them, they saw Bail's office desk. In front of the desk was two chairs set to face it. Behind the desk was Bail's nicer, larger office chair. Behind the desk and chairs, the entire back wall was sets of large windows showing the cityscape and speed skylanes in the distance.

They turned to their right, where on the right side of room was small meeting area.

There was a couch that could fit four people that was set with its back to right far wall.

In front of the couch was a small table. And across from the couch were three chairs facing the table and couch. The chairs were of the same time as the two chairs in front of Bail's desk.

Padme and Bail saw that four of the Senators were sitting on the couch, and one in the chair.

Padme and Bail noticed that it was Garm whom was sitting in the chair.

As Padme and Bail approached the five sitting senators, Padme put on her best diplomatic facial expression, as she kindly said, “Greetings Senators. I am glad that Senator Organa was able to convince you all to have this meeting with us. There is much we have to discuss.”

Soon, Padme and Bail were sitting in the last two empty chairs in the meeting area. Then, padme and Bail began to talk to the other Senators in the room.

Introductions and reintroductions went well, and so did the meeting. By the end of the meeting, Padme found herself with five more allies within the Galactic Senate.

And while Padme continued her work to stop the war in the afternoon in one fashion, she continued to train to stop the war in another way, in the morning.

(_)

On the morning, a few days after Padme met with Bail and her new allies in the Senate, Padme had parked her speeder vehicle in visitors parking area of the western plaza of the Jedi Temple. It was a cool, sunny, early morning. As usual, Padme walked to the western entrance to the Jedi Temple.

Padme had neatly placed her formal clothing for her senatorial duties that afternoon in the trunk of her speeder vehicle.

Presently, Padme was were a set of her brown, training clothing for her normal form. Which was pants, sports bra, shirt, and shoes, among other items. With her stronger forms training clothing kept in a locker in the women's changing room of the Jedi Temple's main gym. Her hammer was by a wall, in the gym, as well.

Of the course of the last week, Padme had brought a few sets of training clothing to her home. Both in her normal size and the size for her stronger form. This was so on the days she felt like it, she could come in to the Jedi Temple ready to train.

As Padme made it to the large western entrance of the Jedi Temple, one of the Jedi guards on duty came to great her.

From the guard's physical figure, Padme saw that the Jedi guard was a woman in her Jedi clothing and robe.

Padme came to a stop, as the Jedi woman approached her.

The Jedi soon stopped a meter in front of Padme. The Jedi woman calmly stated, “Senator Amidala. Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker request that instead of meeting them in the gym. That you visit them in meditation room C, on the fifth level.”

Padme said, “Thank you.”

The Jedi guard inquired, “Do you need someone to show you the way?”

Padme answered, “No. I know where it is.” She thought, 'This is the meditation room that we use for my training. Though, we do not do so this early in the morning. Something is up. I will leave the hammer in the gym and head to the meditation room. Fortunately, I know where it is. And I the guards know I can be trusted to no wonder around, within the temple.'

The Jedi woman turned and walked away to resume her duties.

Meanwhile, Padme continued into the Jedi Temple.

After walking for ten minutes, and using one elevator, Padme reached the doors to the meditation room.

Padme press a button on right side of the panel to have the doors to the room slid open.

As the doors slid open, she walked inside. She came to a stop just inside the room.

The doors slid closed behind her, as she looked around.

As usual, the only lighting was from sunlight coming out of slits in the large blinds of the windows. With the windows being in front of her.

This mix of light and shadows gave the room an eerie, though comfortable setting.

Instead of having cushioned seats in the middle of the room, like usual, there was a small square coffee table in center of the room. Padme noticed the stools were set to the far wall, to her left side.

Obiwan and Anakin were sitting on their knees at the small, low table.

Obiwan was facing her, with his back to the windows. And Anakin was to her right side, and there was a long, five foot long item wrapped in a white cloth, to her left, set on the floor opposite to Anakin.

Both men were looking at her.

Obiwan requested, “Please, come sit down Padme.”

Padme walked up to them. Then, she sat down, across the table from Obiwan. She tucked her knees under herself. She could see the sunlight coming in front the windows in front of her. But, the sun did not directly cast into the windows, so there was no problems for her sight.

Obiwan reached down with his right hand and picked up the item on the floor, beside the table. He raised, and held it above the table, so Padme could see the length of the item.

Obiwan stated, “Padme. This morning we wish to present a gift to you.”

Padme used both her hands to pick up the weapon from Obiwan. Obiwan let go of the weapon and Padme felt how thin the item was from within the cloth. She looked up at Obiwan and Anakin. She said, “Thank you.”

Padme turned her attention back the item in her hands.

Padme slowly undid the loose white cloth around the item. Allowing the white cloth to fall on the table. As the item was revealed to be a curved sword in a black scabbard. The scabbard had a black leather strap connected through black metal loops to the far ends of the scabbard.

When holding the weapon, the tip of the covered blade was to the right and the hilt was to the left, the side of the metal loops was on the side of the scabbard, when the curved blade was facing away from the one holding the weapon.

There was a buckle one the end of strap that lead to to the loop near the hilt. The buckle had two prongs side by side that faced the outward side of the buckle. The frame of the buckle had small notches for where the tips of the two prongs fit.

The strap continued through the loop on the hilt, when down the length of the scabbard, to go through the loop near where the tip of the scabbard was. The strap continued through the loop until it end. On the end of the strap opposite to the buckle there were two rows parallel with each other where the prongs on the buckle would fasten onto.

The strap was twice the length of the scabbard and do to this, as Padme held the scabbard the ends of the strap dropped far enough to touch the floor.

Padme realized, as she thought, 'What an interesting weapon. The strap is meant be wore across the chest and back, with buckles and double prongs meant to be allowed to fit different sizes and firmly stay in place. The slack of the strap that goes passed the buckle will go through the loop near the hilt and be hidden behind the scabbard.'

Padme saw that the black cylindrical hilt was a thirty-one centimeters long, an two and a half centimeters wide, with a small black tassel attached to the end. The black cloth strips were wrapped around the grip of the hilt, covering the hilt.

The scabbard was slightly one and a quarter meter long. The scabbard was made of a shiny black metal.

The guard, where the hilt met the blade, was made of black metal, and the guard was shaped like flat, small four pedaled lotus flower, which had rounded edges, with the guard surrounding the hilt. And the pedals were placed so that one pedal face direction from the curve of the blade, one from the back, and one at each side. Each petal was wide enough so the back sides of each petal was connected to to the back sides of the petals beside said petal. Each petal ended in a dull rounded point. The full length of each petal was four centimeters. The thickness of the guard was over half a centimeter. The total diameter of the guard being around eleven centimeters.

Padme then noticed the small black switch that below the back petal of the hilt, with the switch pointed downward, towards the hilt.

Anakin noticed her looking at the switch. He warned, “Do not flip that switch until after we have talked.”

Padme heard Anakin, and she did as he requested. She then gripped the scabbard in her left hand and the hilt with her right hand. After which, she began to draw the weapon's blade.

Obiwan cautioned, “Careful. It is sharp. Very, very sharp.”

Padme was careful, as she pulled the blade fully out of its scabbard. She was also careful not to cut into the strap as the ends of the strap dangled from the scabbard.

Padme saw the blade was solid black piece of metal. The blade had a slight curve that ended with a point at the tip of the curve. The only side being sharp was the outer curve of the blade.

While Padme held it in her right hand, she saw that the weapon had a shiny sheen against the light in the room. While the blade was smooth, with the edge of the blade was straight and sharp, the sheen showed slight rippling along the curve of the blade, where it had been forged with a hammer countless times.

Then, Padme realized, as she thought, 'While this is not as light as the hammer. This sword is light. Lighter than it should be.'

Padme looked at the weapon for a few more seconds. Then, she careful inserted the sword blade fully back into the scabbard without harming herself, nor damaging the scabbard and the strap. After which, she set the weapon down across her lap. The hilt on her left, the tip of the scabbard to her right, the curve was facing away from her, and the metal loops were facing upwardly. The ends of the strap draped downward towards the floor.

Padme looked Obiwan and Anakin. She inquired, “This is a beautiful weapon. Though, what exactly is this gift?”

Obiwan answered, “It is a vibro-blade. A very, very nice weapon of its type. I had to call in a lot of favors to acquire this weapon for you. The only items which I replaced from this weapon is the black leather strap, the black cloth on the hilt, and the tassel. Over time these items had been worn to almost nothing. The new artificial strap and cloth on this hilt are made from super-strong materials that will not tear easily. And they can take extreme cold and extreme heat without breaking, nor burning.”

“The rest of the weapon is as it was originally made. Even the buckle of the strap is part of the original weapon. ”

Padme commented, “I have heard of vibro-blades. Are they not illegal to own?”

Obiwan stated, “They are regulated like blasters. One can actually have a permit to own one.” He turned to Anakin, as he continued, “Though, Anakin was nice enough to check, beforehand.” He looked back at Padme, as he went onto say, “As a senator, your permit to have a blaster weapon transfers to possessing and using vibro-weapons.”

Padme replied, “Interesting. How do these weapons work?”

Anakin turned to Obiwan. He requested, “Master? Can I explain this to her?”

Obiwan looked at Anakin. He said, “Sure. After all. You are far more mechanically inclined than I.”

Both men turned back to look at Padme.

Anakin explained, “While I prefer to use lightsabers. Like most Jedi. I do find vibro-blade technology interesting to study. The principles are simple to understand. And when done well, such a weapon is almost as useful as a lightsaber.”

“A vibro-blade works by having mechanisms in the hilt that cause the weapon to vibrate thousands of times a second. These are micro-vibrations which are not felt by the one holding the hilt. Still, the mechanisms give off a hum. And the vibrations from the blade allow several advantages over a normal blade.”

“First, the blade of a vibro-weapon can cut a lot quicker than a normal blade. Like a skill-saw. Only much faster. Sometimes faster than a lightsaber blade. Though, this depends on the materiel made to create the blade, along with the sharpness of the edge of the blade.”

“Second, a vibro-weapon's blade does not need to be cleaned. The vibrations knock off anything that come in contact with it. Thus keeping the blade clean.”

“Third, some vibro-weapons, such as the vibro-sword now you have, can can parry and block strikes from a lightsaber blade.”

Padme raised her right eyebrow in interest. She requested, “This is interesting. Tell me more.”

Anakin smiled, as he said, “I would love too. The way a vibro-blade can handle parrying and blocking a lightsaber blade is that the vibrations of the blade prevents energy from transferring to any single point of the blade for more than a thousandth of a second.”

“Though, most vibro-blades will brake after a few contacts with a lightsaber blade. But, there are vibro-blades made of tougher, materials which can withstand great amounts of heat and energy. Such as blades made from the material known as cortosis. Cortosis allows a vibro-blade to block and hold against a lightsaber blade for several seconds, sometimes even minutes before the raw heat and energy of the lightsaber blade start to damage the cortosis-blade of the vibro-weapon.”

“The most common way in which cortosis is used on a vibro-blade is done in a process called a cortosis-weave. A cortosis-weave blade does have disadvantages. The way the cortosis sheath is attached over the blade of a vibro-weapon weakens the blade. But, a cortosis-weave does have a big advantage in using against a lightsaber. Sometimes when a lightsaber blade comes in contact with cortosis-weave material the lightsaber will short out.”

Padme stated, “This would make for a useful tool in a fight against a lightsaber.”

Anakin responded, “Yes. This is why high quality vibro-blades can be as expensive as lightsabers. Vibro-blades were considered a poor man's lightsaber. Though, given the safety features found in vibro-blade, such weapons are far more safer to use than a lightsaber. Also, with your electrical abilities, you might accidentally fry the circuits of lightsaber we gave you. At least with a vibro-weapon, even if the vibration mechanisms became damaged the weapon can still be useful.”

Padme said, “I can see what you mean.” She looked down at the sword. She looked up at Anakin. She questioned, “How do I use this weapon?”

Anakin stated, “Hold it from the hilt. The switch on the back turns on the vibration mechanisms. It is designed to be toggled with the thumb. Also, this vibro-blade has a few other safety features. You have to grip it from the hilt for the vibration mechanism to work. If you let go of the hilt, it turns off. And even if you grip it, you have to toggle the switch off then on to turn on the blade vibration mechanisms. Lightsabers have similar safety features.”

Padme complimented, “Those are very good safety features.”

Anakin replied, “I agree.”

Padme said, with sincerity in her tone of voice, “Well, thank you this vibro-sword. I will cherish this gift.”

Obiwan stated, “This weapon is not just to be cherished. But to used. And we wish for you to learn how to use this weapon. As much as it is fun to have you spar with that hammer, while you practiced against training lightsabers. You need a weapon you can use which is more elegant than that hammer. And given it takes years to train someone to safely use a lightsaber. Of which we do not have the time. This vibro-blade is the next best thing. I have already had the blade tested by scanners. The blade, hilt, and scabbard are still solid as ever. With the vibration mechanisms functioning as well as the day it was made.”

Padme responded, “I appreciate you checking the weapon before I use it. And I agree. I need a sword in case I have to fight in a more refined manner than the hammer can provide. Though, why does this weapon have a black blade? Or for that matter, why is it entirely black?”

Obiwan stated, “The weapon gets it black color from the cortosis alloy that it is made from. Nearly the entire weapon is made from the same super-strong cortosis alloy. The blade, hilt, guard, scabbard, buckle, are made from the cortosis alloy. Only the crystal that powers the vibration mechanisms. The internal wires. And the outer cloth. Are not made from the cortosis alloy material.”

“And unlike many high quality vibro-blades. This weapon does not use a cortosis-weave. The weapon you now have is a completely blade solid blade.”

Padme inquired, “How is this possible?”

Obiwan admitted, “By using Sith Alchemy.”

Padme pointed out, “I thought the Jedi hated the Sith.”

Obiwan responded, “There is some truth in your comment. But unfortunately, as the Jedi have battled the Sith over the eons, we have captured a number of Sith artifacts that are locked in our vaults. Though, there are some items, which have been tested and found to have no taint of the dark side of the force. Which we have no problems in allowing others to use. Such as weapon you now possess.”

Padme looked down at the weapon her lap. She commented, “I can tell this weapon has a story to it.” She turned to look at Obiwan.

Obiwan smiled, as he said, “Oh, it does. This blade has never been used, but its sibling weapons have been used to great effect. This weapon and its sibling weapons are around three and a half thousand years old.”

“Many legends surround this weapon and its siblings. Though, the legend of their origins goes to during a time period where there was a great war between the Jedi and the Sith. The Republic versus an Empire. And like all wars, both sides saw defections. Some Jedi fell to the darkness, while some Sith saw the light.”

“One such Sith, whom saw the light. Whom after proving himself was allowed to join the Jedi Order. While he was skilled in the force. He was a battlemaster. Which is also known as a sword master. Someone very skilled in using a lightsaber.”

“The Jedi use the title of Battlemaster for our most skilled lightsaber wielder. And the person whom oversees the instruction of lightsaber training for all members of the Jedi Order. Presently, that title belongs to Jedi Master Cin Drallig. Whom is also the Chief of Security for the Jedi Temple.”

Padme turned to Anakin, then back to Obiwan. She commented, “I thought Jedi Master Windu is the most skilled with lightsaber? And from what I saw of Jedi Master Yoda fighting Dooku. He is very skilled as well.”

Obiwan shrugged, as he admitted, “Well at that level of skill it is up for debate. Though, it is Jedi High Council that selects whom is the current Battlemaster of the Jedi Order. As such, those whom are members of the High Council do not take the title.”

Padme said, “I guess that makes sense.”

Obiwan stated, “Yes. It does. Anyway. Back to the story. This Sith turned Jedi was also a master craftsman of weapons. And while after the war, he let go of his anger and he renounced violence. He still preferred to craft melee weapons as a hobby. To help him focus and calm his mind.”

“And he was so skilled at doing so that the Jedi allowed him to continue his work. Some of the finest lightsabers in the Jedi vaults from that time period were made by him.”

“The craftsman also enjoyed creating vibro-weapons. He stated that he believed that a lightsaber was not the embodiment of a perfect melee weapon. He felt that a solid blade represented a solid outlook on life. And to truly extend oneself through the force, to their weapon, their weapon must be a tangible, solid object.”

“After many years of crafting weapons. The craftsman had a vision through the force. Of a warrior in primitive armor. With a mask of a demon and a large hat. Whom carried a weapon by the hilt, which had a curved bladed that was so sharp it could slice a full grown tree in half, in one swing, without damaging the blade.”

“The craftsman was fascinated by this blade. That such a sword. Such a work of art, as he called it, could be created by some a primitive people.”

“He had other visions related to the initial vision. These visions showed him how the blade was of this weapon was created. How to take a small metal ingot, heated it, pounded on it, refolded it, over and over, until the process created an impressively long, sharp, curved blade.”

“Though, it took him years to master this concept in forging a blade.”

“When he felt he had mastered the concept of this forging process he began forging the weapons based on the blade he saw in his vision. But, he would not make copies. He would use his skills, knowledge, and abilities, to create weapons that even the greatest of force users would covet.”

“He used his knowledge of metallurgy and Sith alchemy to combine cortosis and other metals into a super-strong, very durable alloy that would resist extreme temperatures, high levels of energy, and crushing pressures that such a weapon could face in battle. While the cortosis alloy remained very, very light in weight.'

“It is said that the creation of the blades of these weapons, including your own, required a plasma forge, strong metal working tools, and the force itself to work this metal.”

“This black cortosis alloy is considered next to indestructible. It requires a lightsaber blade pressed against this material for two solid minutes before the energy from the lightsaber begins to damage the alloy.”

“Only quantum armor is considered tougher. And maybe the hammer you wield.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He then looked back towards Padme. He continued, “As Anakin pointed out, a lightsaber blade making contact with cortosis-weave material can short out a lightsaber. This is because microscopically, cortosis-weave acts as millions of energy transfer filaments being brushed across the energy blade. The filaments are tough enough to survive a lightsaber blade's high energy that comes through the magnetic field long enough, within milliseconds, to make contact with the lightsaber's magnetic field that covers the ionized plasma part of the energy blade.”

“The cortosis filaments brush against magnetic field like brushing wires against a circuit board. Eventually, there will be a short-circuit. And in the case of the lightsaber, the energy blade collapses, with the lightsaber shutting down.”

“Unfortunately, the cortosis alloy your sword is made of is one solid piece of metal, and the blade will not cause a lightsaber to short-out and shutdown. But this is only one small drawback to the overall strengths of your new sword.”

“Fortunately, long before the craftsman died, he shared the secrets his secrets in creating these alloys, working these alloys, and crafting these weapons with the Jedi Order. These are guarded secrets that only a few know. I do not even know where these secrets are kept. Let alone what the secrets to this weapon's creation involve.”

“Though, moving on. The scabbard is made from made from same alloy as the sword, but in a slightly softer form. Though, in an emergency the scabbard can be used to defend against a lightsaber blade.”

“When the craftsman forged your weapon and its siblings, for each blade he used a small black ingot of this cortosis alloy.”

“And like using the force to properly align a lightsaber crystal in a lightsaber, as the craftsman worked the metal he used the force to sense out, find, and remove all imperfections during the process to create flat, curved blade itself.”

“This level of mental discipline and clarity in the force could only be achieved by someone that had truly embraced the ideals of the Jedi. One whom had let go of all their passions, and embraced almost pure logic.”

“The mechanisms in the hilt of the weapon, which create the vibrations of the blade, are a work of genius. The vibration mechanisms will not wear over time, and the weapon is powered by a small crystal that is similar to quartz, but gives off more power. It will never run out of power.”

“And while I did check to find the mechanisms are in perfect functioning order. I realize that the craftsman who made this weapon wanted it to be easy to repair. If the need arose to do so. The hilt itself can be separated at the bottom by a screw cap that screws out counterclockwise. Just unscrew the cap to pulled out the mechanisms to repair and replace parts for the weapon as needed. The parts inside being very easy to figure out how they go together. This weapon is easier to work on than a lightsaber. When repairs are done, just screw the cap back on until it is tight.”

“Also, the weapon and the internal mechanisms within the weapon can function both underwater and in the hostile environment of the vacuum of space without a problem. And from records of this weapon's siblings, this weapon will not be damaged from being used in those environments.”

“In addition, is said that even with the vibrations mechanisms turned off, that using the force to guide one's hand, the blade of one of these weapons is so sharp, the blade so straight along the outer edge of the curve, and so tough, that in one swing one can slice through solid granite stone without damaging the blade itself.”

“With the vibration mechanisms turned on, the blade could literally cut through almost anything a lightsaber could. And as quickly.”

“One such legend goes that the craftsman challenged the Jedi of his time to test their lightsabers against these weapons he created. The lightsabers that were tested against his weapons were found wanting. The blades of the weapons the craftsman made having no signs of damage after being used to spar against lightsabers.”

“The craftsman considered these vibro-swords had the ability to be the perfect extension of the force, between the wielder and the weapon. That these weapons were the perfect representation of the blending both the philosophies of the light and dark sides of the force. The toughness and power of a Sith, with the fluid and peaceful grace of the Jedi.”

“While some Jedi politely disagreed with him on this belief. No denied him of his accomplishment in creating such fine, durable weapons.”

“When the craftsman was asked what he would call the name of this new type of weapon. He replied the force already told him the name of the type of weapon. He called this type of weapon a katana. Or, as it is more appropriately called a vibro-katana.”

“It is known that the master craftsman at least successfully forged and created twelve of these vibro-katanas. While all had black blades, each weapon had different colored finishes on the scabbard, and different colored cloth on the hilt and strap.”

“Over the millennial, six of these weapons were given to various allies of the Jedi, whom proved worthy to possess such powerful weapons. Two of these weapons were lost. One was stolen. And you are now in possession of one of the last three which remained with the Jedi, for all these years.”

“The craftsman gave each of the twelve vibro-katana a name. And a meaning to each of these names. Some of the names were The White Inferno, The Gray Shepherd, The Eternal Sea, The Red River, The Blue Mountain. This weapon you now have has a name and the meaning of the name is still remembered. The weapon is called the Black Solace. To offer comfort in the form of a clean, swift death to those whom its blade is used against.”

Padme look down at the weapon, as she commented, “Black Solace. That is a fitting name for a weapon of death.” She looked back up at Obiwan and Anakin. She asked, “So, when shall I start learning how to use this weapon?”

Obiwan stated, “As soon as we collect your hammer and some training clothing for your stronger form.”

Padme replied, “Then, let's go.” Padme gripped the scabbard with her left hand, in the middle of the weapon, as she stood up from the table. She held her new weapon with hilt pointed slightly up, at an angle, in front of her, to prevent the blade from sliding out.

Obiwan and Anakin also stood up. Anakin collected the white cloth which now draped the table in front of him.

Then, the three adults then headed for the doors to the hallway to begin Padme's training for that morning.

Obiwan and Anakin soon found that Padme had no difficulties in learning to use her new sword.

Padme was always careful with the vibro-katana. She was in her normal form the first time she held the Black Solace and turned it on. She held the weapon by the hilt with her right hand. And she held it away from her, and anyone else, as she used her right thumb to toggle the switch on the top back part of the hilt, below the guard, on and off. Up and down.

She found that the vibrations the Black Solace made were very hard to notice. And she found the hum of the vibration mechanisms in the hilt and blade were barely noticeable. The hum was actually softer, and different than the hum of lightsaber blade made. She did not mind the hum, even in her stronger form, with her enhanced hearing.

And when is came Padme training with both the hammer and the Black Solace, Padme has come up with a few interesting ideas for training that both Anakin and Obiwan approved of.

Padme used her stronger form to also hide and protect the Black Solace. Given how valuable and rare the Black Solace was, she used the trick with her stronger form's armor to hide to. To where she used the hammer to change into her stronger form, and summon her armor. She then placed scabbard, with the sheathed weapon, and the black leather strap attached to scabbard onto her chest and back. The leather strap ran down from her left shoulder, to right above the right side of her hip. With the hilt of the Black Solace sticking out from behind Padme's left shoulder, at an upper, and outward, diagonal angle.

The buckle of the strap was located across her chest.

The ends of the strap of the leather has been adjusted to be slightly loose, to allow it to move when she used her right hand to unsheathe the weapon. The scabbard was not so loose as to fall off her body.

Padme had the slack go through the loop on the scabbard near the hilt, with the slack being hidden over the top of her left shoulder on her back between side of the scabbard facing Padme's back and the part of the strap went through both loops on the scabbard which rested against Padme's back.

When Padme returned to her normal form, and her armor changed back to the clothing she had on, the Black Solace and its scabbard disappeared with the armor. When Padme summoned her stronger form and her armor, the weapon and scabbard reappearing with her armor in the same location she had left the items.

When Padme needed to train with the Black Solace, even in her normal form, she did not have to change to clothing for her large form.

Padme used her hammer to summoned her larger from, and armor, with her clothing changing into the armor, with her vibro-katana in its scabbard. Padme removed the weapon, while in its scabbard, from her armor. She set the weapon aside. Then, she changed back to her normal form and clothing. After which, she then used the Black Solace. And when she was finished, and she no longer needed her weapon, she used the hammer to summon her stronger form, with her armor. She placed the scabbard, with its sheathed weapon back across her torso, like she had preferred to do so. Once she was ready she changed back to her normal form and clothing, with the Black Solace and scabbard disappearing with her armor.

(_)

Padme continued her training with Obiwan and Anakin. Though, Obiwan and Anakin did change the lessons around a little until they felt they could get the most out of Padme for during her morning training.

Every morning began for Padme when the alarm clock by her bed woke her up in her apartment bedroom. She got up and ate some breakfast which she fixed for herself. She then ready. With her wearing her training clothing. She left her apartment, and she took in a speeder vehicle to the Jedi Temple.

She reached the Jedi Temple either early, or on time.

Obiwan was impressed with Padme's continuous display of punctuality.

Padme brought her senatorial clothing in a brown cloth bag, which she took to her locker in the women's changing room of the gym in the Jedi Temple. She would retrieve her formal clothing after she had complete her morning training.

Then, the training began. First, Padme trained her normal form, in the gym. Which involved some calisthenics, and basic acrobatics. Then, it was the treadmill, and weight training with the gym equipment. Anakin and Obiwan keeping an ever vigil eye on her, with the two Jedi taking turns to spot for her on some of the weight training equipment.

As her training continued, Padme could tell she was becoming stronger and faster even in her normal form.

After Padme finished exercising in her normal form she changed into her stronger form's training clothing. Next, she used the hammer to change into her stronger form, which filled out the clothing she was wearing.

First, she went outside with her hammer to do bench pressing reps with the AT-TE Walker in the southern part of the Jedi Temple plaza.

After Padme was done doing reps with walker for the morning, Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme, with the hammer, took a speeder vehicle to a nearby above ground park. The park had been closed for the mornings for their use. In the park, Padme ran the three kilometer track loop. This was wear Padme let loose to train in her raw speed by running.

Padme ran full out, with her appearing as a blur to onlookers. And she did not tire as she did so.

Though, while Padme was blur as she ran in her stronger form, when she tripped and fell, it was usually a spectacular tumble. The tripping more often being caused by her shoes occasionally giving out before she finished her run for the day. But, Padme always quickly got up and continued running. She picked up another pair of shoes set out of her by where Obiwan and Anakin stood near the track. The hammer had been placed on the grass, on its side, by the track, near Obiwan and Anakin.

When Padme was done with running around the park loop for the day, they headed back
back to the Jedi Temple.

Once they had returned to the Jedi Temple, Obiwan and Anakin trained Padme in the matted part of the gym, in both more advanced acrobatics. The training used her enhanced agility to dodge the two dozen hovering remote balls at once, which were controlled by a remote in Anakin's right hand.

Though, the remotes hit more often than not. And while these hits did not hurt Padme, the hits did sometime distract her to where she either landed badly, or outright fell on the floor.

Fortunately, Padme stronger form's healing abilities allowed her to quickly recover and continue training.

After Padme's advanced agility training there came time for Padme training with the hammer electrical abilities, and working on Padme telekinetically lifting and moving the hammer around. This included basic flying lessons Padme practiced within in using the hammer to fly. These lessons were done outside on the flat plateau of the Jedi Temple.

Then there was Padme's elemental training. This was also done on the flat plateau of the Jedi Temple. Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin all wore parkas for this part of Padme's training.

When elemental training was over, there was training with hand to hand, weapons, and sparring. This was done in a private trainined room.

While Padme learned quickly, she had a lot of ground to cover in her training, if she had any hope of holding her own even against a Jedi Knight without resorting to brute force of her more destructive abilities.

Padme wanted to have the skills to take down such powerful foes without having to destroy the surrounding landscape.

When Padme was in her normal form she was taught proper grips, throwing techniques, and hand to hand katas. Even without Anakin using the force, Padme was no match for Anakin. As Anakin usually had Padme on the matted floor within a few minutes them started hand to hand sparring match.

While Padme and Anakin were secretly in love with each other, they both knew, with Obiwan present, and with their teacher sensing them through the force, that neither could go easy on the other.

When it came to learning weapon techniques and katas, Padme was able to easily retain the information.

Given this was practice. Obiwan wanted Padme to use mainly the blunt flat head of the hammer, and to only practice with the Black Solace with the vibration mechanisms turned off.

Lessons on using the Black Solace while the vibration mechanisms were on and using the axe side of her weapon would come later in her training. After she had a firm foundations of understanding how to use her weapons.

But, when training with either the hammer, or the Black Solace, in her normal form, while facing Anakin, whom was using a training lightsaber with a green blade. Within a few minutes of them starting their sparring match Anakin was able to use his skills to knock Padme's weapon from her hands without really harming her.

In Padme's stronger form, with one of her weapons, when she sparred Anakin, Anakin used the force to enhance his lightsaber skills and physical abilities. And while Padme enhanced ablities proved to be a harder challenge for Anakin, eventually Anakin was able to use his experience and skills to best Padme. Anakin usually best Padme in her stronger form by stopped just went his blow would have been a killing blow. Such as holding the blade of his training lightsaber to Padme's throat. At which point Padme admitted defeat.

The next part of Padme's lessons usually had Obiwan taking a more active role. Obiwan used his force abilities, while Padme used her enhanced abilities and the hammer, to try to overcome Obiwan's force attacks.

While Padme had learned to use the hammer to keep from being thrown about, she had a long way to go. And Padme lost within the first five minutes of this type of sparring match.

But, through all this, Obiwan and Anakin offered pointers and Padme gracefully accepted her defeats. And all three of them could tell that Padme was slowly getting better. Where once it took less than a minute to defeat Padme in a sparring match. The time in sparring had increased to a few minutes for each match until Padme was defeated.

While in her stronger form, Obiwan had Padme train a few other ways. Such as using two different weapons at once against Anakin. Then, Padme using one weapon against both Anakin and Obiwan. After which, Padme used two weapons while facing both Anakin and Obiwan.

Padme alternated both the weapons and which hand used with weapon while sparring. Sometimes she used one hand with a weapon. Sometimes she used just one hand.

Along with Anakin using a training lightsaber. During these sparring sessions Obiwan also used training lightsabers. Though, Obiwan's training lightsaber had a red blade.

After the sparring was over, there was some minor training with combat knives, staffs, blaster pistols, and blaster rifles, in both of Padme's forms. This combat knife training was done in the sparring room. While the training with the blaster firearms were done in the firearm range inside the Jedi Temple.

While the Jedi preferred to use a lightsaber and the force. The Jedi made it a policy to know how to use other weapons, which was why the Jedi had a firearm range inside the Jedi Temple.

Once Padme's weapon training was completed for the day, Obiwan and Anakin had Padme focus on some book learning on tactics in battle, and how to survive in a number of environments that were found on various worlds. There was also some lessons dealing with diplomatic and protocol issues both from civilian and military standpoints.

After the academic lessons were finished for the day there was meditation, instructions and exercises concerning mental defense.

When Padme was done with meditation training, she had lunch with Obiwan and Anakin at the Jedi mess hall.

After lunch, Padme when to the gym section of the building. She changed back to her normal form and left the hammer against a wall in the gym. She then headed for the women's showers. She got cleaned up. When to her locker and put on her clothing for her senatorial duties, retrieved a set of training clothing for her normal form for the next morning. She placed the fresh training clothing her brown cloth bag.

While holding her bag by the handled in her right hand, Padme headed to her speeder vehicle parked in the visitors parking lot on the western side of the Jedi Temple. Once she reached her speeder vehicle, she piloted her vehicle to the Senate Building, where she would spend the afternoon resuming her role as a Senator of the Galactic Republic.

During this time, Padme and Bail quietly met with their little group to talk about spearheading an opposition movement to the coming war. This would not be easy given the war slowly heating up. As various world and sector governments decided which side they would be on.

Meanwhile, Padme and Bail kept an eye on the events going on with a neutrality faction that was being lead by the mandalorian pacifist Duchess Satine Kryze. There group was becoming known as the Neutrality Alliance.

Padme and Bail stood by their decision not to become involved with the Neutrality Alliance. Though, they did want to keep up with what was going on with that political movement because they understood that both sides of the war would eventually attempt to use the members worlds of that movement to shift the balance of power in their favor. And during these attempts entire planets were likely to be destroyed by both the Republic and the Separatists to keep the other side from gaining an advantage in the war.

Or, even worse the Neutrality Alliance would be pushed into become militant, with them becoming a third military faction vying for power over control of the galaxy.

Neither the Galactic Republic, nor the Separatists wanted that to happen because such an event would create a very unpredictable situation.

This was presently why both the Republic and the Separatists were all taking a hands off approach to the Neutrality Alliance.

Presently, everyone believed that it was better to talk to a side that did not want to fight, instead of pushing the peaceful side into conflict, which no one sure which direction the neutral side was going to aim their weapons.

To keep up appearances, Padme also attended a few Senate sessions, in the Senate Rotunda, in person. She mostly sat silently in a chair, in her hovering repulsorpod, by one of the curved walls, as she watched and listened to the legislative debates by the other senators.

Padme did vote on a few bills she had thoroughly read the documents and background information beforehand. After which, Padme used her informative discision to vote for or against a bill, depending on what the bill was about, whom was being the creation of the bill, and whom would benefit from the bill. Padme was especially careful to read any riders tact onto a bill before voting for said bill.

Sometimes, Padme's senatorial work required her to stay in the Senate Building for most of the evening. But, she was careful not to work too long, to have something to eat, and to get to her apartment on time to get some rest, because she knew she would need that rest for when she woke up the next morning to train and learn from her Jedi friends.

(_)

Over the course of the next few weeks Padme's training was uneventful. Her training went smoothly for her. Then, one morning, on the southern of the Jedi Temple plaza, while Padme was outside, in her stronger form, she got an idea.

It was a cool, sunny morning outside on the southern plaza of the Jedi Temple. Presently, Obiwan and Anakin stood a few meters in front of an the empty AT-TE Republic Walker.

Padme was in her stronger form, and she was wearing in training clothing. She had placed the hammer on its side by Obiwan and Anakin.

Then, Padme had crawled on her back, between the gap that was forty centimeters high, to the center of the belly of the six legged walker.

Presently, Padme doing bench pressing reps with the Republic Walker with ease.

Though, Padme was beginning to find the repetition to be boring. And she had come up with an idea to break the monotony.

All Padme had to do was lift the walker to the point she could sit up and apply leverage to the floor of the plaza with her feet, which she knew would not be a problem for her to do.

(_)

Nearby, in front of the Republic Walker, Obiwan and Anakin watched as Padme lift the walker over and over, with the walker returned to the same position on the plaza after each rep.

Then, the walker stayed in the air a little longer than normal.

Several seconds later, the walker shook a bit as the vehicle began to get higher.

Both men realized what was going on.

Obiwan asked, “Is she doing what I think she is doing?”

Anakin stated, “I believe so. Should we step in?”

Obiwan said, “No. I want to see if she can do this.”

Over the course of a minute, they watch Padme lift walker almost a full two meters into the air.

As they saw Padme fully outstretching her arms upwards as she held the walker over her head, by the walker's belly.

Padme looked at Obiwan and Anakin, as she smiled. She happily said, “Look at what thy can do.”

Anakin commented, “Impressive.”

Obiwan noticed she was struggling a little bit with the walker in her hands. He asked, “You look a little unsteady. Do you need help setting the walker back down?”

Padme said, “No. This is more of a balance issue, than weight issue.”

Suddenly, Padme heard creaking sounds under her feet. She looked down, and she saw cracks forming in the stone floor below. She said, “Uh-oh.”

Then, the stone floor under Padme gave way. As Padme fell through the hole, the walker dropped back on its six feet, with the belly forty centimeters above the ground. The drop did not damage the vehicle.

Anakin and Obiwan rushed to stand by the right side of the walker's head. They leaned down to see between the feet, at the hole over the belly.

Anakin loudly inquired, “Padme!? Are you okay?!”

Inside the hole, on the level below the plaza, Padme was standing, unharmed, about a meter and a quarter from the ceiling, with stone, metal, and other material broken on the floor around her. She looked up at the hole she had created with her foolishness. She answered, “Yes.”

Obiwan commented, “There is a reason those walkers have multiple feet to disperse their weight load. If you did that in the field, on soil, sand, or clay, you might find yourself swiftly sinking into the ground.”

From within the hole, Padme flatly stated, “Thy lesson learned.”

Obiwan replied, “Good.”

Padme asked, in a slightly embarrassed tone of voice, “Thought, will thou have to pay for damages?”

Obiwan stated, “No. But, this will be a good excuse to check the support structures which hold up the plaza.”

Obiwan thought, 'Ironically, the plaza and the tunnels under the plaza, are likely some of the oldest parts of the Jedi Temple complex. Over the passed five thousand years, the Jedi Temple has been attacked and wrecked a number of times. But, no one has actually tried to intentionally destroy the surrounding plaza. And we need to check beneath the plaza to make sure there is no structural weakening within the support structure of the plaza area.'

Anakin said, “I agree. I will get the walker moved in a few minutes. And I will contact maintenance teams to check the area.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He replied, in a supportive tone of voice, “That is a good idea. At least some good will come from this.” He turned towards the hole, as he asked, “Padme? Do you need help getting out of the hole?”

Padme said, “No. Give thy a moment to get out of this hole.” Then, Padme jump up enough to reach the top of the edge of the hole with her hands.

While Padme could jumped even higher, she did not want to bang her on the metal belly of the walker.

As Padme hung in the air, while holding onto the ledge with her fingers, she used the super-strength in her hands and fingers allowed her to pull herself up, as she climbed out of the hole, and crawled on her stomach, between the gap between the walker and the ground. She soon reached to where Obiwan and Anakin were standing.

A few seconds later, Padme exited out from under the walker. She stood up. She looked over at the two men, as her two teachers looked back at her.

Obiwan commented, “One of the lessons the Jedi have for their students is that we prefer to discourage our members from showing off their abilities. Doing so tends to have the wrong, unexpected results. I believe you should apply the same lesson to yourself and your abilities.”

Padme said, “Thy can appreciate that. And thy will.”

Obiwan looked over at Anakin. He then turned back to look at Padme. He stated, “Good. As Anakin takes care of this, let us go head to my speeder, and continue your training at the park.”

Padme replied, “That would be fine.”

Padme reached out with her open right hand, towards the hammer, which was behind Obiwan and Anakin The hammer flew towards her, though around the left side of the two men. The shaft of the hammer landing her right hand, with the head facing upwards, towards her front. Padme closed her right hand around the shaft of the hammer.

Padme and Obiwan started walking towards a small side entrance to the Jedi Temple, and to a small parking lot within a hangar of the Jedi Temple. The parking lot had a speeder that Obiwan preferred to use to take them to the nearby park, to train Padme in her stronger form's speed.

Meanwhile, Anakin headed for the southern entrance to the Jedi temple. So, he could go inside and inform the members of the Jedi order response for maintenance of the temple of the minor collapse of the plaza floor.

(_)

By the time Obiwan and Padme had returned to the Jedi Temple from the park, Anakin had finished talking to the members of the Jedi Order than deal with repairs. During this time, Anakin had piloted the walker away from the hole, so the repair teams could fix the hole in the plaza. After which, Anakin had rejoined Obiwan in training Padme.

Padme, Obiwan, and Anakin headed to the matted part of the main Jedi Temple gym for Padme's agility training.

Presently, Obiwan and Anakin stood by the matted area, as they watch Padme's training in her agility, in her stronger form, in matted area, as she continued to dodge two dozen hovering remotes. With the hovering remotes programmed to trying to constantly hit her.

While in her stronger form, Padme displayed some of the acrobatic techniques Obiwan and Anakin had taught her, as she dodged the two dozen hovering remotes. To avoid the hovering balls, Padme did spins, flips, cartwheel. She spent more time in the air, then on the ground.

Anakin' held the remote to the hovering balls in his right hand.

Meanwhile, Obiwan stood to Anakin's left side, as he silently watched Padme go through her training exercise. At this point in the training session, Obiwan was looking for any mistakes in Padme's acrobatic techniques. And so far during this training session, he saw that Padme had been flawlessly performing her acrobatic techniques.

The hammer was set on its side, on the floor by where Anakin and Obiwan were standing.

Anakin watched Padme jump around. He said, “Padme really is showing off some of the moves we taught her.”

Given Padme was doing such a good job, Obiwan's mind was elsewhere. Though, Obiwan heard his apprentice's comment, Obiwan was presently thinking about another part of Padme's training. And he was not sure how to go about instructing her on the part of her training he was thinking about.

Obiwan watched Padme, as he commented, “I agree. Though, I have been thinking about something else.”

Anakin continued to watch Padme, as he inquired, “And that would be?”

Obiwan said, “I have come to realize there is one hole in our training methods. Though, I am not sure we can fix this hole.”

Anakin inquired, “What part of her training are you talking about?”

Obiwan stated, “She has shown that when she can use that hammer to fly by holding onto it. Though, we have not done much focusing on that part of her training. She flies a little around the temple plateau, but that is all we have done in this area of her training.”

Anakin said, “That is kind of a straightforward ability. And we have other areas to focus on.”

Obiwan responded, “Yes and no. But, we may have made a mistake on that. We think she is just hanging on. That is not the case. Her mind is piloting it. We need to think about that for her this is piloting a starfighter.”

Anakin said, “Now that I think about, you may have a point.”

Obiwan went on to say, “And her grip is almost unbreakable. But, I have no idea how we can train her how to use this ability. It is like piloting a starfighter, but when she uses this ablitity she is not a in starfighter. And we have not asked her to push herself in flying.”

Anakin commented, “Well, we know that Padme will not let go of the hammer. And we do know that her hammer is invulnerable. Even a lightsaber blade cannot scratch it.”

Obiwan wondered, “True. It kind of makes me wonder who made it? How it was made? What else whomever those that made that hammer also created?”

Anakin replied, “I try not to think about that.”

Obiwan calmly reminded, “There is no place for fear for a Jedi.”

Anakin explained, “It is not that. But, if we had to face even a small group of people with abilities like the hammer has given Padme. I do not think the Jedi Order. Even with all us working together. Could stop them.”

Obiwan conceded, “That is a good point.”

Anakin said, “Thank you. I was thinking. You might have answered your own question. She is tough in her stronger form. And her grip is almost unbreakable. She is not going to immediately hurt herself, if she is careful. So, we fly with her, in our starfighters. Though, we stay in atmosphere and right below the sound barrier.”

Obiwan guessed, “You do not want the sonic backwash to effect the training?”

Anakin replied, “Exactly.”

Obiwan stated, “I will fly behind your two, to spot for problems.”

Anakin responded, “Good idea. Though, I am sure she could go faster. Likely three or four times the speed of sound before gravitation forces begin to effect her. Unfortunately, friction would then come into play for her. I am not going to test anything faster than right below the speed of sound. Though, without friction and gravity, she could easily go faster. If she can survive in a space... And no. We are not going to test to see if she can survive in space. We will not even test to see if she can survive in a simple vacuum at room temperature.”

Obiwan firmly stated, “Of course not. Though given how fast we have seen her hammer travel. She can likely go as fast as her mind wills the hammer travel. And I agree. In all likelihood, she could go much faster. She might not have any limitations to her speed.”

Anakin commented, “Except for relativity.”

Obiwan said, “True. When do you plan to tell her?”

Anakin casually answered, “Right now.” He then used the remote in his right hand to turn off the hovering remote balls.

As all two dozen balls suddenly dropped to the mats, Padme came to a stop by landing on her feet. She turned to Anakin and Obiwan, as the two men looked back at her.

Padme asked, “Has it time to move on, already?”

Anakin stated, “We decided to cut this session earlier.”

Obiwan said, “We have an idea for you, concerning your training, that we would like to suggest. Though, I am surprised you did not overheard us.”

Padme admitted, “Thy's mind was more on one's work than those around thee.”

Obiwan responded, “Fair enough. Just try not to make that mistake in the field.”

Padme inquired, “Thy won't. Now, what is thee's suggestion?”

Obiwan said, “We finally came up with a way to properly train you in your flying abilities.”

Padme commented, “Thy already knows how to pilot a starship and a starfighter.”

Obiwan responded, “And we plan to help you brush up on this skills. But, that is not want we are talking about.”

Padme immediately realized realized what Obiwan meant. She looked at the hammer on the floor near them. Then, she looked back toward her two friends. She smiled, as she stated, with a bit of glee in her tone of voice, “Oh... With the hammer. Thy would very much like to hear your suggestions. Thy likes the practice on the temple plateau, but thy feels thou can do more.”

Anakin stated, “We want you to use that comlink earpiece was gave you to talk to us. Then, you follow me as we do maneuvers right under the sound barrier.”

Padme pointed out, “Thy has no way to gauge thy's speed in flight.”

Anakin replied, “Just follow me and you will be fine.”

Obiwan commented, “I will be behind both of you to keep an eye out. If I see any possible problems, I will immediately inform you.”

Padme responded, “Okay. Though, Coruscant airspace is very busy. All the time. And thy does not wish to test one's endurance in space.”

Anakin stated, “We agree. We do not want to push your luck, either. There is an area of airspace not far from the Temple District which is sectioned off for use by the Jedi Order to train our pilots.”

Padme commented, “Okay. Thy believes we would eventually do this in thy's training. Though, thy was wondering when?”

Padme held back a giggle at seeing slightly surprised looks on her two friends' faces.

Obiwan asked, “You where expecting us to eventually make this suggestion?”

Padme pointed out, “It would be the only way to train thee in thy's flying abilities.”

Obiwan inquired, “Then when did you not suggest anything?”

Padme commented, “It is a poor student to suggest instruction methods to one's teachers.”

Obiwan responded, “Okay... Well next time please make the suggestion. We are all kind of flying by the seat of our pants in figuring out how to properly train you. Any ideas you have are more than welcome.”

Padme said, “Thy will. Now, when shall we begin this flight training?”

Anakin stated, “How about in half an hour? Obiwan and I need to check over our starfighters, and make sure we have clearance for the air space. Also, it will take a few minutes to get to the area.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He agreed, “True.” He turned Padme. He continued, “Also, I want you in your armor. I do not want to know any chances we do not have too. And we have plenty of time. It is around two hours before the afternoon. So there is still some time to train before you desire to leave for the Senate.”

Padme responded, “Okay. While though is busy with preparation, thee will retrieve thy's comlink from thy's locker.”

Anakin said, “We we are ready, I will come back here and take you to hangar we will be departing from.”

Padme replied, “That will be fine.”

Anakin and Obiwan headed out of the gym.

Padme picked up the hammer. She then changed back into her normal form. After which, she changed into her stronger form, with her clothing changing to her armor and helmet. The Black Solace was sheathed in its scabbard, with the scabbard strapped to her back.

Padme thought, 'I think I will put my sword in my locker until I get back. I do not want to accidentally lose it due to training.

Padme headed to the women's changing room. There she would retrieve her comlink earpiece. She pulled off the Black Solace and placed it in her locker. After which, she took off her helmet and placed the comlink earpiece over her right her. She then turned it on. Next, she put back on her helmet.

When Padme was finished, she closed her locker and headed back to the gym.

Once Padme was inside the gym, she patiently waiting for Anakin to return to escort her to where they would leave the Jedi Temple to begin her flight training with her hammer.

Twenty-five minutes later, Anakin returned and lead Padme to hangar twelve, where Anakin and Obiwan's Jedi starfighters were located. Once in hangar twelve, Anakin had made sure Padme's comlink was set to the proper encrypted channel.

When everything was ready, Anakin and Obiwan entered the cockpits of their starfighters and the hangar doors were open. Anakin took off into the sky, followed by Padme with her hammer.

Obiwan followed behind Anakin and Padme.

(_)

A few minutes later, in the sky over the Temple District, Padme was flying with her hammer, just below the speed of sound. She found she had not problems doing so. But, as a safety measure she gripped her hammer, with both hands, with the length of the shaft facing her, and the head of the hammer being to her right side. As she flew, she held the hammer above her head, with the land below her, parallel to her body.

Padme found that even with her eyes being exposed at this speed, by the air hitting her, that her eyes were so durable that she had not problems seeing in front of herself.

Presently, she was following behind Anakin, in his Jedi starfighter, as they headed to their air space.

Obiwan was also flying Jedi starfighter. He flew behind the Anakin and Padme. He kept a watchful eye on his two students.

Given Anakin wanted a little privacy, he did not have R2 in the front of his starfighter. And Obiwan did not have a droid in the front of his starfighter either. Since they were not going to jump to hyperspace, neither of them needed an astromech droid to accompany them.

Padme has her communications earpiece, in her right ear. She heard Anakin state, “Okay Padme. We just entered the right airspace. We are going to do some maneuvers. Today we are just going to do this in the air. We will train in close quarters flying another day. For now follow me.”

Padme stated, “Thy understands. And thy shall comply.” Her comlink earpiece picked up her words and Anakin and Obiwan heard what she said on their cockpit radios.

Meanwhile, behind Padme and Anakin, Obiwan kept his distance, as he watched the training begin, with Padme following Anakin into do something simple flight maneuvers.

As Obiwan watcedh, he could clearly see the training slowly become just the two friends having fun. They flew around each other, while doing spins, turns, and even loops, in the air.

Obiwan was not worried. Anakin was the best pilot he knew of in the galaxy. And Padme, in her stronger form was very tough. And the hammer was next to indestructible. The few times their training had accidentally hurt Padme, she healed very quickly in her stronger form.

While Obiwan watched, he kept out of the way, while looking for any signs of trouble.

Meanwhile, as Obiwan viewed the wonderful spectacle, he could not be help but he reminded that the sight in front of him was similar to two birds courting each other in a mating ritual.

Obiwan allowed this to go on between Anakin and Padme until they felt like they were done. When the two of them decided to stop, all three of them headed back for the Jedi Temple.

And for Padme. She did not mind allowing her training to stretched into the afternoon, because all she was late for was meeting of the Senate, in the Senate Rotunda, over a bill that was so trivial that she did not even feel like mentioning what it was about to her friends.

Instead, Padme enjoyed spending hours with her friends, by cutting loose and having fun in a way she dared not even dream of before she had received the hammer.

(_)

Along with Obiwan and Anakin helping train Padme in using her hammer to fly with. Which they found she learned very quickly. They also helped her brush up on her starfighter piloting skills. As such, Obiwan was able to convince the Jedi Council to allow Padme to learn how to fly a Jedi starfighter.

As a safety measure, when Padme was piloting a Jedi starfighter, she was in her stronger form, which her hammer placed behind her seat.

To no one's surprised, they found that Padme, in her stronger form, could handle far greater centrifugal force than even of the toughest of Jedi pilots without even coming close to passing out.

Given Padme toughness and powers in her stronger form, with her hammer in the cockpit, behind her seat, Obiwan and Anakin were not worried if a problem arose. With Padme's speed and swift reflexes, she could do an emergency escape, and fly to the ground with her hammer, even if the starfighter's ejector system did not work.

Though, even with all these advantages, Padme was still nowhere near skilled enough, nor experienced enough to come close to defeating Obiwan, let along Anakin, in a mock starfighter dogfight. With the mock dogfight using ship targeting systems to confirm a defeat.

So, while Padme has proven to be skilled enough to fly a starfighter without a problem, Anakin and Obiwan were not going to send her into starfighter battle.

(_)

A few days after the Padme's first outdoor flying lesson with her hammer, it was the middle of the morning in the Jedi Temple. Inside the private training room that Obiwan and Anakin used to train Padme, the lights were on in the room, as Padme and Anakin were having a sparring match.

Presently, in the center of the room, Padme was in her normal form with the Black Solace vibro-katana in her hands. Though, the vibration mechanisms were turned off. Anakin was using a training lightsaber, which had a green blade, while trying not to use the force as they sparred. Both of them made a good attempt at only practicing with their raw swordsmanship skills.

Padme and Anakin were standing in the middle of a square grid made up of square, blue, cushioned mats. The mats were two and a half centimeters thick. The grid was eight meters long and eight meters wide.

Both Padme and Anakin were wearing brown training clothing. Padme was in training clothing and shoes for her normal form.

Both of them had worked up a sweat from sparring with each other.

Padme had reached a point where she was able to hold her own, in her normal form against Anakin, when Anakin was not using the force.

Around four meters away from Padme and Anakin, beyond the edge of the mats, Obiwan stood by the hammer. The weapon was set on its head.

Obiwan was silently watching the match, as he thought, with mild delight, 'Padme's swordsmanship skills are coming along nicely. I can tell that Anakin is barely holding back with his lightsaber skills. In a few weeks, she might be able to hold her own in a sword fight, with Anakin only holding back his force abilities and not holding back with his lightsaber abilities. Though, she still needs to work on the lightsaber forms we have been teaching her. And from what I have seen, her other katas do need work.'

'But, her raw skills are coming along fine. To the point, in her stronger form, with her enhanced physical abilities, with the hammer or the Black Solace against a lightsaber and force abilities, she could defeat a Jedi Knight in battle.'

Just then, through the force, Obiwan sensed two people enter the training room from the hallway entrance. He turned towards the two newcomers.

Anakin also sensed the two individuals. He took a step back from Padme, as he lowered his training lightsaber. He turned to look at those that had joined them.

Padme realized that the match was over. She looked around to see why. She quickly saw that it was because of the two visitors whom had entered the room.

The visitors were Mace Windu and Yoda. With Yoda sitting in his floating hover chair. Both were by the doors that had just slid closed behind them. Mace stood while Yoda had his hover chair float a meter in the air to Mace's left side.

Obiwan turned to Anakin and Padme. He noticed is two students had stopped sparring. He ordered, “Please continued sparring. I will be right back.”

Padme and Anakin looked at Obiwan. Then, they turned back to each other.

Anakin held up his training lightsaber in a offensive stance. He asked, “Ready?”

Padme held up the Black Solace in a defensive stance. She answered, “Ready.”

A few seconds, they began sparring.

Meanwhile, Obiwan turned and walked over to Mace and Yoda.

As Obiwan approached Mace and Yoda, he saw Yoda looking at him.

Meanwhile, Mace look out at the two combatants in the distance. Mace said, “I had my doubts about allowing her to have such a weapon as the Black Solace.” Mace turned to look at Obiwan, as he continued, “But, seeing the results of her training, I am glad we gave her such a gift.”

Obiwan came to a stop, in front of Mace and Yoda. He stated, “I agree. While she already has that double-side hammer. Which allows her to smash something, or hack away at something. And while that axe blade is sharp. It is not a refined instrument. At least with the Black Solace, she has the option to make more delicate cuts, while having a more graceful fighting style.”

Mace asked, “Point taken. And how long until she is finished with her basic training?”

Obiwan answered, “Barring any unforeseen difficulties. We should be done within our original timetable. A few weeks. A month at most.”

Yoda inquired, “How is young Amidala's state of mind during her training?”

Obiwan commented, “I have been making reports of her progress every day.”

Yoda said, “Difference between words from a data entry, and words from a teacher's mouth.”

Obiwan stated, “Well, Padme is a good student. I wish Anakin was as attentive as Padme is. She wants to learn. And she shows efforts in her progress. If she had been born sensitive in the force, I feel she would have made a great Jedi.”

Yoda commented, “While not a Jedi, she does now have much power.”

Obiwan responded, “True. And she been willingly to try to learn how to use discipline and skill with her new powers. She does not want to so much become more powerful, but to learn how to use the power she has to her fullest, without accidentally harming someone. Nor, damaging property.”

Yoda said, “A wise course of action to take.”

Mace commented, “I hope Anakin is not jealous of the attention you are giving Padme.”

Obiwan stated, “Quite the opposite. My apprentice actually enjoys helping me teach Padme. He does have a real skill for teaching. I look forward to when he reaches the rank of Jedi Master, and takes an apprentice of his own.”

Yoda said, “We had hoped you will feel that way. Such a role for young Skywalker may be sooner rather than later.”

Obiwan realized that Yoda was hinting at something. Obiwan asked, with concern, “What do you mean?”

Mace stated, “There has been some discussion, within the council, with this coming war that we are going to lose teachers. We have already lost a few on Geonosis. And we are looking into expanding our pool of teachers, so we do not see any padawan learners whom would make fine Jedi end up heading to the agrocorps.”

Obiwan realized what the two Jedi council members were inferring. He stated, “Anakin is only a padawan learner.”

Mace pointed out, “Only because you have held him back from taking the trials.”

Yoda said, “Likely ready he is.”

Mace explained, “The council would like to keep this quiet. But, we realize this could become a major issue if the war drags on. As such, we have been quietly talking to various Jedi Masters, along the few Jedi Knight teachers, concerning students we feel are ready for the trials. So the students can pass the trials and become Jedi Knights. Thus allowing us to assign them padawan learners of their own.”

Obiwan thought about what Anakin has said to him, about the death of Shmi Skywalker, and what Anakin did to the sand people responsible for his mother's death. He calmly said, “I can understand your views on this matter. But, I feel differently than the council on this matter. And as his teacher, it is my decision to decide when he is ready for the trials.”

Yoda said, “This is true. But, time has a way of passing us by if we do not act when the moment is right.”

Mace replied, “We will respect your wishes.” He then looked Padme and Anakin sparring. With Padme giving a respectable showing of her skills. He turned back to Obiwan. He said, “And concerning you other student. Given what you have said. It is unfortunate that one of the requirements to be a member of the Order is to use the force. Still we can honor her as an ally, and make it clear she is always welcome to turn to the Order for help.”

Obiwan stated, “That would likely be fine.”

Yoda commented on a topic that all three of them had thoughts about, but none of brought up. He inquired, “The question remains. What will happen once the Senator has finishes her training?”

Mace said, “Yes. The Chancellor may decide to try to make Senator Amidala his personal enforcer.”

Obiwan commented, “I highly doubt she would agree to that. And with her training I do not think the Chancellor would try to force her into such a position.”

Mace asked, “Then, where do you see her role in the coming war?”

Obiwan stated, “I was hoping to continue to work with her. She and Anakin seem to work well as a team.”

Mace pointed out, “They seem a little too close.”

Obiwan conceded, “Yes. But, I am keeping a watchful eye on them.”

Mace requested, “Please continue to do so.”

Obiwan responded, “I will. Still, if she is with us I can continue training her. I will be honest. I feel we have only scratched the surface of her true potential.”

Yoda replied, “I would agree.”

Mace requested, “Please keep us in the loop. We will discuss your suggestions on her further training under you, and placement in the war, with the rest of the Council.” He turned to Yoda. Then, he looked back toward Obiwan. He said, “Though, I believe we will seriously consider your requests.”

Obiwan gratefully replied, “Thank you.”

Obiwan then watched as Mace and Yoda turned around and headed to the doors to the training room.

When the two Jedi masters reached the doors, the doors automatically slid open.

Obiwan thought, 'I guess one of them used the force to open the door.'

After Mace and Yoda made their way into the hallway outside, the doors slid closed behind them.

Obiwan mentally reflected, 'Now to continued teaching my students.'

Obiwan turned around and walked back to his two students.

As Obiwan approached Padme and Anakin, both his students noticed him. They stopped sparring and they turned to look at him.

Obiwan came to a stop by the hammer, around four meters from Padme and Anakin.

Anakin asked, “What was that all about?”

Obiwan answered, “They just want to see how Padme here is progressing?

Padme inquired, “What were their thoughts on my progress?”

Obiwan smiled at Padme. He stated, “You are doing fine.” He thought, 'I will leave out what they said about Anakin. I do not need to trouble either of them any further. Besides, we have a busy morning ahead of us.'

Obiwan looked at both students, as he said, “Now Padme, I want you to change to your stronger form and continue sparring with Anakin while using the Black Solace. Though Anakin, I want to start using the force in both your lightsaber skills, and occasionally mix it up with a few force pushes.”

“Padme, you need more practice on how to handle quickly recovering from being thrown. I want to see you use the acrobatic moves we have been teaching you in both your landing and recovery charge. Also, be careful. I do not want you to accidentally harm yourself with the Black Solace. And use your gusts of wind. Especially when Anakin is using the force against you.”

“I want to see you try to push him away, pull him forward, to the sides, and even up and down. I will keep an eye out to prevent things getting out of hand.”

Padme said, “I will.”

While Padme held her sword with her right hand, away from her, to her right side, while she turned and walked away from the two men, over to a small auxiliary room, which she used to change her clothing for her normal form and stronger form. She had a set of clothing and shoes for her larger form in the auxiliary room.

When she reached the door, she used her left hand to press a panel by the door to open the door.

The door slid open. She pointed her sword downwardly in front of herself as she entered the room.

A few seconds later, the door slid closing behind her.

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He inquired, “Is that okay with you?”

Anakin turned to Obiwan. He stated, “I should be fine. I will be mindful, so I do not accidentally fall wrong.”

Obiwan said, “If I think things are about to go badly, I will use the force to stop the fight, and if need be catch both of you.”

Anakin replied, “That will be fine.”

Both men then turned to look at the door to the room that Padme had just entered.

A minute later, the door slid open and Padme walked out of the auxiliary room and into the training room. She wore some brown training clothing, including shirt, pants, and shoes. Though, this clothing and shoes were for her stronger form.

Padme used her right hand to hold her sword away from her, to her right side, as she was careful not to trip on her bigger shoes, which were currently loose on her feet.

When Padme reached the hammer, she used her left hand to grip the bottom end of the hammer, which was pointed up, and at her waist levels.

Then, Padme felt the energy form the hammer fill her, as she changed into her stronger form. With her body expanding a little bit to fill out her clothing.

As Padme walked over towards Anakin, Obiwan watched Padme. Obiwan stated, “Okay Padme. I want you to take an aggressive, offensive stance. Like the one we taught you a few days ago.”

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He said, “And Anakin, use a defensive stance.”

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he went onto say, “Padme. Anakin. The point of this exercise to get passed Anakin's defenses, and knock his lightsaber away from him, without harming him.”

“As a reminder, Padme. I know your physical abilities are fast enough to compensate for a someone using for the force to sense danger and let the force guide their body in battle. Even so, you can still be taken by surprise.”

By then, reached Padme has spot across from Anakin, on the mats. With her being three meters away from Anakin. She looked at Anakin, as Anakin looked at her. She turned to Obiwan, then back to Anakin. She stated, “No worries. Thy will be careful.”

Then, Padme took an aggressive stance that she was taught a few days ago. She faced Anakin with the left side of her body, as she held the hilt of her sword with both hands. She held up her weapon, to where the held at above right shoulder, and the blade continued along her body, across and in front of her eyes and left shoulder, with the edge of the weapon pointed at Anakin.

Padme turned her head to her left to see the Anakin's body was facing her.

Anakin was in a defensive stance, with the front of his body facing Padme. He held his training lightsaber with both his hands, at his waist level, pointed upwards and slightly away from himself.

Obiwan looked at his two students. He stood at attention, as he placed his hands behind his lower back, with him used his right hand to lightly grip his left wrist.

Obiwan stated, “Good. Both of your stances are correct.” He cracked a grin, as he continued, “Now, let us take this up a notch.” He firmly shouted, “Begin!”

Padme swiftly advanced on Anakin, with the blades of the two combatants' weapons clashing as the sparing match began.

(_)

As Padme continued to train, she made a few more suggestions in her training that Obiwan and Anakin supported.

(_)

As weeks passed by Padme's training began to show results.

In the mornings, her gym working outs were toning her body.

While she already was in a good physical shape before she started, she could not bench press her body way. And she her muscle tone allowed her to look great. Though, she did not have a muscular, but a well toned slender build.

As Padme got off the bench press, in her normal for, Anakin and Obiwan were present.

Anakin could tell there was muscle tone under Padme's clothing. He complimented, “Padme. You look great.”

Padme smiled at Anakin. She happily replied, “Thank you, Anakin.”

(_)

After her normal training was done. She changed clothing to her stronger form's training clothing. And she used the hammer to change into her stronger form.

As Padme began doing reps under the AT-TE Republic walker, she thought, 'This walker feels half as heavy as it did when I first started training. Which likely means I am probably now twice as strong as when I started. I am unsure how to feel about that. Though, as long as I can control this strength in this form I do not mind being stronger.'

(_)

As Padme's physical strength increased in her stronger form as her normal form became stronger, as her other physical abilities increased in her normal form, the increase in skill was magnified in her stronger form.

In the section of the gym with the matted floors and walls, Padme was in her stronger form doing acrobatics. She was having no difficulty dodging two dozen hovering remotes that were trying to hit her. She reached a point where, one by one, while jumping around in the air, she pulled on of the balls from the air, kissed it, and threw it to the ground, causing the collusion sensors in the remote to disable it.

When she was done, she landed on her feet to hear the sound of clapping. She turned to see Anakin and Obiwan looking at her, as they clapped. With Anakin more gently clapping, as he had the remote to the hovering balls in his right hand.

Anakin was standing to Obiwan's left side. The hammer was set on the floor on hits side to Anakin's right side.

As they stopped clapping, Obiwan causally said, “Not bad.”

Anakin looked at Obiwan, then to Padme. He stated, “I think you did great.”

Padme smiled at them, as she lightly giggled at their responses.

(_)

During sparring matching between Padme and Anakin, Padme was in her normal form, and Anakin was not using the force. More often than not, Padme started winning the matches, with Anakin finding himself on his back on the matted floor.

Obiwan silently watched this from a few meters away.

While Anakin was laying on his back on the back, after Padme has beaten him in hand to hand sparring, he saw Padme looking down at him.

Padme asked, “Are you okay?”

Anakin responded, “Yea. I don't mind being in this position when it is with you.”

Padme giggled a little from Anakin's response. As they shared a private joke that Obiwan realized he was not in on.

(_)

While Padme's skills increased, her hand to hand and melee weapons training was changed by Obiwan to adjust to her increasing skill levels.

Though, Padme continued to improve in her skills.

Currently, Padme sparred with Anakin in her normal form, with her using the hammer, or the Black Solace, against Anakin's green bladed training lightsaber, without Anakin using the force.

Padme began winning about a third of the matches.

When Padme practiced sparring in her stronger form, with her weapons, and her gusts of wind abilities, against Anakin, and sometimes Obiwan. During these sparring matches, her opponent used a training lightsaber and the force to grip, pull, and push Padme about. Around a third of the time Padme won the match, with her opponent weapon being knocked out of their hand, or they stopped when it was clear that Padme broken through her opponent's defenses.

Still, everyone was careful not to harm each anyone, and everyone was fine with losing, as long as they learned from the experience.

During one sparring session, Padme was, in her normal form, as she used the Black Solace against Obiwan, whom was using a training lightsaber, with a red blade.

Padme had earlier retrieved the Black Solace and scabbard from her the armor she could summon with her stronger form. Though, the Black Solace was not turned on.

While Obiwan did not use the force, he found that Padme had reached the point she could spar against his own swordsmanship skills for several minutes without any serious difficulty.

Afterward, as Obiwan took a breather, Padme then changed into her large clothing and she used the hammer, which was nearby, to change into her stronger form.

When she returned, she used the hammer to spare with Anakin, with Anakin using a training lightsaber, with a green blade.

Padme's enhanced physical reflexes and basic elemental powers against Anakin's lightsaber skills and his basic force abilities.

Though, both Padme and Anakin were holding back on their more destructive and dangerous powers and abilities.

While Obiwan watched the spectacle, he saw that Padme was holding her own against Anakin giving his all in his skills with a lightsaber.

After ten minutes of them sparring to a draw, Obiwan called the match so they could move on to the next part of Padme's training.

Next, Padme used her the Black Solace in her right hand as she held the bottom end of the shaft of her hammer with her left hand. Though, she did not turn on the vibro-katana.

The reason why Padme had her sword in her right hand and the hammer in the left hand was that her main sword hand was her right hand. As such she got more out of this two handed fighting style by using the more graceful sword in her right hand. Padme used the hammer in her left hand to assist her sword and anchor herself from force attacks.

As the next part of Padme's training began. This was a different sparring match than the ones she had just finished.

Though, this was a type of sparring match she had been doing every day for the last few weeks. During this match, Obiwan and Anakin each used a training lightsaber, as they advanced on her from opposite directions.

Obiwan was using his red bladed training lightsaber, as Anakin used his green bladed training lightsaber. With Obiwan and Anakin also using the force to enhance their lightsaber skills and physical abilities, against Padme's own enhanced physical abilities and skills. Padme pressed to hold her own against both combatants, as she dual wielded both her weapons. But, she was able to hold her own for ten minutes.

When Obiwan saw on a nearby wall clock that it has been ten minutes, he took a step back from the match.

Both Padme and Anakin noticed this. They immediately stopped sparring. They turned to Obiwan.

Obiwan looked at his two students. He stated, “That will be enough.”

Obiwan held his training lightsaber in his right hand. He turned off the practice weapon.

Obiwan turned to Padme. He commented, “You have done well, Padme.”

Anakin looked at Padme. He complimented, “You are coming along nicely.”

Obiwan mentioned, “You would mostly likely now be able to handle a Jedi Knight. And you could give a few Jedi Masters a workout.”

Padme looked at her two friends. She gratefully replied, “Thank you.”

Obiwan stated, “Now that you have reached this point, I would like to try to train you in something else.”

Padme asked, “What do thee have in mind?”

Obiwan stated, “I believe that in your stronger form, with what you have already learning, you might be able to deflect blaster fire. I would like see if that is the case.”

Anakin smiled, as he commented, “So would I. Given we know blaster fire will not harm you, I see no reason not to test this theory out.”

Padme cracked a grin, as she happily said, “Sounds like fun.”

(_)

Several minutes later, after some preparation for the blaster fire test, Obiwan and Anakin tested Padme, to see if in her stronger form, with her enhanced reflexes and speed, combined with her training, that she could use the hammer, or the Black Solace vibro-katana, to deflect blaster fire.

Results were mixed. Padme was able to deflect incoming fire from a single blaster weapon. But, once there were five or more blasters being fired, she could not keep up. But, since Padme's stronger form could handle blaster fire, with her body channeling the energy from the blasters hits into arcs of electricity, this issue was a minor concern for Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan.

(_)

Padme's efforts extended beyond her training. As Padme trained to be a soldier in the morning, she worked as a Senator in the afternoon.

Though, Padme and Bail had kept their actions quiet, they had their small group of Senators start putting out feelers within the Senate membership for opposition to the war. They found that there was a substantial number of Senators that support the idea of ending the war. Though, Padme and Bail realized that it was not the right time to act. That acting too soon would likely politically backfire on them.

(_)

After more days of practice, Padme was in her stronger form, with her hammer in her right hand, stood on the top level, in the middle of one of the sides of the Jedi Temple plateau, near one of the parapets if the outer edge. She held up her hammer in her right hand.

Anakin and Obiwan were behind her. Anakin was to Obiwan's right side. With their backs to the parapet. All three adults looked out at the plateau.

Anakin and Obiwan were amazed at the amount of control Padme was displaying in use of her weather powers as she pushed herself in her abilities.

To the nearest quarter of the plateau to their right was a tornado that stayed in place.

To the nearest quarter to their left was a small storm of rain, with no wind, nor lighting.

Behind storm, was a separate small storm, that was only produced lighting, that was hitting every red flag and nothing else. Not a drop of rain was seen in that corner.

In the far right quarter, they could see a separate storm from the other two storms. This storm produced icy hail they size of fists, sheering winds, and lightning, with the lightning only hit the flags. And the wind always curved back towards the quarter, without producing a tornado.

After ten minutes of this, Obiwan calmly requested, “This is enough, Padme.”

Padme raised her hammer, and swiftly dispersed all four small weather patterns without showing any signs of difficulty.

After the weather dispersed back to a sunny day over the Jedi Temple, Padme lowered the hammer to her right side. She then turned around to look at Obiwan and Anakin, as the two men looked back at her.

Obiwan said, “Padme. As far as I am concerned, you have mastered your weather abilities.” Obiwan thought, 'And as I expected, you did not do any real damage to the gardens and shrines.'

Anakin commented, “I agree.”

Padme smiled, as she replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin then realized something, as he stated, “Something just occurred to me. Padme, if we are not careful the agrocrops might demand we share you with them?”

Obiwan said, “That is a good point.”

Padme asked, “What are the Agrocrops?”

Obiwan answered, “The Agricultural Corps. Agrocorps, for short. The Agrocorps is an organization controlled by the Jedi Order. The Agrocorps is where those that fail to become a Jedi are sent to become farmers and builders. Though, a failed initiate can decline to become a member of the Agrocorps as long as they promise to use what they have learned for peace. But, the Jedi will hold them to their promise.”

Padme replied, “Okay.” Though, Padme was troubled by learning this, she did not say anything more on the matter.

(_)

The next day, Padme was in her normal form, as she was on the treadmill, on an even level. She ran while not allowing her hands to touch the bars beside her.

Obiwan and Anakin stood by and watched her run in place on the machine.

An hour later, Padme in her stronger had reached the point that having her running in a smooth loop in around the park nearby was no longer what Padme and her teachers considered to be training. She would not be running on even ground on the battlefield.

So, a week ago, Padme made a suggestion which Obiwan and Anakin agreed with. That suggestion being she start running wide loops around the plaza of the Jedi Temple.

While the various platforms around the Jedi Temple could be walked on from one to another, they were uneven, like plates stacked on top of each other and even beside each other. This was due to plaza being one surface build over on top of the previous surface of the plaza over the millennia. These repairs were done for various reasons, ranging from use, elemental wearing, and even damage from a few battles.

The uneven terrain of the Jedi Temple plaza provided a challenge for Padme, as she tried to run full out without tripping. She had done this for over a week, with her alternating between going around the Jedi Temple clockwise and counterclockwise. The reverse paths created different obstacles for her.

Padme was also careful not to hit anyone walking outside of the Jedi Temple.

Those Jedi assigned to guard the entrances to the Jedi Temple found the side of Padme running in almost a blur to be amusing.

Presently, it was a clear sunny morning as Padme, in her stronger form, was running clockwise around the Jedi Temple, in a wide arc.

Padme was in her brown training clothing. And she had on a new pair of running shoes.

The hammer was set by one of the doors to the southern entrance of the Jedi Temple door. She passed by every the hammer every two minutes. She knew she was passing by the southern doors because she could sense where the hammer was. This was further confirm as she passed because the Republic walker she used to do reps, which was parked on the southern side of the Jedi Temple plaza.

As Padme ran, she made the turn of the corner to the western side of the Jedi Temple. She cracked a grin, as an idea begin to form in her mind. With her enhanced sight, she could clearly see what was going on through the temple's windows. Even the high ones. And She realized was in at the proper side and angle to pull off her idea on the two people she had in mind. As long as she took action at the proper angle, she could pull off her plan.

Instead of continuing the large circle, Padme started running away from the Jedi Temple. She passed by the visitors parking lot to her right side. When she neared the edge of the plaza, where the drop off into one of the city canyons were, she began to make an arc into a curve. At the apex of the arc, she turned completely around, to where she was running across the plaza, directly towards the middle of the Jedi Temple. Though, she veered her angle to her right towards the side of the Jedi Temple to her right side.

An hour ago, Obiwan walked over to the tread and pushed a button to start the treadmill to begin slowly lifting the front of itself, creating a continually increasing angle for Padme to run up towards. This made it increasingly harder for her to run.

An hour later, Padme continued to smile, as she came closer to the Jedi Temple. When she was close enough, she did a running jump towards the lower end of the temple wall to the right of the middle flat surface. She was aiming for the steep slope.

An hour ago, as the angle of the treadmill increase, Padme's breathing increased, as she put more effort into her run. Though, she did not complain.

An hour later, Padme saw herself pass close to the outer staircase to her left. A few seconds later, Padme landed near the bottom of the steep sloop wall.

Right before landing, Padme used her arms and hands, like hydraulic shocks, to soften her landing. Though, the inertia did push her towards the wall.

As the inertia of the landing decreased to nothing, she found gravity begin to slowly begin to pull her down the steep sloop.

Though Padme intentionally did not create a handhold into the wall to stop her slide. Because this would damage the outer wall. Instead, she used raw friction, as she placed the flat of her hands, and the front bottom part of the soles of her shoes to push herself up.

For every ten steps she made with her hands and feet, one step gain traction. Then, two steps out of ten gained traction. Then, three steps out of ten gained traction. Before she knew it, she gained traction with each step she took.

And with her enhanced abilities, as she climbed, she got faster and faster, while she made her way to the plateau of the temple.

Soon she was running up the slope on just her two feet.

An hour ago, Padme continued her running, but the angle of the slope reached a point that she was having problems focusing.

Padme lead out a small grunting roar, as she she force herself to continue to run.

Padme's spirit was willing, but her body was about to give out.

Obiwan and Anakin sensed this. Obiwan immediately stepping up to the control panel of the treadmill. He swiftly set the incline to decrease, as the treadmill itself also began to slow, to allow Padme to taper down her running to a slow walk. Because immediately stopping from a full run was unhealthy.

An hour later, Padme was at full speed by the time she almost reached the top of the plateau.

When she reached the top, she did another running jump.

The apex of the jump was going to take her right beside the Jedi Temple's main tower, to her left side, with her passing by the windows of the pinnacle chamber room at the top of the town. Just as she planned.

(_)

At that moment, the Jedi High Council was in session. Due to the start of the Clone Wars, as it was being called, as an added layer of security, the council was meeting in the pinnacle chamber room at the top of the central tower spire that morning, instead of the High Council Tower on the southwest side of the temple.

It was decided that the Jedi High Council would alternate their meeting place every day to decrease the chance of someone attempting to take out the Jedi High Council in a targeted attack.

In that past, the Jedi High Council had met in this room. Though, it was a rare occurrence.

The room was laid out like the Jedi High Council chamber, with chairs set around the edge of the room.

Most of the council members were broadcasting holograms in their assigned seats by holo-comm. Though, Yoda and Mace Windu were in person. Yoda sat in his hover chair was set on the floor, and the hover chair was set directly to the right side of the chair Mace was sitting in.

Presently, most of the council members across the room from Yoda and Mace was communicated by holo-comm from their chairs. The council member was speaking about the upcoming war and how the Jedi count aid the Republic war effort.

While Yoda and Mace were listening to another Jedi council member speak, they saw Padme, in her stronger form, pass by from outside the window in across the room, from their right to their left.

Padme was in her brown training clothing.

The wind whipped her long loose blond hair behind her, as she had her head turned to her left to face them. She had a wide smile on her lips with a gleefully excited expression her face. She used her right hand to do a little wave towards Yoda and Mace, to show that she saw them.

Due to the boldness of Padme planning this stunt, the sheer brazenness of her attempting this stunt, and the awesomeness of her pulling off the stunt, caused both Yoda and Mace's eyes to go wide, as their jaws to drop, at what they had just seen.

But, it seemed the rest of the council members missed seeing the stunt. Or, they were wise enough to keep quiet and not react to Padme's stunt.

A few seconds later, the council member whom had been speaking noticed Yoda and Mace's reaction. The council member stopped their speech. The council member asked, “Master Yoda? Master Windu? Are you alright?”

The inquiry brought Mace and Yoda back to the present. Both Jedi Masters look at each other. Then, they quickly composed themselves, as they turned to the Jedi Council member whom had asked about their welfare.

Mace quickly said, “It is nothing.”

Yoda requested, “Please. Carry on.”

The Jedi council member whom had made the inquiry responded, “Moving forward...” The council member resumed to talk about the upcoming war, and what the Jedi could do for the Republic war effort.

(_)

Meanwhile, outside above the Jedi Temple, Padme looked in front of herself as she began to her descent. Her fell went according to she plans. She was going to start of really fall after she passed the rest of the Jedi Temple and the outer staircase on eastern side of the Jedi Temple. But, it was not going to be a steep decline. Instead, the angle of her fall was more of a gentle glide path to the ground.

When Padme came closer to the ground. She did as Obiwan and Anakin taught her. She used her body to go into a forward roll. When she landed, she landed on her back, with her tucking her head in her chest and rolling onto her right shoulder, while keeping the momentum continuing as she rolled, decreasing the chance of her stronger form being hurt.

Padme continued two full rolls on the ground of the plaza. Then, she used her speed and reflexes to come out of the roll on her feet, in a slight run. She quickly slowed to a walk, until she came to a full stop.

Padme turned around and she looked over at the Jedi Temple in the distance.

Padme jumped around a meter, as she yelled in excitement, “Yes!” After she landed on her feet, she began to laugh, as she danced around where she had been standing.

(_)

At that moment, from the top level inside the tower on the southeastern corner of the Jedi Temple, Anakin and Obiwan stood next to each other.

They stood in the anti-chamber outside of the chamber for the Council of Reconciliation. Though, the Council of Reconciliation was not in session.

Anakin stood to Obiwan's left side.

They had been watching Padme run around the Temple, and they had just watched Padme pulled her little stunt on the Jedi High Council. Then, they saw Padme make a near perfect landing on the eastern side of the Jedi Temple plaza.

Presently, while they watched Padme dance, Obiwan commented, “She is as ready as she is going to be.”

Anakin looked down in the distance at Padme. He stated, “I agree. I guess we now all have to talk with the Chancellor?”

Obiwan said, “Yes. It might be best if you contact him.”

Anakin responded, “I will. I can probably get an appointment tomorrow morning. I will make sure to include us in the meeting. And maybe Master Yoda and Master Windu. Depending on if they have time to come.”

Obiwan commented, “That is a good idea. Once we have the time of the meeting, I will check with them later, when I inform them that Padme has completed her training to the point we feel she can handle herself in the field.”

Anakin said, “That is a good idea. I will go called the Chancellor right now. In a little while we will tell her that she is ready.” He smiled, as he continued, “Though, for right now I suggest we let her dance. She has earned the right to celebrate. Even if it is only for a little while.”

Obiwan smiled as well. He replied, “I fully agree.”

Anakin dropped his smile, as he stated, “Good. Because what is coming will be hard for all of us. Still, do you think Padme is going to get any flack for that stunt she just pulled with the council?”

Obiwan responded, “Nah. The council maybe sticks in the mud. Most of the time. But, most of them have a good sense humor. Especially, when that humor is displayed while doing an impressive feat.”

Anakin commented, “Well that was inventive and impressive. She is going to be handful in the field.” Anakin's lips curled into a grin, as he continued, “And I am so looking forward to it.”

(_)

Half an hour later, Padme made her way back to the Jedi Temple. She took her time walking around to the Southern entrance to the Jedi Temple.

When she reached the large open doors the entrance, she looked over to where she had set the hammer was set against the nearby wall to her right. As she continued walking towards the entrance to the temple, she held out her right hand and the hammer flew into her hand. She closed her hand over the shaft and held the hammer to the side, with the head pointed towards her front.

Padme turned towards the entrance and she noticed Anakin and Obiwan walking walking towards her from inside the Temple, with Anakin to Obiwan's right side.

Padme walked up to her to friends. She and her two friends came to a stop a few meters apart.

Padme asked, “So what is next?”

Obiwan smiled, as said, “Well, I have some good news.” He looked over Anakin. He turned back to look at Padme. He stated, “We believe you have now completed your training.”

Padme realized, as she inquired, “Thee saw what thy did a little while ago?”

Anakin commented, “Don't worry. You are fine. But, it is proof that you have reached a new level in your skills.”

Padme responded, “Thank you. So, thy truly has completed the training.”

Obiwan said, “Yes. At least for this part. But, I would like the opportunity to further train you.”

Anakin stated, “I would love to train with you some more.”

Padme commented, “Thou would welcome such training. Though, thy expected more excitement and celebration in completing thou's training.”

Obiwan dryly said, “You danced enough for all of us.”

Padme had an embarrassed expression on her face, as she questioned, “Thee saw that too?”

Anakin answered “Yes. But, don't worry. You did fine.”

Padme took on a more calm expression, as she replied, “Okay.”

Obiwan stated, “But, there is another matter.” He turned to Anakin.

Anakin noticed this. Anakin looked at Obiwan. Anakin turned to Padme. Anakin said, “Given your training is now over, we have to talk with the Chancellor about your assignment. I already contacted him. We will be meeting with the Chancellor, in his office, at nine hundred in the morning.”

Obiwan turned to Padme. Obiwan said, “It is our hope we will be able to be assigned to work together. I have spoken to some of the council members. They are open to such an arrangement.”

Padme commented, “Thy believes we can convince the Chancellor to agree to such an arrangement.”

Obiwan replied, “We hope so.”

Anakin mentioned, “Also, we may have one or two other people joining up. Depending on their schedules.”

Padme guessed, “Master Yoda? And Master Windu?”

Anakin complimented, “Good guess.”

Padme said, “If they can come. Good. If now, we can handle the situation.”

Anakin replied, “My thoughts exactly.”

Obiwan suggested, “Now that this is settle. Let us go celebrate your completing your training while having an early lunch. We will also discuss possible alibis we can use to help maintain your cover as a senator when you are in the field.”

Padme agreed, “That is a good idea.”

Anakin replied, “Sure. I have a few ideas on that matter.”

The three friends then headed into the temple to get some lunch.

After lunch, Padme went the gym. She changed into her normal form. She then cleaned herself in the women's showers. Afterward, when to the women's changing room she changed into the clothing she would be wearing to the Senate Building. She also collected her items in her locker into a cloth bag she had. Once she was done, she headed out of the gym with the hammer in her right hand and the bag's two top handles in her left hand.

Padme headed to her speeder vehicle, which was located in the visitors parking lot on the western side of the Jedi Temple.

Given her training was over, she took the hammer with her. Once she reached her speeder vehicle, she when to her apartment. Once there, she left her items and the hammer in her apartment. Then, Padme piloted her speeder vehicle to the Senate Building to resume her senatorial duties for the day.

Fortunately, Padme found that she had an uneventful day at the Senate.

(_)

The next morning, at nine hundred, Padme, Anakin, Obiwan, and Mace, met with Chancellor Palpatine, in the Chancellor's office, near the top of the Galactic Senate Building.

Chancellor Palpatine was in his usual dark robes, with him wearing his dark cloth suit underneath his robe.

Padme was in her normal form. She wore a simple blue dress and blue flat soled slippers. She had left the hammer in her apartment.

The Jedi were in their usual clothing and robes.

Presently, the four adults had just been allowed to enter Palpatine's office. Walked through the office, passed the two republic guards, up the center staircases, onto the upper platform, to sit in the four chairs in front of Palpatine desk.

From right to left. On the far right side sat Padme. To Padme's left was Anakin. To Anakan's left was Obiwan. And to Obiwan's left was Mace.

The chairs were in a semicircle around the front of the desk. With those sitting in the chairs allowed to see the sunny day outside, of the cityscape, through the windows in front of them, passed the desk and the Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Palpatine sat in his chair, behind his desk, as he faced the four adults.

