The Wound In The Stars

(POV Padme)

After entering my private quarters, I checked the data Nomad gave me. It was data about the blockade and invasion along with videos and photos. I still find his warning about the senate ominous. Like he knows something that no one else knows. That wouldn't surprise me. I must be careful, in case there is some truth to his claims and advices.

(Senate Building- Naboo's quarters)

After arriving at Coruscant I have heard nothing but negative replies for my plea for help from most of our so-called friends in the senate. They didn't outright refuse. They just danced around the matter. I am now thinking that Nomad might have had a point now.

Currently I am hearing Palpatine prattling on about how Supreme Chancellor Valorum has no true power and how he is the one best for the job. The last part he didn't out right say it but he was insinuating as such quite persistently. I will withhold the evidence given till the last moment.

(Jedi council)

(POV Qui-Gon)

The council grilled us about what happened to a simple negotiation mission. Then I handed them the evidence given by Nomad. When the intercepts were played all the masters were in shock. What was shown was two dark cloaked figures giving out orders to the trade federation. They referred to the main shadowy figure as Sidious. Everyone was silent after that.

"Who gave you this?" asked master Windu.

"I cannot reveal that. I had to make a deal with an elusive person. And the conditions were that I don't reveal said person's identity and that this information doesn't leave this room." I stated. A sort of realization appeared on Master Windu's and Yoda's face. Followed by a smirk.

"Do you recognize them masters?" I asked bringing everyone's attention back to the holo projection.

"Recognize them I do not. Recognize what he is I do. A Sith. Stir once more does long forgotten enemies." Said master Yoda. "Keep this information hidden we must. Investigate secretly we will".

"I think we must meditate on the new revelations. I call the meeting adjourned" said master Windu.

But I stood there. "More to say have you?" asked master Yoda.

"Yes master. I encountered a vergence in the force. It's a boy. He has the highest Medi-chlorian count of any living being. And it appears he was birthed by the medi-cholrians themselves." I explained.

"You speak of the prophecy?" asked master Windu.

"I do" is all I could reply.

"Trained as a jedi you request for him, hmmm?" asked master Yoda. I just nod in reply.

"Very well bring him before us and we shall test him" said master Windu.

"Very well" I bowed and left

(Senate Chamber)

Supreme chancellor Valorum stood up to speak "This chair recognizes the senator of the sovereign system of Naboo."

Palpatine steps up and presses a buŧŧon the and the platform moves towards the Chancellors seat. Then he speaks "Supreme chancellor, respected delegates of the senate. A tragedy has occurred which started here with the taxation of trade routes and which has now engulfed our entire planet under the oppression of the Trade Federation."

"This is outrageous. I object to the senator's statement." Came the Trade Federation Senator.

"The chair does not recognize the senator from the trade federation at this time." The chancellor cut of the senator from the trade federation.

"To state our allegations. I present to you Queen Amidala, who shall speak on our behalf" Palpatine stated

It was time for me to step up. "Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The sovereign systems of the Naboo have been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade Federation" I say.

Just then the senator from the Trade federation cuts in again. "I object, there is no proof. This is incredible I demand a commission be send to Naboo to ascertain the truth." Let's see where this goes before, I show the evidence. "The congress from Malastare agrees with the honorable delegate of the Trade Federation."

"Enter the bureaucrat the true rulers of the Republic. Under the pay roll of the trade federation. This is where the chancellors power disappears." Whispers Palpatine.

Nomad's statements are being proven right again and again. "The point has been conceded. Will you defer to allow a commission to ascertain the validity of your accusation."

I had enough "I will not defer. I have come before you to resolve the attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee". time to throw the proverbial hat into the ring "I have evidence, which I would have presented if not for the continuous interference" with that I transmit the data and video footages of the invasion.

There was silence at first then all hell broke loose. The vice chair somehow rained in the chaos. Another thing I noticed was the shock on the face of Palpatine. Like he wasn't happy that I

had evidence to solve our problems. Maybe he is just another politician after all. Just using my naivety to further his gains.

"This evidence is fake. Its validity must be authenticated. I will not stand for this insult. This furthers the cause to appoint a commission." Shouted the trade federation senator again. Soon supported by his allies.

