Star Wars: The Phantom World

They exited hyperspace, the ship lurching slightly as the inertial dampers cancelled out the ship's internal momentum. The two pilots were strapped to their seats and barely moved.

Scanners confirmed they had arrived at their destination. The system housed five planets but it was the third that they were here to visit.

A handful of Tie Fighters came, flying either side of their ship as they approached the planet, Naboo.

It was hard to disabuse oneself of an instinctive fear on seeing one of the Empire's most recognisable fighter craft but the new colour scheme of the vessels certainly disabused the notion that the craft were under the control of the remnants of Empire leadership. The people of Naboo had claimed the Tie Fighters from the local garrisons following the Empire's fall and had repainted them a startling bright yellow where there once had been black plating.

"Greetings Jedi vessel," came a voice across the comms, it was one of the pilots of the ships. "Your transponder signal checks out and you are expected. Coordinates to land are being transmitted."

"Acknowledged, control, coordinates received," So-Lin said, adjusting their trajectory while Lofin observed, eyes closed.

"I don't sense any immediate threats," she informed her Padawan who nodded.

"Entering the atmosphere," he stated, directing their ship down into the picturesque environment of Naboo.

Naboo had a complicated history both before and during the Galactic Empire's rule. It had once been a minor world, beautiful but unimportant. Then it had made history by becoming the first battleground of what would later be known as the Clone Wars and which would ultimately see the Jedi Order destroyed and the Galactic Republic becoming a Galactic Empire.

The Emperor himself had called Naboo his homeworld and as a result the planet had prospered, in what for the rest of the galaxy had been dark times. But for all its beauty, it's lack of pollution and the abundance of beautiful structures that dotted the skyline of Theed, the people had still suffered under the Empire.

There was a large landing pad and So-lin expertly guided the ship down.

They went to leave the ship but were waylaid by Nala and B3M8. The girl was excitedly looking out of one of the ship's windows at the admittedly stunning vista from their elevated position overlooking the rest of the city.

"Woow," the girl said. She turned to look at the two Jedi, excitement plain to see across her features.

"Go see?" She asked.

Lofin pursed her lips and looked between the girl and her droid. Glancing at her Padawan the boy shrugged.

"You said it yourself, you didn't sense any threats," the boy commented. "And we'd surely be able to protect them if anything did happen," he said confidently."

Her Padawan had a point. Lofin nodded in understanding.

"Very well, she can come with us, provided she's on her best behaviour," Lofin said warningly to the girl. "We'll see about getting you some better fitting clothes too," she mused, commenting on the poorly fitted dress Lofin had made out of some of her own clothes for the girl. A seamstress she was not. Nala looked relatively presentable at least and it wasn't like styles across the galaxy did not vary widely. But some proper clothes for the girl ought to be acquired.

"Although B3M8," the Jedi said. "I have to ask you to remain here, I'm sure you understand?"

"I do, Master Jedi," the droid replied formally. "The knowledge I contain is of great value to the Jedi. If it were anyone else with Nala I would insist on coming with you, but given the circumstances I shall remain here."

"Good," Lofin said. "Do not worry, we won't be here long. We will keep you informed if anything changes."

"Thank you," B3M8 replied. "I shall deactivate myself then until you return."

The droid went off into the ship, leaving just the three humans who went to the ship's exit.

"Let's go," Lofin said, pressing the button to activate the exit ramp. "The sooner we get the other droid back, the sooner we can set off back to the temple."

The ramp reclined until it touched the floor of the landing bay outside. Wind immediately began to buffet them, rustling the clothes of the three and Nala held Lofin's hand as they exited the ship.

There were some security personnel flanking another man who was approaching them. He was dressed in the dark burgundy and blue of a Security Captain.

"Greetings Master Jedi," the man said with a rigidity to his tone that spoke of a military background. "I am Captain Lorsat. I am here to escort you to meet the King." His eyes moved from Lofin to So-lin and then to Nala who was still holding the Jedi's hand. What his thoughts were on the sight of them were impossible to determine looking at his expression.

"And greetings to you Captain," Lofin replied after a moment, squeezing Nala's hand. The girl had released a faint tremble of unease in the force at the man's bearing.

"This way, please," he gestured before spinning around.

He began walking, clearly expecting them to follow. The two Jedi exchanged a glance between them, So-lin raised an eyebrow but it was the only sign he gave of his amusement by the man's demeanour.