After everyone got comfortable, Palpatine noticed something. He calmly inquired, “Before we get started. I was wondering. I would think that Master Yoda would want to attend this meeting as well?”

Mace stated, “Grandmaster Yoda does wish to attend. We are still make preparations on assigning Jedi to the military for the war, and Grandmaster Yoda desires to oversee these assignments.”

Palpatine responded, “I fully understand.” He looked over at Padme. He commented, “Now to the heart of the matter.” He turned to Mace. He questioned, “Has the Senator completed her training?”

Mace looked at Obiwan. He saw Obiwan had noticed this. Mace then turned back to Palpatine. Mace stated, “Senator Amidala still needs some training. But, Master Kenobi believes she is ready. And the Council will take Master Kenobi's word that she can now handle herself in battle.”

Palpatine lips curled into a small smile, as he commented, “There is always room for improvement.” He turned to Padme. He continued, “Still, there is the matter of where you will be assigned? And what your assignment roles will be? I can see many possibilities.” He looked at those sitting in front of him, as he went on to say, “Though given the work the Jedi have done in training you. And you own efforts, Senator Amidala. I would like all of your input on this matter before any firm decisions are made?”

Obiwan stated, “Chancellor. We have already discussed this matter. We feel that given Padme has been such a wonderful student. And there is much potential we have left untapped. My student and I would like to continue to work with her between assignments. And if possible, the three of us would like to be assigned as a team.”

Palpatine commented, “I can see the merits in that.” He turned to Anakin. He asked, “Am I correct in assuming that as you have sparred with the Senator, in her much more... powerful form, that you have become more powerful?”

Anakin answered, “Yes. I have.” He turned Obiwan. He continued, “So as my master.” He turned to Palpatine. He went onto say, “Also, as we have sparred with the Senator, our fight skills have also improved. My master and I are now much stronger and faster than we were before we began training Padme.” He turned to Padme, as he commented, “Though, nowhere near as strong and fast as the Senator can be.”

Anakin and Padme shared a glance. They both turned back to look at Palpatine.

Palpatine noticed this. Palpatine's smile became slightly wider. Palpatine softly said, “Wonderful.” He stated, in a more normal tone of voice, “Well, why settle for one powerful individual, when one can have a team of powerful individuals.” Palpatine turned to Anakin. He continued, “Jedi Skywalker here. Whose force potential is one of the highest known.” Palpatine looked around the group in front of him. He said, “I can see a very powerful team forming. One that will bring the most out of everyone involved. Still, I need to ask...” He focused on Padme. He inquired, “Senator Amidala. Is this what you want?”

Padme look over at her friends. She turned back to look at Palpatine. She firmly answered, “Yes. I feel that working with Master Kenobi and Jedi Skywalker would produce the best results concerning my actions in aiding the war effort.”

Palpatine stated, “Fine. Then, it is settled.” He looked a the group, as he stated, “As far as I am concerned, you three will be allowed to work together and go on missions together.” He turned to Obiwan. He continued, “Though, between the three of you, Master Kenobi will be the one with the field command.”

Obiwan said, “Thank you.”

Palpatine replied, “You are welcome.” He looked at Padme and Anakin. He continued, “You have managed to keep these to two in line. I believe you can continue to do so.” He turned to Mace. He stated, “Given two-thirds of this team will be Jedi, I will allow the Council to assign where they will be transferred and their missions.” He looked at Padme. He said, “Though, I will reserve the right to send the Senator on personal errands I may have for her.” He turned to Mace. He commented, “From time to time.”

Mace had a neutral expression on his face. He said, in a calm tone of voice, “Chancellor. This will be acceptable.”

Palpatine turned Padme, as he inquired, “Now, my dear, Amidala. Before we continued, There is another matter we need to clarify. That being what we shall publicly call that exquisite other form you have?”

Padme inquired, “What do you mean?”

Palpatine stated, “For the war effort. Such power should not be hidden. And the press can be a very powerful instrument in the proper hands. My public relations team is practically salivating at the chance to work with you. Though, not to worry. They do not know who you really are. All they know is that the Republic military is about to field a very powerful individual for the war effort, whom is not a Jedi.” He turned to the Jedi in the room, as he said, “No offense intended.”

Palpatine saw Obiwan was trying hard not to roll his eyes. Anakin was trying hard not to sigh. And Mace's face was unreadable and firm.

Mace flatly said, “None taken. Chancellor.”

Padme replied, “Thank you for your discretion.”

Palpatine turned to Padme. He happily said, “It is quite alright.” He continued, in a humorous tone of voice, “I would think with the forces you have at your command that after a few victories the entirety of Separatist movement would be quaking in their boots. Thing can be useful to both boosting our morale, and decimate theirs.”

Padme hid her emotions, as she thought, 'I should have realized that I would be used as a propaganda tool. But, at this point there is nothing I can do about it. Besides, the Chancellor might be right. And such propaganda could be used to end the war sooner.'

Padme admitted, “I did not think about it that way.”

Obiwan commented, “As much as I can appreciate such political PR tactics, Senator Amidala here has put a lot of effort into her training. I would hate for all that work to be wasted by her being paraded around, instead taking meaningful actions in this war.”

Padme said, “Chancellor. Please understand. I worked hard so that I could help people. Not to be a show piece for propaganda purposes.”

Palpatine responded, “Of course. Not worry. I plan to use you to your fullest. We will just schedule for those times when you are not busy.”

Padme grimly thought, 'Meaning. I will be busy with the press. When I return to Coruscant, you will try to make me so busy that I will not be able to do anything else. Though, I can play that game as well.'

Padme stated, “As long as it does not interfere with my senatorial duties, nor the duties I will be having when I am using the hammer.”

Palpatine diplomatically said, “We will find a balance to the situations.”

Padme stated, “That will be fine.” She thought, 'This is the best I can hope from him.'

Palpatine said, “Still, back to the topic at hand. We need a code name for you. So, we can have the public relations provide reports to the press on your exploits without revealing who you are. Thus preventing any accidental situations which may endanger you, and your loved ones.”

Padme thought, 'You have a point there.' She stated, “After all these death marks, I can fully support having some anonymity. But, I never put much thought concerning this matter. And I am very simple when it comes to names.”

Palpatine looked around the room, as he inquired, “Any suggestions?”

Anakin suggested, “How about, Thunder?”

Palpatine casually replied, “Too plain.”

Mace inquired, “How about, Hero of the Republic?”

Palpatine stated, “Too broad. I plan for there to be many heroes of the Republic.”

Obiwan suggested, “How about, Thor? As a tribute and an honor towards whomever that hammer previously belonged too.”

Palpatine's lips curled into a smile, as he said, “I like it. No one has heard of this, Thor. It is rare name. But, the name has that sort of commanding presence which some names muster.” He turned to Padme, as he inquired, “What are you thoughts, Senator Amidala?”

Everyone in the room turned to look at Padme.

Padme noticed this. She replied, “It is as good a name as any.”

Palpatine stated, “Fine. It is settled. When you use the power of that hammer of yours, you will go by the code name, Thor.”

Anakin commented, “I wonder if we might want to also give a name to our team?”

Palpatine turned to Mace. He commented, “I believe I will leave that up to the Jedi Council?”

Mace stated, “Technically speaking. When two or more Jedi are sent on a mission that will involve violence. We consider them to be a strike team. When Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker are sent to such missions, their designation is, Jedi Strike Team Eighty-Six.” He turned to Padme. He continued, “We will just add Senator Amidala to that team designation.” Mace turned back to Palpatine.

Palpatine commented, “That will work.”

Obiwan turned to Palpatine, as he pointed out, “Chancellor. While this has not been readily discussed between the Jedi and yourself. There is the matter of how Padme, as... Thor, will fit into the chain of command, for the Army of the Republic. Whom will she directly answer too?”

Palpatine turned to Obiwan. He stated, “A good question, Master Kenobi.” He looked over at Padme, as he commented, “Since you have been trained by the Jedi. And there is trust between you and the Order. I believe it would be best if orders, mission briefings and reports when through the Jedi High Council. Though, in the full chain of command, you will answer to me. Though, the Jedi High Council will act as a go between. Unless I desire to directly contact you.”

Mace raised an eyebrow, as he stated, “Chancellor. I am surprised that you would make such a suggestion. I would have expected you to request that the Senator directly report to you.”

Palpatine turned to Mace. He pointed out, in a casual tone of voice, “Well, dear Master Windu. My reasons are simple. You will already handle her assignments and missions, along side Master Kenobi and Jedi Skyalkwer. And the Jedi have a long history of reigning in powerful individuals.”

Mace shrugged, as he conceded, “You have a point there.”

Padme realized, as she thought, 'While I am not against this, there could be a problem with this arrangement.' She stated, “Given I am a Senator. I do not like having to report through the Jedi. Due to possible conflicts of interest. Though, because of the circumstances I will do so.”

Palpatine turned to Padme. He said, “My dear. We all make sacrifices. But, this chain of command will in no way to effect your duties as a senator. You can vote and support anything you desire within the Senate.”

Padme said, “Thank you, Chancellor.” She thought, 'I wonder how much he knows of what Bail and I are up to. We have been careful. But, he has spies almost everywhere. Still, if he wanted me out of the Senate, he could have made me resign over the matter of working for the military. If he had wanted too. And it is too late to quit now.'

Mace stated, “She still needs a rank. Being a private, or even a captain, with that much power does not seem right.”

Palpatine looked over towards Mace. He commented, “I fully agree.” He turned to Padme, as he continued, “While you do not have military training, you do have leadership experience. And given you will be working with the Jedi. Whom are given the rank of Commander to General to High General. I believe it would be best to give you the rank of General. Though, this will not be a command rank.”

Padme asked, “Meaning?”

Palpatine answered, “You will not be able to issue orders. But, those at your rank, or lower, will not be able to issue orders to you.”

Mace said, “I support this idea.” He turned to Padme, as he stated, “You are not trained to be an officer. But this way will prevent chain of command issues from becoming a problem. You can be ordered to do something by a High General, a Fleet Admiral, or the Chancellor. But, not by anyone of a lower rank than this. Though, a General, a Admiral, or the Chancellor can be assigned by a higher ranking officer to issue you commands. Such as what he has already done in putting Master Kenobi in charge of both Padawan Skywalker and yourself.”

Padme stated, “I understand. I will brush up on my knowledge of military etiquette and insignias, so I do not make the mistake of whose rank is whose.”

Palpatine said, “A wise idea.”

Mace commented, “Please do. And for the most part, you will be answering to Obiwan.”

Obiwan looked at Padme, as he said, “I believe that Anakin will have the rank of Commander.”

Palpatine looked at Obiwan, then to Anakin. Palpatine saw Anakin looked at him. The Chancellor stated, “Actually. I personally signed the executive order making Jedi Skywalker here a General of the Republic Army.” He turned to Anakin. He continued, “I believe that the experience you have you can handle the rank and responsibilities that come with the rank.”

Palpatine turned toward Obiwan. He commented, “I believe that Master Kenobi would agree with me.”

Anakin also turned to look at Obiwan.

Obiwan stated, “I see no reason that Anakin cannot handle the rank.” He thought, 'And I will be there in case there are problems.'

Anakin said, “Thank you.” He thought, 'And at least Padme will not out rank me. As a padawan, I would have only been assigned the rank of Commander at most. Later on this could have caused both of us problems.'

Palpatine replied, “You are welcome.”

Padme and Anakin then looked at each other. They shared a smile.

Padme focused on her friends. She inquired, “And what are your ranks? Master Kenobi? Master Windu?”

Obiwan answered, “Master Windu is a High General. That rank is reserved for Jedi High Council members. While Knights and Masters, such as myself, hold the rank of General.”

Palpatine noticed Mace crack a grin at the mention of his new rank. Though, the Chancellor remained silently on the matter.

Mace turned to Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme. He stated, “Though, Master Kenobi will be given command over both of you. I have discussed this matter with the council. And we agreed to this appointment.” He turned to Palpatine, as he continued, “And since the Chancellor supports the move of you working with us, Senator Amidala.” He turned back to Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme, as he went onto say, “As the Chancellor stated. Master Kenobi here will your direct commanding officer. For the both of you.”

No one noticed Palpatine slightly smile at hearing that Anakin and Padme would be working together.

Obiwan turned to look at Padme and Anakin. He stated, “Since we will be working closely together. For the both of you. I guess, not only am I your teacher, but your commanding officer. And technically, if you disobey my orders, I can have you court-martialed. Though, I have no desire to do so. And given how much power you have, I expect if either of you did disobey my orders you will have a very good reason for doing so.”

Padme promised, “I won't let you down.”

Obiwan warmly smiled, as he stated, “I have faith that you won't.”

Anakin said, “Master. I have always strived to have a good excuse for my actions.”

Obiwan casually responded, “I know.”

Palpatine said, “Speaking of authority. Senator Amidala.” Everyone turned back to look at Palpatine, as he continued, “While you will not be issuing any orders, I am giving you the authority to arrest people, and turn them over to the proper authorities. Both on the battlefield and off the battlefield.”

“Given your experiences as both a senator and a ruler of an entire planet, I trust your wisdom and judgment in the knowledge and application of the law. That you have the foresight and intelligence to fairly apply the law as needed.”

“If you see someone breaking the law, you will have the authority and discretion to arrest that person. You will even be able to arrest those at your rank, or lower. And should I order it, you will be able to arrest those of a higher rank than you currently have.”

Padme thought, with concern, 'That is nice way to subtly yank the chain of the Jedi here. By hinting that you could order me to arrest them. Even if they are a higher rank than myself. And with my new powers, I can probably accomplish that task.'

Padme chose her words carefully, as she said, “While I have less desire to be a law officer than a soldier, I will use this authority and power with the utmost responsibility.”

Palpatine responded, “I am sure you will. Now there is only one matter left. How to fit your Senator duties with you new military duties? What will be your cover story when you are on your missions?”

Padme looked around at the Jedi in the room, with them looking back at her. She turned to look at Palpatine. She stated, “I have already discussed this with the Jedi. My cover story will be diplomatic missions. The Jedi will provide an alibi for myself. Where they will state that as a Senator, I will be accompanying a Jedi, or two, on diplomatic, or relief missions. And as I do so, by holo-comm I will sit in Senate sessions and cast votes.”

Anakin said, “A Jedi and a Senator working together will also help smooth relations between the Jedi and the Senate.”

Obiwan stated, “And we will keep track of these alibis. To help maintain the Senator's cover.”

Palpatine was slightly impressed with their plan. And his mild astonishment showed on his face. He smiled, as he responded, “This will work. And this will not really be a lie. It will just be a more aggressive form of diplomacy than usual.”

Padme said, “I guess that is one way to look at it.” She looked around the room, as she inquired, “I guess the only question left is. When we will I be leaving?”

Chancellor Palpatine turned to Mace. He stated, “Since you will be working under the Jedi High Council. This will be up to them.”

Everyone turned to look at Mace Windu. Mace noticed this. He look at Palpatine. He then turned to Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme. He stated, “From the schedule I saw this morning. Since you three are working together, we plan to deploy you in three days. Get your affairs in order before then.”

Padme thought, 'I already have. I packed my bags last night. Once Anakin and Obiwan told me that I was done with training, I knew I would be heading out soon. I have even already made arrangements with Bail about my physical absence from the Senate concerning our little group.'

Padme said, “That will be fine.”

Anakin replied, “No problem.”

Obiwan said, “This will not be an issue.”

Palpatine focused on Padme, as he stated, “Well, it looks like in around a week we will begin to see the results of your efforts, my dear Senator Amidala. Or, should I say General Thor?”

Padme responded, “Either is fine. Depending on the circumstances.”

Palpatine calmly said, “Of course. Now, if that is all, I have other business to attend to. So, good luck. And have a save journey. This meeting is adjourned.”

Padme, Anakin, Obiwan, and Mace did not verbally respond. Instead, they got up from the chairs they were sitting in. Then, they turned around and headed down the staircases in the middle of the room, towards the doors on the far side of the room.

While Palpatine silently watched the leave his lips curled into a smile.

Soon, the four adults reached the doors. Anakin press a button on a panel by the doors to opened the double-doors.

After the doors slid open, the four adults exit the room and into a hallway.

A few seconds after the four adults left the room the doors slid closed.

With his guests gone, Palpatine now had some privacy. Except for the two republic guards whom were loyal and he could easily fool and replace as need be.

Palpatine continued to smile, as he started chucking, which soon turned into light laughter. With his laughter continuing for several seconds.

(_)

Ten days later, two Destroyers were in the Western Reaches of the Outer Rim. This was galactic south of the Core Worlds and west of Mid-Rim worlds such as Naboo.

The two Star Destroyers had just come out of hyperspace and they were heading to a remote desert world.

The lead Star Destroyer was the Resolute. The Star Destroyer following the Resolute was the Negotiator.

The Resolute and its crew had been assigned under the command of General Anakin Skywalker. While the Negotiator was under the command of General Kenobi. With General Kenobi being given the overall command of both ships.

Obiwan had allowed for the Resolute to be the lead Star Destroyer, with command operations for missions being done on the Resolute. This mean that Obiwan spend much of his time on the Resolute.

Meanwhile, Anakin had assigned quarters for Padme on the Resolute.

A week ago, Obiwan and Anakin had been given their command assignments. The two Jedi then spent a few days to familiarize themselves with their crews. Along with checking over their Star Destroyers, and the vehicles stationed in their military cruisers.

Padme was present, in her stronger form. Though, she mostly listened and learned.

Obiwan and Anakin had finished their basic inspections of their crews and ships, they, along with Padme, were issued their assignments. This mission was to take their Star Destroyers and to head to a remote desert world in the Western Reaches. Once they reached the remote world, they were to either destroy a Separatist base located there. Or, force the personnel of the Separatist base to surrender.

Obiwan and Anakin felt this would be a good opportunity to test Padme's abilities in the field. Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan, even worked on how they would conduct the mission.

Presently, inside the Resolute, in the front of the command bridge, Padme was in her stronger form. She stood by Anakin and Obiwan, with the three of them standing next to the front windows. Padme was standing to Anakin's left side. And Obiwan was to Anakin's right side.

There were Republic naval officers, in their gray-green uniforms, going about their duties on the bridge. Though, these were commissioned officers.

Most of the officers were human or near-human. With a few other alien species mixed in. Some were military officers transferred from military organizations of some of the planetary and sector governments to the Republic Navy.

Some of the officers where clones of Jango Fett, whom had been found to be some of the more intelligent individuals of the clone batches. These clones were given leadership and officer training. Though, these clones none of these clones were given command of starships. These clone officers were assigned to oversee the members of their brethren whom were assigned to the naval roles of the ship. Such as navigators, starship pilots whom were trained to fly large ships such as Star Destroyers, communication officers, engineers, technicians, ship gunners, various logistical jobs, cooks, and janitorial services.

Anakin and Obiwan were in their combat clothing. Obiwan was wearing white Republic trooper armor underneath his Jedi robe. This including armored boots. Though, he did not wear a helmet. Obiwan had his lightsaber holstered on the left side of his belt, under his robe. Also, Obiwan had a well groomed full beard.

Anakin just wore his usually clothing, without his Jedi robe. Though, he has on gloves, and he has on dark upper check armor and shoulder armor. Anakin's left glove had a comlink installed in the upper part of the glove by the back of the hand, up to the wrist and forearm. Anakin's padawan hair braid, behind his right ear was slightly more visible due to his hair being a brown in contrast to the dark clothing he wore.

Meanwhile, in Padme was in her newly christened, Thor form. Formally known as her stronger form.

Thor wore her armor and helmet. Her Black Solace vibro-katana was sheathed in its scabbard, across her back, with the hilt sitting out behind her left shoulder. The strap of the strap of the scabbard ran diagonal across her chest armor, from her lower right side to across the top of her left shoulder. The buckle of the strap was placed by her lower right side of her chest.

Thor held the hammer by the shaft, in her right hand, at her right side. Thor allowed her long blond hair to drape loose down her back.

Thor looked at the windows in front of her. She saw that the Resolute was about the enter the atmosphere of a desert planet.

Thor thought, 'This planet is similar to the desert planet of Tatooine. Though, this planet orbits one sun instead of two suns. The deserts of this planet were much smoother, with more sand, compared to Tatooine, which has large rocky areas, with mountain ranges.'

'Also, I can see we are heading to land on the day side of the planet.'

Thor took a deep breath. She slowly let out her breath, as she mentally reflected, 'Okay. This is what I trained for. We have already gone over the mission. If I do this right, only the droids will be destroyed. This is my first mission. I need to do this right. We are on the lead Star Destroyer, the Resolute. Anakin's ship. Being followed by the Negotiator. Obiwan's ship.'

'The plan is for the Resolute to head down, with me providing cover to the planet. Then, I will be offering support on the ground while everyone gets ready for battle.'

'Negotiator would be covering us in orbit, in case some Separatists ships come in front hyperspace and attack.'

'The mission itself is to retake a Republic outpost that was seized by the Separatists a few weeks ago. It is a supply depot. And the planet is strategically located to offer logistical support as a main supply line from the Mid-Rim to the Outer Rim.'

'This planet also offers a foothold in this area of the galaxy. Which is the Western Reaches of the Outer Rim. Much of this part of the galaxy is outside of Republic and Separatist control. Those that control this area of the Galaxy could quietly use any resources in the area to offer support for their side in war effort.'

'And this is the reason we cannot allow the Separatists to maintain their presence in this part of the galaxy.'

'Probes already stated that there are no ships in orbit. The only reason there are no ships guarding the planet is that the Republic already attacked a few other locations in the Sector which are more important.'

'Also, except for the outpost, it is barren world. A person can breath in the atmosphere, but not much else.'

'Probes states that the Separatist fortress is heavily guarded on the ground by droids. Including, light air support and heavy ground support. The outpost being ray shielded, with anti-aircraft guns and missiles. The Separatists likely believe that it can repel all but the most overwhelming of attacks.'

'The Republic retaking this outpost would prevent the war from spreading to this area of the galaxy. Thus saving the populations of several worlds. Saving countless numbers of people. Since this is a simple mission, I hope things work out well. And I will do my best to make sure that is the case.'

'Now, all I have to do is my job.'

Thor attention was bought back to the present, as Obiwan asked, “Padme? Are you sure you are up to this?”

Thor turned to Anakin and Obiwan. She said, in her stronger form's, soothing, yet more powerful, Thor voice, “Yes. And it is now, Thor, when I am in this form.”

Obiwan responded, “I understand. I suggested the code name, after all.”

Anakin offered, “Well... Thor. We can do this mission in a different way than we had planned.”

Thor stated, “No. If thy wants to do the job, thy has to do so in a proper manner. And this way should reduce causalities on all sides.”

Anakin replied, “I understand.”

Obiwan pointed out, “This is war. You cannot save everyone. If you try, you will get yourself killed.”

Thor responded, “Thy realized that during the invasion of Naboo. Thy only wishes to shoulder the burdens that thy can.”

Obiwan conceded, “I can see your point.”

Anakin turned to look at the planet they were heading for. He commented, “You know. This planet reminds me of Tatooine.”

Thor and Obiwan looked out windows at the planet.

Thor said, “Thee is not the only one to realize this.”

Obiwan stated, in a casual tone of voice, “You have seen one desert planet, you have seen them all.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he inquired, “I hear that. By the way, what is this planet's name? I forgot.”

Obiwan answered, “The planet is called Jakku.”

Anakin continued to look out the windows. His lips curled into a smile, as he commented, “I have a feeling, that is a different time and place, those on from that planet would be causing all kind trouble.”

Obiwan stated, “Well, as long as those on the planet do not cause us trouble, I could care less.”

Anakin dropped his smile, as he casually said, “I agree.”

Thor then noticed their ship was about to enter re-entry. She stated, “Thy better get ready. We are about to enter the atmosphere. And I need begin to summon the storm.”

Obiwan said, “While this ship should be able to weather what we have planned. If we have any problems, we will immediately notify you.”

Thor pointed out, “This is why thee is on the command bridge of the attack ship. Now, allow thy to work.”

Thor began to focus on creating storms, as she channeled her thoughts and desires for controlling the weather through the hammer she held in her right hand.

(_)

While the Republic Star Destroyer Resolute entered the atmosphere, Thor began to create the storm in the landing zone. The storm reached several kilometers from the landing zone, passed the Separatist base, and into the horizon.

The electrical discharge of the storm itself would mess with ground sensors, making it difficult for the Separatists to get a target lock on the ships. While the electrical discharge, winds, and rain in the clouds made it difficult for small aircraft to fly in the sky.

Though, large spacecraft such as a Star Destroyer had no difficulties in passing through the storm, as the Resolute headed for their landing area.

It was day time for that side of the planet. But, day quickly turned to night as the clouds built up. By the time the Resolute made landfall, it the night was pitch black, save for the occasionally illumination of lightning within the sky.

After the Resolute landed, the Republic forces disembarking from their ship.

Meanwhile, the Separatist base sent out their droid land forces were sent to deal with Republic forces.

The droid forces stretching out into the horizon in front of the Republic Forces, with the Separatist base behind the droid army.

As the droids and their military vehicles approached the Republic forces, the rain, winds, and lightning picked up near the ground where the droid army was located.

Though, lightning did not hit near the Republic Force. Nor, was there a drop of rain near the clone troops and their vehicles. The only the hint of a storm was the cloud cover and the slight breeze around them. The wind felt refreshing to those few individuals there whom were not wearing helmets.

While the droid forces came closer to the Republic Forces, the storm picked up and intensified.

In the distance, approaching the droid army, in front of Republic army, was a long flying figure.

As lightning struck the ground where droids and Separatist vehicles were, there was enough light to make out whom the figure was.

The figure was Thor, the Goddess of Thunder, in her blue and brown armor. She held her large hammer by it's shaft with both hands. And as she reached the droid forces, she showed the droids how much of a force of nature she could be.

Several minutes later, the storm has passed by the time the Republic Forces, along with Anakin and Obiwan, reached the battlefield.

All they could see in the light of the day was an unharmed Thor, with slightly dirty armor.

Thor was standing on the ground looking at them, with her hammer being held by her right hand, to her right side. Those present saw that Thor was surrounded by destroyed droids and vehicles for as far as they could see.

All that was left of the mission now was mopping up, and accepting the surrender of that officers within the Separatist military base.

Anakin brought his speeder bike to a stop near Thor.

Anakin stepped off of the speeder bike he had been riding. He stood on the ground, as turned to Thor, whom was only around three meters in front of him.

Anakin saw Thor looking back at him.

When Anakin looked into Thor's eyes, with Thor looking back at him, Anakin did not see concern, worry, nor fear in Thor's eyes. But instead, Anakin saw a firm concern in Thor's gaze.

Thor turned to look down at the ground to avoid Anakin's gaze. Then, Thor turned to look over into the distance, at the destruction she had just wrought.

While Anakin felt only love for Padme, and he did not feel even a hint of fear towards the power that Padme now wielded as Thor. As Anakin looked out at the sight before him, only three words filled his mind, 'Cold destructive power.'

(_)

“Now we must face certain facts in the cold light of day.” Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock. Season Two, Episode Five, Greenzo.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

This chapter was a balance between narration and dialogue scenes.

I could have added another fifty pages of details and dialogue to this chapter. Though, if I did so I realized I would have caused this chapter to drag.

Bail introducing Padme to her new political alliance in the Senate is a good example of this. To be honest, I was not sure how to approach this scene. I am not sure who really knows who. So, figuring out which ones are introductions and which are reintroductions between Padme and the group would just be a guess. And I do not believe I would do justice to this scene.

This introduction scene works better in narration format instead of dialogue. This because the dialogue becomes circular in Padme and Bail convincing each person to join their group. This type of scene can very quickly become boring.

Such a scene would drag story away from the main focus of the plot of this chapter. Padme's training. The point of this scene showing that Padme is also rebuilding her political career in parallel with her training to be a warrior to go off to war.

Padme admits to herself the hypocrisy of seeking peace as a politician and going to war as a soldier. And this inner conflict in Padme makes for wonderful plots in this story.

Padme does know how to pilot a starfighter. She was shown flying a Naboo Royal N-1 Starfighter at the beginning of Episode Two. This is the same type of starfighters that the Naboo defensive forces and Anakin used in the space battle at the end of Episode One.

I used British pounds instead of kilograms because it sounded cooler having Padme use her stronger form to bench press a hundred metric ton vehicle, instead of having her bench pressing a hundred megagram vehicle. This is roughly the same weight.

Yes. I was inspired by the training montages of the Rocky IV movies. Why shouldn't I? Those training montages are some of the best ever made. And the back and forth style of those training montages gave me a good style format to work from, to show Padme training in her normal form, and her stronger form.

Taking into account how athletic and in shape the members of the Jedi Order are, the certainly have some sort of gymnasium to train their bodies. This is a given. And some training tools are like the wheel. You cannot improve much on the basic design, no matter how advanced the culture's technology is.

Padme was going to fight force users using lightsabers. In cases Padme would need a more graceful weapon than a hammer. Taking into account how dangerous using a lightsaber is, a vibro-sword was the best choice.

Giving Padme a lightsaber to use would be cliche.

If you are going to give someone the with powers of a god a sword. It needs to be a worthy sword. This is the whole point to the Black Solace story. It is a vibro-katana that is a worthy weapon which works for this story.

And yes, when the vibration mechanisms are turned on, the Black Solace's blade blade is sharper than a lightsaber blade.

A lightsaber cuts by burning through something. Basically, a lightsaber is a plasma torch contained in an electromagnetic energy field.

The Black Solace blade cuts at the molecular level, making such cuts easier, far smoother, and cleaner than a lightsaber blade cut could ever achieve.

I enjoyed writing a story where a lightsaber could legitimately be found wanting against other type of weapon.

Also, since the Black Solace uses a cortosis alloy and not a cortosis weave, the weapon will not short out a lightsaber. I have to balance the abilities of the weapons I have Padme use.

Explaining how a cortosis-weave could short out a lightsaber was fun.

The craftsman blademaster did have force visions of an Earth, in Japan, during the time of the Samurai, with him learning from his visions how a create a katana.

For those that do not understand the allure of what makes a katana cool. It is a very sharp sword. But, the way it is made is from a small ingot of metal that is heated, pounded, and folded on itself until there is a very sharp, long blade. This forging process and the history of those whom used katanas are what makes this type of sword so cool.

Throw in sith alchemy, force use, and sci-fi technology, a vibro-katana makes for a very cool sword.

Also, the Black Solace is not like the darksaber in the Clone Wars series. The darksaber I am referring to is the black blade lightsaber, not the streamlined Death Star. The darksaber is basically an black energy blade with a white hue around the outer layer of the energy blade. In contrast the Black Solace is a solid black blade that is sharp enough to cut through almost anything.

For as much as there is a cool factor to lightsabers. There are limitations to such a weapon. The weapon can run out of power.

Also, sonic weapons could be used to crack the crystal within a lightsaber, causing the lightsaber to explode went activated.

One of the drawbacks to Padme's powers are that Padme's electrical abilities could accidentally destroy the circuits to a lightsaber she is holding, without her realizing what happened until it was too later.

Even if the vibration mechanisms in the Black Solace stop working, the Black Solace is still a very sharp and tough blade than can parry a lightsaber.

Onto another matter. Keep in mind that Padme's hammer comes from Battleworld. While there is the worthy requirement to use it. 'Worthy' is a subjective term. And the Thors and their hammers of Battleworld served as God Emperor Doom's personal army of enforcers. These Thors committed a lot of evil acts in the name of Doom.

It is possible that if things go badly Padme might in up replacing Anakin, in the dark fate of being in a similar role as Darth Vader in the original timeline. Where Padme could end up serving as Emperor Palpatine's personal enforcer.

This is part of why I wanted to show at the end of this chapter, after Padme was trained, exactly how powerful Padme has become. I did not want it to be left ambiguous as to how powerful she is. While at the same time showing how humbling this power is.

You might ask why did I pick Jakku as the planet of Padme's first mission. I ask, why not. I just wanted to do a little nod towards the Star Wars Sequel set of movies.

On Senator Bail Organa. In Episodes Two and Episode Three it is shown Bail is a friend of Padme.

In the main timeline, Bail Organa raised Leia to be the woman she became. And Bail was instrumental in quietly founding the Rebel Alliance, and starting the rebellion against the Empire.

But, if you watch the Episode Three and the delete scenes of Episode Three, which showed a very detailed look of Bail as a person. Along with showing Bail's office. From those scenes you gain a good idea of who Bail really is.

Bail is a good example of an adorkable character. A cross between awkward and adorable.

Bail is good looking and he is a nice guy. At least for a politician. But, he is clearly awkward in his presentation towards other people. Bail is very soft spoken and polite. You would never guess, and I would expect that Palpatine did not suspect, that Bail would be one of the people that started the Rebel Alliance right under Palpatine's nose, during Bail's time in the Senate.

For example, later in Episode Three, when the chips are down, he does rise to the occasion. Both during purge of the Jedi, in one of the Temple scenes, where he tried to save a padawan, and with him later agreeing to raise Leia. All Bail needs is the proper motivation.

Bail has skills even around Episode Two. I have no doubt given what he later did in the main timeline, that Bail quietly had sources already near Palpatine. While he did not know Palpatine was Sidious, Bail did have an understanding of the internal security systems and politics within the Senate Building. At that point in time, Bail likely already had people in control of parts of the Security of the Senate Building. This allowed Bail to come and go without Palpatine becoming suspicious of him.

Being the nice person is an old tactic. And all successful political leaders know how to play that tactic well.

Taking this into account, no wonder Palpatine and Vader did not raise an eye about Leia at first when Leia became a Senator. They took one look at Leia's (adopted) father, and they mistakenly wrote Leia off as harmless.

The Emperor did not suspect Bail and Leia's actions in helping the rebellion until years later, at the beginning of Episode Four.

Bail is a good example that not all heroes are found on the battlefield.

This is another example of more Star Wars characters whom had a lot of potential, but for one reason or another those making the Star Wars movies and series could not grasp this potential.

Just something to think about.

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter Four: “Heroes of the Republic.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

A few weeks later, after Padme's successful mission in Jakku as Thor.

Two Republic Star Destroyers were in hyperspace, heading to their destination in the Outer Rim in the southeastern area of the galaxy.

The lead Star Destroyer was the Resolute. The Star Destroyer following the Resolute was the Negotiator.

It has been been a few weeks after Padme's first mission as Thor on the desert planet of Jakku. The mission had been a complete success. It was one of the few military operations by the Republic against the Separatists where there has been no causalities, save for battle droids.

Padme was quite proud of her accomplishment.

After Padme's first mission, Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan had been part of other successful missions. Though, none of these missions had been as bloodless as her first mission.

Most of these were missions for Padme, as Thor, were only to act as assistance to Anakin and Obiwan's battalions.

Obiwan's battalion was the 212th Attack Battalion. Anakin's battalion was the 501st Battalion.

The Star Destroy Resolute housed the 501st Battalion.

The Star Destroyer Negotiator housed the 212th attack battalion.

Obiwan was in charge of both ships. While Anakin served under Obiwan, with Anakin also having command of the Resolute.

Due to Obiwan spending much of his time on the Resolute. for command and operation purposes, many of the 212th officers, such as Commander Cody, were based on the Resolute Star Destroyer. So, they could be part of the mission briefings on the Resolute without using communication systems.

During the missions Thor had been a part of. Thor used her powers to offer cloud cover and storms for the invading Republic forces. She has gotten to the point she could control the storms so that small craft could enter the storms without being damaged. The storms still offered cover in the form of visibility, electrical interference, and lightning attacks towards ground targets to deter and destroy anti-aircraft weaponry from locking on and firing on the incoming invasion force.

Once the Republic forces had made it to the ground, Thor would assist as needed.

Though, due to most of the locations being in populated areas, or the locations were in some way important enough not to bomb to rumble, Thor had to hold back her weather powers. On such missions Thor used her powers in person against the battle droids.

So far, Thor has been able to keep from being hurt by the battle droids. But, she knew she would likely be hurt eventually. Thor hoped when her luck did run out that she would not be seriously hurt and she would recover while not being captured, crippled, or killed.

The power Padme now wielded as Thor deeply troubled her. In private, Padme had told Anakin and Obiwan that she was glad she was not being asked to stop whole armies, nor level whole areas with her powers.

Obiwan had informed Padme that he had talked to some of the Jedi High Council members about this matter. And the concern of the Jedi Order about being corrupted by the dark side of the force extended to they point the Jedi Council could sympathize with Padme's concerns.

That asking so much from Padme could cause Padme to lose touch with her humanity and start to allow the power she had to corrupt her.

To this end, the Jedi Council felt it was best to prevent Padme from being put into the position that could cause such problems.

Also, Obiwan and Anakin agreed with the Jedi Council on this matter.

Padme was relieved to learn this.

On the political front, Padme has found a balance between being a senator and soldier, with those in the Senator not having a clue about this.

When Padme was not fighting, while Padme was on the Resolute, she could continue her duties as Senator over encrypted holo-communications.

Padme found the time to go to her private quarters to use a holo-monitor to allow her sit in on the Senate debates on Coruscant via holo-comm. When she did so, she wore one of her nice dresses. Padme even voted on a few bills. Also, Padme's droid secretary on Coruscant had forwarded various documents to review, to see if Padme would sign them or not.

Only a handle people from both crews of both the Resolute and the Negotiator knew that Padme was Thor, and Padme wished to keep it this way.

The members of both crews were under strict orders to allow Padme, both her forms, too come and go within the ship as she pleased. And for the crew to not to discuss presence of Padme and Thor being on the Resolute. The members of the crews were not to discuss the matter with each other, nor anyone else, unless one of their commanding officers had a question on the matter.

Concerning Padme's normal form, the crews of both ships were not informed as to Padme identity. The only information the crew had was the she as a high level Republic government official, whom was stationed on the Resolute.

The only information the crews of the Resolute and Negotiator were told of Thor was that she was a powerful individual whom the Republic military had sent to fight the Separatists.

For the crews of the Resolute and the Negotiator, those few that know that Padme was Senator Amidala, the given cover story for them was that Padme in the protection of the Jedi. And given the number of assassination attempts on Senator Padme Amidala's life, she had been placed on the ship to protect her, because a Republic Star Destroyer would be the last place anyone would look for her.

It was Anakin whom came up with the cover story for the crew. Both Padme and Obiwan agreed the cover story was a good idea.

(_)

Presently, while in hyperspace, inside the Resolute, the work rotation schedule was presently at morning.

As an added precaution, earlier that morning Padme had changed into Thor. She then left her quarters with the hammer.

Though, given her quarters were part of the ship assigned for diplomatic quarters, no one was around as she came and went. And Anakin had control of the security cameras.

Padme had spent most of the morning as Thor. Though, when she went with Anakin and Obiwan, to the break room assigned for Jedi, and Thor herself. As soon as the door was closed, she changed back to her normal form.

Star Destroyers usually had such private breaks rooms for Jedi and dignitaries.

The private break room on the Resolute was reserved for Jedi. Padme was allowed to be in the room as both herself as in stronger form, Thor.

At the moment, inside the private break room, Padme was in her normal form. She was sipping a small cup of warm coffee, as she sat in a chair at a square table. The hammer was current set on the floor, to Padme's right side, on the top of its head, by her chair.

The break room was sectioned into a kitchen area, a dining area, and a recreation area. The door to the hallway was near the table and kitchen area. And on the far side of the room was a door to a restroom area, with a sink, toilet, shower, and cabinet for towels and toiletries.

The recreation area had four couches. The couches were set around each other in a square, with the couches facing inwardly. The couches surrounded a large circular holo-monitor. The corners where the couches met were spaced to allow people to walk between them.

Along with Padme, Anakin and Obiwan each sat in a chair at the square table. Anakin was not drinking anything, while Obiwan was sipping a cup of warm tea.

Padme was sitting with her facing the holo-monitor. Obiwan was to her right, and Anakin was to her left.

All three has been up for hours. And given the command authority Obiwan and Anakin were given, they were dressed in their uniforms. Or, more aptly what Jedi were allowed to pass as uniforms.

Obiwan was in his white armor, with his brown Jedi robe wore over his armor.

Anakin was in his usual red and black Jedi clothing, with dark armor on his upper chest and shoulders.

Anakin and Obiwan each had their lightsaber attached to their belt.

Padme uniform in her stronger form Thor form with her armor, helmet, and equipment.

When Padme changed back to her normal form, her armor changed back to the clothing she had been wearing.

This allowed Padme to wear her clothing she desired in her normal form.

Presently, Padme was wearing a white short sleeve t-shirt, black pants, and black slippers. While this was very casual clothing for her, given the circumstances Padme felt it was best to dress casually.

Dressing casually would draw less attention to herself. And this would decrease the chance of someone recognizing her as Senator Amidala, given as Senator, Padme was always seen wearing formal dresses.

While Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan sat at the table, R2 and C3-PO were nearby. With C3-PO ready to refill drinks as needed.

Across the room, the holo-monitor was on and showing a news broadcast.

Anakin had turned on the large holo-monitor and he had set the holo-monitor to a news network. While communications were censored for most of the ship and crew. The Jedi, and Padme, due to her being a Senator, were allowed to watch the news and review other information. Along with them being allowed to use communication lines at their discretion. Though, with the exception of when they were about to go into battle, or were currently in battle. Padme's respected these limitations.

The holo-news broadcast had just began a news story about the Obiwan, Anakin, and Padme, as Thor.

Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan were paying attention to the news story.

The holo-monitor showed three dimensional aftermath imagines of locations of various battles that Padme, Anakin, and Obiwan, had fought on. There were also a few holovideos of Thor, Anakin, and Obiwan, in combat with various battle droids.

The footage came from recordings made by cameras on military vehicles and trooper helmets.

Anakin did not mind being reminded of these battles. Obiwan found such news reports to be distasteful. Padme was slightly disturbed by seeing the imagines, due to her being able to recognize some of the damage she had done in those locations when she was Thor.

While the footage played, the off-screen announcer was harping about Thor, Anakin, and Obiwan in the most over the top, faltering ways possible, while still remaining tasteful.

Towards the end of the propaganda news broadcast, the announcer stated, “Due to the aid of Thor, the Storm Bringer. Jedi Anakin Skywalker, the Hero without Fear. And Master Obiwan Kenobi, the Wise. This Thundering Force. The Separatists do not stand a chance against the might of the army of the Republic.”

Anakin used the force to pushed a button on the control panel of the holo-monitor across the room to turn off the broadcast. Anakin turned to his friends. He said, “So that is what they are saying about us.”

Obiwan and Padme turned to look at Anakin. Both of them set their cups on the table.

Padme stated, “I am use to dealing with propaganda. But, they are kind of laying it on a little thick with that broadcast.”

Obiwan said, “I agree. I am surprised that I was even mentioned.”

Padme commented, “Well, if it was just Anakin. I can see how you would not be mentioned. But, with both Anakin and myself. As our Jedi commanding officer, they would have to mention you, while putting a positive spin on the entire situation.”

Obiwan stated, “I can see your point. I guess I am live with being called, Wise. I will talk Master Yoda and Master Windu about this. The Jedi Order does not public notoriety of their individual members.”

Padme pointed out, “You are clearly not going to let the title go to your head. I think you will be fine.”

Obiwan responded, “I agree. Since we do not control the press there is not much we can do about it.”

Padme stated, “Exactly. And the nickname of, the Wise, suits you.” She thought, 'Though, occasionally you are more of a wiseass, than wise. But, I am not going to say that to your face.' She continued, “Just let them know you are aware of the situation, and you will not allow this to effect your job. If you say that and mean it, you will be fine.”

Obiwan replied, “I think that would work...” He then realized what Padme was doing, as he continued, “Oh my. You are teaching my politics.”

Padme giggled a little. As she stopped giggling, she said, “Yes.”

Obiwan jokingly asked, “When did I become a politician?”

Padme stated, “When you accepted being a General. You think politics is bad between Senators. They do not hold a candle to some of the politics events I have heard happen from within the various planetary military organizations.”

Obiwan said, “I will keep that in mind. If I need advice on such matters, I will come to you.”

Padme smiled, as she offered, “Please do. I am more than happy to help.”

Obiwan replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin said, “Well, I for one like being called, the Hero Without Fear.”

Obiwan stated, “That is another thing. I guess I will have bring that up with the council, as well.”

Anakin pointed out, “And what will you say, Master? You have been pushing this, chosen one, angle on me since we met. And now the Republic news services are doing something in the same vein as that. You cannot just say that I am suppose to be your hero, and then reject allowing others to call me a hero.”

Obiwan admitted, “You're right. You have me there. There is no point in going to the council about your new title.”

Anakin grinned in response to his victory.

Padme commented, “Speaking of when you, Anakin. When you were young kid, I remember you were foolhardy even then.”

Obiwan stated, “He never actually grew out of it.”

Anakin smiled, as he said, “I will take that as a compliment.”

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he inquired, “What do you think about being called Storm Bringer?”

Padme answered, “It is self explanatory. How else would you call my abilities as Thor?”

Obiwan said, “True. You are a storm bringer.”

Nearby, C3-PO was standing near R2. C3-PO looked down at his droid friend, as he commented, “I think that was a wonderful broadcast about Master Anakin, Mistress Padme, and Master Kenobi.”

In response to C3-PO's comment R2 whistled a snort in disbelief.

Back at the table, Anakin asked, “I wonder who came up with these names?”

Padme stated, “Likely the Chancellor. He has always been good at coming up with names for people.”

Obiwan questioned, “Then Padme why did he have us pick your name, instead of him?”

Padme said, “Occasionally he is open to suggestions, when those suggestion do not conflict with his agenda.”

Obiwan looked at both Anakin and Padme, as he stated, “You know. Out of everyone. You two probably know the most about the Chancellor.”

Anakin replied, “Probably.”

Padme said, “That is likely. Though, the Chancellor has always been a private person.”

Anakin commented, “That is an understatement.”

Obiwan asked, “Padme. From what I understand. Chancellor advised you in politics?”

Padme responded, “Yes. I would not be where I am today, as a politician, without his counsel. When I first met Chancellor Palpatine, it was during my election as Queen of Naboo. Even then, he was a seasoned politician and a Galactic Senator. This was during one of his the times he visited Naboo. Between legislative sessions of the Galactic Congress.”

“During that meeting we has a very productive discussion about the future direction of Naboo and the Republic. From then on we mostly talked by holo-comm. He was interested in my progress. When I was became a Senator, he helped adjust to live on Coruscant. During that time, he taught me much about the inner workings of the Senate.”

“This is why when the Chancellor formed the Loyalist Committee to investigate corruption within the Senate, he invited me to join as one of the main leaders of the committee. And I accepted his invitation. Without his help, I would not gained as much respect and influence within the Senate.”

Obiwan pointed out, “Though, concerning the war you are opposed to him?”

Padme said, “I feel we are taking the wrong direction with the Republic. During my training, I did talk to him a few times by holo-comm about the war. Chancellor and I have agreed to disagree on this matter.”

Obiwan questioned, “On a related matter, I noticed you were not upset that Jar Jar supported the measures in the Senate which you opposed? Measures which started the war?”

Padme admitted, “I will foolish enough to put Jar Jar in that position in the first place.” She thought, 'I will leave out that I believe it was the Chancellor whom tricked Jar Jar into doing so.'

Obiwan complimented, “Such a sense of responsibility is rare for a politician.”

Padme commented, “I am not like most politicians.”

Obiwan responded, “That is true. How do you reconcile being a soldier in this war with being senator opposing this war?”

Padme stated, “The same way you members of the Jedi Order reconcile between being keepers of the peace and being warriors in this war. You do not. You just do both jobs, and you hope that the conflict between the two does not destroy you.”

Obiwan conceded, “Fair enough.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he said, “Master. You have to give her credit on that one.”

Padme turned to Anakin. She kindly replied, “Thank you, Anakin. And onto another matter. Over the last few days, I noticed that you two have started carrying new lightsabers.”

Obiwan look down at the lightsaber holstered to his belt. He turned back to look at Padme.

Meanwhile, Anakin continued to look at Padme, with him not looking down at the holster on this belt. Anakin said, “I was wondering what you were going to ask about that. We finally constructed our lightsabers. And we stopped using the ones we were given on Geonosis. I decided to use a different color crystal than blue in my new lightsaber.”

Padme asked, with curious interest in her tone of voice, “Which color crystal?”

Anakin smiled at Padme, as he stated, “Well, I enjoyed using that green training lightsaber to spar with you so much that I decided that I would build a green blade lightsaber.”

Padme complimented, “Nice choice. Green suits you.”

Anakin replied, “Thank you.”

Padme turned to Obiwan, as she casually asked, “What color is your new lightsaber? Is it red?”

Obiwan turned to Padme, as he casually said, “No. I decided to stay with the traditional blue crystal.”

Padme replied, “Okay.”

Anakin stood up from his chair. He stated, “Well, I need to get going. I got a few things I need to do this morning.”

Padme turned to Anakin. She smiled at Anakin, as she said, “We will talk later.”

Anakin looked down at Padme's face, as he returned her smile. He stated, “That we will.”

Obiwan noticed the shared smile between his two students. But, he did not say anything about the matter.

Anakin turned to 2R and C3-PO. He said, “Come on. R2. C3-PO. You can be help me with checking on my starfighter. And I need to check with Captain Rex on how morale is doing. Along with inspecting the troops and equipment.”

Padme and Obiwan then watched as Anakin walked to the door to the hallway. He pressed a button on a panel the right of the door. The door slid open, with Anakin walk out into the hallway, with R2 and C3-PO following behind him.

As the door slip closed, Padme and Obiwan were still looking at the doorway. Padme commented, “At least he takes his job as a General very seriously.”

Obiwan agreed, “True.” He turned back to look at Padme, as he inquired, in a concerned tone of voice, “I can tell you are holding back things from Anakin. But, how are you really holding up?”

Padme turned to look at Obiwan. She slumped her shoulders, as she admitted, in a tired tone of voice, “Fine. We both know I have been in battles before. I just did not realize the whole destruction and death that these battles would entail. I thought my experiences dealing with the invasion of Naboo would have prepared me for me for this. But, I was wrong.”

Obiwan pointed out, “This is because you were not on the front lines of those battles. And while you did not lead from the rear, you did not see the brunt of the action.”

Padme stated, “Perhaps. I knew when I volunteered, that I was going to have to kill people in this war. I accept that. But, there is a difference between killing a handful of people at a time, and killing whole cities at a time.”

Padme brought her hands up to the top of the table. She made a fist in both her hands, as she set them together, behind her cup of coffee. She looked down at her fists, as she continued, with a concerned tone of voice, “I am worried I might eventually be ordered to use my powers to destroy a populated city of civilians, because the Republic military will see it as easier to do so than have a ground invasion.”

Obiwan stated, “Do no worry. I am commanding officer of this small fleet. Since the orders come from the Jedi Council and the Chancellor, only the Council, or the Chancellor can overrule my orders. I know the members of the Jedi Council feel the same way as I do. And as we just saw, the Chancellor values you enough as a propaganda tool to use you in such a blatant manner. As such, I doubt the Chancellor will order you to do so.”

Padme look up at Obiwan. Obiwan saw a bit of fear and worry in Padme's eyes.

Padme responded, “I hope not. I use to think I knew Sheev. Now, I am not so sure.” She looked down at her fists. She relaxed and flexed her hands, as she continued, “But, it is not just that. I never knew a single individual could cause so much destruction. And it is my hands that are doing the destroying.”

A thought occurred to Obiwan He inquired, “As your friend, and your commanding officer, I have to ask. Are you having second thoughts about joining the Republic military?”

Padme looked over at Obiwan. Obiwan saw hardness form in Padme's eyes, as Padme firmly stated, “No. I am just realizing the dangerous potential of the power that I now wield.”

Obiwan calmly said, “Good. Such realizations will help keep you from being corrupted by that power.”

Padme looked to her right side, down at the hammer. Then, she looked back at Obiwan. She stated, “I hope so. Though, this hammer. This power. It is humbling to use. But, at the same time it is intoxicating to use. It is like this hammer wants to be used, but only in the manner it desires.”

Obiwan explained, “I can appreciate that. In some ways, that is how the force effects Jedi. Do you sometimes feel guided by your hammer?”

Padme answered, “Yes. I am sometimes not sure if I am wielding the hammer, or if the hammer is guiding me.”

Obiwan gave Padme a smile, as he responded, “Perhaps a bit of both. And that is what is like to use the force. Do you think the hammer is self-aware to the point of being aware of those around it? Or, even if it is only partly self-aware? As Yoda once mentioned. I know we were able to help you to strengthen the bond you have with the hammer. But, I was never really sure how aware the hammer is.”

Padme said, “It is possible the hammer is aware of us. Though, if that is the case the hammer is not aware of its surroundings like we are.”

Obiwan said, “If that is the case, I wonder if this hammer has a name? Or, if it wants a name?”

Padme dropped her hands back to her lap. She then used her right hand to picked up the hammer by its shaft. She gently set the hammer on the table on its side, in the middle of the table, away from both Padme's cup of coffee and Obiwan's cup of tea.

Padme set the hammer on the table so Obiwan could look at the weapon.

Padme kept her right hand on the shaft of the hammer as she looked at the weapon. Padme rolled Obiwan's inquiry of the weapon's name. Suddenly, a thought came to her mind. Padme stated, “Mjolnir.” She then looked at Obiwan. She said, “Do not ask me how I know this. I just know.” She turned to look at the hammer, as she continued, “When I asked the question in my mind, Mjolnir is the name that popped into my mind.” Padme look at Obiwan.

Obiwan casually said, “Good. Then we can at least address this weapon by something less generic than, the hammer.”

Padme replied, “I agree.”

Obiwan turned to the hammer. He said, “Hello Mjolnir.”

Padme could not help but giggle a little at the casualness that Obiwan displayed towards all the strangeness that surrounded their lives.

As Padme calmed down, Obiwan offered, “You know. I could wrap the grip of Mjolnir with leather. Brown or black. Your choice. It would give you a better grip with the hammer.”

Padme commented, “I thought about that. But, I wear gloves, and it seems on top of Mjolnir being so light in my hands, I have never had any issues of losing my grip.”

Obiwan said, “That is good to know.”

Padme stated, “But, if an issue does develop I will come to you for help. I would likely use brown leather, instead of black leather. The brown leader straps would go well with the brown leather of my armor.”

Obiwan replied, “I agree. And thank you.”

Padme inquired, “By the way, how is the new admiral assigned to assist us working out for you?”

Obiwan answered, “Fine. He is offering good advice.”

Padme replied, “That is good to here.”

The two friends then continued talking for a little while longer. When they finished their conversation, they stood up from the table and put away their cups into the nearby kitchen sink.

Then, Padme picked up the hammer and changing into Thor, with her clothing changing to her armor.

With Padme now presently ready, both Padme and Obiwan exited the break-room to resume their duties as officers of the Republic military.

(_)

A day later, Padme heard back from Obiwan. They talked in private. Obiwan inform Padme that Padme's advice over the propaganda media about him had worked out fine with the Jedi Council. Obiwan had discussed the matter with Yoda and Mace Windu. The Jedi High Council was fine with the matter as long as such propaganda did not over-inflate the egos of the Jedi featured on the press reports.

(_)

It had been three days after Padme, Obiwan, Anakin, had their discussion concerning Republic new services using them as propaganda for the war effort, and giving them nicknames.

While the Resolute and Negotiator were still in hyperspace, inside the Resolute, in a meeting room a mission briefing was being held.

It was presently early afternoon in the ship rotation schedule.

The lights in the room were on.

The doors to the room were closed.

The people present has just entered the room and sat down in the black chairs around a large, black round table. There were control consoles on the top of table in front of each chair.

Those sitting in black chairs, at the large black, rounded table in the room, clockwise, and closest to the door, was Thor. Thor had on her armor, helmet, and equipment. This included the sheathed Black Solace strapped to her back. Thor set Mjolnir on the top of its head beside her chair, to her right.

To Thor's left was Anakin Skywalker. In his dark red and black clothing. He has dark armor on his upper chest and shoulders. He had on his gloves. There was a comlink in his left glove. Also, he had his lightsaber holstered on his belt.

To Anakin's left was Obiwan. Obiwan was in why trooper armor, with his brown Jedi robe over his armor. He has his lightsaber holstered on his belt.

To Obiwan's left was the clone trooper CT-2224 and to that clone trooper's left was clone trooper CT-7567. Like most clones they had taken on nicknames. CT-2224 was nicknamed Cody. While CT-7567 was nicknamed Rex.

Cody held the rank of Commander. While Rex held the rank of captain.

Commander Cody was under the 212th Battalion. Captain Rex was under the 501st Battalion.

Commander Cody oversaw field command of armory and artillery groups. Captain Rex oversaw field command of infantry and reconnaissance forces.

Both were in their white trooper armor. Neither of them had their helmets, nor weapons with them.

Cody's armor was a mix of white and yellow. Rex's armor was a mix of white and blue.

Cody's black hair was trimmed short. Rex's hair was trimmed extremely short, and Rex had bleached his hair blond.

To Rex's left side was the flight commander. The commander was a clone nicknamed Tony. He held the rank of captain. He oversaw command of flight squadrons and fly transports.

Captain Tony was part of the command of 212th Battalion, but Obiwan and Anakin had given Captain Tony command to pulled personnel and hardware for missions from the Resolute as needed.

Because Captain Tony oversaw the logistical side of command and not direct action, he was dressed in a olive green naval uniform, with insignia showing he was a captain.

To Captain Tony's left was the last member in the meeting. This was the human, Admiral Wullf Yularen. He wore a olive green naval uniform, which insignia showing he was an admiral.

A week ago, Chancellor Palpatine had Admiral Yularen to assist Obiwan and Anakin. Chancellor Palpatine has told Obiwan and Anakin that he felt having an experienced officer there to assist them in command would be helpful.

Obiwan and Anakin found that Admiral Yularen was a fair minded man, whom was very easy to get along with. When asked, Admiral Yularen offered excellent advise. Admiral Yularen also helped streamline the day to day operations of both the Resolute and Negotiator.

To Admiral Yularen's left there were two empty chairs at the table between Thor and himself.

Obiwan looked around at the people at the table, as he stated, “Okay people. In just over one hour we will be coming out of hyperspace. We are going to be coming in hot. So we need to be ready. This is the target.”

Obiwan pressed a few buttons on the console on the table in front of him.

The lights dimmed and a holographic projection of a planet came on. The holo-monitor build into the center of the table showed a holographic projection showed a planet shown in red outlines, that slowly rotated clockwise above the table.

Obiwan said, “This is the planet Christophsis. It is one of two planets orbiting a single star. The planet has one moon. This planet is located on the southeastern part of the galaxy, in the Outer Rim, near the Mid-Rim. It is part of the Corellian Run hyper-route that goes from the Core to the Outer Rim.”

“The population of Christophsis is composed of Christophsians, which were near-human. The immigrant populations of the planet included humans, rodians, and kerkoidians.”

“Besides its location, what makes Christophsis so important is that it is a crystal planet that is rich various in mineral resources. These resources range from materials used to build starships to the materials used to make the warheads for photon torpedoes.”

“Due to Christophsis being rich in mineral resources and only Corellian Run near the border of the Mid-Rim and Outer Rim, Christophsis is an important strategic location.”

“Should the Separatists maintain control of Christophsis, they can blockade the southeastern corner of the Outer Rim from the rest of the Galaxy, while also strengthening their military.”

“But, we are not going to allow that.”

“Reconnaissance probes have been very detailed data on Separatist forces in the solar system. The specific mission objectives and needed data for your parts of this operation have already being relayed personal datapads. You can brief your teams after the meeting.”

“The data shows some good news. The Separatists have not fully entrenched themselves yet into Christophsis.”

“There are signs that the Separatists are building a base on the moon of Christophsis, but this is only in the beginning stages and as such will not be a factor.”

Obiwan press a button on the console in front of him. A yellow dot appeared on part of the surface of the holographic image of Christophsis.

Obiwan stated, “This is the capital city, Chaleydonia. Chaleydonia is known as the Crystal City. The reason for the nickname was due to the way the locals had constructive their tall buildings to have the exteriors of the buildings be covered in the same cyan, teal, and green crystals that made up much of the surface of the planet of Christophsis. The city had a central area, with out outer ring of building encircling the central area. Between the central area and the outer ring is open spaces, with highways connected between central area and the outer ring.”

“Reconnaissance data states that most of the Separatist forces are based on the central area of the city.”

Thor asked, “What is the population of the Chaleydonia? Thy would expect massive civilian casualties from this battle.”

Obiwan turned to Thor. Obiwan answered, “Fortunately, the location population has been evacuated from the city. Republic intelligence reports that the Separatist leader on the planet is General Whorm Loathsom, a kerkoidian man. It is of the opinion of Republic intelligence that Whorm likely did not desire to see members of his own species, along with the rest of the locals killed in the conflict. So, he allowed an evacuation of the city.”

“This was likely done due to General Loathsom previous public stating that the justification for the Separatists invading was as a act of liberation against the Republic. The Separatists forcing civilians to be caught in the crossfire would conflict with this propaganda claim of liberation.”

Through the force, Obiwan sensed Thor feel relief after hearing this news.

Commander Tony commented, “While the crews of two Star Destroyers is enough to take over an entire planet, we could lose so many personnel in the battle that holding the planet could become difficult.”

Obiwan turned to Commander Tony. Obiwan stated, “That is a possibility.” He turned to Thor. He continued, “Though, the military commanders whom put this plan together believe that having Thor with us will tilt the odds in our favor and decrease causalities on our side. I agree with their assessment.”

Thor remained silent on the comment.

Admiral Yularen inquired, “What resistance should we expect to confront? Such an important location would be heavily guard. Both in orbit and on the ground.”

Obiwan looked over at Admiral Yularen. Obiwan answered, “We expect to only deal with ground forces. But, the space forces have already been dealt with. This is due to other Republic operations taking place in key Separatists holdings in the area. Christophsis is important. But, not the most important location.”

“Latest probe data states that the Separatist space forces have left the planet to aid other locations.”

Obiwan press a button on the console in front of him.

The hologram of Christophsis disappeared and a red color, three dimensional view of the galaxy which slowly rotated counterclockwise.

The image of galaxy was shades of ready to show different parts of the galaxy. Such as Hutt Space, the Outer Rim, the Mid-Rim, and other areas. With Hutt Space making up much of the eastern part of the Galaxy, between the Mid-Rim and the Outer-Rim. Much of the western half of the galaxy was in a light red to show it was part of the Unknown Regions.

The parts of the northeastern galaxy was in dark shades of red to show that area was held by the Separatists.

There were also to hyper-routes shown on the map. One route went from the core of the galaxy to the southeastern end of the galaxy.

The hyper-route when through a yellow dot that was in the Outer Rim, near the Mid-Rim. The hyper-route also passed through a red dot further in the Outer Rim.

There was a yellow dot near the other hyper-route went along the edge eastern side of the outer rim, on the eastern side of Hutt Space. But, the hyper-route did not directly touch Hutt Space.

Near the bottom of the map, the eastern hyper-route passed through the red dot.

Obiwan looked around, as he stated, “The yellow dot is Christophsis. The red dot is the planet, Arkanis. The Separatist currently control both planets. As you can see, Corellian Run passed through both systems. You will also note that most of the Separatists controlled areas are in the northeastern concern of the galaxy. Such as their capital world, Raxus Secundus. The area of control the Separatists have in that part of the galaxy spans across the Outer Rim, Mid-Rim and some of the Expansion Region.”

“Now, the other hyper-route on the eastern edge of the galaxy is Triellus Trade Route. This hyper-route is nicknamed the Hutt Highway. This hyper-route skirts Hutt Space and the hyper-route is used by spice runners and other smugglers.”

“The Triellus Trade Route use to go through Christophsis, but this was changed a few centuries ago to Arkanis to move away from Republic influence.”

“This is one of the most lawless areas in the galaxy. And one of the areas that Republic has the least influence on this side of the galaxy.”

“The Separatists are using this fact to their advantage. They have clearly cut a deal with the Hutts. The Separatists are using the Triellus Trade Route to funnel their military and resources to the southern part of the Outer Rim.”

“This needs to be stopped not before we see another major front in this war.”

“If the Republic can take both Christophsis and Arkanis we can cripple the Separatists operations within this section of the galaxy. Even if we lose Christophsis, and we take Arkanis. We can cut off Christophsis and force their surrender”.

Obiwan press a button on the console. The holographic system shut down. Obiwan pressed another button and lights in the room brightened back to normal.

Obiwan said, “We will come in front the west to land our forces on the western end of the city. The local time in that area will be just before dawn. The Resolute and Negotiator will come out of hyperspace in high orbit around Christophsis. This is so if the intelligence is wrong and the planet is guarded by a fleet. That fleet will likely be in close orbit of the planet and we will not be running head long into a ambush.”

“When we have confirmed there are no Separatist ships in orbit, we will implement the invasion. The invasion itself will be in three waves.”

Obiwan turned to Thor. He stated, “General Thor, you will take your starfighter and be the tip of the spear. You will provide cover for our forces. While dealing with any Separatist starfighters. Though, I do not want you to be flying in the sky. That would make you to tempting a target for a sniper droids and anti-aircraft weaponry. Use the skyscrapers for cover as you fly about.”

Thor commented, “General Kenobi. Thy will do as thou requests.”

Obiwan looked around the room, as he went onto say, “The next wave will be starfighters escorting bombers. The bombers will take out any major Separatist installations that our probes have found. Though, the Separatists likely have other holdings in the city which are either camouflaged, or underground.”

“This bombings will also include our landing area. I do not want to be ambush as we are getting out of the transports.”

“Once the starfighters and bombers have completed there missions, the squadrons will return to the Jedi Cruisers to rearm. Both those squadrons and other starfighter squadrons being be put on ready status in case there is a ambush in orbit by Separatist forcing coming out of hyperspace.”

Obiwan turned to Thor. He commented, “General Thor. Your personal datapad has noted maps and locations of the city that I wish for you to keep the storm down to a minimum. This included the western end of the city.”

“I want air cover, but keep the wind, rain, and lightning to a minimum in the areas we will be flying over. Once we have landed and the bombing runs are complete, racket up the storm in the atmosphere. But, keep clear the ground level where we will be.”

Thor asked, “That will not be a problem. Still, we will be leveling the city?”

Obiwan answered, “Hopefully not. Having to deal with a homeless population would present difficulties to everyone involved.”

Thor agreed, “Yes. It would.”

Obiwan looked around. He said, “The final wave will be our gunships and transports carrying our ground forces. We already have a landing site targets. Once we land, we will quickly set up our artillery cannons for Separatist ground forces. Once we have have established a beach head we will move east to deal with the Separatist holdouts in the central area. This will not be easy considering there are choke-points and open spaces between western area and central area of the city.”

“I want to keep the gunships and transports within the base. That way if we need to we can move our personal and vehicles more quickly to better positions. If we can take out some of their defenses within western side of the central area of the city, we might try a blitz attack with our forces. Though, even I will admit that is risky. We do not know the full numbers of their ground forces. We could easily find ourselves overwhelmed by their sheer numbers.”

“Also, the gunships will remain at the base to conserve our fuel needs. If we do get cut, I do not want fuel to become an immediate issue.”

“Also, if we are overrun, we can use our air transport to escape to more strategic locations to the west, outside Chaleydonia. This locations have already been picked out and sent your datapads.”

“There are mountains with jagged ridges and deep valleys outside of the city that would make for formidable natural fortresses. And between our artillery and Thor's weather abilities, we could hold out until reinforcements arrive. But, that is only for the worst case scenario.”

Obiwan turned to Thor. He stated, “General Thor. Once we are on the ground, I want you to fly over the western side of the city and destroy any droid patrols you can find. And be ready to return to our base camp at a moments notice. Even with our artillery, I would not be surprised if the Separatists do not try to hit us with at least one major wave of droid forces. Should that happen, I would like your aid in repelling those forces.”

Thor said, “Yes sir.”

Obiwan looked around the room, as he commented, “Also, we need to see if we can take the General Loathsom alive. He has the codes to shut down the droids on the planet. Having him do means we do not have to search building to building for any droid holdouts.”

Obiwan turned to Admiral Yularen. He commented, “Admiral Yularen. I want you to keep the Negotiator and Resolute in orbit to watch out for an possible outside ambush from a Separatist fleet. I do not want you to provide fire support on the off chance the Separatists have an ion cannon on the surface of the planet. One or two shots from such a weapon can taken out a Jedi Cruise for a few hours. And we cannot afford for that to happen.”

Admiral Yularen responded, “I agree. Should the Separatists come in force, how do you wish for the matter to be handled?”

Obiwan answered, “Should the Separatist send an counterattack with their cruises. If you feel you can hold the line, do so. If not then flee. But, let us know before you act. Should we be able to retake the planet before there is a fleet ambush I want to have the Negotiator sent down to fortify our holdings until reinforcements come to relieve us.”

“Should there be a fleet ambush afterward, I want the Resolute to flee. The Separatists will then learn how tough a Jedi Cruiser can be as a ground fortification. We do not need to worry about energy being sent to the lower half of the ship and to the engines. We can triple the strength of our shields and quadruple the firing rate of our turbo-lasers on the upper deck.”

Obiwan noticed from their expressions that no one has thought of how to use a Star Destroyer in such a manner.

Obiwan inquired, “Any other questions?”

After a few seconds of silent, Obiwan stated, “Alright, this briefing is over. Let us get ready for battle.”

The group them got of their chairs, collected their belongings, and filed out of the room to prepare for their parts of the mission.

(_)

An hour after the mission briefing, the Resolute and Negotiator dropped out of hyperspace in high orbit around the planet of Christophsis. As expected the Star Destroyers long range sensors confirmed there were not any Separatists ships in orbit around the Christophsis.

Since an immediate space ambush was no longer a concern, the swiftly two Star Destroyers launched their forces to invade the world of Christophsis. Once the starfighters, bombers, and transports had left the two ships. Both Star Destroyers raised their energy shields and stood guard for a possible ambush from Separatist ships coming in from hyperspace.

Meanwhile, the Republic invasion forces headed for the city of Chaleydonia. The crystal city let up on the twilight sky right before sunrise.

The Republic forces were composed of a squadron of V-19 Torrent starfighter escorting a squadron of starfighter bombers. Behind these starfighters and bombers were troop carrier gunships, vehicle carriers transports, and supply transports.

Ahead of all the other forces was one lone, two-wing Z-95 headhunter starfighter.

The pilot in Z-95 headhunter starfighter was Thor. Thor was in her armor, helmet, with her sheathed Black Solace. It was not comfortable to fly in a cockpit with a sword strapped to one's back, but Thor managed. The hammer was set behind the cockpit seat. Also, Thor has used the seatbelts to strap herself to the chair.

Thor piloted the starfighter into the atmosphere, in a trajectory that would take her to Chaleydonia. As soon as she cleared the re-entry and slowed down to where the heat was no longer a factor, she ejected from her starfighter, by popped the canopy, undoing her seatbelts, and jumping out. As she jumped out she summoning the hammer.

The hammer flew up to Thor's right hand, and Thor gripped the weapon by the shaft, which allowed her to use the hammer to fly.

The starfighter itself never made it to the ground, as it dropped in a straight direction, it was shot down by Separatists anti-aircraft fire.

Meanwhile, Thor was much smaller than the starfighter she had just abandoned. She flew towards ground in a corkscrew fashion. Her smaller size and erratic path made it next to impossible for the Separatist anti-aircraft defenses to hit.

While Thor flew she began creating a storm to offer cover for the invading Republic forces.

Thor was careful to not make the storm to powerful to risk the Republic forces. Just enough electrical discharge to make target locks from the ground difficult. Though, on the ground there was no rain and very little wind. She was careful minimize the storm from the western end of Chaleydonia until after the transports had landed and the other spacecraft has finished their missions and returned to space.

Thor also flew down to below the skyline of the highrise buildings on the western edge Chaleydonia. She used the skyscrapers for cover. Though, she was careful to avoid any of the bombing areas that were about to be hit.

Once the bombing was complete, Thor planned to move into the western part of the city.

Meanwhile, Thor continued to create the storm cover.

A few minutes later, Thor had created the storm cover she desired just in time starfighter squadrons, gunships and transports pass above her.

As Thor flew between the skyscrapers on the western edge of the crystal city, her enhanced sight allowed her to watched as the starfighter squadron provided cover as the bombers bombed suspected key Separatist supply depots and other military targets. This included bombing the staging area, to clear out any Separatist droids that might be present.

When the bombing run was done, both squadrons of starfighters heading back up to the Star Destroyers to both refuel and rearm, in case of a surprised attack by Separatist space forces.

As the Republic starfighters and bombers returned to the Resolute and Negotiator, Thor had just watched the Republic bombing runs be completed.

Thor mentally maintained the storm as she headed into the western part of the city.

While Thor provided air support, given the last few weeks, Thor has developed quite the reputation of taking out whole fleets of Separatist starfighters in the air. As such, in more recent battles that Thor has been in, the Separatist had stopped fielding starfighters altogether.

Thor noticed that there were no Separatist starfighters in the air. So, she began to fly around the western end of the city, hunting down and destroying various battle droids patrols using lightning from Mjolnir and from the storm above the city.

(_)

Meanwhile, while the ride was a little bumpy for the Republic forces, due to the storm, the Republic gunships and vehicle transporters were having no problems.

Within the invasion forces, in the back of a sealed gunship stood, Anakin, Obiwan, and some clone troops. Everyone ready for battle, with weapons and armor. With them all holding the ceiling handholds as the made their way down to the surface. There was only very little light in that section of the ship.

Along with everyone else, there was the droids R2-D2 and C3-PO.

Anakin thought, 'I hate this part. I would prefer to fly down on my starfighter. But, that is not want this mission calls for.'

One of the pilots then, “ETA two minutes until we hit the ground.”

Anakin thought, 'Good.'

C3-PO turned to Anakin, as it asked, “Master Anakin. What do you want me to do once we get down to the surface?”

Anakin turned to the gold plated droid. He ordered, “Stay with R2.”

Anakin thought, 'Unfortunately, there is not much you can do on the ground, C3-PO. But, I cannot leave you behind. Because nowhere is save in war. And with Padme here, I have no one to turn you over too. So for right now, you should just stick with R2.'

C3-PO replied, “I will endeavor to do so.”

R2 whistled an acknowledge to their comments.

Over a minute later, they felt the gunship land.

A few seconds after the landing, the side hatches opened up. Anakin, Obiwan, and the clone troopers jumping out. One of the clone troopers kicked C3-PO out, with the droid falling to the ground, but quickly picking itself back up. R2 used its leg hover-jets to hover onto the ground.

Anakin looked around and he saw they had landed on the middle of the street, with high-rise buildings on both sides of them.

The bombing run had turned much of the surrounding building's crystal exteriors to rubble. Along with cracking the streets they were on. Though, as planned, the buildings were still standing, for the most part. Save for a few buildings in the distance, to the east, where a few of the bombs strayed from their paths and destroyed the buildings, causing the building to fall onto one another. Though, the buildings did not fully collapse and block that way. Instead, the buildings created a large, impromptu archway over a large highway road.

Behind the two partly collapsed buildings leaning against each other was the open space between the western side of Chaleydonia and the central area of Chaleydonia. The highway leading between the two area ran right under the two partly collapsed buildings.

The Republic forces knew well to avoid such unstable structures.

The Jedi and the Clones then swiftly went about their jobs creating the base camp and preparing for the Separatist counterattack.

As the gunships dropped off the troops, the supple transports dropped off large crates with supplies, and the vehicle transports dropped off the large artillery cannons and AT-TE six legged Republic walkers.

Some of the crates had electronic equipment. Some of the crates had supplies and ammo. And some of the crates had energy battery cells and canisters of other types of fuel.

Since the Republic landed on the western part of the city, with reports the droid forces were mostly located closer to the center of the city, the vehicle transports dropped of the artillery cannons near the western end of the base, away from possible fighting. While the Republic walkers were placed near the eastern side of the base to offer immediate heavy defensive fire of any droid forces coming towards the base from the east.

Fortunately, there were no battle droids in the area.

Once the gunships dropped off their personnel and transports had unloaded their cargo, the ships hovered into the air and moved to land on the western sides of the base camp, just west of the artillery cannons. A squad of clone troopers were assigned to guard the western side the vehicles from possible attacks.

Those troopers assigned to the vehicles quickly began moving their vehicles in place. Along with a few of the troopers getting the crates open to pull out the supplies. The crates held small crates which held the supplies.

After the large crates were emptied, they were moved together to create small alcoves for sleeping areas and medical areas.

When the troopers were finished emptying the smaller crates, the troopers would use the crates to form the outer boundaries of their base camp. The troopers also used the wreckage they were clearing from the area as part of the walls of their base camp.

Meanwhile, the other troopers were divided up providing cover, making makeshift barricades with what they had, and a few of the squads when on scouting mission.

A few minutes after landing, the Republic forces watch saw Thor do a low attitude flyby to left them know she was in the general area, and she could provide them with cover as they set up for their base.

The reason the Republic forces did not want use gunships, nor vehicles transports, as air support, was they did not want to waste fuel, in case they needed to move quickly. Such as being in the wrong area, or the risk of being overrun.

At the rate the Republic forces were working, they would have completed their base camp within an hour of landing at the site.

(_)

Ten minutes after the Republic forces had landed on the western part of Chaleydonia.

East of the new Republic military base, near the center of the crystal city was the hidden, underground Separatist headquarters.

Inside the main command and control room of the headquarters, the blue skinned, humanoid, kerkoidian, General Whorm Loathsom. General Loathsom wore a blue uniform with a golden short sleeve vest.

Presently, General Loathsom was working on a strategy to deal with the Republic invaders.

The only other individuals in the room beside General Loathsom were B1 droids which were assisting him in relying orders to his droid army.

General Loathsom's Separatist officers were in other locations inside the base. They were overseeing various other tasks.

General Loathsom stood in from of a large holo-monitor which show a large, red holographic representation of Chaleydonia, including the Republic forces invading the western side of the crystal city. There was also a red dot showing Thor flying around destroying various droid patrols.

This information was being sent to the Separatist headquarters by sensors placed on various skyscrapers in the city.

General Loathsom looked at the holo-monitor, as he thought, 'Given how quickly Thor is moving there was no way I could organize the battle droids on that side of the city to stop her.' Loathsom turned his attention to the Republic forces which had landed and were already setting up their base camp. Loathsom thought, 'And the bombing runs were very effective. I have no battle droids near the area where the Republic invasion forces lands. And from the looks of it they have heavy artillery and walkers. Thor handles the air while they prepare for a slow ground fight. This is good thinking on their part.'

'Though, I already have a plan in motion that will buy time until reinforcements arrive.'

Just then, he heard a beeping from holo-monitor.

Loathsom thought, 'Who could be calling me at this moment?'

Loathsom used the controls in front of him to activate the main holo-monitor from the battle to answer the call. A second later, the holo-monitor changed from the battle to show a life-sized image of Count Dooku.

Dooku wore a long sleeve black shirt. His shirt was not tucked into his black pants, with the bottom of his shirt going almost to his knees. Over his shirt, around his waist was a large brown belt. He wore black boots over his feet. The bottom of his pants were tucked into his boots. He wore a brown cloak, which a small gold chain hooked at the sides of the front of the cloak at his neck line. Dooku had his lightsaber holstered on the left side of his belt.

Loathsom thought, 'Dooku. That figures.'

Loathsom and Dooku looked at each other. Loathsom was the first to speak, as he commented, in a slightly sarcastic tone of voice, “Count Dooku. You have a wonderful knack for timing.”

Dooku firmly asked, “What is going on?”

Loathsom groaned, as he answered, “A disaster in slow motion. On top of the Republic invading from the west of Crystal City, Thor is here.”

Dooku responded, “Hmm... That cannot be helped. It is imperative that you keep the Republic forces here busy for as long as possible. Plans are in motion that require you to do so.”

Loathsom stated, “I will try. But, given that we are not only dealing with the Republic military, but also with Thor, I am not sure how long I can hold out. Thor has already prevented my anti-air defenses from taking out the Republic invaders. The Republic bombers then destroyed those defenses. On top of that, Thor is currently picking off the droid troops I have stationed on the western end of the city, near the Republic invasion force.”

Dooku inquired, in a firm tone of voice, “Are you able to hold the planet? Or not?”

Loathsom answered, “It depends on if they buy the feign attack I am implementing right now. I have most of my droid forces under camouflage from air reconnaissance. I am sending out a small portion of my force to attack the Republic forces. They should be engaging the Republic forces in fifteen minutes.”

“I am going to sacrifice those droids in the hopes to lure the Republic forces into a false sense of belief that they have defeated me. If that happens, they may send their ships away from resupplies. Their supply lines are further than ours, they will not waste a chance to do so.”

“If they do not fall for this ruse, then when the Separatists ships get here, they can either destroy, or force those two Star Destroyers in orbit to flee.”

“Fortunately, long range sensors show the Republic are keeping their Star Destroyers away from the planet. They will not have enough time to react to my second attack. So, even if the ship are still in orbit they will not be a factor in this coming battle on the ground. And my attack with be swift and brutal. I intend to hit the Republic force hard and crush them. Then, I will hunker down until reinforcements arrive...”

Loathsom continued, in a slight doubtful tone of voice, “If the ships arrive?”

Dooku stated, “Presently, Separatist forces are taking heavy fighting in orbit over Arkanis. But, we sent three Separatist cruisers to aid you. They will be there within an hour and a half.”

Loathsom replied, in a straightforward tone of voice, “Good.” He thought, 'At least I will not have to worry about the Star Destroyers aiding their ground forces.'

Dooku questioned, “How do you plan to handle the Republic forces on the surface?”

Loathsom answered, “My droid army outnumbers their forces four to one. Though, my forces are infantry droids, heavy assault droids, and armor vehicles. They have artillery cannons, while I do not. With their heavy artillery cannons I cannot stop them from entrenching themselves. And while an air assault would the logical choice, I am glad I did not plan to attack with an air assault, with Thor here that would have been useless. But, I am working on a countermeasures for their artillery.”

Dooku asked, “That being?”

Loathsom stated, “I have a few plans in motion. But, the main plan is use of a mobile shield system. The shield system should also work against weather attacks, such as the weather assaults Thor is so well known to use.”

Dooku said, “This prove useful for your countermeasure. And what of Thor?”

Loathsom responded, “I was just getting that. I have something in mind. It may not permanently take her out, but it will put her out of the battle for a little while.”

Dooku replied, “I look forward to seeing that.”

Loath stated, “So will I. Once Thor and the artillery are no longer factors to worry about, my droid forces can overwhelm their position. I will see to the victory in person, since I will be commanding from a hover tank, in the rear of our armored cavalry.”

Dokku questioned, “Is that wise?”

Loathsom admitted, “No. But, I prefer being blown away than to being buried alive. Even if our cruises cannot handle the Star Destroyers. Their attack will by me time to overrun their ground forces here. And I can use the surviving prisoners as bargaining chips to keep the Star Destroyers from destroying our forces down here until further reinforcements arrive.”

Dokku complimented, “For what it is worth, I admire your boldness.”

Loathsom said, “Thank you. Now, let us hope that fortune truly does favor the bold.”

Dooku replied, “May the force be with you.”

Dooku then shut down the communications on his end, with his hologram disappearing.

Loathsom turned and he began heading the doorway to a hallway which would lead to his nearby hover tank forces in an underground hangar. The underground hangar had a ramp which opened to the surface of the crystal city.

As Loathsom walked towards the doorway to the hallway, he thought, I am not looking forward to this coming battle because my chances for victory are very slim.'

(_)

Twenty minutes later, on the northwestern side of Crystal City, Thor held Mjolnir in her right hand, she used the hammer to fly below the tops of skyscrapers. She wanted to stay below the skyscrapers, and fly between the buildings, so she would not be spotted at a long distance.

Thor maintained the cloud cover, but she kept the clouds from being so dark that they blotted out the sky, which would have made it hard to for those on the surface to see their surroundings. Such a trick would only harm those without technology to see in the dark. Such as any civilians whom had not been able to evacuate the city.

Meanwhile, the Jedi had the force, the troopers had night-vision equipment in in their helmet, or the eyes of a droid could see in the dark.

As such, there was no point in using the clouds to make it dark. But, she had enough cloud cover that she could summon lightning from the sky, if she desired to do so.

Currently, she was patrolling the western end of Crystal City, near the Republic base, as she took out several small squads of battle droids, which were stationed at various chock points.

Fortunately, with her enhanced sight, and powers, this was not difficult. Most of the time, Thor used the hammer to fire lightning to droid the droids, but Thor sometimes used lightning from the storm above the city.

The blaster firing from the battle droids were useless against her.

Thor had just taken care of another pocket of battle droids hidden under the awning, in an ambush position. But, with Thor's enhanced sight, she immediately spotted them.

As turned a corner to her right, and flew down another street, she thought, 'That is another group taken care of. And every droid I take out, is one less droid that can kill someone. Though, the droideka droids are annoying. Given their energy shields, I sometimes have to hit them a few times with lightning. Instead of just once. I am starting to see why the Jedi have a particular dislike for that type of droid.'

Then, a thought occurred to Thor, as she continued her mental reflection, 'Though, I wonder. Droids do have emotions? I have spent years being served by C3-PO. That droid is more high-strung than anyone else I know in the galaxy. One would have to be sentient to be that neurotic. There is no other explanation.'

'But, does that make it immoral to destroy droids, as well... Hmm... Perhaps regular droids. But, not droids that are built for battle. Especially, those droids one meets on a battlefield, whom have weapons and are programmed to kill people.'

'Though, I suppose if an assassin droid renounced violence and took up another vocation, I would allow that droid to live, in the hopes it would serve as an example to other killer droids to do the same.'

Thor attention was then brought back to the forefront, as from under her helmet, Thor heard Obiwan's voice from the comlink on her right ear. Obiwan said, “Thor. We have a large droid assault force coming towards the eastern side of our base camp. We could use your help.”

Thor replied, “Thy is heading that way.”

Thor then turned towards the Republic base, which was south of her location. She flew towards where her friends and allies were.

(_)

A few minutes later, Thor reached the Republic base from the north side of the encampment. As Thor flew she saw that waves of droids were attacking the eastern side of the base. Though, the droids had yet to break through the front line of the Republic forces.

The eastern side of the Republic base was set in the middle of a very wide highway.

The droids marched down the highway towards the eastern front line of the Republic base.

Most of the droids were either the skinny B1 battle droids with blaster rifles, or the larger, brutish B2 battle droids with blaster cannons in their right forearms.

Thor saw Anakin and Obiwan were behind the front line, near each other. Both of them were directing the defense of the base. They both had their lightsabers ignited and in their hands. Anakin with his new green blade lightsaber. Obiwan had his new blue blade lightsaber.

The clone troops defending the base camp were giving a good showing, as they fired from the front line cover they had created from storage crates and wreckage they had pulled from the nearby area.

Thor could see that the Republic troops were still on the final stages of setting up their artillery cannons.

Thor thought, 'Once those cannons are online this will not be a problem. But, for right now they could use some help.'

Thor turned to her left, as she charged from the sky towards the droids. She called forth a large gust of wind to blow passed the Republic front line and hit the front rows of battle droids. The droids were mostly skinny tan painted B1 droids ,which were knocked on their backs by the gust of wind. Though, there were a handful of bulkier, dull silver and black painted B2 battle droids mixed in with the B1 droids, and the B2 droids were hardy enough not to be knocked down by the wind.

