SW: AFTER THE PHANTOM MENACE --

VENGEANCE AND PASSION

by PJ

---

The morning sky was clear and vibrant with color as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine strode towards his waiting Republic cruiser.

"We can launch at any time, Supreme Chancellor," reported the ship's captain, falling in beside Palpatine.

"Have the remains been stored away?" inquired Palpatine.

"Yes, sir. They are in stasis and stored securely in the ship's hold."

"Excellent. You may launch the ship as soon as I've boarded."

"Very well, sir," bowed the captain respectfully.

Palpatine ascended the cruiser's exit ramp, but halted in front of the hatchway to turn and regard the Royal Palace a short distance away. Smiling, the Chancellor turned his back on the Palace, entering his cruiser.

The scarlet-hulled cruiser sailed away from Naboo, cutting gracefully through the void towards the edge of the Naboo star system.

"Shall I set course for Coruscant?" asked the captain, glancing to his right where Palpatine stood, looking out the cockpit window.

"No. Set your course for the Khomm system."

"Sir?"

"I have business there," replied Palpatine on his way out of the bridge.

"Set course for Khomm," shrugged the captain.

"Course is plotted and set," replied the navigation officer.

"Jumping to Hyperspace," announced the captain, pulling back the control levers for the Hyperdrive.

The red cruiser's engines flared brilliantly, right before the ship blasted into Hyperspace.

The Trade Federation battleship moved slowly through space, trailed by over a dozen other warships. On the bridge of the command ship, Viceroy Nute Gunray paced back and forth next to an observation window that displayed the growing orb of Neimoidia.

"Sir! I've just come from the communications room! Neimoidia is in chaos!" stammered Gunray's aide, Rune Haako.

"They've heard that the Republic has revoked our trade license," nodded the Viceroy.

"The Homeworld's markets have collapsed! Companies are losing trillions!" exclaimed Haako, his green lips trembling.

"And the Exodus has begun," observed Nute softly, pointing at the planet before them.

Swarms of Neimoidian ships flew away from the world like flies from a rotting corpse, panicked merchant lords taking what valuables they had and fleeing to the Outer Rim, where they might be able to start over in the Rim's unregulated markets.

"The Trade Federation…" murmured Haako.

"Will survive," finished the Viceroy, regarding his shaking aide. "The Trade Federation encompasses dozens of worlds. The heart may be dead, but the body will live on."

"But Nemoidia…"

"Is lost!" snapped Nute, clenching his hands together behind his back, watching while wave after wave of ships vanished into Hyperspace. "Our world lies in economic ruin, our people destitute, as good as dead!"

"What will you do, Viceroy?" asked Rune hesitantly.

"What I should have done as soon as the Republic revoked our license, reduce Naboo to a ball of cinders! We will return to Naboo, and we will hold its Queen accountable for our losses! Helm! Set course for Naboo, maximum speed!"

The circular warship turned to port, slowly repositioning itself until it faced outbound from the system. The Trade Federation Fleet mimicked the maneuver, flanking the command ship on both sides.

"The Fleet is in position, sir!" announced the helm officer.

"Jump!"

With a loud crack, the fleet shot forward, re-entering the vortex of Hyperspace.

Palpatine's cruiser emerged from Hyperspace, roaring directly towards the planet Khomm. The peaceful green-brown world grew larger in the cockpit window as Palpatine watched.

"You better strap in, sir. We're beginning the landing cycle," said the captain.

"Very well," nodded Palpatine, taking a seat near the rear bulkhead of the bridge, strapping himself securely in an auxiliary station's chair.

The cruiser dipped down into Khomm's atmosphere, plunging towards the planet's surface. From his vantage point, Palpatine could see orderly patches of gleaming metal that indicated Khomm cities. The cruiser flew across a vast plain to Heh'l City. The metropolis was composed of hundreds of identical buildings, row after row for scores of miles. The Chancellor's cruiser gently landed on the roof of one of the buildings, a delegation of citizens waiting for Palpatine.

