·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙  .·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ˚ ｡⋆ ♡ ༘˚
- ͙۪۪̥˚┊❛ 𝚂𝙸𝙻𝚅𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 ❜┊˚ ͙۪۪̥◌
.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 ━━ phantom menace

CHAPTER ONE ━━ invading of naboo

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

WAR HAD COME TO NABOO AND ATLAS REEF WAS NOT PLEASED ABOUT IT. She watched as the thousands of battle droids marched towards the palace—pretending they belonged here. They did not. Naboo was a peaceful planet and her home—one Atlas would protect with her life.

"I am not happy about it either," a voice behind her said, making the dark haired girl turn around.

Padmé Naberrie—or Amidala as she was now called—was certainly a sight to behold. From her royal dress (which was actually very heavy, Padmé had dared Atlas to try it once) to her make-up, it was without a doubt that Padmé had been born for this life.

Atlas, not so much. She did not have Padmé's political insight, nor the way she held herself. She did, however, have courage and strenght—something that had earned her a place among the queen's handmaidens. Though she was only twelve—two years younger than the queen herself—she was Padmé's closest friend and ally. Atlas considered her the sister she'd never had.

"Am I that easy to read?" she questioned her friend, turning back to the window to continue watching the battle droids.

Padmé touched her arm. "Only for me."

"How did it ever come this far?" Atlas wondered out loud. "Naboo is a peaceful people. Kind people live here. This is no place for war."

"War comes to those who don't deserve it," Padmé said, pursing her lips. Atlas knew her friend despised war—longing for peace all over the galaxy. "I am on my way to the throne room to give my answer to Nute Gunray and I don't think he'll be pleased."

"Good," Atlas said, not that she had expected anything else from her dear friend. "Naboo will not surrender this easy."

"Naboo will not surrender at all," Padmé stated.

Atlas glanced at her friend who wore a determined expression. The sound of feet was heard and they were joined by Padmé's other handmaidens Eirtae, Yane, Rabe, Sache and Sabé. The seven of them headed towards the throne room where they all sat around Padmé who looked at the governing council.

A hologram of Nute Guntay was visible.

"Again you come before me, Your Highness," Nute said. "The Federation is pleased."

"You will not be pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy," Padmé said coldly, her dark eyes locked on the hologram. "Your trade boycott has ended."

Nute smirked at his companion, who stood next to him, and Atlas had to fight to urge to snatch her blasters (which were carefully hidden under her robes) from their holsters, knowing she could do nothing to a hologram. "I was not aware of such a failure."

"I have word that the Senate is finally voting on this blockade of yours," Padmé continued, her eyes not leaving the Viceroy.

"I take it you know the outcome," Nute said. "I wonder why they bother to vote."

"Enough of this pretense, Viceroy!" Padmé exclaimed and Atlas' hands shuffled closer to her blasters. "I am away the Chancellor's Ambassadors are with you now, and that you have been commanded to reach a settlement."

"I know nothing about any Ambassadors," Nute said, though Atlas could tell he was lying. "You must be mistaken."

Atlas clenched her hands and she gritted her teeth. Though Nute hadn't said it explicit, he had implied that Padmé was lying and that wasn't something Atlas could tolerate. Glancing at her queen, Atlas saw that Padmé was surprised by this reply. The dark haired queen eyed the Viceroy carefully.

"Beware, Viceroy," Padmé warned him, a dangerous edge to her voice. "The Federation is going too far this time."

"Your Highness," Nute began innocently, "we would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much."

"We will see," was all Padmé said before nodding at Atlas, who turned the hologram off. The seven of them stood up and walked out of the throne room.

A shiver ran up Atlas spine and she shook it off. "I don't like him," she told Padmé, "and I certainly don't trust him, Your Highness."

"Me neither," Padmé replied softly as they headed towards a smaller room where Sio Bibble (the Governor) and Captain Panaka were waiting for them. The queen sat down and they all followed pursuit.

"How could that be true?" the hologram of Senator Palpatine said, after Padmé had filled him in on what they had discovered. "I have assurance from the Chancellor . . . his Ambassadors did arrive. It must be the . . . get . . . negotiate—"

The hologram of Palpatine sputtered and faded away.

"Senator Palpatine?" Padmé questioned, and when the senator did not reappear again, she turned to Captain Panaka. "What's happening?"

Captain Panaka turned to his sergeant. "Check the transmission generator—"

"A malfunction?" Sio spoke up, seeming to know what Captain Panaka was thinking of.

"It could be the Federation jamming us, Your Highness," Captain Panaka told her grimly.

"A communication disruption can only mean one thing," Sio stated. "Invasion."

"Don't jump to conclusions, Governor," Padmé said swiftly. "The Federation would not dare to go that far."

Atlas wished she could have the same confidence Padmé had, but somehow, she knew her friend was wrong this time.