Nevertheless, Thor followed up her wind attack up by using the hammer to send for lightning that rake across the front rows of battle droids which had been knocked down by the wind. The electrical attack destroyed those B1 battle droids.

Thor saw her lightning attack had not destroyed the handful of B2 battle droids in the group due to the B2 battle droids having heavier armor.

Though, Thor saw blaster fire from the clones troopers' blaster rifles and their Republic walkers directed at the B2 battle droids.

Thor noticed one of the foolish clone soldier had jumped over that firing line to in hand to hand combat.

The physical attacked were useless against the droid. And in response, the B2 gripped the clone with its left hand by the clone's throat. The droids readied to bring its right hand down in a killing blow.

Thor thought, 'Fool.'

Thor immediately flew down, as she brought her hammer down with both hands, with the axe end facing forward.

Thor used the hammer to slice through the B2 droid holding the clone trooper, from the top of the head to the bottom of the crotch.

The destroyed droid let go of the clone without harming the trooper. A second later, the droids fell to the ground in to pieces.

As Thor's feet hit the ground, she looked over at the clone. She saw the clone standing, with the clone's helmet turned in her direction.

Thor ordered, in a barking tone of voice, that was more out of annoyance than anger, “Get back over to the other side of the firing line!”

The clone realized he was lucky to be alive. He replied, “Yes ma'am.” He then turned and ran back to the other side of the firing line.

Thor looked around and she saw that the clones had handed the rest of the droid that had gotten in close to the front line.

Thor then surveyed the battlefield. She saw throughout the battlefield there were about twenty battle droids left.

Thor let go of the hammer with her left hand, while still holding the hammer with her right hand. She then flew up, to take care of stragglers on the far north side of the battlefield, near a building.

As Thor flew, she though, 'I will work my way back towards the Republic front line. This will prevent me from getting in the way of the clone troops firing on the nearer battle droids.'

When Thor reached the other end of battlefield, on the north side, she circle around, with her facing the Republic front lines. As she flew, she fired a bolt of lightning from the hammer which destroyed the droids below her.

Then suddenly, Thor felt something hit her in the back. It felt like an explosion on her back which knocked on the ground. As Thor hit the ground on her stomach, she let go of the hammer.

The hammer at on its side by Thor's right side.

(_)

Those at the Republic front line saw this, including Obiwan and Anakin. And they saw the shot had come the heavy laser cannon of a hovering Separatist armored assault tank, which had poked itself from around the corner of a street, three buildings down, to their right, on the south side of the battlefield.

Obiwan knew what was going to happen next. He turned to Anakin, as he said, “Anakin, wait.”

But, before the words had come out of Obiwan's mouth, Anakin had already jumped over the small wall of cargo containers.

Anakin held his ignited green bladed lightsaber at the ready in his right hand, as he ran towards Thor on the other side of the battlefield.

Obiwan turned to the clone troopers near him. He ordered, “Give cover Anakin and Thor!”

The clone troopers on the firing line heard the order and rely it, while they complied with the order.

A few seconds later, the troopers began giving cover fire for both Anakin and Thor. The troopers fired on the battle droids and Separatist vehicles on the battlefield. Though, they were careful not to hit either of the allies they were defending.

(_)

Meanwhile, as the clone troopers gave Anakin cover fire, Anakin used the bottom of his ignited lightsaber hilt to hit the button on his left glove, on his forearm, to turn on the communicator.

Anakin held his left, forearm to his mouth, while he used the lightsaber in his right hand, to slice through battle droids, as he passed by them, on his way to check on Thor.

Also, Anakin used the force to inform him of when he needed to deflect the blaster shots around him.

Anakin sliced through one of the battle droids, as he asked into the communicator, “Are the heavy cannons online?”

On the other end of the communication, Anakin heard a clone trooper answered, “Yes sir. We just got finished checking them out. They are ready to go.”

Anakin used the force and his lightsaber to deflect the blaster shots of the skinny B1 battle droid's blaster fire, as he approached the B1 battle droid in question. He did this, as he ordered, “Good. I want you to focus on hitting a Separatist hover tank three building down from the firing line, to your south. I am on the north side of the same street from the target area. Do not miss.”

A second later, Anakin reached the B1 droid. He sliced the droid in two as he continued running.

Meanwhile some of the clone trooper's blaster fire took out some of the battle droids around Anakin, without hitting Anakin, as the Anakin continued running towards Thor.

On the other communication, Anakin heard the clone reply, “Yes sir.”

A few seconds later, Anakin heard the heavy artillery cannons fire and hit the hover tank that had shot Thor, from across the battlefield from him.

A second later, Anakin heard the explosion that destroyed tank.

But, Anakin did not look in that direction. Instead, He was focused on Thor's welfare.

Just then, Anakin had reached Thor.

Anakin use deactivated his lightsaber. After which, he used the bottom of hilt of his lightsaber to turn off his communicator.

Next, Anakin looked down at Thor, laying on the ground, with concern showing on his face.

Anakin saw that Thor was on her stomach, with her hammer by her right side.

Anakin saw where the shot had hit.

Fortunately, the blast hit Thor dark blue upper back armor, right above up the below the right shoulder blade, right above where the black scabbard of the sheathed Black Solace ran diagonally along her back. The dark blue armor was cracked and slightly scorched black. But, the armor was still in one piece.

Anakin stated, in a worried tone of voice, “Padme. Speak me.”

Thor turned over, and Anakin saw that Thor's eyes were open, as she looked back at him.

Then, Thor used her left hand to reach out and gripped the hammer by the shaft.

Anakin saw flashing of light, as he heard thundering booms behind him, by over a hundred meters away.

Anakin turned around to see the smoldering ruins of a few hover tanks that had just come around a corner, from the left side of the street, on the northeast side, across from the hover tank that had hit Thor.

Anakin looked over towards Thor, as he cracked a grin. He said, “I will take that as a, yes.”

Thor asked, “What hit thee?”

Anakin responded, “It was a heavy laser cannon from an assault tank. It is likely the only thing that tank had that could hurt you. Are you okay?”

Thor said, “Thy is sore. But, thy will be okay.”

Anakin replied, with relief evident in his tone of voice, “Good.”

Thor stood up. She swapped hands to hold the hammer in her right hand.

Thor saw behind Anakin the next wave of battle droids turn a corner and head towards them. The droids were almost within firing range of them. Most of formations were composed of skinny B1 battle droids, with a few dozen brutish super B2 battle droids. There were also a three giant large three-legged droids, with a small torso attached to a large ball on top which towered over the other droids, beneath them.

These three-legged droids were octuptarra magna tri-droids.

The three large tri-droids were in a triangle formation within the droid forces. Two in the front, and one in the rear.

Thor held up Mjolnir. She walked passed Anakin, to Anakin's left side, as she stated, “Jedi Skywalker. Cover thee.”

Anakin turned to fact Padme, as she walked passed him. He watched as Thor briskly moved passed him and towards the droids.

While slightly confused, Anakin asked, “Aren't you suppose to cover me?” Anakin ignited his green blade lightsaber in his right hand.

By then, Thor started running in a blur towards wave of battle droids.

When Thor was about to reach the wave, she jumped towards the large three-legged tri-droid to her right, as she threw the hammer at the large three-legged tri-droid to her left. This throw caused her right arm to be across the front of her chest.

As Thor reached the apex of her jump, with her falling right in front of the large droid, her right hand was still across her chest. Her right was already reaching to grip the hilt of Black Solace from behind her left shoulder. After she gripped the hilt with her right hand, she drew the Black Solace vibro-katana. She then used her right thumb to flip the switch on the back top of the hilt to turn on the blade.

While Thor fell, with one hand, she brought her blade down the front of the large ball of the droid, almost cutting it have.

At the same time, the hammer flew into the ball of the large three-legged tri-droid through the ball section of its body. As the hammer flew threw the ball, it called the tri-droid's head to explode, and the droid to collapse.

When Thor's feet hit the ground, she immediately used a gust of wind to knock the droid she had almost cut in half, on it back, away from her. With the damage and the fall causing the droid to explode.

Thor then used a gust of wind to knock the droids to her left, onto the ground. After which, Thor turned to her right, and she used the Black Solace in her right hand to swiftly cut down as many droids as possible.

Meanwhile, Mjolnir was still in the air, guided by Thor's thoughts and desires, curved to its right, and went through the ball head of the large three-legged tri-droid, causing the droid to explode.

The hammer then flew to Thor, with its shaft landing in Thor's left hand, at the bottom end of the shaft, at the angle Thor wanted.

Thor gripped the hammer's with her left hand, with the axe head side of the hammer facing forward. This allowed Thor to use the hammer as an axe in her left hand, while she used her sword in her right hand.

A moment later, Thor used her super-strength, super-speed, and super-reflexes, along with her training and increasing battle experience, to cut into the droids as swiftly and brutally as possible.

Thor held the bottom part of the shaft to allow for a longer reach and more powerful blows with her hammer. And while the axe head of the hammer did not cut as sharply as the Black Solace, it was very sharp and effective, even against the battle armor the droids' exteriors were made of.

While Thor was able to dodge a lot of incoming fire. And she used her weapons to deflect several of the blaster shots. She was not worried, because standard blaster rifles and pistols did not harm it. And the incoming first did was when it hit her, or her armor, it stun a little. But, each blaster shot bled off her body as quickly as it hit, in the form of small electrical arcs being created where she was shot.

Thor also noticed that a number of droids around were being shot by blaster fire coming from the Republic firing line.

(_)

At that moment, Anakin reached the wave of droids. He ran towards Thor and the droids, as he used the force to warn him when to use his lightsaber to deflect the occasional stray blaster shot from both the droids and the Republic troopers.

But, Anakin could clearly see the droids were solely focused on Thor as Thor literally tore through them.

Anakin noticed that the droids to his left, the droids that Thor had used her wind powers to knock down, were getting back up.

In the middle of combat, Anakin saw Thor notice the droids get up. Thor quickly used the hammer to fire lightning at the droids in the distance. The electricity raked across the droids getting back up, destroying them, without the lightning hitting Anakin.

Anakin watched as Thor went back to focusing on the droids closer to herself.

As Anakin approached the battle, he thought, 'By the time I reach Thor there will be almost no droids left. Not that I am complaining.'

(_)

Further way, behind Anakin, right behind the Republic front lines, Obiwan was watching what had happened between Thor and Anakin in the battle.

Obiwan had his ignited blue bladed lightsaber in his right hand.

Obiwan thought, with concern, 'Anakin is reckless to go check on Thor, at the end of this first wave of droids. And while I am happy that Padme is alright. So far. Once Padme got up she then acted in an even more recklessly manner against this next wave of droids, with Anakin following right behind her.'

'And their attacks are so aggressive... This is not the first time I have seen this in our battles. Though, both Anakin and Padme have proven themselves able. So, I do not say much on the matter. Instead, I use our time away from battle, through their training, to subtly guide them on a more calmer path. Still, I will have to speak to Anakin about running head long into danger without a proper plan.'

Over the next few minutes, Obiwan watched as Anakin reached Thor. The two of them worked to destroyed the rest of the battle droids in the second wave with minimum help from the Republic force.

With the battle over, Obiwan saw Thor and Anakin walk up to stand next to each other, as they talked. hands.

Obiwan thought, with relief, 'At least the battle is over for now.' He deactivated his lightsaber, but he kept his weapon in his right hand.

(_)

At that moment, on the other end of the battlefield, east of the Republic base, Thor and Anakin stood next to each other.

Thor had her Black Solace in her right hand, and the hammer in her left hand.

Anakin held the hilt of his ignited green lightsaber blade in his right hand.

Both lovers looked at each other.

Anakin asked, “So are you going to be okay?”

Thor answered, “While thy's upper right back is sore, thy will be okay.” She then carefully used her right hand to turn off the switch to the vibro-katana, and sheath the Black Solace into its scabbard behind her left shoulder. Next, Thor swapped hands to hold the hammer in her right hand at her right side.

Anakin complimented, “By the way, your swordsmanship is getting better.”

Thor said, “Thank you. Thou and Obiwan are good teachers.” She turned to look at the Republic base. She saw Obiwan looking at them. She stated, “Thou needs to return to base, while thee does some reconnaissance. Thy wants to see what is going on in the east”

Anakin guessed, “How bad is it with Obiwan?”

Thor continued looking at Obiwan, as she answered, “He is giving that usual disappointed and annoyed look he sometimes get when we do something he believes is foolish.”

Anakin suggested, “I expected as much. Why not I go on reconnaissance and you handle Obiwan? You are better with people than I am.”

Thor turned to Anakin. She responded, “True. But right now thy can fly and thou currently cannot.” She smiled mischievously, as she continued, “Next time, thou can bring thine starfighter with thee. And thee can do the reconnaissance with thy.”

Anakin let out a small laugh. He returned Thor's smile. He said, “I just may do that. We do have scouts for reconnaissance. And I would like a medic to check you out.”

Thor stated, “Thy will be okay for right now. And we now have a lull in the battle. Thy wants to see what we might soon be facing. Besides, thy has better eyes than the clone scouts, even with their binoculars.”

Anakin conceded, “Good point.”

Thor said, “Thy will check in with thee in little while.”

Anakin stated, “Okay. Just watch your back. And don't get shot again like that.”

Thor replied, “Thy will try not too.”

Anakin said, “Good luck.”

Thor stated, “Thy wishes the same for thou.”

Thor used her hammer to fly up towards the eastern sections of Crystal City.

Anakin watched Thor fly away, as he deactivated his lightsaber. Once Thor turned a corner on a building, and Thor was out of sight, Anakin turned and headed back to the eastern front line of the Republic base camp.

While Anakin had turned off his weapon, he kept it in his right hand, in case he needed it at a moments notice.

Anakin looked around him, as he walked to the Republic front line. He surveyed the wreckage near him, as he thought, 'Padme can really lay down the pain when she wants to. I am glad she is a good person deep down. Or, we would be in some real trouble. Still, that blast hurt her. She may not admit it, but she is not unstoppable. And while she recovered fairly quickly from that hit, that blast was a reminder for her to be more careful. I worry about her. I am sure she worries about me, as well. I am believe when she gets a chance, she will have a medic check her body to make sure she is okay, and that there are no internal injuries.'

A minute later, Anakin made it to the eastern front lines of the Republic base camp.

Anakin walked between two rows of stacked, small, metal, crate boxes and other items the clone troops had used to make the front lines with. As Anakin did so, he holstered his deactivated lightsaber on the left side of his belt.

Just after Anakin passed by the front lines, he saw that Obiwan was had walked up to him, to his left side.

Anakin saw that Obiwan had his deactivated his lightsaber and strapped it to the left side of his belt.

Obiwan stood a meter from Anakin.

Anakin came to a stop. He turned to face his teacher. Before Obiwan could speak, Anakin stated, “Yes. No. Yes. No.”

Obiwan was mildly confused by Anakin's comment. He asked, “What do you mean?”

Anakin admitted, “Yes. It was reckless. No. I had no intention of disrespecting your authority. Yes. I would do it again. No. You could stop me even if you wanted to.”

Obiwan was mildly surprised by Anakin's responses. He thought, 'I am beginning to think that Anakin and Padme are spending way too much time with each other. They are both rubbing off on each other in interesting ways.”

Obiwan was not sure how to respond, as he said, “Well... Now... At least we are on the same page.”

Anakin casually said, “Good. I am glad we had this chat.”

Just as Anakin was able to turn and walked further away and towards some nearby Republic soldiers, Obiwan quickly stated, “Hold up a second. We still need to figure out what our next move is.”

Anakin came to a quick stop. Anakin turned to Obiwan. Anakin commented, “We wait a few minutes for Thor and the scouts to report their findings. Then, we plan our next move.”

Obiwan was impressed with Anakin's response. Obiwan's reaction showed on the expression on his face. Obiwan asked, “When did you become such a skilled strategist?”

Anakin answered, “When I became a teacher.”

Obiwan thought, 'It was clearly a wise decision on the part of the council, and myself, to allow you to teach Padme.' He said, “Okay. We will do as you suggested.”

Anakin replied, “I'm glad we agree.” He then turned to look at the Republic soldiers nearby. Most of them appeared fine. Though, there was some were wounded, and a few were dead.

Anakin stated, “Let us check on our troops.”

Obiwan turned to look at the Republic soldiers. He agreed, “That is a good idea.”

Anakin and Obiwan then went to check on their subordinates.

(_)

During the next twenty minutes, Obiwan and Anakin had finished checking on their soldiers. This including making sure the wounded go medical treatment, the dead were cleared, and those unharmed were ready to fight, with their weapons fully reloaded and checked out.

Some of those being medically treated were placed on beds located inside of some of the large, empty supply creates.

Obiwan and Anakin left the injured in the hands of the clone medics, and they had moved further into the Republic base, as they stood around a large circular holo-monitor, that the clone troopers had put in place. Which they had pulled out from one of the crates that was set down during the invasion.

Obiwan turned to Anakin. He said, “At least the wounded and dead are not as many as expected.”

Anakin looked at Obiwan. He responded, “True. And we are fortunate for that. Let us try to prevent any more unnecessary loses. I believe Thor might have already finished her reconnaissance.”

Obiwan stated, “I agree. We might want to check on Thor to see what she has found.”

Anakin replied, “I'll call her.” He held up the back of his left glove close to his face. He used his right hand to tap a button on the comlink located on back of his left glove. He stated into the comlink, “General Thor. This is General Skywalker. Please check in?”

Over the comlink, both Anakin and Obiwan heard Thor's voice say, “This is Thor. Thy has much to report.”

Anakin requested, “Start from the beginning.”

Thor stated, “Thou is scouting from the edge of the western side of the city towards the central sections of the city. Thy is seeing a lot of odd activity in the location.”

Obiwan asked, “Such as?”

Thor answered Obiwan. Her answer make Obiwan feel grim.

(_)

At the moment, Thor was using the hammer to float in place, by a building to her left side, right below the roof line.

Below her, she saw the main highway leading from the central section of the city to the western side of the city.

In the distance, with her enhanced sight Thor saw between the high buildings. There were pitched tents in the streets. The tents were camouflaged to look like the street itself.

Thor thought, 'From the profiles of the tents, I could make an educated guess as to what is under them.'

Through her communicator, Thor answered,“There is a lot of camouflage tents that blend in with the streets between the buildings. Thy thinks the Separatists attack was a feign and they are getting ready for another attack.”

Over the communications, Anakin commented, “I thought we might have broken the back of their forces.”

Thor said, “From what thy sees, they believes that would be an unwise assessment of the situation.”

With their communications, Obiwan stated, “I agree. And they were probably planning us to believe we had broken them. Only for them to hit us harder when we least expect it. Instead, we will warn the Admiral to be ready for a possible attack on the ground, and for the Negotiator and Resolute to be ready for a possible space ambush. General Thor. I want you to return to base. We may need you.”

Thor replied, “Will do. See you in a few minutes.”

Obiwan stated, “When you get back. I want a medic to check you out. You took a nasty shot from that laser cannon. Also, we will need you if the droid forces we already faced are a taste of what is come.”

Thor commented, “Okay. Thy is coming. Though, thy is feeling fine. Still, before thy left the battlefield, thy noticed that there few injured among our troops. After those has been cared for. When the medics have a chance. Then, thy will summit to a scan.'

Obiwan replied, “That will be fine.”

Thor thought, 'I will do a circle around to the northwest. To patrol that area one more time. Then, I will come into the base from the north.'

Thor turned around and headed back to the northwest, in a planned arc around the northwestern end of the western part of Chaleydonia before she returned to the Republic base.

(_)

Back at the Republic base, Obiwan and Anakin were by the holo-screen. Obiwan was at the controls of the holo-screen to contact Admiral Yularen on the Star Destroyer, Resolute.

A few seconds, a three dimensional life-sized representation of the upper body of Admiral Wullf Yularen, in his officer's uniform, appeared on the holo-screen, facing Obiwan and Anakin.

Admiral Wullf Yularen asked, “General Kenobi. General Skywalker. How can I be of service?”

Obiwan stated, “Admiral Yularen. We just repelled some battle droids. But, we believe it was a feign to lull us into thinking that victory was near. We believe they intend to attack us down here with a larger force in the near future. And when they do so, they may also attack you up there. I want you to be ready for a possible attack from Separatists forces coming from hyperspace.”

Admiral Yularen responded, “I already have both ships at the ready. Our weapons charged and shield ready to go up at a moments notice. In addition, two squadrons each on standby. And other squadrons that can be ready within less than a minute.”

Obiwan replied, “That will be fine. Please, keep us appraised of the situation in orbit.”

Admiral Yularen said, “Sir. I will do so. Admiral Yularen out.”

Then, Admiral Yularen cut off communications.

Obiwan and Anakin looked at each other.

Anakin commented, “I guess, now we wait.”

Obiwan replied, “I guess so.”

(_)

Meanwhile, further within the Republic base camp, on the western side, R2 and C3-PO were walking near the artillery.

R2 kept out of the way. But, for some reason that the small blue and white droid could not figure out, his annoying gold plated friend wished to bother the clone troopers. And R2 was trying to convince his friend not to do.

In truth, R2 was more worried that the clone troopers might decide to destroy both it and C3-PO. With the clones chalking it up to just destroying two more droids in the line of duty. Though, the droid doubted that its friend, C3-PO, realized this.

R2 whistled and beeped a question for C3-PO

C3-PO replied, “Not now, R2. I have an important message to give to the soldiers.”

C3-PO then turned and started walking towards one of the clone troops assigned to the artillery.

R2 decided to back away, just in case the meeting went badly.

As C3-PO approached the clones near the heavy cannons, it said, “Excuse me. But, I need to talk to someone.”

The clone troopers assigned to the artillery were wearing their white armor and helmets.

One of the near clone troopers stopped what he was doing, and he turned to the droids. He asked, “What do you want?

C3-PO came to a stop in front of the clone that had asked it the question. The droid said, “I have been trying to inform someone here. I have been detecting communication from the Separatists. I believe from the communications state they are about to try to flank us from the south.”

The other nearby clone troopers heard what the protocol droid was saying. They suddenly stopped what they were doing to hear what the gold plated droid has said.

The clone trooper whom spoke to the gold plated droid inquired, “You can decrypt separatist communications?”

C3-PO said, “I am fluent in over six million forms of communication.”

The clone trooper flatly asked, “Are you able to decrypt the separatist communications? Or not?”

C3-PO said, “Yes. I can decrypt some of the short-range communications. But, I cannot decrypt the long range command and communication protocols.”

The clone turned to his superior officer, Commander Cody, whom was standing nearby. Cody was wearing his full white and yellow armor and helmet. Cody had been silently listening to what C3-Po said.

Cody look over at the protocol droid.

Cody turned to the south, which was to their right side. He used the binocular function in his helmet, which was hooked to the interior video screen of his helmet.

Cody saw a group of ten B2 battle droids making their way down an access road, along a pipe-line.

Cody continued to look at the droids in the distance. The binocular function in his helmet gauged the distance. The display on the interior helmet told him how far the squad of battle droids were.

Cody stated, “The gold-bug is right. I see them. Ten battle droids. It would have been bad if the gold droid had we not spotted them. Turn the artillery batteries by a hundred of twenty degrees to the right. Aim for two kilometers, a hundred and twenty four meters. And get ready to fire.”

(_)

At the moment, Anakin and Obiwan were standing by the holo-screen,

Anakin was beginning to worry. His used his right hand to pressed the communication on his forearm part of his left glove, as he requested, “Thor. Where are you?”

Over the communication, Thor replied, “Thy can see thee right now. Thy is coming in from the north.”

Anakin and Obiwan turned to the north of them to see Thor in the flying towards them in the sky, below the skyline of the buildings.

Anakin replied, “I can see you, as well.” He then turned off his communications.

A few seconds later, Thor landed by them, near the holo-screen. Thor turned to her two friends.

Obiwan and Anakin turned to Thor. Obiwan asked, “How are you doing?”

Thor replied, “Good.”

Anakin offered, “I will get a medic to check you over, in a minute.”

Thor said, in a slightly annoyed tone of voice, “Thy said thy was fine. But, if that is what thou wants, thy will do so.”

Obiwan commented, “Doing so will alleviate our concerns.”

Thor replied, “Okay.”

It was then, they heard the artillery cannons, on the western side of the base camp, start to fire.

All three turned to see, in the distance, the Republic artillery cannons firing to their left, towards a southern direction.

Obiwan asked, “What are they doing now?”

Thor asked, “Thee would prefer to know why?”

Anakin commented, “Whatever their reasons. It better be good.”

A few seconds later, the artillery barrage ended.

Obiwan pushed a button with his right hand on the comlink on the outside part of his left forearm gauntlet. He ordered, in a firm, even tone of voice, “Commander Cody? Why did you fire your cannons?”

Over the communication lines, Obiwan, Anakin, and Thor heard the Cody said, “General Kenobi. We were just taking care of some battle droids we noticed were about to flank us from the south.”

Obiwan inquired, “And how did you know?”

Cody responded, “It seems that the gold protocol droid has some decrypting skills.”

Obiwan responded, with curiosity in his tone of voice, “Really. That is interesting.”

Anakin said, “It looks like we found a use for C3-PO.”

Thor stopped herself from giggling.

Something occurred to Anakin. He asked, “Is R2 with the C3-PO? The blue and white astromech droid?”

Cody heard the question though Obiwan's nearby comlink. Cody answered, “Yes. General Skywalker.”

Anakin turned to look at Obiwan, with Obiwan looking back at him.

Anakin said, “Keep those two droids with you. We will sort this out later. And good job.”

Cody replied, “Thank you, General Skywalker.”

Obiwan requested, “Commander. Keep us updated on the situation. And keep an eye out for other Separatists forces. I feel the Separatists are not done with their attacks on our base camp.”

Cody said, “Yes sir.”

Obiwan used his right hand to turned off the comlink in his left gauntlet.

Obiwan looked over at his two friends. He said, “That went well.”

Anakin and Thor turned to Obiwan.

Anakin stated, “After the battle. I will check on the droids. And doubt C3-PO can do much. But, it is nice that he can do something to aid us.”

Thor stated, “Thy agrees. Still, it is nice to have some use from that droid, while on the front.”

Anakin replied, “Yes. It will be nice to have him do something useful for these missions.”

Obiwan commented, “Though. If Thor here is correct. We are likely going to face another assault by the Separatists in a few minutes. So let us get ready.”

(_)

Meanwhile, by the artillery cannons, Cody had just finished his report.

Everyone nearby, including the droids, had silently listened to the conversation.

C3-PO turned to Cody. The gold plated droid asked, “What does this mean?”

Cody turned to the protocol droid. Cody answered, “It means that you bucket of bolts get to stay around for a little while longer. You and the astromech droid are ordered to stay here for the time being.” He turned to R2, as he inquired, “You hear that?”

R2 wheeled a few meters towards the captain's direction, as it beeped an affirmative.

Cody replied, “Good.”

(_)

Twenty minutes later, three Separatists cruisers came out of hyperspace in orbit of Christophsis.

Though, the Star Destroyers Resolute and Negotiator, along with their starfighter squadrons were ready for the ambush.

The Star Destroyers swiftly deployed their fighter squadrons and raised their shields. The starfighters took point while the Star Destroyers followed their starfighter squadrons in an attack run on the Separatist cruisers.

The Separatist cruises had expected the Star Destroyers to be in a standard orbit over Christopher, and not a high orbit. As such, the Separatists were in the wrong location and position for their ambush.

Also, due Republic space forces being ready, they were able to get the jump on the Separatist cruiser.

The starfighters used their photon torpedoes, while Star Destroyers the Separatist cruisers with their turbo-lasers.

The Resolute, Negotiator, and Republic starfighters hit three Separatist ships hard before the Separatists had fully deployed their down star fighter squadrons and raised their shields.

These important first few minutes determined the outcome of the battle.

Within ten minutes from the start of the fight, the battle was over. The Separatist cruisers were cripple, the starfighter droid squadrons the Separatists had been able to deploy before they were forced to raise their shields has been destroyed. And the Separatist cruises were forced to escape into hyperspace.

Admiral Yularen doing an assessment of the damage and causalities.

The two Star Destroyers did not suffer any damage nor causalities due to their shields holding. And there were only a handful of starfighter pilots whom had been killed when their starfighter had been destroyed.

Admiral Yularen then began to formulated a report for the victorious route his forces had just accomplished in space. He would then contact General Kenobi and General Skywalker with a report of the incident.

(_)

On the ground, in the central area of the Crystal City, under the camouflage tent, on the street, the Separatists droid forces were getting ready to attack.

In the center of the hover tank formation, surrounded by various types of battle droids on all sides, General Loathsom was sitting within the top part of the center armored hover tank

The blue skinned kerkoidian had just gotten some bad news from various sources. Both from his droid forces on the ground, and the Separatists forces that just retreated in hyperspace.

The news was relay using the holo-monitor by a small droid which held out a small disc in its hands that was a holo-monitor.

Loathsom had just turned off the holo-comm. The small droid then moved elsewhere in the tank.

Loathsom cursed, “Blast it.”

Loathsom thought, with concern, 'I was just informed with the news that my feign had not work. Nor, did my flanking attempt. And how the Separatist cruisers have been repelled. Though, I will admit that flanking attempt was a long shot. But, those three Separatist cruisers should have at least kept their space forces busy for a few hours.'

'Also, I have reports of Thor being spot flying between the buildings of the western section of the city. So my plan to take out Thor has fizzled. I thought a shot from a heavy laser canon would at least knocked her out of the battle for a while. I was wrong.'

'Also, I do not dare pop my head out of this tank. Even under this canopy. Because Thor might see me and try to make a quick attack from me.'

'I might as well try my plan. It will at least vex the Republic forces. And I will at least be facing them on my terms. Instead of the other way around.'

Loathsom turned to his droid pilot in front and below him, at the helm of the hover tank. He ordered, “Relay orders to begin the assault. And inform the droid army I wish to take prisoners. Only kill those that fight. And accept the surrender of those that request surrender.”

Loathsom thought, 'One of the reasons I had the civilian evacuate is the Republic truly do not care for their lives. And should I win, when the civilians return they will see the mess the Republic create. This will strengthen their resolve in seeing the Confederacy of Independent Systems are the side of righteousness and the Galactic Republic are the side of evil...'

Loathsom sighed, a she continued his thought, 'That is if I win... Still, win or lose. This is going to be a fight.'

The B1 battle droid pilot replied, “Roger. Roger.” The battle droid then relayed Loathsom's orders.

(_)

Meanwhile, at the Republic base, Anakin, Obiwan, and Thor were by the large, circular holo-monitor.

Anakin, Obiwan, and Thor were look above the holo-monitor, towards the three dimensional picture of Admiral Yularen.

Admiral Yularen was facing them, as he was giving his report on the battle in space, which had concluded a few minutes ago.

As this went on, one of the clone field medics was finally free to look over Thor. The medic had a small medical scanner in his right hand which he used on Thor by placing it close to Thor's upper right back, which was the location of where she had been shot by the laser cannon.

The medic wore his white and blue trooper armor and helmet. The medic was clone CT-6116. He was a member of the 501st battalion. He was nicknamed Kix.

Though, before Thor could have the check up, she had to remove her upper chest armor for the scans to work. To take the upper armor off, she first had to take off the scabbard for the Black Solace. The upper armor then came off by undoing the straps on the armor.

Presently, Thor stood in place, as the medic looked her over.

Thor's chest armor in Thor's right hand. The hammer was set to her right side, on the ground, on its head. And the scabbard with the sheathed of the Black Solace was set on the ground between her and the hammer.

Though, Thor did not take off her helmet, because she knew that out in the open she would be a prime target for a sniper.

Meanwhile, over the holo-comm, Admiral Yularen stated, “We are able to repel the Separatists with minimum casualties. The three Separatist cruisers forced to escape back into hyperspace.”

Obiwan said, “That is good to hear, Admiral. I want you to have the Negotiator and Resolute return to high orbit, and have your crews be on alert in case this the Separatists attack against from hyperspace.”

Admiral Yularen stated, “Yes General. I will leave you to your work. Admiral Yularen, out.” He then cut the communication on his end. His image disappeared from the holo-monitor.

A few seconds later, Kix removed his scanning device from Thor. He said, “The scan is over. You can put your armor back on.”

Thor has put her armor back on, as she replied, “It took thee long enough.”

Fortunately, Thor found the upper chest armor went easily in place and straps were easy to tighten to the point the armor would not move, without it being too tight. Next, Thor leaned down and picked up the scabbard of the sheathed Black Solace. She leaned up straight and placed the scabbard across her back, with the hilt of the Black Solace behind her left shoulder and the black strap of the scabbard being across her chest.

Thor turned to Kix. She asked, “What are the results?”

Kix looked up from his scanning device. He turned to Thor. He said, “General Thor. From the results I am seeing, you will be fine. Your armor took most of the blast. And you clearly recovered from the part of the energy hit you. I wish I knew what your armor was made of. We could use that for our armor.”

Thor stated, “Good. And if thy knew what it was made of, thy would share it with thy troops.”

Kix replied, “Thank you.”

Thor asked, “What is thou's name?”

Kix answered, “CT-6116. Everyone calls me Kix.”

Thor said, “Thy will keep this in mind.”

Obiwan and Anakin overheard the good news. Both of them turned to Thor.

Anakin said, “It is good you are going to be okay. Though, that was a nasty shot you took.”

Thor turned to Anakin. She commented, “The medic, Kix, here says thee shall be fine. Though, thy is still sore, but not as much as before.”

Obiwan requested, “Just watch your back.”

Thor turned to Obiwan. She said, “Thy will.”

Kix turned to Obiwan and Anakin. He requested, “Permission to resume duties elsewhere in the base.”

Obiwan turned to Kix. Obiwan said, “Granted.”

Kix turned and went to attend to the other members of the Republic military whom needed medical attention.

Suddenly, they heard a beeping from the holo-monitor, indicating there was transmission on the line.

Obiwan, Thor, and Anakin turned towards the holo-monitor.

Obiwan pressed a button on the holo-monitor. He said, “This is General Kenobi.”

The other end was audio only. And the voice was from a clone trooper. The trooper sounded anxious, as he stated, “General Kenobi. This is Captain Rex with scouting squad, four-nine-six. We have a urgent information to rely to you about the Separatists.”

Obiwan turned to Thor and Anakin. With Thor and Anakin looking back at him.

Obiwan stated, “Go ahead Captain Rex. Give your report.”

Over the audio, Rex reported, “The Separatists are on the move. In a big way. They have amassed a large force. They are heading down the highway bridging the central part of the city to the western section, where we are. And they are heading right for us. Sending holographic data right now.”

Suddenly, the holo-monitor showed the droid forces moving out from the central part of the city, on the highway, heading to the western part of the city. Though, the Separatist forces were moving slowly, and they had a ways to go before they reached the western section of the city.

The holo-monitor allowed for a detailed three dimensional look of the forces.

The Separatists forces were composed of formations of skinny B1 and brutish B2 battle droids, surrounding a group of armor hover tanks. There were droideka battle droids and large tri-driods mixed in with the groups.

Also, there was a repulsorlift in the center of the convoy moving a large electrical box, with the box being in the center of the hover tanks.

And over the entire group was a pink dome.

Obiwan said, “Okay. That is a lot of droids.”

Anakin commented, “They must have brought everything they have.”

Thor said, “Thy believes this reeks of desperation.”

Obiwan commented, “Yes. Of the worst sort. General Loathsom is going to throw everything he has at us in the hopes he wins. Chances are he is in one of those tanks. If I was the leader of the other side, given what I was facing, I would be in the center of that convoy.”

Anakin stated, “That many droids is going be difficult to handle, even with Thor and our heavy cannons.”

Thor noticed the pink dome. She asked, “What is this dome over them?”

Over the audio Rex heard Thor's question. Rex answered, “I was just getting to that. That is an energy shield coming from that is a mobile energy shield emitter that have with them, in the center of their convoy. Our artillery cannot penetrate that energy shield”

Anakin commented, with a bit of concern in his tone of voice, “There goes our cannons. I think we might be in trouble here. Though, from the look of it, that box has to be the shield emitter. And the enemies forces are carrying the shield emitter with them.”

Thor said, “They realize if it is left unguarded, thy could swoop in and take destroy it.”

Obiwan turned to Thor, as he asked, “Exactly. Thor can you take that out emitter?”

Thor turned to Obiwan. She answered, “No. This is too much firepower for thy to repel. Thou could not reach the emitter in time before they shot as thy to the point they would kill thee.”

Obiwan inquired, “You are right. That is too much firepower for you to take on. Though, what about a lightning shot?”

Thor said, “It would be the same as hitting it with an artillery shot.”

Obiwan stated, “I was afraid you were going to say that.” Obiwan turned to holo-comm. He requested, “Captain Rex. Keep up appraised of the situation.”

Over the audio, Rex replied, “Will do, sir.”

Obiwan pressed a couple of buttons to disconnect the communication, but keep the image of the Separatists forces on the three dimensional screen.

Anakin looked over at Thor. He asked, “Thor. I know that lightning is out of the question. But, do think you could just send a tornado to deal with the Separatists?”

Thor turned to Anakin. She answered, “No. Those types of shields are originally designed to handle weather. Thy wind, water, and even lightning will not work against them. The amounts required would damage that part of the city.”

Obiwan overheard Thor and Anakin's comments. He turned to his two friends. He said, “And we do not want that.”

Anakin turned to Obiwan. He asked, “What is the charge time for those shield emitters?

Obiwan looked over at Anakin, as he answered, “Usually around five hours. Maybe six. Even at the rate they are going, that is enough time to get here and pound us into the ground.”

Anakin inquired, “What about dropping a building on them? Shield or no shield. That would squish them like bugs. Even most of the tanks would not survive that.”

Obiwan pointed out, “While we are under orders not to do intentionally damage to the city. And we need to try to take General Loathsom alive. He is the only one that can order the droids to stand down. Without him there will be no one to order the droids to stop fighting. And we will have to literally fight every battle droid left on the planet.”

Anakin conceded, “That is a good point. How about we just call in Admiral Yularen to hit them with the Jedi cruisers' turbo-lasers? We already took out the Separatist air defenses on the ground.”

Obiwan stated, “While I doubt the Separatists have a functioning ion cannon or turbo-battery on the ground. I do not want to call in the Jedi cruisers just yet. We could still have more Separatists attack from hyperspace. And if we call in Yularen to come closer to the planet. We could find our Jedi Cruisers and this base camp in a pincer attack between Separatist ground forces and space forces.”

Anakin stated, “You're right. That could leave us in a bind.”

As Anakin and Obiwan talked, Thor looked over in the western direction the separatist were coming from. She saw the two buildings that had collapse to fall in each other, creating an archway over the highway the Separatists were using.

Thor continued to look at the archway, as she asked, “What if we trapped them by using a combination of our forces, and destroying what is already damaged?”

Obiwan and Anakin stopped talking. They turned to Thor.

Obiwan asked, “What do you have in mind?”

Thor turned to the two men. Thor smirked under her helmet. Thor asked, “Ever played hopscotch? Or, leapfrog?”

Anakin returned Thor's smile. Anakin said, “This I have to hear.”

(_)

Half an hour later, General Loathsom was in the center hover tank of his forces. They were out in the open on the highway.

Loathsom saw they would start to approach the western section of the city within the next few minutes.

Loathsom thought, 'While it is foolish to move out in the open, with this energy shield, we can do so with little worry. We are literally taking our cover with us. Like carrying a large strong box overhead. And we will soon be in firing range of the Republic artillery. Once we make it to their base, their artillery will no longer be a factor and the rest of the Republic forces will easily fall from our numerical superiority. Save for Thor. But, this shield also protects from her weather powers. And she cannot repel this amount of firepower.'

'I am willing to bet all the Republic ground forces from those to Star Destroyers, are already on the ground. And if I can out Thor, as well. Then, I can have my anti-aircraft defenses rebuilt while I use any prisoners I capture to hold off the Star Destroyers in orbit, until reinforcements arrive in greater numbers. So, my chances of victory are still good.'

Then, Loathsom heard artillery fire happening outside, in the distance.

Loathsom thought, 'We are not in range of their guns, yet. I might as well risk a look.'

Loathsom stood up from his chair and he open the top hatch of his hover tank. He looked out in front of them.

Beyond the pink energy dome, Loathsom watched from a distance as the Republic used its artillery to cause the two partly fallen highrise buildings that had fallen onto each other to create an archway, to completely collapse onto the highway, which completely blocked Loathsom's advance.

The buildings were right on the edge of the western side of the Crystal City, leaving the Separatist out in the open.

Loathsom immediately ordered, “Halt.” And his droid force heard him and they immediately stopped in their tracks.

Loathsom thought, 'Okay. Not bad. An obvious tactic. We will just go around. It will take longer, but I can still win this.'

A few seconds later, Loathsom saw Republic gunships and vehicles transports fly from the west, to his left, towards the south of his position.

The transports landed just outside the range of his tanks. He saw the vehicles transports drop off a few Republic walkers. Then, the vehicle transports swiftly fly northwest back to the Republic base camp.

Meanwhile the gunships landed, and stayed landed, as Republic soldiers get out of the gunships.

Loathsom saw the gunships, walkers, and troops all aimed their weapons his military formation.

Seconds later, Loathsom noticed the clouds in the sky darken, and suddenly, lightning erupting in the distance, in a curve that went from behind him, to the east, to his right, towards the north.

As the clouds cleared to daylight, Loathsom saw that Thor had used her weather powers to create a trench of rubble, in a crescent shape, from the highway road behind him, to the crystal field to his north. The trench stretched all the way to the line of buildings to his west, where the Republic forces were located.

Loathsom realized, as he thought, with worry, 'I am trapped in a coming pincer attack. Thor destroyed my ways of escape, while the Republic forces are getting ready to make their move. The Republic forces are likely already moving their artillery cannons closer to my forces. When they are ready. Likely when my shields give out. The forces I see will advance. I will be pounded by the artillery, while these forces I see advance and mop up what is left.'

Suddenly, Loathsom small assistant droid come out of a small hatch near Loathsom. The small droid approached him from, to stand on top of the hover tank by Loathsom. The droid had a disc in its hands.

Loathsom realized that someone was trying to contact him.

Loathsom thought, 'It does not take a genius to figure out who is trying to contact me. But, I might as well get this over with.' He said, “Alright. Accept the communication.”

The small droid held up the small disc in its hands, to where the flat of the disc was facing up. It pressed a button on dics to show the item was a holo-monitor. The holo-monitor showed the hologram of a person.

Loathsom recognized the hologram of the person as Jedi General Obiwan Kenobi of the Jedi Order, in his combat outfit of white armor and robes.

Obiwan said, “Hello General Loathsom.”

Loathsom responded, in a humorous tone of voice, “Hello General Kenobi. Have you come to ask for my surrender?

Obiwan answered, “Actually, yes. We have you trapped. We both know that. And all we have to do is wait out your shields. Or, you could surrender now and avoid any more unpleasantness. I do want to avoid creating further messes.”

Loathsom stated, “I will not pretend to ignore the obvious. So instead, I will compliment you. Well played, General Kenobi. Though, I have a few minor conditions for my surrender.”

Obiwan replied, “I am willing to hear you out.”

Loathsom requested, “First, while we are your prisoners, I wish for my officers and myself to be treated well.”

Obiwan said, “You will not be harmed while under my custody.”

Loathsom inquired, “This will be fine. I would like to know to whom do I have to thank for coming up with this strategy?”

Obiwan answered, “General Thor.”

Loathsom complimented, “Then, she is clearly a better tactician than most Republic officers.” He thought, 'I wonder who Thor really is? It is clear that there is a devious mind behind all that power.'

(_)

Within the Republic base camp, while outside, Obiwan was standing by the large, circular holo-monitor. Obiwan was looking a live-sized representation of the upper half of Loathsom on the screen.

Obiwan said, “I will make sure she is inform that you said that.”

Thor and Anakin stood nearby, outside of the range of the holo-camera. Thor held the hammer in her right hand at her right side. Anakin had his lightsaber deactivated and holstered on the left side of his belt.

Thor smiled at Loathsom's compliment.

Loathsom stated, “You have my surrender. I am ordering my droid forces to stand down. And I will shut down my shield.”

Obiwan responded, “Good. Thank you for be negotiable.”

Loathsom said, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.”

Obiwan pressed a button on the holo-monitor to end the communication. Loathsom's image disappeared.

Obiwan turned to Thor and Anakin. He saw his two friends were looking back at him.

Obiwan commented, “Well, General Loathsom is a surprisingly pleasant fellow to talk to.”

Thor requested, “Given General Loathsom was cooperative he should not be treated harshly.”

Obiwan said, “I agree. I will keep my promise. Neither him, nor his officers will be harmed while in my custody.”

Thor responded, “Good. So what is next for the people of this city? Of this world?” She thought, 'This is one of the most populated planets we fought on. I would like to know for my peace of mind.”

Obiwan commented, “Well, since we are were able to take this city without destroying it. Thanks in no small part to your help.”

Obiwan saw Thor smile at his compliment.

Obiwan continued, “And with the droids deactivated. We contact the local populations to inform them the battle is over and they can return to their homes and business. In the meantime, we will wait for our our reinforcements. We will hand the job of clean up, rebuilding, and repairing what was destroyed in this city to our replacements. Then, we will leave for our next mission.”

Thor asked, “What about the local government?

Obiwan stated, “A Republic military garrison will be placed here, in the city. With a planetary governor appointed by the Chancellor, himself. The governor will deal with the local government, and local populations.”

Thor inquired, in a sad tone of voice, “So this will planet will be placed under martial law?”

Obiwan responded, “Sadly, yes. Unlike smaller cities and planets we fought to take back. This is a key strategics point for several reasons. This planet has vast mineral resources. Also, the planet is on the Corellian Run hyper-route that goes from the Core worlds to the Outer Rim. This planet is too important to allow the Separatists to regain control of it. And it is likely that are sympathizers among the local populations. A garrison here will deter the sympathizers from trying anything foolish.”

Anakin turned to Thor. He said, “Do not worry. When the war is over, power will be handed back to the local population.”

Thor looked at both Anakin and Obiwan. She soberly stated, “History has shown once power is taken by force, that power is rarely peacefully handed back to the people.”

Obiwan questioned, “So you object to this approach?”

Thor admitted, “No. Thy cannot think of a more peaceful way to remedy the situation.”

Anakin commented, “We are not bringing tyranny here. We are bringing peace and order.
It is not a tyranny.”

Thor said, “This is peace through tyranny. Losing freedom in exchange for security. And that security never lasts long, and soon turns to fear by the populace towards those whom are in control of them.”

Obiwan pointed out, “Would you prefer for the Separatists to retake control of this planet?. You know from our experiences on Naboo how they treat the local populations they seize control of by force.”

Thor relented, “You are correct. The Trade Federation treated the people of Naboo like slaves.”

Thor thought, 'After we drove the Trade Federation from Naboo, we found documents with plans by Nute Gunray to start rounding up and shipping my people off world to mining and factory worlds. To be used as slaves. Fortunately, we stopped them before they could begin to do so. Still, we were never allow to use the evidence we found in court to nail Gunray and his associates. Though...'

Thor said, “Though, these actions by the Republic are only a few steps from being no better than the worst the Separatists can be.”

Obiwan stated, “This is why the Jedi Order are here. To make sure the Republic, especially the Chancellor and the military, do not overstep their mandate.”

Thor thought, 'Though, given how cunning Sheev can be, I am sure the Sheev might have contingency plans if you try to stop him. But, this is a conversation for another time.'

Thor replied, “Alright. The point has been made.”

Obiwan said, “I am glad that you are seeing reason concerning the Republic's actions in this war.”

Anakin stated, “Do not worry. Thing will turn out alright.”

Thor said, “Thy hopes so.”

Suddenly, the three of them saw a small Republic ship breaking through the cloud line over the Republic base, and fly over them, as it slowed down.

The three adults looked at the ship. They recognized it as a small, long range Republic shuttle.

Though, Thor used her enhanced vision to take a close look at the ship, as she commented, “Thy does not recognize the markings on the ship.”

Anakin stated, “It is not one of ours. But, it is from the Republic.”

By then, the ship had landed not to fair from them, in a clearing in the Republic base. Also, they saw some clone troopers nearby readying their blaster rifles on the shuttles ramp entrance, which was below the cockpit, in the front of the shuttle.

Obiwan stated, “Well, whomever it is, they cannot be here to our relieve forces.”

Anakin asked, “Why is that?”

Obiwan said, “Because we have no even informed them of our victory.”

Anakin replied, “Good point. At least we knew they are friendly.”

Thor inquired, “How does thou know?”

Anakin stated, “Because the Admiral would have shot down any shuttle trying to make it to the planet if its crew did not have the proper clearance codes.”

Thor was not sure how to reply to Anakin's comment.

Obiwan said, “Let us go say, hi, to whomever it is.” He turned and started walking towards the shuttle.

Anakin turned and followed Obiwan.

Thor held Mjolnir in her right hand, at her right side. She turned, and she walked over to join Obiwan and Anakin in heading towards the shuttle.

Less than a minute later, the three adults neared the shuttle. They circled around to their right, to reach the front of the shuttle.

As they approached the front of the shuttle, Obiwan looked around at the clone troopers, whom were pointing their blaster rifles at the spaceship.

Obiwan ordered, “At ease, gentlemen. We will handle this. Go about your duties.”

The clone troopers lowed their blaster rifles, and walked away to resume their duties at the military base.

Obiwan, Anakin, and Thor came to a stop to stand about ten meters from the front of the shuttle. Anakin was in the middle, with Thor to his left side and Obiwan to his right side.

The shuttle ramp opened up from the front, below the cockpit. The three adults watched a lone figure walk down the ramp.

The person was a young, orange skin Togruta girl, with two white and blue stripped montral horns going up the sides of her head, and three white and blue stripped lekku headtails going down her head and shoulders. The two side headtails went down the front of her right and left shoulders. The middle headtail on the back of her head went down her back, between her shoulder blades.

The Tortuga girl was skinny and she was much shorter than those adults whom present.

The Tortuga girl wore a red cloth wrap around her chest. She had violet stockings on her legs, with a short red skirt over her stockings. She had red boots on her feet, and a belt around her waist. Along with some small jewelry over her head, that hung between her lutes.

Thor then noticed the girl had a lightsaber holstered to her left side of her belt.

Thor realized what the lightsaber meant. She commented, “Please. Thou tell me this is a joke.” She mentally wondered, 'Is this child even a teenager?'

Anakin said, “I am not sure myself.”

Obiwan turned to the Togruta girl. He asked, “Who are you?”

By then, the Togruta girl had come to a stop on the ground, a meter from them. The girl looked over at Obiwan. She answered, in galactic basic, “My name is Padawan Learner Ahsoka Tano.”

Anakin commented, “I thought you were a youngling.”

Ahsoka turned to Anakin. She stated, “I just completed my initiation to become a padawan.”

Obiwan inquired, “What are you doing all the way out here?”

Ahsoka looked over at Obiwan. She said, “I was send by Master Yoda to be your new padawan student.”

Obiwan pointed out, “I already have two students.”

Ahsoka turned to Anakin. Ahsoka commented, “Actually, from what Master Yoda has informed me. I am suppose to be Jedi Skywalker's student. But, given that he is not yet a Jedi Knight.” She turned to Obiwan, as she continued, “The council is bending the rules until Jedi Skywalker has completes his trials. So until then, I am technically your student, Master Kenobi.”

Obiwan thought, 'The council really wants me to go ahead with Anakin's trials. But, I feel he is not yet ready. And I cannot inform the council of my reasons for not going ahead with his trials. I still recall what Anakin had told me months ago, concerning the death of his mother and what he did afterward.'

'If I openly object to the council concerning Ahsoka's appointment with us, the Council will demand to know why. And it will likely come out as to what Anakin did in his response to his mother's death. The order will likely expel him. And then expel myself for not reporting sooner on what Anakin had told me.'

'I have found myself in a conspiracy of silence. A web I have caught my own self in. And one I do not regret doing so. He is like a son to me. And I will not destroy his future over something that he was driven to do by forces beyond his control.'

'So for the moment I will have to go along with this.'

Obiwan turned to look at Thor. He continued his thoughts, 'Though, from what I sense from Padme, she is not happy with this situation. And I do not blame her for not being so. And I will talk to her in a little while about this. In private.'

Obiwan turned to Ahsoka. He stated, “Okay. We will see how this goes. But, Anakin is clearly meant to be your teacher. Not myself. That being said, we will share the workload in training you. And make this a smooth transition as possible to having Anakin eventually being your sole teacher.” He turned to Anakin. He asked, “Does that sounds fine with you?”

Anakin turned to Obiwan. He answered, “Yes. That sounds perfectly fine with me.”

Both men turned back to look at Ahsoka.

Obiwan continued to look at Ahsoka, as he thought, with a bit of sarcasm, 'Still, a third student. Just great. And I remember, years ago, when the council complained about Qui-Gon Jinn talking about taking on two second students at the same time... Jinn. Somewhere out there, I am sure you have a good laugh over this. Well, I hope you enjoy it.'

Ahsoka looked towards Obiwan and Anakin. She asked, with anticipation in her voice, and mannerisms, “So, when do we begin my training?”

Obiwan said, “Right now we can start with your first lesson.”

Ahsoka showed a bit of enthusiasm in her facial expression, as she asked, with a little excitement in her tone of voice, “Which is?”

While maintaining a straight face, Obiwan calmly said, “Learning patience.”

Ahsoka expression turned into a combination of surprise and disappointment.

Anakin and Thor each let out a small laugh at Ahsoka's reaction.

As Anakin and Thor calmed down, Ahsoka noticed the Hammer in Thor's right hand. She then looked up at Thor's face.

Thor noticed Ahsoka looking at the hammer, and then towards her face. She thought, 'This cannot be good.' Thor focused her attention on Ahsoka's face.

Ahsoka face lit up with excitement, as she asked, “Are you her? Are you really, Thor? The Storm Bringer?”

Thor replied, “Aye”

Ahsoka said, with excitement in her tone of voice, “Oh. I am such a big fan of yours. I have watched all the holovids about you.”

Thor slowly said, “Really?” She thought, 'This could be a problem on several levels.'

Ahsoka responded, “Yes. I heard that you trained at the temple. But, I could not find much else out about you. It is great to finally meet you in person. I was not told you would be here.”

Thor thought, 'It is likely the reason Yoda did not tell you that you would probably be meeting me is because he wanted the clone pilot assigned to bring you here to remain sane. Instead of dealing with a child whom is bouncing off the walls in excitement of meeting her hero... I knew this day would come. That I would meet one of my fans. I just did not realize the fan would come from someone within the Jedi Order.'

'Still, since you do not know who I really am, this is a good sign that my identity is safe. Yet, if we work together, I will eventually have to tell you whom I really am. That is if I cannot get Obiwan to find a way to keep you out of this war. You are too young to experience this. Now to handle this delicately, for just as much your sake, as mine.'

Thor said, “Yes. Thy did train with Master Kenobi and Jedi Skywalker, in the Jedi Temple.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Cool. Though, what is with the speech pattern?”

Thor calmly said, “It came with the powers thou wields.”

Ahsoka questioned, “Oh. Okay. Also, I heard you were invulnerable to harm?”

Ahsoka noticed Thor, Anakin, and Obiwan became visibly uncomfortable.

Thor thought, 'I am not surprised that the Republic propaganda services would play up on how tough I am. Still, I need to set this girl straight.'

Thor stated, in a serious, through even tone of voice, “No. Thy is not invulnerable to harm. Actually, today thy was hit in the back with a powerful blast which knocked thou to the ground.”

Anakin said, in a sober tone of voice, “It was a close call.”

Thor turned to Anakin, then back to Ahsoka. She said, “But, thy is doing better. Though, it is a lesson to be wary of one's surroundings in battle.”

Ahsoka replied, in a more serious tone of voice, “Oh. I will keep that in mind.”

Anakin commented, with concern in his tone of voice, “You need to watch yourself. You are still very young.”

Ahsoka responded, with pride in her tone of voice, “I will have you know I am proud I was able to become a padawan at my age.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he joked, “You know you can be real snippy. I think I will call you, Snips.”

Ahsoka sarcastically replied. “Sure. Whatever, Skyguy.”

Meanwhile, Thor and Obiwan were trying their best to not break out laughing at Anakin and Ahsoka's conversation.

Obiwan thought, 'This is as good as time as any to get them to to walk away, so I can talk to Thor about Ahsoka.'

Obiwan turned to Thor, as he continued his thoughts, 'Because from what I am sensing from her emotions this is not going to wait for later this evening. And I need to be careful what I say because that earpiece of hers is an open microphone. And this is not the environment for Padme to take off her helmet, or change back to her normal form.'

Obiwan turned to Anakin and Ahsoka. He suggested, “Perhaps you two should get to know each other better.”

Anakin turned to Obiwan, as he agreed, “Good idea.” He looked down at Ahsoka, as he said, “Ahsoka. Please follow me. I will introduce you to R2 and C3-PO.”

Ahsoka looked up at Anakin She asked, “Okay. Who are they?”

Anakin smiled, as he said, “Just the two best droids in the galaxy. Come on.” He turned and started walking towards the artillery section of the base, with Ahsoka following right beside him, to his right side.

Obiwan and Thor silently watched the two padawans walk away.

When Anakin and Ahsoka were out of earshot, Obiwan and Thor continued to watch them, as Obiwan commented, “She is going to be a handful.” He turned to Thor, as he continued, “Unlike you. I wish all students I know were as attentive and disciplined as you were when Anakin and I trained you.”

Thor turned to Obiwan. She responded, “While thee is thankful for the compliment. Though, thou is not even sure if she is old enough to be a teenager.”

Obiwan admitted, “I know. But, there is not much I can do about the matter?”

Thor flatly stated, in a firm tone of voice, “Sure you can. You can send her back to Coruscant. Back to the Jedi Temple.”

Obiwan replied, “I cannot.”

Thor forcefully responded, “Yes you can. Using child soldiers in war is one of the most despicable, dishonorable actions a military can take. And thou is shocked the Jedi Order would do such a thing. Thy thought you of the Order were better than this.”

Obiwan looked Thor in the eyes, as he stated, in a disappointed tone of voice, “I thought we were better than this, as well. But, if I sent her back questions would be asked.”

Thor asked, “Such as?”

Obiwan cryptically said, “Tatooine. He told me.”

Thor realized several things at once. She thought, 'This earpiece on my right ear is an open microphone. I cannot talk about it while I have it on. But, I cannot take off my helmet because I still look like my normal form, just... Prettier. And for the same reasons I change back out in the open. Still, I am not surprised that Anakin told you, Obiwan. And that does explain why you are against him taking the trials to be Jedi Knight. Though, I think he is ready. But, you clearly disagree.'

'And there is no point in dragging this out and talking to Anakin about this. He has barely started to get over what happened to his mother. All this would do is make him relive what happened.'

Thor replied, in a tone of voice that admitted defeat, “I understand.”

Obiwan sighed. He commented, “Listen. I control the mission schedules for us. We will just keep an eye on her as we train her. This should not be that difficult.”

Thor replied, “I agree.”

Obiwan offered, “Also, I want you to help train her, with Anakin and I.”

Thor smirked under her helmet, as she said, “Okay. A few ideas already come to mind.”

Obiwan stated, “I'm sure. And Master Yoda would not send her here unless he had faith in her abilities.”

Thor commented, “Let us hope that Master Yoda did not have a lapse of senility with this decision.”

Obiwan admitted, “Yes. That thought cross my mind, as well. We will just be careful.”

Thor said, “That is all we can do.”

Obiwan stated, “Let us head back to the holo-comm. After I contact Admiral Yularen to tell him what is going on, to request some supplies and more personnel, I am going to personally contact Master Yoda. To give him the good news of our victory here, and that Padawan Tano made it here safely. And given you were so instrumental in our victory. Not just with your power, but your tactics. I would like you to be there when I give the report.”

Thor replied, “Thank you. Thy accepts thou's offer.”

Obiwan and Thor then turned as they headed over to the large holo-monitor.

(_)

Meanwhile, further inside the Republic base, Anakin and Ahsoka heading for the artillery, where R2 and C3-PO were.

While the artillery has been moved a little to the east due to Thor's plans to defeat Loathsom and the Separatists, the artillery was still on the western side of the base.

Anakin was walking to Ahsoka left side.

While they walked, Ahsoka commented, “I am surprised that you are okay with teaching me.”

Anakin said, “When I helped to train Thor in learning about her abilities I found that I enjoyed teaching.”

Ahsoka stated, “That must have been interesting experience.”

Anakin responded, “It was. I am sure there are members of the order, inside the Jedi achieves, whom are going the reports Obiwan made of our training of Thor. With those reports compiled a volume concerning some the more stranger training methods employed by the Jedi.”

Ahsoka giggled a little. As she calmed down, she asked, “Probably. Is is true that you had Thor picking up a Republic walker?”

Anakin commented, “Actually, while on her back, we had her bench pressing the walker.”

Ahsoka let out a laugh. She smiled. She stated, “I would pay to actually see that.”

Anakin said, “Likely a lot of people would.”

Ahsoka commented, in a slightly sad tone of voice, “And I regret not seeing that.”

Anakin responded, in a supportive tone of voice, “Do not worry. You did not miss much. All there was to see was the walker's feet being lifted off the ground a few centimeters into the air.”

Ahsoka replied, “Okay.”

Anakin inquired, “So is there anything you would like to tell me? If so, you might as well start at the beginning.”

Ahsoka happily said, “I was found by Master Plo Koon and brought to the temple by him. My time at the temple was, I guess, like the other younglings. Eventually, I become a padawan and I was sent here.”

Anakin commented, “Simple. And to the point. That is what I would expect. And Master Plo Koon is a good man. A good Jedi. He is a wonderful judge of character.”

Ahsoka replied, “I hope so.”

Anakin turned to Ahsoka. As they continued walking, he looked at Ahsoka's lightsaber attached to the left side of her belt. He commented, “So that is your lightsaber. Did you build it yourself?”

Ahsoka answered, “Yes. I am quite proud of it.”

Anakin requested, “Can I look at your weapon for a minute.”

Ahsoka turned to look at Anakin. She replied, “Sure.” She unclasped her weapon, and handed it to Anakin.

Anakin took the weapon in his hands.

They continued walking as Anakin looked at the lightsaber hilt.

Anakin commented, “You spent some time making this. I can tell. Your weapon shows some skilled craftsmanship in its creation.”

Ahsoka smiled, as she happily replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin held the lightsaber with his right hand, outward, as he activated it. With a snap-hiss, the green blade showed in front of him. He questioned, “A green blade?”

Ahshoka shrugged, as she causally said, “I wanted to stand out from the others.”

Anakin responded, “I can appreciate that. I am currently using green blade, as well.”

Ahsoka looked over at Anakin. She commented, “I thought you used a blue blade, like most Jedi.”

Anakin casually said, “I wanted to do something different.” He deactivated the lightsaber, and headed it to Ahsoka, as he continued, “And here is your lightsaber back.”

Ahsoka took the lightsaber and hooked it back to the left side of her belt.

Anakin asked, “So what style do you prefer to use with your lightsaber?”

Ahsoka answered, “I have found than an underhand style with the lightsaber suits me well.”

Anakin commented, “That unorthodox. But not unheard of. That is mostly used with two lightsabers for the Jar'Kai style.”

Ahsoka said, “I am planning on working up to that.”

Anakin stated, “That is an aggressive style. It requires a lot of training.”

Ahsoka commented, “I am not afraid of hard work.”

Anakin said, “Good. Now we need to temper you patience. We still might make a Jedi out of you, yet.”

Ahsoka pointed out, “Just a reminder Jedi Skywalker. But, you are still only a Padawan.”

Anakin admitted, “True. But, it is clear the Jedi Council realize that is a technicality and that I am ready for the trials. All I am waiting for is Master Kenobi to allow me to do so. Still, we will have to spar some time. I would like to see what your skill level is, and what you are capable of.”

Ahsoka replied, “I would like to do that as well.”

By then, Anakin and Ahsoka had reach the artillery area of the military base.

While they walked they approached artillery area, Anakin looked around and he saw the droids he was looking for. He turned towards the individuals in question, with Ahsoka turning with him.

As they came close to the artillery area, nearby Commander Cody saw them.

Cody looked towards his men. He ordered, “General Skywalker is approaching. Stand at attention.”

Those troopers nearby stopped what they were doing. They and Cody stood at attention, while facing Anakin and Ahsoka.

Anakin noticed that Cody men and his men standing at attention before one of their Generals.

Anakin came top a stop by Cody. Ahsoka stopped also.

Anakin turned towards Cody. He stated, “Commander Cody. You and your men may carry on with your duties.”

The Cody and his men relaxed. They went back to their duties.

Meanwhile, as Anakin turned and continued walking in the direction he was heading. Ahsoka followed right beside Anakin.

A few seconds later, as Anakin and Ahsoka approached R2 and C3-PO, the two droids turned to look at them. R2 was to C3-PO right side.

C3-PO exclaimed, “My, Master Anakin. It is good to see you.”

Anakin and Ahsoka came to a stop in front of the two droids. Anakin said, “It is good to see you as well.”

C3-PO asked, “Who is this with you?” It turned its head towards Ahsoka, as it continued, “Who might you be, dear?”

Ahsoka looked up at C3-PO face. She answered, “I am Padawan Learner Ahsoka Tano. Student to Master Kenobi and Jedi Skywalker.”

C3-PO stated, “It is marvelous to meet you, Master Tano. I am C3-PO. And this person with me is R2-D2.”

Ahsoka replied, “Likewise.”

Anakin said, “These are my two most favorite droids in the galaxy. Both are loyal and brave. The astromech droid is R2-D2. But, we call him, R2, for short. And he might be the best astromech droid in the galaxy.”

R2 whistled in happiness towards Anakin's compliment.

Anakin then said, “And this is the protocol droid. C3-PO. I built him when I was a child. And he seems to be able to decrypt Separatist communications.”

C3-PO replied, “Glad to be of service.”

Ahsoka commented, “That is interesting.” She turned to Anakin, as she continued, “But, not as interesting as you building a droid as a child. I heard you were one of the best pilots in the Order. I did not you were good with electronics, as well.”

Anakin turned to Ahsoka, as he said, “I am very gifted in mechanical engineering and piloting.”

Ahsoka requested, “Nice. Could you teach me how to do both. I have some training in those areas, but only the basics.”

Anakin commented, “Well see how things work out. But, if we have the time, I would be more than happy to do so.”

Ahsoka smiled, as she said, “Cool.”

Anakin turned towards the two droids. He stated, “As Ahsoka said. Obiwan and I will be training her. So, I expect you both to be on your best behavior.”

R2 whistled and beeped an affirmative.

C3-PO replied, “Of course, Master Anakin.”

Just then, the comlink on the back part of Anakin's left glove came on. Obiwan's voice stated, “Anakin, I need you and Ahsoka to head back to the communication area of the base.”

Anakin held up his left forearm. He asked into the microphone, “What is it?”

Over the communicator, Obiwan responded, “I contacted Master Yoda. It seem he has a mission for us. Bring Ahsoka with you.”

Anakin turned to look at Ahsoka, whom he saw was looking back at him. Anakin said, “We are heading back your way.”

Anakin lowed his left forearm, and used his right hand to turn off the comlink on his left glove.

Anakin continued to look at Ahsoka, as he said, “Come on, Ahsoka. You heard Obiwan. We need to head back to them.” Anakin turned to the two droids. He stated, “R2. C3-PO. Come with us.”

Anakin turned around and started heading for where the large, circular holo-monitor in the base camp.

Ahsoka, R2, and C3-PO followed Anakin.

(_)

A few minutes later, as Anakin, Ahsoka, R2, and C3-PO walked through the base, Anakin noticed to his right, in the distance, across the street, some Republic troop transport shuttles had landed.

Anakin thought, 'Obiwan likely informed Admiral Yularen we won. And the Admiral sent those them down with supplies and more personnel.'

Near the shuttles, Anakin saw a handful of the clone trooper escorting Whorm Loathsom. Loathsom had stuncuffs over his wrists, which we held in front of him.

Anakin saw Loathsom being cooperative as he was being lead to the entrance to a nearby transport shuttle.
Anakin thought, 'I see Loathsom is cooperating. Loathsom and any Separatists with him will be transferred to the Negotiator. We decided that as a added security measure. We keep the command staff on the Resolute and we keep any prisoners in the brig on the Negotiator. Loathsom and any other prisoners we take on will be held on the Negotiator until they can be handed off to the Republic Military Justice Division.'

Anakin turned his attention back to Obiwan and Thor, whom were standing in front of the large holo-monitor.

Thor had held her hammer with her right hand, at her right side.

As Anakin, Ahsoka, and the droids approached the large, circular holo-communicator, Anakin saw the life-sized holographic representation of Yoda above the holo-monitor. Yoda was standing, with his small wooden cane in his right hand.

Both Obiwan and Thor were looking up at the hologram of Yoda.

Anakin thought, 'Now to find out what Yoda wants.'

A few seconds later, Anakin and Ahsoka came to a stop by Thor and Obiwan, near the holo-monitor.

R2 and C3-PO stopped a few meters behind the Anakin and Ahsoka.

Obiwan and Thor turned to Anakin and Ahsoka. Yoda's hologram also looked over at Anakin and Ahsoka.

Obiwan stated, “Hello Anakin. Ahsoka. I just gave Master Yoda the report on the battle. And one Padawan Tano's arrival.”

Anakin turned to Obiwan. He said, “Good. Thanks for bringing us up to date.”

Anakin, Obiwan, Thor, Ahsoka, and the droids turned their attention to the hologram of Jedi Master Yoda.

The hologram of Yoda looked around at the group. He stated, “Now that everyone is here. Much to discuss.”

Anakin calmly inquired, “What is this about?”

Yoda stated, “About secret treaty negotiations with the Hutts.”

Obiwan pointed out, “Pardon me, Master Yoda. I mean no disrespect. But, the Hutts are not known to be trustworthy.”

Yoda responded, “True. But, this war would go much easier should the Republic military have permission to use Hutt trading hyper-routes on the Outer Rim. The Jedi have been negotiating such a possibility.”

Thor questioned, “While thy can appreciate this. What does this have to with us?”

Yoda answered, “The negotiator for Hutts is Jabba. And Jabba's young son, Rotta, was recently kidnapped by renegades. Due to this kidnapping negotiations have stopped cold. Though, the renegades and the child have been tracked to the planet of Teth. You are the closest to Teth of Republic and Jedi forces the Republic can spare.”

Anakin commented, “Okay. That explains a lot.”

Yoda stated, “Your missions is two fold.”

The hologram of Yoda turned to Obiwan. Yoda continued, “Master Kenobi. Head to Tatooine and Jabba Palace to directly negotiate with Jabba. Along with rescuing his son, see what else is needed to put our treaty negotiations back on track.”

The hologram turned to Anakin. Yoda went onto say, “Padawan General Skywalker, take the forces you need to Teth to rescue the child. Make sure the child is returned to Jabba, unharmed. Leave those forces you do not need to guard Christophsis until Republic relief forces arrive.”

Anakin said, “I will not fail you.”

Yoda replied, “See that you do not.”

Thor asked, “Is there any more information thou can give what type of planet Teth is? Where on the planet the child is being held? What forces we may be up against?”

Yoda stated. “Fortunately, Republic military scouts are already Teth. They have provided much information.”

Anakin stated, “We will pick them up when we reach Teth.”

Yoda responded, “Please do. Now, Teth is a planet of jungles, forest, plains, and oceans.” Yoda turned to Thor, as he continued, “Similar to to the planet, Naboo.”

Ahsoka thought, 'Why is Master Yoda specifically mentioning Naboo while looking at Thor? I will find out later.'

Thor noticed this, as well. She thought, 'Yoda. I hope you did not just blow my cover with Ahsoka.'

Yoda looked around the group, as he said, “The scouts have tracked the renegades to a jungle area of the planet. The renegades are based inside of a B'omarr monastery located on a high plateau. There is no easy access to this monastery from the ground, nor the air.”

Thor made a mental note of what Yoda was saying.

Obiwan questioned, “A fortress built using a natural defensive position. With modern weaponry this could prove a formidable location to defend from.”

Yoda stated, “Yes. The renegades are reported to have battle droids. So caution is advised. All information we have will be relayed to the Resolute for your further detailed study.”

Obiwan said, “Thank you, Master Yoda.”

Anakin commented, “An air attack might not work. It would be too out in the open. But, a ground assault might be just as difficult.”

Thor turned to Anakin. She asked, “How can we assault a plateau from the ground? That would be a straight virtual climb upwards.”

Obiwan turned to Thor. He commented, “Walkers can be rigged to walk up straight walls and mountains.”

Thor turned to Obiwan. She asked, “Like a spider.”

Obiwan answered, “Yes.”

Thor cracked a grin under her helmet, as she said, “Cool.”

Obiwan agreed, “Very much so.”

Yoda's hologram turned to Ahsoka. He asked, in a kind, comforting manner, “How are you doing, Padawan Tano? I hope your trip was uneventful.”

Yoda's comment gained everyone's attention. They turned back towards the hologram of Yoda.

Ahsoka calmly stated, “I am doing fine, Master Yoda. And my trip was pleasant.”

Yoda replied, “Good.” Yoda turned to Obiwan. He commented, “Master Kenobi. I hope you are up to taking on another student.”

Obiwan commented, “If I can handle this, I can handle anything.” He thought, 'At least you are not openly pressing me about Anakin's trials to become a Jedi Knight.'

Yoda chuckled a little. As he calmed down, he said, “Take that as a, yes. I will. Good luck. And may the force be with you.”

Yoda shut off the communications on his end. His hologram disappeared from on top of the holo-monitor.

Obiwan turned to look at the others near him. He commented, “Well that was an interesting conversation.”

Anakin said, “At least you do not have far to go. Tatoonie is only a few star systems away.”

Obiwan replied, “That is true. I could likely make in my starfighter with a hyperspace ring.”

Thor inquired, “Where is Teth located?”

Obiwan replied, “Good question.”

R2 overheard Thor's question. The little droid rolled up to the later holo-monitor. R2 pulled out its data interface arm and plugged into the computer.

Suddenly a stationary color hologram appeared of the Outer Rim. It showed a map with a red dot from where they were, through the knowing hyper-routes to blue dot where Teth was. Which was on the very eastern side of the galaxy.

Thor said, “Thank you, R2.”

Obiwan looked a little more closely to the map. He commented, “It looks like Teth is on the Triellus Trade Route. You will have to take a minor route around the fighting of Arkanis, but that should not be a problem. Thought, Teth is very close to the eastern side of Hutt Space. On the opposite side of Hutt Space from the Republic.” He turned to Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka. He continued, “You will have to be careful.”

Thor said, “I fully agree.”

Meanwhile, Anakin has been silently paying attention to what his friends were saying. Anakin turn Obiwan. He stated, “I do not know which one of us has the worst mission.”

Obiwan looked at Anakin. He responded, “I know. I heard a rumor that Jabba arrange his throne room so those he meet stand right over a trapdoor. When he does not like what he is hearing from his guests he drops the unsuspecting people down into a giant chamber, where he watches from the grates above as his large pet rancor eats his victims.”

Anakin said, in a serious tone of voice, “I have heard from personal accounts that is no rumor that is very real.”

Obiwan stated, “I will keep that in mind.”

Anakin commented, “I wouldn't worry. Unless you make a direct threat, Jabba won't do anything to you. He does not want to make an enemy out of the Jedi. Especially, since the Jedi now command an army, and we are at war.”

Obiwan said, “That is a good point.” He continued, in a more casual tone of voice, “And it if come down to it. I wonder. Do you think the Council would allow me to mount a fully stuffed Rancor in one of the main chambers of the Temple?”

Ahsoka and Thor were quietly listening to this. They both burst out giggling at Obiwan's comment.

Even Anakin let out a few laughs. As Anakin calmed down, he stated. “No. But, I would love to see that.”

A few seconds later, Ahsoka and Thor calmed down as well.

Obiwan was trying to hide his smile, but failing, as he commented, “Yes. It would be tempting to see.”

Anakin stated, “Well we will be fine. For a long time I have been doing far riskier things by myself than this mission. Such as when I was younger, when I was pod racing and liberating Naboo from the Trade Federation.”

Ahsoka spoke up, “Master Koon mentioned that.”

Thor turned to Anakin, as she commented, “While thou's actions helped us a lot. We were never really happy with your pod racing. For us, it was a necessary evil. And we were especially not happy that thou snuck into a starfighter and when into battle.”

Anakin looked over at Thor, as he casually replied, “R2 was with me.”

Thor pointed out, “If anyone noticed. R2 can be occasionally as reckless as thee can sometimes be.”

Nearby, R2 let out a whiny beep. Then, R2 shut down the hologram and unplugged itself from the holo-monitor. After which, R2 had its data interface arm retract back into its body.

Anakin cracked a grin, as he said, “I know. That is why I like keeping him around. He comes up with the most interesting of ideas.”

R2 rotated its head towards Anakin, as it let out a beep in confirmation.

Obiwan chuckled a little bit at listening to Anakin and Thor's comments.

Ahsoka turned to Obiwan. She inquired, “Master? Are they always like this?”

Obiwan turned to Ahsoka. He smiled, as he said, “No. Sometimes they are funnier.”

Both Thor and Anakin heard Obiwan's response. They turned to Obiwan, as they stated, in unison, “Hey.”

Obiwan turned to Thor and Anakin. He held back from making his smile into a smirk, as he calmly said, “It is true.”

Both Thor and Anakin realized Obiwan was right. They both turned and looked away from everyone. The body language of both of them showed how uncomfortable they were at the moment.

Obiwan held back a chuckle. But, Ahsoka could not help but giggled a little bit from the responses of those around her.

Obiwan thought, 'If would be best if I get this conversation back on track.' He stated, “I will have the Negotiator land in a nearby clear are. Once it is landed, I will take my starfighter to Tatooine.”

Anakin, Thor, and Ahsoka turned to Obiwan.

Anakin said, “Good idea.” He looked over at Ahsoka and Thor. He turned back to look at Obiwan. He went onto say, “I will take Thor and Ahsoka back to the Resolute and head to Teth.”

Thor commented, “Thy will do as thou requests.” Thor turned to Ahsoka. She thought, 'I cannot stop you from fighting, but there is another matter we will address.' Thor said, “Padawan Tano.”

Ahsoka turned to Thor. She responded, “Ahsoka is fine. General Thor.”

Thor stated, “Ahsoka. While thy cannot prevent you from fighting. Thy does have one request. We will need to find you a shirt to wear. And later on we shall find you more proper clothing for a your lady of you station.”

Thor thought, 'She is far too young to just wear a cloth wrap around her chest. And I spent too many years learning to be a lady in a royal court not to teach someone a few lessons on etiquette. Though, I will do so politely. As a lady should. And from the time I spent at the Jedi Temple. Besides please, thank you, and table manners. Jedi are not taught much when it comes to the finer points of manners and tact. They clearly believe that manners and obedience are the same thing. This is not the case.'

Ahsoka looked up and down at Thor's armor. She looked at front of Thor's helmet. She commented, “You do not look like someone that knows much about fashion.”

Thor laughed for a few seconds. Then, she smiled under her helmet. She said, “My dear. These are just thou's work clothing. And thy has a lifetime of experience with fashion.” She thought, 'The wardrobe I use as a Senator proves that point.' Thor went onto say, “Let us walk to the shuttles as we talk.”

Ahsoka replied, “Okay.”

Thor and Ahsoka then began walking side by side, towards the shuttles, with Thor to Ahsoka's left side.

Thor calmly inquired, “Tell thy, dear Ahsoka. What have the Jedi Order taught thee in the ways of etiquette?”

Ahsoka said, “Not much. I guess.”

Thor calmly stated, “Well then. This is something we will have to work on.”

(_)

Behind them, Anakin and Obiwan silently watched this play out.

The two men looked each other. Obiwan said, “I think she can only be a good influence on the girl. As long as she does not get the girl involved in politics, I am okay with her taking our young padawan under her wing.”

Anakin agreed, “I agree. I fully support her teaching Ahsoka what she knows. But, no politics.”

Obiwan stated, “Good. Still, Ahsoka is clearly rough around the edges.”

Anakin pointed out, “So was I, at her age.”

Obiwan commented, “That is probably why Master Yoda wants you to end up teaching her.”

Anakin asked, “I agree. Though, I wonder what I did to deserve this?”

Obiwan answered, “Master Yoda has a nice sense of humor. And he does not forget things.”

Anakin questioned, “Like what?”

Obiwan stated, “When the council overruled him on training you.”

Anakin remembered when he first met the Jedi High Council as a boy. And Yoda dismissed him as being to old to teach. He replied, “Oh...”

Obiwan noticed Anakin's tone of voice. He said, in a supportive tone of voice, “Do not feel bad. Master Yoda is doing this is a sign of trust towards you. He believes you are now responsible enough to be a teacher.”

Anakin stated, “I hope you are right. Still, it is clear the Council is pushing you let me take the trials.”

Obiwan commented, “Even after everything, I believe you are almost ready for the trials.”

Anakin replied, “I appreciate that.”

Obiwan turned to look at Thor and Ahsoka. He saw they were almost to the loading ramp of one of the transport shuttles. He stated, “Let us catch up with them.”

Anakin turned to look at Thor and Ahsoka. He agreed, “Good idea.”

Both men started walking side by side, to each up with Thor and Ahsoka. Anakin was to Obiwan's right side.

R2 and C3-PO followed behind them. With C3-PO being to R2 right side. As they followed behind Anakin and Obiwan, C3-PO said, “Come on, R2. We don't want them to leave us behind.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the droids, Obiwan and Anakin continued to walk.

Anakin said, “On our way up, I will call in the personnel on the ground I wish to come and join us on our mission to Teth. I may not like Jabba. But, I will help an innocent. No matter what the innocent is.”

Obiwan inquired, “Good. Who do you have in mind?”

Anakin answered, “Along with calling up Rex and my battalion. I was thinking of taking Cody and his armory groups with us.”

Obiwan said, “You have my permission to do so.”

Anakin replied, “Thanks.”

Obiwan said, “You're welcome.” He then muttered under his breath, “Three students.”

Anakin overheard Obiwan. And he understood what his teacher men by the comment. Anakin casually said, “Yea. You know somewhere Master Jinn is laughing about this.”

Obiwan started chuckling, as he stated, “I know.”

Anakin soon joined Obiwan in laughing a little, as they caught up with Thor and Ahsoka.

Meanwhile, the two droids were following about three meters behind Anakin and Obiwan.

Obiwan soon stopped. The droids soon passed by him.

Then, Obiwan watched as Ahsoka, Thor, Anakin, R2, and C3-PO boarded a transport shuttle.

A minute later, Anakin had convinced the pilot to let him flying the shuttle. Anakin flew the shuttle back to his Star Destroyer, the Resolute in orbit around Christophsis. Half an hour later, they safely arrived inside a hangar bay of the Resolute

Meanwhile, Obiwan after watching his friends leave, he headed back to to the main communication hub to contact the captain of the Negotiator to leave a hyperspace ring in orbit and the to take the to the surface, in an open space between the interior western sides of outer ring of Chaleydonia and the center area of Chaleydonia. This location would be near the Republic base camp.

Once the Star Destroyer was on the surface he would have an astromech droid placed in his Jedi starfighter. Then, Obiwan would take his starfight into orbit. Next, Obiwan would dock the starfighter with the hyperspace ring.

Obiwan would use the astromech to plot a course to Tatooine and use the hyperspace ring to go into hyperspace towards Tatooine.

(_)

Hours later, it was a warm morning, during a cloudy day, on the jungle area of Teth, where the B'omarr Monastery was located. The B'omarr monastery itself was located on a high plateau, over looking the jungle. This was not the only such plateau overlooking the jungle. And the monastery had been build atop the entire plateau, with the sides of the monastery being extended out beyond the plateau itself.

Inside the Monastery, Asajj Ventress was alone in a set of personal quarters she had taken as her own.

Asajj Ventress has pale skin. She shaved her head bald. She had a skinny athletic physical build.

Asajj wore a blue form fitting long sleeved shirt, white form fitting leggings that covered her feet, as a substituted for shoes. Over that was a dark blue shirt with a belt. She had her two red bladed, deactivated lightsabers clipped to the sides of her belt.

Presently, Asajj stood as she faced a holo-monitor that was set on a nearby table.

Asajj had just answered the ringing of a call on the holo-comm.

On the holo-monitor, she saw Dooku was sitting in a chair.

Asajj thought, 'Dooku must be in a ship. When he usually contacts me, he is in a standing position. I might as well get this meeting started.'

Asajj bowed her head towards Dooku, as she asked, “How may I be of service, master?”

Dooku responded, “There is much you can do. To start with, where is the young huttlet?”

Asajj raised her head, as she looked at the holo-monitor. She stated, “He is in the care of a caretaker droid.”

Dooku said, “That is fine. Though, for our plans to work the child must continue to live. At least for now.”

Asajj commented, “Then, I will see to it the child continues to live.”

Dooku questioned, “Good. Now you know your part of the plan?”

Asajj answered, “Yes. This should be no more difficult than gripping the arm of a child and guiding the child down a path.”

Dooku stated, “Exactly. Within the next few days they will strike at you, and those with you. They will have to come at you with overwhelming force. It will be a ground invasion during day. You know what to expect.”

Asajj inquired, “Are we sure they will attack during the day?”

Dooku answered, “Given whom is coming. Yes. The person leading them prefers to use brute force. This location was picked for that specific reason. You are inside a natural defensive location. The monastery is built from stone and metal. It can take a few hits and still be sturdy enough to stand. Whether by air or by land, during the night our droid forces would have the advantages of being able to see more clearly. And those coming will wish for every advantage they can have.”

Asajj asked, “Who is coming after me?”

Dooku stated, “Skywalker, Thor, and Skywalker's 501st battalion, on the Jedi Cruiser, the Resolute. While the clone soldiers are competent, your droids can handle them. It is Skywalker and Thor that you need to be concerned with.”

Asajj inquired, “What about Thor's weather powers?”

Dooku said, “The monastery you inside of has stood for thousands of years old. It as weathered far worse than what she can cause you.”

Asajj responded, “Fine. And what about Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi? I was under the impression he traveled with them.”

Dooku stated, “He usually does. But, presently he is not with them. It took a lot of work behind the scenes to set this up. With Kenobi gone, that leaves Skywalker and Thor. While I have trained you well, do not underestimated either of them.”

Asajj replied, “I won't.”

Dooku responded, “I know. Though even I am not sure of the full extent of Thor's abilities. She does not use the force, but her powers are as potent as any force abilities. With her training under the instruction of the Jedi she has become more powerful.”

Asajj inquired, with concern in her tone of voice, “How truthful are the Republic broadcasts concerning her abilities?”

Dooku stated, “More truthful than I am comfortable with. Though, she can be sensed through the force. You will sense her coming. If it comes down to a fight with both Thor hand Skywalker at the same time. Strike Thor first. As quickly as possible. You know what to expect from Skywalker. You do not know what to expect from Thor. And use your lightsaber. I found that she is invulnerable to most force attacks.”

Asajj commented, “I will do so. I know well how to employ sneak attacks.”