"Welcome to Khomm, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine!" smiled City-leader Kaell 110, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, City-leader," acknowledged Palpatine with a nod of his head. "Have you prepared the facilities I asked for?"

"We have made our most advanced technology available to you, Supreme Chancellor," declared Kaell 110, leading the way off the roof to a waiting lift. "I'm sure you will be most pleased."

"Excellent," replied Palpatine, smiling warmly. "I know that I will have no complaints."

"Sir! What about your cargo?" shouted the captain from the cruiser's ramp.

"Bring it inside, I will need it!" answered Palpatine before the lift doors slid shut.

"Damn the Trade Federation!" snapped Queen Amidala, striding briskly into her royal bedchamber with Sabe trailing closely behind her.

"Majesty?"

"Even after days of relief efforts, there are still thousands of starving people out there!" exclaimed Amidala, pointing out her enormous floor to ceiling bedroom window.

"You're doing the best you can, Majesty," soothed Sabe, helping Amidala out of her heavy black robes.

"It's not enough! Sometimes I think it will never be enough," sighed Amidala, standing before her window, gazing out at the sparkling night sky and the roaring waterfalls below.

"You just need some rest, Majesty," whispered Sabe into Amidala's right ear, resting small hands on the young Queen's slim shoulders.

"You're right, of course," smiled Amidala wanly, kissing Sabe gently on the mouth.

"Sabe! You have a visitor!" called out Rabe from the outer chamber.

"Who is it?" inquired Amidala curiously.

"Oh! Ah, no one important!" stammered Sabe with a blush. "Am I dismissed?"

"Go on," smiled Amidala, shooing the excited girl away.

Sabe curtseyed respectfully, then almost ran out of the bedchamber. Amidala laughed to herself while she finished undressing. She draped on a thin, cool, white shift that fell to her ankles. Hearing soft voices outside her bedroom door, Amidala approached it, carefully opening the portal a crack so she could see who was speaking.

"You finally came!" giggled Sabe, wrapping her arms around a young man's neck and kissing him ardently. Amidala narrowed her eyes, taking in the man's white tunic, leggings, and brown surcoat.

"I'm sorry that I'm late," smiled Obi-Wan Kenobi ruefully, his arms wrapped around Sabe's slim waist.

"What kept you?" asked Sabe, pressing her palms against Obi-Wan's chest.

"The Jedi Council. They've had me training Anakin quite intensely ever since we arrived on Coruscant."

"I'm glad you could come back," murmured Sabe, caressing Obi-Wan's face with her left hand.

"So am I, your Majesty," replied Obi-Wan with a playful grin.

"Your Queen commands you to make love to her," retorted Sabe with royal haughtiness.

"What? Here? Amidala's right next door," protested Obi-Wan.

"I don't care, I want you so badly," moaned Sabe, pushing Obi-Wan back onto a long couch. Obi-Wan sat down heavily while Sabe untied her long, brown hair, then slid off her loose red robes.

"You're so beautiful," smiled Obi-Wan admiringly.

"Flatterer," grinned Sabe, sitting on the young Jedi's lap, taking his hands and placing them over her bare breasts.

"Squeeze them," ordered Sabe.

Obi-Wan fondled Sabe's small tits, his fingers sliding over the soft, warm flesh, pinching the girl's shivering nipples. Sabe moaned softly, biting her lower lip, rubbing her crotch back and forth over Obi-Wan's thighs.

Amidala licked her suddenly dry lips. The girl's skin was growing warm, her breasts panting softly as she watched her handmaiden give herself to the handsome Jedi. The spying Queen lowered her right hand to her pussy, gently rubbing her fingers up and down her young slit.

Sabe slid off Obi-Wan's legs, kneeling below him. She slowly pulled off his leggings before reaching forward to fondle his stiffening cock. The young girl caressed the hot shaft with her small hands, her fingers sliding up and down the throbbing member.

"Does that feel good?" purred Sabe, looking up at her lover.

"By the Force, yes!" groaned Obi-Wan, sitting back on the couch, his eyes squeezed shut with pleasure.