They followed the Captain, flanked by the two guards that had joined him and none of them spoke during the brisk walk through the building.

They arrived in short order at their destination. Large doors were opened by the guards standing by them and the Captain did not even break stride as he entered, the Jedi and girl followed close behind.

Inside there was a long hallway, decorated in reds and gold. Light entered through many tall windows and at the other end of the room there was a throne, flanked by several guards and what looked like servants in orange robes.

Upon the throne sat a small boy. He was prepubescent, likely a few years younger than So-lin with sky blue makeup covering his face and a somewhat voluminous orange robe covering his body. He watched from the throne as the two Jedi and Nala approached. His eyes alit upon Nala, his expression turning curious at seeing the young girl.

The Captain strode to stand several feet away from the throne. He went to one knee and clasped his fist against his chest.

"The Visitors from the Jedi order, my King," the man said.

"Thank you Captain, you may leave," the king replied. He then turned his attention back to the new arrivals while the Captain nodded and turned, making his exit.

"Greetings Jedi," the boy said formally, standing up as he did so.

"Greetings King Preta of Naboo," Lofin said, knowing at the waist, So-lin mimicking her. "It is a pleasure to meet you, your Majesty. I am Knight Lofin and this is my Padawan, So-lin and Nala, who I am to deliver to the Jedi Temple."

Nala hadn't bowed, although after a moment she realised what the Jedi were doing and copied them. It was clear that she was amazed and interested in the impressive architecture around her. She probably didn't recall ever seeing anything like this before.

The boy nodded as if in agreement with Lofin's words, his gaze lingering on Nala who smiled at the boy who was clearly taken aback slightly by the girl's presence. Recollecting himself, his demeanour seemed to shift. He glanced to the side, at an older man who had until now remained quiet. The man silently nodded to the boy and the king turned back around to regard them.

"You are here to collect the droid that was loaned to us?" He asked, getting back on track.

"We are," Lofin replied. For a brief moment the boy's expression turned to one of relief before he quickly schooled it.

"Bring it out," the King said, almost hurriedly.

A side door was opened and a golden droid stepped through.

"Greetings, I am C3PO Human Cyborg relations. Oh Knight Lofin!" The droid exclaimed upon seeing her. "Oh it is so wonderful to see you again."

"Hello C3PO," Lofin said, a wry grin touching the corner of her lips. "I'm here to rescue these poor people from you."

The droid leaned back slightly, taken aback by the Jedi's words.

"Why would anyone need rescuing from me?" The droid asked, perplexed. "I am hardly equipped to act in a threatening mann-"

"We are incredibly grateful for the Jedi Order allowing the people of Naboo to borrow your protocol droid," the young king interrupted quickly, his tone quickly turning more formal as he spoke what were clearly rehearsed words. "We have relearned much of our recent history prior to the Empire's rise thanks to C3PO, and we now look forward to returning him to his rightful owner."

"Thank you, your highness," Lofin replied, amusement still clearly evident in her tone. "I too look forward to returning C3PO back to Master Skywalker. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have his protocol droid back at his side."

There were some fault smiles of amusement around the humans. Lofin could feel her Padawan struggling to hide his mirth but he was doing an admirable job of it.

Everybody froze though when from amongst the contingent surrounding the King, one of the young women let out a little laugh at Lofin's words.

She froze in surprise, covering her mouth.

"My apologies," she muttered demurely.

The king's face was covered in makeup but it was clear to see he was slightly embarrassed by the older girl's actions. She was around So-lin's age, with soft brown hair visible beneath the voluminous orange outfit she wore and which otherwise hid her figure.

"If that shall be all, we would make our leave, your highness," Lofin said, bowing shallowly once again.

"W-wait," the king suddenly said. "I-it would be poor form if we did not at least allow our guests the hospitality of Naboo. P-perhaps you would like to share a meal with us?"

It was clear that the attendants around the boy were generally surprised by his sudden outburst. Nonetheless the boy continued.

"We would at least like to offer you accommodations for the night."

Lofin smiled through pursed lips and glanced out of the window.

"We graciously accept the offer of a place to stay for the night," she replied. "Although we truly are on a deadline and must leave early tomorrow."

"T-that is acceptable," the king said. Despite the stutter it was clear that King Preta was pleased with Lofin's acceptance of his hospitality. "There is a banquet this evening, you are of course invited."