"The chair accepts and moves the motion for appointing a commission for investigating the evidence and the truth behind this." That does it. I gave him a chance.

"If this body is not capable of action, I suggest a new leader ship is needed. I move for a vote of no confidence." The chamber again erupts into chaos and the chancellor sits down deflated.

(Outer reaches of Naboo system)

(Later that day)

(POV Thrunn)

Me and the squad are currently in the Naboo system. On this mission the Shev'la Kyr'am is accompanied by six more Crusader S corvettes. And three squadrons of Ne'tra Fang fighters, they are just a precaution. The majority of the strike team comprises of 19STs.

As we wait for the call, I know is coming I do maintenance on my gear. Just then the holo communicator beeps. I answer the call to see a holographic projection of Queen Amidala. "You were right, the senate was a waste of time. I accept your contract. I want to liberate my people. Can you help?" she asked.

"Just sign the contract I am sending to finalize the deal and consider your planet freed." I forward the job contract, which she reads and signs. "I will meet you in the system when you arrive" with that I cut the call.

"Athena tell all units; operation 'termite' is a go" I said to Athena.

What is operation termite you ask? Unlike in the movies there were three Lucrehulk ships, left in orbit of Naboo. The plan was for the six other Crusader S ships to approach above the three control ships in stealth, then deploy their entire contingent of 19STs. Each ship brought atleast 150. They will sneak onboard. Then get access to the droid control system and implant a virus. Which will take over the entire droid army. They will then wait for my signal.

From that point on it will be operation 'privateer'. The droids will start gassing the organics component of the ships and eliminating all opposition. Once they are knocked out, we will transport them to Naboo with shuttles. A detachment of droids will sweep and clear the ship of all tracker and other sabotage as well as clear all the systems for anything that might track these ships.

Meanwhile, as all this is going on the Shev'la Kyr'am will pass near Theed and drop the squad along with 19STs. We will take our positions throughout the city in preparation for liberating the palace, it will coincide with operation 'privateer'. Our groups objective is to secure the Palace and to capture Nute Gunray.

Now we wait.

(POV Qui-Gon)

(Nabuian Royal Starship just entering Naboo system)

The council doesn't want me to train the boy. But I will take him as my apprentice when this mission ends, no matter whatever happens. But now I must try and talk sense into this young queen.

"As soon as you land the federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty" said Panaka

"I agree. I don't know what you aim to accomplish with this" I said.

"I will take back what's ours" said the queen adamantly

"There are too few of us here. We don't have an army." Panaka pleaded.

"I can only protect you. Not fight a war for you" I added.

The queen smiled. "I have already made a deal with a Ghost. If he is honorable, he will uphold it.". Just then the queens holo communicator goes off. She answers it. A holographic image of an all too familiar figure appears, Nomad.

"Good for you to finally arrive. If my information is correct there is a Gungan army gathering near their sacred grounds. Try and form an alliance with them. I have my preparation underway. As soon as the Gungan's draw away a large chunk of the droid army, I will launch my trap. They don't have to engage the army, just distract them. Plus, you will need the Gungan's support if there are any future invasions. I am forwarding the details of the plan now; I will wait for you outside the palace. Nomad Out." Then the channel was cut.

"Atleast we have a plan now. One thing I can guarantee about the Ghosts is that they will deliver on a promise, though most of the time they end up profiting." I said.

"Very well. Jar-Jar please take us to the Gungans" said the queen.

(POV Thrunn)

(Some hours later)

Athena reported that the Gungan's will be engaging soon. My forces are deployed throughout the city on the roofs. We will destroy all the tanks in and near the palace squares. While simultaneously attacking the palace. I will initiate the operation 'privateer' before the droid army engages the Gungan army in honest.

Currently I am just sitting on the ledge of balcony on the route to the Palace.

Soon enough the queen and her group including the Jedi make it to where I was waiting. As soon as they pass bellow me. I say "Well hello there. A nice day for an outing isn't it?". This makes the jump in surprise.

"Damnit Nomad, this isn't the time" scolds the queen.

"Very well. What have you got planned? I saw your captain with some resistance fighter crawling over from the other side." I asked.

"Captain Panaka will distract them. While we storm the palace and get the fighters airborne. They will take out the control ships or atleast distract them. While we capture Nute Gunray" she explained.