Sabe smiled, lowering her lips toward Obi-Wan's prick. She pressed her mouth upon the engorged head of Obi-Wan's penis, sucking lightly on it before drawing the entire shaft inside her throat. Obi-Wan grunted, grasping the sides of Sabe's head, slowly pumping his cock back and forth between the girl's tightened lips. Sabe lowered her left hand, fingering her wet pussy while she enclosed her right hand around the base of Obi-Wan's pole.

Amidala leaned against the doorframe, energetically stroking her moist cunt. She moaned softly, her face flushed with arousal, her lips trembling and wet as she pressed her right index finger against her erect clit, rubbing it over and over. The horny girl raised her shift to her hips, opening her legs so she could dip deeper into her dripping sex. Amidala returned her gaze to the young lovers, her index finger slipping deep into her soft vagina.

Sabe bobbed her head up and down, her mouth sucking loudly on Obi-Wan's shuddering cock. Obi-Wan grasped Sabe's bare shoulders, gently pulling the girl to her feet. He turned Sabe around so her back faced him, then he sat her on his crotch. Sabe pressed her slender legs together as she squatted onto Obi-Wan's penis. She moaned when she felt the hot, meaty shaft shove up into her tight vagina. Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Sabe's waist, pulling her down onto his erect member. When all of Obi-Wan's cock was inside Sabe, the Jedi began humping the naked girl's tiny ass. Sabe groaned sharply, her tits shaking, her belly clenching while she rode her strong stallion. Obi-Wan reached between Sabe's closed thighs with his right hand, scratching her wet pubic hair, then slipping down to her clit, massaging the warm little nub of flesh. Sabe arched her back, leaning heavily against Obi-Wan, her hands pressed back against the sides of his torso as she writhed on his lap.

Amidala pumped two slender fingers in and out of her sopping wet pussy. Honey fell down the Queen's smooth legs as she fingered herself, shoving deeper and deeper into her clenching vagina. Amidala jerked violently, her mouth spread open in a silent scream while more gleaming nectar flowed out of her cunt, her hips shuddering from her orgasm.

Obi-Wan tilted Sabe's face back so he could cover her panting lips with his mouth. Sabe sat limply in Obi-Wan's embrace, his hands rubbing her clit and left nipple. With a series of violent quivers, Sabe climaxed, while at the same time Obi-Wan squirted streams of pale milk into the perspiring girl's belly.

=====

Maul's golden eyes snapped open just as a shuddering breath exploded from his lips. The Sith grasped the edges of the pod's opening with his hands, dragging himself into a sitting position. He gazed around the room, taking in the rows of blinking consoles and the familiar pall of Darkness that indicated the presence of his Master.

"How do you feel, my apprentice?" asked Darth Sidious, standing to the left of the cloning pod.

"Well, Master," replied Maul, pressing his hands against his waist. "I…died, didn't I?"

"Yes, but I have brought you back from Death's cold embrace," said Sidious, his lips curling into a wry smile. "I have a task for you."

"I live to serve you, Master," swore Maul, his bright gaze intent.

"You will return to Naboo. I want you to capture the Queen and take her to a place of safety."

"What about the Jedi who interfered last time? Will he be there?"

"Yes, but you will not confront him," ordered Sidious.

"But Master!" exclaimed Maul. "I want revenge!"

"And you shall have it, my young apprentice," smiled the Lord of the Sith. "Patience can be a weapon in the hands of a wise warrior."

Garbed in his black robes, a new lightsaber hanging from his belt, Maul reclined in his seat, monitoring his piloting console while his Infiltrator slid smoothly out of Hyperspace, knifing silently towards Naboo. The compartment interior was bathed in harsh red light when Maul activated the Infiltrator's cloaking shield, allowing it to pass by Naboo's monitoring stations undetected. The lithe ship dipped into Naboo's atmosphere, plunging down towards the sleeping city of Theed. Maul made several passes over the beautiful capital, searching for an isolated place to leave his ship while he collected the young Queen. The Sith eventually found a small park glade in the eastern sector of the city to set down in.