Dooku commented, Yes. The Sith use stealth to their fullest advantage. And use what I taught you. Fear, surprise, and intimidation. But, if you can take down Thor. Then, Skywalker will likely start to act more irrationally.”

Asajj asked, “Skywalker cares for Thor?”

Dooku complimented, “Yes. It is very astute for you to guess this.”

Asajj commented, “A poor warrior does not know her enemies.”

Dooku said, “Exactly. There is one other piece of information about those that are coming for you that you may find useful.”

Dooku told Asajj a few more items of information about whom she will face, before he disconnected the communication with her.

Then, Asajj prepared for the coming attack.

(_)

Earlier that day, in orbit around the planet Christophsis, Anakin, Ahsoka, Thor, R2, and C3-PO has arrived inside a hangar of the Republic Star Destroyer, Resolute.

Once aboard the Resolute, Anakin began arranging troop assignments. With Obiwan's permission, Anakin called up those he wanted to come to Teth with him, to the Resolute, whom were on the surface of Christophsis with the Star Destroy, Negotiator. Anakin also sent down a few crew members and supplies to the surface of Crystal City, to help the crew of the Negotiator with the clean up until Republic relief forces arrived.

After Anakin was finished and ready, he took the Resolute to hyperspace, by a minor-hyper-route that would take them around Arkanis. Once they were north of Arkanis, they would take the Triellus Trade Route directly to the planet Teth.

Meanwhile, the Negotiator and most of the ship's crew were left to on the surface of Chaleydonia to oversee the planet Christophsis until other military Republic ships could reach the planet to relieve the 212th battalion.

While the Resolute traveled through hyperspace to Teth, Anakin assigned Ahsoka her personal quarters.

Anakin had to go back to his duties, but Thor was able to spend some time with Ahsoka.

While they did not have a lot of time to spend together on their first day, Thor was able teach Ahsoka some of the basic lessons concerning manners and tact.

In addition, Thor helped Ahsoka find some shirts and other clothing that would work for Ahsoka.

That evening, Ahsoka, Anakin, and Thor had eaten dinner together in the mess hall.

After dinner, Thor retired to her personal quarters. Once inside her personal quarters, Thor changed back to Padme.

Padme set down Mjolnir on small nearby table in the room on the top of its head.

Padme then got cleaned up and dressed in one of her formal dresses for her other job.

(_)

Presently, the ship was on the early night rotation schedule.

Inside her quarters, Padme took care of some personal business, in the privacy of her diplomatic quarters.

The ceiling lights of Padme's quarters were currently turned on.

Padme was in a formal cyan dress, as she talked to Senator.

Padme was sitting in a chair at a desk in the bedroom of her personal quarters.

On the small holo-monitor on top the desk, Padme was talking by holo-comm with Senator Bail Organa.

The small hologram showed that Bail wearing one of his uniforms.

While it was night for Padme and the crew of the Resolute, it was the middle of the day for those in the Senate District of Coruscant.

Their discussion dealt with a number of topics, including Bail quietly overseeing their anti-war movement within the Senate.

Bail continued his comments concerning what their small little group of Senators had been up to. Bail stated, “Still, while Garm can be a bit of handful, he has come through on his end. We now have a number of rich Corellian trading and industry families whom quietly agree to no longer support the war effort. They seem to have realized that war is not profitable. Especially, when they lost out on the government contracts.”

Padme let out a small laugh. She said, “Sometimes practicality and greed can find a common ground.”

Bail agreed, “That seems to be the case.”

Padme asked, “And the others?”

Bail answered, “Our allies are coming through for us. It is slow in coming. But, we have a few more Senators whom have quietly agreed to aid us. Along with a some agriculture groups. And even a few entertainment companies, whom said they will throw their support on the PR front when we are ready to be more open about this.”

Padme replied, “That is good.”

Bail inquired, “So how is your diplomatic mission coming?”

Padme thought, 'I do not like lying to you, Bail. You are my friend. After all. But, I have to maintain my cover.'

Padme casually lied, “We are about to land on Datooine, at which point we will begin helping to oversee possible charity food shipments from that world to be sent to the populations of other planets whom need the supplies.”

Padme thought, 'While my part in that mission is a lie. I checked with Obiwan and Anakin. The mission is real and the Jedi are going to help a lot of people with that mission. The planet of Datooine has a massive agricultural farming industry. Just the wheat they produce annually can feed hundreds of worlds for a standard year. And Datooine grows much more than just wheat.'

Bail responded, “That is good. So did you hear about what happened on Christophsis today? The Republic defeated the Separatists there.”

Padme hesitated, as she thought, 'While I am not surprised the Chancellor would allow the press to quickly report of the Republic victory of retaking Christophsis. Why would Bail ask me this?... Does he know?... No. He could not. The Jedi and I covered our tracks too well.'

Padme chose her word carefully, as she said, “Yes. I heard the city was not destroyed and the people there will likely be okay.” Padme thought, 'I will leave out that Obiwan told me there would likely be a garrison stationed there.'

Bail stated, “That is a relief.”

Padme thought, with concern and a little worried, 'This is not a good subject to talk about. I am too close to this. And I might accidentally give myself away and give away secrets. I need to end this conversation right now.'

Padme smiled at the hologram of Bail, as she commented, “Well Bail. I need to get going. Have a pleasant day.”

Bail returned Padme's smile, as he said, “You too, Padme.”

Padme reached down and turned off the holo-monitor.

Padme leaned up and breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, Padme heard knocking from the other side of the door to the room which lead to a deck hallway.

Padme turned towards the door to the hallway. She groaned, as she thought, with mild annoyance, 'What now?'

On the other side of the door, Padme heard Anakin's voice said, “Padme. It is me. I am alone. Please, open up.”

Padme thought, 'While he has to codes to open my door, he is polite enough to respect my privacy. Though, with the force, he likely sensed I was talking to someone by holo-comm and he was waiting for me to finish. So this begs the question of how long was he standing outside of my door? Not that I am going to ask. That would be a rude reaction to his consideration of my privacy.'

Padme said, “Coming right now.”

Padme got up from her chair. She walked over to the door. Then, she pushed a button on the panel by the door to open the door.

As the door slid open, Padme saw only Anakin standing in front of her.

Padme stepped out of the way, to her left. She requested, “Please, come in.”

Anakin walked inside. He stood to face Padme. There was less than a meter between them.

The door slid closed.

Padme asked, “So is everything set for Teth?”

Anakin answered, “Yes. We had not problems traveling around the fighting happening Arkanis. We should be there by tomorrow morning.”

Padme inquired, “That is good. How is the fighting above Arkanis?

Anakin commented, “I have no clue. There is a information blackout on both sides. We will not know anything until the battle is over.”

Padme responded, “Okay. And what about Obiwan? Did he make it safely to Tatooine?”

Anakin stated, “I just talked to him by holo-comm. He is already on Tatooine. He has already set up meeting with Jabba, which is scheduled tomorrow morning.”

Padme questioned, “He is not saying at Jabba's Palace?”

Anakin answered, “No. he is staying at an inn in a small town called Anchorhead. In the morning he will take his starfighter to Jabba's Palace and meet with him then.”

Padme commented, “Good. That means we won't have to worry about any surprises from Jabba before we get to the mission.”

Anakin said, “I agree. Hutts are known to pull things on short notice. We will have the meeting briefing at nine hundred about Christophsis and work out the mission. Obiwan's meeting with Jabba is a few hours earlier. Obiwan told me if he got finished with his meeting earlier, he is going to try to contact us around nine, during the meeting. So we know what is happening on his end before we lay out our plans.”

Padme said, “That is a good idea. And I will be there as Thor.”

Anakin responded, “Good. Speaking of which. Since Ahsoka is going to be with us. If we do not tell her, she is eventually going to find out who you really are on her own.”

Padme admitted, “I know.”

Anakin commented, “I also believe we need to figure out how to tell her before she finds out on her own.”

Padme stated, “I agree. Though, I need to think about how I want to handle this. We will talk about it tomorrow. Maybe after the mission. I already talked to her this afternoon. But, it was more of small talk. When I get a chance to talk to her some more. And get a sense of where she stands on a few matters. Then, we will talk.”

Anakin commented, “That will be fine. By the way. Speaking of Ahsoka. After dinner, I finally got a chance to do some lightsaber sparring with Ahsoka with this evening. And I even tested some of her force abilities.”

Padme asked, “How good is she?”

Anakin stated, “She has a lot of raw talent in both the force and lightsaber combat. But, she needs training.”

Padme said, “You and Obiwan will fix that soon enough.”

Anakin stated, “I hope so. Also, I saw the shirt you picked out for Ahsoka. It is nice.”

Padme commented, “Thank you. A girl her age should not be just running around with only cloth wrap around her chest.”

Anakin stated, “I agree. Also, Obiwan and I noticed we you were talking to Ahsoka about manners.”

Padme tactfully said, “No offense intended. But, you Jedi are not the most refined of people.”

Anakin stated, “Actually, I fully agree with you. Jedi can be the most stubborn and foolhardy of people.”

Padme responded, “I am glad you realize that. Ahsoka is still at an impressionable age. And since we will be working together, I would like to show her a point or two that does not involve the force, nor violence. I hope you and Obiwan are fine with that.”

Anakin said, “Actually, we fully support you. Anything you teach her will make her easier to deal with, and put her in a better frame of mind when she is learning from us. Though, we do request you not get her involved in politics.”

Padme gave Anakin a warm smile. She commented, “Thanks. And I will try not to involve her in politics. Also, Ahsoka could use some positive role models.”

Anakin replied, “I agree.” Anakin lips curled into mischievous smile, as he continued, “Especially, since she is a fan of yours.”

Padme groaned, as she requested, “Please. Do not start with that. She might be a fan of Thor for all the wrong reasons.” She thought, 'Such as all the violence and destruction I commit as Thor.'

Anakin pointed out, “Still that means she will listen to you.”

Padme conceded, “That is a good point.”

Anakin replied, “I am glad you agree.”

Padme pointed out, “Also, she is so young. Too young to be sent into battle.”

Anakin said, “I know. I am not exactly happy about the situation, either. But, there is not much we can do about it.”

Padme stated, “It is good you understand that. Now let us talk about you. I learned that when I was hit, you lost control, and almost got yourself killed. You cannot allow your feelings for me to cause you to lose control like that.”

Anakin was silent for a few seconds. He then said, “I know. I promise to do better.”

Anakin stood a step closer to Padme. He said, “Before first.” He learned down as he made a pass to kiss her on the lips.

Padme did not objected, as she slightly leaned her head upward, with the two of them kissing for a few seconds.

They soon broke their kiss.

Padme commented, “It is to bad we cannot do much more than this right now.”

Anakin stated, “If we did, with Obiwan on the ship, he will sense something is amiss. I guess we will just have to learn what Obiwan has been trying to teach me for years.”

Padme asked, “That being?”

Anakin replied, “Patience.”

Padme let out a small laugh. She smiled up at Anakin's face. She commented, “Yes. We could all use some more of that. There will be opportunities. Just not tonight.”

Anakin agreed, “Exactly. See you in the morning.”

Padme replied, “I look forward to it.”

Anakin then turned to the hallway door. When he reached the door, he pushed a button a panel by the door, for the door to slide open.

The door slid open. Anakin walked through the doorway, and into the hallway.

Padme watched Anakin turn to his left, as he headed for his personal quarters.

A few seconds later, the door then slid closed.

Padme turned to look at the hammer on the small nearby table in her bedroom.

Mjolnir was set on its head, with the shaft pointing upward.

Padme was then reminded of something that was said by Yoda earlier that day.

Padme thought, 'Now to do something else I need to do, before I head to bed.'

Padme walked over to her desk. She sat down in the chair at her desk. Once she was comfortable, she used the computer in the desk to log onto the Senate datanets. After which, she searched the Senate archives, by using a search engine program to cross-reference B'ommar monastery, the planet Teth, and a building on a plateau.

During her search Padme found something interesting that she planned to mention to her friends later. After the mission was over.

A little while later, Padme finished what she then retrieved a small data-stick she had brought with her, in her luggage. She used stuck the data-stick into a small data-port, where she backed up the information on what she found. Once she was finished, she removed the data-stick, logged off of the Senate datanets, and got ready for bed.

Soon Padme was ready for bed, she turned off the lights in her bedroom, and she went to sleep on her bed.

(_)

Earlier that night, Obiwan had exited hyperspace in orbit around Tatooine, he had his starfighter detach from the hyperspace transport ring, leaving the transport ring in orbit around the planet.

Obiwan entered the atmosphere of Tatooine on the night side of the planet. As Obiwan traveled to the surface of Tatooine, he had contacted Jabba's palace to set up a meeting.

Once Obiwan had scheduled the meeting, he headed for a town he knew of to rest for the night. The town was Anchorhead. He landed on one of the docking areas of the small spaceport in Anchorhead. He got out of his starfighter and paid the docking fees.

Obiwan then used his ship's communication system to talk with Anakin and set up when he could contact him later the next morning.

After Obiwan finished his conversation with Anakin, he left the spaceport and he found an inn to pay for logging to sleep for the night.

The next morning, Obiwan got up, got ready, had something to eat, and went to the spaceport. He get into his starfighter and flew towards Jabba's Palace.

In the cloudless blue morning sky of two suns, Obiwan flew his Jedi Starfighter to towards Jabba's Palace.

While Obiwan flew towards Jabba's Palace, he used his ship's communications system to contact Jabba's palace for confirmation of his meeting, clearance to land and landing instructions.

After being given confirmation of his meeting, clearance and landing instructions, Obiwan flew his starfighter to Jabba's palace.

Given how trigger happy criminals were, Obiwan did not deviate from the instruction he was given.

Presently, Obiwan saw he was approaching Jabba's Palace. Jabba's Palace was located on rocky outcropping in the desert in sandy desert planet of Tatooine. The outside of Jabba's Palace appeared to be one large domed central building, surrounding by towers.

Though, all these building were connected by an underground system of chambers, hallways, and rooms.

A few minutes later, Obiwan did as instructed, and he landed his starfighter right in the clearing in front of the closed main entrance, by the large dome of Jabba's palace.

Obiwan set the landing gear and hovered down to a stop on the ground. Next, he turned off the engines, and he opened the canopy to his cockpit.

As Obiwan got out of his ship, he said to the astromech that was in its own cockpit in the starfighter, “R4. Watch the ship.”

R4 beeped and affirmative

As Obiwan made it to stand on the ground, he saw there was no one around, except for a few armed guards in the surrounding towers. Obiwan could tell the guards were watching him. Though, the guards did not have their blaster rifles trained on him.

Obiwan stood by his starfighter for a few seconds.

Then, Obiwan heard the sound of metal being moved by a large wall.

Obiwan turned towards the wall. He watched as the large armored door to the main building began to raise and open in front of him.

Obiwan saw that behind the door were a group of Jabba's men. Many of the men wore clothing that ranged from normal clothes to brown armor and helmets. All of them were armed. Their weapons ranged from blaster pistols, to blaster rifles, to various types of slugthrowers, and a few had vibro-halbards. Though, only a few of the men had their weapons in hand. And none of them were pointing their weapons towards Obiwan.

Obiwan looked at them. He thought, 'Rough crowd.'

When the door stopped moving, Obiwan turned to address the individuals in front of him. He stated, “Hello. I am Jedi Master Kenobi. I am here to meet with Jabba.”

One of the men stated, “Please, follow us. Jabba is expecting you.”

Obiwan walked over to Jabba's men.

While Obiwan was lead inside, he thought, with mild concern, 'At least they did not ask for my lightsaber. Still, I hope this goes well.'

After Jabba's men escorted Obiwan inside the palace, to meet with Jabba in the main throne room of the building, the large armored door was lowered and closed behind them.

(_)

The next morning, it was right at nine hundred on the ship schedule rotation of the Republic Star Destroyer Resolute.

Hours earlier, when the Resolute had come out of hyperspace in high orbit around the planet of Teth, they had a rendezvous with the reconnaissance team of clone troopers whom used a Low Altitude Assault Transport-infantry gunship. The gunship had been modified with better engines and better fuel supply to go in out of orbit of a planet by itself.

Republic military scouts had used to land and spy on the monastery on Teth, from the jungle floor.

The modified gunship had landed inside one of the docking bays of the Republic Star Destroyer, Resolute.

Since then, the reconnaissance team had been debriefed.

Along with this information, the upper command staff had Resolute also reviewed the information sent by the Jedi Order and Republic, on what was known of the renegades that had kidnapped Jabba's son.

Presently, the command staff of the Resolute, along with a few other people, were having a private meeting in a room used for mission briefings.

Unlike other meeting rooms, this did not have a chairs and a table. Those present stood around a large holo-monitor.

The room lights were slightly dimmed, so the holograms from the holo-monitor could be better seen.

Those present were Anakin, Padme in her Thor form, Ahsoka, Admiral Yularen, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and the Captain of the Republic scout troopers whom had been doing reconnaissances on Teth.

Anakin and Ahsoka were in their Jedi clothing. They each had their lightsaber attached at the belt. Also, Ahsoka wore one of the shirts that Thor had picked out of her. The shirt was a long sleeved shirt that was the same color red as the other red clothing Ahsoka had on.

Thor was in her armor, helmet, with her Black Solace sheathed in its scabbard across her back. She held the hammer in her right hand, against her right side.

Rex, Cody, and the Scout Captain, had their white armor on. Rex had blue highlights on his armor, while Cody had yellow highlights. Also, both Rex and Cody had their helmets off.

The reconnaissance captain was in his green and white camouflaged armor. And he had his helmet on.

The clone troopers did not have their weapons on them.

Admiral Yularen was present. He wore his olive green naval officer's uniform.

Currently, Obiwan had just contacted them. Obiwan's holographic form showed above the large holo-monitor. Obiwan was in a standing position.

Anakin and Obiwan had planned for Obiwan's report on his meeting with Jabba to be the first item of the meeting.

While Anakin looked at Obiwan's hologram, he noticed that Obiwan's hair was occasionally being blow. He thought, 'Obiwan is likely making this communications from outside his Jedi starfighter. I am glad he was able to contact us, as we planned. It will make things simpler for us.'

Obiwan asked, “Can you read me?”

Anakin stated, “Loud and clear.”

Obiwan said, “Good. I met with Jabba. I have some news.”

Thor commented, “Let us hear it.”

Obiwan responded, “Along with rescuing Rotta unharmed, Jabba wants the head, or heads, of those responsible for his son's kidnapping. I believe he is not talking about the droids involved. And I feel he would prefer the heads of the individuals responsible not be attached to their bodies when they are delivered to him.”

Anakin said, “We will see what we can do.”

Obiwan firmly stated, “Rescue the child. If you cannot capture, nor kill, the person, or persons responsible. Let them go. We will just deal with the repressions afterward, and work from there. This is a rescue mission. Not an assassination operation.”

Anakin replied, “We understand.”

Obiwan said, “I will come join you, as soon as possible.”

In response to Obiwan's comment, Thor thought, with disbelief, 'I cannot believe that Obiwan is planning on leaving so soon after such a simple rough patch with negotiations. Personally, I have been in tougher negotiations where there was no talking on the first day. And I was eventually able to get an agreement. Also, leaving is a bad idea for a number of other reasons.'

Thor stated, “General Kenobi. Thy requests thee does not leave Jabba's Palace.”

Obiwan asked, “Why is that, General Thor?”

Thor explained, “Thee can do more good from where thou is. What will happen on Teth will be over by the time thou joins us. Also, thou can make sure that no one else may use the situation to their advantage by attempting to manipulate the situation and Jabba behind our backs.”

Obiwan admitted, “Hmm... I did not considered that possibility.”

Thor cautioned, “Though, from what thee has learned of Jabba. Jabba may not listen to any further requests by thee. It may be best to just stay and listen to what is going on within Jabba's court.”

Thor thought, 'I do not know if it is true or not. But, I do not want to risk you bothering Jabba to the point of being dropped into a rancor pit. With you likely getting yourself killed, and destroying any chance of a treaty between the Republic and the Hutts over the Republic using Hutt controlled hyper-routes.'

Obiwan said, “True. Many times. Listening can be more useful than speaking. I will do as you requested, General Thor. And I will let you know if anything else comes up.”

Thor thought, 'I wonder how the other battles went.' She inquired, “Thank you. And how did the rest of the operations go? Was the Republic able to capture the other locations?”

Obiwan stated, “From the reports I read this morning. Results are mixed. We were not able to take some planets. Such as Arkanis. Though with the capture of Christophsis and other locations, we are making headway in the part of the war front.”

Thor thought, 'Mix results are the nature of battle.' Thor commented, “We will contact thee went we have the child.”

Obiwan said, “Good. General Kenobi, out.”

Obiwan then turned off the communications on his end. His hologram disappeared.

Ahsoka turned to the scout. She asked, “Do you have any idea whom may be behind this kidnapping?”

The scout turned to Ahsoka. He looked down at her, as he answered, “Sorry Miss. But, no. All we saw were droids. And we did not dare approach the monastery.”

Anakin turned to the scout. He commented, “Well, let us start this part of the meeting. Captain. Show us what you have learned.”

The scout turned Anakin. The scout replied, “With pleasure.”

The scout walked over the holo-screen and used the controls to pull up the information that he and his team had collected and had already been fed into the Resolute's databanks.

Suddenly, a large, green, three dimensional representation planet of Teth. The hologram had the circumference and height of a single meter.

Everyone in the room turned to look at the hologram.

Then, the reconnaissance scout pressed another button on the holo-monitor. And there was a blue dot on part of the planet.

The reconnaissance scout stood, as he stated, “This is the part of the planet we believe the child is located. This part of of the planet is mostly jungles and swamps. Though, high, narrow outcroppings jut up from the surface like giant spears. One such outcropping is a plateau that was used as the foundation for the monastery we tracked the renegades to.”

The scout pressed another button on the holo-monitor. The hologram changed into a three dimensional picture of the monastery on the high plateau, form the vantage point of the jungle floor.

Anakin commented, “Okay. I can see what Yoda meant by that place being easy to defend from. What can we expect from the renegades?”

The scout answered, “Battle droids. Mostly B1 and B2 classes. And a lot of them.”

Yularen stated, “The Separatists do not sell B2 droids. They could be behind the kidnapping.”

Anakin turned to Yularen. He said, “That is very possible. But, the Separatists produce these droids by the millions. An expert slicer, with an understanding of data networks, droid software and electronics could steal some of these droids, and program these droids to work independent of the Separatists command systems.”

Thor turned to Anakin. She commented, “It is always wise to be open to other possibilities than the obvious. Especially in war.”

Anakin turned to Thor. He replied, “Exactly.”

Thor and Anakin turned back to look at the holo-monitor.

Yularen inquired, “Can we bomb them?”

The scout said, “No. A single bomb could cause the destruction of the entire monastery.”

Cody asked, “What about an air drop?”

The reconnaissance officer stated, “It is too heavily defended from the air.”

Admiral Yularen turned to Thor. He asked, “What about weather assisted air drop?”

Thor turned to Yularen. She answered, “Admiral. This is not a city on the ground. We do not know how stable that monastery is. While thy feels lightning would be fine. Thy might accidentally knock the monastery off the plateau with an ill placed tornado.” She thought, 'Besides, I have my own ideas for our plan of attack.'

Yularen conceded, “Fair enough.”

Thor and Yularen turned back to look at the rest of the group.

Rex guessed, “So it is a full scale ground invasion?”

Thor spoke up, “I have an alternative suggestion.”

Anakin turned to Thor. He requested, “Go ahead.”

Thor used her left hand to snap open a buttoned pouch on the left side of her belt. She pulled out a small data-stick from the pocket, and she stuck into a dataport on the side of the holo-monitor.

Thor pressed a few buttons on the controls of the holo-monitor

Everyone saw the hologram changed from the outside of the monastery to show the schematics of the monastery and interior of the plateau. Also, there were five yellow dots within the monastery itself.

Rex asked, “Where did you get this information?”

Thor answered, “Thy have my sources. Instead of a frontal assault that will get many of us killed, thy has an alternative plan. As thou can see on the interior of the outcropping, there is a spiral staircase which leads up from the ground to a secret entrance to the monastery.”

“The monastery itself is thousands of years old. It uses the same basic design of almost all B'omarr monasteries. While there have likely have been changes, thy doubts that this secret passage has been changed. And thy doubts that the renegades whom have set up a base there know about the passage.”

“The yellow dots the possible places the renegades could be keeping Jabba's son, Rotta. Once we are able to enter the monastery, we can begin searching for the child as we deal with the renegades.”

Those present look at the schematics and they noticed where the yellow dots were located.

Rex complimented, “Power and brains.”

Thor turned to Rex. She smiled under helmet. She replied, “Thank you.”

Cody commented, “I like this plan.”

Yularen asked, “It is a good plan. But what if the entrance is sealed?”

Thor turned to the admiral. She held up the hammer. She said, “Thou has a key.” She lowered the hammer.

Some of those at the meeting chuckled a little in response to Thor's comment.

Anakin noticed that Ahsoka was smiling as she looked with adoration towards Thor.

Cody commented, “While I like this plan, what about the droids outside?”

Thor stated, “I will be delicate. But, when we have the child. Or, if the alert is sounded. Thy will create a storm to cause lightning and wind to take care of the droids outside. That only leaves those few droids on the inside, along with the renegades.”

Cody inquired, “This could work. So who is going on this mission?”

Anakin said, “Well, since General Thor is going to be needed for this. I will be going as well. Who else?”

Thor said, “This needs to be a small group.”

Anakin turned Ahsoka.

Ahsoka saw him looking at her. Anakin said, “Make it a three person team. Thor, Ahsoka, and myself.”

While Ahsoka held enough restraint to not become excited, she smiled towards Anakin. She said, “I am ready when you are.”

Thor turned to the scout. Thor inquired, “What time of day is it on that side of the planet?”

The scout turned to Thor. He answered, “It is early evening.”

Rex overheard Thor and the scout. Rex spoke up, “This is perfect. We are not close enough to the planet to alert their sensors. We can bring you in on a gunship under the radar. We will keep a squad with the gunship, planetside to pick you up.”

Thor turned to Rex. She complimented, “Good plan.”

Cody said, “I agree.”

Anakin agreed, “I like it.”

Yolaren said, “I think this could work better than a frontal assault.”

Anakin stated, “Then, this meeting is concluded. Let us move on this right now.”

With the meeting was concluded, Thor took the data-stick from the holo-monitor. She pocketed the item in the pouch she had held the item in beforehand.

Everyone walked out of the meeting room to handle their duties.

Meanwhile, Rex and Anakin pulled together their team, supplies, and ship, for their mission.

(_)

A few hours later, the long range gunship had entered the atmosphere of Teth from the west, several hundred kilometers from the monastery. The gunship flew low, right above the tree line, so as to not alert the renegades of the oncoming Republic rescue operation.

It was early night, just after sunset of the single sun in that solar system. Though, the two moons of the planet had slowly risen in the clear, violet color sky. The moons provided plenty of illumination for those on the ground to see around with.

The gunship came to a hovering stop above the treeline several kilometers from the monastery. The gunship gently hovered down into a clearing.

Once gunship was hovering less than a meter above the ground, the left side door of the gunship opened up to reveal Captain Rex, and his squad of clone troopers in full armor, with their helmets on, and their weapons at the ready.

Rex had a DC-17 blaster pistol in his right hand, while he used his left hand to hold one of the hand grips from the ceiling, to steady himself. His other DC-17 blaster pistol was in its holster on the outer side of his left thigh armor. The holster for the pistol in his right hand was on his right thigh armor.

The other clone troopers each had a blaster rifle in one hand and their other hand was holding one of the grips on the ceiling.

By the soldiers were Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka. Thor gripped the hammer in her right hand at her right side.

Rex turned to Anakin. He stated, “General Skywalker. The monastery is ten kilometers to the west from here. We cannot possibly get any closer without risking detection by the renegades.”

Anakin turned to Rex. He responded, “Captain Rex. This will be fine. We will call you if we need you.”

Rex said, “Just say the word and we will be there.”

Anakin replied, “I know.” He turned to Thor and Ahsoka, whom were looking at him. He stated, “Come on you two. Let's go.”

Anakin, then Thor, and then Ahsoka jumped out of the gunship. All three of them landed fine on their feet.

They turned to see the high plateau with the monastery on top of it in the distance.

Anakin turned to Ahsoka. He asked, “I know this is a little late. But were you taught how to use the force to enhance your speed and running abilities.”

Ahsoka looked over at Anakin. She answered, “Yes.”

Anakin said, “Good. Then, follow me.”

But, before the two Jedi could take a step, Thor turned to them. Thor stated, “Keep in mind this is not a race. We should focus on stealth and guile. We will go around animals and thick brush. We will not force our way through the area. In the dark a lightsaber can be seen for kilometers.”

Anakin conceded, “That is a good point.”

Ahsoka said, “I will do as you request.”

Thor said, “Thy will go first. On foot. Captain Rex is correct. Flying is too risky.”

Thor turned and started running through the jungle towards the plateau where the B'ommar monastery was located.

Anakin and Ahsoka used the force to enhance their speed and physical abilities to run in the same direction as Thor.

Thor risked a quick glance back to see the speed at which Anakin and Ahsoka was going.

Thor turned back to look in front of her. She slowed down to allow Anakin and Ahsoka to keep up without them physically overexerting themselves.

(_)

About half an hour later, Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka reached the bottom of the rock face of the outcropping that lead up to the plateau where the B'ommar monastery was located.

As they all stood by the rock face, they looked at each other.

Thor could tell Anakin and Ahsoka were a little winded. She asked, “Do either of thee require a break?”

Anakin leaned down, as he placed his hands on his knees. He answered, “I could use a minute to catch my breath.”

Ahsoka was breathing heavily, as she said, “Same here.”

Thor stated, “Okay. Thy will find secret entrance, while you rest.”

Anakin leaned up. He turned to Thor. He asked, “Do you know where it is?”

Thor answered, “Yes. I know it should be on the western side of the outcropping. Which is this side. Actually, the entrance should be somewhere right here.”

Thor thought, 'With my enhanced sight, I can tell very closely where the door should be. Because the door is made to look like the rock, but it should have a slight, but distinct metallic sheen to it.'

Anakin replied, “Good. At least we do not have to walk around.”

Ahsoka asked, “Do you think there are any droid patrols on the ground.”

Thor stated, “Thy does not hear any. And given the difficulty of bringing the droids up and down from the monastery, thy doubts there are patrols on the ground.”

Anakin said, “I agree.”

Over the next few minutes Thor carefully looked for the secret entrance, as Ahsoka and Anakin caught their breath.

By the time, Anakin and Ahsoka had completely gotten their second wind, Thor had found the door that looked like part of the rock face.

Thor looked at the door in front of herself. She said, “Thy has found the entrance.” She tried to gently open it with her left hand. But, the door would not budge. She lowered her left hand. She turned to Anakin and Ahsoka. She commented, “But, it is sealed.”

Thor noticed that Ahsoka was about to reach for her lightsaber.

Thor commented, “No. As thy stated. A lightsaber will create too much light. The droid guards may see the illuminated blade.

Ahsoka stopped reaching for her lightsaber. Ahsoka replied, “Okay.”

Anakin suggested, “I could use the force to open the door.”

Thor stated, “No need. Thy has this matter in hand.” Thor turned back to the door. She set her hammer down on its head. She used her gloved hands to grip the rock around the entrance. She pulled the entrance from the rock face as quietly as possible.

When Thor detached the entrance from the rock wall, she quietly set the door to the side, against the wall, to her left of the hole she had create.

Ahsoka complimented, “Not bad.”

Anakin said, “You should see what she can do when she really gets going.”

Thor picked up her hammer with her right hand. She turned to face her friends. She said, “Thank you. Now follow thee.”

Thor turned back towards the entrance to the cave. She walked into the cave. Anakin followed Thor. Ahsoka was in the rear.

Ahsoka followed them into the cave. She noticed it was very dark inside the cave. She asked, “How can you see?”

Thor kept moving forward until she reached the first step. By then, she was almost completely darkness of the room. She turned back to look at Anakin and Ahsoka.

Anakin and Ahsoka stopped to looked at Thor.

Thor stated, “Thy has enhanced vision. But, thy still needs a little light to see with. And we are leaving even the ambient light of the outside. So we will need to make our own light.”

Thor then used her hammer, to create arcs of bright blue and white electricity from her hammer. Just enough to see with.

Anakin and Ahsoka pulled out their lightsabers and ignited them to provide green light.

Ahsoka turned to the doorway. She then looked back at Thor and Anakin. She asked, “Should we close the door behind us? Even if there are no droid patrols on the ground. It could be spot from an aerial patrol.”

Thor answered, “No. If we need the clones troopers to seek in behind us. Then, they need to know where the door it. And battle droids are too dumb to notice the door. Even if their fliers did a patrol.”

Anakin looked at both Thor and Ahsoka. He commented, “This is true. Droids are not the most creative bunch.”

Thor said, “Thy will take point. We will walk a few meters apart from each other. We will take our time. This is a stealth mission. Not an assault mission.” She turned back to the bottom step.

From the light of her hammer and the lightsabers, Thor saw the stone steps of stairs spiraled to their right, in a clockwise fashion. Each step was smooth, and was about feet feet in depth, and three feet wide, with each step being six inches high. Though, there was no handrails on the sides of the staircase.

Thor started walking up. Anakin followed about two meters behind her. And Ahsoka followed about two and half meters behind Anakin.

There was silence for the first several minutes as they slowly ascended the staircase within the high plateau.

Eventually, boredom and impatience got the better of Ahsoka.

While they continued up the steps, Ahsoka complained, “Okay. I admit it. I am bored and impatient. But I have to talk, or I am going to go crazy.”

Thor kept walking up, with her eyes in front of her. She cracked a grin under her helmet, as she commented, “Thy am surprised thou was able to last this long.”

Anakin kept walking, as he said, “We all get bored. I am glad you are willing to admit your boredom.”

Ahsoka replied, “Thanks for understanding.”

Thor replied, “You're welcome.” Thor thought, 'Ahsoka. This is a good time to find out how you feel on a few matters, before I tell you who I am.'

Before Thor could make her first inquiry, Ahsoka questioned, “Thor. Does that hammer have a name?”

Thor answered, “Yes. Mjolnir.”

Ahsoka said, “I like the name, Mjolnir.”

Thor replied, “Thank you.”

Anakin commented, “That is not a bad name for a hammer. Makes me think of smashing when I hear the name.”

Thor agreed, “Thy feels the same way about Mjolnir's name. Though, thy have a few things to ask thee.”

Ahsoka responded, “Such as?”

Thor inquired, “Since we are at a war. With the Jedi overseeing the military. And the Jedi and military being overseen by the Senate and Chancellor Palpatine. What is thee's opinion of the current government of the Galactic Republic?”

Anakin thought, 'Padme must be seeing how Ahsoka feels about a few things before we tell her that Padme is Thor.'

Ahsoka commented, “Well since you have spent time in the temple, you would know that the Jedi do not feel very thrilled with the actions and views expressed within the Senate towards the Jedi.”

Thor took mild offense as Ahsoka's comment. But she hid he feelings, as she said, “From what thy hears, not many senators are wild about the Jedi either.”

Anakin thought, 'I better keep this from turning into the argument.' He stated, “While two different groups with power naturally are not trusting of each other. That does not mean they are enemies. Nor, that they cannot work together.”

Thor came to a stop. In response, Anakin and Ahsoka stopped, as well.

Thor turned back to look at Anakin. She asked, “When did thee become Obiwan?”

Anakin looked up at Thor. He answered, “When you both became my students.”

In response, Thor chuckled a little, while Ahsoka let out a small laugh.

Thor stopped chuckling. She smiled. She said, “Fair enough.”

Thor turned back around, and she started climbing the stairs again. Anakin and Ahsoka resumed walking up the steps behind Thor.

Ahsoka stated, “Well to continue our conversation. I will be honest. I am not crazy about the government. Especially the Senate. All they seem to do is talk.”

Thor looking forward, as she walked up the staircase. She sighed. She commented, “Thy guesses from looking in from the outside that would be all they could see.”

Thor thought, 'But sometime I hope to fix that. I am not surprised by your responses. Actually, they are not as bad as they could be. Even some Jedi Council members do not like the Senate, especially the Chancellor.'

'Given that even with their force abilities, we still have legal power over them. I can sometimes tell, when Mace is dealing with us members of government, he is literally gritting his teeth and grinning, as he works with us.'

'And there are others members none of us are sure where they stand. I feel no one is sure where Yoda stands. The man has a better poker face than most gamblers. And he knows it.'

Ahsoka asked, with a little curiosity in her tone of voice, “Where did you get the schematics to this B'omarr monastery?”

Thor smiled under her helmet, as she answered, “The Senate.” She thought, with a bit of mischievousness, 'I bet you feel slightly embarrassed now from you previous comments on the Senate.'

Ahsoka replied, “Oh.” She felt mild discomfort as her previous comments about the Galactic government. She thought, 'So that is why you were asking me those questions on government. You have friends in the Senate. And you want my opinions on the Senate. This is understandable.'

Anakin stated, “Well ladies. We have a ways to go. I suggest that we do so in silence. I do not want to be discovered due to small talk. Think of it as a training exercise.”

Ahsoka groaned. She said, “Fine.”

Thor commented, “Thy will do thou's best for thou's teacher.” She mentally added, 'And boyfriend.'

The three of them then continued up the staircase in silence.

(_)

Over an hour later of constant walking, Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka, reached the top of the staircase.

The stairs lead them to a medium size room, with blank walls, and a ceiling that was only a two meters high.

They stood around the room, as they used their illuminated weapons to see with.

Ahsoka asked, “now where do we go to?”

Thor used her enhanced sight for groves on the walls or corners that would be a sign that there was a door near them.

While Thor looked for a door, she commented, “Thou is looking for the door.”

A few seconds later, Thor found the door, which was as smooth at the walls, save for the outline of the door itself. The door's height and width was large enough that they would not have a problem walking through the doorway.

Thor stated, “Thy has found the door.”

Thor walked over to the door, as she held the hammer in front of her, with her right hand.

Thor came to a stop in front of the door. She stood in place as she ceased making small electricity arcs out of the hammer for light. As the blue and white light disappeared from the hammer disappeared, all that was left green glow from Anakin and Ahsoka's lightsabers to illuminate the room.

Thor lowed the hammer to her right side. She lifted her left hand, and gently placed the flat of her left hand on the smooth surfaced of the door.

Thor gently pushed the door, and the door easily gave way into a dark room.

Thor found that unlike the sealed door at the bottom, this one gave way very easily.

When the door was fully open, Thor walked into the dark room.

As Thor walked into the room, she found that it was not as completely dark as she first thought.

From the high ceiling, Thor saw there was skylight windows where the light from Teth's two moons poured in.

With the light and her enhanced vision, she saw tapestries and other cloth items hung on various locations on the walls the room. There is also a clear area around them. But, there was furniture to their left side.

As Anakin followed Thor into the room, he asked, “Where are we in the temple?” He held his ignited lightsaber away from himself and his friends.

The light from Anakin's lightsaber allowed him to see the room, though not as clearly as Thor's enhanced sight allowed her to see the room.

Thor continued into the room, as she answered, “Thy believes this is a living room of sorts. Most of the room is clear. But, there is furniture to our left. So be ware of this.”

Anakin replied, “Thanks.”

By then, Ahsoka has walked into the large room. Ahsoka made her way into the room she was careful with her ignited lightsaber.

Since Ahsoka was the last one out of the secret passage, she decided to close the door behind them. While she had the hilt of her ignited lightsaber in her right hand, she used her left hand to close the door. She noticed the other side of the door was smooth. Also, she found the door was easy to close.

Ahsoka thought, 'Interesting, this side is as smooth at the other side. I guess this is how the buildings of this place hid the door so door. I wonder...' Ahsoka turned to Thor and Anakin. She asked, “Why did no one find this door?”

Thor and Anakin came to a stop and turned around to look at Ahsoka.

Thor remembered all the secret passages in the Theed Royal Palace on Naboo. She commented, “Likely because these types of doors usually push inward rather than pull outward. And there is usually a lever nearby which is needed to open the door.”

Anakin commented, “Leave it to a group monks to find a simple, yet elegant way to hide something in plain sight.”

Ahsoka noticed the skylights in the high ceiling. She turned back to look at Anakin and Thor. She inquired, “Why do all religious buildings seem to have high ceilings?”

Thor said, “Thee is not sure. Though, thy wondered that when thou visited the Jedi Temple?”

Ahsoka replied, “That is a good point.”

Anakin commented, “I always figured such individuals wanted the benefits of the open feeling of the outside without actually going outside.”

Thor stated, “That makes sense.”

Ahsoka said, “I can see that.” She looked around, as she continued, “Though, I am surprised that no one is here.”

Anakin took a few steps from Thor and Ahsoka. He commented, “We should be happy this is a stealth mission.”

Thor agreed, “I agree.”

Thor heard a footstep right behind her. She noticed through her enhanced hearing a fourth heartbeat besides Anakin, Ahsoka, and herself.

Several things happened within the span of a few seconds.

Thor heard the snap-hiss of a lightsaber blade being ignited.

Thor turned around clockwise, just in time to use the hammer to parry the red energy blade.

Unfortunately, Thor quickly realized that she parried the red blade held in one hand. The attacker's left hand. Which that mean there was actually two clicks from two lightsabers being ignited simultaneously.

Thor immediately brought her left hand to block the other strike to her front.

While Thor was able partly block the blow, with her form pushing the attacker's right hand, with the hilt of a lightsaber being pushed away to Thor's left. Before Thor could move the red energy blade away, the attacker's red blade pierced Thor's left lower side of her chest.

The energy blade went through her brown leather bodice, and hitting her skin before Thor pushed the hilt of the weapon away from herself.

To Thor's credit, Thor did not collapse, nor scream in pain. Instead, Thor grunted in pain. Thor also tightened her grip on the shaft of the hammer in her right hand.

Asajj Ventress had just made her quick strike against the great Thor she had heard about.

The reason there were no droids was that she knew her best chance was complete stealth and to strike quickly.

Asajj thought, 'I almost had you.'

But, a second after she struck, and she had both her attacks countered. Save for a glancing strike to Thor's left side. Asajj immediately sensed danger surrounding Thor.

Asajj jumped away to land a few meters away from everyone. Just as Asajj landed, she saw electricity radiate around Thor for a few seconds.

Asajj thought, 'Nice trick. But not quick enough. That attack might have taken me out if I had not moved.'

Thor stopped radiating lightning.

Anakin and Ahsoka saw what happened. That a slender woman, in a purple cloak and hood, carrying two lightsabers had had attacked Thor, injured their friend, with the attacker backing away before Thor counterattack with her lightning.

Anakin yelled, “No!”

Thor immediately realized, as she thought, 'I have to calm him down. Now!'

Thor kept her eyes on Asajj, as she stated, “It is only a flesh wound. Thou will live.” She then placed her left hand on her left side.

Anakin kept his eyes on Asajj, as he ordered, “Check on Thor. I will handle her.”

Asajj overheard this. She thought, 'I cannot handle all three of them at once.' Asajj turned fled passed the furniture and into a near hallway of the castle.

Anakin following Asajj further into the castle.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka when to check on Thor.

Ahsoka came to a stop by Thor.

Thor turned to Ahsoka. Thor stated, “Thou will be fine.”

Ahsoka demanded, “Let me see.”

Thor removed her left hand from her left side.

From the ambient light of Ahsoka's green lightsaber blade, Ahsoka could see that the burnt flesh on Thor's left side was healing right before her eyes.

Ahsoka stated, “Impressive.”

Thor said, “Yes. Thy heals quickly.” She thought, 'And my armor will be repaired after I summon it again. Though...' She continued, 'For the moment, thy is in no shape to fight.”

Ahsoka asked, “I understand. How did she know we were here?”

Thor realized, as she said, “Thy has a strong presence in the force. She likely sensed me.”

Ahsoka responded, “From what I heard in the Order, you do not use the force.”

Thor thought, 'We do not have time for this.' She stated, “A mystery for another time. Thee head out and find the child. I will deal with the droids outside and aid Anakin.”

Ahsoka pointed out, “You cannot face all those droids like this.”

Thor commented, “Thy does not need to face them at all. Now go.”

Ahsoka turned and headed to the entrance to a hallway opposite of where the furniture were located in the room.

Ahsoka was quickly able to orient herself of where she in the monastery based on the schematics she saw during the mission briefing.

Ahsoka then headed to the closest location where they believed Jabba's son could be held.

Meanwhile, Thor focused her concentration into Mjolnir. She felt the need for a storm to be called outside of the monastery. One that would last only a few minutes, but would do was what needed.

(_)

Down the hallway where Asajj fled, Anakin followed her. Asajj turned the corner to her right, and Anakin followed.

Their chase took them through various hallways. Between the glow of their lightsabers blades and the moonlight coming in from the windows in the hallway they had plenty of light to see with.

While Anakin gave chase, Anakin noticed something odd as he ran. He thought, 'I do not see any battle droids. Maybe she does not want any distractions when fighting me. So she is leading me down a path where there are no battle droids. This is very likely. She likely sensed Padme while we were making our way up to the monastery. So she had plenty of time to set up this ambush.'

Soon they reached a large circular room with large circular stone columns lining the sides of the room.

Anakin entered the room.

While Anakin passed the columns the middle of the room, he saw the woman in the purple cloak come to a stop by the columns on the other side of the room.

The woman turned around, with both her red blade lightsabers held out to her sides.

Anakin came to a stop, as he held his lightsaber in his right hand, towards the woman.

Anakin commented, “I guess this is where we makes our introductions.”

Asajj held her lightsabers in an offensive stance, with her blades pointed at Anakin. She stated, “I already know who you are. You are Anakin Skywalker. And I prefer not to give you my name.”

Anakin took an offensive stance with his lightsaber, as he said, “If that is the way you want it. Fine with me.”

The two combatants charged as each other.

As their lightsaber fight began, both found they were evenly matched. Though, as they battled, Anakin soon realized that Asajj wished to continue to keep moving the battle within the monastery. Not that he minded.

(_)

While Anakin and Asajj fought, in another part of the monastery Ahsoka quickly found that the hallways in the direction she was heading to be filled with battle droids. But, most did not immediately react to her presence. Ahsoka swiftly destroyed battle droids with her lightsaber as she passed by them.

Ahsoka used her green bladed lightsaber in her right hand, in a underhand style, to destroy the battle droids.

When she turned a corner, she came to a stop, as she saw a droid that looked like a sort of like C3-PO, only with bug eyes on its head. The droid's exterior was a fade metallic yellow.

Ahsoka thought, 'This droid might know where Jabba's son is.' She held her lightsaber at the droid, as she inquired, in a firm tone of voice, “Who are you?”

The droid begged, in its electronic voice, “Please do not destroy me. I am but a humble caretaker droid for this monastery. I am 4A-7.”

Ahsoka demanded, “Where is the huttlet?”

4A-7 answered, “The hutt is being held in a cell in the detention section of the monastery.”

The droid heard Ahsoka growl.

Ahsoka ordered, in a low tone of voice, “Take me to the huttlet. Now.”

4A-7 said, “Right this way.”

The droid turned and started walking down a hallway. Ahsoka following the droid, but she kept her lightsaber in her right hand and her guard up for the possibility of being lead into a trap.

(_)

At the moment, in the large living room that Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka had entered the monastery from, Thor had finished what she was doing.

Thor then cleared her mind, and she listened out in the silence for sounds. With her enhanced hearing Thor heard many things in the background. Thor heard the faint sounds of when two lightsaber blades clashed against each other coming in a specific direction.

In another direction Thor had heard a single lightsaber hum clashing against metal, but she had not heard those sounds for a few seconds. So, she focused on what she guessed was Anakin and the cloaked woman fighting each other.

Thor was still sore. She did not feel like flying. Though, she did walk at a brisk pace towards the sounds of lightsabers being used against each other.

Also, due to them facing a force user, while Thor walked she reigned her thoughts and emotions as she brought up her mental defenses.

(_)

While Asajj and Anakin fought, Asajj had lead them to a open terrace overlooking the main courtyard of the monastery. It was a partly cloudy in the violet colored sky, which was well lit by the two moon of Teth.

Neither combatant was trying to use the force against the other. Both of them desired to see how well the other was in their skills with their lightsabers.

The two combatants continued to trade lightsaber strikes, parries, and dodges.

While fighting, Asajj thought, 'While I fight Skywalker, I have to put as much distance between us and the other two. Especially, Thor. Skywalker is a handful. And I admit. Dooku is right. I cannot handle both Skywalker and Thor at the same time.'

'I almost had Thor. And it is clear that Skywalker would have reacted in the way Dooku warned me of, if Thor had not told him she was okay. So while I did not kill her, I did prevent Skywalker from going berserk. As such, the situation is a wash.'

Asajj noticed that the outside was wet. Like it had just rained. Then, she saw in her peripheral vision, that it was a partly cloudy in the violet sky. When is had been a clear sky earlier in the night.

Asajj risked a glance down at the courtyard, to her right, over a low laying parapet wall. What Asajj saw deeply troubled her. She saw that the battle droids outside had been destroyed. From the look of burn marks on them, which were clearly made by lightning.

Though, Asajj forced her attention back on the fight with Anakin. Asajj thought, 'That must have been Thor. She can control the weather without looking. I am glad I decided to put as much distance as possible from her. Though, this is not good. Still, I have a few tricks that could work against her.'

As they continued to fight, Anakin commented, “I realize you are trying to lead us away from Thor. That is not going to work. She can hear pin drop a kilometer away. She can hear us fighting no matter where we are in this fortress. And from the looks of what has happened out here. You are out of options.”

Asajj thought, 'He noticed the droids have been destroyed as well. Still, I am not going to give up without a fight.'

Asajj replied, “But not out of tricks.”

Asajj quickly, thought carefully attached the bottom ends of her ignited lightsabers together, to attach them.

Asajj swiftly used her hands to attack with her now red bladed double-sided lightsaber in a clockwise spinning fan attack. This attack forced Anakin back.

But a few seconds later, while holding the hilt of his lightsaber in his right hand, Anakin blocked the top blade, right above the hit with his green lightsaber blade.

If Anakin had blocked the top red blade further from the hit, Asajj could have pivoted with the bottom blade to attack Anakin. But, due to Anakin's blade being so close to the hilt, Asajj risked damaging her lightsaber hilt, or even her hands, if she attempted such an attack.

A moment after Anakin used his lightsaber to block Aasjj's lightsaber, Anakin used his left fist to hit Asajj in her nose, knocking her back a meter and a half.

Asajj was partly dazed by the blow, but she was still conscious enough to realize this. She back up two more meters before she came to a stop while looking at Anakin.

Anakin did not press his advantage as he stood in a defensive stance with both his hands on his lightsaber hilt.

Asajj held her lightsaber in her right hand, with the blades outside her robe and hood. While Asajj did this, she used her left hand to check her nose. She found it was not broken, but Anakin did bloody her nose.

Asajj wiped the blood from her left hand onto her robe. She snorted out the rest of the blood from her nostrils.

Asajj looked over as Anakin and she saw him looking at her. She smiled, as she said, “Not bad.”

Anakin cracked a grin, as he thought, 'You should see my foot work.' He responded, “Thank you. The Jedi do not teach much in incorporating physical attacks with lightsaber attacks. But, I like to mix things up.”

Asajj replied, “I agree. It breaks the monotony.”

Anakin stated, “I am not surprised that you have had some Jedi training. I can see it in your style.”

Asajj conceded, “That is evident.”

Anakin commented, “I would think I would noticed you in the Jedi Temple.”

Asajj said, “I have never been to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.”

Anakin asked, “Then who taught you?”

Asajj said, “A man by the name of Ky Narec.”

Anakin admitted, “I have not heard of him.”

Asajj said, “I am not surprised. He was killed years ago. He died in my arms.”

Anakin questioned, “By your hand?”

Asajj flatly answered, “No. He was shot in the back by a coward.”

Anakin responded, “You have my condolences. And I admit my accusation was uncalled for.”

Asajj said, in an even tone of voice, “Apology accepted. I have long since avenged his death. Though, I was informed you were a lot more hot headed and immature than this.”

Anakin stated, “I had a six week working vacation to think over a lot of things. My outlook on life has since changed a bit.”

Asajj complimented, “It suits you.”

Anakin asked, “Thank you. So who are you? And who told you about me?”

Asajj cracked a grin, as she said, “Those are my little secrets.” She gripped the 's' curved hilt of her double-sided lightsaber with both hands.

Anakin stated, “You know. I must say thank you for this fight”

Anakin's comment took Asajj by surprise, as she flatly asked, “What?”

Anakin explained, “I have recently been assigned to teach someone. And I found she is interested in eventually studying the Jar'Kai style. I had my doubts on using two weapons at once. But, after fighting you. I see how effect this style is. Still, I prefer a single blade. Though, I can see the appeal.”

Asajj was not sure how to responded, as she said, “Thank you... Though, are you talking about the child with you?”

Anakin replied, “Yes.”

Asajj stated, “I was wondering about her. If the Jedi are sending children as young as her out to fight in this war, then they are more foolish and arrogant than I thought.”

Anakin said, “That we agree on.”

Asajj commented, “I am starting to hate having to kill you. As I said. I was under the impression that you were immature. I see I was wrong.”

Anakin casually asked, “Thank you. Do you think I could convince you to surrender?”

Asajj answered, “No.” She then carefully detached the two hilts, with harming herself with the energy blades. She was now holding an ignited lightsaber in each other her hands. She reversed the grip hold the curved hilts in straight manner, with the blades mostly pointing in a forward manner. Much like style of grip that Dooku preferred with his curved lightsaber, only Asajj did this with both of her lightsabers.

Anakin shrugged, as he said, “At least I tired.”

Asajj then charged at Anakin, and Anakin responded by charging at Asajj. With they met they clashed their blades against each other as their battle resumed.

(_)

Deeper inside the monastery, the caretaker droid, 4A-7, lead Ahsoka down to the detention area.

They passed by a few battle droids. Though, the battle droids did not attack, Ahsoka destroyed any nearby battle droids she saw with her lightsaber.

Soon, 4A-7 came to a stop by a door to the droid's rights side. The droid turned to the door.

4A-7 stated, “Here is where the hutt is being kept.”

The droid used its right hand to touch a button on the panel by the door to open the door.

The door slid open. The caretaker droid walked into the room.

Ahsoka followed the droid.

4A-7 soon came to a stop, with Ahsoka stopping behind the droids.

Ahsoka saw the room was bare walls, floor, and ceiling. Then, from the shadows, further in the room, Ahsoka saw the saw young, small huttlet make his way into the light of the room. The huttlet had grayish-green skin and orange eyes.

The child was small enough to be placed in child carrier backpack.

Ahsoka forced herself to reign in her rage at seeing an innocent child being neglected in such a way.

Ahsoka circled around the room, in a counterclockwise fashion. As she did so, she did not take her eyes off the droid. Ahsoka kept her ignited lightsaber in her right hand.

When Ahsoka reached the child, she quickly bend down, and used her left hand and arm to pick up the huttlet. She then stood up, as she held the huttlet between her left arm and chest.

Ahsoka saw the huttlet in her arm looked happy, but she could tell from her sense of touch from her left arm that huttlet was sick and had a fever.

Ahsoka held her lightsaber towards the caretaker droid. She demanded, in anger, “Why has this baby not been cared for?”

4A-7 realized it was in trouble. It begged, “Caring for the hutt is not part of my programming. Please do not destroy me with your lightsaber.”

Ahsoka lowered her lightsaber, as her lips curled into a smirk. She said, “You're right. You are not worth a lightsaber strike.”

Ahsoka used the force to telekinetically throw 4A-7 out of the cell, and into the fall wall of the hallway. Ahsoka used the force to slam the droid a few times until the droid seized to function.

Ahsoka looked down at the young hutt, as her smile turned warm. She said, “Now let's find my friends and get you home.”

Ahsoka looked up. She rushed out of the cell. She briskly walked down the hallway, as she used the force to locate Anakin and Thor.

Ahsoka thought, 'Thor is right. I can sense her with the force very clearly. I can also sense Jedi Skywalker. And I guess that dark spot in the force near Jedi Skywalker is the person he is fighting. I was told that the dark side left such a sensation in the force. I see that my teachers were correct. Though, I need to be careful that I am not ambushed by any droids on my way to them.'

Ahsoka continued through the lower levels of the monastery, towards the stairs that would take her to the upper levels, where she sensed her friends were. Though, she was own her guard and she was careful in how she handled the sick child in her left arm.

(_)

As Anakin and Asajj fought outside on the terrace, Thor and Ahsoka were approaching the two combatants from two different directions.

Thor had her the hammer in her right hand. She had destroyed the few battle droids she passed by. Though, none of the battle droids had attack her. Though, Thor was not going to take any chances.

At the same time, while Ahsoka carried Rotta in her left arm, she used the lightsaber in her right hand to take out any battle droids she passed by.

A few minutes later, as Anakin and Asajj fought, Ahsoka and Thor appeared from two different sides of the terrace, with Anakin and Asajj being between them.

Unfortunate, it was Thor that was behind Anakin. And Ahsoka, with Rotta, standing behind Asajj.

Asajj was the first to notice this. She quickly made her move. She turned and jumped in a spinning flip to land right on her feet, behind Ahsoka and the huttlet, while face them, with her lightsabers held to her sides, so as to not harm herself, nor the children..

From behind, Asajj swiftly move her left red lightsaber blade the front of Ahsoka's throat, while holding her right lightsaber blade towards Anakin and Thor, whom were three meters in front of her, Ahsoka and Rotta.

As this happened, Thor walked up to stand to Anakin's left side.

Asajj ordered, “Drop the lightsaber, child.”

Ahsoka immediately dropper her lightsaber. Ahsoka had set her lightsaber so when she left go of the lightsaber, the weapon would turn off.

While the lightsaber fell the ground it automatically deactivated. The lightsaber made a clinging sound as it hit the stone floor of the terrace.

Ahsoka continued to hold Rotta in her left arm. She looked at Anakin and Thor, as she said, “Sorry, Jedi Skywalker. General Thor.”

Anakin said, “It is okay. We will get you out of this.”

Asajj ordered, “Deactivate your lightsaber, Skywalker. And holster it.”

Anakin immediately deactivated his lightsaber, and he put it into holster on the left side of his belt.

Asajj thought, 'It would take a few seconds to pull that weapon out. Or use the force pull the weapon on the floor to him. And he knows that is too long a span of time to save these children. Now, for Thor. I am going to enjoy this.'

Asajj turned to Thor. She ordered, “Power down, Thor.” She cracked a grin, as she continued, “Or, should I say Senator Amidala. And then set the hammer down by you.”

Thor thought, 'Given who she is, there is only one way she can know who I am. Still, I better do as she demands. If we need to do something quickly, Anakin still has the force. And I can summon the hammer at a moments notice. I just regret not being able to tell Ahsoka my true identity on my own time and choosing. Also, in my normal form have a small blaster hidden on a holster on the outer side of my right thigh in my pants.

Ahsoka watched as Thor changed, along with the armor Thor had on. From a tall, slightly muscular human woman, with long blond hair coming out from her her helmet, to a slightly smaller, shorter human woman with long brown hair, wearing a simple blue shirt, dark gray pants, and blue boots.

Ahsoka saw the brown haired woman looking directly at the Ahsoka, Rotta, and Asajj, as she set the hammer down, on the top of its head, by her right side.

Asajj chuckled a little, as she said, “I bet you did not realize I know who you are.”

Padme maintained her mental defenses, as she thought, 'No. But this answers a few questions. And this gives me a few ideas on how to get us out of this mess.'

Padme said, in her normal voice, in a calm manner, “No. All you have done is reveal who you work for. Though, what you do not understand is at this moment, as long as you hand over the children, you still win. Dooku still wins.”

Asajj stated, “This I want to hear. Though first how did you know it was Dooku whom told me?”

Padme calmly responded, “There are only a handful of people that could organize this and whom know who I am. Once I realized it was Dooku. It was not hard to figure out the plan was to keep the Hutts from siding with Republic, and signing a treaty with us over the Hutt controlled hyper-routes.”

“Also the only proof is my identity. Which I wish to remain secret. So, I am willing to make a trade. Jabba said he would only agree to a treaty in exchange for your head. I will trade the lives you hold, for your life. Let them go, we will let you go, and we will only state that it was renegades that took Jabba's son. With no mention of what you look like. Nor we will mention the involvement Dooku and the Separatists, concerning this whole affair.”

Asajj pointed out, “And why should I do so? It sounds like I see hold the power in this situation.”

Asajj's comment hit a nerve with Padme.

Padme's eyes met Asajj's eyes. And Asajj saw a icy hardness to Padme's eyes.

Padme stated, with a cold rage lacing her voice, “No. You do not understand. If you harm either of those children. No only will we come after you. The Jedi Order will make it their mission to find you. I will use every resource in the Senate to find you. And Jabba will put a bounty on your head which will be so high that every scumbag in the galaxy will be after you. You better pray that the Jedi find you. They will just kill you. The rest of us will do far worse to you.”

Anakin turned to look at Padme, with a look of disbelief on his face at what Padme had just said.

Ahsoka looked at Padme. Ahsoka commented, “Remind to never upset you.”

Meanwhile, Padme continued to watch Asajj. Padme saw fear in Asajj's eyes, as Asajj swallow hard.

Padme held back a wicked smile of satisfaction. Instead, she calmly said, “Or, you let them go. And we allow you to leave unharmed, with your anonymity intact.”

Asajj sense through the force that Padme had very strong mental defenses which she could not break. In addition, Asajj could tell that Padme was not was not bluffing. Asajj commented, “You talk like a Sith.”

Padme could not longer hold herself back, as he lips curled into a wicked smile of satisfaction. She said, “I will take that as a compliment. Now do we have a deal? Or not?”

Asajj let go of Ahsoka and Rotta by removing her left lightsaber blade from Ahsoka's throat.

Asajj said, “Take them. Neither of you are worth such problems.”

Asajj turned and ran off, as she headed through an entrance taking her inside the monastery, and to hidden hangar within the building, where she had her starfighter hidden. Once she reached her starfighter, she would fly into orbit and then into hyperspace, and away from the one woman in the galaxy she actually felt fear towards.

Anakin turned towards the entrance Asajj had just use. Though, Anakin was about to head after Asajj, Padme ordered, “No. Do not go after her.”

Anakin looked over at Padme. He asked, “Why not?”

Padme stated, “I gave my word. As Yoda said about Dooku on Geonosis. There will be other opportunities. As of right now, she is not going to come after us. We have the huttlet. The mission is accomplished.” She turned to Ahsoka, as she continued, “And we will not tell Jabba about who we faced, nor Dooku's involvement. We have no proof. And informing Jabba may backfire and cause the Hutts to side with the Separatists. Besides which, I do not want to make that force user a personal enemy.”

Ahsoka gently hugged the small huttlet, as she said, “I will do as you request.”

Anakin said, “So will I.”

Padme asked, “Good. Now how is everyone doing?”

Anakin stated, “Besides letting a dark side user go. I am fine.”

Ahsoka stated, “I am fine. But, Rotta is sick. He has a fever.”

Padme turned to Ahsoka and the young huttlet. Padme said, “We will get this child some medical attention as soon as possible.”

Anakin commented, “That is a good idea.” He used his right hand to press a button on the comlink on the outer side of his left glove. He held up his left glove to his face, as he stated into the comlink, “Rex. We have Rotta. Though, he is sick. We are on the top of the terrace of the monastery. Thor has taken care of the droids. Come pick us up.”

On the communication line, Rex replied, “Coming right to you, sir.”

Anakin used her right hand turned off the comlink in his left glove. He lowered his hands. He turned to Padme. He asked, “How is the wound?”

Padme turned to Anakin. She answered, “It healed back completely a while ago. Not even a scar.”

Anakin stated, “Good. Though, I want you to have a medical check up when we get back to the Resolute.”

Padme replied, “No problem.”

Ahsoka used the force to pull her deactivated lightsaber up into her right hand. She then holstered the weapon on her belt. She turned to Padme. Ahsoka asked, “So you are Senator Amidala of Naboo?” She thought, 'That is why Master Yoda singled out Naboo when explaining Teth. And why Thor defended the Senate. This all makes sense now.'

Padme picked up the shaft of the hammer with her right hand. She looked at Ahsoka. Padme stated, “Yes, Ahsoka. I am Senator Amidala of Naboo. But, when I am like this you can call me, Padme.”

Ahsoka responded, “Okay, Padme. By the way, are you the same Senator Amidala that had to deal with all those assassination attempts?”

Padme said, “Yes.”

Ahsoka questioned, “This is why you want to teach me some manners? Because you are a Senator?”

Padme smirked, as she replied, “And former Queen of Naboo. And yes. This is why I want to teach you.”

Ahsoka returned Padme's smile. Ahsoka requested, “Cool. Well could you throw in some diplomacy lessons as well?”

Ahsoka request caught Padme a little by surprise. Padme said, “I was going to work up to that. I am pleasantly surprised that you still want to accept such lessons from me.”

Ahsoka stated, “You were a former queen of an entire planet. You are a senate member of the Galactic Republic. I would be insane not to take you up on your offer. I am willing to learn, if you are willing to teach me.”

Padme said, “Good. We will start our lessons when we get back to the ship.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Good. Also, let me guess. You get you powers from your hammer? Like the rumors in the Order stated.”

Padme replied, “Yes.” She thought, 'I am not surprised there were rumors about me. I am just happy that my identity was not included in these rumors. Or, Ahsoka would have mentioned that by now.'

Ahsoka looked over at the hammer in Padme's right hand. She asked, “And how did you get that hammer?” She looked back at Padme's face.

Padme stated, “It is a long story.”

Ahsoka pointed out, “We have nothing better to do while we wait for our pick up.”

Padme said, “Fair enough. Anakin and I were present during the arena battle on Geonosis, and the hammer literally landed by us. I picked up the hammer and that is when the fun started...”

Padme recounted her story to Ahsoka. Though, Padme left out a few details. Such as her relationship to Anakin. Along with omitting details of her training and her missions.

A few minutes later, by the time the gunship came to picked them up, Padme has finished her tale.

As they saw the modified gunship coming closer, Padme used the hammer to change back Thor.

A minute later, the modified gunship came to a stop hovering near them. The left door of the gunship open. Those present were careful as they moved Rotta onto the ship. Ahsoka was then helped above. Anakin was next. And finally, Thor board the gunship.

The gunship doors was closed and sealed.

Rotta was placed in a small backpack holder that the attached to the back interior wall of the gunship.

Once everyone was secure and the seals on the doors were confirmed to be airtight, the gunship headed into orbit towards the Republic Star Destroyer, Resolute.

(_)

Less than an hour later, the Republic gunship reached the Star Destroy Resolute in orbit. The gunship landed in a hangar and the hangar was pressurized, making it safe to exit the gunship.

Once it was safe to left the gunship, Thor, Anakin, Ahsoka, immediately disembarked, as they carefully took Rotta to the main medical ward of the Star Destroyer.

When the reached the medical ward, Rotta was taken by a medical droids to a private room for himself. Meanwhile, while carrying her hammer in her right hand, Thor was lead by another medical droid into another private room for herself.

Though, Thor allowed Anakin and Ahsoka to come into the room, as she was checked out.

When they reached the room, and the door was closed, Padme changed back to her normal form and clothing. She set the hammer down on the floor, on its head by the examination table.

Next, Padme sat on the examination table, and the droid used a handheld device to scan through Padme clothing on, on the left side of her abdomen, for any possible internal injuries.

Padme already checked and found that her skin had completely healed with not even have a scar showing.

While this went on, Ahsoka stood out of the way, and Anakin used the holo-monitor on a nearby table in the room to contract Obiwan.

Anakin contacted Jabba's Palace to leave a message for Jedi master Obiwan Kenobi to contact his students concerning important matters.

A few minutes later, Obiwan contacted them from his starfighter outside of Jabba's palace.

After Anakin got in touch with Obiwan, Anakin informed Obiwan that they head the huttlet and that Rotta was safe. Anakin mentioned how Thor came up with the plan to rescue the child, how the mission was set up, and what happened on the mission.

Though, Anakin omitted the few details they agreed on not talked about. Still, Anakin did mention he fought a dark force user, and the dark side user had been able to use a lightsaber to slightly harm Thor, but Thor quickly recovered. Anakin did not give any details about the dark side user, save that the person was a woman.

Meanwhile, Padme and Ahsoka silently listened as Anakin gave his report.

By then, the medical droid had finished its scans of Padme.

The medical droid stated, “Senator Amidala. Your medical scans are finished.”

Everyone in the room overheard the droid. They, and Obiwan by holo-comm, went quiet as they listened to the results of the check up.

Padme turned to the medical droid. She asked, “Am I going to be alright?”

The medic droid answered, “Yes. You are in a good health. Except for some mildly irritated tissue, my scans did not detect anything. If the soreness on your side does not disappear by tomorrow, contract us.”

Padme stated, “The sensation of soreness is almost completely gone. If I have any problems, I will let you know.”

Anakin turned to Padme. He commented, “Still that was a close call.”

Padme looked over at Anakin. She said, “I agree.” She turned to the medical droid, as she inquired, “What is the status on the huttlet?”

The medical droid answered, “He has a fever. But, we are already treating that fever, and it should break within the next few hours. Also, the hutt child is suffering from malnutrition. We are treating him for this. With proper treatment and care, the child should make a full recovery.”

Over the holo-comm, Obiwan was the first to speak. He happily stated, “Good. I will be sure to inform Jabba that his son will be fine.”

Those people in the room turned to the hologram of Obiwan.

Padme requested, “Please do so.” She then thought, 'I need to inform them of something.'

Padme mentioned, “There is something I found while searching the Senate datanet archives for the monastery schematics. There was another log in the Senate datanets for the same data. The log was from three weeks ago. But, the log did not list as to whom logged into those files on the archives. I believe this means that Dooku has allies in the Senate. And whom in all likelihood did not leave for the Parliament of the Separatists. While this is not proof, this does offer suspicions that the renegades were either working for, or working with the Separatists.”

Obiwan asked, “This is not surprising. Given your experience as a negotiator I would prefer your input. Do you think I should inform Jabba of this?”

Padme thought, 'I am glad you are willing to acknowledge that, and ask for my advice. Now for the bad news.' She stated, “No. We have not concrete proof of Separatist involvement. As such, there is no point in mentioning this to Jabba. If we did mention this doing so would likely backfire on us.”

Padme thought, 'When the Loyalist Committee existed, we were tasked in finding Separatist sympathizers. So, I can recognize the circumstantial evidence when I see it.'

Obiwan agreed, “That is a good point. I will not mention this to him.”

Padme said, “Thank you for heeding my advice.”

Obiwan commented, “Still, the way you came up with that plan to sneak into the monastery was brilliant. And your suggestions on taking down Loathsom has not gone unnoticed. You saved a lot of lives with your quick thinking and your display of a solid understanding of strategy and tactics. You may yet end up with a command rank in this military.”

Padme replied, “We'll see.” She thought, 'As a Senator, I already have all the political power I desire. And while I would not mind being able to give orders to soldiers, I still have the authority from the Chancellor to arrest people. Along with having a rank of general, the power from Mjolnir, and my friends in high places. Including you, Obiwan. I have enough clout not to worry about any chain of command issues arising in the foreseeable future.'

Obiwan asked, “Now what about this dark force user?”

Padme stated, “We did not learn of her name. Nor, did we get a clear look at her, due to her wearing a purple cloak and hood.”

Neither Anakin, nor Ahsoka replied to Obiwan's inquiry.

Obiwan responded, “This is unfortunate. Though, as long as the hutt child is fine, I do not see any major problems arising for us. A few hours after I give Jabba the good news, I will see if I can convince Jabba will change his mind on desiring the heads of those response. Still, even if we did not get the treaty, we will only be back to where we started. And we will not have to worry about the Hutt immediately siding with the Separatists.”

Padme said, “Exactly. I would rather have a stalemate than to have the Hutts side with the Separatists. The Republic cannot afford a war on two fronts.” She continued, in a firm tone of voice, “Though do not try any mind tricks with Jabba. Doing so will backfire.”

Obiwan agreed, “You are absolutely right.”

Anakin remembered something the dark force user had told him. He thought, 'I need to ask the question.'

Anakin stated, “There is one thing about the dark force user I fought. While I did not learn her name. I did learn something from her. She claimed to have been trained with in using the force and with lightsabers by a man named, Ky Narec. Does that name mean anything to you?”

Obiwan responded, “Yes. He was a Jedi Knight. He was presumed lost in the Outer Rim over a decade ago. Do you know anything else?”

Anakin answered, “Yes. Though, she claimed Ky Narec died in her arms years ago. With him being shot in the back.”

Obiwan asked, “And you believe her?”

Anakin responded, “Yes. I do not believe she was the one to kill him.”

Obiwan stated, “Well, Jedi Narec must have saw something good in her to have taken her on as a student. And this at least puts the mystery of his fate to rest.”

Anakin said, “I am glad we can find some good meeting her.”

Obiwan asked, “So how will you be transporting the huttlet to Tatooine?”

Anakin stated, “Once the huttlet is stable, I was planning to send a shuttle with some clone troops, to transport the huttlet to Tatooine. He will be reunited with Jabba in a day or two. At most.”

Padme thought, 'I can think of a much better and more stately way.'

Padme suggested, “Since the huttlet is still sick and time is pressing. In addition that a parent would want to be reunited with their child as soon as possible. And there has been no invasion of Teth. Thus, we have no clean up. In addition to the importance of the mission. I suggest we just take the Resolute to Tatooine.”

Anakin conceded, “That is not a bad idea.”

Ahsoka commented, “I like it.”

Obiwan stated, “I believe bringing the huttlet to Tatooine with a Jedi Cruiser escort would for be best. Jabba may even find it flattering for us to do so. Well keep me appraised of the situation. I will be momentarily informing Jabba of the good news. Obiwan, out.”

Obiwan ended the communication from his end. His hologram disappeared from the holo-monitor.

Padme turned to the medical droid. She calmly requested, “Could you give us some privacy.”

The droid turned to Padme. It replied, “Sure. Inform me if you need anything.”

The droid then turned and headed for the door. When it reached the door, it use a panel by the door to open the door.

As the door slid open and the droid walked out.

A few seconds later, the door slid closed.

After the door slid closed, Padme turned to Ahsoka. She saw Ahsoka looking back at her.

Padme said, “Now let us talk about my little secret.”

Ahsoka commented, in a casual manner, “Do not worry. I won't say a word about it with anyone. Save for Anakin, Obiwan, and yourself.”

Padme calmly responded, “I realize that. But, that was not what I was talking about. The reason I did not tell you the truth when we met was that I wanted to first get to know you. Then, I planned to decide how to handle things from there. Anakin was helping me with this.”

Anakin spoke up, “We discussed the matter a few times. But, we did not have time to figure a way to tell you, before the dark force user forced our hand.”

Padme said, “Yes. We just did not have time. I hope you are not upset about this.”

Ahsoka responded, “No. I am fine. This is a secret worth keeping.”

Padme happily commented, “I am glad you feel that way.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Does anyone else know you are Thor?”

Padme answered, “Yes. But, only a few. Though none of them are my family. And I would prefer this remain between the four of us. You, Obiwan, Anakin, and myself.”

Padme thought, 'I do not want you to know that those on the Jedi Council and the Chancellor know that I am Thor. Along with Dooku and Jango. Though, you would likely suspect the Jedi Council and the Chancellor do know. But, I do not want to put you in a position where you feel you would have to talk to them about this matter.'

Ahsoka replied, “Okay.”

Padme stated, in serious tone of voice, “Though, I am concerned that about the welfare of my love ones back on Naboo. Some of the people who know who I am are very bad people. Though, there are only a few such bad people whom know who I am. Such as that dark side user we faced today. And I do not want any of them to declare a personal vendetta against me. Because if that happens, they will come after my family.”

Ahsoka said, “Given the way she reacted to your threat. As long as we do not antagonize her further, I do not believe you will have to worry about her.”

Padme agreed, “I believe you are correct. After I warned her, I saw fear in that woman's eyes. And that gulp she made was very real.” Padme lips curled into a wicked smirk, as she continued, “She realized I was not bluffing.”

Ahsoka commented, “You have a dark side.”

Padme smile turned more warm, as she replied, “Don't we all.”

Ahsoka replied, “Perhaps.”

Anakin silently watched as Padme and Ahsoka have pleasant conversation. He thought, 'I am glad this situation of Padme's secret identity concerning Ahsoka knowing has been defused before it became a problem.'

Padme and Ahsoka talked, while Anakin made a few comments, but otherwise remained silent.

This continued for a little while until they decided to get something to eat.

Padme hopped off the bed to stand on the floor. She used her right hand to pick up the hammer, and change back into Thor. After which, they left the medical ward to head for the mess hall to have some an early dinner.

(_)

A few hours later, in another part of the Outer Rim, while traveling through hyperspace, Dooku was in the cockpit his small two seat transport shuttle. He sat in a chair. To his right was the droid piloting the ship.

While in hyperspace, the ship had a sail that was set in front of the ship as it traveled.

Asajj had just contacted Dooku. And she was giving her report of what happened on the monastery on the planet of Teth.

From a small holo-monitor built into the dashboard in front of him, Dooku saw the small hologram of Asajj showed she was sitting in the cockpit of her starfighter. Her purple cloak cover her body save for her bald head.

Dooku remained silent as Asajj gave her report.

Asajj had already informed Dooku of how the huttlet had been rescued by Thor, Anakin, and a young Togruta girl whom had a lightsaber. That Anakin had said the young girl was his student. With the rescue coming through guile and stealth at night, instead of a full assault during the day, as Asajj had been expecting.

Dooku thought, 'Experience had taught me that the best way to spot a lie in someone's statement is to just listen for the lie. So far, I sense no lies from her.'

Dooku looked around the cockpit of his small transport shuttle, with the droid pilot to his right.

Dooku mentally lamented, 'I really need to invest in getting a space yacht for myself. This type of transportation is beneath my station. And traveling in this way is becoming cramped and tiring.'

'Once Ventress has informed me of the huttlet's rescue, I realize this operation was over. I already order my droid pilot to change course from Tatooine to a nearby Separatist spacestation to refuel. And I know better than to try to find a decent ship in a backwater world like Tatooine. After I refuel at the spacestation, I will head to the Mid-Rim to start looking for a space yacht worthy of my station.'

Dooku turned back his attention to Asajj's comments, as he continued his thoughts, 'The Jedi came early. And I have yet to even land on Tatooine. I will not able to frame the Jedi. As such, the plan is scrubbed. But, from what Asajj tell me from the deal she struck with the girl, the girl let slip that the Republic would still not be able to have a treaty with the Hutts. So all is not lost.'

'It seems the girl is willing to sacrifice a potential strategic treaty to protect her identity. This shows that the girl has the potential to be more corruptible and selfish than I thought. She is willing to risk the fate of the galaxy to protect herself and I guess, by extension, her loved ones. I might someday be able to use this against her. But, not today.'

'And even better, Sidious cannot blame anyone for this mission going eyry. The timetable moved up faster than anyone could have guessed because of the girl's actions. Though, for the girl to figure out a way to sneak into the monastery, instead of the full on assault we were expecting, was brilliant on her part. And it had to be the girl that whom behind this change of plans. She is the only factor that Sidious clearly did not account for. And the girl has showed brilliance in her planning.'

'Considering the brilliance the girl has shown in her political career this is a blind spot for Sidious. It is clear that Sidious only values and considers force users to be threats. He does not consider those whom are blind to the force to be a threat to him.'

'This is a major mistake on his part. I have known to may Jedi that were killed by someone blind to the force, whom caught the Jedi off guard and killed him or her, with a single shot. Usually to the Jedi's back.'

'One of the primary reasons I decided to teach Grievous lightsaber combat was to reminded me how dangerous a properly prepared person can be. No matter if that person uses the force or not.'

'And such a mistake might someday get Sidious killed.'

'Besides Sidious picked out the location of using that monastery for Teth, And when he did so he did not inform me there was a secret passage in the monastery. He always does hold back information from everyone. He has only himself to blame. Though, I will be more diplomatic about this matter when I speak to him. I will do so by holo-comm. In case he tries to force choke me I will cut off the transmission. I find such tricks in the force to be distasteful.'

'Also, I am not surprised that the boy would be assigned a student of his own. Well unofficially until he reachs knighthood. Though, I thought they would have waited until the boy had been officially been made a knight. Unless this is a move by the council to pressure Kenobi to allow the boy to take his trials. Either is possible from my old teacher, Master Yoda.'

As Asajj finished her statement, she requested, “I do not make excuses for my failure. But, I do wish for your counsel on how I could do better in the future.”

While being mildly impressed with Asajj willingness to take responsibility, Dooku thought, 'This is a mature point of view to take on your part. You admit to failure, but you want to know what you could have done better. Fair enough.'

Dooku commented, “Given the circumstances, I am not sure you have failed.” Dooku saw Asajj's eyes light up. He continued, “But, we will get to that in a minute. What is your appraisal of the boy and the two girls?”

Asajj answered, “The boy has a soft spot for Amidala. And Amidala has a soft spot for the girl-child. All I know of the girl-child is Skywalker mentioned she is interested in learning Jar'Kai.”

Dooku thought, 'I already knew that that Skywalker had weakness for Amidala. And it is not surprising that Amidala has a weakness for children. And the girl-child showing an interest in learning Jar'Kai shows an inherent sense of recklessness in the girl-child's nature. I will later find out who she is. Though, I wonder how the discussion on lightsaber forms was started between you and Skywalker. But, it is best not to ask. I am not sure you would tell me, Asajj.'

Dooku calmly said, “Interesting. Anything else?”

Asajj stated, “Amidala is shrewd, with an uncanny nature about her. I can see how she attained her position in the Senate. She figured out our plan. And yet, she allowed us a victory rather than allow her friends to come to harm.”

Dooku pointed out, “Not a victory. A stalemate. Though, you did not fail. You did your part well. You could not have expected a small force at night. Using an unknown secret passage to enter the building. Yet, you were able to improvise. And even while losing your droids, you were able to stall them for as long as possible while still fulfilling your mission parameters of not harming the huttlet.”

“Well done. While not exactly how I planned for this operation to work. The end results are still most of what I had hoped to achieve. The Republic will not get its treaty with the Hutts. And the Confederacy will not have to worry about the Republic forces using the Hutt hyper-routes to flank us on the Outer Rim. You will be rewarded.”

Dooku could tell from Asajj reaction that she was grateful for his positive response.

Asajj said, in a slightly happily tone of voice, “Thank you, master.” Dooku saw Asajj's body stiffen a little. Asajj's voice took on a more serious tone, as she continued, “Though, I have one request.”

Dooku replied, “That being?”

Asajj stated, “I do not wish to face this woman. Amidala. Thor. Whatever name she goes by. Ever again. The power from her hammer is the least of her abilities. She is cold, calculating, and I sense an untapped rage in her. With her resources, if she desired my death, I do not feel I could hide from her, nor stop her from doing so.”

Dooku said, “Yes. You have a point there. She is handful. I will be mindful of your request.”

Asajj replied, in a grateful tone of voice, “Thank you, master.”

Dooku stated, “I will contact you the next time I have a mission for you. Good day.”

Asajj bowed her head in respect towards Dooku.

Dooku used his right hand to press a button on the dashboard in front of him to end the communication.

Asajj hologram disappeared from the holo-monitor.

Dooku leaned back in his chair, as he allowed his arms to rest on the armrests of the chair. As he leaned back he allowed himself to feel his physical age.

Dooku collected his thoughts, as he mentally reflected, 'This whole situation is not such an important matter. The Hutts are a small part in this game. They do not have as much control of the Outer Rim as they believe. They are disorganized. Their so called mercenary fleets are a joke.'

'And the only reason they have as much influence and power here is because the rest of the civilized galaxy ignores them and their places of power. When the Separatists or Republic wins. It does not matter which. The resulting Empire that is born from the ashes of this war will likely turn their might on the Hutt Cartels and crush them.'

'While losing Christophsis and a few other locations hurt the Confederacy, we were able to hold Arkanis. That is the important part. As long as we hold Arkanis we have a supply line to the southeastern section of the galaxy.'

'And even better news. From this mission, I have confirmed what I had hoped to be the case. That Thor is not invincible. A lightsaber can harm her.'

'While things did not go according to plan, things are still working out in my favor.'

'When I first found Ventress. I had considered using her to lure out the boy to fight her in a battle to the death. With her either proving herself worthy to learn the secrets of the Sith, or starting the boy down the path to the dark side.'

'Unfortunately, the boy, and Kenobi, had been locked in the Jedi Temple training the girl for most of the beginning of the war.'

'Not that I am complaining. Ventress has still proven herself to be an exceptional agent. And I have kept her more in the shadows than I originally planned. Which has been good for both of us. By keeping her in the shadows, she has avoided gaining the attention of Sidious.'

'While I mentioned to Sidious of looking for someone on Rattatak. I did not give him details of whom I found. All Sidious knows is I found an agent there. He does not know that agent is a force user. And he does not know that I am secretly training this force user.'

'Tthis was her first outing in directly facing the Jedi. With her showing great skill and cunning. After each successful mission she continues to prove herself worthy to learn the secrets of the dark side of the force.'

'I have even started teaching her some of the more advances lessons in the force and lightsaber styles.'

'My efforts in teaching her have been rewards ten fold. Much of our success in the southeastern area of the galaxy is due to the work Ventress did along the Triellus Trade Route. From Jabiim to Arkanis.'

'From the shadows Ventress insured certain targets died in perfect accidents, or had sudden medical aliments which quickly proved fatal.'

'Taking and holding Jabiim was surprisingly easy for such a resource rich world.'

'The rumor I heard were that the Jedi did not support leading the invasion of Jabiim because they were stretched too thin. Once Ventress quietly dealt with any political and military holders in the leadership of Jabiim. With no one left to at act as liaison for any local opposite movement to build from, The Jedi and Republic wrote off attempted to retaking Jabiim as a lost cause.'

'The Confederacy used Jabiim as a staging point. Within one week the Separatists launched full scale assault on key planets along the Triellus Trade Route.'

'To our surprise, we found there was no real resistance along the Triellus Trade Route. The Hutts did not guard the route. There was no real resistance except for the Arkanis. Which was ironic considering that was the planet we had decided to be our beachhead to the southeastern part of the Galaxy. This decision was due to Arkanis being on the crossroad between the Triellus Trade Route and the Corellian Run.'

'Still, once the Arkanis government realized how heavily outnumbered they were they quickly surrendered in exchange for their lives and the lives of their loves ones. And we kept our word. They were not harmed, nor were they imprisoned. But, the former leaders and their family were not allow to make public statements, and they could not leave the planet.'

'The last report from the appointed Separatist governor of the planet stated the Arkanians were fully cooperating with the Separatist forces, which means we do not have to enslave the population.'

'By the time the Hutts realized what happened, there was not much they could do. And we offered them a deal. We would share the Triellus Trade Route with them in exchange for them not inferring with us, nor spying on us.'

'They were not in a position to negotiate for more favorable terms, so they agreed.'

'The only reason we allowed this negotiation to take place between the Hutts and the Republic was to keep the Republic in the dark on how weak the Hutts truly are. If Republic realized how weak the Hutts are they might try to annex Hutt Space as a way to cut the Confederate held space in half.'

