Landing Amidst Tension
The ship touched down on the smooth plains just outside Theed, the capital city of Naboo. The air was cool, scented faintly with fresh rain and the sweet aroma of blooming greenery. The sun cast long shadows across the gently rolling hills, but beneath the tranquil surface, tension gripped the planet like a silent storm.
Kira stared out the viewport as the ramp lowered, his vibrosword humming softly at his side. Beside him, Hikaru's gaze was sharp and alert, eyes constantly scanning the horizon.
The elegant city of Theed rose in the distance, its majestic towers gleaming under the sunlight. Yet the calm beauty belied the harsh reality: the Trade Federation's droid army had invaded, and every step forward promised danger.
The Quiet Before the Storm
As the group stepped onto Naboo's fertile soil, Kira took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling over him. The system buzzed quietly in his mind — subtle but insistent — guiding his thoughts, calculating risks and possible outcomes.
Qui-Gon Jinn led the way with quiet confidence, his green lightsaber clipped to his belt for now but ever ready.
Obi-Wan Kenobi flanked him, his own blue blade at the ready.
Queen Amidala, regal and composed despite the threat, glanced at her companions with resolve.
Hikaru and Vol stayed close to Kira, the team united yet cautious.
Droid Ambush
Without warning, the silence shattered.
Metallic whirring echoed through the trees lining the road.
Kira's system flared — "Hostile droids approaching. Engage or evade?"
Before a decision could be made, a squadron of B1 battle droids burst into the clearing, blasters raised and firing.
"Positions!" Qui-Gon ordered.
Kira's vibrosword ignited, the blade vibrating with a fierce hum, cortosis layers glowing faintly blue as it prepared to meet the mechanical onslaught.
First Clash
Droid blaster bolts zipped through the air, some deflected by Qui-Gon's swift lightsaber strikes.
Kira charged, swinging his vibrosword in wide arcs. The cortosis-infused blade bit into the droids' armor with sizzling sparks, short-circuiting energy cells upon contact.
One droid lunged forward, metal claws extended. Kira sidestepped and brought the blade down, slicing clean through the mechanical limb.
Hikaru fired precise shots from his blaster, while Vol hacked nearby turrets, turning enemy fire back on their own ranks.
Tactical Maneuvers
As more droids flooded the area, the team fell into practiced rhythm.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan moved fluidly, cutting through the waves with elegant precision.
Kira's system suggested alternate attack patterns — targeting droid joints and energy packs for maximum disruption.
He adjusted his strikes accordingly, the vibrosword's vibration allowing it to pierce through tough alloys.
"Keep pushing toward Theed!" Amidala urged, rallying her guards.
A Narrow Escape
The droid army's numbers were overwhelming.
Kira noticed a group of battle droids advancing to flank them from the left.
"Warning: Flank detected. Tactical reposition advised," the system alerted.
"Regroup on me!" Kira called out.
The team quickly shifted formation, suppressing the flank with a coordinated barrage.
Still, the pressure mounted.
Qui-Gon looked to Kira.
"This path will lead us to the palace, but the droids guard it fiercely."
A Moment of Reflection
Between skirmishes, Kira's mind wandered briefly.
His vibrosword, the first weapon he had ever built, now tested in real combat — a symbol of his growth, his bond with technology and the system that guided him.
Hikaru caught his eye and gave a small nod of approval.
"No Force tricks yet, but you're holding your own."
Kira smiled faintly. "This blade… it's part of me now."
Approaching Theed
The outskirts of Theed came into view, its towering spires framed by a rising sun.
Droid patrols increased, but the team pressed forward with determination.
Vol hacked communications, trying to disable droid reinforcements from arriving.
The streets were eerily quiet, the usual bustle replaced by tension and fear.
Defending the Palace Gates
As they neared the massive gates of the Royal Palace, a fresh wave of droid sentries emerged.
Blaster fire erupted.
Kira slashed through the first wave with swift precision, the vibrosword's cortosis blade sparking as it met laser fire and metal.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon fought side by side, their sabers weaving a deadly dance.
Amidala's guards formed protective lines, pushing forward through the chaos.
Inside the Palace Walls
With the droid threat momentarily pushed back, the group entered the palace grounds.
The grandeur of Theed's marble halls contrasted starkly with the destruction outside.
Kira's system pulsed with alertness — sensing potential threats even here.
"Stay alert," Qui-Gon cautioned.
The queen's advisors awaited them, ready to plan their next move.
The Calm Before the Duel
The corridors were silent but charged with anticipation.
Kira felt the weight of history pressing down — the coming battle, the fate of Naboo, and the strange path that had brought them here.
The moment before the storm.
Qui-Gon glanced toward the palace entrance, where shadows flickered.
"Soon, we will face what lies in the darkness."
Kira tightened his grip on the vibrosword.
He was ready.
The corridors of Theed Palace echoed with the distant sounds of battle. Queen Amidala, flanked by her loyal guards, led the charge through the ornate hallways, determined to reclaim her throne and capture Viceroy Nute Gunray. Meanwhile, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, moved swiftly, sensing a dark presence looming ahead.
As they approached the hangar bay, the massive doors slid open, revealing a figure cloaked in black. Darth Maul stood silently, his red and black tattooed face expressionless, yet exuding menace. With a swift motion, he ignited his double-bladed lightsaber, its crimson blades casting an eerie glow.
Without hesitation, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan ignited their lightsabers, stepping forward to confront the Sith Lord. The air crackled with anticipation as the three combatants prepared for battle.
End of Chapter 13.