"The Senate would revoke their trade franchise and they'd be finished," Captain Panaka said.

"We must continue to rely on negotiation," Padmé decided, looking around at her subjects.

"Negotiation?" Sio repeated in disbelief. "We've lost all communications! And where are the Chancellors Ambassadors? How can we negotiate? We must prepare to defend ourselves!"

"This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness," Captain Panaka piped in. "Our security volunteers will be no match against a battle-hardened Federation army."

"I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war," Padmé replied stubbornly, making an end to the discussion.

· ☬ ·

      "I BELIEVE IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO SWITCH ROLES, PADMÉ," Atlas spoke up, as soon as the two friends were alone. "Something tells me it will be safer that way."

After Atlas had saved Padmé from some bounty hunters two years ago, she had become Padmé's shadow—too young to be her personal bodyguard. As soon as she was older, she would be Padmé's official bodyguard, but until then, she was a handmaiden—training with Captain Panaka whenever she had time. When Padmé was elected queen, they had come up with the idea of decoys and Captain Panaka, who was in charge of the Queen's life, had immediately agreed. So had Sabé and Atlas, who were taking turns to play Padmé for the time needed.

Atlas had practiced a lot to talk and act like Padmé. She even nailed the accent that went with being queen. Not that she would ever actually have to do it. Sabé was always first choice—being older had given her more perspective on life—but Atlas didn't mind. She just cared about Padmé's well being.

"If you think that will be necessary, then I trust your judgement," Padmé replied. "You have never been wrong before, Atlas."

"And I won't be now," Atlas said grimly, gazing out of the window. "I feel that a difficult time is approaching us, but as always, we will get through it."

"Together," Padmé added, smiling slightly.

"Together," Atlas promised.

· ☬ ·

          ATLAS HAD BEEN RIGHT ONCE AGAIN. As soon as they left the Queen's chambers, they were surrounded by droids. Padmé, who looked like a handmaiden now, quickly placed her hand on Atlas' forearm. The girl had already drawn her blasters, but at the shake of her friend's head, she lowered them.

The droids escorted them to the throne room where a very pleased Nute and Rune were waiting for them. Atlas narrowed her eyes and mumbled some unpleasant words that got her a glare from Padmé.

"How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?" Sio questioned Nute.

"The Naboo and the Federation will forge a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I've been assured it will be ratified by the Senate," Nute answered, seeming rather certain.

"I will not co-operate," Sabé exclaimed, who pretended to be the queen. Atlas was impressed by just how much she looked and acted like Padmé.

"Now, now, Your Highness," Nute began, turning to look at her. "You are not going to like what we have in store for your people. In time, their suffering will persuade you to see our point of view. Commander," he added, and one of the droids stepped forward, "process them."

"Yes sir!" the droid replied before turning to his sergeant. "Take them to Camp Four."

"Easy Atlas," Padmé whispered to the furious looking girl. "Fighting will not help now."

"Fighting works fine by me," Atlas replied, growling, but took her hands off her blasters nonetheless.

The group was let out of the palace by ten battle droids. Outside, Atlas saw that the plaza was filled with tanks and battle droids, which they passed on the way to the detention camp. Suddenly, Atlas had a feeling that someone was watching them. As she glanced up, she saw three figures, two Jedi and a Gungan, sneak across on a walkway above the plane and jump from a balcony to, what seemed, begin an attack to rescue the queen. At least, that's what Atlas hoped.

Four battle droids were instantly cut down, making Atlas pull out her blasters to shoot at the other droids, finishing them off quickly.

"Yousa guys bombad!" the Gungan exclaimed once every droid was finished.

The two groups moved between two buildings as the leader of the other group started to introduce themselves. He was an man who seemed to be in his late forties. Some locks of his dark hair were bound back but most of it fell over his shoulders. His blue eyes were scanning their surroundings before they darted to Sabé.

"Your Highness, we are the Ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor," he said.

"Your negotiations seemed to have failed, Ambassador," Sabé said dryly, clearly not impressed, making Padmé and Atlas exchange a smile.

"The negotiations never took place. Your Highness, we must make contact with the Republic."

Captain Panaka stepped forward. "They've knocked out all our communications."

"Do you have transports?"

"Yes," Atlas spoke up, making everyone look at her. "In the main hangar. This way."

Atlas leaded them down an alleyway as the alarms were sounded.

As soon as they arrived at the hangar, Atlas cracked open a side door to the central hangar. The older Jedi looked over her shoulder. Atlas frowned when she saw several Naboo spacecraft guarded by about fifty battle droids. Even fifty was a little too much for Atlas.

"There are too many of them," Captain Panaka spoke up, looking at the Jedi Knight.

"That won't be a problem," the Jedi replied, turning to Sabé, he added, "Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us."

Padmé and Sabé exchanged a glance before the latter replied, "Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is here with my people."

"They will kill you if you stay," the Jedi Knight argued back.