'Though, the Republic creating a two front war would benefit us. But, after we took the Triellus Trade Route by force, I doubt the Hutts would willing aid us. Still, the Hutts know better than to cross us.'

'I am sure the Hutts will not sale the information about the our invasions of the Triellus Trade Route, nor our troop movements along that hyper-route, because then they would have to admit the embarrassing fact that in their pride they left the back door to their nation wide open. Such a scandal could wreck the reputations of the Hutt Ruling Council, leading to internal conflict and possible rebellion within Hutt Space.'

'The only reason I do not leak this information myself is because the time is not right.'

'Yes. Igniting such chaos is for a later time. After the Hutts do something foolish in their greed. Like they always do. Then, I will use their incompetence as an excuse to drop the hammer on them and show them what it is like to face real power.'

'And speaking of hammers. The girl, with her hammer, has proven to be as powerful as the boy. In addition, she is almost as reckless as he is.'

'I thought the girl controlled the boy. But instead, both follow the others lead, when the other has experience in the endeavors they are working towards. As such, she is as aggressive in battle as he is. And this makes her just as open to such temptations in battle as he is.'

'When I first decided to become a Sith, I thought with the Rule of Two I would be limiting my options for future apprentices. But, I found that I could not have been further from the truth.'

'There are so many potential apprentices to choose from. And while neither Sidious nor myself will admit it to the other. We both feel that the Rule of Two is outdated and needs to be scrapped into the dustbin of history.'

'But to admit this would to admit seeking to build an army of the force behind the others back. And that would lead to a war. A war neither of us can afford at this stage of the game.'

'One day, I will depose Sidious. Then, I be able to focus on building a true empire lead by those worthy to do so. Like the Jedi Lords of old. Before the Ruusan Reformation.'

'I will admit to myself, Sidious is more powerful than me. Yes. He has shown me the power of the dark side. But what he has shown me is but trinkets of that true power.'

'Sidious withholds too much for himself. Yet. Those few times we have sparred with a lightsaber, he has shown to be as skilled as Yoda.'

'I became a Sith because I realized that I would have the access to knowledge and power that I did not before dream of. Now I realize that Sidious will not allow me to acquire such power and knowledge while he is alive.'

'Sidious has no interested in passing down what he has learned from his line of force masters.'

'Also, Sidious wants to destroy the Jedi Order. While I am now an enemy to my old friends, I have no desire to erase all their accomplishments from history.'

'Yes. I must kill Sidious to make sure that hundreds of thousands of years of accumulated knowledge and wisdom of the force are not lost.'

'Though, I cannot beat him in a straight fight. Even with an army of force users behind me. I know this. He knows this. But he is not invincible. And he is also reckless. He takes unnecessary risks. He may protect himself most of the time. But by the same token, he has no issues with showing himself in public with little protection.'

'I will wait until he does not expect the attack to come, then I will strike. It is possible to catch a force user off guard. Even one as powerful as him. I just need to put him in a position where he cannot immediately defend himself. All I need is a few seconds. This is all I need.'

'If this war drags on. He might try to use himself as a hostage. All I need to do is have him bound and distracted. I will arrange for a lightsaber fight, with a Jedi in front of him. At which point, all I have to do is bring the fight close to him and strike. He will never see it coming. After which, I will be the new master of the dark side of the force.'

'And this rule of two. Such foolishness. One can have more than one servant with power. That power just needs to be disciplined with obedience. The Jedi Order proves this lesson well. I have no interest in allowing the skills and knowledge to risk being lost by only two people holding the power and knowledge. A simple ship accident in hyperspace could kill two people with ease.'

'While I plan to create a army of force users, the one group with the numbers to do so are the Jedi Order.'

'I must break the Jedi so I can remold the Jedi Order in my image. I realize when I take control that all of the Jedi High Council members will have be killed. And most of the masters and knights. I believe that many of the padawans, and all of the younglings will be salvageable. I can use them as a foundation for a great force dynasty.'

'Once they see reason they will follow me.'

'Still, I will need allies. Even if they do not view themselves as my allies, yet.'

'For all her anger and bluster, with her claims of being Sith. I can sense that Asajj is not looking to be a master of the Sith. It is lonely as the top. And Asajj has been alone for a very long time. She clearly does not want to be alone anymore.'

'Asajj is looking to belong to something. Instead of being alone. A group. A family. Whatever. But, she has been alone for so long she does not know how to be a part of a group.'

'That is why I keep her at arms length. Given her current temperament, she will kill me if I give her the chance to do so. But overtime, with each successful mission she accomplishes for me. And which each lesson I give her. She is slowly becoming for sociable and less violent towards me.'

'It is a slow process. But, I have experience with teaching difficult students before. Many of them went onto become power masters in the force.'

'With each successful assignment I give her, she becomes a little more emotionally stable. I wonder if she had failed me to begin with. And she had survived. She would have likely become even more emotionally unstable.'

'Fortunately, that has not been the case with her. Also, She is learning from my instructions at a pleasant pace.'

'Though, I am never going to turn my back on her. But, I apply that rule for everyone I meet.'

'Now about the boy and the girl. Both of them have weaknesses that could be exploited. The boy can be easily turned with the proper motivation.'

'From what I have reviewed from videos and reports. The girl is as aggressive in battle as the boy. It looks like it may be possible to turn the girl, as well.'

'That is if Sidious does not foolishly order me to kill the girl, beforehand. It is clear that Sidious has his eyes solely on the boy. This is why he wants to get the girl out of the way. The boy is fixated on her. And Sidious is so obsessed with the boy. He does not see the potential for the girl to be a powerful agent of the darkness in her own right. This is very narrow-minded of him. Sure. The boy has potential. But, that can mean nothing in the long run. He might become crippled, leaving him unable to reach his full potential in the force.'

'Should Sidious gets rid of all his other potential apprentice options. Including myself. Then, the boy becomes crippled due to some foolishness. Sidious will be left with a crippled servant whom he will not be able to pass the line of the Sith to. Even if he wanted to. Now that would be ironic for a schemer such as him.'

'Still, if Sidious orders me to kill her. Or, even Ventress. Or, someone else that is useful to me. I will not argue.'

'I will have to make a good showing. But, if I do kill her, or the others. It will be in battle. I will not poison her, nor anyone else that could be useful. Especially not in their sleep.'

'I would sooner destroy one of the nicer pieces of art in my family's collection than to kill Padme.'

'The power she wields through the hammer is as unique as a work of art. All reports state that only she can lift the hammer and use the power from the hammer.'

'And this power is not part of the force. This is unprecedented in the entire history of the Jedi and Sith. Or perhaps not...'

'Like so many cases in history, when those in power face something they did not understand, they bury that knowledge and erased all record of such power ever existing. If the force users of the past had encountered such power during their time. A power they could not control. They usually removed all records of such power existing. And they buried that power. Or maybe if it was the hammer, they found a way to move the weapon and ejected that hammer into space.'

'Others may not be able to move the hammer. But for something not to move, it needs gravity to tether itself too. This is something that space does not have. At least from this size and point of relativity.'

'If this was the case, the hammer could have floated in space until it sense someone worthy to wield it. Then, the hammer headed toward the arena on Geonosis to find its new wielder. The timing and location of the hammer landing in the arena is a little to convenient. Especially given that the only person shown to be able to wield the hammer was near where it landed.'

'This could be proof the hammer is aware. This is a possibility. If the hammer is aware this is good fortune for myself. Awareness is all this needed to be seduced by the force. It just take times and effort. Even if the hammer cannot use the force. Maybe Padme can. Even the force blind can be infused with the force, and be taught to use the force.'

'It is considered taboo by both the Jedi and Sith to gift the force blind with the use of the force. Mainly because we can be elitist as the worst of the political families of the galaxy. But it can be done. And from there I can turn her. And then she turns the hammer.'

'Either way, the hammer has power which is unknown to any of us. While Sidious may disregard this power. Both I and the Jedi Order value this power. We all want to learn and understand more about it. I am sure that Yoda and Mace were instrumental in convincing the rest of the council to train Padme in her new abilities.'

'Neither of them will pass by such a potential ally falling in their laps. And with them training her, that saved me the time and effort of doing so myself.'

'If the girl survives this war, she can be another option as my second in command of the new order I plan to create. Once I kill Sidious and win this war. That is if Asajj, Obiwan, or Anakin, do not panned out. Though, no matter what, I would prefer her as a lieutenant, than having to kill her.'

Dooku smiled, as he continued his thought, 'Yes. The future is just full of options and possibilities.'

Dooku's starship continued on its course for Dooku's next intended destination.

(_)

A day later, it was morning on the clear sky over dry landscape of Tatooine, where Jabba's palace was located.

The twin suns had already arisen.

The main door Jabba's palace was open, with Jabba sitting inside the doorway.

Jabba was flanked by his armed men on both sides.

To Jabba's left side was a translator droid.

Just outside the main door, Obiwan stood near his Jedi starfighter. Obiwan had lightsaber was attached to the left side his belt. The R4 astromech droid was mounted inside Obiwan's starfighter.

They had all already been contracted less than an hour ago by Anakin Skywalker that the Resolute was in orbit above the planet of Tatooine. Anakin also informed them that he would be personally piloting a shuttle down to bring Jabba his son, whom was presently fine. Rotta's fever finally broke a few hours ago.

Those present watched as a Republic transport shuttle was making its landing approach towards them.

Less than a minute later, the shuttle hover to a stop and gently landed in an clearing by the Jedi starfighter, in front of the main entrance of Jabba's Palace.

The shuttle landed while facing the front. The main ramp to the shuttle being right below the cockpit.

From Obiwan's point of view, he could see in the cockpit windows that Anakin was in the pilots seat.

A few seconds later, Obiwan Anakin turned off the engines of the ship, and exit out of a chair in cockpit. Then, Anakin headed deeper into the ship.

A minute later, the ramp to the front of the shuttle began to lower.

When the ramp reached the ground, those on the ground saw Ahsoka standing inside the ship. Ahsoka's lightsaber was attached to her belt. Ahsoka was holding Rotta in her arms. From the look on Rotta's face, Rotta was happy.

Anakin and Thor flanked Ahsoka's sides. Anakin was to Ahsoka's right side, with his lightsaber attached to his belt. And Thor was to Ahsoka's left side. Thor held the hammer in her right hand, at her side.

Ahsoka began walking towards Jabba and his men, as she was careful with the huttlet in her arms. Thor continued to walked behind Ahsoka, while Anakin veered to his right, towards Obiwan, whom standing by his Jedi starfighter.

When Anakin reached Obiwan, he came to a stop, a few feet in front of his teacher. Anakin reached Obiwan, as Ahsoka and Thor continued to approach Jabba.

Both men looked at each other.

Anakin quietly asked, “No luck?”

Obiwan softly replied, “No luck.”

Anakin thought, 'I guess we are not getting a treaty, after all.'

Both men turned their attention back to Ahsoka, Thor, Rotta, Jabba, and the guards by Jabba.

As Thor walked, behind Ahsoka, she thought, 'At least my left side is completely fine now. And if anyone tries anything, they are going to regret it.'

Soon, Ahsoka came to a stop right in front of Jabba. She then gently handled the Rotta into the arms of Jabba.

Then, Ahsoka took a few steps back, with Thor taking a few steps to Ahsoka's left, so Ahsoka would not risk bumping into her.

From the look on their faces Jabba and Rotta were happy to see each other.

Jabba looked down at his son, in his arms, as he spoke huttese to the Rotta.

Then, Jabba turned to Ahsoka and Thor. Jabba spoke some more huttese in a more firmer tone of voice.

The translator droid stated, “The great, mighty Jabba wishes to thank you for the return of his son. Though, Jabba wished to know if you were able to encounter whom was behind his son's kidnapping?”

Thor answered, “Yes. We met that person.”

Jabba spoke some more huttese. The translator droid asked, “Why do you not have the head of this person with you?”

Thor said, “The woman in question escaped us.”

Jabba asked, in huttese, “Do you know this woman's name? Or, could give us a description of what the woman looks like?”

Before the translator droid could repeat the message in basic, Thor honestly answered, “Thy does not know her name. And thee wore a cloak and hood. So, thy could not identify her.”

Jabba realized that Thor understood huttese. Not that Thor's language ability mattered much to Jabba.

Jabba responded, in huttese, “Oh well. No treaty. But, we will agree to keep peaceful relations with the Republic.”

Thor said, “That will be fine.”

Ahsoka turned to Thor. Thor realized, as she thought, 'She likely does not know huttese. And I did not know it without the power of the hammer. Still, I might as well translate what Jabba had just said.”

Thor looked at Ahsoka. Thor stated, “There will be no treaty between the Republic and the Hutts. But, we are still on peaceful terms with the Hutts.”

Ahsoka replied, “Oh.”

Thor turned to look at Jabba and Rotta being happy to be reunited with each other. Thor thought, 'We won the battle, but lost this war. The Republic not have a treaty with the Hutts to use their hyper-routes in the Outer Rim, which was likely what Dooku was trying to accomplish. Which means he won this round. But, we are alive. Jabba's son is alive. And we all live to fight another day. The Clone Wars have only just begun. There will be other opportunities for victory.'

Thor turned to Obiwan and Anakin. She stated, “Let us leave. Nothing more can be done here.”

Ahsoka heard Thor, as well.

Thor saw Anakin nod once towards her, in acknowledgment of her comment.

Obiwan said, “I will see you on the Resolute.”

Thor, Ahsoka, and Anakin then began walking towards the shuttle entrance, while Obiwan headed for the cockpit of his starfighter, by the astromech droid, R4.

As this went on, Jabba turned around and head into his palace, as he held Rotta in his arms. Jabba's guards followed Jabba and Rotta inside. Once Jabba, Rotta, and the guards were inside, the large, main door to the palace began to decent until the door fully closed.

Meanwhile, Thor, Ahsoka, and Anakin were soon inside the shuttle, as Obiwan was inside the cockpit of his Jedi starfighter.

Ahsoka press a button on an interior wall of the shuttle to raise the ramp, while Obiwan sealed the canopy of his cockpit.

Soon, Anakin was in the pilots seat of the shuttle, as he started the engines of the shuttle. A few seconds later, he was flew the shuttle into the sky, with himself, Ahsoka, and Thor, inside the ship.

Meanwhile, Obiwan took off in his starfighter. Obiwan followed the Republic shuttle, as they headed into to orbit, to land in one of the hangars of the Republic Star Destroyer, Resolute.

Once they reached the Resolute, they would soon find out what their next mission would be in the long war they knew they had ahead of them.

(_)

“We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.” Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

This story is mainly from Padme and Anakin's points of view. If I showed every little detail that happened from the main timeline in this story in relation to the plotlines of each chapter, doing so would increase the chapters by two or three times in size. And doing so would make the story drag.

For simplicity sake. If this story does not show an event that is part of the plot of this story, that happened in the main timeline, which is not conflicted with the change in the timeline, it is likely the even happened in the changed timeline. But, this is not a certainty.

Also, doing this way creates more drama from the main points of view of the story.

I know galaxies are three dimensional. I am using the Star Wars galaxy map for describing locations, which had a north, east, south, west compass on the map.

“Slugthrowers” are the Star Wars term for projectile weaponry, such as pistols and rifles. Slugthrowers are similar to the firearms found on Earth.

It was shown at the beginning of Episode Five: The Empire Strikes Back, inside the Rebel base on Hoth, that C3-PO can recognize imperial codes. It stands to reason the translator droid would be able to decrypt some short range, low level droid codes. Being a translator by definition is decryption of one language to another. So decryption of codes would be second nature to translator droids.

Besides, while R2 has been show to be helpful in a number of ways. I desired to find a way that C3-PO could be helpful in a battle situation. And having C3 help with communication issues makes a lot of since.

In the original timeline, Anakin was called by the Republic propaganda services, the Hero Without Fear. And that nickname was likely that created by Palpatine to inflate Anakin's ego, because Anakin liked the nickname.

Now in this alternate timeline it would make sense that Palpatine would want propaganda dealing with Padme as Thor. And given it was Obiwan that is teaching both Anakin and Padme, and Obiwan is their direct commanding officer, that Obiwan would be included in the propaganda and be nicknamed as well.

And since it was likely Palpatine nicknamed Anakin, he would be the one to pick the nicknames for Padme and Obiwan. And Palpatine does have a sense of humor.

Now, I know, “Stormbringer”, one word, is the name of one of the mystical hammers in the Marvel realities. That is why I used two word, “Storm Bringer” for the Republic propaganda services.

And given no one so far shown in this Star Wars reality knows where Padme's hammer Mjolnir came from. Or, whom the original wielder, Thor, is. So it would make sense the propaganda services would nickname that is self-explanatory. And “Storm Bringer” is about as self-explanatory as one can get with someone with powers and control over the weather.

Now, why did I nickname Obiwan, “The Wise”. Yes. I did it for that joke that Obiwan can be a wiseass. Obiwan has always been shown to have a sarcastic wit about himself. In Star Wars Episode Four, the verbal snark on snark combat between Obiwan and Han Solo was some of the best in cinema history.

Though, I believe there is a fine line between being 'wise' and being a 'wiseass'. The trick in having wisdom is figuring out where the line is.

The various adaption of the Clone Wars series really do not mesh that well. It is a mess. The Clone Wars OVA, Clone Wars Movie/TV series, Clone Wars comicbook series and Clone Wars novel series. So I am having the play some of the Clone Wars timeline fast and loose.

The Clone War Film was a bit of a mess. The third act of that movie, where Anakin, Ahsoka, and Rotta, headed to Tatooine in an old spaceship was really not needed.

Also, the way Ahsoka was dressed when she is introduced in this chapter is the same way she was dressed in the Clone Wars movie. I am not sure what those whom made the Clone Wars movie were thinking, but I used Padme to make some hard points on the matter. And I fixed the issue.

Still, I wanted to introduce Ahsoka into this story. So I modified the plot of what happened to make the story flow better.

I know I shoehorned this story a little. But, I got it to work.

Ahsoka as a character always showed some potential in leadership abilities. But, when she was first introduced she was clearly not taught much on etiquette.

I believe the Jedi Order confuse etiquette with obedience. It would explain a lot of the behavior from the various members of the Jedi Order.

It would make sense if Padme had gotten to know Ahsoka, she might have taken Ahsoka under her wing, to teach Ahsoka about manners and diplomacy.

Anakin and Obiwan would likely be fine with Padme doing so, because such lessons would only help Ahsoka focus and become a better students. Making it easier for them to teach Ahsoka about the force and being a Jedi.

But, while in this story, Ahsoka does now know that Padme is Thor, Padme and Anakin do not trust anyone knowing about their secret relationship.

I do believe it is very possible for Padme to have slowly built up an pool of untapped rage over the course of Star Wars Episode I to Episode II. At lot of bad things happened to her, with several people dying around her to protect her. In this manner, she could have untapped rage. Rage she might not have realized she had. And a rage that did not come out in prequel trilogy because by the time of Episode III she has fallen so far she was a former shell of herself.

But, in this story, with Mjolnir, Padme has her confidence back, and she may discover this untapped rage that she did not know she had.

While Anakin is Jedi Knight in the Clone Wars Film and TV series. He is a padawan in the Episode II and Clone War OVA Volume I.

The reason Anakin was given a field promotion to Jedi Knight was a combination of losing his arm and later defeating the dark side user, Asajj Ventress. Because neither of these events have happened the Council is not going to consider giving Anakin a field promotion to Jedi Knight.

Also, Anakin does not have that scar by his right eye that he received in his first conflict with Asaja Ventress.

This also allows me to have Anakin take the trials. I have a few ideas that should prove interesting.

Because events of this story prevented Anakin from leaving Coruscant sooner to join the war effort. There was no trap for Anakin by Asajj Ventress on the jungle moon, Yavin IV.

Anakin was busy helping Padme training. He never faced Asajj and defeated her. Therefore, Asajj has no desire for revenge against Anakin.

First impressions are important. In this story, Anakin and Asajj fought in a different situation, than the first time they met. Also, unlike the original timeline, neither are as hot-headed as in the original series.

The over six weeks of training Padme has made Anakin more calmer. And without Asajj failing in her first mission, to kill Skywalker, in the original timeline, and instead with her being successful in her missions for Dooku, she is more emotionally stable and level headed.

So, Asajj would be more open to negotiation in this story.

While that scene at the end of this chapter also showed how vicious Padme can be. Even without the hammer. I always felt that given the proper motivation Padme could be a very dangerous person.

Given Ventress did not have to deal with failure, Dooku allowed her to take on more important missions which aided in the Separatists having a stronger foothold in the Outer Rim.

The planet Jabiim is north of Hutt Space, with the planet being on northern part of the Triellus Trade Route.

In the original timeline, the Jedi Council selected Obiwan to lead a disastrous attempt to retake Jabiim.

In this story Obiwan was busy training Padme so he could not be selected to lead the attempted retaking of Jabiim, and the Republic let the planet go.

Given the history of Jabiim in the Star Wars franchise, with the planet being fought over by the Republic and Separatists. Later being bombed into rubble by the Empire. This change was good for everyone involved.

Though, by Anakin helping to train Padme, with Padme showing great skill from the training. This action convinced the Jedi Council that Anakin was ready for the trials to become a Jedi Knight and being given a student of his own.

But, Obiwan refuses allow Anakin to take the trials to become a Jedi Knight, because in this story, Obiwan learned from Anakin about what happened to Anakin's mother, and what Anakin did to those Sand People.

By sending Ahsoka, as Obiwan's student, technically. Though, she is really Anakin's student. And everyone involved knows this. This Jedi Council is bending the rules to both give Anakin a student, and pressure Obiwan to allow Anakin to take the trials to become a Jedi Knight.

Also, while the timeline has changed, and the Republic has a powerful ally in the form of Thor, this does not mean easy victories.

One of the points I am working on in writing this story is that victory on the battlefield does not easily translate to victory overall.

For example, at the end of this chapter, the vying for the Hutts favor, between the Republic and Separatists ended in a stalemate.

Just because something is changed does not mean events will likely go right. It only means that events will likely go differently.

In the original Clone War film, the heroes did almost everything wrong, and they still won. They received the help of the Hutts to agree to trade route treaty between the Republic and the Hutts.

Meanwhile, in this story the heroes did almost everything right, and they lost, because the Hutts refused to agree to a treaty with the Republic.

This is how the events leading up battle of Christophsis were different.

Dooku still wanted to attempt to set the stage to ruin negotiations for a treaty between the Hutts and the Jedi, for the Republic to use the Hutt's trade routes. Dooku's plan was to frame the Jedi for kidnapping Jabba's son, Rotta.

And while Dooku's timetable was thrown, he was still victorious by default, due to the Hutts declining to agree to a trade route treaty with the Republic.

This is what I mean by things going differently, but not always better.

In this story, because Padme is not such a presence in the Senate, Bail is taking point for Padme in the anti-war movement within the Senate on Coruscant. As such, Bail had nothing to do with Christophsis, both before and during the invasion of that planet, by the Separatists/Confederacy of Independent Systems.

As such, when Dooku found Asajj Ventress, he decided to use her in a more secretive fashion. Except for Dooku no one knows who Asajj is, which is the way Dooku prefers it.

While Dooku told Sidious he was looking for servants at the end of chapter one of this story. That does not mean that Dooku told Sidious the truth in how those searched panned out.

Most people when they write an alternate timeline story, they make it so that almost everything goes right.

But, the really good alternate timeline stories are the ones that show a mix of how things can go wrong and go right in different ways than what originally happened.

Dooku's comment on hundreds of thousands of years of information on the force the Jedi Order have is a bit of a misnomer. The Jedi have records dating back tens of thousands of years. But, the Jedi Order likely has archaeological information that dates back much further in the past.

On Dooku. I have wondered what goes on in that man's mind. What is his point of view? And I believe I have figured Dooku out.

Dooku was once one of the best Jedi of his time. Yoda stated this. Since Yoda was Dooku's teacher, Yoda would know this.

At the beginning of Star War Episode Three, during the battle in the Separatist Cruiser, the event was a massive power play in several ways. On its surface, the whole rescue the Chancellor plan seemed like a foolish idea. Then, it makes sense if you think about those involved and their stated goals.

The only time Sidious has ever been defeated in combat was when he is distracted. Dooku knowledge of force users would allow him to realize this. So the entire lightsaber fight on the ship was designed to allow Dooku to distract Sidious, whom was bound to a chair at the time, and then for Dooku to get the fight close to Sidious, so Dooku could kill Sidious.

Dooku just did not plan for Anakin to defeat him.

But, this plan also worked for Sidious, because Sidious was planning for Anakin to defeat Dooku and kill Dooku. Allowing for Anakin to get closer to Sidious, and become Sidious' new apprentice

This is called a gambit roulette.

Dooku's point of view on his long term plans are not hard to understand.

Much like the Sith Lords and Sith Ladies dreamed of creating a Sith Empire with the Sith Lord or Sith Lady in in charge. Dooku dreamed of restoring the Galactic Republic to the time when the Jedi Lords reigned.

Dooku was already a Count of Serenno, and he likes being call Count Dooku. It is not that great a stretch to believe that he longs for the days of returning to the time where the force users ruled the Galactic Republic as Jedi Lords.

For those that do not know the events I am talking about. Over eleven hundred years before the Clone Wars started, the Galactic Senate became so corrupt the Jedi took direct control of the Galaxy.

Basically, think the Galactic Empire. Only with Jedi. And instead of Imperial Governors being appointed as rules of planets and sectors of space, Jedi Lords were appointed.

This era was considered by many a dark age where Jedi Lords and Ladies ruled as masters of the galaxy.

This was also a time when the Sith army still existed and was out in the open. Towards the end of this era, due to some of the crimes committed by the Jedi, the Sith actually gained in power, with the Sith able to again challenge the Jedi for control of the galaxy.

Around a hundred years later. A thousand years before the Clone Wars, after much fighting between the Jedi Lords and Sith Lords, there was a major battle where most of the Sith and Jedi killed each other. This causes a lull in the power the force had over the galaxy.

That was when a politician stepped in. His name was Tarsus Valorum. He was instrumental in convincing the surviving Jedi to turn over power of the Galaxy back to the Galactic Senate of the Galactic Republic and the people of the Galaxy.

From all accounts, Tarsus Valorum a good man. And he showed it. He was instrumental in creating and implementing was would later be called the Ruusan Reformation.

I have mentioned the Ruusan Reformation a few time before in this story, but I did not elaborate.

The Ruusan Reformation did many things. But, a number of key things the Ruusan Reformation did was to abolish the Republic military.

Remove the Jedi from direct political power and instead put the Jedi under the authority of the Senate. To be specific, the Jedi were under the Justice Department. This is why they consider themselves to be law officers. The Jedi technically work for the Justice Department of the Galactic Republic.

The Jedi were to centralize their organization on Coruscant with most of the Jedi Order's training being only done at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

The Russan Reformation restored more independent control for planets and sectors to do as they wished, as long as they followed the laws of the Galactic Republic.

Tarsus Valorum went onto become the first none force user to become Supreme Chancellor for a very long time. Chancellor Valorum was considered one of the better leaders of the Galactic Republic.

During this time, Darth Bane, one of the last surviving Sith, instituted the Rule of Two. Given the history of infighting between members of the Sith, Bane figured it would be better if there were only two Sith allowed at any time. One the master, one the apprentice. Of course, Bane was the first of this line of these masters, and he was the first of this line of masters to be killed in battle by his apprentice, the Sith Lady Darth Zannah.

When Darth Zannah was younger, she was also know as Rain.

Between the Ruusan Reformation and the Sith Rule of Two, the rest of the galaxy finally received nearly a thousand year reprieve from the insanity of light side and dark side force users fighting each other, while dragging everyone else in the galaxy into the hell of combat with them.

This is why Sidious had to start from scratch on creating his military and slowly seizing power for himself.

Though, given Sidious' later actions hinted he all but did away with the Rule of Two. Darth Bane would have likely not allowed Sith Inquisitors to exist. Darth Bane would likely have viewed allowing such dark force users to serve the Sith as breaking the Rule of Two.

Also, in the Clone Wars TV series, Dooku was eventually called out by Sidious on letting Asajj Ventress serve as his agent, with Dooku teaching Asajj some of the ways of the force.

Sidious eventually made Dooku betray Ventress. Though, Dooku clearly did not want to do so. And Dooku even then went behind Sidious' back and attempted to arrange another force student, Savage Opress. Those Savage Opress did not work out for Dooku, either.

As such, either way it was likely both Sidious and Dooku were planning to get rid of the Sith Rule of Two.

Though, Sidious was never shown to really teach anyone any real power. He knew if he did they would then use the power to kill him and take over. Because that is exactly what Darth Sidious did to his master, Darth Plagueis, when Sidious felt he could no longer learn anything from Plagueis. And Sidious did not even kill Plagueis in combat. Sidious poisoned Plagueis to death while Plagueis was sleep.

This can be seen in Sidious' three known apprentices. Darth Maul was a brute whom Sidious only taught a little about the force, and instead Sidious focused on teaching Darth Maul stealth abilities and lightsaber skills.

Dooku and Darth Vader's knowledge and skills in the force came from their Jedi training.

Though, I believe this course would have changed if Dooku has killed Sidious. Dooku clearly believed in teaching students. Dooku did not want to just dangle the temptation of knowledge in front of would be students like Sidious did. When it came to the Sith line, Dooku would have made for a better Sith Lord than Sidious, because Sidious was only interested in himself and not the line of the Sith. Meanwhile, Dooku believed in something more than himself.

Just some things to think about.

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter Five: “Electric Symmetry.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

It has been a few months since Thor, Anakin, and Ahsoka had rescued Jabba's young son, Rotta, from the renegades on the planet Teth.

The first thing Jango Fett was aware of was that he was running, while in his full mandolarian armor and equipment. His helmet over his head, his jetpack on his back, and his weapons holstered on and inside his armor.

Jango immediately stopped. He looked around himself. He was alone, in a brown grassy field, with buildings around him in the distance.

The wind was blowing around him.

Jango noticed the sky walk dark with storm clouds, but he could see in the horizon as it showed gaps of light that it was still daytime.

The only light being from the gaps in the sky, the lightning in the dark clouds, and the buildings in the distance.

Though, the lightning did not hit the ground, and there was no rainfall.

Then, Jango noticed someone in the air, about fifteen meters in front of him and ten meters in the air. He turned to face the person.

The person was Thor. Thor was wearing her full armor, helmet, with her large hammer in her right hand.

Thor looked down at him.

Jango knew that none of his weapons would work against Thor. And even should he try to use his jetpack to escape, Thor would either use her lightning, or swiftly fly up to knock Jango back to the ground.

Jango watched Thor raise her hammer's head towards him.

Suddenly, Jango saw a flash of lighting from the hammer, as lightning erupted from the head of the weapon towards him.

Then, all Jango saw was darkness.

Jango immediately opened his eyes. He wearing some casual clothing as he laid on his back on his bunk, in his spaceship, the Slave I. His black hair was cut short. The room's lights were dim, with the ship on autopilot in hyperspace, as it headed for its intended destination.

Jango turned his head to his right to see his eleven year old son, Boba Fett, comfortably sleep in his bunk across the room. Jango could see Boba's slightly longer, black hair, which went to Boba's neckline. Boba's hair was long enough to have a slightly wild nature to his hair style.

Jango turned his head to look above him, as he realized what was going on. He breathed a sign of relief, as he thought, 'I was asleep. It was just a dream... I am getting tired of having to deal with these reoccurring nightmares. Fortunately, I got in touch with someone I know whom I am sure I get some straight answers about these dreams. I will be meeting with her at our agreed upon destination in a few days.'

'Though, in the meantime, there are a few other things I plan to do. But, for right now I need my rest. So, when Boba and I wake up, we can enjoy the day together without any problems.'

Jango rested his head back on his bunk, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep, as his spaceship continued traveling through hyperspace.

(_)

Around day later, it was mid-afternoon on the ship schedule rotation on the Republic Star Destroyer, Resolute.

The Resolute was in hyperspace, while being flanked by the Republic Star Destroyer, Negotiator.

Inside a large, well lit, training room, which was reserved for Jedi, Padme and Ahsoka were sparring as Obiwan and Anakin stood in the distance.

Most of the floor of the room was matted. While most of the matted floor was empty, there was as section in a far right corner, when entering the room, that had excise equipment.

The exercise equipment was there so the Jedi on board did not have to train with the clones, staff, and officers in the main gym of the ship.

The training room was connected to auxiliary rooms to far right wall of the room. These rooms were two changing areas, with each changing area was connected to a shower area. So, the men and women could separately shower and change clothing.

Obiwan and Anakin stood about seven meters from the sparring opponents. They were next to each other, with Anakin standing to Obiwan's right side.

Anakin and Obiwan had their lightsabers strapped to holsters on their belts.

On the matted floor by Obiwan left side was the hammer, Mjolnir, which was set on its side. Set on top of the hammer's head was datapad.

While Padme and Ahsoka sparred, Padme was in her stronger Thor form. Padme was in her armor, helmet, with the scabbard of the Black Solace strapped to her back.

The three Jedi wore brown training clothing. This training clothing was among other items a short sleeve shirt, pants, shoes, and a belt with a lightsaber holster on the side of the belt.

Padme used her Black Solace to spare with Ahsoka's green lightsaber blade. The Black Solace's vibration mechanisms were turned off. Given how tough the material of the black blade of the Black Solace was, Padme was able to practice with the weapon, with the vibration mechanisms off, against a real lightsaber, without worry of damaging the black blade of her weapon.

The sparring exercise was to accomplish two goals. For Padme the sparring allowed her to training with force user that used a different style than she had experience with. Also, Padme was careful to focus more on control and skill in using her enhanced physical abilities, than brute force and speed. In addition, Padme did not use her elemental abilities.

During the sparring match, Padme mainly used a two-handed style approach for her swordsmanship.

For Ahsoka, this was an opportunity to practice against someone vastly stronger and faster than her. While Ahsoka sparred with Padme, used Ahsoka held her lightsaber hilt in her right hand, as she used an underhand lightsaber fighting style.

After each round of the sparring match, Obiwan had Ahsoka alternate between using her lightsaber in her right hand and her left hand.

As part of the exercise, Ahsoka was not allow to directly using the force against Padme. Though, Ahsoka was allowed to used the force to enhance her physical abilities and use the force to guide her movements and lightsaber abilities as she sparred with Padme.

Both opponents were careful not to accidentally harm the other.

Given Ahsoka inexperience with such sparring, as a safety measure, Padme was in her armor. While her armor could not handled a direct blow from a lightsaber blade. Padme's armor could handle a glancing blow from a lightsaber blade without going throw the armor and harming her body.

The object of the exercise was to break through their opponent's defenses, without actually harming the opponent. So far there has been no injuries.

They has been sparring for an hour ago.

Presently, Padme and Ahsoka were sparring in their fifth match.

Padme had won one match. Ahsoka had won two matches. One match has been a draw.

Both of them were gracious winners and losers.

Suddenly, the fifth match ended with Padme holding the blade of her weapon right at Ahsoka's face, with Ahsoka knowing the lost.

Ahsoka said, “I yield.”

Ahsoka deactivated her lightsaber.

In response, Padme removed her vibro-katana away from Ahsoka.

While Padme was not tired, she saw that Ahsoka was breathing heavily.

Padme commented, “When it comes to marital combat between us, thy believes this is it for today.”

Between breaths Ahsoka replied, “I agree.” She holstered the deactivated lightsaber hilt onto the left side of her belt.

Padme sheathed her Black Solace on the scabbard strapped to her back.

Once the Black Solace was sheathed, Padme used her abilities to turn back to her normal form, with her clothes changing to brown training clothing like the Jedi wore. This included a short sleeve shirt, pants, and shoes. Padme was not wearing a belt because her pants did not require one, and she did not have a lightsaber that would require a belt holster.

Padme stated, “Now that we are done with physical training, I would like to teach you a few lessons on leadership, diplomacy, and manners.” She turned to Obiwan and Anakin. She asked, “If that is alright with you?”

Obiwan looked at both Padme and Ahsoka. He said, “Of course. Part of becoming a Jedi is learning and gaining wisdom from many sources.”

Anakin turned to Padme. He commented, “I would like to sit in on this lesson.” He smiled towards Padme. Padme saw his smile and returned his grin. Anakin continued, “I think I could learn a few things from such lessons.”

Obiwan turned Anakin. He stated, “Go ahead. We all could learn more in such areas.” He turned to Padme and Ahsoka. He continued, “But, I have other business to attend.”

Obiwan turned and headed for the doors to the training room.

Meanwhile, Padme and Ahsoka walked up to stand near Anakin. Padme sat on the matted floor, by her hammer and the data pad, to her right side. She picked up the datapad and scrolled through the information she loaded on it.

As Padme worked on her datapad, Ahsoka and Anakin sat a meter in front of her, with them being a meter apart from each other.

Ahsoka and Anakin sat facing Padme, with Ahsoka to Padme's left and Anakin to Padme's right.

While Anakin and Ahsoka got comfortable, Padme had found what she was looking on the datapad.

By then, Obiwan had reached the doors to the room. He used a panel by the doors to have the doors slide open.

As the doors slid open, behind him, Obiwan heard Padme said, “I believe we will start off with conversation and dinner etiquette of some the more eccentric cultures in the galaxy.”

As Obiwan walked through the doorway, he smiled. He thought, 'Such lessons can only be helpful. And Anakin could learn some lessons on such topics.'

Obiwan walked into the hallway. The doors soon slid closed behind him. Obiwan headed for his quarters to change into his usual clothing. After which, he would carryout his duties for the day.

(_)

A day later, Jango Fett had flown his spaceship, the Slave I, with his son Boba, to farming planet, which orbited a single star.

It was day time, on a warm, partly cloudy day, as Jango flew his spaceship to an open, empty field he knew about.

Jango landed the ship, turned off the engines, and then got up from main the cockpit chair.

Half a minute later, ramp on the back of the ship extended to the ground, as the door to the back of this ship landed.

Jango walked down the ramp.

Jango on his his full armor, helmet, jetpack, with his weapons holstered. The brown leather holsters for Jango's two blaster pistols were located on the outer sides of his thigh armor. The holsters were attached to his belt by brown leather straps and tied around the lower thighs by small brown cords with small buckles.

The blaster pistols Jango used were custom made, silver colored WESTAR-34 blaster pistols.

When Jango reached the ground, he came to a stop. He stood on the ground a she turned to the entrance to his ship. He stated into his helmet's microphone, which used the encrypted communication channel, “Come down, son.”

Jango watched as Boba slowly walked down the ramp. Boba had on mandolarian armor that Jango had made and fitted to Boba. Boba also had on a helmet that that was similar to Jango's helmet. In addition, Boba had a blaster pistol holstered on his right hip armor. Though, Boba did not have a jetpack on.

The holsters on Boba's outer thigh armor were the same type as the ones used by Jango. And the holsters were held in place the same way Jango's holsters were held on his armor.

The two blaster pistols which Boba had were also silver colored WESTAR-34 blaster pistols similar to the pistols Jango used. Though, Jango paid to have the blaster pistols Boba used to have the grips further customized to fit Boba's smaller hands.

As Boba walked, he showed that he was not use to wearing the armor. He took his time as he made his way down the ramp.

While Jango watched Boba walk down the ramp, Jango thought, 'It cost a quite a bit for the armor. And it was fitted for you. But, like all clothing, adjustments are going to be needed on occasion. Especially, since you have started your growth spurt. The armor and helmet are going to take a little getting use to. But, in time you will eventually feel at ease in wearing such protection.'

'Today, we are going to brush up on your firearm skills and hand to hand while in the armor. It will be a while before I even begin to teach you how to use a jetpack. Still there is much I can teach you, right now.'

'While I am doing so, on our breaks, I will work on the final details of a quick bounty. Which I will handle a few days after I talk to my friend about my dreams. It will be a good training mission for you, my son.'

As Boba reached the ground stand by his father, Jango, he was still much shorter than his father.

Jango looked down at Boba, as Boba looked up at Jango.

Jango asked, through the microphone, “So, how does the armor and helmet feel? Any problems?”

Through the speakers of his helmet, Jango heard Boba state, by using the encrypted communication channel, “I am just getting use to the heads up display in the monitor visor of the helmet, and the armor make me feel stiff.”

Jango stated, “Do not worry. You will get use to it.”

Boba flexes his hands in his gloves, as he said, “Also, these power-gauntlets do not feel as responsive as I expected. They feel loose.”

Jango commented, “They are designed to. Though, do not let that fool you. You can easily crush a rock in the palms of your power-gauntlets. If you are not careful you could accidentally destroy your weapons.”

Boba replied, “I will kept that in mind.”

Jango responded, “I know you will. Now, I was thinking we would start with some firearm practice. Which will give you time to use to the feel of your armor. Then, we will move on to some hand to hand. Also, I want you to get the feel for the trigger of your weapons, with your gloves on. Firing a blaster with gloves is a little different than with a bare finger. The finger placement is a little different. And you have to learn what the proper placement is.”

Then, Jango spent the day teaching his son some more lessons on firearms and hand to hand combat. Jango had been teaching his son such lessons for years. This day was no different than most of them in the sense the father and son both had fun in doing so. By the end of the day, after they had supper, they entered their spaceship, and left the planet.

Once they were in orbit, Jango setting his ship for their next destination and his ship jumped to hyperspace.

(_)

A few hours later, in another part of the galaxy, the Resolute and Negotiator were travailing through hyperspace. It was morning on the schedule rotation inside the Resolute.

In the Jedi training room with the matted floor, it was Anakin's turn to sparring with Padme in her stronger form.

Though, in this sparring session, Padme was using the hammer, while Anakin used his green bladed lightsaber.

Given Anakin was experienced in using a lightsaber, Padme wear brown training clothing which fit her body.

Anakin also wore brown training clothing.

As they sparred, Anakin using the force to enhanced his physical abilities and combat skills Also, Anakin used the force try to push Padme around. Though, in response, Padme used gusts of wind to try to push Anakin around.

Both of them were careful not to serious harm the other with their abilities and weapons.

Presently, they were in the middle of sparring in their first match in trying to break through the others defenses. Currently, they were at a stalemate in the use of their abilities and skills during their match.

Seven meters away from the two combatants, Ahsoka and Obiwan watched the sparring match. Both wore brown training clothing.

As Ahsoka watched Padme and Anakin, she was in awe at the skills and abilities which were being displayed in the sparring match.

Meanwhile, Obiwan thoughts were elsewhere on his duties, as he mentally reflected, 'I heard yesterday about some of the details of our next mission. And whom we will be meeting up with later this week. From what I have learned, while I am not sure where Anakin and Ahsoka stand, I am sure that Padme is not going to like this mission, and the rectifications of the mission.'

'Still, it is a mission from the Chancellor Palpatine, himself. And we cannot disobey. The reasons for the mission make sense. Though, I have a feeling this mission is going to cause Padme and myself some problems.'

Obiwan then continued to silently watch Anakin and Padme continued to spar for the next few minutes, until Obiwan called the match and declared it a draw so Anakin, Padme, and Ahsoka, could move on with their training lessons for the day.

(_)

Later that evening, after dinner, Padme returned to her quarters. She set down the hammer down on its head, on a small table in the room. Next, she changed her form back to her normal form. After which, cleaned up and changed into one of her dresses.

The dress she picked was a simple sleeveless, dark blue gown, with purple trimming. She allow her long brown hair to hang loose down her back.

Next, Padme dimmed the lights in her bedroom using a set of light controls on the wall near the door leading to the hallway.

Padme walked over an sat in a chair at her desk.

While Padme wore a dress, she wore comfortable, casual shoes because the holo-monitor at her desk would not show her feet.

Padme used the computer and the holo-monitor in her desk, along with her Galactic Senate account and password to gain access to the Senate datanets on Coruscant. Once Padme was logged into the Senate datanets she used her access level to connect to the holo-comm system in the Senate Rotunda.

While it was the evening ship schedule on the Resolute, it was afternoon in the Senate District on Coruscant.

Within the Senate Rotunda the repulsorpods attached to the wall were each made with their own entryway into the hallways surrounding the various levels of the Senate Rotunda. This honeycomb design allowed the Senators could come and go as they please without disturbing the other Senators.

The repulsorpods could also detract from the wall. While during a Senate Session the Chancellor's pod was almost always hovering in the center of the rotunda, it was tradition that when a Senator was allowed to speak the Senator, or one of the aids with the Senator moved their pod a few meters away from the wall to stand out from the rest of the Senate. When the Senator finished speaking, their pod was moved back to where it was located on the wall.

When the Galactic Senate, the Senate was overseen by either the Supreme Chancellor, or the Lord Speaker. The Lord Speaker, also know as the Vice Chair of the Senate was second in rank to the Chancellor.

While Palpatine was the Chancellor, the Lord Speaker was the blue skin Chagrian man, Mas Amedda.

Palpatine wore find dark clothing under his dark robe.

Mas Amedda wore a green robe with gold shoulder pads over dark gray clothing.

Presently, Palpatine stood in the center of the Chancellor's pod, which hovered in the center of the room, while Mas stood to Palpatine's right side.

Mas hold the wooden Speaker's Staff in his right hand. At the top of Speaker's Staff had a small wooden statue of person in hooded robes praying. The Speaker's Staff was a symbol of the Vice Chair's authority within the Galactic Senate.

The repulsorpods also had built in holo-monitors that would broadcast a Senator's holographic image into their chair. Any such hologram was in full color. The Galactic Senate did not spare any expense on their communication equipment.

The pod also had speakers to talk within the pod. And should the Senator be called to speak before the Senate, the Senator could use the speakers in the Rotunda to be heard by those present.

Within Senate Padme Amidala's assigned repulsorpod only the rotunda wall, the holo-monitor was quietly turned on, with Padme's holographic image appearing in her seat in her pad.

As Padme listened she found the she had appeared in the middle of the debate happening within the Senate. Though, no one within the Senate paid her arrival any mind.

Padme had already read the informing concerning what the debate was about, and the bill that was being presented before the Senate.

The holo-monitor was programmed to broadcast senate session in the manner that the current senator whom had the floor and was speaking was the person that show up on the small holo-monitor in Padme's bedroom.

Padme silently listened to the current Senator, whom supported the current bill on the floor.

While Padme listened to the current senator speaking, she mentally lamented, 'This bill is another example of Chancellor Sheev Palpatine's political genius and cunning.'

'The bill currently being debated on was put forward by an ally of Palpatine's in the Senate. And while it was officially written by a few Senators, the bill has all the signs of involvement by the Chancellor.'

'The bill in question partly funds charities for children's hospitals on Coruscant and across the Republic. But, another part of this bill funds the military war effort.'

'Palpatine set this bill up to force us, whom quietly oppose the war effort, to publicly support the war effort by voting for the bill. Anyone whom votes against the bill will look like she or he is against helping children. So this is a no-win situation for us.'

'Bail and myself already quietly coordinated with our small group of senators, in private. With me using an encrypted holo-comm channel to attend our meetings. We had discussed this bill, along with a few other bills, in private.'

'Due to Senator Garm Bel Iblis being present, the debate got a little heated. He completely oppose this bill on its merits. While most of us were weighing on the supporting, or being against the bill, by the outside political repercussions. But, we kept our meetings civil.'

'I have found I respect Garm even more that before he joined out little group. He prefers to debate the matter from the heart of the subject. Instead of debating the results of an action.'

'While Garm can be very stubborn and passionate in his views, Garm has a very down to earth point of view on matters. He is the type of person we need in our group.'

'Though, in the end we all decided to vote for the bill. Even Garm. Because we all realized we are not ready to publicly challenge the war effort. We do not have the political strength yet to do so. But, we are slowly building up our forces for the day when we will challenge Sheev over the war.'

'That will likely be an interesting day for all of us.'

Padme sighed, as she continued her thoughts, 'In the long run, our support for this bill is only a minor defeat for us. It cannot be helped that we are supporting the bill. Especially, myself. Considering my current political and military situation. And that Chancellor Palpatine knows who I am, and what I am doing right now.'

'Sheev knows I oppose a to of the measures dealing with this war. But, he will not do anything against me as long as I am useful to him, and I do not draw political attention towards him. Both within the Senate chambers, and outside the Senate.'

'Though, I can help Bail lead the opposition in my place.'

'Also, I need to keep in mind that there are still Separatist sympathizers within the Galactic Senate. Even though I am doing this by holo-comm, I need to be careful. A misspoken statement can be politically disastrous.'

Padme thought on the debate itself, as she realized in thought, 'It is clear this debate is going to go on for the next few days. And I am only really attending by holo-conference as a matter of record that I an present during these senate sessions. Being absent too many times could politically harm me.'

Padme turned her head to the window in the room, that showed the ship was in hyperspace.

For those in the senate, it looked at if Padme was looking away from the Senate conference.

Padme thought, 'I do not care if people in the Senate Rotunda wonder what I am looking at. I am glad I was able to convince Anakin to allow me to move to another set of quarters with a window.'

Padme looked back t the holo-monitor. She continued her thoughts, 'Still, I am not sure what I will be doing in a few days when the official vote happens. Fortunately, I can preset my vote. And I will set my vote for the record before I log out, tonight.'

Padme felt concern, as she mentally reflected, 'Though, I wonder where we are going. Anakin told me he does not know. And Obiwan has not said a word about it. Though, Obiwan likely knows where we are going. He is probably under orders not to talk about the matter. And I respect his privacy.'

'Though, while in my stronger form, my enhanced senses allowed me to overhear, in the distance, some of the bridge staff saying that we are going to be a part of a big operation. And that it is going to happen soon.'

'But, I will not worry about the matter. I will be concerned when I find out what my part will be to play in it. I do hope the job I am assigned on the coming mission is one that I can stomach. Then, I will deal with the matter. For now I will focus on the present. On being a senator, and not a soldier. I will be the soldier tomorrow. Tonight, I will be the senator.'

Padme quietly listened to the debate for a few hours. When she felt tired, she use the computer to set the Senate datanets to record that she voted for the current bill being presented to the Senate. After which, she logged out of her account in the Senate datanets and shut down the holo-monitor.

Padme got up from her chair, took of her her gown and other clothing. She put on her sleeping wear and she went to sleep on her bed.

(_)

A few days later, Jango Fett sat in a the main seat of the cockpit of the Slave I as he landed his spaceship on the spaceport tarmac of the small coastal city of Jud'Dan, on the planet Ord Mantell, on the northern part of the Mid-Rim of the galaxy.

The city Jud'Dan was located by an ocean on Ord Mantell.

For Jango and Boba's internal clocks it was late at night. Though, Jango was wide awake, Boba was asleep on his bunk.

Though, this worked for Jango. He intended to meet with someone, and he did not want Boba to be present during the meeting. From the clock on the instrument panel of the cockpit of the Slave I, Jango was on time for his meeting.

A few minutes later, after transferring the electronic credits for the docking fees, Jango exited his spaceship from the back door and ramp.

Once Jango was on the ground of the spaceport tarmac he used a hidden panel that opened up by the bottom of the ramp, to retract the ramp and lock the door to his ship.

The panel also had a numerical pad that one had to press in the right passcode to open the door from the outside.

Anyone that got the code wrong on the second time would be shot at by the ships weapons. The reason for the second chance is that when Jango was in full armor, with his gloved hands, even while being careful, he sometimes punched in the wrong code the first time.

The time on that side of the planet was late evening, right after sunset. Night had fully set in. The sky being clear and there was a slight breeze from the cool air.

Jango was in normal clothing, because he did want to have this meeting, discreetly. He wore a blue short sleeve shirt, a black sleeveless vest, dark brown pants, a light brown belt, and brown boots. He had his blaster pistols holstered in side holsters on the sides of his belt.

His blaster pistols were the only weapons had had on him body. He also had a comlink in his interior left vest pocket in case he needed to contact the Slave I and Boba, to work Boba of trouble. But, he hoped the situation would not come that point.

Jango soon exited the spaceport and walked down the street, in the direction he needed to head towards.

The city lights properly illuminated the street. Jango both knew where he was at, he knew where he was going, and he knew the this area of the city was fairly safe, even at night.

While Jango walked down a city sidewalk, towards his destination, he kept an eye out for trouble, as he thought, 'Ord Mantell... I have found this planet is one of the nicer populated planets in the northern part of the Mid-Rim. This planet has a varying landscapes of land, with nice oceans, and nice weather most of the time.'

'If Ord Mantell was closer to the Core Worlds, this place would likely be a far more successful and populated planet. Still, I like this planet for what it currently is. Which is a planet that just civilized enough for to enjoy. But, not so civilized that they do not appreciate the proper application of violence.'

'I have had some people in my line of work ask me why so many bounty hunters come to Ord Mantell.'

'The governments of this section of the hyper-route do not ask to many questions from travels. With the only usual question people like myself have to worry from the local authorities being. That being do I have enough credit to bribe the authorities?'

'The reason the governments hear do not ask questions comes down to local politics and geography. Ord Mantell is a good example of this.'

'Ord Mantell is on the northern part of the Mid-Rim of the galaxy, where the hyper-routes of the Celanon Spur meet the Entralla Route.'

'The Celanon Spur goes all the way west to Namadii Corridor at the Expansion Region planet Dorin, homeworld of the Kel Dorians, to the northeastern part of the Outer Rim. The Entralla Route goes up the northern parts of the galaxy. Even better, the Namadii Corridor directly connects to the northern hyper-routes of the Colonies, and from there the hyper-routes lead to the Core.'

'Given much of the major Separatist territories are on the northeastern corner of the galaxy, this puts Ord Mantell at a crossroads between the Separatists and the Republic. This makes the planet a perfect place to come for everyone from smugglers looking for a few quick credits to fugitives fleeing from both sides of the war.'

'Fortunately, most of the fighting is to the galactic east. And smugglers can go around the fighting by using the Entralla Route. From there smugglers can take the back channel hyper-routes around the fighting into Separatist space.'

'And where there are criminals, bounty hunters are sure follow.'

'In addition, any bounty hunter realizes that most of their business is going be either be in the Expansion Region, the Mid-Rim, and the Outer Rim. As such, when a bounty hunter hits it big and wants to throw a party, they do so on Ord Mantell, because for us, this planet is one of the few places we can do so without dealing with any outside interference. And those have been some fun parties.'

'Actually, the local government of Ord Mantell welcomes us bounty hunters being here. As long as we do not hassle the locals. Which is fine with me. With so many bounty hunters here, at any given time. Most times when a local here finds out they have bounty on them before their bounties are posted on the datanets.'

'And unlike most people, when a bounty hunter finally decides to retire, the local government welcomes bounty hunters to retire on this planet.'

'The local governments realize that cannot stop smugglers and criminals from passing through. Actually, a good bit of their business through the area of space comes from such criminals coming and going, to and from the Core Worlds and Outer Rim.”

'Some of us in the bounty hunter business dub this as, fugitive tourism.'

'I know for a fact that the locals on this planet also welcome bounty hunters. They get a kick from the prestige of having so many bounty hunters visit their world. I try to be nice to my fans. It is bad for one's reputation to be unnecessarily cruel to those whom are polite to you.'

'Ord Mantell has one of the most concentrated numbers of bounty hunters per capita in the galaxy. This keeps the smugglers, fugitives, and other criminals, whom are passing though, on their toes and behaving. Which is perfectly fine by me.'

'Presently, the Black Sun syndicate controls much of this planet, but as long as I long as I do not interfere with their business dealings and be careful not to try to collect on the bounty of one of their members, I will be fine.'

'Still, if the Black Sun upsets too many people here they may find themselves in trouble with the Bounty Hunters Guild. We may not start a fight, but we will finish our fights.'

'Though, I have little to work about from the Black Sun. Jud'Dan is a small city and the Black Sun usually focuses on the major cities and spaceports. They do not have the manpower nor interest to seize control of every backwater town on a planet.'

'Once my business has been concluded here, I can head out for a job that I just lined up. A real easy job that I can use as a training exercise for Boba.'

'And if I am correct. I will meet with my... friend, right on schedule.'

Jango turned the corner to his left, and he saw the location he was heading for.

The place was a bar. With the bar being on the side of the street he was on.

While Jango headed towards the open entrance to the bar, he thought, 'Bounty hunters frequent this bar. Including myself. The name of the bar is the Red Insignia. Due to bartender is a nice to us. With his drinks are not watered down. And he has a reasonable prices on his beverages. We try to not cause him too many problems.'

When Jango reached the open entrance to the bar, he walked inside.

Jango came to a stop a meter inside the entrance of the bar. The room was moderate large enough to fill up to fifty people at a time.

Jango stood there. Jango looked around the bar, and he saw that were plenty of empty tables.

It was then Jango heard a familiar female voice say behind him, to his right side, in galactic basic, “You're late.”

Jango casually joked, “No. You're just early.”

The woman genuinely laughed a little. As she stopped laughing, she stated, in a casual tone of voice, “It is good to see you, Jango.

Jango turned around to face the woman. He said, “It is good to see you too, Aurra.”

In front of him, was the pale skin, legendary bounty hunter, the female force user, Aurra Sing. Aurra had her back to the interior side of the outer wall of the bar. She wore a sleeveless orange jumpsuit, with a brown vest, brown belt, and brown boots wore over her jumpsuit.

Aurra head was bald except for the back of her head. In the spot in the middle of the back of her head she had a large cloth orange scrunchie pulling together her long auburn hair.

Aurra had two blaster pistols holstered on the sides of her belt. The holsters were held up by the belt and a small set of straps at the bottom of each holster that tied around the lower part of the thigh the holster was set against.

Jango thought, 'You stood against the wall, by the entrance to the bar, because you knew it was one of the few locations that I would not immediately survey as I came inside.'

Jango complimented, “Ah, Aurra. You are one of the few people in the galaxy whom can get the drop on me and I would enjoy it.”

Aurra smiled, as she chucked a little. She suggested, “Let's have a seat.”

Jango returned Aurra's smile, as he replied, “My thoughts, exactly.”

Both adults walked over to set in chairs across from each other, as a small table, in an empty area of the bar.

As they got comfortable, they looked at each other.

Aurra inquired, with curiosity in her tone of voice, “So, why did you want to meet me? And of here of all places?”

Jango said, in a pained voice, “This is one of the few places we can talk without worrying about being disturbed. And as for why. I want you know, Aurra. I wouldn't call you unless it was important.”

Aurra stated, “It's okay. I don't mind. You are one of the few people I can tolerate being in the company of. And given how hard as nails you usually are. I want to know what has you so rattled.”

Jango responded, “Thank you. You know this business. Someone can punch out at anytime. That is the way things are. But lately, I have some strange dreams. Sometimes these dreams take me back to that arena on Geonosis, with a Jedi beheading me with their lightsaber. Sometimes it is some other person killing me. I have this felling that not only did I have a close call, but I literally missed the call. That I was suppose to have died in that arena. But, I didn't. And you are the only person I know of. That I trust. That has experience with the force and other strange stuff.”

Aurra smiled, as she stated, “No problem. Listen. Things like this happen to people all the time. While being force sensitive lends itself to having visions. I have even had a few myself. This does not mean that non-force sensitive people cannot have visions. It is just very, very rare.”

“The Jedi would rather pull their teeth out than admit it. But, even non-force sensitive people can have super-natural experiences. I personally know of a few non-force using people that have had such experiences.”

“I even know a few people that occasionally have a bad feeling about things, with their bad feelings being more accurate than my force abilities. This has long since lead me to believe that the force only allows one to be more in touch with the strange occurrences. Being force blind does not preclude someone from having strange events happen in their lives.”

Jango complimented, “Aurra. That is what I always liked about you. No matter what it is. You know how to put it in a straightforwards manner.”

Aurra inquired, “Thank you. So, what is all this really about? You won't just come meet me over some bad dreams. While it has been years since we were together, I know you enough about you to tell that something else is bothering you.”

Jango said, “Well, you did leave me for that Weequay.”

Aurra pointed out, “And I left Hondo because he was too greedy even for me.”

Jango stated, “Considering our profession that is saying something.”

Aurra responded, “I know. Besides, I only left you after you began talking about starting a family. After I left you, I always thought you would find someone to have a child with.” Her lips curled into a wicked smirk. She continued, “I did not realize you would decide to clone an army of children.” She then laughed a little.

Jango firmly said, “I only have one child. The rest on their own.”

Aurra dropped her smile. She calmly asked, “That is understandable. So, what is going on?”

Jango admitted, “I crossed the wrong person.”

Aurra said, “I warned you about dealing with the Jedi. Even former Jedi.”

Jango pointed out, “Weren't you trained by the Jedi?”

Aurra flatly stated, “That doesn't count. They abandoned me.”

Jango said, “Fair enough. I am not talking about Dooku. Though, I have had nothing to do with him since Geonosis.”

Aurra asked, “What happened on Geonosis?”

Jango said, in a tired tone of voice, “I would rather not talk about.”

Aurra responded, “Clearly whatever happen started there.” Aurra then remembered something from that event that she had learned about.” She continued, “Wait a minute. It is that Thor woman? Isn't it? That is where she was first spotted?”

Jango looked down at the table, as he admitted, “Yes. That is the one I crossed.”

Aurra stated, “How did you cross her? I heard about happened. You were there at the arena when Thor first appeared. The only ones there that did not immediately run, were you, your son, Dooku, the Jedi, and that Senator woman you were hired to kill...”

Then, realization dawn one Aurra's face, as she went onto say, “Oh... Her. She's Thor?”

Jango continued to look down at the table. Aurra saw Jango cringe, as he said, “Yes.”

Aurra stated, “You really screwed up this time.”

Jango looked up at Aurra. He commented, “I know.”

A thought then occurred to Aurra. She asked, “You are not going to ask me to help you fight her? Are you?”

Jango said, “No. This woman can now take down an entire army by herself. There is literally nothing I can think of that could actually kill.”

Aurra inquired, “If it is not about fighting someone you crossed? What is this all about?”

Jango replied, “Boba.”

Aurra questioned, “Your son?”

Jango explained, “Yes. I know I am on that woman's list. She has just been too busy with the war to come after me. I am sure I am not lucky enough for the war to do the job for me by taking her out. So eventually, she is going come after me. I am getting my affairs in order, beforehand.”

Aurra complimented, “That's wise of you.”

Jango replied, “Thank you.”

Jango reached into his right side pocket of his pants. He pulled out a folded piece of paper. He handed it to Aurra.

Aurra took the piece of paper. She unfolded paper and looked at it. One the paper were a written a set of two different numbers.

Aurra folded the piece of paper back up and pocketed it in the right side of her brown vest. She looked up towards Jango. She asked, “What is this?”

Jango stated, “The top number is the escrow account, and the bottom number of the amount. Should I die. I have it set up for that amount of my money will go into that account for you to use. In exchange, I want you to raise Boba until he is an adult. I want you to be his godmother.”

Aurra asked, “Me?”

Jango said, “Yes. You. While you can be as cold as they come. You are fair. And I know for that amount you will do the job. I know you well enough to trust you with my son. If something happens, I want you to take care of him.”

Aurra inquired, “One question. Why not ask a member of your own people to do this?”

Jango answered, “Because half of them have abandoned their culture. And the other half have betrayed their culture.”

Aurra commented, “That is an interesting outlook to have on such matters.”

Jango questioned, “Will you accept the job? Or, not?”

Aurra said, “While I think you will live long enough to see your son reach adulthood, I accept your deal.”

Jango replied, “Thank you.”

Aurra asked, “So, what is it like to be a parent?”

Jango answered, “It is nice being able to teach someone and know that when I am gone, there will be someone to carry on my legacy.”

Aurra commented, “Well, if your son is even half the bounty hunter you are, I do not believe you have much to worry about.”

Jango smiled, as he stated, “This I what I am hoping for.”

Aurra asked, “So where are you heading to next?”

Jango answered, “A simple job on Balmorra.” Jango thought, 'As long as I do this within the proper timetable.'

Aurra let out laugh. She smiled, as she commented, “That place brings back some memories.”

Jango shook his head a few times, as he smiled. He stated, “Tell me about it. At least this time it won't involve the Hutts.”

Aurra replied, “That's good.”

The two friends spent the next few hours casually talking, as they caught up with each about old times, and what was going on in their lives. As they do so, they had a few drinks. Eventually, they called it a night, paid the bartender for their bills, and went their separate ways, with Jango returning to his ship to check on his son.

(_)

Two days later, the Resolute and Negotiator came out of hyperspace on the eastern part of the Inner Rim, in high orbit of the planet Rasterous.

Rasterous was located on the Trellen Trade Route.

Rasterous was one of the key Republic military locations in the Inner Rim. This was due to one of the military ship yards being located in orbit of Rasterous. The ship yards constructed many of the capital ships used by the Republic. Not just Star Destroyers, but other large ships.

The ship yard was owned by Kuat Drive Yards. The galactic level company built everything from Jedi starfighters to Republic walkers to Star Destroyers.

The ship yard was not the largest ship yard employed by the Republic and Kuat Drive Yards for the war effort, but it was a key one for that area of the galaxy. As such, the ship yard was well defended with star destroyers, starfighters. And the ship yards had energy ships and enough turbo-laser batteries to hold off a small fleet by itself.

It was mid-morning in the schedule rotation on the Resolute and Negotiator.

After the Resolute and Negotiator came out of hyperspace in high orbit, away from the ship yards. The two cruisers were met by four other Republic Star Destroyers.

A shuttle was sent from one of the other Star Destroyers to the Resolute, with military personnel being temporarily transferred to the Resolute. Once those personnel were on the Resolute, all six Star Destroyers had been sent instructions on their hyperspace destination.

The formation for the Star Destroyers was one ship at point, two ships behind the lead ship, two ships behind the front pair of ships, and one ship behind the back pair of ships.

Among the formation of six Star Destroyers, the Resolute took point and the Negotiator took the rear.

Meanwhile, the personnel that had come on board the Resolute were now meeting with Obiwan, Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka, Commander Cody, and Captain Rex in a private room.

The room had a large, black circular conference table. In front of each black chair there were buttons on panels on the top of the table. There was a holo-monitor in the center of the table.

Padme was in her Thor form, with the hammer in her right hand, at her side. She was in full armor and helmet, with the Black Solace sheathed in its scabbard and strapped across her back.

Obiwan, Anakin, and Ahsoka were in their usual clothing. Each of them had a lightsaber holstered to their belt.

Cody and Rex were in their white trooper armor, without their helmets on. Neither clone had a weapon on their person.

The lights in the room were on.

As the group filed into the room, Thor saw a man and woman standing in front of them, by the edge of the table, a few meters further inside the room. The woman stood to the man's left side.

Both the man and the women were fair skin humans. The man looked to be in his mid-forties and the woman looked to be in her late twenties. Both were in their Republic olive green naval officers uniforms. Neither officer was armed.

Thor looked at the two naval officers, as she thought, 'I really am getting tired of dealing with a new admiral, or general, every other mission. I miss Admiral Wullf Yularen. We worked well together. While we are not really friends. He was a practical man. And though I did not tell him my true identity, I suspected he knew who I really am. He just did not press the matter.'

'Though, a few weeks ago, the Chancellor took an interest in Admiral Yularen and Palpatine felt Yularen could better serve the war effort by being transferred to another branch of the Republic military.'

'The rumor I heard was that Yularen ended up in the intelligence branch of the military. Given his professionalism, he will do fine there. We did give him that wonderful going away party. As such, I believe that we now have a friend in the intelligence branch of the military.'

'This admiral in front of me, is nothing like Admiral Yularen.'

'The man's name is Admiral Odus Denival. Though, I do not know the woman he is with. But, the bars on her uniform state that she is a Commander.'

'And speaking of not knowing. I do not know what is going on. Or, where we are going. But, I believe Obiwan does. And I guess the rest of us are about to find out.'

'What I do know about Admiral Denival fills me with worry.'

'While Admiral Denival does not know me as Senator Amidala, I do know of him and his family. He is from a rich, well connected family on Coruscant. When he was younger, he entered the officers academy on Coruscant, where he graduated with honors. While he is a bit of a brown-noser to the Chancellor, he is also a skilled leader and tactician.'

'He has recently married. He has a son with his wife. And his wife is currently pregnant with another child. Rumor has it that she is going to have a daughter.'

'Rumors among the government circles state that Admiral Denival is looking for a way in which to be with his family and continue his military career. This likely means convincing Chancellor Palpatine to appoint him as a Planetary Governor. This would allow him a stable environment to raise his family. Even during a war.'

'If the rumors are true, this coming operation might be the one where he takes over the planet he wishes to rule, with our help... My help.'

When everyone in the room, the sensors by the door no one was in the entryway and the door automatically slid shut.

Anakin, Thor, Ahsoka, Obiwan, Rex, and Cody all stood, as they looked at the man and woman, whom were looking back at them.

Admiral Odus Denival looked around the group, as he stated, “Greetings everyone. I am Admiral Odus Denival.” He turned to look at the woman to his left side. He turned back to the group, as he continued, “And this is my assistant, Commander Talia Brownstone.”

Talia nodded once towards the group.

Admiral Denival went onto say, “Now, let us sit down and start this mission briefing.”

Everyone filed around the table, to sit in the chairs. On one side of the room, with the door to his right side, Admiral Odus sat down in a chair, with Talia sitting down to his left side.

And in a clockwise rotation, to Talia left was Obiwan. Then, Anakin, Ahsoka, Thor, Rex, and Cody.

Rex and Cody had their backs to the door. And the door was to Thor's left side.

As Thor sat down, she set the hammer down on the floor, in its head, by her, to her right side.

Thor silently looked over at Admiral Denival whom was across the table from her.

As everyone got comfortable, Anakin was the first to speak. Anakin asked, “So, what is the mission?”

Thor saw Admiral Denival's lips curled into a small smile, as he answered, “We are going to take over a planet.”

Thor noticed the smile. She grimly thought, 'It looks like he found the planet he wants to take over and rule.'

Ahsoka inquired, “Is it a Separatist stronghold?”

Admiral Denival said, “Quite the contrary. It is a planet that has not picked a side in this war.”

Though, Thor did not show it on the outside, Thor was worried. Thor used her mental defenses to hide her concern from Anakin, Obiwan, and Ahsoka. Thor thought, with trepidation, 'Oh please. Do not be... I have to ask...' She questioned, in a stern tone of voice, “It is not one of the worlds of the Neutrality Alliance?”

Admiral Denival turned to Thor. He stated, “Fortunately, no. I have no interest in driving hundreds of worlds into the clutches of the Separatists. The world we are going to deal with took a neutral political stance when the war started, but the planet's government has decline to join the Neutrality Alliance.”

Thor thought, with mild relief, 'At least you are showing some intelligence. Still, we need to know where.' Thor asked, “What is the name of this planet we are invading?”

Admiral Denival answered, “Balmorra, in the eastern area of the Colonial Regions”

Thor thought, with concern, 'Balmorra. A planet is a member of the Galactic Republic. While that world mostly exports arms, it is a peaceful planet. And the locals know better than to cross the Republic. The rumors are the before the war broke out the Balmorra government realized what was going on, and they forced those companies that planning to side with the Separatists to either leave the planet, or change their minds on the matter.'

'After a few mysterious accidents by some of those individuals that owned those companies, the other owners of those companies got the message and either left, or they decided not to side with the Separatists.'

Obiwan turned to Admiral Denival and Commander Brownstone. Obiwan calmly requested, with no emotional shown in his voice, “State the mission, Admiral.”

Thor did not look at Obiwan, but she heard what Obiwan said. Thor thought, “From the way you worded that, I am sure you already know what the mission is about. And you do not sound enthusiastic about the matter.”

Admiral smiled, as he said, “With pleasure. We are going invade and take over Balmorra because we found out a few of the factory owners, along with few members of the planetary regime are quietly selling weaponry and droid parts of the Separatists.”

Thor sadly thought, 'I wonder who the, we, are in your statement. Still, we are going to condemn the population of an entire planet for the actions of a few greedy individuals. The had tragically happened several times in history.'

Anakin inquired, “Doesn't Balmorra also sell weaponry to Republic?”

Admiral Deneval turned to Anakin, as he stated, “Yes. And we wish for Balmorra to continue to produce their weapons for us.”

Thor caught the subtext, as she thought, 'Producing. No selling.'

Ahsoka suggested, “While selling arms to the enemy is bad. We could quietly take care of the matter, without an invasion. If support for the Separatists is coming from such a small group. We could simple expose them, arrest them, without invading the planet. Actually, the scandal from this might swing the Balmorrian population into fully siding with the Galactic Republic.”

Thor turned to look at Ahsoka, whom was sitting beside her, to her right side. Thor hid a smile, as she happily thought, 'I see my lessons in etiquette and diplomacy are not going to waste. I will compliment you later on pointing this out.”

Admiral Denival turned to Ahsoka. He conceded, “Young Jedi, that is not a bad idea. We could do it that way. But, these orders came directly from Chancellor Palpatine, himself.”

Thor turned back to look at Admiral Denival. She thought, 'I wonder how much of this mission was your suggestion to Sheev in the first place.'

Admiral Denival looked around the group, as he continued, “The Balmorrians are playing both sides from the middle in the hopes of avoid being attacked. The Chancellor wishes to make an example out of them. Balmorra is near the Neimoidia system, one of the Separatist strongholds closest to the Core Worlds.”

“As we speak, the Republic is trying to take back the Neimodia system. But, if the Balmoorians ally with the Separatists, and share their full resources with the Separatists, taking back the Neimodia system will become far more difficult. If we did not deal with this matter now we risk allowing the Separatists a permanent foothold in the Colonies which is in striking distance of the Core Worlds, including Coruscant.”

Thor grimly thought, 'It does not matter the reasons you are giving. You are just looking for an excuse to invade the planet and take it over.'

Cody inquired, “What defenses should we expect to face?”

Admiral Denival turned to Cody. He responded, “Good question. I was just getting to that.” He looked around the group, as he continued, “The Balmarrians are known for mainly producing two types of weapons. Turbo-lasers, and their own flavor of battle droids. And we can bet they have kept some of best of both to defend their their planet with.”

“Now the battle droids Balmorrians produce are known as the Hulk class droids. Fortunately, these droids are not that bright. Though, each of these Hulk droids packs enough firepower to give a bit more punch than your standard B2 super battle droid.”

Admiral Denival turned to Rex and Cody, both whom noticed this. He continued, “Though, if you apply the same tactics you do with the B2's you should do fine.”

Rex said, “We will keep that in mind.”

Cody requested, “I would like some more information on these droids? For our men.”

Odus replied, “No problem.” He looked to his assistant, Talia. He turned back to Cody, as he continued, “As soon as this meeting is over. My commander will provide you with any information you require on the matter.”

Cody said, “Thank you sir.”

Admiral Denival stated, “You're welcome.”

Talia turned to Cody and Rex, as she stated, “Officers. We will discuss this matter after meeting concludes.”

Cody and Rex turned Commander Brownstone.

Rex replied, “Yes sir.”

Cody said, “That we will.”

Admiral Denival turned his attention back to the group, as he said, “Except for those two types of weapons. The planet's government has the standard space defense forces, infantry, and armored vehicles for an industrial planet of its population size.” He turned to Thor, then back to the group. He said, “Though, truthfully even without Thor, they are no match for us.”

Thor realized where this was leading, and what her likely part in this plan was. She asked, “Thou guesses thy will handle given cover against the turbo-lasers?”

Admiral Denival turned to Thor. He stated, “Yes. Along with taken out a few key installations where the Hulk battle droids are stored. While we are not sure how your powers work. It seems the electrical storms you can create play havoc with anti-aircraft sensors. And what the turbo-lasers cannot lock on to they cannot fire on.”

“Though, keep the wind and rain to a minimum. We will be using starfighters and bombers in the atmosphere.”

Thor replied, “Yes sir.”

Admiral Denival said, “Balmorra has four moons. We will come out of hyperspace behind Balmorra's largest moon. When we are ready we will to the planet. Those on Balmorra are not expecting an attack. We can use surprise to both overwhelm and defeat them before we get into such a large, bogged down battle which could become a bloodbath on both sides. Besides, we want to take those factories, refineries, and even the mines, in one piece.”

Thor realized subtext of what was no said. She thought, 'But, you say nothing towards the welfare of the civilian populations. That troubles me. Also, I wonder who you plan to have work in those mines, refineries, and factories? And in what conditions the workers will be in? This troubles me further. But, we will get to this in a minute.'

Admiral Denival went onto say, “ Given the invasion will be a surprise attack, I want you to fly in a headhunter starfighter, and land at the spaceport of Bin Prime, the capital of Balmorra. Then, I want you to to stay low, and use your weather abilities from the ground. If you do this correctly, the locals will not be able to realize what is going on until it is too late.”

Thor thought, 'So you want to keep me out of the line of fire. I will give you that one. Still, there are another matters we need to discuss.' Thor responded, “Thy will do my part. Though, are we going to bomb civilian populations? Or just military targets?

Admiral Denival stated, “As I said, we would like to take the industrial complexes in one piece. And given many of these factories are in civilization populations, we do not want to destroy those locations. Though, we should also attempt to take the mines and refineries on the outskirts of civilization on this planet in one piece. Once we have taken control of the planet from this corrupt regime, we will bring order to the planet through use of the Republic military to institute martial law. After we have done this, we can bring the weapons factories of Balmorra up to full production level for the Republic war effort.”

Thor thought, with disgust, 'It sounds like we are replacing a legitimate government with a corrupt regime of our own. You really do not give a damn about the civilian populations. As such, you plan use of the factories without paying for the production. Given other planets we conquered... I disgusted with using that word. But, it fits. The Republic military will be controlling the local population under martial law, and you plan to run the weapons factories at full production. This leads to one conclusion...'

Thor asked, “Whom is going to man the factories? The refineries? And the mines?”

Admiral Denival said, “The local population.”

Thor questioned, “Are we going force the local populations back to the work?

Admiral Denival stated, “The locals will be conscripted to do the jobs they previous did. As they do so, they will housed and fed by us. If they obey they will not be harmed.”

Thor bitterly thought, 'We are not going to pay them and we will force them to work. The Republic resorts to slavery. And you plan to be the military Governor. That makes sense. If I refuse to help, I risk a court-martial. And without my weather abilities for cover, you will bomb the civilian targets, likely killing millions more people. You likely realize this. How did I end up being blackmailed in a way that forces me to use my powers?'

'I am likely now one of the most powerful single individuals in the Galaxy. If I bail on this mission I will become an outlaw, and millions of lives will likely be lost just during the invasion. But, I cannot say a thing, because doing so would only get me in trouble. They might even take me off the mission and the civilian areas will be bombed.'

'As such, I might as well be diplomatic about the situation.”

Thor carefully chose her words, as she said, “Admiral. Thank you for clarifying the situation.”

Admiral Denival responded, “You're welcome, General. And while you will be focusing on your part of our attack on the capital. Bin Prime, and surrounding areas, we will also be attacking other military targets. Once Thor has done her job, we will move in by sending our starfighters squadrons to deal with their starfighter squadrons. Our bomber squadrons to deal will destroy their stationary air defense targets. Then, our infantry and armor transports to take control or destroy of their assigned targets. Depending on if it is an enemy installation, or a industrial complex we wish to keep.”

“As our forced invade the planet, our six Star Destroyer fleet will begin to set up a blockage around Balmorra. We will assign some starfighter squadrons to assist us with the blockade. We do not want the Balmorrians to escape.”

Thor thought, with some bitterness, 'And tell the galaxy what has been done.'

Admiral Denival looked in front of him, at the buttons on his side of the table.

Admiral Denival pushed a few buttons in front of him. The lights suddenly dimmed. The holo-monitor in the center of the table came on to show the a full colored, three dimensional hologram of the planet Balmorra.

Denival pushed a few more buttons and red dots appeared on the planet of Balmorra. Along with several white dots with names of show below the white dots. There were names in standard galactic basic, in white lettering, under each of the white dots. There were far more white dots and names than red dots.

Though, many of the red dots either were set by the white dots, or overlapped the red dots.

Also, the hologram of Balmorra beginning to slowly rotate from left to right, to allow all those at the table to see the various targets that were dotted across the globe.

Thor noticed Bin Prime located on the planet. She thought, “So that is where Bin Prime is located on the planet.'

Admiral Denival looked around the room, as he stated, “The white dots are civil locations. The red dots are primary targets of key areas we will be focusing on hitting first. As you can see, some of the red dots are located in civilian populations, some are located just outside of civilian populations, and a few are set far away from civilian populations. Once we have dealt with the primary targets, we will be focusing on secondary targets.”

Admiral Denival pushed another button on the table. Blue dots appeared on the holographic globe. A few blue dots overlapped some of the red dots and white dots. Though, there are more blue dots than red dots. Even counted together, the red dots and blue dots did not outnumber the white dots and names below the white dots.

Admiral Denival continued, “The blue dots are the secondary targets. And these...”

Admiral Denival pressed another button. Some green dots appeared. There are more green dots than red dots and blue dots. But, the green dots only composed about half the number of white dots and names. The green dots sometimes overlapping with the red dots, blue dots, or white dots.

Admiral Denival said, “The green dots are targets of opportunity. Places we suspect might give us trouble. But, we hope is not the case. With luck, the Balborra government will surrender, or we will take control before we get to these locations.

Thor thought, 'Those green dots are likely where possible business and political interests are located. Along with some of the greens does also being influential individuals and families that might cause problems for those enforcing martial law on the planet's population.'

Admiral Denival stated, “Keep in mind we are the only the first wave. A number of relief personnel are standby. If we run into unexpected trouble we will call them in. Though, their primary job is to oversee the transition period of us taking control of the planet.”

Thor thought, 'Meaning. Along with us forcing millions of people into labor camps, to produce weapons for the Republic. We are going likely go door to door, and round up possible troublemakers and put them, and likely their families, either in prison, or into labor camps with everyone else. I feel like I am going to be sick.'

Admiral Denival said, “We will break down what each of the red and blue dots mean. Where exactly they are located. And what to expect when attacking those areas. Both from a military standpoint, and from potential collateral damage.”

Thor bitterly lamented in thought, 'Meaning civilian lose of life.'

Admiral Denival went onto say, “Afterward, we will do an overview of the locations of the green dots, along with other points of interested that compose some of the white dots. Those included in the primary targets are locations in Bin Prime were we know Hulk droids are being kept.”

Admiral Denival turned to Thor. He stated, “General Thor. You will be give the coordinates of where the battle droids are being kept. I want you to destroy the Hulk droid depots on Bin Prime with your lightning and tornadoes. Use you discretion on this matter.”

Thor turned to Deinval. Thor replied, “Yes sir.”

Admiral Denival said, “Good.” He looked around the table, as he continued, “The other primary targets are mostly military defense installations and weapon depots. Given Balmorra has been invaded several times over the millennia, they have experience on invasions. As such, we need to hit all the primary targets as quickly as possible so they do not have time to organize a challenging defense.”

Admiral Denival went on to give the details of the mission to those present in the room.

Meanwhile, Thor thought, 'I will do my part. But, that does not mean I have to like it.'

During the mission briefing, it took all of Thor's willpower not to make any disparaging remarks concerning the details of the mission. These details included that it would be a few days before the mission took place.

By the time the meeting was over, an hour later, all Thor wanted to do was leave the room and get out of sight of Admiral Odus Denival.

With the mission briefing over, the hologram of Balmorra has been turned off and the lights were set back to normal.

Those present began to get out of their chairs. Rex and Cody went to talk to Talia about various details of the mission which were not covered in the mission briefing.

On the other hand, Thor stood up from her chair, picked up the hammer in her right hand, and she left the room.

Thor headed to her personal quarters. Once she inside her quarters and the door to the hallway slid closed, locking itself, Thor changed back to her normal form.

Thor set the hammer down on a nearby table, on its side. Then, she headed to her bed to rest due to the meeting being so mentally draining.

Later that day Padme talked to Anakin, Ahsoka, and even Obiwan, about the mission. Though, she knew better than to share her opinions on the matter. And they paid her the same respect on the matter.

Padme could tell that none of the four of them were happy with the mission. Still, they had to follow orders, because if they did not, they all realized that other people would take their places. And those people would possibly not car about the welfare of the civilian populations of the planet they were make war on.

(_)

A few days later, Jango piloted his space ship, the Slave I, out of hyperspace and into orbit over Balmorra.

Balmorra was an industrial planet. But, not a full city planet. Even after being colonies for several millennial, much of the planet was still uninhabited. Balmorra rich iron ore reserves, clean water, and fertile soil made wonderful locations for industrial complexes.

Unfortunately, Balmorra was located between the Core Worlds and the Colonies.

On the interior side of the Core Worlds was the Deep Core. The exterior side of the Colonies was the Inner Rim. Then, Expansion Region on the outer side of the Inner Rim. Then, the Mid-Rim. And on the outer side of the Mid-Rim was the Outer Rim of the Galaxy.

This location of Balmorra in the Colonies put Balmorra just outside of the protection of the Core Worlds. And over the last ten thousand years, the planet had become a proxy for the major players in almost every galactic war.

As such, the planet never became an ecumenopolis. A city planet.

But, Balmorra had still been a major arms exporter for the galaxy for thousands of year.

Though, this industrialization played havoc with Balmorra's eco-system. Though, the Balmorra population had successfully addressed this issue several times in their past.

Jango sat in a pilot chair in the front part of the cockpit of his ship.

To Jango's right side, was his eleven year old son, Boba, whom was sitting in the co-pilot chair. There were also to empty chairs, attached to the floor, behind the from chairs.

During the time Jango owned the Slave I he had modified the ship a few times. With Boba getting older, Jango had the cockpit of his ship modified to add a few more chairs, so Boba could sit beside Jango, as Jango taught his son how to fly the ship. The other two chairs were to practically in keeping an eye on live bounties they capture.

Jango was dressed in blue shirt, black pants, and black boots. Boba was dressed in a light blue shirt, dark blue pants, and black boots.

While Jango piloted his ship, he turned to Boba, then back to the controls. Jango thought, 'It is nice to have Boba watch me do this so he can learn how to properly fly this ship himself. I always taught him the basics on flying this ship and how to use the weapons systems. He is already a decent pilot. I will teach him more. Though, for right now I do the flying and he will watch.'

Jango turned to look through the cockpit windows, towards the planet Balmorra in the distance. He continued his thoughts, 'Ah, Balmorra. This place brings back memories. Some good. Some bad. But, all were interesting. The planet is slightly polluted, with some dusty plains. But, there is still some forests and wildlife on the planet. Though, I would not recommend swimming in the oceans of Balmorra.'

'Also, the landscapes offer a nice contrast between the mountains and plains.'

'The planet's inhabitants have gone through cycles of industrialization and nearly toxifying the planet. With the Balmorrians then scaling back and cleaning up their planet. Only for the cycle to repeat itself.'

'The industrial eras begin during the lead up and duration of major galactic wars. While the clean up happens after the end of each galactic war.'

'Given that there has been nearly a thousand years of peace since the Russan Reformation, even with the factories on the planet which are presently in use, the planet is still fairly clean by most standards of galactic civilization.'

'I am glad that I checked to find that my contact in the Balmorra government is still alive after the last time I had to use him to land on this rock. The codes he already sent me should make it easy for us to get onto the planet and get off the planet without a problem.'

Jango thoughts were pulled back to the present, as Boba asked, “Is this Balmorra?”

Jango turned to see Boba looked out the window towards the planet. Jango answered, “Yes. Now, we need to suit up. Then, we will head down to the planet. It is always wise to arrive in a manner you are prepared for anything.”