The landing ramp of the Infiltrator hissed down, allowing Maul to disembark. Black robes and cloak swirled around the slender Dark Lord as he walked smoothly onto Naboo soil. Maul closed his eyes, summoning the power of the Dark Side to serve him, to search for him. Maul's face moved slowly from side to side, his features frozen except for his nostrils that flared, tasting the air to seek his prey. Maul slowly opened his glowing eyes, a satisfied smile spreading across his tattooed face.

Yane moaned softly as she awoke, kissing Sache's arm that was draped over her naked torso. The red-maned girl smiled, nestling closer to the taller girl who lay behind her.

"Good morning," whispered Yane, raising Sache's hand to her mouth and tenderly kissing the tips of each of the girl's fingers.

"Huh?" mumbled Sache, blinking her sleep heavy eyes, a trickle of drool glistening on her chin.

"It's morning," announced Yane, nodding at the wide, draped window that glowed with warm sunlight.

"Oh, no! It's my morning to attend the Queen!" gasped Sache, rolling away from Yane and jumping out of the large bed.

"Let Sabe or Rabe handle it," groaned Yane petulantly, rolling over so she could watch Sache hastily don her red-orange robes.

"Sabe is with her Jedi boyfriend, and Rabe already covered for me twice this month!" said Sache, rushing over to a vanity mirror to check her hair before draping her robe's hood over her head. "I'll try to see you at lunch!"

"Bye," waved Yane just as Sache slammed the bedroom door shut.

Yane sighed, reclining on her back, stretching out her naked limbs over the rumpled, warm sheets.

"It's good to see you again, Yane," said a voice from a corner of the bedroom.

"What?" exclaimed Yane, jerking up, raising a sheet to cover her small breasts.

Maul appeared from the room's shadows, his fangs bared.

"You!" gasped Yane, her eyes wide with surprise and fear.

"I've come for you," said Maul, sitting on the bed, his gloved right hand folding over Yane's. "I need you."

Yane inhaled deeply, preparing to scream for the royal guards to help her. Mysteriously, the girl's throat constricted, no sound would come out no matter how hard Yane tried.

"You cannot resist," purred Maul, pressing Yane onto her back, holding her down with his body. He seized Yane's wrists and held them over her head while he kissed her, his hot lips devouring hers, his breath searing the interior of Yane's throat.

"No," moaned Yane after Maul released her mouth, his tongue flicking across the left side of her neck. The naked girl's body lay weakly on the bed, paralyzed from the Sith's power as he covered her left nipple with his lips, sucking intently upon it. Maul pressed his gloved right hand against Yane's pussy, moving his index finger up and down her shivering cunt. Yane groaned softly, her pussy responding to the stimuli, becoming wet as Maul moved his mouth to her right tit, licking the stiff nipple, then fastening his sharp teeth upon it while his lips covered her warm breast orb, sucking loudly.

Maul rolled Yane onto her belly, licking her juices from his leather-clad fingers. He lowered his index finger against the helpless girl's asshole, tickling the tiny opening before shoving his digit into her warm rectum. Yane squealed, closing her eyes, biting her lower lip hard as the Sith wriggled his finger deep into her ass, the soft leather of his glove massaging the clenched edges of her hole. After Maul's finger slithered in and out of Yane's anus several dozen times, the girl's sphincter relaxed, her pussy drooling honey onto the sheets between her trembling legs. Maul ran his long tongue up Yane's back from the base of her spine to her shoulders. He pressed his warm lips against the back of Yane's neck, nibbling on her sweet flesh, his fangs lightly scratching her pale white skin. Yane panted violently, her mouth slack, her buttocks quivering while Maul fingered her little asshole. The girl grunted abruptly, her hips jerking as she orgasmed, hot nectar gushing from her cunt to stain the sweat dampened sheets.

The Sith turned the panting girl onto her back, straddling her waist as he reached into a pocket of his dark robes. He removed a small, red tablet and placed it gently inside Yane's mouth.

"Let it dissolve," instructed Maul, closing Yane's mouth and covering her lips with a finger.