"Well let me enlighten you and make some changes that would lessen casualties. My plans Phase 1 consists of us taking the Palace and Gunray. And then comes phase 2 is taking control of the army. Your soldiers don't have to fight if there is no army to fight" I say

"What do you mean?" they look at me confuse.

"As we speak, I have forces infiltrating the control ships. Once I initiate phase 2 of my plan, they will take control of the ship and droids. Which will then be my spoils. Oh, and I should inform you there is a Sith apprentice in the vicinity of the palace" the last part makes them tense.

"Very well we will follow your plan. And I will inform Panaka" Says Padme.

"Very well". I jetpack onto the roof. They look at each other and get into positions.

I see Panaka and his people ready to launch the attack. I call over coms "All units initiate Phase 1. I repeat, initiate phase 1."

(POV Padme)

I inform Panaka of the slight changes in the plan. He then passes it down the line.

Panaka then launches the attack. As soon as the droids turn towards Panaka's side Rockets and blaster fire rain down from the roofs. Soon the road was littered with burning vehicles and destroyed droids.

I have heard about the ferocity and efficiency with which the Ghosts work. But seeing it with your own eyes is a whole another thing. All that's left of the whole droid detachment stationed around the palace is nothing but smoldering craters and scrapped droids. And the ominous part is that they have disappeared. Like they were not there in the first place.

As we enter the palace through the passage, Nomad and four other Mandalorians are waiting for us at the end of the passage. With a dozen battle droids littering the floor.

(POV Thrunn)

The little queen and her party finally make it out of the passage. "Good, you are finally here. This is my squad. And if it's alright with you, I am launching phase 2 of my operations. Please inform your people that as soon as the droids disengage, stop fighting and secure the key points of interest. Have the starfighters maintain aircover to prevent Gunray escaping." I said. Padme nods and coms in instruction to her people.

I wait for her to finish, then connect to HK and ZEM on my own encrypted channels.

"Boys, phase 2 is a go. I want total droid recall in five minutes" I said.

"It will be done master. These meatbags won't know what hit them" came HK's reply before they cut the channel.

I turn to the rest and said "We launch the strike in five minutes".

"What if Gunray escapes?" asked Padme. "He won't" I stated in a matter of fact way.

We waited five minutes. Then I got a com call. It was ZEM "Sir, all three ships have been captured and droid programs rewritten. We will have the organic scum transported planet side shortly."

"Good keep me appraised of the situation. Have teams move in to cleanse and capture the secondary target." I said and cut the call. Looks like HK is starting rub off on my other droid commander.

Padme was looking at me as if I would explain what the secondary objective was. I just sides stepped that landmine. Can't tell them I ordered my droids to sanitize and capture the Scimitar, can I. "All the droid armies should be withdrawing. Tell your troops and Gungan allies to secure the camps and cities. They won't face any resistance. And tell them not to damage my merchandise. Or it's coming out of your pockets". To which Padme scoffed. Me and my squad start moving followed by the others.

As we head for the hangers, droid detachments start passing us on their way to their respective C-9979 landing crafts. I had ordered a controlled retreat. My troops were on over watch and keeping an eye on all possible flash points.

As we reach the hangers, the pilots start taking off in their N-1 starfighters to maintain air superiority. Just then I received confirmation that the secondary objective was also captured. A very profitable day.

Just then the hanger doors at the side opens, revealing Darth Maul. I had to rein myself in from acapella singing Darth Maul's sound track. But this bastard is going to die, NOW! For all the deaths he would bring to Mandalore.

"Leave this one to us" says Qui-gon.

"NO! This one is mine." I say. Holstering my guns and taking out Gra'tua. She comes to life in all her glory, electric currents pulsing through her blade at full power. Like small electric dragons. It was time for her to live up to her name 'vengeance'. I couldn't care less if he killed Qui-Gon or not. What got me so angry was what he would have done to my people, if I hadn't come into existence.

"The rest of you carry on to the objective." I said, as I slowly walk forward.

(POV Padme)

The Sith appeared just like Nomad had predicted. Just as the Jedi were about to engage, Nomad steps up. His aura itself changes. Usually it's like talking with a cold and cunning primal beast. But now it felt like the cold flames of purgatory itself were emanating from him.