Boba turned to his look at his father. He replied, “Father. I will keep that in mind.” Then, Boba got up from his chair and headed towards the back of the ship.

Jango turned back to the cockpit controls in front of him. He set the autopilot on his ship, to put the Slave I into a stable orbit around Balmorra, without hitting anything in space. Then, he get out of his chair and he headed towards the back of the ship.

Unfortunately, Jango's sensors did not detect the fleet of six Republic Star Destroyers which had just exited hyperspace behind the largest moon that orbited Balmorra.

(_)

A few hours later, after Jango and Boba got ready for the job, Jango Fett piloted the Slave I down to the spaceport on Bin Prime.

Given Jango already had a contact in the Balmorra government receiving clearance to land at the Bin Prime spaceport had not been difficult.

As soon as the ship had landed and the engines has been shut down, the ramp in the back of the ship lower to the tarmac below. After which the door in back of the ship slid open.

Jango was first to walk out of the ship, and down the ramp. He was followed by his son, Boba.

Both of them were in their mandolarian armor, with their helmets on. Their suits had internal weapons, along with each of them having two holstered blaster pistols. The pistols on both sets of armor were holstered on the outer sides of their thigh armor. Each holsters was tied to the belts of the armor and tied around the thigh armor.

In addition to other equipment, Jango was carrying his jetpack on the back of his suit. Boba was not wearing a jetpack.

While Jango walked down the ramp, he noticed from the angle of the sun in the sky that it was early afternoon, local time. On a warm, sunny day.

When both father and son made it to the bottom of the ramp, to stand on the tarmac, Jango used the hidden panel on the back of the ship to close the door to the ship, and retract the ramp.

Once the ship was locked, Jango leaned up and turned to his son, whom was standing a meter from him, with Boba facing him.

Jango used his helmet's internal encrypted communication system, with microphone and speakers, to ask his son, “Is everything alright with your suit?”

Boba answered, though the internal encrypted comlink of his helmet, “Father. Everything is alright on my end.”

Jango could tell that something was off in Boba's voice. He inquired, “Is there anything you wish to state before we being this hunt?”

Boba stated, “I would prefer to have a rifle, over a pistol. But, other than that I am fine.”

Jango commented, “Sometimes this job requires subtlety.”

Boba pointed out, “There is not much subtlety in wearing full mandolarian armor in public.”

Jango thought, 'He has a point.' Jango conceded, “That is true, my son. But, having a rifle would cause even more questions to be asked. While in many cases holstered pistols would be fine. We are trying to do this job in a low key fashion. As long as we do not look for trouble, and stay on schedule, this current job should be a milk run for us.”

Boba said, “That is usually when things go sideways.”

Jango responded, “True. That is sometimes the case. But not most of the time.”

Boba questioned, “Do we need to rent a speeder?”

Jango stated, “No. The target is only a few kilometers from here. And we could use the walk for you to get use to moving around in your armor.”

Boba asked, “Okay. So where exactly is the target?”

Jango answered, “Our client stated the target should be in his home. Which according to the map I looked up, the target is this way.”

Jango turned and started walking in a direction that took them out of the spaceport, and to the city proper.

Boba followed close behind his father, as they headed for their target's home.

Though, there was a brown, grassy field between the spaceport and the city.

(_)

Half an hour later, Thor sat in the cockpit of the Republic Z-95 headhunter starfighter she had been issued, as she came in for a landing at Bin Prime spaceport.

While Thor sat in her cockpit chair, she head on her armor, helmet, with the Black Solace sheathed in its scabbard, strapped to her back. The hammer was placed behind her seat. She was not strapped into her seat.

Thor flew her starfighter to a hovering stop over the area of the tarmac that has been assigned to her.

Thor extended the landing gear and hovered to the ground. After she felt the land gear gently hit the ground, she started to shut down the engines to her ship.

Once the engines where shut off, Thor opened the canopy to her starfighter.

Thor breathed in the fresh air. She felt relief, as she thought, 'It is pleasantly odd that this time I was able to land and not have to worry about ditching my starfighter in midair. When I do so I always worry I might end up hitting civilians with starfighter. Though, from what I understand the starfighters I use for such mission are usually taken out by anti-aircraft fire before they hit the ground.'

'Though, I am also happy I am not made to pay for these starfighters.'

'Also, I am glad Anakin helps me check the starfighters out before I fly them. He sometimes notices things that even the technicians working on them occasionally miss. He is such a helpful boyfriend. We really do need to figure out how to get away from the fighting and go on a date, without getting caught... Still, I need to get down to business and accomplish my part of this mission.'

'With the codes I was given by the military, I had no problems getting clearance from Bin Prime spaceport for the landing. Now...'

Thor sighed, as she mentally lamented, with bitterness, 'Now, to go out there and do the mission before I make myself sick from thinking about what is about to happen.'

Thor pushed the canopy wide open. She stood up, and turned around to pull out the hammer.

As soon as she had the hammer in her right hand, she used it to fly up, and way from the starfighter she had piloted.

A few seconds later, the ship's cockpit sensors detecting the pilot had left and it automatically closed the canopy.

Thor stayed around thirty meters in the air as she flew towards the city proper. Though, with her enhanced vision she noticed another ship parked among the many ships the tarmac of the spaceport.

This was a very familiar ship to Thor. A ship she knew on sight from the pictures she had seen of it in government reports.

Thor came to a stop, in the air, as she looked at the ship. Her lips curled into a wicked grin, as she thought, 'Oh. I recognize this ship. And I know who it belongs to. This is going to be fun. Though, I better let Obiwan and Anakin know what is going on. But, I won't give them all the details.'

Thor had a comlink earpiece on her right ear, under her helmet. The comlink was turned on and set to an encrypted channel for the mission. Thor stated, “This is General Thor requesting to speak to General Kenobi and General Skywalker.”

A few seconds later, Thor heard Obiwan's voice say over her earpiece, “Go ahead.”

Thor stated, “Thy believes thee has found someone on the Republic target list. High priority.”

Obiwan asked, “Which target?”

Thor thought, 'If you knew who it was, you would forbid me found going after him. With you saying that I was too close to the matter. And you would send someone else. But, I really need to make him pay before for what he did to me. I know just the excuse to use.'

Thor commented, “Thy would prefer not to say on an open channel. Thy might be wrong.”

Obiwan inquired, “Will confronting this target effect your mission?”

Thor replied, “No.” She thought, 'And that is the truth. I can do both.'

Obiwan said, “Then see to it.”

Over the communication earpiece, Thor heard Anakin say, “Happy hunting.”

Thor replied, “Thank you.”

Thor flew up higher, just over the spaceport, so she could use her enhanced sight to search the area for her target. As she did so, she thought, 'If I am lucky, you just arrived here and I can find you without a problem.'

A few seconds later, Thor spotted her target in the center of an open, brown, grassy field, just outside of the spaceport, between the spaceport and the city proper.

Thor lips curled into a smirk, as she thought, 'There you are. And you are not alone. I am going to enjoy confronting you. And I know just how to do.' Thor's smirk turned into a wicked grin. She continued her thoughts, 'It is time for you to learn what it is like to be afraid and be powerless against those that bring you fear.'

Thor flew towards her target, as she began to use her weather powers, for both her mission, and her personal reasons.

(_)

Meanwhile, Jango and Boba made it passed the spaceport, and they were walking across a brown, grassy field, towards the area of the city where their target's home was located.

The grassy field a little over a kilometer in diameter. The grassy field was surrounded by large buildings in the distance.

They had made it to the middle of the grass field when Jango noticed the skies suddenly darken in black clouds.

Jango felt dread, as he thought, 'Something is not right. Before coming to Bin Prime I checked the weather report. It was suppose to be sunny all day. This is not natural.'

Over their internal comlink, Jango ordered, “Boba. I want you to stop. And not do anything without my say so.”

Over their communications, Boba replied, “Yes sir.”

Jango stopped. Boba stopping a meter and a half behind his father, behind his father, to his father's right side.

Both of them stood in place as Jango continued to look around.

By then, the wind was beginning to whip up, and the only daylight were from beyond the edges in the cloud cover in the horizon.

The only light was from the horizon, the lights from buildings in the distance, and from the lightning from the clouds.

Though, Jango noticed that none of the lightning had touched the ground, and there was no rain.

Jango realized, as he thought, with a bit of fear, 'This is just like the dream. Only with one difference.' He turned around to look at Boba, as he continued his thoughts, with worry, 'My son. We have got to get out of here.'

But, when Jango looked back in front of him, he saw Thor, with her hammer in her right hand, hovering in front of Boba and himself. Thor was about fifteen meters from them and ten meters in the air.

Jango thought, with concern and growing fear which he forced himself to contain, 'Too late, She must have flown over us. And she waited until I turned to look at my son for her to appear in front of us. I guess when one can fly without an engine, one can be very quiet.'

Thor hovered in place, as she smirked under her helmet. She looked at them. She commented, in an arrogant tone of voice, “If it is not Jango Fett and his runt.” She thought, 'I admit. I am having way too much fun doing this.'

While Jango kept his eyes on Thor, he stated into his microphone, which was still set to just speak to Boba, and not use the outside helmet speakers, “Boba do not react to her insults.”

Boba did as his father had ordered to do as he maintained his position.

Jango kept looking up at Thor. Jango used the heads up display on the internal visor of his helmet, which was directed by his eyes, to set his helmet to have its external speakers on. He put as much bravado and firmness into his tone of voice as he could muster, as he asked, “What do you want?”

Thor laughed for a few seconds.

The wind picked up a little more, with lightning and thunder coming from the clouds being more frequent. But, none of the lightning hit the ground and there was still no rain.

Thor stated, “Thy still has business with thee.”

Jango inquired, “What business?”

Thor smirked, as she warned, “Do not play coy. Bounty Hunter. Killer. Murderer. Jango Fett. I know you both know who I am. And what this business is about.”

Jango admitted, “Yes. I know who you are. And this is about my contract against you.”

Thor said, “Yes. Thy has not forgotten.” Thor all but growled, as she continued, “And thou lost friends because of you.”

Jango thought, 'I guess it would be too much to hope you had forgotten.'

Jango responded, “We have all lost loved ones in this life. But like all things it is best to live in the here and now. When it comes to you, I fulfilled my contract the moment you were captured. And the reason I was in the arena was that I was assigned bodyguard work during that entire situation. I had no intention of coming after you. Then. Now. Nor ever again.”

Thor stated, “Thou realizes this. Which is why thy is talking to you, instead of arresting you and your son.”

Jango thought, 'I cannot fight my way out of this.' Jango requested, in the most sincere tone of voice as he could bring forth, “Please do not harm my son. Please let him go. It is me you want. Not him.”

Thor dropped her smirk, as she thought, 'This is not the response I was expecting.'

Thor said, “Thou have no interest in your son.”

Boba turned on his external speakers, as he pleaded, “Do not hurt my dad!”

Jango felt dread as he saw Thor turned her attention towards Boba.

Thor said, to Boba, “Your dad has done horrible things.”

Boba countered, “And you have done horrible things as well. We have been paying attention to what you have done.”

Thor commented, “I have brought near bloodless victories for the Republic.”

Boba flatly stated, “And in doing so you have enslaved worlds. It is clear that this world is next.”

Thor was stunned by what Boba had accused her of. Thor said, “I do not enslave worlds. I save lives.” She thought, with doubt, 'Don't I?'

Jango risked a look at his son, to his right and behind himself. Then, he he looked back up at Thor. He thought, 'I do not know what you are playing at son. I hope your plan works. If she tries to hit you with lightning, I will protect you with my body. Our suits are suppose to be insulated against electrical attacks. Though, I am not sure that is even enough against her lightning attacks.'

Boba commented, “Almost all the worlds you helped to conquer for the Republic martial law declared, and the governments were replaced by political puppets appointed by the Chancellor. A garrison of troopers stationed to control of the populations of each of those planets.”

“You do not save lives. You enslave them.”

“There have been reports that the populations of many of those worlds have been enslaved into forced labor camps. Given the type of world Balmorra is, can you not say the same will not happen here, very soon?”

Thor realized, as she thought, 'Well he has me in a corner. For a child, he is well informed. But, given whom his father is, I should expect nothing less.'

Thor lowed down where she was standing on the ground, eight meters from them. She held her hammer in her right hand, to her right side.

Thor looked away, as she admitted, “I cannot.” Then, she looked back at Boba and Jango. She thought, 'I have to ask.' She inquired, “What will happen to your son, if I arrest you?”

Jango stated, “What happens to all children orphaned by war? Some die. Some survive. But, they all lose a part of themselves. An important part of themselves. I lost my parents and my sister when I was a child. I know what I am talking about.” He thought, 'I am not going to let you know about Aurra. And should something happen to me, I already have a preset recording for Boba on our ship and in his helmet.'

Thor thought, 'This explains a lot about you.'

Thor commented, “Thy was not aware of that.”

Boba stated, with a bit of anger in his voice, “Thor, I promise you. I will free my father from you. And if something happens my dad. I do not care how powerful you. I will find a way to kill you.”

Jango turned around face his son. He stated, with the external speaks on, so Thor could hear him, “Boba! No! You will not. Revenge will not bring profit. Revenge only brings death.”

Jango turned back to face Thor.

Thor turned to Boba. Thor said, “Listen to your father.” Thor thought, 'I need to know something.' She requested, “Take off your helmet. I want to see your faces. I want to see your eyes.”

Jango ordered, “Boba. Do as she says.”

Thor watched as Jango and Boba used their hands to remove their helmets.

Thor looked at the faces of the father and son.

While she could see the resemblance between them, for the obvious reason of Boba being a clone of Jango, she also could tell several other things by looking at their a faces and eyes.

While Jango's face was unreadable, she saw fear in his eyes.

Thor thought, 'At least Jango understands the seriousness of the situation.'

Then, Thor looked at Boba. She saw that Boba's face was almost a sneer towards her. And she saw a fierceness determination and stubbornness in Boba's eyes.

Thor thought, 'This boy will be trouble if I leave him be. But if I try to arrest him, Jango will fight me, even when he clearly knows he cannot win. And this can only end in tears, with Jango probably fighting to his dying breath to protect his son. And in the end the boy will either end up in prison, or dead. If the boy escapes, he will likely try to make good on his promise. I have had enough death marks already to last a hundred lifetimes. I do not need another one. Especially from a child. And from a death mark I can avoid.'

'And even if I can take them both alive, should either of them are interrogated by Republic personnel, there is a good chance that my secret identity will become more widely know. So, I need to handle this is a better way. And I know just how to do so.'

Thor asked, “Well, Boba is it?...”

Boba answered, “Yes.”

Thor stated, “Well Boba, thee strikes thou as someone who would make good on their promise.” She looked down at her hammer, as she continued, “But part of having and using this power is being worthy.”

Thor continued to look at her hammer, as she thought, 'I have to be better than them.'

Thor turned back to Boba. She said, “So killing you is out of the question.”

Thor noticed that Jango face and eyes relaxed a little. But, Boba's face and eyes remained the same.

Thor focused on both Jango and Boba, as she went onto say, “So, thou guesses thy will likely be let thee go on two conditions.”

Jango swiftly requested, “Name your terms.”

Thor sternly said, “No more assassination missions.”

Jango quickly stated, “Deal.”

Thor looked over at Boba. Then, she turned to Jango. She ordered, “And raise him to be an honorable man.”

Jango said, “Deal.”

Thor commanded, in a firm tone of voice, “Go. Before thou changes thy mind.” With mixed feelings, Thor thought, 'I know I am going to regret this later. But this feels like the right thing to do.'

Jango turned his son. He ordered, “Head back to the ship as quickly as you can.” Jango thought, “I could use my jetpack. But, I will not abandon my son.'

Thor watched as Jango and Boba put their helmets back on, as they turned away from her. Jango and Boba then ran back towards the spaceport.

Jango and Boba showed not signs of trouble running while wearing their armor.

Thor smiled, as she chuckled a little. Thor though, 'I find it funny seeing a person some considered the most dangerous bounty hunter in the galaxy turn tail and run away from me. And in front of his son. I will watch them for another minute, then I will continue with my primary mission. In my report after the battle, I will not name the target I mentioned to Obiwan. And I will state I could not find the target and the target escaped.'

Thor watched Jango and Boba run for a minute. Then, she used Mjolnir to fly into the sky, as she turn around, and headed into the capital city of Bin Prime to continue her mission for the Republic military.

(_)

Meanwhile, as Jango and Boba continued to run towards the spaceport, Jango set his communication to only speak to Boba. He ordered, “Set your helmet to privacy mode.”

Over this encrypted internal comlink system, Boba replied, “Done father.”

Jango said, “Good.”

Boba mentioned, “Father. I am not disappointed with you. We did what we had to do.”

Boba words made Jango feel better. Jango replied, “I am glad you understand.”

Just then they saw a squadron of Republic starfighters do a fly by over them, as they headed into the city of Bin Prime.

Jango thought, 'We do not have much time. But we still have time.'

Jango inquired, “Son. Do you remember your lessons on being cunning?”

Boba answered, “Yes.”

Jango complimented, “You just pass your lessons on that. We would have not gotten out of there if not for what you said to her.”

Boba said, with happiness in his tone of voice, “Thank you, father. I just read the situation and used the knowledge we on her against her.”

Jango stated, “And you did a good job of it.”

Jango risked a peak behind him. He saw Thor had left. He turned back to look in front of himself. He thought, 'Good she is gone. Now to take care of business. Though, I will make sure that she is gone. An extra minute will not hurt.'

Jango ordered, “Now I want us to continue running for another minute. Then, I will turn back and head to our target. Our timetable has been moved up. But, we still have time. I want you go back to the ship and await my signal for an emergency pickup.”

Boba says, “Yes father.”

Jango commented, “Also, do a ground level fly over with the ship. The open air is too dangerous right now.” He thought, 'I really need to teach you more about dogfighing.' He continued, “After you pick us up. I will fly us off the planet.”

Boba inquired, “Yes father. How long should I expect to hear from your signal?”

Jango thought, 'That is a good question. And considering only I can get us off this planet, I will have to rely on you as a plan B for me.' He answered, “I should be there in fifteen minutes. I want you to use the emergency located beacon system I have one my suit to come. I will use it to inform you to come up pick the target and myself. If I have not used the beacon system within half an hour use it to find me.”

Jango thought, 'The Republic will be monitoring communication transmissions. But, a beacon system usually is ignored by the Republic and mistaken as part of a ecological beacon system to warn ships of dangerous environment hazards on the ground.'

Boba replied, “I understand.”

Jango stated, “Good. Now let us finish this hunt.” He thought, 'By using my jetpack, I will be there ten minutes.'

A few seconds later, Jango turned back around and ran towards the city proper, as Boba kept running for the spaceport, and their ship, the Slave I.

Jango then used his jetpack to quickly travel across the grassy field and to the city proper. Though, he had to fly lower to avoid the Republic starfighters, and this meant he had to go at a slower speed, as he flew close to the ground.

(_)

Ten minutes later later, Jango used his jetpack to fly through the streets to the address he has been looking for. The building was a small, one story building, surrounded by larger, taller buildings.

By the time Jango reached the home the air raid sirens had started blaring, and the streets had quickly emptied. Even the speeder vehicles were gone.

Jango landed by the front door of the building.

Jango thought, 'When it comes to invasions, the proper time to get someone is when everyone is going to ground. So they cannot react. And the invaders and defenders have yet to fully commit to the fighting. The trick is to get out quick enough not to get noticed. As such, Boba and I are under tight time constraints.'

'I know the Republic likes to invade a planet before they have fully established a blockade around the planet they are invading. This is a major tactical mistake on their part and a mistake I do enjoy exploiting.'

Jango turned his attention to the building the target was suppose to be inside of. Jango through, 'This building has only one floor. The ground floor. And by all reports the target is not a fighter. He is an accountant.'

As Jango walked to the front door, he used his right hand to pull out the blaster pistol that was holstered in his right outer thigh armor.

When Jango reached the door, he found the front door was a simple knot door, and not a sliding mechanical door.

Jango thought, “When remodeling a building, it is simpler and cheaper to add a manual door than an automatic door.'

Jango used his left hand to open the knob to the door. He found the door was unlocked. He thought, 'I hope he did not flee. We do not have time for hide and seek.'

Jango opened the door and he looked inside. He saw no one in the front living room.

Jango turned the external speaks to his helmet on. He loudly announced himself, “Eric. I am not hear to hurt you. You're older brother, Bennett hired me to rescue you.”

Jango thought, 'I do enjoy these simple pick up runs. The target is usually cooperative. Once they realize I am hear to help them. Both Boba and I already knew the Republic was invading Balmorra. The client informed me of this coming invasion. The client learned of the Republic invasion from a source he has in the Republic military.'

'The reason the client hired me was that if he tried to use an open holo-comm to warn his brother it could expose him as knowing classified information. And in a time of war, that could be viewed as treason. So, the client quietly got in touch with me and hired me to come get his brother. And the client is paying very will for me to fetch his brother. There is even a bonus for me to bring the target in unharmed and on schedule.'

'Yesterday, I informed Boba that the Republic was going to invade this planet. Though, the invasion is sooner than I expected.'

'The client and I both thought the invasion was not until next week. It is not either of our fault that the Republic military moved their timetable up.'

A few seconds later, a tan skin, middle-aged human man, with short brown hair, walked out of a back room. The man wore a nice blue business suit with black dress shoes. The man came to a stop across the room from Jango.

Jango did not point his gun directly at the man, but he kept it ready in case something did happen.

The man asked, “My brother Bennett sent you to come find me?”

Jango answered, “Yes Eric. Your older brother Bennett hired me to find you and get you off world.”

Eric responded, “Bennett always has been a caring brother. I heard a rumor about the coming invasion. I was still trying to come up with the credits to leave. I figured it we a few more weeks until the invasion. And that the invaders would be the Separatists, and not the Republic.”

Jango thought, 'I guess the Republic military has more leaks than I thought.'

Jango commented, “A military invasion is a military invasion. Are you ready to leave?”

Eric replied, “I can leave right now with the clothes on my back. My items are just stuff. I can replace them.”

Under his helmet Jango smiled at the man proper sense of priorities. Jango thought, 'It is not to deal with someone whom understands what is really important in life.'

Eric inquired, “When do we leave?”

Jango answered, “As soon as our pick up arrives.”

Then, Jango used his left hand to press a button on his right gauntlet which sent a repeating beacon homing signal for Boba on the Slave I to alert Boba to come bring the ship to pick up him up.

(_)

Ten minutes later, Jango was standing inside the home, by the front door. Further inside the room, Eric stood a few meters behind Jango.

Jango kept his blaster pistol in his right hand at the ready.

Jango watched as his son flew the Slave I low to the ground, on the empty street.

Less than a minute later, the Slave I hovered in front of the home, and landed on the street, with the back of the ship facing Jango and the home. Though, Boba kept the engines of the ship running.

The ramp of the ship extended to the ground, and door to the ship slid open.

Jango turned back towards Eric. He stated, “Come on.”

Eric walked passed Jango. Eric walked outside, up the ramp, and into the ship.

Jango followed right behind Eric, with his blaster pistol at the ready. He used his left hand to pull the front door of the home closed behind himself.

When they reached the inside of the ship, Jango pressed a button a panel by the door to retract the ramp and close the door to the outside.

Jango turned to Eric. He warned him, “If you try anything. I will have to kill you.”

Eric turned to Jango. Eric stated, “I would not dream of it.”

Jango responded, “Good. Now head with me to the cockpit. You are going to seat across from me. And my son will be sitting behind you. You will be sitting on the front right seat. If you try anything. One of us will kill you. Do you understand?”

Eric answered, “Yes.”

Jango said, “Good. Now head to the cockpit.”

Eric turned and walked to the cockpit, with Jango behind him.

A few seconds later, when they reached the cockpit, Boba noticed was still in his armor and helmet. He noticed the two men. He got up from his seat.

Jango holstered the pistol in his right hand, as he turned to his son. He stated, with the external speakers on for Eric's benefit, “Boba. I want you to sit behind this man. Keep an eye on him while I fly us out of here.”

Through the internal comlink system, Boba said, “Yes sir.”

Jango turned to Eric. He said, “Strap in. This is going to be a bumpy ride.”

The three adults got into their seast. Jango got into the seat on the front left side. Eric got into the seat to Jango's right side. And Boba got into the seat behind Eric.

After they were all strapped in, Jango flew the Slave I up into space. Them soon made it off the planet, passed the Republic ships, and into hyperspace, before the Republic military had fully established their blockade around the planet of Balmorra.

They were not the only ships to make it through the blockade. Given the Republic was invading Balmorra, most of the other ships headed for Separatists controlled space.

(_)

A day later, Jango dropped off Eric off with his brother, Bennett. Given Eric was unharmed. Jango was paid for the bounty and for a bonus for bringing Eric back unharmed and on schedule.

Afterward, Jango and Boba used the Slave I to leave the planet they were meeting on.

Jango planned to spend some time with his son, Boba.

That the night after Jango dropped off Eric was the first time in a long while that Jango slept soundly, without any nightmares.

(_)

Meanwhile, during the initial invasion of Balmorra by the Republic military, Thor used her weather powers to complete her mission of providing cover for the invasion, while also using lightning and tornadoes to destroy a few locations where large groups of Balmorrian Hulk droids which were kept in warehouses within the capital city of Bin Prime.

While Thor was not present in a few of those locations, with her enhanced sight, while flying in the air, she could see those locations in the distance. She controlled the weather enough to where she could minimize collateral damage around the targets, and prevent possible injury and death towards the surrounding civilize populations.

Fortunately, due to Thor's involvement there were no serious problems with the invasion. There were only minimal causalities and no civilian massacres on the ground.

The Balmorrian government soon surrendered to the Republic forces.

Casualties were light for both sides of the battle. Though, the same could not be said for those in the air and in space.

Soon after the battle was over, Thor confirmed that her friends, Anakin, Ahsoka, Obiwan, Rex, and Cody, were not injured in battle and they were okay.

(_)

A few days later, the initial part of the invasion of the planet of Balmorra has been completed.

The local government has been deposed, with the political leaders surrendering, and the Republic military assuming control of the planet and the populations on the planet. Though, the official announcement for the planetary governor had yet to be made.

Soon after the beginning of the invasion of Balmorra the blockade around the planet has been completed. This prevent anyone coming onto the planet, or leaving the planet, without permission by the Republic military.

Those ships that came into the system were ordered to leave the system and enter hyperspace or be destroyed. Those ships that tried to run the blockade were shot down.

Any ships that attempted to do warned by Republic forces to surrender and land at designated coordinates set by the Republic military. Those ships that did not obey were swiftly shot down.

Many refugee ships, filled civilian men, women and children, tried to escape Balmorra. Those ships ignored the orders of the Republic military to land. Once the warnings were ignored, the ships were immediately shot down by Republic naval forces, without any warnings given to the civilian ships.

Those on board the ships that were shot down were killed when their ships exploded in midair, or in space.

Though, none of the war crimes of massacring civilians were reported by the news media. Instead, the press lied and stated that the Republic was liberating Balmorra from the Separatists.

Within a few days of the invasions, Republic relief ships arrived to relieve the troops and personnel. This included relieving military personnel among the 212th battalion, and the 501st battalion.

Those two battalions, along with their equipment and vehicles returned to the Republic Star Destroyers they were assigned to. The 212th battalion left of the Negotiator. And the 501st battalion left on the Resolute.

Resolute and Negotiator landed on the planet to pick up their personnel and equipment.

Though, before the Resolute and Negotiator left Balmorra, the members of both crews held simple funeral services for their dead comrades.

The number of injured and dead were not many for the two crews. But, the crews still ordered the few whom did die in the invasion of Balmorra.

The dead were buried in simple graves with a single stone marker places at their burial sight to state whom had fallen in battle. Both the dead clones' designation numbers and their nicknames were placed side by side on the large engrave metal plaque. The metal plaque listed the designations in numerical order in a single column.

Once the services were complete the two crews left on their ships for Balmorra's orbit.

The command personnel and other personnel of those two battalions left on the Resolute. This included General Kenobi, General Skywalker, General Thor, Padawan Tano, Commander Cody, and Captain Rex.

When the Resolute and Negotiator reached orbit around Balmorra they flew in tandem with each other. The Resolute was in front of the Negotiator. The two ships left for hyperspace for their next assignment.

Meanwhile, the new personal were presently going across the globe, from city to city, door to door, rounding up all the civilians, by the millions, and separating them. Most of the civilian adults and teenagers went to labor camps that were currently being set up to run the mines, refineries and factories, or build more mines, refineries, and factories.

The children were taken to reeducation centers to be indoctrinated in Republic propaganda.

Though, a number of known political and influential members of Balmorra were taken away. Some of these individuals were sent to off world prisons. And some of these individuals where just executed on sight by the Republic troopers.

All the wealth and assets held by the civilian population being seized by the Republic military.

All of this was done by the Republic military under the justification of funding and the supporting the war effort. The Republic used the actions of a few Balmorra to be justification to declare nearly the entire Balmorrian population guilty of treason against the Republic.

Those Balmorrian citizens whom were not on the planet at the time of the invasion were declared fugitives by the Republic government. If the Balmorrians were caught by Republic forces, they were arrested and imprisoned without trial. In addition, the Republic government seized their property and other assets, such as bank accounts and spaceships.

The only Balmorrian citizens whom were not declared fugitives were those wealthy families living in the Core Worlds whom were well connected with the Galactic Senate.

All these crimes would later become known as the Balmorrian Massacre.

Though, this was the standard operating procedure for when the Republic military took over a planet. The news media was directed by the Republic government to spread lies that the Republic military were fighting for freedom when the Republic military was really fighting to enslave the local populations of one planet at a time.

The exceptions to these political purges were those families that were politically or economically well connected to the Galactic Senate. Or, if the planet or moon's population was too small and there were no economic reasons that made doing so worth the task.

Though, a number of Balmorrians that were off world at the time invasions. And many of those Balmorrian citizens were able to flee to the Separatists. But barring a few exceptions the Separatists were mostly not to kind to the Balmorrian refugees either.

To make matters worse, Neutrality Alliance could not protect Balmorrians that fled to them, because the Republic would declare them to be harboring and aiding fugitives. Providing shelter to the Balmorrians would be used as pretext to for the Republic to invade them, as well.

But as a people the Balmorrians were many things, including survivors, and they would endure.

(_)

It has been a week after Balmorra. The Resolute and Negotiator were in orbit around the wealthy Republic planet of Fedalle. Fedalle was located on the eastern side of the Core Worlds. Fedalle was located north Hydian Way hyper-route of where the Trellen Trade Route met the Hydian Way hyper-route at the core world of Trellen.

While the Trellen Trade Route lead directly out of the Core Worlds to the Colonies, the Hydian Way hyper-route snaked down the eastern side of the Core Worlds in parallel with the Corellian Run hyper-route which was deeper inside the Core Worlds.

Though, unlike the Corellian Run which stretched from Coruscant in the north Core Worlds to the southeastern edge of the Outer Rim. The Hydian Way hyper-route went from the northeast corner of the Galaxy where the Separatists held power to the very southern edge of the galaxy on the Outer Rim.

The Hydian Way and Corellian Run hyper-routes cross paths at the city planet of Denon in the southeastern part of the Inner Rim.

The Resolute and Negotiator were being refueled and resupplied by a nearby Republic military spacestation in orbit around Fedalle.

On board the Resolute, things had mostly returned to normal.

Presently, the schedule rotation on the Resolute was early afternoon, just after lunch.

At the moment, inside the Resolute, Padme was walking down the hallway to Obiwan's office.

Padme was still slightly troubled by what happened on Balmorra and her actions during the matter. Though, this dealt more with her worries over what would next happen to the civilian population of the Balmorra, and less to do with letting the Fett family go. But, Padme kept her opinions on the matter to herself.

A few minutes ago, Obiwan has contacted her in her private quarters and requested she come see him, in a few minutes. Though, he requests she do so in her normal form, and without her hammer.

Padme did not think much of the request, as she casually headed through the hallways of the ship to Obiwan's office. Padme had been to Obiwan's office a few times before and she had no problems finding the office on the Resolute.

Padme was wearing a blue short sleeve blouse, dark blue pants, and blue slippers. Padme let her long brown hair hand loose down her back.

Fortunately, she has been on board the Resolute long enough that those crew members she passed by gave her no real attention. She had walked about the Resolute a few times before and the crew knew she was Republic dignitary whom was stationed on the ship. But, most of the crew did not know who she was.

When Padme reached the door to the Obiwan's office, she used the code that she has been given by Obiwan on the numerical pad on panel by the door.

A second after finishing putting in the code, the computer to the door accepted the code and the door slid open.

When Padme looked into the room, she noticed the room was mostly dark, except for some dim lighting from the walls and ceiling near the back of the room where Obiwan was located.

The room was fairly large, square room.

In the back of the room was a large, rectangular black desk with the long side of the desk facing Padme. There was a black leather armchair behind the other long side of the desk. There were no chairs in front of the desk.

And Obiwan was sitting in the chair behind the desk. Obiwan was in his usual clothing and Jedi robe.

From Padme's vantage point, she could not see if Obiwan has his lightsaber holstered on his belt.

Behind the chair was the large window. Outside the window Padme saw Negotiator which was near the Resolute, supply ships coming and going from the Resolute and Negotiator, the nearby Republic military spacestation the Resolute and Negotiator were receiving fuel and supplies from by the supply ships, and the planet Fedalle in the distance.

There was some light coming through the window, into the room, from the ships outside. Though, it was still fairly dark near the entrance to the office where Padme was standing.

As Padme walked inside the room, she thought, 'This is odd. Obiwan usually keeps lights normally bright in his office. Though, I do not have to worry about hitting anything on the floor. When it comes to decorating Obiwan prefer an austere approach. This includes him not having chairs for his guests. He prefers his guests to remain standing.'

The door soon slid shut behind Padme.

As Padme made her wait across the room, she saw Obiwan looking at her. She noticed Obiwan had a slightly stern look to his face.

Padme saw that Obiwan's robe was so close to his body that she could not tell if Obiwan had his lightsaber holstered on his belt.

Padme thought, with concern, 'Oh no. I know that look. He is not happy. Well, I might as well deal the matter right now, than wait for the matter to get worse later on. Still, I will put up my mental defenses. Just in case.'

Padme put up her mental defenses to high her emotions and thoughts from being sensed through the force.

A few seconds later, Padme came to a stop in front of Obiwan's desk. Both Padme and Obiwan look at each other.

Padme asked, “You wanted to see me?”

Obiwan maintained his stern look, as he calmly said, in an even tone of voice, “Yes. I have been going over and reviewing records of the battle at Balmorra. I found the recording of your meeting with bounty hunter Jango Fett and his son Boba Fett. I want an explanation for your actions.” He continued, in a slightly angry tone of voice, “And I want that explanation, right now.”

Padme could not help but stiffen her body, as she realized she has been found out.

Padme noticed Obiwan's facial reaction, that he saw her stiffen. Padme thought, 'Damn. I sometimes forget that my earpiece comlink is an open microphone. I knew I was going to regret letting them go. I knew was going to get in trouble someday for what I did. Though, I did not expect to be caught so soon. I did not mention the Fetts in my mission report. And I lied in my report. I stated that I could not find the high priority target and the target escaped. I did not name the target. I am sure you will noticed that. And it makes since to avoid a possible fight that you want me to meet with you in my normal form, without Mjolnir. Still, I have no good excuses for my actions. I might as well face up to my actions.'

Padme stated, “I have no good excuses for my actions.”

Obiwan calmly responded, “I thought as much. You allowed a war criminal to escape. You had the authority to arrest both of them. Yet, you let someone who tried to kill you go free because you are worried about your identity. You used his child as an excuse to do so. I realize he was in the arena on Geonosis when the hammer dropped. So, he would know who you are. Now, am I correct?”

Padme admitted, “Yes. You are partly correct. Besides the risk to my identity, I let Jango go for his son, Boba, because I did not want another death mark on my head that I could avoid. I did not want to send that boy on a path of revenge that would hurt everyone involved.”

Obiwan questioned, “I can undestand your reasoning. But, that is still no excuse for your actions. Nor does this excuse you actions before hand when you willing neglected to inform us that it was Jango Fett whom was the high priority target. You knew beforehand if I had known it was Jango you were going after, I would have ordered you not to go after him? And I would have sent someone else to go get him?”

Padme said, “Yes.”

Obiwan inquired, “You knowingly withheld information from me? Both at the time, and in your after mission report? Yes. I noticed that glaring omission of not naming Jango and Boba in you report. With you lying in your report. You stated in your report that you could not find the high prioty stating the target escaped. You lied multiple times during this incident. Including directly lying to me.”

Padme viably cringed, as she replied, in a weak tone of voice, “Yes.”

Obiwan said, “I am disappointed in you. But, at least you know not lying now, even with your mental defenses up.”

Padme cringed a little more at Obiwan calling her on using her mental defenses, which Obiwan taught her, against him. Still, Padme kept up her mental defenses.

Obiwan went onto say, “You should already know this is why we did not since people on missions that have personal connections to the targets of those missions. One's person connects can be used against them. As you found out the hard way.”

Padme admitted, “Yes.” She swallowed hard. She asked, “What will be the repercussions?”

Obiwan commented, “Even though you are a Senator, I could have you court-martialed and imprisoned for doing all this. But for right now, I am just giving you a warning. I am overlooking you actions this one time. This incident will be noted in your military record as Thor. Should there is a next time, I will not be so lenient. If there is a next time, this incident will be brought up during your court-martial trial. At which point you will have to give a far better explanation for your actions than you have just given to me.” He continued, in a firm tone of voice, “Do not let there be a next time. We cannot allow war criminals to go free.”

Padme realized what she has been doing. She thought, with a bit of anger, 'Come good or ill. I will not grovel to anyone like a coward.'

Padme collected herself. She stood up straight, as she said, in an even tone of voice, “I understand. Though, I am walking a tightrope.”

Obiwan flatly stated, “Aren't we all.”

Padme thought, 'I need to chance the subject. But, I need to do so delicately. I know just which subject to broach. And it is a subject I would like to know, that I have yet to have confirmed.'

Padme calmly asked, “Is there anything else you wish to discuss concerning this matter?”

Obiwan flatly replied, “No.”

Padme calmly requested, “I have two questions, sir. About related topics.”

Obiwan inquired, “Which are?”

Padme asked, “Did the invasions of Balmorra provide any tactical advantage for the Republic in retaking the Neimodia system?” She thought, 'I would hope at least some good came from all this.'

Obiwan stated, “From what I have learned, I am not sure. The Separatists are dug in on the planets and moons of the Neimodia System. There is going to be a lot fighting over the next few months before a victor is determined in that campaign. And the battle could go either way.”

Padme grimly thought, 'I guess not. Now for the more important question.'

Padme asked, “Has the Chancellor already appointed a military governor for the planet of Balmorra?” Padme thought, 'I have yet to hear who it was. I can already guess. But, I want a confirmation.'

Obiwan answered, “Yes. I just heard an hour ago that Admiral Denival was appointed as governor of Balmorra, by Chancellor Palpatine. From what I understand, Admiral Denival is currently on Balmorra. He is planning on having a party with his friends to celebrate his appointment as governor.”

While Padme did not show it on the outside, with her using her mental defenses to keep Obiwan from sensing her emotional state, nor thoughts, in the force. She mentally reflected, with bitterness, 'As I thought. He likely already had the party planned in advance. He was just waiting for the official word of his appointment as governor. That monster even has the gall to figuratively dance over those people he had just murdered and enslaved.'

'Obiwan, I am glad you taught me to protect my mind and emotions in the force. Because, I do not believe you would go so easy on me if you know how I really felt about all this. And you at least respect me enough to allow me to maintain the privacy of my mind and emotional state.'

Padme calmly said, “I guess that would be expected.”

Padme grimly thought, 'And we helped him enslave an entire planet under his rule. Still...'

Padme requested, “Permission to speak freely?

Obiwan said, “Go ahead.”

Padme looked Obiwan in his eyes, as she stated, with conviction in her tone of voice, “We used the excuse of a few wealth families secretly selling tech to the Separatists to invade a planet. Kill thousands of innocent people. Maybe even millions. Eventually. Enslave the rest of the populations of the planet under martial law. Forcing them into labor camps. While separating the best and brightest of the population for off world imprisonment, or just murdering them all on sight.”

Padme's voice turned into a low growl, as she continued, “We did all of this for the sole reason that a politically appointed tyrant, whom only cares about power and does not give a damn about them, could take control of them and their planet, to enrich his own pockets, and increase his own power base.”

Padme's voice become more calmer than her words reflected, as she inquired, in an even tone of voice, “How do you rationalize all this with your mandate of keeping the peace, as a Jedi? Which means upholding the laws of the Republic. Such as being against slavery. Which is exactly what this is.”

Obiwan firmly said, “Like you said a while ago. We do not. We just do both jobs, and we hope the conflict between the two does not destroy us. You are dismissed.”

Padme forced herself to reign in her emotions, as she thought, 'Jango's son, Boba, was right. We are no better than Jango. I am no better than Jango. Actually, I am worse. At least Jango does not pretend to be anything but what he is. A bounty hunter.'

'I remember that conversation with Obiwan, so long ago. And while I have a great desire to talk back, doing so will not help me, nor anyone else whom is caught up in this tragedy. So, I will just have to remain silent and wait for an opportunity to act when the time is right.'

Padme remained silent, as she turned around. She walked deeper into the dark room, away from Obiwan and the dim light near the desk.

As Padme walked deeper into the darkness of the room, towards the door, she thought, with sadness, and a bit of disappointment, 'I feel that all I am doing is walking further into the darkness. And not just the darkness of this office, but of my own heart.'

When Padme reach the door, she saw the glowing buttons on the panel beside the door. She used the buttons on the panel to open the door.

The door slid open, and Padme walked into the lighted hallway. She then headed back to her personal quarters to retrieve Mjolnir, change into Thor, and resume her duties for the day.

The door soon slid closed, leaving the darkness of the office behind her.

(_)

“It is not death that a man should fear. But, he should fear never beginning to live.” Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

I wanted to do many things in this chapter. I wanted a chapter to focus on Jango and Boba. But, I also wanted to show how evil the Galactic Republic military is. And how for all her good intentions, Padme and her friends are suckered into aiding that evil.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

My twisted reasons for using the planet Balmorra as the sacrifical lamb for the Republic invasion is due to Balmorra being one of my favorite zones to play in the MMO game Star Wars: The Old Republic. With the SWTOR game being set thirty-six centuries before the Clone Wars.

Though, by the time of the Clone Wars the capital city of Balmorra moved from Sobrik to Bin Prime.

After thinking about it, I came to the realization that the Ord Mantell planet is the Roanapur (Black Lagoon Anime/Manga series) of the Star Wars reality. Smugglers, fugitives, and bounty hunters, pass through there all the time. Though, Ord Mantell is not on a border frontier style situation. Ord Mantell is more like old world meets new world situation, with Ord Mantell full of danger and adventure.

The name of the bar on Ord Mantell, the Red Insignia, was a nod to the bar in Roanapur, the Yellowflag.

I made this chapter because I felt that Jango and Boba needed their own chapter. While only minor chapters in this story. They still have a story as well. And a good tale at that.

When I made this story, one of the minor points was I wanted to allow Jango to survive the arena battle on Geonosis. Not just for his sake, but for Boba's welfare as well.

While Boba was cold due to a very hard life after Jango was killed, I always felt that Jango was less cold and just more professional. He considered all jobs the same, but he used the professionalism from his Mandolarian upbringing in how he dealt with his job as a bounty hunter.

Also, by all accounts Jango was a good father to Boba. Jango did have a caring side.

In addition, I would have no doubt that if Jango got in over his head, and lived long enough to realize it, he would make arrangements for Boba's care.

Aurra Sing. She is one of the most unique characters in the entire Star Wars franchise.

Aurra is a force user. She can be a cold as a person can be. But, she can show mercy, and she have friendships and romantic relationships.

One cannot easily place Aurra as either part of the light, nor part of the dark. If one was going to talk about true gray force users. Aurra would be a good example of this. Unlike other force users she various her tactics, skills, and tools. She is very good with a rifle and blaster. And she is fairly skilled with a lightsaber and she has some decent know-how with using the force for basic telekinesis and using the force to enhance her physical abilities.

Aurra is also a lot older than she looks. Though, she acts like a middle-aged woman.

Aurra is likely the only person with knowledge in the force that Jango could go to, whom Jango knows, who he can trust to give him some straight honest answers.

On things that I detest, that most Star Wars fans ignore is that a Star Wars character does not have to sense the force to deal with paranormal experiences. Though, the Jedi and Sith would pretend otherwise.

Aurra is the one of the few characters whom can honestly call people on this.

I had Aurra comment that people she knows, who do not sensitive the force, whom have “bad feelings” which are better at warning those individuals of danger, than Aurra's force abilities warning her of danger.

In the original Star Wars trilogy, if Han Solo's track record on his “bad feelings” is anything to go by, for the average person there is some truth in this theory.

Aurra points out that being force sensitive only makes someone more in touch with the strange situations.

While in the original timeline it was not stated that Jango and Aurra had a relationship. They did know each other.

And in one adventure they ended up on Balmorra, and they worked together to capture a Hutt named Groodo.

Also, given the way Aurra treated Boba, for the time Boba was in Aurra's care, while Boba was a child, I get the feeling that Aurra and Jango had to have least been friends at some point in their lives.

During the time Aurra had been taking care of Boba, they met with the Weequay, Hondo Ohnaka, with Hondo hinting that he previously did have a relationship with Aurra.

Working for there, given that Aurra and Jango had worked together in the past, and they were in the same profession, it is possible that in the past, Aurra and Jango were in relationship. But, the relationship fell apart because Jango wanted a child and Aurra did not.

As such, given that Aurra did help to raise Boba for a little while, it makes sense in this story that Jango would arrange Aurra to be paid to be Boba's godmother, to take care of Boba, should something happened to Jango. And Aurra accepted the deal due to their past relationship and for the right amount of money.

On Padme/Thor letting Jango go. Due to everything else concerning the invasion of Balmorra, Padme was feeling merciful that day. She did not feel creating another death mark for herself. And there were no good options for herself in this situation.

She realized that arresting Jango and Boba would bring more trouble for herself, with Jango likely be interrogated by Republic intelligence service, her secret identity would be more widely known.

But, killing Jango would leave his son, Boba, an orphan.

And given Jango was clear he did not want to cross Padme against, Padme let him go on a few conditions which Jango was more than willing to agree too and honor.

Though, I later showed how Padme got chewed out in a later scene by Obiwan, for doing so. How she forgot she was on an open microphone with her earpiece comlink. And how dealing with personal matters on a mission can backfire on someone.

I do love twisting a story. Jango and Boba were on a rescue mission, while Padme and her friends were on a mission to wrongly conquer a planet. And the one kind, decent, good action Padme took during the mission was the one actions she got called on and chewed out for doing.

Obiwan did have some legitimate grievance for Padme's actions. Especially, since Padme knowingly lied to Obiwan before, during, and after a mission.

So Padme's actions in sparing Jango and Boba could be seen as good or bad, depending on one's point of view.

Finally, in this chapter I wanted to show how Palpatine could control Padme, from a distance, both from a point of as a senator and a soldier.

All of this was to make the point that having the power that Mjolnir provides does not make one invincible. Especially, against someone who is a master at psychological manipulation.

A few details to think about.

Until next time. Have fun.

“Thundering Force”

Chapter Six: “Emerald Dawn.”

By Paul Cousins.

Copyright Disclaimer: All copyrighted places, characters, items, and events, within the story, are held by their current owners. No profit is being made on this work of fiction.

(_)

It had been a month since the invasion of Balmorra by the Republic.

The location was between the Inner Rim and Expansion Region, in the southern part of the galaxy, on the Corellian Trade Spine, at a hyperspace relay jump point, where a hyperspace beacon was placed. This was along the hyper-routes where ships dropped out of hyperspace to reorientate themselves to the correct angle, and then jump back into hyperspace to towards their destination.

All this took a matter of seconds to do. Less than minute at most.

There were a near countless number of such hyperspace beacon locations spread throughout the galaxy. These hyperspace beacons also used as communications satellites transfer of communications in a wireless grid pattern, much like a planetary internet. Where if one beacon was offline the other nearby beacons handled the communication transmissions.

For the most part there were usually no problems in these locations unless there was a war going on.

While it was rare for two opposing enemies to dropped out hyperspace at the same time and same hyperspace relay location, to started battling one another, such incidents did occur.

As was the battle that was currently happening at the nearby hyperspace relay location.

The two Republic Star Destroyers, the Resolute and the Negotiator, were heading towards Coruscant, in the Core Worlds, from the mission they had accomplished on the Mid-Rim. When the two Star Destroyers dropped out of hyperspace, the two ships found themselves right beside a Separatist Providence Class Carrier-Destroyer.

From the markings on the sides of the Separatist cruiser, the capital ship was named the Neebon.

Even though the Providence ship was mostly crewed by droids, with one or two Separatists command staff officers. The ship itself, size, crew, armament, and fighter squadrons were comparable to a Republic Star Destroyer.

Both sides immediately went to red alert, went to battle stations, sent out their fighter squadrons, powered up their weapon batteries and activated their energy ships.

Within four minutes of the meeting, both both Star Destroyers were locked in battle with the Separatist cruiser.

While the battle was two on one, that did not mean the Separatist cruiser was helpless. The Separatist cruiser and its forces could still severely damage both star destroyers, take out several fighter squadrons, before the Separatist cruiser and its forces were fully destroyer.

Both sides had jammed the long range communications of other side.

Though, due to the battle being in the middle of space, on a well traveled hyper-route, it would be a question if their allies or enemies would accidentally show up first.

As such, for Obiwan and Anakin, this situation mean they had to take down the Separatist cruiser as quickly as possible. That meant a boarding party.

While Obiwan and Anakin were tempted to try to just bomb the Separatist cruise, destroying the cruiser would not necessarily cause the droid starfighters to shut down. As such, the boarding party had to find the Separatist captain, take the captain alive, and force the captain to issue the command shutdown codes to shut down all the Separatist droids.

Obiwan and Anakin both agreed that the Separatist captain would likely be in the most heavily defending part of the Separatist cruiser, the command bridge. And even if the separatist captain was not on the command bridge, the boarding party could still take control of the Separatist cruiser and shut down the weapon of the ship which were firing on the Resolute and Negotiator.

The battle had only gone of for ten minutes, with the actual firing and battle engagements being six minutes. But, for those fighting it was a long ten minutes.

The Republic Star Destroyer ships, Resolute and the Negotiator, kept close to each other, as they fired on the Separatists capital ship. While their starfighter squadrons battled the Separatists starfighter groups.

Presently, Obiwan and Anakin were each piloting a jedi starfighter, as they lead Republic starfighter squadrons against the Separatists vulture droid squadrons. R2 was in Anakin's starfighter, aiding Anakin. R4 was inside the starfighter Obiwan was piloting.

Commander Cody was on board the Resolute. Commander Cody was as a liaison between the officers of the Resolute and Negotiator in coordinating the battle with the Separatist forces, while at the same time preparing for a possible boarding party situation.

Given Cody's excellent military record, Obiwan had placed Cody in the position of liaison between the Resolute and Negotiator for this type of emergency situation.

C3-PO was assisting the communications officer on the Resolute, by looking through any short range separatists encrypted signals that may warn them of an coming Separatist boarding party, or bomber group.

So far the Separatists had not sent any boarding parties. And the one Separatist bomber squadron sent by the Separatist cruiser was destroyed by the Resolute and Negotiator's turbo-laser batteries before the Separatist ships came within bombing range of the two Star Destroyers.

The boarding party whom left the Resolute in a boarding shuttle was escorted by a squadron of Republic starfighters, while Obiwan and Anakin were nearby take several of the Separatist starfighter droids before they could even get close to the escort starfighters and shuttle.

Since the Republic forces needed the job done as quickly as possible, Obiwan and Anakin assigned Thor, with Mjolnir, Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and Rex's elite squad of troopers.

While the energy shields on all three of the capital ships were holding, the shields at the tail end section of the Separatist's Providence destroyer had collapsed, allowing for the boarding party to enter ship from that side of the ship.

Unfortunately, the bridge of the Providence ship was located on the front section of the Separatist cruise. Though, the members of the boarding party knew where the bridge was. Over the course of the last few months all of the members of the boarding party had studied the designs of various Separatists ships. From Separatist starfighters to Separatist capital ships.

The members of boarding party all knew the same class of ship had the same basic layout and design. This knowledge would only easy their efforts reaching the Separatist captain and forcing the captain to shut down the droids.

(_)

The boarding shuttle 'mouth' attached itself against the tail end of the hull of the Providence. Once the shuttle made it to the Separatist cruiser, the Republic starfighter squadron that had been ordered to protect the shuttle broke off and joined their starfighter comrades in taking out the droid starfighters.

When the shuttle's sensors stated they had a backwards pressure seal against the hull, the shuttle's mouth used laser to cut a two meter in diameter circular hole into the hull of the Neebon.

Inside a large, well illuminated interior hallway of the stern section of the Neebon, a two meter round section of the hull had just been cut opened and dropped to the floor of the hallway.

Six clone troopers, in full combat gear, weapons in their hands, poured out of the shuttle. They had white and blue armor and helmets. Five of the troopers had blaster rifles in their hands.

Captain Rex, the trooper squad leader, had a DC-17 blaster pistol in each hand. The holsters for his weapons on the outer sides of his thigh armor.

Following the troopers was Thor, in her helmet and armor. Thor, had the Black Solace in its scabbard, strapped to her back. Thor grip Mjolnir by the hammer's shaft in her right hand, as she held the hammer in a defensive position.

Behind Thor, Ahsoka walked out of the shuttle, and onto the metal deck of the hallway. Ahsoka had on her Jedi clothing. Which was short sleeve brown shirt, white pants, with a brown short skirt and brown boots over her pants. There was a brown belt over her shirt. She wore fingerless gloves what went up her forearms. Her left glove had a comlink built into it, with the controls and microphone located on the back of her left glove. Ahsoka had her lightsaber strapped to the left side of her belt.

Captain Rex turned Thor, Ahsoka, and his five troopers. Rex used the external speakers of his helmet, as he stated, “Okay. Time is a factor here. We know where we are. We know where we want to be. Let's move people. I want to get to the bridge as soon as possible. And get these tin cans shut down for good.”

Thor turned to Rex. Thor request, in a polite tone of voice, “Captain Rex. It is alright if thy takes point? With your squad and Ahsoka following behind?”

Rex turned to Thor. He replied, “Of course.”

Rex happily thought, 'Given you are one of the nicest people I know. And a walking meat shield. I am more than happy for you to go first. I doubt the Separatists have anything on board that could take you out.'

'And we know you are really Senator Amidala. And if you are this nice in your political career, I can see how you ended up being elected as queen of a whole planet for a full term.'

Thor turned Ahsoka. She stated, “Ahsoka. Thou requests thee take the rear.”

Ahsoka turned to Thor. She replied, “Alright.” She pulled out her lightsaber and held it in her right hand and held the hilt in an underhand style She then ignited the green blade. Ahsok held her weapon so the blade at her right side, at a perpendicular with her body.

Thor looked over at the group, as she inquired, “Is everyone ready?”

Rex commented, “We are troopers. We are always ready.”

Just then, Thor heard droids coming towards them from both ends of the hallway. She stated, “Good. Because we have droids coming from both directions.” She looked in front of herself. Her lips curled into a wicked grin, as she commented, “Let us enjoy this feast of chaos.”

Thor thought, 'It is unfortunate that I cannot use lightning. Doing so risks accidentally destroying critical electronics. And water is out of the question for the same reasons. But, wind is perfectly fine.'

Rex ordered, “Formation Three-Six people. Thor I need to you provide cover for us from the front. Ahsoka, give us cover from the rear.”

Ahsoka looked towards her end of the hallways, as she stated, “Of course.”

Thor looked towards her end of the hallway. She said, “Thee is in good hands.”

Formation Three-Six was a the formation was a battle formation trained to clone troopers which used two or more Jedi to assist in a situation where the troopers faces enemy from two sides with not apparent cover. The Jedi would use their lightsaber to deflect blaster bolts from the sides of the group where the oncoming blaster fire would originate. At the same time, the troopers would fire around the Jedi at the enemy attacking them.

Rex and the other five troopers closed in together, with Thor in front of the men, while Ahsoka was behind the group. Rex and two of his soldiers faced the direction Thor was at. And the three other troops would face the direction Ahsoka was at.

Suddenly, one group of five B1 battle droids, each with a blaster rifle, came around the corner that Ahsoka was facing. As seeing the boarding party, the droids came to a stop fifteen meters from the boarding party, and fired on the group.

Ahsoka used her lightsaber to deflect the blaster right.

A few seconds later, another group of five B1 battle droids came around the corner facing Thor. The droids each held a blaster rifle. The droids came to a stop ten meters from the boarding party and fired their blaster rifles at the group.

Thor quickly generated wind in both directions to knock down most of the droids. She then charge group of droids with the hammer in both her hands. While she lead out a vicious war-cry.

Meanwhile, the troopers used their blaster weapons to destroy as many of the battle droids as they could.

The battle was over in less than thirty seconds.

The droids were destroyed, with no injures for the boarding party.

Right after the battle ended, Rex looked around his group, as he asked, “Anyone hurt?” No one answered and all the members of boarding party appeared fine. A few seconds later, Rex commented, “Alright. Let's move it people.” He turned to Thor. He continued, “Lead the way.”

Thor turned to Rex. She stated, “Yes sir.” Thor thought, 'I will lead us towards the right side of the ship. We do not want to go deeper into the ship and risk being ambushed on all sides. We will go around those areas to reach the command bridge.'

Thor turned back towards the direction of the hallway she was facing. She knew where she was in the ship.

Thor began briskly walking down the hallway. She turned the corner of where the droids she destroyed had come from.

The Republic forces quickly followed Thor, with Ahsoka taking the rear of the group.

The boarding party made their way further into the ship, and closer to the front, where the command bridge was located.

(_)

Inside the main command center, on the bridge of the Separatist Providence destroyer, the Neebon, one the droids at the tactical station turned the captain of the ship, whom was standing a few meters away in a clear area at the front of the bridge.

The captain was named, Pos Tenith. Pos was a male muun. The droid stated, “Captain Tenith. We have a boarding party.”

Captain Pos Tenith stood on the bridge, in his gray Confederacy naval uniform, as he looked out the windows of the bridge, at the battle before him.

Pos turned to the droid whom spoke to him. He inquired, “Where?”

The droid answered, “At the stern of the ship.”

Pos turned to windows. He said, “That at least gives us options.” He thought, 'They will likely head here to take control of the ship.'

Pos turned asked droid he had just spoken to. He asked, “Which way are they heading to reach the bridge?”

The droid answered, “They are taking a route on the outer on the starboard side of the ship.”

Pos thought, 'That is the right side facing the battle. This makes sense. If avoid the deeper parts of the ship to prevent ambushes. Also, if they have problems, the right side of the ship. would be easy to launch a rescue from them.'

Pos inquired, “Where are they now?”

The droid responded, “They are in a hallway that will lead them to hangar two. The contents of the hangar are presently not being used for the battle. Do you wish to send the contents for the outside battle, before the boarding party reaching hangar two?”

Pos cracked a grin, as he said, “No. I have a better idea.” He then laid out his plan to the nearby droids. Soon, the droid relayed Pos' orders.

(_)

In the middle of the starboard section of the Neebon, inside the hallways of the right outside side of the capital ship, Thor, Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and the five elite clone troopers were quickly advancing towards the command bridge.

Rex and the five clone troopers were using their blaster weapons. While Thor had the hammer in her right hand, while her vibro-katana remained sheathed. Ahsoka was holding her lightsaber in her right hand, with it's green blade ignite. Though, Ahsoka continued to use her lightsaber in an underhand style.

Thor took point of the group, as she destroyed the battle droids with a combination of brute force using Mjolnir and wind attacks. Ahsoka protected the rear from their group being flanked by droids, by using her lightsaber to deflect blaster fire. The troopers used their blaster rifles as cover fire for Thor and to assist Ahsoka.

So far, none of the eight members of the group had been injured.

Resistance had been lighter than expected. Though, no one complained about this.

They came to a large set of double-doors. Thor used the panel by the doors to open the doors.

After the doors slid open, the group saw it was a large, dark hangar bay.

Ahsoka asked, “Do we go in?”

Thor turned towards the group. She said, “Thy believes this is the safest way through the ship.”

Rex commented, “I agree.” Rex thought, 'There is less chance of an ambush taking this route than through the deeper parts of the ship.' Rex stated, “Let's go. Thor continue to take point.

Thor turned towards the hangar doors and she walked inside.

The rest of the group followed Thor.

As they made it into a hangar bay, the saw it was dark, they noticed some dim lighting on the walls which gave dimensions to the room. They saw the room did not have any large crates blocking anything. Also, the room was very large, very high, very wide hangar.

A few seconds later, the doors slid closed behind them.

As they continued walking inside, Ahsoka asked, “Is there any other way around to the command bridge? I do not like this this. I have a bad feeling.”

Thor continued facing forward. She answered, “No. It would take to long to go around. We just need to keep going straight for about a minute, and we will reach the other side of the hangar.”

Ahsoka replied, “Fine.”

Thor enhanced sight allowed her to see more clearly in the dim light. And to her right she could make out shapes on the other side of the hangar, but she recognized the shape. Thor just kept moving, while she hoped this would not be a problem.

They continued walking. When they reached the middle of the hangar the main lights in the hangar came on.

Thor and the rest of the group came to a stop.

Across the room from them, to their right side, they saw the two large hangar bay doors to space were closed. But, the lights showed that between them and the large hangar bay doors were twelve vulture droids in starfighter mode.

The vulture droids were in starfighter mode immediately started to come on. The vulture droids were painted blue and white. While the vulture droids were not facing them, everyone watched as the vulture droids transformed into walker mode. In walker mode the vulture droids were each over six and a half meters tall.

In walker mode the main body of a vulture droid was four meters from the ground. While in this mode the droid had a head pop up from the center of its body. The head had two glowing red vertical slits set side by side which were the droid's eyes. The droid had four long, large spikes for limps that were attached by arms to the body. Two legs on the right side of the main body and two legs on the left side of the main body. Each arm was attached to each leg about five meters up along each leg.

The clones immediately started firing on the droids, as the droids turned around and advanced on them.

The vulture droids did not have access to their long range weaponry in that their walker mode. The vulture droids were so much larger than the members of the Republic forces, and if vulture droids reached the group, the vulture droids would large spear-like legs to attempt to kill the members of the group.

As the vulture droids began marching towards the Republic boarding party, behind the vulture droids the hangar bay doors to space began slowly to retraced towards the right and left walls. Though, there was no vacuum. This was due to the environmental shields being left on outside the large hangar doors.

Thor immediately realized, as she stated, “The Separatists is going to space us!”

Rex commented, “This is not good.”

Ahsoka said, “You are one to talk. At least you are in a space rated suit.”

Rex stated, “That just makes me easier pickings for the turbo-lasers outside.” Rex thought, 'The only things we have on our suits to lead up work in space is our magnetic systems on our boots. If we are thrown out into space, beyond the outer hull, we have no way to move around and get back to the ship. As such, the droid starfighters will kill us with easy.'

Thor thought, 'I lead in to a trap and did not realize it. I did not even recognize the vulture droids. I will let anyone die on account of my mistakes.'

Thor turned to face the group. She stated, “Get to the other side and get in. Thy will soon follow.” She turned towards the vulture droids. She used Mjolnir to fly at the droids, with the intent to attack them.

While Thor distracted the droids, the clone troops and Ahsoka rushed to the other side of the hangar towards a small door they saw.

Unfortunately, the vulture droids were too large for a simple gust of wind to knock them down. And throwing lightning or creating a full storm inside a spaceship in space were very bad ideas. So, Thor had to rely on her skills physical abilities.

Thor held Mjolnir in her left hand, with the axe end of the head facing outward, as she used it to fly towards the vulture droids.

While in flight towards the battle droids, Thor swiftly used her right hand to grip the hilt of the Black Solace and draw the blade. As soon as the weapon was fully drawn, Thor used her right thumb to flip the hilt switch to the vibration mechanisms in the vibro-katana. The vibration mechanisms of the weapon came on just as she reached the closed vulture droids.

Thor immediately used Mjolnir and the Black Solace to slight through the vulture droids as quickly as possible.

Thor had no problems hacking and slashing away at the battle droids, while she avoided the simple leg attacks from the droids. But given the large sizes of the vulture droids, it would still take time for her to destroy them all.

(_)

At that moment, one of the clone troopers reached the door to an auxiliary room which did have not have a window to see into the smaller room.

The clone tried to open the door by using the buttons on the panel by the door. But, nothing happened.

The clone trooper standing at the door turned to Rex. He stated, “It's locked.”

By then, Ahsoka and the rest of the troopers reached the door.

Rex turned to Ahsoka. He said, “You're up. But cut the door itself. Do not damage the emergency door behind the wall.”

Ahsoka replied, “Fine.” She walked up to the door, with the clones moving away from her. When she reached the door she used both hands on her green blade lightsaber to slowly cut through the door.

While Ahsoka began cutting, she overheard one of the clones use their external speakers to state, “At this rate, the doors will be fully open in under half a minute.”

By then, Ahsoka was half way done with creating a hole. While she continued with her lightsaber, she asked, “Why not turn off the shields now, and space us?”

Rex answered, “When the doors are fully open, the backwash of suction is greatest.”

While Ahsoka continued to work, she responded, “Oh. By the way, I do not know if you were told. But, General Thor does not have a command rank. Actually, as a Jedi Padawan, I have the rank of Commander, and I am the highest ranking person present.” She thought, 'Though, I do not really have a command rank. I can given a order that has to be obeyed. But, I have to have a very good reason for doing so. I have to prove myself before the Council will issue me a command of my own. That is why I rarely mention my rank.'

Rex stated, “We are aware of General Thor's status. But, I agree with common sense orders which do not conflict with the mission parameters. Truthfully, General Skywalker gave me orders that I am acting CO when he is not present.”

Ahsoka did not look in Rex's direction, as she continued working. She asked, “What?”

Rex said, “He told me he would handle telling you. I guess he did not because he did not want to hurt your feelings” He holstered his pistols.

Ahsoka grumbled, “I am going to have a long talk with him when we get back.” By then, the door was cut out from the part attached to the wall. Ahsoka used the force to push it into the other room.

The other room was well illuminated and she did not see anyone inside.

Due how close everyone was to her, she turned off her lightsaber. She leaned up and turned toward the clones. She said, “Done. And there is no one in the next room.”

Rex stated, “Good.” He turned to his troops. He ordered, “Men. You go first.”

Except for Rex, the clone troopers made their way into the other room. As they entered the auxiliary room the clone troopers had their blaster rifles at the ready. The troopers saw no one in the room. And the troopers saw a door on the other side of the room which lead to a hallway.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka turned to look across the hangar at the battle. She saw that Thor had already destroyed all but one of the vulture droids.

But as Thor destroyed the last vulture droid, Rex saw the hangar doors had fully opened.

By then, Rex subordinates were inside the other room.

Rex immediately grabbed Ahsoka and pulled both her and himself into the auxiliary room.

Just as the environmental shields that kept atmosphere in the room dropped and the suction began, Rex immediately hit the panel on the interior side of the small room he, Ahsoka, and his troopers were inside of.

Behind the main door to the hangar, the emergency door swiftly dropped down sealing them and the air around them from vacuum of space.

Ahsoka immediately felt through the force as Thor's presence was pushed out of the ship and into hard vacuum.

Ahsoka was quiet, as she sorrowfully thought, 'Padme.'

A few seconds later, from the comlink speaker of the back Ahsoka's left glove Ahsoka and the clone troopers heard Thor's voice stated, “Ah. Thou is still alive. And talking. Thou does not know how. But thy seems to be doing fine while in the vacuum of space.”

Ahsoka's mood immediately brightened, as she asked though her comlink, “Thor? Are you okay?”

Thor replied, “Yes. Thy is fine. For the moment.”

(_)

Floating right outside of hangar two of the Neebon, in the vacuum space, Thor held the shaft of Mjolnir in her left hand, as she held the hilt of the Black Solace in her right hand.

Thor saw the vulture droids parts floating passed her, as she looked out at the space battle behind the Separatist cruiser.

Thor saw the Separatist ship and the two Star Destroyers fired as each other, while starfighters from both sides were dogfighting each other in space.

While Thor found being alive in space was interesting. To herself, given all the powers Mjolnir had blessed her with, being able to survive in space was no great surprise.

Thor thought, 'I guess I should have had the nerve to test to see if I could survive in space months ago. Well better to learn this now than later. Though, being able to talk and hear is completely surprising, given basic physics dictate one needs the vibrations in air to speak and hear.'

Thor said, “Thy also do not understand why thy can talk and hear without air.”

Over the comlink earpiece on Thor's right ear, Thor heard Ahsoka say, “We will chalk it up other mystery of your powers.”

Thor responded, “This explanation works for thou. Did all of thee make out of the hangar?”

Over the comlink, Thor heard Rex suggest, “Yes. We all made it out of the hangar in time. It is best that you get back inside before someone decides to pick you off. While a shots from blaster rifle won't hurt you. You could be seriously injured by the turbo-lasers being used by the starfighters.”

Thor used Mjolnir to rotate around to face the Separatist cruiser. She used the hammer to stop from further floating away, as she looked at the large capital ship in front of her.

In front of Thor, to her right of the hangar, she saw something interesting. She commented, “Thy agrees. Thy sees a door to an airlock by the right side of the hangar near where thee should be. Thy can enter the ship from there. Though, thy would prefer you open it from the inside, so thy can use the pressure doors as thy should.”

Thor used her right thumb to turn off the switch to the vibration mechanisms of the Black Solace. After which, she sheathed the weapon in its scabbard. With that done, she swapped hands with the hammer, to hold the weapon by its shaft in her right hand.

Over the comlink earpiece Thor heard Rex state, “I believe I know the location you are describing. We will open it from the inside and meet you there.”

Thor replied, “Thank you.”

Thor used the hammer to fly to the outside airlock door by hangar two.

A minute later, the docking hatch door slid open. Thor use Mjolnir to fly through the small entry door and into the airlock. Once she was inside the airlock, she felt gravity pull her down. Fortunately, she was in the proper angle so her feet hit the metal floor.

Thor stood as she looked around. She saw that the door on the other side from the small room was closed.

Thor turned around to use a panel by the outside door to close the outside door.

The door slid closed.

A few seconds later, the automatic systems kicked in and Thor felt the room pressurize with air.

Thor turned around to face the interior door.

Several seconds later, Thor watched the interior door slid open. On the other side of the door, Thor saw Ahsoka and the six clone troopers.

The troopers had their blaster rifles lowered, while Ahsoka had her lightsaber deactivated and in her right hand.

Thor walked into the room the hallway to stand by her friends.

A second later, Ahsoka rushed up to hug Thor. Due to Thor being taller than Ahsoka, both of Ahsoka's arms wrapped around Thor's stomach and lower back, instead of higher on Thor's torso.

While Ahsoka hugged Thor, Ahsoka said, with relief evident in her tone of voice, “I thought we lost you.”

Thor kept Mjolnir in her right side, to her right side, as she used her left hand to gently hug Ahsoka.

Thor looked down at Ahsoka. Thor commented, “For a few moments thy thought that as well.”

Rex stated, “You gave us a scare.”

Thor turned to Rex. She responded, “Thee is not the only one.”

Thor looked down at Ahsoka, as Ahsoka looked up at Thor's face.

The interior door to the airlock automatically slid door.

Both women let go of each other, as Ahsoka took a step back from Thor.

Under Thor's helmet, Thor smile at Ahsoka. Thor maintained her smile, as she turned to the clone troops. Thor said, “Now let us take control of this ship and shut down the battle droids.”

Underneath his helmet, Rex smiled. He pulled out both of his blaster pistols. He said, “With pleasure.”

The Republic boarding party headed out toward the bridge of the ship.

(_)

A few minutes later, on the command bridge of Neebon, Captain Pos Tenith was standing by the front windows of the right side of the room. He quietly looked out at the battle raging space between his Confederacy forces and the Republic forces.

Then, Captain Tenith heard a banging sounds coming from the large blast doors behind the droid technicians. The blast doors were across the room from where Pos was standing.

Captain Tenith turned around to looked at the blast doors. The blast doors had inward bulges. In addition, the walls around the doors were bending inwardly. Someone was hitting the doors so hard the doors were beginning to to give way.

Captain Tenith thought, with regret, 'Perhaps I should have kept a few armed battle droids on command bridge.' He sighed, as he continued his thoughts, 'Too late now.'

A few seconds later, one more bang was heard, as the walls around the doors gave way and the doors fell inward onto the floor.

Captain Tenith watched as six troopers, in white and blue armor and helmets, with blaster rifles at the reach, rush into the room.

The troopers came to a stop a few feet into the room, as they pointed their weapon around the room, in a sweeping motion. Though, no one had fired just yet.

(_)

From the back of the command bridge, the six troopers had come to a stop, as they were ready, in case someone tried anything.

A few seconds later, Thor and Ahsoka walked into the room to stand behind the troopers, with their own weapons in hand.

Rex turned to the only Separatist officer in the room, whom was ten meters away from Rex and his squad. Rex pointed his blaster pistols at the Separatist officer. Rex used the external speakers of his helmet, as he ordered, “In the name of the Republic. Surrender.”

Captain Pos Tenith turned to his droids. He stated, “Order a full seize fire. Then, issue shut down command order, Four Alpha Six Bravo.”

One the droids stated, “But sir...”

Captain Tenith barked, “Issue the order.”

The same droid replied, “Roger. Roger.”

The droids complied with the order. The Neebon and droid starfighters stopped firing on the Republic ships. Then, all droids assign to the Neebon began to shut down. This include the droids through the Separatist cruiser, on the command bridge, and the droid starfighters outside of the ship.

Captain Tenith turned to the Republic forces. He thought, 'I might as well ask.' He humbly requested, “Would it be too much to ask if someone could collect a few personal items from my quarters for me.”

Rex lowered his weapons. Rex said, “As long as they are not weapons, communication devices, nor tools. I do not see a problem.”

Captain Tenith commented, “They are holo-pictures of my family.”

Rex responded, “That will be fine.” Rex thought, 'We will check to make sure the items he is requesting are not communication devices, tools, nor weapons. If the items are found to be any of those things he will regret trying to trick us. If not then we will allow him to keep those devices.'

Two troopers walked over to Captain Pos Tenith, to detain him.

Later, the devices that were retrieved for Pos Tenith were determined not to be communication devices, weapons, nor tools. The items were then given to Pos Tenith in his detention cell on the Negotiator.

(_)

A ten minutes after Pos Teinith was captured and the droids were shut down, the Republic starfighters outside mopped up and destroyed the remaining droid starfighters that had shut down outside of the Neebon.

Among those Republic forces in their starfighters were Anakin and Obiwan each piloting a Jedi starfighter.

Inside the Neebon, Pos Tenith had been cuffed taken to a holding nearby docking door, with two troopers standing watch over him. They were waiting for a shuttle to come to transfer Tenith to the Negotiator, where he would be held in the brig until they reached Coruscant.

Though, a trooper did retrieve the holos for Tenith, from Tenith's personal quarters without a problem.

Thor, Ahsoka, Rex, and the three troopers in their group were still on the bridge. They had been turning off the shields and overseeing things from their end, as they readied the ship to be taken over by a skeleton crew whose members would be transferred from the Resolute and Negotiator.

Thor, Ahsoka, Rex were presently using audio function of the bridge's communication system to talk to their allies, in the other spaceships. Meanwhile, the three trooper subordinates stood guard.

From the bridge of the Resolute, Cody stated, “We will have a skeleton crew ready for our prize within the hour.”

From his starfighter, Obiwan complimented, “Good work everyone.”

Rex stated, “Thank you, sir.”

Thor held Mjolnir in her right hand, to her right side. She inquired, in a sober tone of voice, “How were casualties?”

From his starfighter, Anakin answered, “Light. We lost three pilots.”

Cody commented, “There were no injures reported on neither the Resolute, nor the Negotiator.”

Thor breathed a sigh of relief, as she thought, 'That is good.'

Obiwan ordered, “Thor. After that little floating act. When you get back to the Resolute, I want you to have a full medical scan.”

Thor replied, “Thy was already planning to do that.”

Obiwan responded, “Good.”

Anakin asked, “Thor? Are you alright?”

Thor answered, in a calm tone of voice, “Yes Anakin. Thou is fine.”

Ahsoka had her lightsaber attached to the left side of her belt. She stretched her arms upward, as she said, “Well, with this done, I am so looking forward to our leave.” She dropped her arms to her sides.

Thor turned to Ahsoka. She stated, “Thou agrees. And thou looks forward to introducing you to my family.”

Ahsoka looked over at Thor. She smiled, as she happily said, “I can't wait to meet them.”

Over the audio, Anakin said, “They are very nice people. You will like them. And it will be nice to see them, again.”

Obiwan stated, “Well, I hope you kids have fun. I have report to the council when we get back to Coruscant.”

Thor smiled mischievously, as she joked, “Ah. The chains of command.”

Over the audio, Obiwan lightly chuckled for a few seconds, at Thor's joke. As he stopped laughing, he said, “So true. This is so true.”

(_)

Two hours later, Thor, Ahsoka, Anakin, Obiwan, Rex, R2, R4, the boarding team of troopers were back on the Resolute. With the starfighter pilots back on either the Resolute, or the Negotiator. Depending on which Star Destroyer they were stationed on.

During this time, Thor had a full check up. Both as Thor and as Padme. The medical droids found that Padme was fine in both forms. In addition, Thor found that her equipment that did not come with the Mjolnir, such as the items in her belt pouches, along with Black Solace, scabbard, strap and tassel, were undamaged by being in the vaccum of space.

Thor chalked this up to Mjolnir using its powers to protect the items.

Meanwhile, Pos Tenith had been transferred to the Negotiator, and he had been taken to the brig of the Star Destroyer.

The Republic skeleton crew had arrived on the Neebon, and they were able to take control of the Neebon without any serious difficulties.

After a check of all three capital ships, it was found that all three of the large ships were still fine to travel in hyperspace. With no more problems, the three capital ships flew in a formation. The Resolute in front. The Negotiator in the middle. And the Neebon in the rear. The three cruisers jumped to hyperspace and they continued on their way to Coruscant.

(_)

A few hours later, elsewhere in the galaxy, Dooku, in his personal space yacht, which was piloted by two droids. The ship around the same size as Padme Amidala's H-type Nubian space yacht. Though, this space yacht was not as streamlined in shape. This outside of the Dooku's space yacht was painted gold color, instead of silver.

The space yacht was a Horizon Class Star Yacht built by the SoroSuub Corporation on the planet Sullust in the southern part of the Outer Rim. Sullust was the homeworld of the Sullustans near-human species.

The ship was in orbit around the planet Arkanis on the southeastern side of the Outer Rim.

Dooku had just finished making a inspection of the planet and the Separatist defenses on the planet on in orbit. Dooku did the personal inspection to make sure the planet had recovered from attempted Republic invasion of the planet some months ago.

Dooku found that everything on the Arkanis and in orbit of the planet was find. Dooku met with the Separatist planetary governor, and Dooku congratulated the planetary governor for his skill leadership in making sure Arkanis had fully recovered. Dooku promised to say a few good words to the Separatist Council about the governor's work. A promise Dooku intended to keep because Dooku value competent leadership.

The governor was happy with Dooku.

Soon after, Dooku left Arkanis in his new space yacht. Dooku then ordered the droid pilots to place his ship in orbit around Arkanis, as Dooku patiently waited for a important scheduled holo-communication.

Presently, in the living area of the space yacht, Dooku sat in a chair at his desk. He was reading a datapad on his desk which another report of a defeat and capture of the Separatist capital ship Neebon. While details were limited, it was reported Thor was instrumental in the defeat.

Though, Dooku was expecting a call from Sidious on this matter. Considering Sidious had sent him some information on Thor a few days before, to look over, while Dooku also inspected the Separatist forced on Arkanis.

As Dooku finished reading the datapad, he set the datapad on the top of his desk.

Dooku thought, 'Senator Amidala has certainly become quite a handful. Though, it is nice to learn that she has not waste the gifts that she has been given. Which is good for all of us. From what I have read about her allies, they have become more powerful, as well. Even the young Togruta girl.'

Just then, Dooku heard the beeping from the holo-monitor at his desk as a holo-communication came through. Only one person had the number to his direct line. All the others were answered by his droid pilots, with the communications forwarded to him.

Dooku thought, 'I wonder if he uses the force to time his calls. He probably does. I might as well talk to him. And I hope this conversation is not what I think it will be about.'

Dooku pressed a button on the holo-monitor on his desk to answer the holo-commmunication.

Above the holo-monitor showed a small hologram of the head of a man whom had a black hood over his face, with only his jaw and mouth being visible.

The man stated, “Lord Tyranus.”

Dooku said, “Lord Sidious.”

Sidious inquired, “Have you completed you inspection of Arkanis?”

Dooku answered, “Yes.”

Sidious asked, “How was the inspection?”

Dooku said, “The inspection went well. The assigned governor is doing his job well.”

Sidious stated, “Good. Now that you have no immediate business to deal with I have a assignment for you. One that only you, with your abilities, can personally handle.”

Dooku inquired, “What is the assignment, my master?”

Sidious asked, “Did you finish reading the information I sent you on the girl?”

Dooku thought, 'Like you already did not know.' He replied, “Yes.”

Sidious stated, “Good. The time has come for the girl to die. Though, you much make sure that her death is as Thor. Not as Amidala.”

Dooku thought, 'I was hoping this order would never come. But, I still have to obey... For right now... Though, that does not mean I will kill her in a manner that she does not have a fighting chance to survive.'

Dooku commented, “I understand. Though, doing so will have to be in combat. Any other way may martyr her.”

Sidious agreed, “Yes. Her death must be through combat.”

Dooku thought, 'At least the girl will now have a fighting chance. Though, the more important question is why do you want this done now of all times? She could still be useful to us.'

Dooku inquired, “I do request to know why you desire her death done soon? She might still might prove useful to us.”

Sidious answered, “While there is still the possibility of her being useful. The opportunity for her death has presented itself. An opportunity we cannot ignore. I have learned that within three days, the girl, the boy, and boy's own apprentice, will arrive on Theed, Naboo to visit the girl's family. Now, is the perfect time to strike when she is at her weakest.”

Dooku realized what Sidious meant. Dooku said, “She will not fully use her powers and risk harming her family, nor her home city.” He thought, 'I admit. The timing is perfect.'

Sidious stated, “Exactly. Also, I will need you to make sure her corpse is still recognizable and that her body is left where it can be found by the local citizenry.”

Dooku commented, “To help demoralize the locals and the Republic. To send the message that one of the most powerful heroes of the Republic can be killed in her home city. Meaning no one is safe from us no matter where they are.”

Sidious laughed a little. As he stopped laughing, he said, “More than that. With her revealed as Thor, Amidala the peacemaker will be exposed as a hypocrite towards the war. Thus shattering any remaining opposition to the war effort within the Senate.”

Dooku cracked a grin, as he complimented, “This is brilliant.”

Sidious returned Dooku's smile. He responded, “Thank you. And her death. With her being so emotionally close to the boy, will help push the boy further down the path to becoming one of us. Though, the boy's own apprentice, nor the girl's family must be harmed. At least, not until after the girl is killed.”

Dooku commented, “I understand. Killing the girl's family before her may cause her to use her full powers against me. I have no interest in facing a hurricane. And by sparing the apprentice, the apprentice will anchor the boy. Keeping him from becoming too reckless in his grief as the darkness from losing the girl slowly grows within him.”

Sidious stated, “Correct. The boy and the girl have become close. The girl is close to her family. And the girl and the boy care about the boy's apprentice. We can use these attachments to our advantage. But, this assassination must be properly done. Make sure this is a one on one fight between Thor and yourself. I do not believe you can handle both Thor and the boy, by yourself.”

Dooku conceded, “You are perhaps correct. The girl is powerful. She might be as powerful as you.”

Sidious flatly responded, “No one is as powerful as I am. Still, you make a very good point. Do you believe you can do accomplish this mission?”

Dooku suggested, “I believe I can do so. Still, if I cannot kill the girl, I could be creative in how kill girl's family, and try manipulate her emotional state to create a hurricane which would destroy the city Theed. Such a reckless act would demoralize the Republic. And with it being leaked that Amidala and Thor are the same person. It would still harm the opposition within the Senate.”

“Amidala would be branded a mass-murderer by the Republic. If not a traitor. We can drive a wedge between her and the Republic and use this wedge to turn her against the Republic. Make one of their greatest heroes into one of their greatest enemies.”

Dooku thought, 'This is what you have in mind for the boy. But, I believe the girl could prove more useful in this role.'

Sidious firmly stated, “No. Do not kill her family before she dies. Because then she would become unpredictable. And she would present an even greater danger to our game. Given how close she and the boy are. They might join forces. And we cannot allow such a powerful individual to become a random factor. Let alone two powerful individuals.”

Dooku replied, “I understand.” Dooku felt disgust, as he thought, 'Your obsession with the boy is clouding your judgment.'

'I could use this opportunity to turn her and use her as an weapon against the Jedi and you. She and I could kill you. Then, I would turn her against the Jedi Council. She has the power to take on most of the Jedi High Council at once with a real possibility of killing most if not all of them.'

'Such a power vacuum could be used to take control of the Jedi Order. Once I control the Jedi Order, I can upend the Senate through a Jedi coup. The I could use the Jedi to take over the Separatists and the rest of the galaxy in a Dynasty of the Force of my creation.'

'Unfortunately, I am not ready to act against you. So, have to do as you request and hope both she and I survive so there would be other opportunities to turn her and the boy.'

'Though, I am thankful we have having this conversation by holo-comm. I am not sure my mental defenses could hide the contempt I feel for you at this moment for your single-mindedness.'

Sidious said, “I do not wish for Amidala to be exposed as Thor, unless she is killed. She has come back from worse politician situations than a scandal of her identity would recreate. Should you fail in this task, I wish for you to escape. But, do not publicly expose her as Thor. And do not attack her family, nor friends. Both of you still have some use to me.”

Dooku thought, 'I am not sure what your use for her is. And I am not sure I want to know. If it came down to a choice, she is more likely to join me than you. You are the one whom arranged all these death marks on her. Not I. I did not spend years making it a hobby to try to kill her through use my proxies.'

'While I will carry out your orders to kill her. I do not like carrying out these orders.'

'Still, Sidious. When it concerns myself. We both know I am the one person keeping the Separatists Council, and the Separatists Parliament from attacking each other. I am still needed to crack the whip on those simpletons, and be the public face for the Separatists. If you kill me too soon the Separatists falls apart, and so does your plans. But like all Sith, I am biding my time for the proper opportunity to strike you down. I just need to figure out a way to do so that will work, and not martyr you.'

'Having the girl join in doing so is only one possibility of many. All I have to do is be patient and what for the right opportunity.'

Dooku continued his thoughts, with a more firm emotional state, 'Now to get down to business.'

Dooku firmly stated, “Within four days Senator Amidala will be dead. And she will be exposed as Thor.”