The tablet dissolved quickly in Yane's warm saliva, flowing down the girl's throat. Yane swallowed several times, then whimpered, struggling beneath Maul's weight. Maul pressed his right hand over Yane's breastbone, holding her against the bed while the spice burned through her body. Yane shuddered, her legs flailing, her eyes large and wild as the spice assaulted her brain, disorienting her with hallucinations and an overpowering euphoria. Yane's struggles eased, then halted altogether, leaving the girl desperate for breath, her body drenched in a cold sweat.

"Good girl," smiled Maul, stroking Yane's perspiring face, "now you are ready to aid me."

Amidala sat in her high-backed office chair, filling out requisitions for food to be sent to the areas hardest hit by the Trade Federation's short-lived blockade. There was a gentle knock on the enormous doors of the Queen's office, prompting Amidala to raise her painted face.

"Enter," bade the Queen.

Yane slid through one of the open doors tentatively, her eyes furtively searching the room for other inhabitants.

"Um, your Majesty," said Yane, her hands clenched tightly before her. "An important Republic diplomat wishes to see you for a moment in the main hall. He says that he may be able to bring more food supplies to Naboo."

"That's great news!" grinned Amidala, rising quickly from her chair to join the nervous handmaiden.

Yane turned abruptly, leading the way through the massive portals to the dark hallway beyond. Tall windows lined the right-hand wall, allowing bright starlight to dimly illuminate the passageway.

"Where is he?" inquired Amidala, reaching forward to clasp Yane's left arm.

"Right here, your Majesty," growled Maul, pressing the tip of a shock rod against the left side of Amidala's neck. There was a burst of blue electricity, a shudder from Amidala, then a falling body until Maul caught the small Queen in his wide-sleeved arms.

"Go ahead, make sure there aren't any guards in our path," ordered Maul, lifting the young Queen to his chest.

Yane glanced briefly at Amidala's unconscious body before running down the dark hallway in a blur of red-orange.

Maul gazed hungrily upon the senseless Queen, then raised his golden eyes to address the Palace ceiling.

"I've got your lovely charge, Jedi, come get her if you dare."

Laughing, the Dark Lord left the passageway with his prize clutched tightly against his strong body.

Maul's Infiltrator screamed away from Naboo, its powerful ion engines flashing as it leapt into Hyperspace. On the other side of the system, the peace of space was shattered by the emerging Trade Federation Fleet. The wheel-shaped warships advanced toward Naboo, shields up and turbo-lasers charged.

"The Council of Governors is demanding that we leave the system immediately," reported Rune Haako apprehensively.

"Ignore them. Order the Fleet to disperse around the planet," ordered Nute Gunray, his narrowed eyes staring at the shining orb of Naboo.

"Sir," bowed Rune, leaving the Viceroy to convey his orders.

The command ship slowed, then stopped completely in geo-synchronous orbit with Naboo, hanging over the capital city of Theed like a starving vulture.

"Lock weapons on the planet," commanded Nute.

"All turbo-lasers and torpedo launchers are locked and ready," replied a bridge tech.

"Fire!" howled the Viceroy.

The Trade Federation Fleet opened fire on the defenseless world of Naboo, bright lances of red light diving down to burn the planet's cities. Clouds of torpedoes screamed through Naboo's atmosphere, detonating just above teeming cities to wash killing flame through the crowded streets.

Standing above the holocaust, watching like an evil god from the safety of his ship, Nute Gunray smiled, the flashes of laser fire illuminating his blood-red eyes.

"Burn," whispered Nute, his teeth bared in fury.

=====

Sabe clung to the wall of the passage as another tremor rocked the Palace floor. The terrified handmaiden glanced out one of the narrow hallway windows, fear and horror twisting her belly while she watched ruby light rain down on Theed, destroying everything it touched. The waterfalls steamed beneath the laser bombardment, great clouds of super-heated fog rose into the air and blanketed entire sections of the city. The passageway trembled again, dust falling thickly from the arched ceiling.