(POV Thrunn.)

Maul doesn't say much. Just smiles at my challenge and lights his light saber. Everyone but the Jedi head off to capture Gunray.

"You sure?" asks Qui-gon. I remain quiet, focusing only on my prey.

I suddenly launch forward. This time I am going full throttle from the get-go. Everything slows down. But Maul is moving at a faster speed than my other opponents so far while I am in bullet time. To others it must look like a fast blur of motions.

We exchange blow after blow. He too starts getting serious. He starts to move a little bit faster from my point of view even with bullet time. We reach the room with the platforms. He jumps from one platform to another and I follow with my jet pack.

Now I start moving the fight close in. Not leaving much room for him to maneuver. This chips away at his edge in combat. He tries to force push me while in close range, he needs room to maneuver during combat. His first and last mistake. I use this opportunity to slice his extended arm in half. He winces in pain and tries to jump back. But I use the grappling rope as an electro-whip. It latches on around his ankles and I pull him down. He crashed with a thud. I use it to electrocute him at the same time and shock the living day lights out of him. You don't need Sith lightning to electrocute the shit out off someone Then I use the jet pack to do a jumping strike covering the distance between us in an instant. He brings up his light saber to block my strike. But I switched targets at the last moment. I aimed for his legs. Slicing his right leg off. Then while he is still distracted by the pain, I quickly slice his remaining arm off.

At that moment I could hear Obiwan yelling for me to spare him. But no. I won't leave such a poisonous snake alive. Before the two jedi can do anything, I lop of his head. As his head was rolling away. I quickly put a few blaster bolts into it, just to be safe. Always double tap.

Then I bent down and took his light saber as my trophy. It's only then I finally relax and let go of a breath I did not know I was holding.

At that moment Obiwan asks "Did you have to go that far. He was incapacitated. We could have taken him alive"

"Then what, ignorant little Jedi. For him to escape and come back for vengeance on my people and me. I know what the Sith work like. His master would have just sent him after us to prove himself. Or maybe the master himself would come after us. No, I won't take that chance" I said my voice scalding.

"Then why shoot his severed head?" asked him again.

I smiled under my helmet "Always double tap. I don't want space magic bringing him back to life" is all I said. To which both Obiwan and Qui-Gon shakes their head.

"I know you have a habit of taking trophies. But we would like that saber, please. It's proof that the Sith are back" asked Qui-Gon.

"The body not enough?" I asked.

To which he just shakes his head and says "It will. But the saber will speed things along."

I snicker and say "Sure, I can give the order the sabre and body, for a price".

They both just roll their eyes in exasperation "You just wanted to make a profit from this, didn't you?" asked Obiwan. I just laugh in reply. I could hear him saying "Opportunistic bastard" under his breath. It was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Hey, it's my right full kill. I don't have to sell his remains to you. I hear Sith apprentices make good manure." I said. "I wish to speak with master Yoda when he arrives. Who knows maybe what I have to say will prove useful in the right hands. Also, if anyone asks you Jedi killed him, no one should know it was me. And I mean no one. I don't want certain unwanted attention on me right now." They just sighed and nod.

I move to Mauls body and use his own saber to cauterize the wounds. I had to make them look like lightsaber wounds. I turn around to see the two Jedi giving me funny looks. "What? I had to make it seem like you killed him" was all I said.

We then slowly make our way to the throne room. The halls and corridors are now occupied by Nabuian troops. I walk alongside the Jedi pair casually holding a severed head and dragging the rest of the body behind me. As we enter the Throne room, we see the queen threatening Gunray, but everyone stops talking when they see me with a severed head in my hand and a body being dragged behind me. Gunray almost fainted.

"Why bring it here?" asks Padme.

I just say "Just so that the body doesn't accidentally disappear before the Jedi masters arrive, I will just leave it in that corner and have it placed in carbonite later". With that I move the body and pile it along with the head in a corner. I placed the head in Mauls own hands while leaning the body in a sitting position against the wall. It was in such a way that it would appear as if Maul was observing them.

Everyone in the hall had different expressions. I sneer under my helmet.

Just then I receive a call. Apparently, the gift has arrived and was being held outside the palace by the guards.