Sidious replied, “Good.” Then, Sidious cut off the communication on his end.

Sidious' hologram disappearance from above the holo-monitor on Dooku's desk.

Dooku pushed down a button on the intercom on his desk, that went to the cockpit of the ship. He stated, “Set course for Theed, Naboo.” Then, he let go of the button on his desk.

Through the intercom, one of the droid pilots replied, “Right away.”

Dooku looked around the living quarters of his ship. He thought, 'I really do like this star-cruiser. And I found it on Sullust of all places. On the Outer Rim, homeworld of the Sullustans. It seems the SoroSuub Corporation has Separatist sympathizers. Once I got in touch with them, they were more than willing to sell me with a space yacht worthy of my station, at a fair price. They were even willing to paint the ship's exterior gold, as per my request.'

'The amenities of this ship are first class. This living area is nice. The sleep quarters are nice. The shower system is great. The communication systems are top of the line. And I ordered the droid pilots to make sure the kitchen and pantry areas are always will stocked with food and supplies.'

'The ship flies well for its class. It is not as agile as a starfighter, but close. I had the ship's two ion engines slightly modified so ship's sub-light engines are faster than most starfighters. This ship is even faster than a Jedi starfighter.'

'Also, the hyper-drive engines of this ship are very nice.'

'This star-cruiser even has in two hidden laser cannon turrets that pop out from hidden panels in the front top of the ship to fire at targets in front of the ship. When no longer needed the two laser cannon turrets retract back into the hidden housing.'

'I even had my star-cruiser modified to be equipped with two deflector shield generators. My ship will not be destroyed on the first hit.'

'Though, this is not much in the way of weapons and defense. But, it is nice to have options. '

'I have been a long time customer of the SoroSuub, so I should not be surprised that it was this company that I bought my new star-cruiser from.'

'I have been using one of their FA-4 pilot droids to fly myself around in my Punworcca 116 Class Interstellar Sloop ship for years. But, I have found that solar sailer is to small for my needs.'

'The SoroSuub even throw in another FA-4 pilot droid and a black R2 model astromech droid. Now my old pilot droid and the new pilot droid work together in piloting this ship, while the astromech droid acts as the navigational computers. This works out quite well for me.'

'This Horizon-class star yacht has not even been made public yet. Only a myself, and a select few workers and executives of SoroSuub Corporation can recognize this ship on sight. So no one can immediately identify this ship's origins, which works for someone in my line of work.'

'This ship is one of the ten or so prototypes built for its class built by the SoroSuub Corperation. Though, all the bugs are worked out on the ship. I even checked to make sure that was the case. From what I have learn, SoroSuub Corporation is one of the starship companies that design and organization their releases of various classes of ships decades in advance. There are several different classes of star-cruisers before they plan to officially released. Which should be in around two decades.'

'Right now, the latest publicly sold star-cruiser by the SoroSuub Corporation is the Personal Luxury Yacht 3000. The Yacht 3000 is such a gaudy ship when compared to the Horizon Class Yacht. And the two star-cruisers look completely different.'

'I believe that Sidious uses a Yacht 3000 star-cruisers. I am tempted to brag to him that I have better star-cruiser than he does. But except for those at SoroSuub Corporation, I do not want anyone to know I am using this ships. Especially, Sidious.'

'I am enjoying using star-cruiser. And I plan to make future orders from the SoroSuub Corporation. They offer a wide various of products from space yacht, to speeders, to droids, to comlinks, to some interesting energy pike designs. An energy pike can parry a lightsabers. SoroSuub has an electrostaff which an energy pike on both ends.'

'The Separatists have a contract with Holowan Mechanicals to develop and build a combat droid which could actually combat a Jedi using lightsaber in a melee battle. While I laugh at the idea. I support the contract to see if it is actually possible. But, Holowan Mechanicals is still looking for a proper weapon to equip their combat droid with. I believe this electrostaff might be the weapon they are looking for.'

'Holowan Mechanicals is a subsidiary of Holowan Laboratories. I will contract the CEO Holowan Laboratories to see if they are open to using a the electrostaff made by SoroSuub Corporation.'

'If this works out, I will arrange a contract between the two companies. If not, I will license the plans from the SoroSuub Corporation and contract a more Separatist friendly company to build the electrostaffs. Such as the Baktoid Armor Workshop.'

'Either way, I will have another type of weapon to use against the Jedi and the Republic. If these combat droids do prove a challenge for Jedi. I believe I might incorporate them into my plans to destroy the Jedi High Council and to later deal with Sidious.'

'Sidious is to powerful for me to defeat in one on one combat. And given Sidious once let slip he poisoned his previous master, Darth Plagueis, in his sleep. I have no illusions about dealing with in a one on one battle. If I have to wear him down with an army of droids before I kill him. I will. The only reason I do not risk an orbital strike on where he lives is the building he resides in is built to withstand orbital bombardment. I could destroyed everything else in the area and that building will still be standing. So, I will have to try another way to get to him.'

Dooku looked in front, towards his desk, as he continued his thoughts, 'Though, that is for later. I have other matters to attend too. Such as how I will deal with Senator Padme Amidala.'

'While Padme has become more powerful in her own abilities. She is still no match for a lightsaber master. Though, I will have to wait for the proper opportunity.'

'While the ship is fueled. It will take me a few days to get to Naboo. This will give me time t come up with a plan.'

'Even with my skills and experience, Padme will have many advantages in this battle. And not just her powers and skills. She will know the battlefield. Such knowledge can turn the tide of battle. I will need to brush up on the geography and people of that area of the planet.'

'To make this a one on one battle, I will need to separate the three of them.'

'Though, I have something wonderful in mind to separate Padme, from Anakin, and the new apprentice of theirs... I believe her name is Ahsoka Tano. Later, I will look up information on her.'

'I will need to find somewhere, in Theed, that I may fight her out in the open. A open location which plenty of options for fall back positions. Yet, a location where we will not be disturbed. Fortunately, with my knowledge of security codes, landing on the spaceport of Theed and leaving later will not be a problem.'

'I will give Padme an honorable fight. Given her professionalism as both as a senator and as a warrior, I feel I should do nothing less. Should she die, then at least she will die a warrior's death.'

Soon, the astromech droid acting as the navigational computer in Dooku's space yacht had plotted out the course to Naboo, in the southeastern section of the Mid-Rim. Then, the two droid pilots of the ship then had the space yacht jump to hyperspace towards Naboo.

(_)

Three days later, it was a sunny, mid-morning in the Temple District on Coruscant. In the Jedi Temple, Obiwan had just finished a personal meeting with the Jedi Council inside the Council chambers.

Obiwan gave reports on the matters concerning the training and missions that Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, and himself had undertaken over the last few months. In addition, during the meeting Obiwan answered questions from the council members on how his three students were were doing in their training and missions.

Obiwan had told the Council what he was suppose to say. Though, he kept many of the details, and his opinions, to himself. Details that would have gotten his friends, and himself, in trouble. Though, these details did not state that his students did anything that was actually wrong.

Obiwan felt that given the circumstances that were involved in those actions, that his students actions fell in a moral gray area.

Obiwan had already confronted his students about some of the more questionable actions they had undertaken. Such as Padme letting Jango and Boba Fett go on Balmorra.

Obiwan even omitted Padme's accidental space walk while Thor because he did not want to risk ruining her vacation because the Council may want to further study Thor's resilience towards environmental extremes.

Obiwan felt that given he confronted his students about these matters, and reporting such actions would cause unnecessary problems for his students. As such, he omitted these details from his reports.

Given the council members could use the force to sense someone telling a lie, Obiwan was careful to tell the truth, from a certain point of view.

After the meeting was over, Council Member Mace Windu and Jedi Master Obiwan Kenobi decided to talk as they made their way through the Jedi Temple, at a leisurely pace.

Mace and Obiwan took and elevator to a level near the middle of the Jedi Temple. Then, they started to walk, as talked about very topics.

Presently, Obiwan and Mace were having a pleasant conversation, as they walked down a mostly empty large hallway inside the Jedi Temple. The hallway was located by the outside wall of the Temple. To the right side of the hallway, there were windows which allowed in plenty of sunlight to see with.

Obiwan to Mace's left side, and Mace walked being to hallway wall to his right side.

As they walked, Mace commented, “I know while we have been asking about your students. We still care about you. We have not forgotten you.”

Obiwan replied, “I know.”

Mace asked, “So how are you doing?”

Obiwan answered, “All things considered. I am doing fine.”

Mace admitted, “Good. Though, I was wondering how you were handling the propaganda services nicknaming you, The Wise.” Mace stifled a small laugh.

Obiwan noticed Mace was trying to stop himself from laughing. A few seconds later, Obiwan realized what Mace truly meant by his comment.

Obiwan thought, 'I long suspected this nickname would make me the butt of some jokes.'

Obiwan said, in an even tone of voice, “I admit that I have a sarcastic wit. And a sense of humor that goes with that wit. I realize the reason the council allowed me to keep that nickname was so you council members could called me, wiseass, behind my back.”

Mace mischievously smiled, as he commented, “You were always, wise, Obiwan.” This time, Mace could not stop himself from laughing a few times.

Obiwan caught the pun. He flatly replied, “Ha. Ha.” He groaned, as he requested, “Can we please move on from this matter?”

Mace reigned in his emotions. He calmly said, “Sure. I have some good news for you. The council wanted me to quietly tell you. Your name has been placed on the Old Guard. You are now on the list to eventually become a member of one of the four councils. Very likely the high council.”

Obiwan came to a stop, as he realized the importance of what this meant for himself.

Obiwan thought, 'The Old Guard is not so much as a position, but an unofficial title for those Jedi whom are considered to have upheld the traditions of the Jedi Order. Most members of the four Jedi Councils were first give the title of being a members of the Old Guard. This means I could become a member of the Jedi High Council. Or, one of the other councils. I have already become a Jedi Master. And by becoming a member of the Council, I would surpass my former deceased master and teacher. A man that was like a second father to me, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn.'

'I could end up a member of the high Council which governs the entire Jedi Order. Though, being assigned to be any of the other three councils which work under the High Council would be a high honor.'

'Council of First Knowledge handles the teaching academy and lessons for younglings and padawans. The members of this council also advise member of the Order on various matters. And this council runs the Shadow program, which are the assassins of the Jedi Council. The Jedi Shadows are assign to kill any Sith followers they find. Along with destroying any Sith teachings and Sith artifacts they discover.'

'Even as a Jedi Master I am not suppose to know this. But, it is more well known than the leadership of the Jedi Order would wish. Given my personal experiences with Sith and darkside users, the Jedi Shadows are clearly not doing their job as they should.'

'While the High Council members in the High Council Tower which is the southeast tower, the Council of First Knowledge meets in the northwest tower, the Tower of First Knowledge.'

'Then, there is the Council of Reconciliation. This council whom handles the diplomatic side of the Jedi Order. This includes assignments to negotiate peaceful agreements for the various member governments of the Republic.'

'The Council of Reconciliation meets in the southeast tower, the Tower of Reconciliation.'

'And there is Council of Reassignment. This council handles assignments for those younglings and padawans whom fail their training. These individuals are assigned to one of four Jedi Service Corps, which are overseen by this council.'

'The first and most well known of these Jedi Service Corps is the Agricultural Corps, or Agrocorps. The individuals are sent to agricultural worlds to learn to be farmers.'

'While most most members of the Jedi Order consider assignment to the Agrocorps to be disrespected. The other three organizations are held with a little more value within the Jedi Order.'

'It interesting that after fighting in a war, some Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters sometimes request to be transferred to the Agro Corps as call to earth, as it were. To grow instead of destroy. After the battles I have been, I can understand why some Jedi would want to leave the Temple and go live somewhere quiet and peaceful.'

'While most all failed younglings and most failed padawans are assign to the Agrocorps, those failed padawans that show a potential in one of part of their training are assigned to one of the other Jedi Service Corps.'

'Those that show a strong grasp of history are assigned to the Educational Corps, or Educorps, to assist the Lord Keeps in maintaining the Jedi Archives.'

'Those that have a strong grasp of academics. Such as math, are assigned to the Exploration, or ExplorCorps, to be ship pilots in assigned Jedi Researchers on archaeological sights on remote planets.'

'Those failed padawans which are strong in the force but not so good in academics, or lightsaber training, are usually assigned to the Medical Corps, or Medcorps, as medical technicians or assistants to Jedi Healers.'

'There is also the Temple Security Force which is overseen by the Jedi Battlemaster, whom reports directly to the Jedi High Council. The current Battlemaster is Jedi Master Cin Drallig.'

'The Temple Security Force is composed of Jedi Peacekeepers and non-force using police officers whom enforce the law in the Temple District. While the Jedi Temple is a large part of the District, there are residential areas in the district where civilians live. And the Jedi Order is tasked with assisting the security forces in the district to maintain the law.'

'The Temple Security also includes the Jedi Temple Guards and the Gate Keeper whom oversees members of the Jedi Order assigned to directly guard the temple doors. Those Jedi whom are assigned to guard the doors are regularly rotated as a basic assignment for those living in the Jedi Temple.'

'The current Gate Keeper is Jedi Master Jurokk whom does a good job at his assignment.'

'Still, being a member a of the Old Guard will not guarantee I will be eventually assigned as a member to any of councils. This is just a sign that there is a possibility of such an assignment. And while the High Council and the other councils have positions which are appointments for life. Most of the appointments to the various councils have term limits. Though, these term limits are usually waved during a time of war, when rotating appointments on the various councils can be detrimental to the stability of long term strategies implemented by the various councils for the war effort.'

Obiwan turned to face Mace. He saw Mace had stopped by him, with Mace giving Obiwan a warm smile.

Obiwan returned Mace's smile. Obiwan sincerely said, “Thank you. I will keep this to myself.”

Mace calmly said, “I know you will. Do not mess this up.”

Obiwan shrugged, as he casually responded, “I will try not too. But, with three students at once. You never know. I now understand why the Jedi have the rule of one teacher, one student.”

Mace commented, “Do not worry, I have faith you will make it. Or, as Master Yoda would put it.” Mace did a fake Yoda accent, as he continued, “Do. Or, do not. There is no, try.”

Obiwan asked, in a curious tone of voice, “Does he actually believe that?”

Mace answered, in his normal tone of voice, “Between you and me.” Mace leaned closer to Obiwan's right ear, as he whispered, “No.”

Mace leaned his head back up straight, as both Obiwan and himself, chuckled a little at their joke.

As they calmed down, the two men looked forward, and Mace started casually walking down the hallway. Obiwan noticed this, and he walked along side his old friend.

While they walked, Obiwan commented, “I hope that the way I achieve such a prominent position is not through posthumous replacement.” He thought, 'Retirements are not unheard of for older members of the council. Or, those council members killed on missions.'

Mace soberly stated, “I hope that is not the case, either. Though, with this war, that is one possibility on how you will end up with on one of councils. Though, either way I feel you will deserve your place among us.”

Obiwan replied, “Thank you.”

Mace asked, “So, where are you students heading to? You did not mention in your reports where they are taking their leave to. You only mentioned they are together.”

Obiwan stated, “I only omitted their locations as a security precaution.”

Mace responded, “I understand. One has to be careful about security leaks. So where are they?”

Obiwan answered, “Padme is taking Anakin and Ahsoka to visit her family on Naboo. They are heading to Theed, the capital city of Naboo. I approved their leave,myself. I gave them two weeks off. Enough time to get there, and come back, with over a week to spend there.”

Mace commented, “While I agree such a visit would be nice. That seems like an awful lot of time to get there.”

Obiwan explained, “We all got disembarked onto Coruscant two days ago. They had to pack. They had to prep their ship. They heading to Naboo on Padme's star-cruiser. Which from personal experience is a very nice ship. They are taking Anakin's two droids with them. They are going from the core worlds, to the Mid-Rim. That takes a little time to accomplish.”

Mace inquired, “True. This will be a nice visit for them. It will be good for their morale. I think some downtime like that will be good for all three of them. Also, while it was not in your report. I heard that Padme was in space for a little bit with an enviro-suit?”

Obiwan thought, 'I am not sure how you found out, Mace. But, I am not surprised.'

Obiwan commented, “Yes. I was not sure how to inform the council of that. It seems that as Thor, Padme is tougher than we thought. She does not need air in her stronger form. She can actually talk and hear in space. None of us have clue on how she does this. Even she admits she does not like to think how her powers and that hammer work.”

Mace inquired, “Interesting. So how is her health?”

Obiwan answered, “Fine. Once we got her back to the Resolute, we had a full medical check done on her, on both her forms. Also, along with extreme temperatures, and hard vacuum. In her stronger form, Padme seems immune to even high levels background radiation found in space. After the incident she showed no signs of problems, nor any health issues. And there was not radiation signature for her body beyond the normal range found in a human woman.”

Mace replied, “That is a relief.”

Obiwan stated, “Yes. It is a relief. That event scared them, and it even troubled me.”

Mace commented, “That could be a good thing. This is reminder of their mortality. Still, all three of them could use some peace and quiet. I am sure Padawan Skywalker and Padawan Tano both need to be reminded that there is more to being a Jedi than adventure.”

Obiwan commented, “You are sounding like Master Yoda.”

Mace cracked a grin, as he said, “Thank you.” Mace dropped his grin. He firmly stated, “Now, we need to discuss other matters. The council is becoming more impatient with you, about Anakin. Concerning his trials.”

Obiwan thought, 'There is one excuse I can use to stop this conversation.' He said, “I thought that there were many on the council that believe Anakin is still too reckless to take the trials.”

Mace said, “Yes. In the past. But given how well you and Anakin taught Padme. With everything you have reported concerning Senator Amidala and Padawan Skywalker's service records being nothing short of exemplary. Even your reports state that Padawan Tano is coming along nicely. Due to all this, most of those on the council have come to believe that Padawan Skywalker has matured to be ready to take and pass his trials for knighthood.”

Obiwan thought, 'I guess that excuse is not going to fly.' He conceded, “They would be correct. Anakin has grown in the last few years. He is must more emotionally mature.”

Mace commented, “I am glad we agree. Because we of the council want you to have him do the trials, so we can knight him, before this drags out into a mess.”

Obiwan responded, “I feel he is not ready. What if he fails?”

Mace stated, “Hmm... If that happened, it would be an embarrassment. But, it would not be the first time the council bent the rules concerning knighthood.”

Obiwan thought, 'I cannot believe what I am hearing. This is like the Senate appointing someone to the Jedi High Council and declaring the person to be a Jedi Master.'

Obiwan commented, 'We both know that is a rarity. And would you really make him a knight even if he is not ready?”

Mace flatly stated, “We are at war. And Anakin Skywalker has the potential to be the most powerful force user in the galaxy. Everyone knows this. From us to Dooku, to even Sidious. We cannot allow Padawan Skywalker to leave the Order. Let alone throw him out. And he is too old for the Agrocorps. If we tried to send him there, we might as well just throw him out of the Order. And if we did so, Dooku would have his hooks into Anakin before we knew it. I do not even want to think of the implications should such a situation occur.”

Obiwan mentally reflected, 'He has a point.'

Obiwan conceded, “I can agree that Anakin falling to the dark side would be very bad thing for everyone involved. Including, Anakin. Though, some members have left the order from the embarrassment of failing their trials. If he does fail. What would be the fallout?”

Mace shrugged, as he responded, “Depending on the severity. If it is only a minor failure, we can arrange a mission to prove himself. If it a major failure. He would likely be removed and trained by another Jedi Master. Likely a council member until the council felt he was ready to take trials again. With him hopefully passing the trials during his second attempt.”

Obiwan thought, 'But, since the council that is pressuring me to have Anakin take the trials before I feel he is ready. And for a student to be removed from a teacher is a far worse embarrassment for the teacher than their student failing the trials. Though, I wonder if you wish to become Anakin's teacher. I believe you need to be reminded of a few things.'

Obiwan questioned, “Should Anakin be removed from me, do you plan to be his new teacher? Both of you have abrasive attitudes that would likely clash. It would not be a good fit.”

Mace conceded, “That is a good point. But, there are other good teachers we can pair Padawan Skywalker with.”

Obiwan took offense, as he flatly asked, “Are you saying I am not a good teacher?”

Mace realized he had hit a nerve. He responded, “Far from it. You have brought Anakin this far. From what we have seen of Senator Amidala in action, your training of her has shown nothing short of phenomenal results. And Padawan Tano is even showing progress. But you are right. Juggling three students might be too much for you. All a new teacher would be doing is smoothing out the rough edges in Anakin's training.”

“If this happened, we of the council would take into account that we pressured you in having Anakin takes the trials too early. We would arrange it so removal of Padawan Skywalker from you instruction would be done in a manner that would be the least embarrassing for everyone involved.”

Obiwan thought, 'That is good to know. Though, there is another related manner which needs to be discussed.'

Obiwan pointed out, “But, Anakin might not want a new teacher? And to fail in the trials would be a devastating blow to his pride.”

Mace conceded, “True. But, we will cross that bridge when we get there. Even if Padawan Skywalker was removed from you. You would still have two other students, which would show the council still supports you as a teacher.”

Obiwan thought. 'Meaning you do not have an answer. And you want to move on in this conversation. Fine with me. We can now get to the heart of the matter.'

Obiwan responded, “Perhaps. And you raise another matter. What about Ahsoka? What becomes of her, if Anakin fails? We all know she is originally was going to be Anakin's padawan apprentice once he is knighted. But, if he fails the trials that plan is no longer going to happen.”

“Will she eventually removed from me instruction? While we both know that Padme is not going anywhere. I am worried about Ahsoka, if Anakin is fails he trials and he is removed from my tutelage.”

Mace answered, “You have no worries on that matter. If that happens, Padawan Tano will likely become your student on a more permanent status. You and Padawan Skywalker have done a good job on her training. I see no reason for removed her from your instruction. Still, this all comes down to Anakin taking the trials. We cannot wait forever.”

Obiwan realized, as he thought, 'While I feel relief about Ahsoka. I am still concerned about Anakin. Though, I realize am not going to win this argument.'

Obiwan stated, “I have already given some thought. Given Anakin has become more mature since becoming a teacher, I believe he might be ready to take the trials sooner, rather than later. I am just not sure when.'

Mace said, “Good. Time is ticking away.”

Obiwan flatly responded, “This I am well aware of. Though, when I do have Anakin take his trials, I have one request.”

Mace inquired, “What?”

Obiwan stated, “I wish for Ahsoka to watch as Anakin takes a few of his trials. I know some of them Anakin has to do alone. But such as the trial of skill, Ahsoka can watch.”

Mace said, “It is not unheard of to have other padawans watch their peers take the trials. I see no problems in her attending.”

Obiwan replied, “Thank you.”

Mace asked, “So, since we are talking about your students. What is your opinion on your three charges?”

Obiwan answered, “Well, the good news is. Anakin makes a fine teacher. Ahsoka is coming along nicely. Padme is doing great. As to Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka, in combat. They show themselves well in their conduct both on and off the battlefield.”

Obiwan thought, 'I might as well tell you. Besides Yoda and a few others. I believe you would understand this.'

Obiwan mentioned, “I did not bring this up in the council meeting, nor my reports. Because I was not sure how some of the council members would react. But, Padme has also be teaching Ahsoka manners and diplomacy.”

“I support this. And so does Anakin. Because Padme's lessons have increased Ahsoka's attention span and discipline. Thus making it easier to train her in the force, lightsaber forms, and making her easier to deal with in general.”

Mace said, “I bet. I, for one, am okay with this. As long as Senator Amidala does not have Padawan become involved in politics.”

Obiwan agreed, “That is where I drew the line. Anakin told me that he discussed the matter Padme. And Padme agreed to our minor requests. I just hope this won't cause any problems for anyone.”

Mace stated, “It won't And I will keep this to myself. You were right not to bring this to the council. Some of them would not understand. But, I do.”

Obiwan replied, “Thank you.” He thought, 'I am glad I was right to privately talk to you about this.'

Mace questioned, “Now speaking of temperaments. What are your views on Padme as a person? Were we correct in training her?”

Obiwan admitted, “Yes. I have gotten to know Padme. She is a decent woman. Yes. She is a politician. And she has a very shrewd mind. But, she has convictions and she shows courage in her beliefs. And they are good beliefs. I have seen her go out of her way to minimize civilian causalities, while completing her mission. And she does so in a way that does not jeopardize her mission.”

Mace inquired, “I sense a, but, in your comment.”

Obiwan sighed. He said, “I use to think that Padme would be a bad influence on Anakin. Now, with her having as much power from that hammer, as Anakin has in the force, I have come to believe that Anakin is a bad influence on her.”

“While she does minimize civilian causalities, she is very aggressive on the battlefield. She takes Anakin's lead on this. I am glad she is on our side. But, I am starting to regret teaching Anakin to be so aggressive in combat. And I have only myself to blame.”

Mace suggested, “It is best we learn from our mistakes and move on. Instead of allowing ourselves to wallow in our regrets. Do you wish for us to separate them?”

Obiwan said, “They are good friends. I hope they are only friends. If they are more than that, they are very good at hiding it.”

Mace commented, “I do not see Padawan Skywalker being that clever. Senator Amidala, yes. But, not Padawan Skywalker.”

Obiwan responded, “I agree. Also, Ahsoka admires Padme as a peer. I do not want break up a very skilled and powerfully effective team.”

Mace said, “I can understand your point on this.”

Obiwan conceded, “Still, the occasional sole missions for Padme, and Anakin, might be the best way to approach this. Let them spend some time separated. But, not all the time.”

Mace said, “I will bring this up with the council. But, I believe that might be the best way to deal with this matter. Perhaps we could assign Senator Amidala on some easy personal assignments on Coruscant after her leave is over. While Padawan Skywalker and Padawan Tano are assigned off-planet. Or, they are otherwise busy.”

Obiwan commented, “This might work. I will think on it. I will contact you when I come up with some ideas.”

Mace replied, “That will be fine.” Mace cracked a grin, as he said, “Now. I learned that a few weeks ago, before you rendezvoused with the Resolute and Negotiator, you were on a solo mission. I heard that after you completed that mission, you had some trouble getting back to your Jedi Cruisers. It just so happened, you landed your shuttle on a tropical beach resort planet for a few days. A very popular planet for tourists.”

Obiwan cracked a grin, as he said, “It is purely coincidence that it happened to be that world.”

Mace offered, “If you wanted a few weeks off for a vacation, we would have gladly granted you the time to do so.”

Obiwan stated, “I am suppose to be the responsible one. I realized that I would still have work to do, even when my students are on leave. And if that got back to Anakin, Padme, and Ahsoka, that I went on vacation without them, I would never live it down. But, I still needed a break.”

Mace chuckled a little. He said, “Okay. Point taken. Still how was your time there?”

Obiwan warmly smiled. He happily said, “The people there were lovely. All of them were very friendly. I have nothing but good things to say about my stay there. I will have to go back there sometime.”

Obiwan and Mace continued their pleasant conversation, as they made their way through the corridors of the Jedi Temple.

Eventually, when the concluded their discussion, they went about their separate duties for the day.

(_)

Hours later, a silver painted, arrow shaped, H-type Nubian space yacht came out of hyperspace in orbit around the planet Naboo, in the southeastern Mid-Rim.

Within the next hour, the captain of the ship made used the ship's communication's syteme to make arrangements for her and her friends to come down to the planet on short notice.

While there were a few minor difficulties in such a short term request, the captain was able to gain clearance to land on Naboo, at the spaceport in Theed, the captain city of Naboo.

The H-type space yacht belonged to government of Naboo. The ship was assigned to Senator Padme Amidala Naberrie to use after Padme's previous space yacht, the silver painted J-type diplomatic barge was destroyed in a bombing on a landing pad on Coruscant, a short time before the Clone Wars started.

The government of Naboo allowed Padme to use the H-type space yacht for as long as she was the Galactic Senator representing the Chommell sector, which included the Naboo star system.

Presently, Padme was sitting in a chair at the controls in the cockpit of the ship, as she made the final arrangements for her visit to her homeworld of Naboo, and to land in the city she grew up in, Theed.

Padme was wearing casual clothing of a white short sleeve cloth shirt, black pants, a red belt and black slippers. Her long hair was draped down the back of her head.

Now that the communication between the Naboo government officials and Padme had ended, Padme focused on the instruments on the control panel and the controls of the ship, and not the view from the window in front of her of the planet Naboo.

While Padme worked the controls of her ship, she thought, 'Since we are about to go into orbit, I need to account for everyone. Turbulence during atmospheric entry can be rough. But, as long as the passengers are notified in advance there are not usually any problems.'

'Let's see. Anakin and Ahsoka are in the living area mediating. R2 is connected to the ship's computer, in another part of the ship. C3-PO is somewhere. And Mjolnir is in my personal quarters.'

'If Ahsoka was not with us, I would be tempted to sleep with Anakin during our trip here. Still, I do want Ahsoka to meet my family. It would broaden her horizons as to her friends outside of the Order.'

Padme smiled, as she mentally reflected, 'I am glad I convinced Anakin and Ahsoka to let me take them to Naboo on my yacht. So we can travel in style. A Jedi transport shuttle is nice and all. But, it just does not rate to the comforts of this ship. Besides, a Jedi transport shuttle would likely attract attention, while this is a Nubian ship, and a class of ship which is used by government officials. So piloting this ship cause too many questions to be asked.'

'Hmm... I do not like coming in unannounced. I already talked with Queen Neeyutnee. She was kind enough to make sure my visit was discreet and would not be an official visit. This will allow me to visit with my family with no political entanglements...'

Padme sighed, as she continued her thoughts, 'I am just tired of politics. Especially, the politics of war. I need a break. I am sure Anakin and Ahsoka could use a break, as well.'

'Though, I wish the reservations at the Hidden Crest hotel were not so expensive. But, it was on short notice. Fortunately, I can afford the fees. Considering this is not an official visit I cannot use my senatorial account to pay the fees.'

'I trust the staff of that hotel to keep our visit secret.'

'Also, if my plan works in how I have our suites arrange, Anakin and I can have some time for ourselves with Ahsoka not realizing what is going on.'

'To make sure I checked my body with a small medical scanner I keep with my luggage. These next few days will be a safe time to be with Anakin. So I do not have to worry about that possible problem.'

'Also, last night, when Anakin came to the cockpit. While Ahsoka was asleep in her quarters. I told Anakin my plan at the hotel. He liked the plan. And we are both looking forward to tonight.'

'I am tempted to contact Dorme and Captain Typho. To see how they are doing. But, I decided it was for the best not too. Last I heard, Dorme is no longer a handmaiden, and she is currently studying to become a teacher for children. Captain Typho is currently overseeing the Naboo government security services whom handle foreign dignitaries visiting Naboo on official business.'

'Fortunately, the Queen accepted my request that security would not be notified of my arrive. That my ship would gain clearance to the planet without any questions being asked.'

'Security has been tight on Naboo since we took back our planet from the Trade Federation. And since the war started security has only tightened on Naboo.'

Padme turned to the communication controls of the console in front of her. She made sure the communication was set to an encrypted channel. She typed in a specific communication number for a home on Naboo, as she thought, 'Now just one more person I wish to speak to before I start our approach to Naboo, to land at the Theed spaceport.'

Padme set the communications to audio only. Then, she waited for the other end of the line to pick up.

After Padme heard a few rings, she heard the other end pick up. A feminine voice she recognized said, “Hello.”

Padme smiled, as she casually said, “Hello mom.”

Jobal Naberrie, Padme's mother, happily responded, over the line, “Hello Padme. How are you doing?”

Padme answered, in a relaxed tone of voice, “Fine. Presently, I am my ship, in orbit above Naboo.”

Jobal inquired, “Padme. What are you doing here?”

Padme said, “I am sorry that it is on short notice. But, I have arranged to spend some time to visit you, dad, and the rest of our family.”

Jobal commented, “Given everything that has happened. This is quite alright. I understand the need for secrecy given the threats on your life.”

Padme mentioned, “I am also bringing some friends with me. To start with I am bringing Anakin is on the ship with me.”

Jobal casually asked, “That nice young man you brought with you the last time you came to visit?”

Padme responded, “Yes. The other person with me is named Ahsoka Tano. She is a teenage Togruta girl. She is also a member of the Jedi Order. She is a very sweet girl. You will like her.”

Jobal happily said, “I look forward to meeting her.”

Padme stated, “Good. I will see you in a little while.”

Jobal inquired, “I look forward to your arrival. Do you need for us to replace the bed covers, with fresh covers, in your old bedroom?”

Padme answered, “No. I already made hotel reservations. Though, the hotel we are staying at will be close to you.” Padme thought, 'I am not going to say which hotel I am staying at, even over an encrypted channel.'

Jobal responded, “That is good. I will let you father and sister you know are coming.”

Padme requested, “For right now, just let dad know. I realize this is a weekday, with Sola and her family being busy. We will contact them later this evening.”

Jobal agreed, “That is a good point. We will all be happy to see you.”

Padme stated, “I will be happy to see you, as well. Bye.”

Jobal replied, “Goodbye dear.”

Padme pressed a button to turn off the communication with her mother.

Then, Padme press a few buttons at her controls to turn on the ship intercom system. She set the intercom system to have the speakers carry her works over the ship, at a comfortable volume. She said into the intercom microphone in the control panel, “This is your captain speaking. We will be momentarily entering the atmosphere of Naboo. Please, buckle yourself to a chair and prepare for atmospheric entry.”

Padme put on the seatbelt on her chair. Then, Padme sent the signal for her clearance and flight plan, as she set course for the ship to take them to the spaceport of Theed.

Meanwhile, Anakin, Ahsoka, C3-PO, and R2 had heard Padme's request. Anakin, Ahsoka, and C3-PO each found a chair to with seatbelts to buckle themselves to. R3 headed to one of the astromech stations where the droid would be most secure when the ship began entry into the Naboo atmosphere.

(_)

Less than an hour later, Padme piloted her space yacht onto a tarmac of the Theed spaceport, with Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, R2 and C3-PO safely arriving on Naboo.

The city of Theed was located at an end of a large plateau,The plateau stretched into the horizon.

The city of Theed was built all the way to the edge of the plateau.

The Solleu River ran through the top of the plateau. As the Solleu River ran through Theed the river broke apart into tributaries which flowed to the edge of the cliff to create magnificent waterfalls.

There were several bridges throughout Theed which connected the city together.

The Royal palace of Naboo, located in Theed, was build on near the edge of the plateau cliff, with the palace going all the way to the edge. Part of the palace was a single tower that was built on a lower outcropping from the wall of the plateau. This tower was connected to the rest of the palace by a bridge.

The space port was located at the base of the plateau, away from the waterfalls that ran down from the rivers that flowed through the city of Theed.

A few of the Sollue waterfalls fell over the spaceport. Through, the spaceport had created aqueducts to catch the water from the waterfalls and divert that water, along with the other water falls back into a single river which flowed into the horizon away from the plateau Theed was built on top of.

It was around twelve hundred local time, on a warm sunny day.

Half an hour after Padme piloted her ship into a hangar in the spaceport, with she and her friend disembarking from her ship, with their luggage. Padme carried Mjlonir. While Anakin, Ahsoka, and C3-PO handled the rest of the luggage.

Padme made sure her ship was locked up.

The group then headed to customs. R2 followed behind the other members of the group.

Given Padme was Galactic Senator whom representative Naboo, Anakin and Ahsoka were members of the Jedi Order, the security officials at the customs area allowed Padme, and her group, including the droids, pass through customs without their items and luggage being checked.

Padme was able to rent a speeder vehicle from the spaceport for them to use to get to Padme's family home.

The hovering speeder vehicle had an dark orange paint job. The speeder had four doors, with front and back seats. The speeder had a front windshield and side windows. The speeder had a retractable roof, which retracted into a small hole between the backseat and the trunk. Presently, the side windows were lowers and the roof had been retracted into the speeder.

The driver's side was on the left side of the speeder vehicle.

Padme decided to let Anakin drive. To Anakin's right, in the front middle was Ahsoka, and on the right front seat was Padme.

All of them had their seatbelts on.

C3-PO sat in the backseat, behind Anakin. And R2 was sitting on to of the backseat behind Padme.

Anakin had to use the force to pick up R2 and gently set the droid into the backseat.

Mjolnir rested on its side on the middle of the floor of the backseat.

C3-PO had one a seatbelt. R2 was secured to the backseat by strap that was equipped in the backseat of the speeder for non-humanoid shaped droids.

Their luggage was in the trunk of the vehicle.

Anakin was dressed in a white short sleeve shirt and white pants, with a black belt and black boots. He had his lightsaber holstered to the left side of his belt.

Ahsoka wore a short sleeve light violet blouse, with a long dark purple skirt that went to her ankles. She work dark red slippers feet, under her skirt. Ahsoka had her lightsaber hidden on a holster attached to her outer right thigh, under her purple skirt.

Unlike Coruscant, which allowed speeders to be piloted into the air in the skylanes over Coruscant, Theed do not have skylanes and planetary speeder regulations only allowed speeders to hover several centimeters over the road, at the posted speed limits within the city limits. Which varied from twenty-five kilometers per hour to fifty-five kilometer an hour. Though, on average speed limit for most of the city limits of Theed was between thirty-five to forty-five kilometers an hour.

The exceptions being traveling ones personal property and driving off road. And even the off road regulations stated the speeders could not be fly more than a hundred meters in the air and no more than three hundred kilometers an hour. Any higher or faster required first filing a flight path with the Naboo government and receiving a temporary flight permit from the Naboo government before doing so.

Government officials on official business were exempt from such speeder regulations. Since Padme was not on official business, she could not have Anakin fly over the city to her family home. Instead, they had to drive down the streets of Theed.

As Anakin drove them through the light traffic of the back streets of the city, at a casual speed, Ahsoka saw that there were many people walking along the sidewalks, coming and going throughout the city.

On Theed, most of the roads were made of light brown tiles and white tiles. The sidewalks by the roads were made of red and light brown bricks with white mortar.

Ahsoka turned to Padme, as she asked, “Padme? What is your family like?”

Padme turned to Ahsoka. She answered, “They are just normal people. They are no royalty. Actually, I come from humble beginnings.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Then, how do you end up a Queen? And later a Senator?”

Padme stated, “Through hard work. My father, Ruwee, did volunteer work for the Refugee Relief Movement. That is where he met my mother, Jobal. My father later worked as a building and eventually he ended up teaching at Theed University. When I was young, I helped with the Refugee Relief Movement. This combined the excellent results form aptitude test, due to studying, I was placed in the Legislative Youth Program at Theed University. And thus began my political career.”

Ahsoka sincerely replied, “That is interesting to know.”

Anakin kept his eyes on the road, as he said, “I have met Padme's family. They are good people. You will like them.”

Padme smiled, as she said, “Thank you, Anakin.”

Ahsoka asked, “So, who will be meeting?”

Padme answered, “For right now, just my parents. My mother, Jobal Naberrie. My father, Ruwee Naberrie. My elder sister, Sola, lives elsewhere in the city with her family.”

Ahsoka questioned, “You have a sister?”

Padme said, “Yes. She has a husband and two young daughters of her own. We will likely not be meeting any of them today. My sister works in a market in another part of the city. My brother in law is an architect. Since it is a school day, my two nieces are in school. We will likely arrange meeting with them tomorrow.”

Ahsoka casually replied, “Ah... school...”

Padme picked up on the Ahsoka's comment. Padme asked, “Ahsoka. Do you sometimes think about what would have happened if the Jedi had not taken you away to join the Order?”

Ahsoka stated, “Yes. Sometimes. But, only sometimes.”

Padme commented, “We all have thoughts like that. Sometimes. Do not let those thoughts trouble you.”

Ahsoka inquired, “I don't. So where will we be staying?”

Padme answered, “A nice hotel nearby called the Hidden Crest. I have used them before. The staff there knows me. And they will keep quite about my visit. I already have reservations. We will check in and unpack after we visit my family.”

Ahsoka inquired, “Okay. By the way, since your family name is Naberrie. How did you come with the name Amidala for your public life?”

Padme stated, “Amidala is my middle name.”

Ahsoka replied, “Oh.”

They continued on their way to Padme's family home.

(_)

Twenty minutes later, Anakin came to a stop on the street, in front of Naberrie home. Anakin parked the speed with the passenger side of the speeder facing where the sidewalk met the walkway leading up to the front door of the Naberrie home.

The street was empty except for them.

Anakin set the speeder into park and turned off the engine. As the repulserlifts under the vehicle powered down, the speeder gently lowered to the ground.

Once the speeder was on the ground, Anakin took out the key from the ignition and put it in his right side pants pocket.

Padme, Ahsoka, and Anakin undid their seatbelts, opened the front side doors and got out of the speeder.

Padme out of the right side, followed by Ahsoka. Anakin got out of the left side of the speeder. They closed their doors.

Anakin stated, “I while helped with R2.”

Anakin walked around the front of the speeder to stand next to Padme.

Ahsoka commented, “I will get C3-PO.”

Ahsoka walked around the back of the speeder to the left side of the vehicle.

Ahsoka opened the left back seat doors. She helped unstrap C3-PO and get the droid out of the backseat. Once C3-PO was out of the vehicle, Ahsoka shut the left back seat door.

Meanwhile Anakin and Padme unstrapped R2. Anakin then used the force to gently pick up R2 and set the droid on the walkway in front of the Naberrie home.

Padme looked around at her friends. She asked, “Ready?”

Not one answered, but they looked fine. Padme commented, “Okay. Let's go.”

Padme turned and headed up the walkway to her family home with the rest of the group following behind her.

The front door was opposite to the back door to the Naberrie home. The back door lead to a back street with had arcs in a narrow, thought clean and illuminated alleyway. A small staircase leading up to the back door. The back door leading to a small entryway room, and directly into dining room of the Naberrie home.

The first time Padme took Anakin to visit her family. When she first landed on Naboo, with Anakin as her bodyguard, during the Separatist Crisis. Padme used the back way to lead Anakin into her family home.

The front side of the Naberrie home was much different. The front door lead to much larger two lane street, with sidewalks on both sides of the street, and a small lawn in front of the home that lead to the street.

The Naberrie home was three stories high. Though, when facing the front door, the second and third start were located on the right side of the building from the front door, while on the first story extended to the right side of the front door. The left side also extended three meter further into the yard than the right side of the building. This extended of the left side of the building went a few meters to the right before the front wall met the corner to the left wall of the building.

There was a meter high fence that ran the left side of the wall, from the front door, beside the extended part of the home to the street. The fence was made from a mix of blue, black, and white stones.

The walkway was a meter wide, white concrete walkway. The walkway right to the front door. The front door was slightly set into the building, with a set of white stones forming an archway around the door.

The building was painted a brownish yellow color which had faded over time. The roof had reddish-brown tiles.

The front side of the home had several casement windows placed along the outer walls on all three floors of the building. The casement windows of the first floor were higher than the casement windows of the second and third floors. The window frames of the casement windows were painted blue, and the window panes of the casement windows had a blue tint decrease the amount of sunlight which came into the home.

Though, when looking out of the windows from the inside the view was clear through the windows to the outside of the home.

The lawn was nearly cut green grass.

In the center of the front lawn, a few meters the right of the walkway was a large tree which shaded much of the front lawn. There green small bushy plants places around the base of the tree.

The right side of the Naberrie home was set against a hill.

The bottom part of the hill set against a three meter high concrete wall which wrapped around front the right side of the home several meters in a crescent shape further right in front the yard. The top of the concrete wall was just about the floor level of the second story of the building. Above the concrete wall, the hill gently slopped upwards and away from the Naberrie home in a dome shape.

The doom of the hill had green grass and bushes growing from the dirt. There was willowy red bush growing from near the top of the hill right in front of the right front side of the third story of the home.

The right side of the second and third floor of the Naberrie home followed the contour of the hill. With the top of the hill being level with the third floor of the home.

There was a large green hedge which wrapped from the right front side of the home, beside where the concrete wall met the home, which the hedge wrap around the base of the concrete wall. The hedge was set half a meter away from the concrete wall.

Green vines grew wild along much outside front wall of the first floor of the home and the concrete wall. There were a few vines even growing up along the front wall of the home which reached the third story of the building.

When the groups reached the front door. Padme stood in the center, with Anakin to her left and Ahsoka to her right. C3-PO and R2 were behind them, with R2 to C3-PO's right side.

The front door was an old style door that required opening by turning a knob release a latch and pulling the door back into the interior of the home.

There was a button to a doorbell by the right side of the door. Also, there was were controls and a speaker to a intercom system set below the button to the doorbell.

Instead, Padme chose to knock on the door a few times.

A few seconds later, the door opened inward to Padme's left. As the door open, Padme saw it was her mother, Jobal whom had opened the door.

Jobal was dressed in a green long sleeve cloth shirt, black long skirt, and red slippers.

Jobal greeted, “Hello Padme.” She looked to Anakin, as she continued. “Anakin. It is good to see you.”

Anakin replied, “It is good to see you, as well. Mrs. Naberrie.”

Jobal turned her attention to Ahsoka. She kindly asked, “And who is this?”

Ahsoka calmly answered, “Padawan Ahsoka Tano. Ma'am.”

Jobal said, “It is nice to meet you, Miss Tano.”

Ahsoka replied, “It is nice to meet you, Mrs. Naberrie. And Ahsoka is fine.”

Jobal complimented, “And so polite as well.”

Ahsoka said, “Your daughter has much to do with that.”

Jobal looked at Padme, then to Ahsoka. She smiled. She said, “I'm sure.” Jobal turned to Padme. She stated, “You have a guest waiting for you in the living room.”

Padme was caught flatfooted, as she flatly questioned, “What?”

Jobal said, “A very polite older gentleman. He arrived here a little while ago. He is right now in the living room, talking with your father. I have seen his face somewhere. But, I cannot place him.”

Padme immediately felt dread, as she walked passed her mother and towards the living room at a quickened pace.

The other people present followed behind her, as a more casual pace. Anakin and Ahsoka followed Padme inside. After the droids came into the hallway, Jobal gently shutting the front door. Then, Jobal went to join the others.

As Padme approached the living room, she saw the sliding door the room was open. Also, she overheard her father, Ruwee, state, “Now, my daughter is a Senator. So I can understand a least a little of where the Separatists are coming from. Given the insane corruption that has happened in the Senate, I can appreciate that a number of worlds have grown tired of all the insanity, and they have decided to strike out on their own.”

By then, Padme had almost reached the hallway door to the living room, when she heard a very familiar masculine voice comment, “It is confronting to hear such a reasonable response.”

Padme immediately came to a stop, as several things came to her mind. She mentally put up her mental defenses, as she thought, 'My family does not know who he is. And if I do not take control of the situation. Right now. This is going to lead to a fight. But first I need to account for my family before I make my next move.'

Padme immediately turned around. She saw her friends, the droids, and her mother approaching her.

Padme walked up to Anakin, Ahsoka, Jobal, and the droids.

By the look of concern on Padme's face, they could all tell something was wrong.

They came to a stop, as they watched Padme walked pass them, and to C3-PO. She then flipped a switch on the back of C3-PO's neck, turning the droid off while standing next to a wall.

Anakin asked, “Why did you do that?”

Padme turned to Anakin. She stated, “So he doesn't get us all killed.” She turned to R2, as she requested, “Guard your friend.”

R2 beeped an affirmative.

Padme turned to Jobal. She asked, “Where is Sola? Darred? And the children?” Padme thought, 'I need to make sure where everyone is.'

Jobal answered, “Sola is at her job in the market. Darred is overseeing the construction of a building near the spaceport. And the Pooja and Ryoo are in school.”

Padme thought, 'Good. They are out of the line of fire. Now to get you out of the line of fire.'

Padme calmly requested, “Mother. How about you get us something to drink? Fruit juice would be wonderful.”

Jobal happily replied, “That is a wonderful idea.” She then turned and headed down the hallway, towards the kitchen, in a direction that took her down a hallway around the living room.

When Jobal was out of earshot, she turned to Anakin and Ahsoka, whom were looking at her. She stated, in a serious tone of voice, “Anakin. Ahsoka. I need you both to promise me. No matter what happens. Promise me no fighting in my family home.”

From the tone of Padme's voice, both Anakin and Ahsoka realized the severity of Padme's request.

Anakin replied, “Okay.”

Ahsoka said, “That is fine.”

Padme said, “Also, no names. And let me handle this. Now let us go greet our guest.”

Padme turned around and headed down the hallway to the entrance to the living room, with Anakin and Ahsoka following her.

When they came to the entrance to the living room, Padme turned and came to a stop just inside the room, with Anakin and Ahsoka stopping behind her. With Anakin to Padme's left side and Ahsoka to her right side.

Anakin and Ahsoka then immediately realized why Padme made them promise not to fight in her family home. And they honored their promise to her.

In front of them, across the furnished living room, were two men. Each man sat in a cushion, high back, armchair. With both armchairs toward to slightly faced each other, while also facing where Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka stood. There was a small, round table between the two chairs.

There were other high back, cushioned armchairs placed around the room. With small tables round tables set up between a few of the chairs.

To Padme' left was her father, Ruwee, sitting in a chair. To Padme's right was Count Dooku sitting in a chair. With both men facing each other.

Ruwee was dressed in a light brown short sleeve shirt, dark blue pants, dark brown belt, and brown boots.

Dooku was dressed in a long sleeve black shirt, his black pants, a large brown belt around his waits, and black boots. He work a brown cloak with a small gold chain hooked at the sides of the front of the cloak at his neck line. The cloak hide much of Dooku's clothing.

Padme held up her mental defenses, as she thought, 'Dooku must be hiding his lightsaber within his cloak. Though, I am surprised to admit. From the look on their faces, and the words I overheard, it sounds like both of them were having a pleasant conversation. With luck this will help me in my efforts.'

While Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka showed masks of calmness, having Dooku in the room set them on edge. And even though they were not planning on starting a fight, all three were ready for anything Dooku might try. This included them using their mental defense training, to shield their thoughts and emotions, in case Dooku tried to use some sort of mind trick on them.

Both men stopped talking, as they noticed Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka appeared and come to a stop at the hallway entrance of the living room.

The two men turned their attention towards them.

Dooku looked over at the three standing individuals. He casually said, “Ah. If it is not the woman of the hour. It is nice to see you again, Senator.” He turned his attention to Anakin, as he continued, “And you to as well, Jedi Skywalker.” He focused on Ahsoka, as he inquired, “And let me guess. You are Padawan Ahsoka Tano?

While Ahsoka had not met Dooku before, she knew of him and how dangerous he was. Ahsoka chose her words carefully, as she replied, “That is correct.”

Dooku turned to Padme. He complimented, “Senator. Your family has been gracious hosts.” He turned to Padme's father, as he commented, “I see where you got your political skills from.”

Padme's father turned to Dooku. He replied, “Thank you.” He turned to Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka, as he said, “Hello Padme. Anakin. Ms Tano. Jabol told me to expect your arrival.”

Padme turned to her father, as she said, in an even tone of voice, “It is good to see you, dad. Please let me handle this.” She turned to Dooku, as she all but growled, “What do you want?”

Dooku stood up from his chair. He turned Padme. He stated, “We have business to attend to of a more aggressive verity. Though, with your in your professional clothing.”

Padme thought, 'Meaning you were sent to kill me. And as Thor. At least as Thor, I will stand a chance against you. Also, this means I can convince you not to fight here. But, far away from here.'

Padme stated, “There is clearing not far from here. We can conduct our business there.”

Dooku replied, “That will be fine.”

Anakin stated, “And she won't be alone.”

Padme turned around to face Anakin and Ahsoka. She stated, “No. I want you both here to see to my family.”

Anakin questioned, “Both without us?”

Padme stated, “So I can cut loose without worrying.”

Anakin said, “Point taken.”

Ahsoka said, “Good luck.”

Padme turned around to face Dooku. She stated, “This way. They are promised not to try anything.”

Dooku said, “After such pleasantries by your family. I would dare not ruin the mood here with violence. Besides, I could some fresh are. And it is such a lovely day outside. Now my dear. Please lead the way.”

Dooku began walking towards the entryway to the hallway where Padme, Anakin and Ahsoka stood.

Padme turned and walked into the hallway, as Dooku approached Anakin and Ahsoka.

By the time, Dooku reached Anakin and Ahsoka, Padme had made it to the far wall of the hallway, and she had turned to face Dooku.

Anakin and Ahsoka never took their eyes off of Dooku as he passed between them.

Dooku came to a stop in the hallway, to stand by Padme.

Padme stated, “You will take the lead. I will walk right in front of you.”

Dooku said, “That will be fine.”

Both of Padme and Dooku turned and head down the hallway to the front door, with Padme following a few steps behind Dooku.

Anakin and Ahsoka remained looking towards the hallway. Though, they could not see the front door from the angle was which they were standing.

A few seconds later, they have heard the beginning of the conversation between Padme and Dooku. That was until they also heard the front door open, and shut a few seconds later.

Then, Anakin and Ahsoka turned their attention back towards Ruwee.

Ruwee looked at them. He asked, with concern, “What as this all about?”

But, before Anakin and Ahsoka could answer, Jobal came into the room, from an hallway entrance, behind Ruwee which lead from the kitchen to the living room.

In her hands, Jobal was holding a platter with five empty glasses and a pitcher full of fruit juice and pieces of ice.

Jobal noticed the tension in the room. She came to stand by Ruwee, to Ruwee's right. She looked around the room, first towards Ruwee, then to Anakin and Ahsoka. She asked, “What is going on?”

Anakin stated, “It is about the man whom came to visit you. Whom Padme had to leave your home with just now.”

Jobal asked, “Well who was he? He never did give us his name.”

Anakin answered, “That was Count Dooku of the Separatist Movement.”

To Jobal and Ruwee's credit, they did not act very surprised.

Anakin thought, 'While I can sense in the force that while both of them are surprised, they are forcing themselves to remain calm. I can see that Padme inherited her inner strength of will from both her parents.'

Jobal firmly asked, “And why does the most dangerous person in the galaxy have an interest in my Padme? And why did you allow her to leave with him just now.”

Before Anakin and Ahsoka could figure out how to answer to Jobal's question, Ruwee requested, “It would be best to start from the beginning.”

Anakin and Ahsoka were no sure how to react. Both of them looked at each other.

Ahsoka asked, “Do you think we should tell them?”

Anakin said, “We might, as well. If the fight is as big as I suspect it will be, eventually they will put two and two together.”

Ahsoka agreed, “Good point.”

Anakin and Ahsoka turned to Jobal and Ruwee. Anakin calmly stated, “Ruwee. Jobal. Your daughter. Padme. Is Thor.”

Jobal replied, “Huh?”

Ruwee calmly responded, “That is not the answer I was expecting. But it is an answer. Though my next question is should I be worried about Padme's welfare?”

Anakin stated, “Actually, I believe Dooku may have bitten off more than he can chew.” Anakin thought, 'Especially, coming to your home. Padme is not going to like that.'

Ruwee said, “Then we will wait for Padme's return. So she can give this explanation to us in person.”

Jobal commented, “In the meantime, let us have something to drink. To help calm our nerves.” She held up her platter of empty glasses and a pitcher full of fruit juice and pieces of ice.

Jobal offered Ruwee, Anakin, and Ahsoka, something to drink, which they all accepted.

(_)

Meanwhile, over a minute earlier Dooku and Padme were in front hallway of the Naberrie home, as they made their way to the front door.

Padme was following a few steps behind Dooku.

As they passed by the droids, R2 backed away from them, and by the door.

Dooku noticed R2 and the turned off C3-PO.

Dooku commented, “I sensed you come near the living room, and then back away. Most obviously to reign in your friends. Well played.”

Padme said, “Not everyone believes that violence is a solution to their troubles.”

Dooku replied, “Very true. I prefer a strong word over a firm hand.”

Padme stated, “This we agree on.”

When they approached the front door, Dooku used the force to gently open the door.

While they continued to walk, Padme casually said, “You will forgive me if I do not go first.”

Dooku replied, “My dear. I fully understand.”

Dooku walked outside first. As Padme walked outside, she shut the door behind herself. Though, Padme left the door unlocked.

Dooku came to a stop, with Padme stopping right behind him.

Dooku turned to looked at Padme.

Padme stood look at him. She then turned her attention to the speeder vehicle parked on the street, in front of them.

Padme held out her right hand towards the speeder parked on the street in several meters in front of herself. Padme summoned Mjolnir. The hammer flew out from the back floor of the speed, in an upper curved arc which avoided any damage to the vehicle. The hammer flew to Padme. The weapon came to a sudden stop by Padme's right side, with the center of the shaft landing in Padme's right hand. Padme gripped the weapon with her right hand.

Dooku watched this.

Padme looked over at Dooku. She lowered the hammer to her right side, as she said, “This way.”

Padme then turned to her right, as she began walking.

Dooku calmly caught up with Padme, with him walking to Padme's left side.

When they reached the sidewalk She soon reached the sidewalk, Padme turned to her right, and continued down the down the sidewalk.

Padme walked on the interior side of the sidewalk, while Dooku walked on the outer side of the sidewalk. The street was to Dooku's left side.

While they walked down the sidewalk, side by side, there was no one else around. There were no vehicles flying along the road, nor pedestrians walking on the sidewalk.

Padme commented, “It is fortunate that it is the middle of day. There will be no one around as we settle this matter.”

Padme maintained her mental defenses, as she thought, 'I grew up in this neighborhood. I know the nearby roads were not very busy in the early afternoon. So I do not have to worry about any one else becoming involved in this matter.'

Dooku stated, “I have no interest in having civilians be harmed for no reason.”

Padme admitted, “That is comforting to hear.”

Due to there being no traffic on the roads, at that time of day, when they came to a four way intersection, they looked both ways, as they continued walking. Unless they saw a vehicles coming, they did not stop, as they continued on their path to the clearing that Padme knew about.

Padme thought, 'Now to ask a question I have been wondering since I saw you in my family home.'

As they walked, Padme calmly asked, “Did you use the force to mind trick my parents into letting you into my family home?”

Dooku answered, “No. I was just polite in my introductions with them.”

Padme sighed. She admitted, “I was afraid you were going to say that.”

Dooku commented, in a comforting to of voice, “Your parents are not very gullible. From the discussion I had with them. They both have very sharp minds. Though, given they did not recognize me, they clearly are not paying as much attention to galactic events at they should.”

Padme questioned, with a bit of firmness in her tone of voice, “And if they did recognized you?”

Dooku stated, “They would not have been harmed. I would have still met with you. I was quite truthful with your parents in my desire to meet with you. I just did not state my reasons for wanting such a meeting. Everyone tries to spot a lie, when it is the truth which is more dangerous.”

Padme responded, “This is very true.” Padme took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Once she let her breath, she asked, “Is there anyway I can talk you out of doing this?”

Padme thought, 'Considering those I talked within the Jedi Order consider one of their most skill members. And the fact on Geonosis, you were able to hold you own against Anakin, Obiwan, and Yoda, and you were still able to escape in the end. I really do not want to fight you.' Padme allowed herself to feel a little joy and anticipation, as she continued her thoughts, 'But, if I must fight you. I am going to have some fun doing so.'

Dooku stated, “Unfortunately, these orders come from my master.”

Padme asked, “Sidious?”

Dooku calmly inquired, “So the Jedi told you of him?”

Padme commented, “There is not much to say. They know very little of him. That he was call as Sith. A master of the dark side of the force. If I knew who he was, I would literally send a hurricane at him.” She thought, 'Dooku, you know that we do not know much about Sidious. Because if we did, we would would be focusing on him and not you. So, there is not point in denying the obvious.'

Dooku thought, 'So, the Jedi only told you the basics. They told you a little of what the dark side is. And they mentioned the term, Sith. But, they did not tell you exactly what a Sith is. This is not surprising. My former colleagues have always preferred to keep their secrets with the upper levels of the Jedi Order. And I prefer to keep my secret as well. Still, they did not tell you enough of the Sith to be a danger to my agenda from that angle. As such, I will not kill you where you stand... Though, that hurricane idea against Sidious does not sound like a bad idea.'

Dooku shrugged, as he allowed his lips to curl into a slight smile at the mental image of violent which Padme had suggested.

Dooku said, “That might be worth seeing.”

Padme stated, “I am happy you feel that way. And thank you for not harming my family.”

Dooku responded, “You have no need to thank me. Both my master and I have no interest in you family.” Dooku thought, 'Unless I have to do so.' Dooku continued, “Having harm coming to them would not benefit anyone. Besides we have known where your family has lived for a very long time. It was my master whom has kept the Trade Federation from coming after them as a way to get to you.”

Padme thought, 'Meaning you could have come after them at any time. But you did not. Also, this does not change the fact that your master did nothing as the Trade Federation personally targeted me and those around me... Still, I could learn a few things from you, right now, if I am careful.' Padme said, “I will keep that mind. It sounds like you do not want to kill me.”

Dooku stated, in a sincere tone of voice, “I do not. You have a power that is unknown to the Jedi. I do not want to lose that power over such trivialities as internal politics.”

Padme commented, “But these are orders from above.”

Dooku replied, “Exactly.”

Padme inquired, “Let me guess. Your master ordered my death because I have become too powerful? And thus a threat to him?”

Dooku coyly said, “I hope that is the case.”

Padme caught the subtext of Dooku's statement. Padme asked, “What do you mean?”

Dooku explained, “I mean. My master has made it no secret to me that he has an interest in your friend, Skywalker.”

Padme questioned, “And why are you telling me this?”

Dooku admitted, “Because I do not wish to be replaced.” He thought, 'Having you know this will only aid me in the future. And if I am correct about your nature, you will keep this to yourself. You will not even mention this to Skywalker. And you will deal with this matter quietly, under Sidious' nose. As such, it will not get back to Sidious that I told you this.'

Padme replied, “I will keep that in mind.” She thought, 'He and Sidious know that Anakin and I have a close friendship. I just hope they do not realize how close we are. Though, I will not tell Anakin about this. It would do him no good to worry.'

Dooku thought, 'Now, to change the subject. I know just what to say to do so.' He mentioned, “Though, it has been quite a while since the event. I must say that you made quite the impression towards my agent during your time the planet Teth.”

Padme commented, “I figured she was one of yours. I hope she was not killed for her failure.” Padme thought, 'I do not like people dying over my account. Even if they are an enemy. Unless it is someone like Sidious, who is pulling the strings. But an agent whom is nothing more a puppet deserves at least a little sympathy from me.'

Dooku stated, “Oh. She did not fail. The treaty between the Hutts and the Republic fell through. She was rewarded accomplishing her part of our mission.”

Padme mentally reflected, 'Interesting. You did not consider her actions to be a failure. And I guess those actions were not from a certain point of view.'

Padme conceded, “I will admit you earned that victory.” She thought, 'Since no one go killed on that mission. And Jabba's son, Rotta, was returned safe and unharmed, I will not hold that incident against you for having your agents kidnap Jabba's baby son in the first place.'

Dooku said, “Thank you. Though, I have to admit. After she returned from that mission and we had an interesting conversation. I never had one of my agents make a request like she did.”

Padme inwardly groaned, as she thought, 'I can guess where the is leading.' She halfheartedly asked, “Does she now want revenge against me?”

Dooku said, “No. Quite the contrary. She never wants to see you again. She asked me to again never be given a mission that would involve you.”

Padme's mood brightened at the news. She happily thought, 'That is nice to know.'

Padme smirked, as she said, “Good. I am glad that someone on your side can see reason.”

From the right corner of his eye, Dooku noticed Padme's smile. He commented, “You would be surprised. It is unfortunate that my master currently wants you dead. If that was not the case, I would try to recruit you.”

Padme said, “I doubt that would work.”

Dooku commented, “Likely not. But, it might still be worth the attempt. You are definitely now a major player in this war.”

Padme replied, “I would not go that far.”

Dooku stated, “Oh. But you are. Between your position as a Senator and your powers. You hold much influence in both the realms of politics and war.”

Padme conceded, “When you put it like that, I can see your point.”

Dooku realized something, as he commented, “I find it intriguing that we are agreeing on more topics than not.”

Padme stated, “We are both have leadership experience. We realize that there is a lot of problems in the Galaxy. Our point of contention is how to fix those problems.”

Dooku agreed. “This is true.”

Padme said, “Truth be told. I realize when is comes to our roles we are not much different. For the public, I am seen as the enforcer of the Supreme Chancellor's will. For you, you are the enforcer for Sidious' will within the Separatist Movement. We both are political symbols of powerful individuals whom use our existence as an excuse to reign in the more treacherous members of our organizations.”

It took all of Dooku's self control to maintain his mask of calmness, and not to burst out laughing at the irony of Padme's statement

Dooku maintained his mask, as he thought, 'I cannot laugh and give myself away. I would have to raze the planet if I laughed at her comment. Because she would likely figure out why I would find her comment to be funny. And the secret of Sidious' connection to the Chancellor has to remain hidden at all cost. She does not realize how true her comment is. Let alone the irony to her comment.'

Then Dooku realized something, as he continued his thoughts, 'And forget Skywalker. If I am not careful, Sidious might change his mind and replace me with you. Though, I would prefer you serve me than him. I respect you and your abilities. While Sidious just uses people and he then destroys them when they are no longer useful.'

Dooku calmly said, without a hint of mirth in his tone of voice, “That is quite likely, my dear.”

When they came to a corner, Padme slightly quickened her pace, as she turned to her right, a few steps in front of Dooku. Dooku came to a stop as Padme walked in front of him and across the empty street. Dooku turned and began walking right beside her, to her left.

As they came to the other side of the street, they walked onto another sidewalk, with the buildings to their left side. Dooku was not on the interior side of the sidewalk, and Padme on the outer side of the sidewalk.

As they continued to walk, Dooku noticed, in front of them, a gassy field with a few trees in the distance, just beyond a three way intersection and a sidewalk on the other side of the intersection.

The intersection was about thirty meters from where they were and the edge of the green grassy field was about thirty five meters from them, on the other side of the sidewalk across the intersection from them.

Dooku asked, “Is that the clearing up ahead?”

Padme responded, “Yes. It is not really an official park. But people sometime use it as such. It is just a cleared privately owned lot, with a few trees growing on it.”

Padme thought, 'The story my parents told me was when they were children the owner of the lot was wealth and wanted a park for that area of the city but the city government would not do so. In response, the owner bought the entire city block, which was composed of rundown, empty buildings. The owner tore down the buildings and created a clearing. Then, the owner had a few trees planted and made it known that everyone was welcome to visit his lot. In addition, the owner set up a trust that keeps paying for any upkeep or taxes which need to be handle. I spent many times as a child playing there with my sister and our friends. Now to find out how Dooku wants this fight to happen.'

Padme continued to look forward, as she asked, “So how do you want to do this?”

Dooku kept was alert to what was going on around him, as he inquired, “Did Master Kenobi teach you the etiquette and rules of Jedi duels?”

Padme answered, “Not really. Obiwan is not one to talk about such matters. Though we did spar a lot.”

Dooku stated, “Good. Jedi duels are similar to sparring. It is an ancient tradition during the reign of the Jedi Lords. It fell favor with the Ruusan Reformation.”

Padme thought, 'You sound like a teacher. Not that I am complaining.”

Padme commented, “A lot of things were changed during the Russan Reformation.”

Dooku replied, “True. Some where good. Some were unfortunate.”

Padme thought, 'We would like disagree one which changes were for good or ill. Though, on the duel, I might as well ask.'

Padme inquired, “Are you planning to immediately use the force in your attacks?”

Dooku responded, “No. I want to see how your weapon skills have come along. Are you planning to use your weather abilities?”

Padme mentally reflected, 'I might as well tell him.' She admitted, “No. I wanted to show you how much my skills have progressed.”

Dooku commented, “Then it looks like we will get out we want out of this battle. At least in the beginning.”

Padme agreed, “It looks that way. So, what are the rules to this duel.”

Dooku stated, “The rules are simple and vary. There are sometimes condition for the duel. What can be done and what cannot. Such as we set. For the purpose of decorum both duelists try to adhere to the conditions they agree too. At least for a reasonable amount of time.”

Padme replied, “Of course. Please continued.”

Dooku said, “We walk out into the middle of an open area. Such as the field front of us. Stand facing each other. Five meters is the usual distance. When we are ready, we approach each other attack, until one of us is defeated. Or in this case, dead.”

Padme calmly said, without a hint of sarcasm in her tone of voice, “Do not expect mercy during our duel beyond what we agree too.”

Dooku replied, “I would expect nothing less from you.”

By then, they reached the three intersection, with the clearing on the other side of the two lane street and the sidewalk on the other side of the street.

While still on the sidewalk, they came to a stop next to the left corner of the intersection. They looked both ways, and they saw there were not vehicles coming either way.

With the road clear, they walked across the street, pass the sidewalk on the other side, and onto the clearing.

The clearing was a single city block, with not streets running through it. The clearing was surrounded on all sides by a sidewalk that wrapped itself. The clearing was almost completely flat. The clearing a rectangular shaped, with the clearing being around a hundred meters wide and eighty meters deep. There were a few trees in the clearing. But, most of the clearing was just green grass.

The lack of obstructions allow Padme and Dooku a few view to the other side of the clearing.

While they walked closer to the middle of the clearing, they both started walking away from each other. Padme walked to her right and Dooku walked to his left. As they did so, Padme looked around, and she noticed there was no one else in the clearing. With only a few people walking along the sidewalks surrounding the clearing.

Though, none of those people were paying attention to her.

Padme thought, 'Good. No one is nearby. And those that are on the sidewalks, are not looking at us. Not that is really matters. I doubt anyone would recognize me as Senator Amidala without my hair styled and wearing a formal dress.'

A minute later, they reached the middle of the clearing. They came to a stop around five meters from each other, with no trees around them. Only green grass. They turned to face each other.

As Padme and Dooku looked at each other, something occurred to Padme. She said, “For what it is worth. Thank you.”

Dooku asked, “For what, my dear?”

Padme said, “For paying me the same respect that you would a Jedi.”

Dooku stated, “No need to thank me. Warrior Padme Amidala, you have earned my respect.”

Padme thought, 'You used my title name and not my family name, along with calling me a warrior, as a sign of respect. I will not forget this.'

Padme offered, “As we fight. I will keep that in mind.”

Dooku said, “I appreciate that.”

Padme used her right hand to hold up Mjolnir in front of her chest.

Padme used Mjolnir to instantly change into Thor, with her armor, helmet, belt, equipment, and the Black Solace sheathed in its scabbard, across her back.

Dooku thought, 'I do wonder about the sword on your back. I have not see good pictures of it. I know it is a vibro-blade. But, I suspect it might be more. I may have find my answers as this battle progresses.'

Thor raised the end of Mjolnir's head towards Dooku, as she firmly stated, “While as Padme, thy desired for you to leave in peace. As Thor, thy wishes to bring you into custody.”

Dooku mentally reflected, 'Given the hammer empowers Padme's body. I wonder how much of that hammer effects Padme's mind? Though, this is not the time and place for such conjecture.'

Thor went onto say, in a firm tone of voice, “Now for my offer. There is still time to avoid this fight. Thy has already been warned of your abilities since we last met. And you do not fully know of my abilities. You could surrender. Though, if thee surrenders, thy promises a far more fair trial than the trial which put Anakin and thyself through on Geonosis.”

Thor thought, 'It is still tempting to created a storm. But, that would attract attention that I do not want. Besides, as I told you Dooku. I want to show you that I am not helpless without my direct weather abilities. That no matter that situation I am far from helpless.'

Dooku's calmly stated, “I will have to decline your offer.”

Dooku turned to have his right side facing Thor. Dooku used his right hand to reach under his brown cloak to pull out his curved lightsaber from the left side of his belt. He ignited the red energy blade with a snap hiss. The red energy blade making the distinct hum of an ignited lightsaber.

Dooku held up his curved hilt in his right hand in a manner that the tip was pointed outward towards Thor.

Thor smirked, as she said, “Have it your way.”

A light wind blow around them in the field.

This wind was not caused by Thor, but by the wind currents covering off the plateau Theed set on, with the wind running from the plateau off the edge and into the lower lands below.

A second later, Thor and Dooku charged at each other. When they reached each other, the battle was engaged.

While they clashed their weapons, Padme took a two-hand approach to her fighting style. In contrast, Dooku continued to keep the right side of his body facing Thor, as he used just his right hand to fend off Thor's attacks, while responding with his own strikes against the storm bringer.

They parried, counters, and dodged each others attacks, without actually being able to harm the other.

Dooku was mildly surprised that Thor showed real skill in use of her hammer, in a two handed style, against Dooku's one handed style, with him holding his ignited, curved, red lightsaber hilt in his right hand.

While they traded blows, parries, and blocks, Dooku noticed a few other things, as he thought, 'She is strong. Even with the force enhancing my strength, I can barely counter her blows. I believe she is not even trying to use her speed. All she is doing with her reflexes is to counter my use of the force in guiding my attacks.' Dooku then sensed Thor in the forced, as he continued his thoughts, 'She is blocking my abilities to sense her thoughts and most of her emotions. Obiwan trained her well. Both in her mind and her body. And I believe... Yes. That is the case...'

As they continued fighting, Dooku stated, in a calm tone of voice, “You are enjoying this.”

Thor smiled under her helmet. She responded, “Oh yes. Thy is working out very deep issues with thee. It is not every day one can confront one the primary individuals responsible for so much misery in thou's life. One that thou was once afraid of...” Thor smile turned sinister, as she continued, “But, now thee shall fear thou's fury.”

Dooku thought, 'There are worse things than you. Though, I am starting to understand why Ventress refuses to face you again. You have a dark side. One I would very much like to bring out. Even given the circumstances. But, I am under orders to make sure you do not lose control. Still, that does not mean we cannot made some small talk.'

Dooku struck out with his weapon, Thor parried the strike with the flat head of her hammer. Though, Thor was careful to make sure the lightsaber blade did not slide down the shaft, and reach her gloved fingers.

Dooku said, “If it is helps. From my perspective that was purely business.” Dooku lamented in thought, 'Though, this situation is a little more than business interest for myself.

Thor flatly said, “Perhaps for thee.” She sneered, as she continued, “But, tell that to the grieving families of thou's friends that thee and thine master murdered.” She then struck out towards Dooku the flat part of the hammer.

Dooku sidestepped the strike to his left, as he commented, in a casual tone of voice, “Fair enough. Still, you have such a cavalier attitude about this duel.”

Thor sneer turned into a smile. She said, in a calmer tone of voice, “Given whom thy has been fighting with. Can thou be blamed?”

Dooku casually replied, “No.” Dooku struck out at Thor's right side.

Thor blocked the blow and she followed up with a forward thrust of the top part of Mjolnir's head towards Dooku's chest.

Dooku took a step back back to avoid the attack. He complimented, “Still, for one that has only been studying these styles for a few months, you are showing remarkable skill in the use of your weapon. You have excellent control of your central line, and your form is good. While your weapon is blunt, you show such grace in using it. I can hardly see any openings in your defenses. And none which I can exploit.”

Then, Dooku took a step forward as he attempted a swipe at Thor's right upper arm.

Thor sidestepped the attack to her left. Thor smiled, as she happily said, “Thank you. Thy notices some inflections in your fighting form that thou recognizes. Though, this is not surprising, given your student taught my teacher.”

Dooku stated, “Correct. I taught Qui-Gon much of what he learned in the arts of lightsabers and the force.”

Thor complimented, “He was a good man.”

Dooku said, in a sober tone of voice, “I miss him.”

Thor struck out with her hammer. She brought the axe head down towards the upper right side of Dooku's chest with frightening speed, as she yelled, “Then, why does thee dishonor his memory?!”

As the hammer's axe blade came down, Dooku swiftly had both his hands grip his lightsaber hilt, he turned into the block, as he used his red energy blade to block the strike. With the front of Dooku's body now facing Padme.

Both Padme and Dooku were only about twenty centimeters apart.

While the red energy blade crackled against the mystic bladed edge of the axe head, Dooku saw passed the slits of Thor's helmet, with Dooku and Thor looked each other in their eyes. Dooku stated, in a direct tone, with his voice laced with malice and rage, “If the Galactic Senate or the Jedi Council had stepped in to aid your world during the Trade Federation invasion, Qui-Gon would still be alive. Instead, they did not heed Qui-Gon's warnings. And their decisions lead to Qui-Gon having to face Darth Maul and save Naboo with only Kenobi by his side. It was then, after my apprentice's death, that I realized how cowardly and corrupt both those institutions are. By working to overthrow both those institutions, and bringing about a new order, I am honoring Master Jinn's memory.”

As they continued to press their weapons against each other, Thor looked at Dooku's face. Thor conceded, “Thee may have a valid point.”

Thought, Dooku was caught off guard by Thor's comment, he continued to firmly hold his lightsaber against Mjolnir. Dooku asked, “I did not expect this response. Is it too late to ask you to change sides?”

Thor held Mjolnir against the red lightsaber blade, as she giggled a little. Her lips curled into a wicked grin, as she said, “Much too late.”

Thor swiftly let go of the shaft of Mjolnir with her left hand, while continued to hold the hammer by the shaft with her right hand, with the hammer still pushing against Dooku's red energy blade in place.

Thor quickly used her left hand to reached under both weapons. She used the flat of her left palm to gently push in a diagonal upwards motion, beneath both weapons, towards Dooku's lower chest with enough force to knock him back a few steps, without crushing his ribcage.

Though, Dooku was push back, he used the force to quickly recover on his feet, with his walking backwards to a stop on his feet, with his lightsaber in both his hands.

When Dooku stopped, he found himself about three meters from Thor.

Dooku noticed that Thor had not taken the advantage. Dooku used the opportunity to let go of his lightsaber hilt with his left hand. Dooku then turned to have his right side facing Thor, while he held his curved lightsaber in a manner the tip of the red blade pointed towards Thor.

Dooku and Thor looked at each other, as Dooku thought, “You had the advantage. Why did you not take it?”

Dooku demanded, “You had the opening, why did you not just finish me?”

Thor calmly said, “Thy wants thee to know thine will be defeated by skill. Not by cheap tricks and raw power.”

Dooku responded, “For giving me this opportunity, I will afford you the same curiosity. Thank you.”

Thor replied, “You're welcome.”

Dooku stated, “Now let us see what other skills you have. I hear along with being very strong, you are quite quick. Let us see how quick.”

Dooku was already facing the direction he wanted to be in. Dooku ran out of the clearing to Thor's right side. As Dooku ran he used the force to enhance his physical abilities until he was a blur. Though, he kept his lightsaber ignited, in his right hand. But, he held the blade way from him, to his right. And he was careful not to have his lightsaber accidentally cut anyone or anything that as he passed by.

Thor turned to her right. Thor followed Dooku on foot with just as much speed.

While Thor ran with such speed, her thoughts and reflects also speed up. She lamented in thought, 'I had to boast how I would defeat you with skill. Now, I have to follow on foot. If I use my hammer to fly I defeat the very purpose of my boast. I believe I know what is about to happen. I guess you are a fan of action holo-films about Jedi. Though, I should not be surprised.'

Dooku soon reached the edge of the street, leading to a city part of the area, with buildings set beside each other across the street from him.

Between the clearing and the buildings was a three way intersection, with sidewalks along the sides of the streets and buildings set back from the sidewalks, on other two sides of the street from the clearing.

The buildings were three stories high. The buildings were mostly had light brown brick outer walls with green tiled or reddish-brown tiled roofs.

There was no one walking on the nearby sidewalks. And only a speeder passed through the intersection every few seconds.

Dooku was still using the force to enhance his physical abilities. When Dooku reached the sidewalk by the clearing, Dooku used the force to jump over the intersection from the green tiled roof on the building across the street to his right.

A few seconds later, Dooku landed on the green tiles of the roof and he continued running, with the force enhancing the speed of his movements. In addition, Dooku used the force to guide his footsteps so he would not slip and fall. Dooku poured on the speed, jumping from roof to roof, while he sensed for Thor's presence in the force.

Dooku felt through the force that Thor was not far behind him and that she was quickly catching up to him.

Meanwhile, Thor followed Dooku, with her jumping from the sidewalk by the clearing, across the street, and onto the green tiled roof of the building to the left of the intersection.

Thor ran parallel across the street from Dooku's path.

Thor used her enhanced reflexes, speed, and training, to keep from slipping and falling, while she was careful not to shatter the tiles as she stepped on. But, she did feel through her boots as she damaged some tiles as she ran.

When they reached a street intersection, they jumped across the street, to easily land on the nearby roofs that were across each road the passed.

While most of the roofs were covered in green tiles, a few of the roofs were tiled red, and some roofs were tiles a light brown color.

Both of them moved so fast, that as they passed by the people, to those on the street below them, they appeared as a blur, passing their field of vision in the timespan of a blink of an eye. As such, those below them on the street level did not even noticing them, as they passed by.

The buildings varied in height from one, two, or three stories, in no particular order. Dooku and Thor had no problems jumping and clearing the heights and landing from the drops, as they ran from roof top to roof top.

During this time, Thor used her enhanced physical speed to catch up with Dooku. Both of them were soon running parallel with each other.

Neither of them showed any signs of trouble on loosing their footing, nor tripping

Both of them risked a glance at each other.

Once their saw their heads were turned in the direction of each other, Dooku jumped in an diagonal arc to his left that would take him to where Thor would be when he landed.

Thor did the opposite. Thor jumped in an diagonal arc to her right that would take her where Dooku would land.

They met in the middle over an nearly empty street. They clashed weapons in midair. Though, neither was able to harm the other. As they landed on opposite side of the street, they continued to run and jump, from roof to roof, at high speed.

They continued to do a few more running jumps towards the other, clashing their weapons before landing on the roofs of the opposite side of the street from here they had been, with neither of them landing a hit on their opponent's body.

Thor soon found herself on the left side of the street, while Dooku was on the right side of the street.

Both of them looked ahead and they saw they were coming to one of the many tributaries of the Solleu River that flowed through the city of Theed. It was twenty meters across the two shores of the tributary.

Both of them were on the roofs of the last buildings from the edge of the tributary, were there was a sidewalk and the a drop off into the water. On the other side of the shore was a sidewalk and then rows of three story buildings going deeper into that side of the city.

The buildings on the other side of the shore had light brown bricks with green tiled roofs.

Dooku was the first to reach the edge of the roof he was running on. When Dooku reached the edge, he jumped all the way across the tributary, to land on a roof, at a full stop, with him in a kneeling position on his left need. A second later, Dooku sprinted forward and he was again a blur of speed, as he continued running from roof to roof. The roofs Dooku was traveling on was to the right of a nearby street.

Just before Thor reached the edge of the roof she was running on, she jumped over the tributary. Thor landed on a roof on the left side from the same street to the roof Dooku landed on. As Thor landed on the roof, she held the shaft of the hammer in her right hand, away from her, as she landed in a roll, with the rolled ending with her on her feet, as she continued to running without losing momentum.

Thor found that she was a little behind Dooku. Though, she decided to not catch up with Dooku. Instead, she followed him from the roofs on the other side of the street from where Dooku was located.

After both of them passed over the two more much mostly empty intersections, Thor noticed Dooku turn to his right.

Thor realized, as she thought, 'He is leading me somewhere. He knows where he is going. And we both know he cannot keep this up for much longer. While I am not even winded.'

Thor turned to her right and followed Dooku.

Less than a minute later, Thor saw Dooku began to slow and jump down in the middle of a two lane street. Dooku came to a stop in the middle of the street. Dooku did not waste time as he turned to face Thor, with he used his right hand to hold the curved hilt of his ignited red bladed lightsaber in front of his chest.

Thor followed Dooku. She slowed and jump down onto the middle of the street Dooku had landed on.

After Thor landed, she looked around. She saw that Dooku was roughly eighteen meters from her.

Thor quickly adjusted the grip she held the hammer's shaft in her right hand to where she held the middle of the shaft. Next, Thor held Mjolnir's head up towards her chest with the flat hammer ending pointed towards her left and the axe blade pointed towards her right.

In addition, Thor saw that Dooku had lead her to deserted street, with ruined buildings around them. Most of the buildings around them were two or three stories in height. Though, many of the buildings were hollowed out by fire or bomb blasts. While the street itself was fairly clear of rubble. There were large chunks of rubble on the cracked and broken sidewalks between the street and the buildings around them. Most of the rubble was whole and broke light brown bricks used to building the outer walls of the ruined buildings.

Thor thought, 'This is one of the few locations, from the battle to retake the planet from the Trade Federation, where the Naboo government has not yet had a chance to repair the damage and restore the area. This is not a bad location for a fight such as ours.'

Thor focused her attention on Dooku. Thor could tell from Dooku's body language that the much older man looked tired and winded. Thor saw that Dooku was breathing heavily

Thor saw Dooku looking back at her.

Thor watched as Dooku turned his body so the his right side faced Thor. Dooku held his lightsaber in his right hand in a his ignited lightsaber held in his right hand so the red blade pointed in a downward diagonal direction, towards the way his body was facing. The length of the lightsaber blade faced Thor.

Thor thought, 'Dooku is tired. But, he is not ready to give up. I recognize that lightsaber position. It is a one-handed defensive position which Obiwan and Anakin taught me. This means he is has to catch his breath and he is on the defensive until he gets his second wind. Well, I did say not tricks. So, I will give him the chance to gain his second wind.'

Thor offered, without even a hint of sarcasm in her voice, “If thee needs a moment to catch thee's breath. Please, do so. Thou is in no rush.”

Thor thought, 'I want to defeat you in a manner of skill, not by having you fall over and collapse due to exhaustion and old age.'

Dooku composed himself, as he looked at Thor. Between breaths, Dooku firmly said, “That will be unnecessary.”

Dooku reigned in his tiredness, as he used the force to invigorate and energize his body.

Thor watched a Dooku's body language when from slightly slouched from raw tiredness, to him standing upright and firm. His labored breathing became very relaxed with a casual rhythm.

Thor curiosity got the better of her. She commented, in a inquisitive tone of voice, “Nice trick. Thy did know Jedi could use the force to empower physical abilities so long. Let alone use the force to swiftly recover one's stamina. Or, are those abilities of the Sith?”

Thor thought, 'I have seen Anakin, Obiwan, and Ahsoka use the force to speed themselves up and increase their strength for brief moments. But, nothing like what you just did, Dooku. Also, I believe Anakin might find that stamina trick useful in bed with me.' Thor emotionally caught herself, as she reigned in her thoughts and emotions behind her defenses. She mentally added, in a firm state of mind, 'But, that is a matter for another time.'

Dooku stated, “Both of those those force techniques are of the Jedi. Though, most Jedi do not know how to use the force to push themselves in this manner for more than a few seconds. Fewer still know how to do so for a prolonged amount of time and swiftly recover from doing so.”

Thor thought, 'I wonder.' Thor asked, “Then, why did you not use this speed ability directly in our battle?”

Dooku responded, “We both know that if this came to physical ability, you would win without question. Even in my prime I am not sure I would have been able to hold mine own against you in such a way. Though, one well placed strike is worth ten swift blows.”

Thor agreed, “Very true. I did not realize those that used the dark side of the force also use the teachings of the Jedi?”

Dooku answered, “While I may have chosen the dark side as my path. I do not ignore the strengths and skills that I learned during my time with the Jedi.”

Thor complimented, “Thy always do admire when people who know when to mix it up. Being solely dedicated to one belief, or way of thought makes one ridged to the point of likely breaking.”

Dooku gave Thor a warm smile. Dooku casually complimented, “That is a very astute observation by you, my dear.”

Thor inquired, “Thank you. Now why did thee lead us here?”