"They wouldn't dare!" Sio exclaimed.

"They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her," Captain Panaka added.

"This situation here is not what it seems," the Jedi Master said, looking grimly. "There is something else behind all this, Your Highness. There is no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you."

A shiver went up Atlas' spine and she tightened her grip on the vest of her blasters. She would never let someone hurt Padmé.

"Please, Your Highness," Sio pleaded, "reconsider. Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us . . . Senator Palpatine will need your help."

"Getting past their blockade is impossible, Your Highness," Captain Panaka argued. "Any attempt to escape will be dangerous."

"Nothing is impossible," Altas spoke up, looking at Sabé. "I think we should risk it, Your Highness."

Qui-Gon looked at the twelve year old with more interest now, although she was quite young, she looked quite certain of her case. Strangely, she was kind of familiar to him.

"Your Highness," Sio spoke up, interrupting Qui-Gon's thoughts, "I will stay here and do what I can . . . They will have to retain the Council of Governors in order to maintain control. But you must leave . . ."

Sabé turned to Padmé and Atlas. "Either choice presents a great risk . . . to all of us . . ."

"We are brave, Your Highness," Padmé replied and Atlas nodded in agreement.

"If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now," the Jedi Knight said.

"Then, I will plead our case before the Senate," Sabé said before turning to Sio. "Be careful, Governor."

Sio stayed behind with two handmaidens as the group continued their way into the hangar.

"We need to free those pilots," Captain Panaka said, pointing to twenty guards, ground crew and pilots held in a corner by six battle droids.

"I'll take care of that," the other, and much younger, Jedi said, already moving towards the group.

"Wait!" Atlas exclaimed and the young Jedi turned around. "I'm going with you."

Ignoring Padmé's protests and the Jedi's surprised face, the young girl pulled out her blasters. Together, the two of them quickly dealt with the droids before hurrying towards the ship with Ric Olie, the pilot. Atlas was relieved to see Padmé already on it.

Qui-Gon jumped in the ship when everyone had arrived and they took off. The sleek spacecraft sped away from the planet of Naboo and headed for the deadly Federation blockade.

" . . . our communications are still jammed." Atlas could hear Ric say from the cockpit and she and Padmé exchanged a worried glance.

Obi-Wan entered the room and Atlas looked up, smiling at the Jedi. "You were pretty good out there, Jedi boy."

The Jedi Padawan smiled before extending his hand. "Thank you, I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Atlas Reef," she replied, shaking his hand.

"I'm going to the cockpit, want to come with me?" Obi-Wan suggested.

Atlas glanced at Padmé, who nodded, before nodding and following the Jedi Padawan into the cockpit.

"There is not enough power to get us to Coruscant . . ." Ric said, ". . . the hyperdrive is leaking."

"We'll have to land somewhere to refuel and repair the ship," the older Jedi said, studying a chart on a monitor.

"Who is that?" Atlas whispered to Obi-Wan, as she watched the Jedi. "Is he your master or something?"

"Yes, he is," Obi-Wan replied, looking at the Jedi with fondness. "His name is Qui-Gon Jinn."

Atlas nodded, before walking towards the chart and looking for the planet she had in thoughts.

"Here," she said, "Tatooine. It's small, out of the way, poor, but most important . . . the Federation has no presence there."

"How can you be sure?" Captain Panaka questioned her, eying her intensely.

"It's controlled by the Hutts," Qui-Gon replied, looking at Atlas with approval.

"The Hutts?" Captain Panaka replied, giving Atlas an are-you-kidding-me-look.

"It's risky," Atlas admitted, meeting his eyes, "but there is no alternative."

"You can't take Her Royal Highness there!" Captain Panaka exclaimed. "The Hutts are gangsters . . . If they discover her . . ."

". . . It would be no different than if we landed on a system controlled by the Federation . . . except, the Hutts aren't looking for her, which gives us an advantage," Qui-Gon noticed.

Captain Panaka sighed and turned around.

"You did well," Qui-Gon Jinn told the girl. "What's your name?"

"Atlas," she replied, "Atlas Reef."

"Reef?" the Jedi Master repeated, looking rather astonished. "I once knew a woman Amelia Reef."

"She's my mother," Atlas said, rather uncomfortable, she didn't like to talk about her mother.

The Jedi Master looked even more astonished. "Does she still live on Naboo?"

Atlas shook her head. "She died when I was six."

Qui-Gon looked down at the girl and when he looked closely, she was indeed familiar to him. She had the same brown hair and features as her late mother. Only her eyes were different. Amelia had had brown ones while Altas' were light blue.

"Excuse me," Atlas said, interrupting his thoughts, before she turned and walked away.

"I think you touched a sensitive subject, Master," a voice said behind him. Obi-Wan stood next to him as they watch the girl leave.

Published 28.01.2021

I hope you enjoyed it & tell me what you think of it!