"We accept your generous offer," Lofin said, smiling. "If it pleases you, we shall make our leave for now and return for this party."

"Of course," the boy said. "You may leave."

Lofin nodded and then turned, leading her Padawan and Nala away. C3PO glanced between the king and his entourage and the Jedi one last time.

"It has been great to make your acquaintance, king Preta," C3PO said before hurrying after the Jedi.

They arrived at the ship and Lofin quickly led everyone else inside. The docking ramp closed behind C3PO and it was only then that Lofin let out a long sigh.

"Every time," she muttered despondently.

"It's not that bad," So-lin said placatingly, although he didn't quite understand the cause of his Master's fristration. "It's just one party and then we can leave.

"Ah my young Padawan," Lofin said, allowing annoyance born of experience to creep into her tone. "It's never just a party, believe me."

*

C3Po walked through the ship, familiarising himself with the interior for what he hoped would be a short stay.

It was as he entered the living area that he was surprised to find the little girl, Nala, coming in with another droid behind her.

"Hello there," he said, going to stand before them. "I am C3PO, human cyborg relations. It is very nice to meet you."

"Greetings C3PO," the other droid replied. "I am B3M8, servant droid and nanny."

They both looked at each other, the two droids of similar make and stature sizing each other up.

Off to the side the two Jedi watched on with mild amusement.

"Which do you think will give up first?" Lofin asked quietly, amusement plain to see on her face.

"Shh, don't interrupt them," So-lin replied jokingly.

The odd standoff between the two protocol droids was interrupted however by Nala giggling.

"This is Nala," B3M8 explained. "She is my responsibility to look after."

C3PO tilted his rigid form to look at the girl.

"Hello again," he said. "I am C3PO, human cyborg relations."

The girl giggled, looking up at the gold coloured droid.

"C3PO," B3M8 said. "I find myself lacking necessary files on recent modern events. Is it possible you could share some of your data with myself?"

"Share data?" C3PO asked, aghast. "My lady, we've only just met!"

"By the Force…" So-lin muttered, barely able to restrain his chuckles. Although apparently he wasn't quiet enough because the two droids turned to look at him.

"Sorry," he said, not entirely apologetically.

*

It was the evening. The two Jedi had spent the last several hour meditating as Lofin mentally prepared for the potential battle of wits that was to come. Now, Lofin was just about ready to leave.

"Be careful while I'm gone," Lofin said. "Something doesn't sit right with me."

"You think something's going to happen?" He asked as they entered the living quarters.

"No," Lofin said. "But considering our… cargo I am feeling somewhat uneasy. After my conversation with Master Paratus I was able to sense the same thing he did. There is something coming on the horizon. Naboo has been a highly significant planet in recent years."

"And if something were to happen that might affect the galaxy then you think it might start here?" So-lin asked rhetorically.

"Perhaps," Lofin agreed. "But tonight I doubt there shall be any violence, just politics rearing its head as always, causing trouble for everyone else." She patted her student on the shoulder. "Don't worry, my senses tell me we aren't in any danger. But we both need to be mindful over the next several hours."

So-lin nodded seriously.

"You think they'll maybe try and ask you where the temple is, or try and trick you?"

"I hadn't considered that angle, but it seems unlikely," Lofin mused, nodding slowly.

"Change of plans. It shall just be myself going tonight." So-lin's eyes widened in surprise.

"You're sure you don't want me with you?" he asked.

"This is the kind of battle you're not yet equipped for, my Padawan," Lofin replied. "I want you to stay here and mind the ship. I wouldn't put it past someone to try and slip a tracker onto us, if they haven't already or perhaps when we are refuelling tomorrow morning. The last thing I want right now is some attempt at sabotage by an as yet unknown Empire sleeper cell."

"Understood, Master," So-lin said. "I'll keep an eye out for any droids or spies, but can I borrow K2? He'll be useful for detecting any trackers or droid spies."

"Not now," Lofin replied said. "If something does happen, then I want him to hand with me. We'll be making a pitstop once we're away and K2 will run some scans on the ship once we are in open space."

So-lin nodded as the exit ramp descended.

"Good luck, Master," he said as the cool night air blew across their faces.

Lofin turned and waved, as she walked away into the palace. The light of the ship's interior shrank as the ramp closed, leaving only the lights of the guardrail to illuminate Lofin's way as she strode towards the palace once more.