Dooku said, “While that clearing was a nice idea. I believe we needed a little more privacy.”

Thor replied, “Thy agrees. Thy did feel a little confined in that clearing.” Padme thought, 'Along with the people walking around the clearing, there were too many inhabited buildings around the field. I did not feel comfortable in cutting loose. But here is another story. There is no one around except the two of us.'

'Still, you did lead me here. This likely means you scouted out the area first and you know the terrain. But, I also know this terrain as well. I doubt you placed any traps here because the needed explosive power to take me out would likely draw too much attention. Besides, you want to kill me with your skills, not cheap tricks. Just as I stated in how I feel the same way about killing you.'

Dooku stated, “I must say. I am truly impressed with your skills. The Republic propaganda services do not embellish your abilities. You have come a long way.”

Thor responded, “Thank you. And let thou guess. With more privacy. Without worry of attracting attention from others. And not worrying about property damage. You can start using the force in more direct ways.”

Dooku admitted, “Exactly.” He thought, 'Though, we both know that force lightning is useless against you. And I can defend against your lightning attacks.'

Thor held Mjolnir up, by the shaft of the hammer, with both her hands in a defensive stance in front of her chest. She smirked under her helmet, as she asked, “Is thee ready?”

Dooku's force enhances sight saw Thor's smirk underneath the slits of Thor's helmet. In response, Dooku's lips curled into a wicked grin. He happily replied, “I am always ready.”

Thor maintained her grin, as she thought, 'I guess the reasonable amount of time is over. And if you want to use direct force attacks, then I will show you some of my more creative abilities.'

Thor continued to smirk under helmet, as she said, “Then let us make this interesting.” She let go of Mjolnir with her left hand. Next, she used her right hand to throw the hammer directly at Dooku, with the head of Mjolnir in the front.

While the hammer traveled in the air, midway between Thor and Dooku, the hammer started spinning with the axe blade facing the spin. Soon the spinning hammer was a blur which would slice apart anything the weapon made contact with.

Dooku dropped his grin. Dooku's eyes went wide as he showed surprise at Thor's attack. Dooku swiftly attempted to use the force to take control of the Mjolnir. But, Dooku quickly realized that he was unable to use the force to move the weapon, nor would he have the strength to block the blow. So, as the spinning weapon headed for Dooku's right side, Dooku dodged out of the way by stepping back from attack. The spinning weapon passed Dooku's front side within the blink of an eye.

Dooku risked turning his attention from Thor, as he watched the spinning hammer swiftly turned around in the air and come back towards him.

Dooku continued to dodge the attacks by the hammer, with him occasionally using his lightsaber to deflect the hammer away from him. But, these deflects were no direct block, but glancing blows against the sides of the spinning hammer meant to use the momentum of Mjolnir had to push the rotating weapon away from Dooku.

In the distance, roughly eighteen meters away, Thor watched Dooku dance around to avoid the hammer's attacks, that she was controlling with her mind. Under her helmet, Thor's smirk curled into a wicked grin, as she though, with a bit of mirth, 'Dooku. This will teach you not to come to my family home unannounced.' She held her wicked grin, as she began laughing in a manically evil manner.

Meanwhile, as Dooku dodged the attacks of the spinning hammer, he overheard the laughing.

Dooku displaying amazing acrobatics in dodging Mjolnir's attacks. Though, Dooku was careful to stay in the center of the street. If he accidentally dodged the attacks to the point of being lead up against one of the damaged walls on the sides of street he would trap himself in a manner he would not be able to avoid the swiftly rotating weapon.

While Dooku continuing to dodge the attacks of the spinning hammer, as he thought, 'From the sound of her laughter, the good news is we might not have to turn her after all. She might already have turned and no one noticed. Not even herself. But, I cannot allow this to go on. this is like dealing with spinning lightsaber attacks. The best counter is an offensive attack against the attacker, to break their concentration.'

As Dooku dodged another attack, he used the force to tear off a large, two meters wide, by three meters long, eight centimeters thick, section of light brown brick and light brown mortar wall on a ruined building. He threw that piece of wall directly at Thor.

A second later, Dooku saw the hammer stop spinning as the weapon flew towards Thor.

In midair, five meters from Thor, the hammer knocked the piece of wall out of the way of Thor, to Thor's left side.

The hammer came to a stop to float at Thor's left side. The head of the floating hammer was pointed at Dooku, with the axe blade pointed downward and the rounded flat side of the head pointed upward.

As the hammer deflected the telekinetically thrown object, Dooku came to a stop to land on his feet. He stood near the center of the street as he turned to his body to face Thor. Dooku held his lightsaber in his right hand, in a defensive position in front of his chest.

Dooku heard that Thor had stopped laughing. Dooku's force enhanced vision was he saw within the slits of Thor's helmet to see that Thor had dropped her grin. And Dooku saw Thor was looking back at him.

Thor looked at Dooku. She calmly said, “Nice counter. But, thy has other tricks thy came use.”

Thor used her right hand to reach across her chest, and over her left shoulder to grip the hilt of the Black Solace. She drew the weapon. Once it was fully draw, Thor used her right thumb to flip on the switch on the upper back part of the hilt, below the guard, that turned on the vibrations mechanisms in the hilt, that make the black blade vibrate thousands of times a second.

The Black Solace began to hum, but it was a lighter hum than a lightsaber hum.

Dooku recognized the weapon, as he thought, 'Well, I suspected that was not a normal vibro-blade. I see I am correct. I should have recognized the vibro-katana from the curve of the scabbard.'

Dooku questioned, “The Jedi gave you one of their Sith vibro-katanas?”

Dooku mentally reflected, 'And from the blade, hilt, and tassel, I would say that is the Black Solace.'

Thor answered, “Yes. Thy Jedi friends stated it held no darkness within it. And the Jedi felt that I would do better with it, than a lightsaber. It the Black Solace. Its name means to offer comfort in the form of a clean, swift death to those whom its blade is used to against to kill.”

Dooku thought, 'It is the Black Solace. And they even told her its story and the meaning of the sword's name. Interesting. But, I will not be intimidated by a piece of metal.'

Dooku commented, “I would like to see that.”

Thor gripped the hilt of the Black Solace with both hands. Thor took and an offensive stance, with her left side facing Dooku, while the hilt of the sword was held up by her right shoulder, the blade held in front of her face with the sharp edge pointed downward, and the tip of the blade pointing towards Dooku.

Mjolnir continued to float where it was, with Thor's back now facing the hammer. The head of the hammer was pointed towards Dooku, with the axe blade facing downward and the flat hammer facing upward.

Thor happily thought, 'In a way, Mjolnir has my back. Now to have some more fun. The spinning attack is nice. But with my abilities and weapons I can attack Dooku in other ways and combinations.'

Thor stated, “Good. Now thee shall have a taste of his own medicine.”

Dooku held the curved hilt in his right hand. He used his right hand to have the tip of his lightsaber point towards Thor. Though, unlike before, Dooku remained having his front face Thor.

Suddenly,Dooku let out a battle cry, and he ran towards Thor. Dooku used the force to enhance his speed. While Dooku ran, he used his right arm to hold up his lightsaber to ready for a powerful first strike.

In responded, Thor let out a war cry as she charged at Dooku. While Thor ran she moved her sword up, at the ready for her first strike.

Thor ran with equal speed towards Dooku, as Dooku ran towards Thor.

Mjolnir float parallel with Thor, to Thor's left side as she ran.

When Dooku and Thor nearly reached each other, Dooku used the force to telekinetically pick up rubble from both sides of the street and throw the rubble toward Thor from all sides.

The rubble was mostly pieces of light brown bricks.

As Thor ran, Thor saw the rubble coming at her. She thought, 'While these bricks will not harm me. So many bricks hitting me at once could create a distraction. And this attack will obstruct my field of vision, thus allowing Dooku the chance to finish this duel in one single killing blow at my body. I cannot allow this. And I shall use Mjolnir to counter this force attack.'

Thor used the hammer to quickly move around her, from her left to her right, to shield her from the rubble which had been thrown at her.

Mjolnir quickly knocked away most of the rubble, with Thor powering through the few bricks that the hammer missed.

A second later, Thor and Dooku reached other and clashed their weapons against each other.

Dooku continued to rely on his one-handed style of lightsaber combat, with him holding the curved hilt of his lightsaber with his right hand.

Dooku found as they clashed that Thor showed even more grace and skill with the Black Solace vibro-katana than the hammer.

While Thor still used a two handed style, she was slightly faster and most precise when using the Black Solace than the hammer.

Dooku was about to use his skills, experience, and force enhancing techniques to compensate for the greater speed and skill Thor was displaying in their duel.

Though, unlike their duel in the clearing, the moment their weapons clashed, they both began to mix in other forms of attacks with their swordsmanship.

Thor used her hammer to attack Dooku, as if Mjolnir was another fighter.

Though, since the hammer was not spinning, Dooku was able to parry the attacks by the hammer, with Dooku successfully dividing his attention between Thor and the hammer.

While this went on Dooku used the force to throw rubble and large sections of the outer walls of light brown brick and mortar from around them at Thor from all sides. Though, Dooku was careful not to have any of these items be thrown in a direction that would hit himself.

Thor counted by having Mjolnir alternate because shielding her rubble and parts of walls coming at her, and attacking Dooku.

In a fluid manner, the hammer moved away from Dooku, and spin around both Thor and Dooku clockwise to knock the rubble and sections of wall, from reaching Thor.

Between the waves of rubble and section of walls Dooku use to force to throw at Thor, Thor had Mjolnir try to strike at Dooku.

Thor and Dooku continue to be able to successfully divide their attention duel between blade and their various types of attacks.

Neither combatant showed any signs of breaking their concentration while fighting their combatant.

As the battle continued, Thor tried a familiar tactic with Mjolnir which Dooku recognized.

Dooku counted by using the force to throw some of rubble from a nearby sidewalk towards Thor's right back side. This kept Mjolnir busy for a few seconds. As such, Dooku would only have to worry about countering Thor's swordsmanship skills with the Black Solace against his red bladed lightsaber.

This allow Dooku to think, while he countered Thor's attacks. Dooku thought, 'Padme is trying to have the hammer and herself get to opposites sides on Dooku. She was present when Kenobi and Skywalker tried a similar trick on Geonosis. Kenobi likely also taught her the basics of that technique. Well, I taught that technique to Qui-Gon. And Qui-Gon taught that technique to Kenobi. And like this technique did not work for Kenobi and Skywalker on Geonosis, this technique will not work for you here, Padme. Because I am far too skilled and knowledge for such simple tricks to work on me. And I remember the counters to such techniques.'

While they fought, Dooku wielding his lightsaber, against both Thor wielding the Black Solace, and the floating Mjolnir, Dooku kept moving around to prevent Thor and the hammer from reaching opposite sides of himself. As Dooku did this, he was mindful to stay near the center of the street, so he would not accidently back up to a wall and be trapped.

While they continued clashing, Dooku threw some more rubble and sections of wall at Thor from various sides.

Though, without missing a beat Thor continued to fight Dooku, as the hammer suddenly flew to various points around them to knock the thrown objections away from Thor.

Once the Mjolnir had finished defending Thor, the hammer went back to attack Dooku with Thor.

Though, as the battle continued, Thor slowly increased the speed of her attacks between her Black Solace and Mjolnir, with enthusiasm in Thor's movements.

While Dooku was presently able to keep up against the increasingly faster assaults between the hammer and the blade he was beginning to find it a struggle to do so.

Dooku declined sending another wave of rubble at Thor and instead he focused on countering Thor and Mjolnir increasingly faster attacks.

Dooku realized, as he thought, with more concern than anger, 'While the speed of her attacks have increased, the strength of each of her attacks has not decreased. And she is showing no signs of leveling off her speed. This means she is going to slowly keep going faster and faster until I cannot keep up. Where she will kill me. Damn Sidious for ordering me to kill her. And damn me for foolishly following Sidious' order. I am not fighting a person. I dare say I am fighting a goddess. No wonder Skywalker and Tano allowed her to leave with me without openly disagreeing with her.'

'They have sparred with her. Fought with her. They know what she was capable of. And I clearly do not. I thought without access to her weather abilities I would have a decent chance of victory. I see I was wrong.'

'And while her enhanced physical abilities are imposing, her skill in dividing her attention between her attacks with the Black Solace and her control of the hammer is incredible.'

'I believed those smalls gaps I saw in her defenses at the beginning of the battle were due to her inexperience. I see now that was just the style she used, with the hammer, that caused those gaps. When she is using a far more elegant weapon, such as the Black Solace, she barely has any defensive gaps at all.'

'Still there has to be sometime I can do to turn the tide of battle in my favor.'

While still fighting, Dooku then remembered something from his first battle with Thor, in the hidden flight hangar on Geonosis.

Dooku thought, 'What a minute. She uses the hammer to fly. And she has never been shown to fly without that hammer. She likely uses the hammer to keep herself in place against force attacks. But she is currently not holding the hammer.'

Dooku's lips curled into a wicked grin, as he continued his thoughts, 'This is going to be fun. And a reminder to her not to try the patience of her elders.'

Dooku suddenly used the force to telekinetically grab hold Thor's body and threw her back towards a building thirty meters down there street towards a building one the other side of a three way intersection, where the road forked left and right.

While in the air, Thor held the hilt of the Black Solace in her hands.

As Thor traveled in the air, between the slits of Thor's helmet, Dooku saw surprise on Thor's face.

While Thor was thrown back, Dooku noticed Mjolnir suddenly stopped and hover a meter in midair and two meters from Dooku, to his right side.

Though, Dooku was paying attention to Thor, he did not forget about the hammer that was so close to him. He had his lightsaber ready to parry any attack from Mjolnir, as he used the force to toy with the weapon's master.

Dooku thought, 'I realize you are holding the hammer in place, waiting for you next move. Though, your mistake is that you forgot I could directly use the force against you, and this will cost you.'

Then, to Dooku's mild surprise, Dooku watched while Thor was in mid-flight, as Thor shifted her body weight around to have the flat of her feet facing forward in the direction she was going, and the front of her body was facing the ground. As Thor did this, she was careful to keep the Black Solace from harming herself.

Thor continued to look at where she was going.

A second later, Thor's landed on the soles of her boots onto outer wall of a partly ruined building. Though, the wall did slightly crumble against Thor weight, the light brown brick and mortar did not fully give way. With Thor using the momentum to crutch down on her knees down, as the front of her body was facing the ground, which was a meter below her.

Dooku thought, with mild surprise, and a little bit of amusement, 'Oh. Kenobi and Skywalker did train you well. They even trained you for this exact situation.'

Thor turned her head upwards in relation to her body to look towards Dooku down the street. Thor used her legs to vault off the wall, but in a diagonal upward arc, but Dooku realized that Thor's landing would not be near himself. Instead, Thor would land around fifteen meters from Dooku.

Dooku watched Thor travel through the air, as he thought, 'She is going to land half way between us. That is intelligent of her. By not directly charging at me, I cannot angle my lightsaber to attack her as she passes by. When she lands she will come at me from the direction she feels will give her the most advantage. Still, I can always throw you again. But first I will do this.'

As Thor reached the apex of her jump, Dooku used the force to throw some rubble and sections of outer walls at where she would land, with the trajectories of the rubble and wall pieces hitting her from around her just after she landed.

Thor noticed this attack by Dooku. In response, Thor had Mjolnir attack Dooku. But, Dooku was ready, as he lightsaber to block the attack by the floating hammer.

Though, Thor only had Mjolnir try to attack Dooku once to break his concentration. This plan did not work. Mjolnir hovered a few meters away from Dooku.

Dooku continued to divide his attention between Thor and the hammer, as he thought, 'Nice tried. But you will not use my own tactics against me. If I cannot immediately kill you, hitting you debris may distract you to the point I can kill you.'

Meanwhile, as the rubble and pieces of walls came at Thor, from around her, but not above her, Thor landed on her feet. The moment Thor's feet touched the ground she jumped upwards and slightly forward just in time to avoid the attack, as the rubble and pieces of wall slammed into each other.

While she held the Black Solace, Thor did a frontward flip in the air.

A few seconds later, Thor landing on her feet, facing Dooku, ten meters in front of Dooku of Dooku.

Dooku commented, “Not bad.” He used the force to throw her directly up a thirty meters into the air.

Dooku immediately noticed the hammer fly up toward Thor.

Suddenly, Dooku felt the force warn him of immediate, impending danger.

Dooku looked at where Thor was, as he mentally lamented, with concern, 'I might have no thought this through.'

Dooku watched the hammer reach Thor at the apex of the upward throw. Then, Dooku watched Thor come down much more quickly, towards him.

Dooku immediately jumped back. He landed thirty meters away, down the road, to land on his feet, on his feet, in the middle of the street, exactly where he had planned to do so.

Dooku landed on the street just before Thor landed hard on her feet where Dooku had been standing.

Just as Thor's landed with such force it left a small crater in the street, which had a diameter of one meter and a depth of ten centimeters. The force of the impact of Thor landing kicked up a cloud of dust which swiftly spread throughout the street.

Dooku held his breath before the dust cloud reached him. He continued to hold his breath as he waited for the dust to clear. While Dooku did waited, he used his red blade lightsaber in his right hand for a defense stance.

While Dooku could sense Thor and Mjolnir's presence in the force, with Thor's speed, Dooku was not going to take any chances.

Dooku thought, 'I had to jump out of the way. If I had tried to step out of the way, and strike her when she landed, the force of the landing would have still be like a grenade going off right beside me.'

'Even worse, while I can still sense her and the hammer in the force. This dust will make it harder for me to deal with her. Since I cannot directly see her, the hammer, and the Black Solace. Also, the dust will make it harder for me to breath. While her lungs are still very young and likely more healthier than mine.'

Dooku maintained his defensive stance, as he used the force to warn him of any swift attack Thor might try against him.

Instead, a strong wind suddenly blew around the area, clearing the dust.

As the dust cloud was cleared from the area, Dooku saw Thor standing where she had landed.

Thor faced Dooku. Thor held the hilt of the Black Solace in her right hand. The blade of the vibro-katana being pointed downward. Thor held Mjolnir in her left hand at the near the bottom of the shaft. The axe head on the hammer was pointing downward.

Thor held her weapons in front of her in a somewhat beserker battle stance.

Dooku took a quick breath, as he though, 'You summoned that wind to clear the area. Likely because you have to rely on your sight, ears, and likely nose, to track me. While I do not. Though, the dust cloud would have put me at the advantage in some ways. I will not give up just yet. I have to room to work with. I would say we are around thirty meters apart. Still, I might as well be polite and give credit where credit is due.'

Dooku complimented, “I much admit. Very few Jedi masters have been able to successfully do similar tricks with lightsabers as you just did with your hammer and sword. As such, I feel your skills are quite admirable. More than even I first believed.”

Thor replied, “Thy highly prizes your compliment.”

Dooku feigned sadness, as he said, “That is nice. But, the time has come for you to simply die.”

Dooku thought, 'I might loath this ability. And find it distasteful. But, it is the only ability I have left that might stop her.'

Dooku used a force choke technique on Thor. As he used the force to grip Thor's throat, in an attempt to strangle her.

Though, to Dooku's surprise, Thor did not buckled, nor even choke, as she calmly advanced on him as if nothing had happened.

When Thor was twenty-five meters from Dooku, Dooku stopped force choking Thor. Dooku demanded, “How are you still moving?”

Thor continued to slowly advance at a casual pace, as she calmly stated, “While thy in this form, it seems that thee does not need to breath. Nor, does thy need air to speak. Thou already learned this when thy also learned that thy can survive in space.”

Thor thought, 'Though. I forgot you could use the force to directly attack me. And for that mistake on my part, you almost had me.'

Dooku raised an eyebrow, as he thought, 'I really wish I had known that before this battle. I would have done things much differently. And this must have been a more recent discovery, given those abilities were not listed in the reports Sidious sent me.'

'Meaning that after all this time you are still learning about your powers and the hammer that gifts you these powers. I wonder what other abilities you have that none of us know of. Not even you.”

'Still, such contemplation is for later. Right now, I need to focus on surviving. With your regenerative abilities, this likely will not kill you. You will probably fully recover. But, you are going to feel this. And this attack will buy me the time I need to escape.'

Dooku stated, “Interesting. Though, I still have a few tricks left to try.”

Dooku tried to use the force to tear apart Thor's body and damage her internal organs.

While Dooku did this attack, he saw Thor's face contort in confusion for a few seconds. Thor face then returned to a calm expression.

Dooku mentally lamented, 'You felt that. But, I sense in the force that my attack is clearly not doing any damage to your flesh, nor internal organs.'

Dooku stopped his force attack.

By then, Thor was fifteen meters from Dooku. She continued to walk towards the Sith Lord, as she commented, “Thy can feel thee's attempts to put thou apart. Though, thou felt no pain, only slight pulling. It seems it beyond thee's abilities to harm thou directly with the force. And all thee can do is press against flesh.”

As Thor came close to Dooku, with her weapons in her hands, underneath Thor's helmet Thor's lips curled into a wick grin.

Dooku saw the change of demeanor in Thor's face. He immediately realized how much danger he was in.

Dooku thought, 'I have one more force trick to try on you.'

Dooku used the force to hold Thor in place. He thought, 'You are right. I can press your flesh, like choking. Which does not work on you because you do not need to breath. And poison likely will not work on you. I cannot throw you as long as you hold that hammer. But can I at least stop you?'

Unfortunate, to Dooku's disappointment, Thor continued her slow advance on him.

Dooku continued to pour his powers in the force to try to make Thor remain in one place.

Then, Dooku felt a strong gust of wind suddenly come from Thor's direction towards his front. The gust of wind was so strong it knock him on his back, but he still maintained his force grip on Thor, and his grip on his ignited lightsaber hilt, in his right hand.

The wind suddenly stopped.

Dooku leaned up to look at Thor still slowly advanced on him, but at a much slower pace than before.

Though, Thor was now less than ten meters from Dooku.

Thor warned, “Thee will release me from the force. Or, thee shall learn thy true power in commanding the heavens.”

Dooku's eyes slightly widened with concern. He realize his mistake, as he though, 'From the reports I have read. And holovids I have seen. You are not bluffing. I lead you to a location you likely would not not mind damaging with your weather powers against me. I opened myself up by bringing you here. Which means I have to escape before you decide you want to unleash your full powers on myself. And I know just how to do so. I picked this spot to land for a reason.'

Dooku immediately let go of Thor with the force, and he refocused his efforts nearby.

Thor began to more quickly advance on Dooku.

Dooku jumped up to his feet. Then, Dooku used the force to confirm what he thought. That as he planned a day ago, when he studied the blueprints of this area of the city, that he was right over a large storm drain.

Dooku swiftly used his lightsaber to cut a hole clockwise around himself. As Dooku created the hole, he used the force to pull three empty three story buildings from each side of the street towards Thor and himself.

As the buildings came down on them, Thor was five meters from Dooku.

At that moment, Dooku has finished using his lightsaber to cut the hole, he used the force to push street beneath him, forcing himself into the large, empty storm drain below, right before the building fell on top of Thor and himself.

When Dooku reached the bottom of the two and a half meter high storm drain, he jumped forward to avoid the rubble that fell into the hole with him.

Dooku stood in place. Dooku held his lightsaber in his right hand. The red blade of his lightsaber provided light for himself to see with.

Dooku looked around. Except for a little but of water, that was a few centimeters deep, which was draining towards one of the nearby tributaries of the Solleu river, the storm drain was dry.

Dooku held his light up to see that the rubble above had fully enclosed the he made in the storm drain ceiling. There was no light coming out of the hole.

Dooku thought, 'I can sense that she and the hammer are buried in the rubble above. That rubble will not hold her for long. It seems nothing can slow her down for long. I better escape while I still can. Before she tried to break her way into this storm drain.'

'At least it does not smell that bad down here. It is clear the Theed has separated their sewer system from their storm drainage. Which makes since considering they pride themselves on how clean they keep their planet. Including their rivers, lakes, and oceans.'

Dooku felt reminiscent, as he mentally reflected, 'It has been years since I had to use a storm drain to enter a location and later escape undetected. This brings back some good memories with Qui-Gon, when he was my padawan student. I miss him. And as I told Padme. I hold both the Senate and the Jedi High Council responsible for his dead.'

'Now to escape.'

Dooku looked around. He then came to a stop in the direction opposite to the way he faced Thor on the street above. Dooku thought, 'And if remembered which was the street I was on goes and the blueprints this was will lead me in the direction to the upper sections of the Theed spaceport which are on the plateau of this city.'

'Not that it matters. I will find a manhole cover I can claim to the surface from in the next fifty meters or so. But when I surface I will be wary. I do not want Thor to find me. That would be embarrassing. And this has been a trying day as is.'

'Though, I have no clue what is down here. So I will hurry, but not rush.'

Dooku did not use the force to enhance his movements, as he briskly walked in the direction he felt would lead him closer to the Theed spaceport and to his escape off of the planet Naboo.

(_)

Meanwhile, on the street above, the falling six three story buildings had knocked Thor to the ground and buried her under rubble. While the buildings had crashed down on herself, she let of of the hammer with her left hand, while she had used her right thumb to flip the switch on the hilt to turn off the Black Solace's vibrations, so she would not harm herself on the blade as she was knocked to the ground.

Thor has been able to remain standing as the walls fell on top of her. She was unharmed. Though, she had to let go of her weapons to she could use her hands to free herself.

Fortunately, with her super-strength, it only took Thor a minute to finally able to use her hands to push away the rubble to the point she saw the daylight of the sunny blue sky above her.

Thor fully stood up, she found the debris pile was only at her upper chest level. She thought, 'It looks like the pile of debris is only a meter and a half deep. It should not be to hard to collect weapons and get out of this mess.'

As Thor stood up, she leaned down and reached into the rubble where she had set her weapons down.

Thor bent down picked up the Black Solace by the hilt. She stood up straight, as she sheathed the vibro-katana into the scabbard strapped to her back.

Then, Thor held out her right hand, and summon Mjolnir. The hammer lifted itself from the debris and move around Thor front side to Thor's right hand. Mjolnir rotated itself to where Thor used her right hand to firm grip the middle of the shaft, with the head facing towards Thor's front, and the axe head of the hammer was facing to Thor's right side, away from her body. shaft going into the grip of her right hand.

With her weapons accounted for, Thor had no trouble climbing out of the debris of broke bricks and mortar.

When Thor reached the top of the pile, she stood up. Thor looked around, she saw that the six buildings around her had been completely destroyed.

Thor thought, 'Well Dooku sure know how to make an exit.' Thor sighed, as she mentally reflected, 'What a mess. And in creating this mess he got away. Those storm drains are a maze. I am not going to find him down there. And I am not going to even try to do so.'

Thor smiled, as she continued her thoughts, 'But I know this is the best shot Dooku is ever going to get against me. And I am sure he realizes this as well. I won. I beat a Sith Lord by myself. Though, I will not gloat on this matter. But, this is one step closer to me taking down Sidious for all the pain he has cause me, my friends, and the galaxy at large.'

'Dooku will not harm my family. Because he now knows I can take him in a fight.'

'Also, given this area is likely slated for demolition, I will leave it the way it is. No one was harmed. And no real damage was done. So there is not point in getting Theed security involved.'

'Now I can head back to my family.' She looked around, as she continued her thoughts, 'Once I figure out where I am. I kind of got turned around while I chased after him. But that is a small matter. I will find my way home. And I am feeling so good, I believe I will fly back home. If I stay low and if I am quick enough, no one should notice me.'

Thor used Mjolnir to fly into the air. While she was in the sky, she quickly used her enhanced vision to located her family home. Then, she swiftly flew towards her intended destination before anyone noticed her in the sky.

Less than a minute later, Thor landed by her speeder, on the concrete walking way leading up to the front door of her family home. Thor faced her family home.

Thor noticed that her home was still the way she had left.

Thor thought, 'Good. It looks like nothing happened while I was away. Now to change back to Padme and come up with a convincing cover story. Given the shutters on the windows on the front of the home. I doubt anyone is looking at outside at me. And I did not see anyone else around whom is outside. So, I do not have to worry about that.'

Thor changed back to Padme, with her clothing changing back to what she had on before she became into Thor. White short sleeve cloth shirt, black pants, a red belt and black slippers.

Padme turned to face the right side of the speeder. Padme walked over to the right side of the speeder, by the back seat. She leaned down and placed the hammer back onto the backseat floor of the speeder.

Padme leaned up and she turned around to face her family home.

Padme smiled, as she was happy at the outcome of her fight. She all but skipped her way down the concrete walkway to the front door of her home.

Padme turned the knob and opened the door. She walked inside. She gently closed the door behind her.

As she walked through the front hallway, towards the living room, she noticed neither C3-PO, nor R2 were in the hallway.

Padme thought, 'I guess they turned C3-PO back on and both droids are with everyone else. While C3-PO is sometimes annoying. R2 makes for good company and the droid understands what I say when I talk to it. Even though R2 only beeps and whistles, unless you plug it into a monitor that allows it to make text messages.'

As Padme approached the living room, she was relieved to hear voicing coming from the room. Voices that she recognized. And from the tone of their words, they were all in a casual, relaxed state of mind.

While Padme walked, she happily thought, 'Years of studying on how to prepare and give speeches, along with having debates, has taught me how to read a person by the tone of their voice. Their facial expressions. And their body language. From the sound of things, my family and friends are doing fine.'

Padme dropped her smile, as she continued her thoughts, 'Now what I am going to tell my parents. Depending on what Anakin and Ahsoka told them, I may have to play this by ear.'

When Padme came to the doorway to the living room, she turned and walked inside. She came to a stop just inside the doorway of the room.

As Padme entered the room, they noticed her. They went silent, as they turned to Padme.

Padme stood just inside the doorway she had used to enter the room.

Padme looked around. In front of her, she saw her father, Ruwee, was still sitting in the same chair as he did when she left. Her mother, Jobal, was sitting in the chair to her right, the same chair that Dooku had been sitting in.

R2 and C3-PO were standing to Padme's left side. With someone having turned C3-PO back on.

Anakin and Ahsoka were standing to Padme's right side.

During Padme's absence, her family and friends had long since finished their drinks, with Jobal already taking the platter, empty pitcher, and glasses, back to the kitchen. Jobal had then returned to the living room, and the conversation they held as they waiting for Padme's return.

Ruwee commented, “Daughter. I see you are unharmed.”

The way Ruwee phrased his comment set Padme on edge. She said, “Of course I am.”

Ruwee gave Padme a knowing smile.

From years of experience of knowing her father, Padme recognized the smile he gave her. Padme looked around the room, as she asked, “What is going on?”

Ahsoka said, “They know.”

Padme immediately understood what Ahsoka meant. She turned to Ahsoka. Padme asked, “You told them?”

Anakin stated, “We could not think of a good excuse as to why the leader of the Separatists would personally come visit your family, in their home, as a way to meet with you.”

Padme looked over at Anakin. Padme groaned, as she conceded, “Good point.”

Ruwee inquired, “So you are Thor?”

Padme turned towards her parents. Padme admitted, “Yes.”

Jobal asked, “How did you gain this power?”

Padme answered, “From the hammer, which is named, Mjolnir.”

Jobal commented, “Okay. Though, I wonder how we are going to tell your sister?”

Padme admitted, “I am not sure myself. Though, I hope Sola is not jealous of the news.”

Jobal calmly said, in a motherly tone of voice, “Dear. If your sister was not jealous of you being elected queen of the planet, she is not going to be jealous over this.”

Padme could not help but let out a small laugh. Then, she said, “Okay. I will tell you how I gain Mjolnir. The hammer. And how I became Thor the Storm Bringer.”

Ahsoka turned to Padme, as she asked, “Is it a wise idea to share such secrets with others?”

Padme turned to Ahsoka, as she thought, 'Now you ask that question.'

Before Padme could respond, Jobal stated, “We do not keep secrets in this family.”

At that moment, Ruwee noticed Padme and Anakin shared brief glace as each other, before they looked back at Jobal. Ruwee lowered he eyebrows in concern, but he remained silent.

Jobal continued, “And this secret will stay within our family.”

Ahsoka questioned, “Okay. Also, should we inform security about what happened with Dooku?”

Padme turned to Ahsoka and Anakin. Padme stated, “No. No one was hurt. And the only things destroyed were some partly demolished buildings. I doubt anything will come up what just happened. At least at the local level. And if we did make a report, all it do would raise questions. Many of which we do not want to asked. Let along, answered. If security does an investigation, and they do ask questions. We will deal with it, then.”

Ahsoka replied, “Okay.”

Anakin inquired, “How was your confrontation with Dooku?”

Padme stated, “I had to fight him. It was a difficult fight. Though, I defeated him. Unfortunately, he escape.” She looked over at her parents. She continued, “I doubt he will bring any more trouble to our home.”

Jobal replied, “That is comforting to know.”

Ruwee commented, “I am happy to hear this.”

Anakin said, “Still, you defeated a Sith Lord. That is a major accomplishment.”

Padme turned to Anakin, as she said, “I know. But, I do not need the notoriety of doing so. I would suggest we downplay this event. I do not want to spurn further attacks.” She turned took her parents. She continued, “Especially this close to my family.”

Anakin agreed, “That is a good point.”

Ruwee inquired, “Padme. I see you still take the lessons we taught you on being humble to heart. So, how this all happened?”

Padme thought, 'I already said I would tell you. So, I might as well. Though, I will leave out my relationship with Anakin and what happened to Anakin's mother. Along with omitting the secrets I have learned about the Jedi Temple and the Republic military. When I finish my story we will need to contract Obiwan to make sure this does not happen again.'

Padme inquired, “Do you remember that last time I brought Anakin home?”

Ruwee replied, “Yes.”

Padme stated, “Well, I was in a little more trouble than I let on...”

Then, while omitting a few facts, Padme explained most of what happened, all the way from when she had left her parents on Theed, to when the hammer had fallen in the Geonosis arena, to training for the Jedi, to going to war under the secret identity of Thor while also remaining a senator of the Galactic Republic.

(_)

An hour later, Padme finished her explanation. After Padme had finished her story, they used the holo-monitor on a table in the Naberrie living room to contract Obiwan on Coruscant. They made sure the communication was encrypted.

Before the call was made, the holo-monitor and had small table it had been on had been moved to the middle of the room, over a large, round, red rug. This was done so everyone in the room would not have a problem seeing the holographic projection.

Those present are Anakin, Ahsoka, Padme, Jobal, Ruwee, and the droids.

Jobal and Ruwee remained seated, while everyone in the room was standing.

Padme between her parents and her friends, with Ruwee to her left and Anakin to her right. Across the room stood the droids.

Obiwan small hologram above the holo-monitor showed that he was sitting in a chair.

Padme had just informed Obiwan what had happened when she, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the droids had visited her parents at her family home. From Dooku's surprise visit, to how she defeated Dooku. As Padme told her tale, the other people present sat in silence.

Padme looked at the small hologram of Obiwan, as she finished her reported, “After I climbed out of the rubble. I put away the Black Solace and used Mjolnir to fly back here. Then, I changed back. Put away the hammer in the speeder. And walked inside to explain things to my parents. They know I am Thor.”

Padme thought, 'That is no point in having Anakin and Ahsoka get in trouble over this manner.'

Anakin and Ahsoka understood the subtext of Padme's comment.

Ahsoka turned to Padme, as she thought, 'Thank you Padme, for not telling Obiwan whom informed your parents that you were Thor.'

Obiwan stated, “Padme. You did the right thing. This was unexpected. I am sorry the war has literally come to your family's doorstep.”

Padme firmly stated, “We have a leak. The timing is too close for our visit for this to be coincidental. And the only people whom know when and where we are going are us.”

Obiwan responded, “I realize that. Though, due to the circumstances, I had to list where and when you were all going in my reports. So you could be contracted in am emergency. I filed these reports a few days ago. So the leak could be anyone whom saw those reports.”

Ahsoka turned to Obiwan's hologram. She asked, “Who reads at those reports?”

Obiwan answered, “The Jedi Council, the high ranking officers of the Republic military, and personnel whom work for the Chancellor. These reports to go through many hands. So it could be a number of people along the chain of command.”

Padme commented, in a firm tone of voice, “Still, this confirms we have a leak. And I want to make sure this does not happen again.”

Obiwan stated, “If Dooku wants you dead, there is not much we can do.”

Padme suggested, “What about sending my family to a safe house? I know the Jedi have such places for when the Order need to hide someone.”

Obiwan conceded, “That is an option.”

Ruwee spoke up, “I am not leaving my home.”

Jobal said, “Neither am I. And I can speak for Sola and her family. They feel the same way.”

Padme looked over at her parents. She turned to the hologram. Padme commented, “How about Jedi bodyguards. I know first hand the Jedi have been know to do bodyguard assignments.”

Padme turned to Anakin.

Anakin looked at Padme. He nodded towards Padme, as he remember how he was assigned to protect Padme during the Separatist Crisis.

After Padme saw Anakin's nod, she turned back to look at Obiwan's hologram.

Anakin also looked over at Obiwan's hologram.

Obiwan heard the comments from Padme's parents and Padme's suggestion. His hologram turned to look at Jobal and Ruwee. Obiwan offered, “We can send a few Jedi to guard your family. Taking into account the aid your daughter has given to the war effort. It is the least we can do.”

Padme turned to her parents.

Padme's parents noticed Padme looking at them.

Ruwee said, “I can live with that.”

Jobal commented, “So can I. Sola and Darred, Sola's husband, would likely be fine with this arrangement.”

Padme turned to Obiwan. Padme stated, “Thank you.”

Obiwan turned to Padme. He said, “I will make arrangements today. The assigned Jedi should arrive in a few days, before you leave Naboo.”

Padme replied, “We appreciate that.”

Obiwan asked, “Though, how many people are we talking about guarding?”

Padme stated, “My parents, here. Jobal and Ruwee. My sister Sola. Sola's husband Darred. And their two daughters, Ryoo and Pooja.”

Obiwan stated, “Okay. That should not be a problem.” Obiwan's hologram turned to Anakin. He said, “Anakin.”

Anakin looked at the hologram of Obama, as he replied, “Yes.”

Obiwan stated, “In the light of recent events, I believe it is time for you to take your trials. When you, Padme, and Ahsoka return to Coruscant, the two of us prepare for the trials. When you are ready, we will conduct the trials as soon as possible.”

Anakin happily said, “Thank you, master.”

Obiwan responded, “You're welcome.” He looked around the room, as he continued, “And for what it is worth. I hope all of you enjoy your vacation. Obiwan out.”

Obiwan disconnected the holo-comm from his end. His hologram disappeared.

Padme turned to Anakin. Padme said, “Congratulations Anakin.”

Ahsoka looked over that Anakin. Ahsoka commented, “This is good to hear.”

Anakin turned to Padme and Ahsoka. He said, “Thank you. But, I still have to pass my trials.”

Jobal asked, “What are these trials?”

Anakin turned to Jobal and Ruwee. He answered, “They are tests to determine if I am ready to become a Jedi Knight. Right now, I am only a padawan.”

Ruwee commented, “I wondered how people were promoted within your order.”

Anakin stated, “Barring the force elements of the trials, these tests are meant to prove one's hard work, knowledge, and skills.”

Ruwee commented, “That the case with everything.”

Anakin agreed, “I guess so.”

Ahsoka looked around the room. She asked, “While this is great. Now what?”

Ruwee offered, “Now we enjoy the day. How about a picnic?”

Jobal agreed, “That sounds like a wonderful idea. If this sunny weather holds.”

Padme turned to Jobal. She smiled, as she said, “That weather is no longer a concern.”

Jobal realized what Padme meant. She turned to Padme. She smiled, as she commented, “Oh right. With you. It is a sunny day any time you want.”

Padme smile slightly widened, as she admitted, “Yes. Just about.”

Anakin commented, “Before anything else happens, we need to check into our hotel suites, and unpack.”

Padme turned to Anakin. She said, “I agree.”

Jobal offered, “You go get check in and unpack. By the time you get back, we will have food and drinks prepared and ready for our picnic.”

Ahsoka smiled at Jobal. She said, “That sounds great.”

Padme looked over at her parents. She thought, 'I doubt Dooku will try anything this soon. He would consider it unsporting. And he is to intelligent to stay on the planet. If he is not already escaped off the planet, he soon will be. So it is best we check in at the Hidden Crest hotel and come back here to have a picnic.'

Padme turned back to Anakin and Ahsoka, as she stated, “Let's head out.”

Padme was just about to turn and start walking, when Jobal inquired, “By the way, Padme. Where are you saying?”

Padme stopped and she turned towards her mother. Padme answered, “The Hidden Crest Hotel.”

Jobal said, “That is a lovely hotel. And it is not far from here.”

Ruwee commented, “That place is kind of pricey, though.”

Padme turned to her father. She stated, “I can afford it.”

Ruwee responded, “I guess you could with your salary. Well have a safe trip. We will be here when you get back.”

Padme replied, “Thank you.” Padme turned to Anakin and Ahsoka. She said, “Now let us head to the hotel.”

Anakin turned to the droids. He stated, “Come on R2. C3-PO.”

Padme turned and head for the doorway to the front hallway.

Anakin and Ahsoka followed behind Padme. The droids following behind Anakin and Ahsoka.

While the group walked through the front hallway, towards the front door, Ahsoka asked, “Are all your family members this nice?”

Padme kept looking forward, as she smiled. She happily said, “Yes. I am very fortunate to come from such a loving family.”

Jobal and Ruwee overheard Ahsoka and Padme's comments. They smiled at the compliments directed towards them.

Soon, they made it outside. A few minutes later, they were able to place the droids in the back of the speeder. Then, Ahsoka sat the front middle with Padme on the right front seat and Anakin in the left driver's seat.

Once everyone had their seatbelts on, Anakin used the key he had to the speeder to turn on the ignition.

The speeder gently lifts several centimeters into the air. Then, Padme gave Anakin directions to the Hidden Crest hotel. Next, Anakin followed Padme directions, as Anakin drove them down the road towards the Hidden Crest.

Meanwhile, inside the living room of the Naberrie family home, Jobal and Ruwee stood up from their chairs. Then, they headed into the kitchen of their home to bring to prepare for their picnic.

(_)

On Coruscant, inside the Jedi Temple, Obiwan sat in a chair, at his desk, in his personal quarters.

For those inside the Jedi Temple, it was early evening, just before sunset.

Obiwan had just finished talking to Padme about what happened on Naboo, with her fighting and defeating Dooku.

Obiwan had turned off the holo-monitor on his desk mere seconds ago.

Obiwan leaned back in his chair, as he thought, 'While Dooku escaped, I doubt he will cause Naberrie family any further problems. And convincing the council to assign some Jedi bodyguards to Padme's family will not be difficult. It is not a large family anyway. I believe Padme has her mother, father, sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces. And the parents live together in one home. While the sister and her family lives in another home. This will not be at all difficult.'

'And Padme is right, we have a leak. This time it was a close call. I will kick this up to Mace and Yoda for them to assign some people to look into the matter. Though, it is likely the leak is not in the Jedi Order so there is not much we can do about the matter.'

'The High Council and the Chancellor want to keep taps on both Anakin and Padme. Due to how powerful both of them are, I cannot blame the High Council and the Chancellor for wanting to do so. But, I will see how long I can delay filing a report on their schedules and whereabouts. So the next time they go on vacation they will not have a trap waiting for them at their destination.'

'What will be difficult is explaining to the council how Padme defeated Dooku in a straight out battle.'

'Or, so she claims. I believe her. But, if the council believed her this could cause her problems. While she has shown nothing but respect towards the Order, some of the council members are still wary of her powers and the fact her powers do not come from the force.'

'Dooku was one of the best Jedi to ever be taught by the Order. As a Sith, he is even more dangerous. For me to report that Padme defeated Dooku in such a way would also be admitting if Padme desired to do so, she could now defeat most of the members of the Jedi Order, including a number of the Jedi masters on the High Council.'

'I think it is best that I downplay this incident in my report to the council. I will state that Dooku likely underestimated Padme. Because if she really is this powerful and skilled, then reporting such achievements to the council would only breed distrust and resentment within by the Jedi against her. And that is something none of us can afford. Especially with a war going on.'

'Now, about Anakin. With Dooku making such a play against Padme out in the open, I cannot wait any longer. Anakin has to take his trials. I just hope he is ready. It will take a little time to prepare him for the trials. But not a lot of time.'

'And Mace has a point. I can use Anakin's trials as an excuse to separate Anakin and Ahsoka from Padme.'

'When they get back, I will offer Padme some time to deal with her senatorial duties, on Coruscant. Also, I will have Anakin work on his trials. I will assign Ahsoka to do some studying in the Jedi Archives. Given I am their commanding officer, it will not be hard for me to stretch Padme's leave by an extra week or two. This will split them up a little without causing much discussion. Also, I have a few ideas to suggest on some simple missions for Padme, as Thor, during her stay on Coruscant.'

'Later this evening, after the council concludes a meeting they are having right now, I will contact Mace about possible assignments Padme, as Thor, with Coruscant Security. Mace will likely know the official channels to go through on this matter. If not, he will know who to ask.'

'During this time, Padme will unfortunately not be able to contact us, because we have a lot to do to prepare for the trials. But, I will promise her that I will keep her in the loop. And I will keep that promise.'

'We should be finished with Anakin trials by the time Padme's leave is over on Coruscant.'

'Now that I think about, I would prefer to have Ahsoka watch Anakin's trials. While I cannot have her watching Anakin practice for the trials. I would like her present to see Anakin pass a few of his trials.'

'It is rare, but not unheard of for a Jedi master to allow a padawan to watch the trials of knighthood for another member of the Jedi Order. And I see know reason why council members deny me such a request.'

'On the bright side. Given the pressure I am receiving from the council. When Anakin is ready, the council will likely open their schedule on short noticed so Anakin can take his trials as soon as possible.'

'Now to get to work.'

Obiwan began to put together his report of what happened, along with his request for Jedi bodyguards for the Naberrie family.

Over the next few days, Obiwan had successfully downplayed Padme's victory against Dooku in his report to the Jedi Council.

Obiwan's request for the Jedi bodyguards was approved with little difficulty. The Jedi bodyguards arrived on Naboo a few days later, before Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka and the droids left the Naboo, to head back to Coruscant.

Four Jedi Knights were assigned to bodyguard the Naberrie family. Two Jedi for Jobal and Ruwee. And two Jedi for Sola and Sola's family.

And the Jedi High Council were happy to hear Obiwan had finally relented on allowing Anakin to take his trials to become Jedi Knight.

(_)

On Naboo, it has been half an hour after the battle between Thor and Dooku had ended.

At the Theed spaceport, on Naboo, Dooku had secretly inside his gold colored space yacht. The ship was located in a hangar in the spaceport.

Once Dooku was inside his ship, he used the security codes he possessed gain clearance by Theed air control to leave the planet before security would be alerted his what had happened.

As soon as his space yacht was given clearance and assigned flight path, he had his droid pilots take the ship flying out of the hangar, and take the assigned flight path into space.

Once Dooku's ship was in orbit around Naboo, Dooku had the droid pilots plot a course to Arkanis, where he would refuel. After which, he would had up the Triellus Trade Route to the northeastern part of the galaxy, where much of Separatist controlled space was located. There he would check on a few matters concerning the Separatist and the war effort.

After giving his orders to the droid pilots, the droid pilots had the astromech droid attached to the ship computer do the navigational calculation. A few minutes later, the calculations were put into the ship's computer and the droid pilots had the space yacht jump into hyperspace towards Arkanis.

Presently, as space yacht traveled to Arkanis, Dooku sat in a armchair, in his living area of, as he contemplated his next moves. His lightsaber was deactivated and holstered to his belt.

The chair Dooku sat in was a cushioned armchair for relaxing. This allow Dooku to relax, while he contemplated important matters in his life and in the political affairs of the galaxy.

Dooku looked around him, in his nicely furnished living area, as he thought, 'This is a much nicer arrangement than that small shuttle I use to fly in. I can actually enjoy myself, and sleep in a bed on this ship. A man of my status should have a ship of this quality.'

Dooku looked out a window to his, out at the blue and white colors of hyperspace, as he continued his thought, 'Well, I failed in my mission. I will have to explain my failure to Sidious. This report will likely be painful for myself. Though, I will be ready to shut down my holo-comm, should things turn too dangerous for myself.'

'Still, I do not really regret being defeated by Padme.'

'Both of us gave a good showing. Padme defeated me in an honest duel. She earned her victory. And I have no intention of going after the Naberrie family. Doing so would only earn me Padme's wrath. A wrath I wish to avoid. I now understand why Ventress wants nothing to do with Padme.'

'By not killing Padme. Nor, seriously injuring her. Future possibilities remain open to me. Though, such possibilities will likely have to wait a while. Until things cool down.'

Dooku smiled, as he mentally reflected, 'Besides, I learned a very important piece of information in this fight. A piece of information that I am sure Sidious will find enlightening. That being young Padme is open to the idea of overthrowing both the Galactic Senate and Jedi Order. Which I am sure will make Sidious happy...'

'Yes. I may have lost this battle, but I may yet win the war.'

(_)

A few hours later, Sidious contacted Dooku by holo-comm.

In his space yacht, while in hyperspace, Dooku sat in his cushioned anchair, and not at his desk, as he took the holo-communication. The holo-monitor Dooku used was located on a small table in front of his chair.

Dooku saw the small hologram of Sidious, in his cloaked hood. Sidious' face was hidden save for his mouth, and lower jaw.

Sidious ordered, in an even tone of voice, “Lord Tyranus. State your report.”

Dooku calmly said, “Master. I have ill news. I have failed to kill Thor. She defeated me. I barely escape her.”

Dooku prepared himself for being attacked by the force, with him ready to break the communication to save his own life.

Instead, Sidious calmly said, “As I expected the outcome to be. I see the girl is progressing nicely. And I see you have survived with any serious injuries. Carry on with your duties. I will contact you when I require something of you.”

Then, Sidious disconnected the communication with his hologram disappearing.

Dooku was left stunned by Sidious' calm reaction.

As Dooku sat in his chair, he remained silent for a few seconds.

Then, Dooku realized what had happened. He face took on a scowl, as he felt anger.

Though, unlike most Sith Lords, Count Dooku was not prone to violent outbursts. Instead, Dooku channeled his anger into more construct activities.

Presently, he channeled his anger into his thoughts, as he mentally reflected, 'Sidious! You played me! You knew I held an interest in Padme. And with this duel, you created a wedge between Padme and myself. Also, by me fighting her, you are now able to better gauge her abilities more clearly against your own. To see how she would measure up against you.'

Then another thought occurred Dooku. He dropped his scowl, as he took on an expression of concern. He thought, 'Or, perhaps you are no longer eyeing just Skywalker. But, you are now looking at Padme, as a potential replacement for me.'

'Even Padme told me she realizes the similarities between herself and myself. Though, she does not realize the connections we both have to you, Sidious. Still, the way you arranged this, there is nothing I can do about this matter... At least for now.'

Dooku realized another matter concerning what had happened.

Dooku immediately began to calm down, as something important he had remembered during his fight with Thor.

Dooku smiled, as he happily thought, 'And you were so impatient, Sidious. That I did not give you the good news. That Padme is open to overthrowing the Jedi Order, and the Senate. And your impatience will likely cost you in the future. So, while you may have used me. I know one thing about our quarry, that you do not. That gives me a slight advantage in this situation. An advantage I hope to someday use.'

'Also, I warned Padme that you are interested in Skywalker. And while I doubt she will tell Skywalker, she will watch out for Skywalker, whom she clearly has deep feelings for.”

'On further reflection, there are a few abilities I was taught by the Jedi Order that I have never tried to use because the techniques were too dangerous. The type of abilities I do not wish for anyone to learn. Especially not you, Sidious.'

'In theory, some of these abilities might have worked against Padme. Though, there would have been no point in using such abilities against Padme. I did not want to kill her in the first place. And using such abilities would attract the wrong kind of attention.'

'If I had kill Padme and I survived the battle. I might have martyred Padme. The Jedi might take more serious measures against me and the Senate would would have used her death as grounds to escalate the war. This was likely Sidious' fallback plan.'

'If that is the case I am happy I lost this battle. Because victory would have come at too high a cost...'

'But for now, I have other more pressing concerns to deal with.'

Dooku mentally reflects on matters he had been keeping up with, on the events within the war between the Confederacy and the Republic. Dooku thought on how he would to deal with various matters concerning the internal politics within the Confederacy. Especially in dealing with the continued political friction between the Confederate Parliament and the Separatist Council.

Of two main parts of the Confederate government, Dooku officially held the position of Head of State to the Separatist Council, with him holding the military rank of High General of the Confederate military.

While Dooku was the Head of State of the Separatist Council, the title was more officially a role of Senior Adviser to the Separatist Council and the title did not officially give him much control of the public day to day functions of the Confederate government.

Instead, Dooku controlled the Confederacy from behind the scenes.

The Confederate Parliament was the public face of the Confederacy government and the parliament dealt the day to day internal issues of the Confederacy. While the Separatist Council dealt the war effort.

Many members of the Confederate Parliament and many members of the Separatist Council did not like each other.

Fortunately, part of Dooku's job in ruling the Confederacy from within the shadows was to keep the Confederate government from tearing itself apart.

(_)

On the planet Naboo, in the city of Theed, an hour and a half after leaving the Naberrie home, Padme, Ahsoka, and Anakin, had already checked into the Hidden Crest hotel they were staying at. Padme had already got them specific suites located throughout the hotel. Once Padme had the three keycards, she handed Anakin the keycard to his room and Ahsoka the keycard to her room.

Each of the three adults pocketed their keycard.

Soon they had moved their luggage in their suites. After which, with R2 and C3-PO, they returned to the Naberrie home to find that Jobal and Ruwee had finished packing a few baskets of food and drink for a picnic.

Fortunately, Theed security had not shown up, and they all considered the matter settled.

Once everyone was ready they walked to a nearby park which the Naberrie family like to use for picnics. The park was the opposite direction of the clearing that Padme had brought Dooku to, begin her battle with him.

Padme had left her hammer in her family home, with her parents' blessings to do so.

When they reached the park, it was mid-afternoon, and while there were a few people there, there was not many people and none of whom were near them.

They soon reached a clearing, where they laid out a blanket, set down the baskets and began to get ready for the picnic.

As preparations were made for their meals, Ruwee turned to Anakin. Ruwee stated, “Anakin. Let us take walk, as the women prepare the meal.”

Anakin turned to Ruwee. He said, “Lead the way.”

Anakin saw Ruwee turned and start to walk towards some trees about fifty meters from them.

There was no one near the small thicket of trees.

Anakin caught up to walk by beside Ruwee to Ruwee's left side.

The two were in silence as they walked, until they reached the trees. As they walked under the shade, and far from the earshot of the others, Ruwee came to a stop. In response, Anakin stopped, as well.

The two men continued to stand side by side, as they looked pass the trees they were near, and at the city streets and buildings in the distance.

Ruwee looked in front of him, as he calmly asked, “How long have you been in a relationship with my daughter, Padme?”

Anakin was caught surprised by Ruwee's question. He turned to look at Ruwee. Anakin saw Ruwee looking at him, with a knowing smile.

Anakin thought, 'Jedi. Sith. Republic personnel. And the one person whom found us out is Padme's father. That figures. I might as well face the music. If I want to stay in Padme's good graces, I need to keep her parents happy with me.'

Anakin admitted, “Soon after Padme introduced me to you, Jobal, and the rest of your family.”

Ruwee said, “I see. That was a while ago. Given the dire situation Padme was in at the time, I will not fault either of you for doing so.”

Anakin questioned, “How did you learn this? I have to know.”

Ruwee let out a deep breath. Then, he calmly stated, “I know my daughters. At least as well as a man can know how women think. And while you both hide it well, I saw you two glancing at each other, from time to time. And I remember seeing that same look which Padme gives you, in Sola's eyes, when she looked at Darred, her future husband. When they were dating, and they both thought they were fooling Jobal and I.”

Anakin thought, 'I need to ask. Even if I do not like the answer.' He asked, “Do you have a problem with me courting Padme?”

Ruwee turned to Anakin. He answered, “No. I always figured that Padme would end up with some politician, or rich corporate executive. At least we know you were raised with some ethics and morals.”

Anakin soberly thought, 'I am coming to realize that is not as much the case as you would think. But, I will take the compliment as is.'

Anakin replied, “Thank you, Ruwee. Though, I request you keep this information to yourself.”

Ruwee stated, “I will discuss that matter with Jobal. But, it will go no further than there.”

Anakin said, “That will be fine.”

Ruwee commented, “With that hammer. I believe she called it, Mjolnir. I am not worried about her coming to harm. Even with her fighting in this galactic war. I have seen the holovids of her fighting as Thor. And I closely listened to what she said to us. Though, I have to know. Is she really that powerful? Is she that tough?”

Anakin responded, “Yes. I doubt very much you have to worry about your younger daughter coming to harm.” Anakin thought, 'As long as Padme does not try to face down a squadron of starfighter, or a cruiser.' Anakin continued, “Though, your younger daughter's welfare is always on my mind.”

Ruwee stated, “I do not doubt that. But it is not physical harm I am concerned about. If things do not work out between you, I do not want you to break her heart.”

Anakin said, in a sober tone of voice, “If something happened to her, it would likely break me.”

Ruwee replied, “I believe you.” He turned to look in front of himself, towards the trees. He sighed, as he muttered, “Years of studying to become a leader of people, and in the end she becomes a soldier in a war.”

Anakin overheard what Ruwee had said. Anakin commented, “I did not see that one coming, either.”

Ruwee turned to Anakin. Ruwee said, “I believe no one did. Though, on this matter, I just have one request from you and Padme.”

Anakin tactfully asked, “And that is?”

Ruwee stated, “Given you are a Jedi and she is a senator, with her also having a secret identity as a soldier. I know you have to keep your relationship a secret from just about everyone. I realize that if you two ever do become married to each other, you would likely do so in secret. Though, I speak for Jobal and myself, when I request, if you two ever have children. We would like to see our grandchildren from you. We do love Ryoo and Pooja. And we would wish see any children you two have, as well.”

Anakin responded, “Ruwee. If that happens. And if it is within my power. I will see what I can do.”

Ruwee replied, “That is all one can do. And thank you.” Then, Ruwee smiled. He said, “Now let us go get something to eat.”

Ruwee turned around towards where his family and friends were setting up the picnic out in the open. Ruwee started walking towards the group.

Anakin turned around and he walked beside Ruwee, to Ruwee's right side.

Ruwee commented, “When you first came to visit us, you never did say much about your family.”

Anakin stated, in a sober tone of voice, “A lot of sadness there. I am trying to move on.”

Ruwee said, “I can appreciate that. And I hope you do move forward with your life, to where you can find some happiness.”

Anakin look at the group in front of them. He focused on Padme. Padme turned to look at him.

Anakin said, “I believe I will.”

Ruwee turned to look at Anakin. Ruwee offered, “Good. Also, should you get married to Padme. I have no problems with you calling me, father.”

Anakin turned to Ruwee. Anakin gave Ruwee a warm, though sober smile. Anakin gratefully said, “Thank you, Ruwee.”

Ruwee gave Anakin a warm grin. Ruwee replied, “You're welcome.”

The two men turned to look at the picnic they were approaching.

A minute later, Anakin and Ruwee reached the picnic.

As Anakin and Ruwee approached the group, Padme turned to them. She asked, “What was that all about?

Anakin walked over and leaned over to Padme's left ear. Anakin whispered, “Your father knows. And we are okay.” Then, he leaned up from Padme.

It took a few seconds for Padme's mind to register what Anakin said. She realized, as she thought, 'That is what their discussion was about. Dad knows I am in a relationship with Ankain. But, he is okay with it.'

Padme turned to Ruwee, and she saw her father whom was standing near Jobal. Ruwee looked back at her. Padme lipped the words, “Thank you.”

In response, Ruwee gave Padme a caring smile.

Then, the group had a lovely picnic, as they all enjoyed the rest of the day talking and getting to know each other.

When they finished the picnic, they collected their belongings and they headed back to the Naberrie family home.

(_)

Later that night, on Theed, Naboo. Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the droids had spent a lovely afternoon and evening with with Jobal and Ruwee Naberrie.

Though, as the sky became night, Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the droids said their goodbyes for this evening. After which, Anakin drove Padme, Ahsoka, and the droids to the Hidden Crest Hotel, where they would be staying for the night.

When they reached the hotel, Anakin parked their in the hotel parking lot, which was located under the hotel. The hotel parking lot had entrance ramp and exit ramp set beside each other, which lead to the outside street.

After Anakin turned off the speeder, he pocketed the key to the vehicle, and the group exited the vehicle.

When they entered the hotel, Padme used a white cloth to cover her hammer. She carried the covered hammer her right hand by the shaft, as she walked through the hotel lobby, to the elevators.

Anakin, Ahsoka, Padme, and the droids took a single elevator up, together. With no one else in the elevator with them.

The Hidden Crest hotel was a slightly upscale hotel and would fit their needs during their for stay on Naboo. The suites were nice and comfortable. With the suites offering the amenities they expected in a hotel of such quality.

Padme had arranged for them to stay on separate floors, on separate sides of the hotel.

Padme has given Ahsoka the excuse that she arrange this to give Ahsoka some privacy. Which Ahsoka believe.

The truth was Padme did this to allow Anakin and herself to have some private time together, without anyone else realizing it. Padme had already informed Anakin of her planet the day before, while on her ship.

While Ahsoka knew how to use the force. From being her friend and training with her, Anakin and Padme knew that Ahsoka senses in the force were not yet very well developed. As long as they kept her at a distance she would not sense them moving around the hotel.

To help maintain the alibi, of the three of them, Anakin's room was on the lowest floor. Ahsoka was in the middle. And Padme was on the highest guest floor among the levels. Though, Padme's suite was not on the penthouse level.

Though, the locations for their rooms were away from each other in other ways than just height.

Anakin was on the fifth floor, on the southwest corner. Ahsoka eighth floor, on the northeast corner. And Padme was on the twelfth floor, in the middle of the east side of the building.

Anakin would get off the elevator first, with R2 and C3-PO joining him in his suite. Ahsoka would get get off the elevator second. With Padme getting off the elevator last, with her carrying the covered hammer with her.

They all agreed to meet each other in the morning, around nine, in the hotel restaurant, on the ground floor of the building, where they would have breakfast together.

When elevator reached the fifth floor, Anakin and C3-PO said goodnight to Ahsoka and Padme. While R2 happily beeped to them. Padme and Ahsoka said goodnight to them.

Anakin, C3-PO, and R2 exited the elevator and headed to Anakin's suite.

The door to the elevator closed. Ahsoka and Padme then continued up the hotel, until the elevator stopped on the eighth floor. The elevator doors opened, Ahsoka and Padme said goodnight to each other. Then, Ahsoka exited the elevator, with her heading to her suite.

The elevator door closed, with the elevator soon stopping at the twelfth floor. The elevator doors open, Padme walked out, with the white cloth cover hammer in her right hand.

The doors closed behind Padme, as she headed to her own suite.

An hour later, Anakin snuck to Padme's suite, with Padme expecting him. When Anakin reached the hallway door to Padme's suite, he knocked on the door.

Padme soon opened the door for him.

Then, the two adults enjoyed the night's company and intimacy.

(_)

Hours later, inside Padme's bedroom, which had a large, comfortable bed, Padme and Anakin were asleep, beside each other. Padme slept on the left side of the bed, and Anakin slept on the right side of the bed. Padme slept on her right side, away from Anakin, while Anakin slept on his back.

Then, something awaken Anakin. A feeling more than anything else. A calling, as it were.

Anakin's eyes snapped open as the feeling grew stronger.

The only light in the darkened room came from the slight illumination from the city lights outside, which were filtered in from around the window curtains. The headboard of the bed was set to the opposite wall from the large window to the outside.

Fortunately, this was enough light for Anakin to see with.

Anakin leaned up, and used his experience in the force to locate where this calling from.

Anakin carefully got out bed, so as to not to awake Padme and he stood up by his side of his bed.

Anakin did not want to be caught by a surprise while nude. Anakin quickly, though quietly walked over a nearby chair where he left his clothing. The chair was by a small desk. His boots were on the floor by the chair. His lightsaber was on the top of the desk.

The desk and chair by the desk were set against the outer wall, to the right of the large window. The a bureau was set against the wall to the left of Padme.

The back wall, to the left of the headboard was a door that lead to the bathroom. On the opposite side of the room, there was a door on the back wall, to the right of the headboard which let to a hallway that connected to the rest of the bedroom to the rooms of the suite.

Both the doors to the bathroom and the interior hallway of the suite were left open.

Anakin quietly got dressed without disturbing Padme. After Anakin was fully dressed, with his boots on and lightsaber holstered on his belt, he turned towards the direction where he felt the force was calling him from. Anakin also checked to confirm he had his keycard to his suite in a pocket of his clothing. Anakin did find his keycard where he left it in his clothing.

Anakin located where the feeling was coming from. And it was coming from across the room from where the bed was located.

Anakin started to slowly walking towards where he sense the feeling was emanating from.

Anakin approached the cause of this feeling. Then, he came to a stop half a meter from the cause of the feeling.

In front of Anakin, set on a small, meter high, round table, resting on its head, with the shaft pointed upward, was Mjolnir. Padme had unwrapped the white cloth from around the hammer, before she placed it on the small table.

The table was located in corner to the left of the window.

Out of curiosity, more than anything else, Anakin held up his right hand, and he slowly reached out towards the shaft of the hammer.

Then, as the tip of his right index finger brushed against the chrome colored shaft, Anakin suddenly felt rage and passion like he had never felt before. The feeling was intoxicating. Then, he suddenly found himself on a world of fire, with him standing on black charred stone, surround by fast moving rivers of lava.

Then, he felt himself begin to burn, and he quickly found himself painfully on fire. And as he breathed, his lung burned as well. He found his vision had changed red, and he realized he was now wearing a heavy suit, mask, and helmet, with his limbs all feeling numb. Anakin realized that each breath he took very labored, with him finding it hard to breathe.

Then, Anakin felt any more rage, with frustration and self-loathing mix into his emotional state as well. While in this emotional state, Anakin could not stop himself as he watched himself committing acts of cruelty a thousand times over. Including, murdered several Jedi. Including, padawans and younglings.

Anakin saw himself commit everything from using the force to choke several people to death. One after another. To using a red blade lightsaber to slice through dozens of people. To watching from the window of a command bridge, as he ordered orbital bombardment by Star Destroyers and starfighter bombers against spacestations, moons, and entire worlds.

Then, Anakin found himself standing on a large command bridge. A command bridge that was large than any Star Destroyer command bridge he knew of had.

He saw on the large viewscreen in front of him the image of a planet. The planet had green forests, white mountain chains, and blue seas.

Suddenly, he saw a green light shot out from beside the viewscreen at the planet. And a second later, the green shot hit the planet, and the planet exploded.

Anakin instantly felt the death screams of millions of people. Their fears. Their pain. And then there silence. All the sensations were felt within the time frame of a few seconds.

Anakin found the strength to move and he jerked back his right hand.

Anakin immediately found himself in the darken bedroom of Padme's suite.

As Anakin stood in place he found the silence of the room to be deafening.

Anakin looked down at himself. He saw that he was fine and unharmed. Though, Anakin found that he was breathing heavily, and his body had broken out into a cold sweat.

Anakin then turned back to look at the bed that he and Padme were sharing. He saw Padme was still laying where she was, as she gently breathed.

Through the force, Anakin could sense that Padme was still asleep.

Anakin thought, “I might have not made a sound. Or, I would have likely awakened Padme.'

Anakin turned back to look at Mjolnir. In the darkened room, he silently gazed at the hammer for several seconds, as he slowly put together what had just happened to himself.

Then, Anakin realized, as he thought, 'Mjolnir just showed me a possible vision of my future. A future where I was horribly injured... And I had become a monster.'

Anakin continued to look at the hammer, as he softly said, “Thank you for the warning, Mjolnir. I will strive to avoid such a fate.”

It was difficult to see in the shadows, but Anakin noticed the hammer gave off a slight sheen from the little light in the room. As if Mjolnir was saying, 'You are welcome.'

Anakin thought, 'Now to head for my suite. I do not want Ahsoka to suspect anything. Fortunately, my keycard is in my right pants pocket. So, entering my suite should not be a problem. When I get my suite, I will get some more rest. I will go the long way to decrease the chance of Ahsoka sensing me.'

Anakin quietly left Padme's bedroom. He walked down a short hallway to the living area. From there, Anakin made it to the door the hallway outside of the suite. There was similar panel on the other side of the door, but the panel on the hallway side required a keycard to open the door.

Anakin used a button on the panel on the wall by the door to have the door slid open. Fortunately, the door slid quietly open.

Anakin walked into the hallway. Anakin waited for the door to slid close to make sure Padme was safe.

After the door slid closed, Anakin turned down the hallway, and headed for an elevator to take him to his suite.

Anakin took the long way to an elevator on the far side of the building from where Ahsoka's suite was located a few floors below where he presently was.

Five minutes later, Anakin made it to his suite. He used his keycard to open the door. Afterward he headed to his bedroom and his bed to get some more sleep.

That morning, Padme awoke to find herself alone in bed. She expected this. She got cleaned up and dressed. And she then joined Anakin and Ahsoka for breakfast, in the hotel restaurant, on the ground floor. With the droids still in Anakin's suite.

Ahsoka was none the wiser, and did not expect Padme and Anakin of anything from the previous night.

After breakfast, Anakin retrieved C3-PO and R2. Padme retrieved Mjolnir, with her covering it with her white cloth, as she traveled with it, through the hotel. Then, Padme, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the droids headed down to the hotel parking lot, where they got into their speeder vehicle.

They were soon seated and buckled up. Mjolnir in the backseat floor of the vehicle

Once everyone was ready, Anakin used his key to start the ignition to the speeder vehicle, and he drove them out of the parking lot.

They headed out, into the sunny, warm day to visit Padme's extended family, and enjoyed their vacation.

(_)

The time was just after Mjolnir had given Anakin his vision, and he had left Padme's hotel suite to sleep in the bed of his own hotel suite.

On an immaterial plane of existence, the force was at disagreement with itself.

At first, the force could ignore the interloper, whom was this mysterious far outsider hammer, Mjolnir. But, after the defeat of a powerful champion of the dark, by the hammer and its wielder. And now the hammer attempted to directly influence the chosen one of the force, by warning the chosen one of his possible darker paths in his life, in an attempt to steer to chosen one to a path much closer to the light. This was too much for the force to tolerate.

The dark of the force took issue with the light of the force.

While no verbal words were exchanged. The force was in conflict with itself. The dark protested this sudden shift in balance. And the light conceded the point.

While the force was not allow to directly interfere with the corporeal realms. The force would send proxies to do its bidding. This was the point of people being about to use the force. So the force could use them as its proxies.

As such, a response was needed to main the balance. An emissary of the dark would be needed.

One worthy to fight the light. To fight the thunder, with the fire.

So the one that would not have survived, survived. And of the force itself, the light recoiled in horror, as the darkness soon realized its mistake. But, it was far too late for even the force itself to change the course it had set.

For feminine laughter in green had been summoned to the realm. And a female Loki Laufeyson, a would be queen of a long forgotten island, from a world that no longer existed as it once was, had been given a second chance to live again.

(_)

At that moment, while it was still nighttime for those living in the city of Theed, on Naboo, it was sunrise, on a clear day, for those living in the Senate District of the city planet of Coruscant.

There, a very different Loki Laufeyson than usual found herself alive, healthy, and in an empty clearing, on the upper levels of a skyscraper on the city planet of Coruscant.

While not human, Loki was a human looking woman, with fair skin, green eyes, and long, black hair left loose to drape down her back to just below her shoulder blades. She was of average height for a human woman. She was beautiful. She had a physical build that bordered between slender and athletic. The size of her two breasts on her chest were in proper proportion to her body and gender.

Loki looked down at herself. She noticed she was not wearing the same clothing she had been wearing only moments ago, when everything went white. When the world around her turned white.

Loki was no longer wearing a green scale bodysuit that exposed only her upper chest, head, hands, upper arms and shoulders, with a brown fur coat, and knee high brown leather boots.

Instead, the clothing Loki currently wore far more utilitarian. Her brown leather boots were more modern and appeared to be based on hiking style boots. Her green pants, with pockets, were held up by a brown leather belt in the loops of her green pants around her waist. Her belt also held pouches with snap-open fastener buttons. She had green t-shirt that was tucked into her pants. And over her green t-shirt was an open, green cloth jacket, with pockets on the outside and interior, along with a zipper to close the jacket.

All the green clothing matched. And all the brown clothing matched.

While the clothing was comfortable to Loki, Loki also realized the clothing she now wore was of the style for one whom was going to do a lot of traveling.

Then, Loki noticed she was not wearing the golden horn crown she preferred, but lost recently. Though, she felt at the moment that she did not deserve to where any type of crown on to of her brow.

As the warm breeze blew through the strands of her long, loose, black hair, Loki wondered where she was.

Loki looked around to see there was no one on the large walkway balcony she found herself on. Loki found she was standing by a one meter high parapet wall overlooking the building she was on.

Loki looked in front of herself, beyond one meter high parapet wall, and at the sunrise, which showed the cityscape. She entire landscape was covered in buildings. With the buildings being so deep and so thick they created canyons, with the walls and floors of the canyons being the sides of building.

There were large buildings of almost every shape and size which stretched into the sky far higher than any building she had personally ever seen in her life.

In the distance, between the large, tall buildings, there were countless flying vehicles traveling together in the rows of skylanes.

Loki looked down to see the building she was on was several kilometers from the city surface. Or, what passed for the surface. Loki looked up to see that the building went up so high, that from angle of where she stood she could not see how far the building she was inside of reached into the sky.

Loki looked around herself. Then, Loki turned back to look towards the cityscape in front herself.

A few seconds later of thinking, she began to happily laughing as she realized where she was. Along with the comprehension that she had been given a second chance. A second chance to do better. A second chance to properly misbehave.

(_)

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” Friedrich Nietzsche.

To be continued.

(_)

Author's Notes:

“Crest” can mean “crown”. So, the hotel can mean, the “Hidden Crown”. A play on Padme being a former queen and her trying to keep her stay on Naboo quiet.

In the Star Wars franchise a big deal is made out of entering hyperspace. That the spaceships have to be at the exact angle for their destination or there would be problems. This is why astromech droids are used to do the calculations.

Though, if you look at the various maps of the Star Wars galaxy, the hyper-routes twist and curve, requiring ships to make multiple hyperspace jumps. A ship has to exit hyperspace, do the proper calculation, reorientate their to the proper angle and enter hyperspace on the next section of the path to their destination.

In the Star Wars galaxy, hyperspace beacons are placed along the hyper-routes. And it would make sense to have these beacons double for communications satellites.

The hyperspace beacons are also known as jump beacons.

In some cases, hyperspace beacons are not needed due to advances in navigational computers and astromech droids. But, it would stand to reason since the hyperspace beacons are along the hyper-routes. That as a safety measure a ship's navigational computer and astromech droids would check their calculations with the hyperspace beacon they are nearby. If the calculations do not mix further investigation is needed before making the next jump to hyperspace.

Though, I do wonder how all these navigational system compensate for stellar drift (movement of the stars and planets including rotational movement around the orbit of a galaxy) and time dilation issues which vary across a galaxy.

Dooku's droid pilot was built by SoroSuub Corporation. It would stand to reason he would be open to buying other products from that company. And the SoroSuub Corporation had connections to the Separatists. But, only from a deal to customer relationship.

Dooku need a space yacht and I gave him the Horizon Class yacht which looks very cool. Much cooler than the Yacht 3000.

Though, the Horizon Class was released in the New Republic era.

My logic on this explanation is simple.

In real life, yacht building boating companies and high-end car companies hold off on releasing their car designs years after they worked out the bugs for those designs.

So, Dooku bought a prototype Horizon Class space yacht to use. And since no one in the galaxy knows this type of ship, Dooku can come and go without anyone realizing he is the one using the ship.

SoroSuub Corporation builds energy pikes. Also known as force pikes. A electrostaff is a type of energy pike.

In the story, the combat droids Holowan Mechanicals are designing and building are what will become the IG-100 MagnaGuard later in the Clone Wars.

While it is stated the electrostaffs the MagnaGuards used were built by the Baktoid Armor Workshop. Though, Baktoid Armor Workshop specializes in heavily armored vehicles, not handheld weapons.

It is likely that another company, such as SoroSuub Corporation, designed the electrostaffs and Baktoid Armor Workshop was licensed to build the electrostaffs.

This happens a lot in real life weapon manufacturers. One weapon manufacturer creates the design for a firearm. Later on, the weapon design is licensed to other weapon manufacturers to build said weapons.

Given Dooku is a customer of SoroSuub Corporation, and that company builds energy pikes. It is possible that the contract for the electrostaffs for the MagnaGuards came from SoroSuub Corporation.

The “central line” comment during his fight with Thor was a nod to a scene in the Clone Wars Volume II OVA, where Dooku is training Grievous and Dooku makes the comment that Grievous has problems controlling his “central line” in Grievous' fighting style.

Yes. A Loki has now been introduced into the stories. And a female Loki at that. This is the A-Force Loki from Battleworld. She is much different than the other Loki. And I am not just talking about her gender.

This Loki's personality, along with what happened in the A-Force comics, offers such flexibility for her as a character.

If you have not read the A-Force Battleworld five part mini-series, I suggest you do. Because this story will delve into the repercussions of those events for Loki, herself.

The Lokis of Marvel Comics are associated with the color green. This is why they have green eyes and wear green clothing. This is where the title, “Emerald Dawn”, came from for this chapter.

Eventually, as you read this story you will realize why the force realized it was a big mistake on its part to bring this Loki into the Star Wars reality in this story.

Though, I will be leaving clues about this throughout the story.

And “far outsider” is a term for those from outside the galaxy.

I enjoyed the scene between Dooku meeting Padme, in Padme's family home. This allowed me to try a scene where it is not a surprise. Padme realized who it was. And she took measures before confronting Dooku.

Dooku always struck me as the “dark knight” archetype. No. He is not Batman style character. Dooku is a warrior, but also a well mannered villain. He would consider it beneath him to come after someone's family to get to that person, unless he has no other options.

I feel that when Christopher Lee played Count Dooku, he due from his experience in from playing Count Dracula in a number of movies earlier in his life.

While Dooku did not drink blood, or suck the life force from someone. In other ways, Dooku and Dracula were similar. Both were will mannered, tragic villains.

Dracula start of darkness began when his lost his love. While Dooku's start of darkness began when Qui-Gon Jinn was killed by Darth Maul. Qui-Gon was Dooku's student. And given how much Qui-Gon's death effected Dooku, to the point Dooku left the Jedi Order. I would guess Dooku felt that Qui-Gon was like a son to him.

Dooku and Dracula had a nice, civil side. They could do the “grandfatherly” approach with easy. But, both were also very mystically powerful and evil.

This “grandfatherly” approach is the main reason the scene where Dooku was talking to Padme parents, Ruwee and Jobal, worked so well. Only a few Sith could taken such a civil approach in the Star Wars franchise.

Palpatine tries the “grandfatherly” approach, even before he revealed he was Sidious, the act does not work for him. There was always something off. And those around him could tell that something was off about Palpatine's nice guy act.

Both Dooku and Dracula held the title of “Count”.

This may be why Dooku was made a Count. A nod to such inspiration. Count Dooku, Count Dracula.

Dooku also has a sense of honor that most Sith do not. He was not going to kill Padme in her family home. He wanted to one on one duel with Padme. And that is exactly what happened.

This allowed me to off a rare opportunity of having the hero and villain talk in a more civil manner.

And I can see Dooku warning Padme about Sidious' interest in Anakin, as a way for Dooku to make sure he continues to have a job.

Also, there is an European old tradition to tip the executioner. This is so the executioner will pay extra close attention to this job. And he will only have to swing his axe once to behead the condemned individual.

While I did not state this outright. Part of the reason Dooku was having such a civil conversation with Padme before their dual was a form of tipping the executioner. Dooku had no illusions that his duel with Thor could go either way. So, Dooku wants to lessen the chance that if he lost that Thor would immediately kill him instead of painfully drag out his death.

And Dooku had some legitimate concerns to work about this possibilities. Padme has a dark side. I just have not yet had a chance to show Padme's dark side, but I will.

Also, Dooku thought shifting his thoughts from referring to Padme as “Amidala” to “Padme” is to show how he has changed in mind on Padme's value and how he knew desires to make Padme his apprentice.

Though, as I hinted at in this chapter. Sidious realized this and he sabotaged Dooku's efforts by setting him up to fight Padme. Also, this allowed Sidious to better gauge how powered Padme has become.

And due to Dooku's position, Dooku could not openly disobey Sidious' orders without risking Sidious' wrath.

On Padme's family. One of the major problems with Episode Two was how the movie was edited. If they had kept the scenes showing Padme's family, and Padme talking to Anakin while in her family home, that would have been enough character development and material for the love story between Padme and Anakin would have worked much better if those scenes had been included in the Episode Two movie.

As such, I am using those scenes as canon for this story. Because they are wonderful scenes that give Padme more depth as a character and a glimpse of her life between she became a politician.

The delete scenes I am talking about are divided up between the original deleted scenes that came with the release of the Episode Two two disc DVD set and the release of the Blu-Ray versions of the Prequel trilogy.

I stand by my opinion that the major one flaw of the Star Wars Episode II was that the movie was poorly edited. The romantic plot between Anakin and Padme would have worked if the movie producers kept the scenes of Padme introducing Anakin to her family.

If you noticed in the delete scenes, the way Padme lead Anakin to the Naberrie home, that entrance was clearly the back door which lead from an alleyway, a small entryway room that lead directly into the dining room.

Front doors do not immediately lead into a dining room. Some back doors do, but not front doors.

I figured Padme might have done this to be more discreet about her visit with her family. Given she was being hunted at the time.

Since that was the back door, this allowed me to have fun describing the front door, and front of the Naberrie home.

As for Sola, Padme's elder sister and her family being there. In one of the deleted scenes the Sola's young daughters, Ryoo and Pooja, run out the back door to greet Padme. It is clear that Padme called ahead. And it is likely that Sola and her family live somewhere else in Theed.

In the delete scenes released with the prequel trilogy, the front side of the home and yard are shown. The scene is where Anakin and Ruwee talk in private about what is going on with Padme. Anakin eased Ruwee's concerns for his daughter's welfare. This is where Ruwee mentions to Anakin that when Ruwee was younger he worked in the relief movement, he later worked as a builder, and then as a teacher at a university.

This was a very scene of trust being shown between Ruwee and Anakin.

In this chapter, I did my best to describe the front side of the Naberrie home and the front lawn, as shown in that scene.

From all the deleted scenes concerning the Naberrie family, Anakin hit it off very well with the Naberrie family, with Padme's family being welcoming towards Anakin.

Even with everything that happened in the original timeline, it is nice to know that the Naberrie family was not standing in the way of the relationship between Padme and Anakin. The Naberrie family might have supported the relationship if Padme and Anakin had trusted them with that secret.

And before you ask. Padme is not going to get pregnant from sleeping with Anakin during their stay on Naboo.

If you understand what the term “safe time” means you will understand why Padme will not get pregnant.

The discussion between Padme and Dooku, before their fight, offer a lot of opportunities to cover some subjects. Padme and Dooku are civil enough to have such a conversation.

And both before and during the fight, Dooku found to his surprise that he had more in common, and he agreed more often with Padme then he would have expected.

On Thor and Dooku's fight. I wanted a casual fight where both were under constraints where they could not go full out, but instead they had to show their skills in combat, and not raw power.

I really enjoyed writing the three different parts of the duel between Thor and Dooku. And I enjoying showing different sides and abilities of both Thor and Dooku.

Also, much like Darth Vader is shown in the original timeline to be an near unstoppable juggernaut, I wanted to show at the end of duel, when Dooku realized he could not defeat Padme, nor even slow her down, that when Padme wants to, Thor can be just as unstoppable a juggernaut as Darth Vader can be. If not more so.

At which point, Dooku realized his only option to survive was to escape. Dooku accomplished his escape with skill, planning and preparation. Even before the battle began, he has planned out his escape. This is to show the tactical genius mind that Dooku has.

In addition, in Episode One, the Galactic Senate and Jedi High Council did leave Qui-Gon Jinn in a bind over saving the planet Naboo from the Trade Federation.

From a certain point of view, one could consider the Galactic Senate and Jedi High Council as being partly responsible for Qui-Gon Jinn's death.

This point of view could be used by Dooku to help rationalize his actions against both the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order. For Dooku, part of his reasons for his actions is that he might believe that in doing so he is honoring his deceased student and friend, Qui-Gon Jinn.

It would make sense that Dooku knows how to use the force to enhanced his abilities, and use the force to quickly physically recover. Dooku using the force to enhance his body to physical overpower someone was directly shown at the end of Episode Two when Dooku overpowered Obiwan, whom was using two hands on his lightsaber, while Dooku was only using his right hand.

Also, given Dooku has been stated to have once been one of the best students Yoda every taught. And one of the best of the Jedi ever. He would know about the history of the vibro-katanas and the Black Solace.

In addition, I did enjoy that spinning axe attack. The only reason Padme does not use it often is that it leave her vulnerable to telekinetic attacks. And she is not so ruthless to use such an attack against people in battle, unless she believes those she is fighting really deserve such ruthlessness.

For Padme, her battle with Dooku was very cathartic, and she worked out a lot of issue she had with him over him trying to kill her, and him getting her friends killed.

Though, Dooku thought. Padme's evil laugh during that scene does make one wonder if she has become a bad guy and no one noticed. Not even Padme, herself.

The trial Padme mentioned in this chapter that involved Anakin and herself was from a delete scene at the end of Episode II, on Geonosis, between Padme and Anakin's capture and them being taking to the arena.

The delete scene was released on the Star Wars Episode II DVD set.

Also, I like how Padme point out the comparisons between her and Dooku almost caused Dooku to laugh and by him laughing, he would have given away how they are connected to Sidious.

Now about Obiwan. He is walking a tightrope between his orders from above and protecting Padme, Anakin, and Ahsoka from possible political blow back.

Also, from the movies, the Clone Wars series, and various novels, he is clearly not above it all.

Obiwan seeks to be a role model for his students. But, left to his own devices, he can be just as irresponsible as his student. If he was not careful. And he realizes this.

Also, except for Yoda. In the Star Wars series, Obiwan is shown talking to Mace. It stands that Mace would be the one to talk to Obiwan about off the record matters concerning the Jedi Order, and the Jedi High Council.

And they have a friendship to the point where they can tell jokes to each other.

While I jumped back and forth doing the last part of this chapter. I felt if I weaved the separate plot strings between each other, it would have ruined the mood I was creating for each set of characters.

And speaking of characters. The more I write this story. The more I realize that Mjolnir is a character in its own right. With its own thoughts and feelings. Though, it likely thinking in a different way than you and I.

The latest comics of the Female Thor comics have hinted on the point. And I went with that idea.

As such, the Mjolnir in this story likes Padme as a person. That is why the hammer allows Padme to use its power. Also, the hammer wishes to help keep Padme happy. So, the hammer warned Padme's lover, Anakin, of a possible darkness in their future.

This darkness will be addressed in future chapters.

Like I said, I am altering the timeline. And it may not end up being a timeline where the main characters have good outcomes.

Until next time. Have fun.