I move to the queen and whisper this news to her. There was a glint in her eyes. I pity the fools of the Trade Federation. The captured crew of the Lucrehulk ships would make excellent pawns for the little Queen's negotiation. "We will be nearby. We expect the contract to be fulfilled and the credits you owe us paid. I think you will make quite the profit from the Trade Federation as compensation" I said in a low voice.

Then as the negotiations carry on, I ordered all my forces, except for those from the Kyr'am and its compliment to go back to Eldith. This included the three captured Lucrehulks with its full payload. They were going to have some serious refits and modifications.

(2 Days later)

There were large celebrations around the planet. Especially in Theed.

During the ceremony me and my squad were standing beside Panaka and Padme. Looking as intimidating as possible. Apparently now I am a hero of Naboo. And so are the rest of the Ghosts.

I am sure the future murals and paintings will show imposing Mandalorian warriors standing beside the Queen and her entourage. Along with the Gungan King, their generals, a wayward Jar-Jar, R2-D2 accompanied by C3PO and an Anakin, who was there just for diversity, accompanied by the Jedi during the peace day celebrations.

(3 days later)

The delegation from Coruscant is to arrive in another 4 days. Naboo is now once again peaceful.

The trade Federation prisoners are under lock and key. Somehow their delegates arrived faster than the ones from Coruscant, with lots and lots of credits to boot. The Queen was able to squeeze the life essence out of the trade federation, credits lots and lots of credits, to make for their loses and more. She even included our pay in the compensation.

We made great profits this time a total of 500,000 credits and the three massive ships with its complements. The Lucrehulks can hold the Crusader S class corvettes in its hangars. Thus, after the retrofits they will become mobile bases and mini forts for our operations.

As I was collecting the credits brought in by the Federation delegates, one of them 'demanded' I return their ships quite vehemently. All he got was a blaster bolt to the leg. Then I gave a warning, that trying to steal my loot and pay from a job I did, was equivalent to asking me to come for their heads. This was also an indirect threat to everyone in the room.

(4 days later)

The Coruscanti delegation arrived. I stayed out of their way, hidden from the sight of everyone. I had sent all of my crew back to the ship. They are prepping it for departure at the space port.

Even with the small obstacles I threw into his plans, Palpatine still became Chancellor. Well It's not like I was trying too hard to prevent it.

Later that day I met with Master Yoda, who came with the delegation. Yoda passed me a box with 100,000 credits for the body, sabre and the bounty for killing a Sith. He did his waving the hand to float the object to you with space magic thing. Then he said "Speak to me you wanted?"

"Yes, and you must make an oath that what is spoken here will not leave this room" I stated.

"Know of what you say, no one will. My word you have" said master Yoda after a few minutes of silence.

"It's more of a warning than anything else. I don't have solid proof. But this is what I got off the grape wine. This Sith I killed was called Darth Maul. He was only the apprentice. The real masterminds are still hidden. They have their claws into the highest echelons of the senate. You must take this into consideration for everything that comes from the senate and even the chancellor. You must also look into any significant deaths or ȧssassination that happened or is to happen. As for Anakin's training" at that his ears perk up "I don't think your usual strict code will fly. He is highly emotional and easily influenced. I suggest focusing on the academic side of things. He can also be a great mechanic and pilot. Take it slow and be broadminded with him. This is all I have to say." I finished my long-winded warning. This is more so an experiment than anything else. I wanted to see how much will change with me dispensing this much information, that is if they do change.

"Much you have said. Foreboding your warnings are. Meditate on them we will." Yoda said thoughtfully.

"Good for you, if you do. If the worse comes to pass have an exit strategy planned for atleast the younglings. Better have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. If you want help just call, I will help if the price is right. Remember don't tell anyone what was said here other than select members of the council, and that is if the situation is dire, and even then, you didn't hear it from me. Not even Qui-Gon, Obiwan and Anakin must know of what was spoken here. Also, that applies to the fact that I was the one who killed the Sith apprentice, I don't want certain kinds of attention. Please make sure that it's stated that he was killed by Master Qui-Gon and Obiwan." I said, before slowly walking away. Leaving the Jedi Grand Master to his thoughts.

Then I stealthily made my way to the ship and made my escape before I ran into Palpatine.