43 Return to Naboo (2/2)
She stared at the unknown design, recalling that it looked similar to the other Delta-series craft in the hangar which belonged to Jedi Master Fay. However this Delta-series craft was black with decorative chromium plating.
”Custom build?” Vaylin asked as she could tell that there was plenty of similar aspects incorporated from the other crafts present on the ships. In addition she believed Fay's ship was an original.
Valad shrugged, ”Kind of.” He looked over her for a moment before looking at R9-9D who was sitting in the astromech socket, silently staring right back at them. ”Anti-social droid wants to come with us.”
Vaylin's eyes immediately locked on the droid which had almost faded into the paint of the fighter. ”Not kidding,” she blinked a few times. She was used to droids beeping, chirping or just outright talking. Yet, this Astromech seemed like it wasn't a talker.
With a wave of his hand, the Canopy of the custom delta opened and revealed luxury seating akin to the interior of a earth made luxury-sports car. There was plenty of padding, vintage wood, and even a 'GPS' holographic interface.
”It practically drives itself,” Valad nudged her to climb inside, which she did.
Crawling onto the hull, she would peer into the cockpit and look over the instruments before being shoved in by Valad's foot. He proceeded to sit down in the pilots seat as Vaylin was upside down in the passenger side.
”This. Isn't. Funny.” She kicked her foot to the side, smacking him in the side of the head with her heel in the process as the canopy was closing.
”Ouch...” Once the canopy was closed, the ship began to lift off the ground and head out of the zone one hangar of the Imperius. Once it was clear of Trevi IV's shadow mass and natural gravity well, it jumped into hyperspace.
...
”As soon as we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty!” Panaka warned his Highness, being backed by the agreement of the Jedi Master Qui Gon Jin.
”I agree, I do not understand what you wish to accomplish by this...” It seemed our hero's 'favorite' Jedi was stumped as to what the Queen could possibly do.
A voice full of confidence and conviction, she proclaimed, ”I will take back what is ours.”
Her eyes shifted to the raised voice of Panaka, again advising her against this course of action. ”There are too few of us your highness. We have no army!” Right about now, both of them were reminded of her sworn guardian. The two silently stared at one another until the Jedi Master spoek up once again.
”And I can only protect you, I cannot fight a war for you.”
Padmé didn't seem the least bit disturbed nor deterred. Her attention turned towards Jar Jar Binks. ”Jar Jar Binks,” She called his name with her political and unbiased tone.
As obnoxious as always, the comedic character responded. ”Meesa, your highness?”
”Yes Jar Jar, I need your help...”
Just as they heard this come from Padmé's mouth, the Jedi suddenly felt a change. A known fighter class, abide extremely modified came out of hyperspace behind them. Two force touched individuals, powerful in their connection, had arrived directly behind the J-type 327 Nubian royal starship.
Putting two and two together, Qui Gon Jin assumed she believed she wouldn't be fighting alone. ”Are you expecting someone, your highness?” Jin asked with his eyes squinted slightly. Obiwan looking over his master before looking to the Queen.
For the first time in her ceremonial dress, the painted mouth of Padmé Amidala spread into an open smile, but didn't respond to the question verbally. With the question he asked, she could only believe that her 'guardian' had returned!
...
Anakin Skywalker was in the bridge of the royal starship, pointing at the multiple different instruments and naming them. However as the Jedi Starfighter rocketed by them, his eyes grew wide and bright.
”Whoa! More Jedi?” He was clearly excited by the sudden appearance of another ship, but then made a puzzled expression when it faded from view as its cloaking device activated.
”Jedi don't have cloaking devices on their ships... The last I recall,” The Pilot said with a pursed brow, remembering there was only one member of the Palace who had cloaking technology. ”Hopefully it's who I think it is.”
Anakin blinked a few times hearing the pilot and tilted his head to the side slightly. ”Is that so?” His eyes surveyed the instruments before leaning back in his chair.
The transport came in for a landing within the twisted forests of Naboo.