"Sabe!" screamed Rabe, racing toward the paralyzed girl. "Where's the Queen?"

"I..I don't know," sobbed Sabe. "I can't find her anywhere!"

There was a deafening roar of thunder, followed by sharp cracks of stone from overhead.

"Sabe!" warned Rabe, diving forward, pushing Sabe down the hall.

Sabe fell heavily to her knees, choking on billowing dust that seemed everywhere. A shrill scream jerked Sabe upright, then there was nothing except the settling of broken stone.

"Rabe?" whispered Sabe, struggling to her feet, turning back to see if Rabe was alright.

The grey dust slowly settled to the floor, revealing Rabe laying on her stomach, her lower body buried beneath several massive pieces of shattered stone.

"Rabe!" howled Sabe, kneeling next to the fallen girl, checking for a pulse on the side of her neck.

"Oh, Rabe," wept Sabe, picking up Rabe's limp left hand with both of hers.

"Sabe! There you are!" called out Captain Panaka. "You have to come with me to the Throne Room immediately!"

"I can't leave Rabe," murmured Sabe, gazing down at her fallen friend.

Panaka looked down at Rabe, his stern visage breaking for a moment in silent grief.

"She's gone, there's nothing more you can do!" snapped Panaka, pulling Sabe to her feet. "The Trade Federation Viceroy is demanding to speak to Amidala. Since I can't find her, you will have to act as the Queen!"

"What's the point? They're going to kill everyone!" sobbed Sabe.

"Maybe you can calm them down, negotiate with them! You have to try! You're the only one who can save Naboo!" snarled Panaka, shaking Sabe fiercely.

Not waiting for the crying girl's reply, Panaka dragged Sabe down the hall, the rumble of explosions shaking the passageway's thick windows.

"The Queen is on the com-line, Viceroy," reported Rune briskly.

"Very good, transfer it to the main screen," ordered Nute, turning to gaze at the circular, shifting surface of the com-monitor.

Queen Amidala appeared on the monitor, dirty hair straying wildly around her face, her clothes tattered upon her body. The girl appeared to have been crying before she began her transmission, the thought made Nute smile maliciously.

"Your Majesty," bowed the Viceroy mockingly. "I'm pleased to see that you're still alive."

"What do you want, Viceroy?" asked Amidala in a broken voice. "What will it take for you to stop this slaughter?"

"Nothing much, your Majesty," smiled Nute cruelly. "Just you."

"Viceroy?"

"I will order my fleet to stop firing on Naboo when you surrender yourself to my custody."

"I..I..why me?" stammered Amidala fearfully.

"I hold you responsible for the collapse of the Trade Federation and the suffering of my people! If Nemoidia must fall, you will fall with it! My offer is non-negotiable! If you do not give yourself to me within the next twenty minutes, I will continue my attack until no living thing remains on your accursed planet!"

The Viceroy sliced his right arm down, and Rune cut the com-line.

"Do you think she will agree?" asked Rune.

"She will," nodded Nute smugly.

"Forget it! We'll think of something else!" shouted Obi-Wan, glaring across the Throne Room at Captain Panaka and the surviving council members.

"You heard the Viceroy! He won't accept anything else!" growled Panaka.

"Don't listen to these frightened fools, Sabe! I've called Coruscant! The Republic will send a fleet to drive off the Nemoidians," promised Obi-Wan, looking at the silent girl sitting in the too large throne chair.

"I..I will go with the Nemoidians," murmured Sabe, her lips quivering.

"Thank you, your Highness!" gasped one of the council members. "You've saved our world!"

"I'll contact the Viceroy at once!" said Panaka, marching quickly from the Throne Room.

"Sabe! Don't do this! They'll kill you!" warned Obi-Wan, walking towards the throne.

Sabe glared at the young Jedi, holding up her right palm to stop his presumptuous advance.

"I will uphold my duty to my world and my people," said Sabe firmly.

Theed was eerily quiet after the attack had stopped. Columns of thick, black smoke curled into the dark red sky, rising from the melted ruins of buildings that had stood for hundreds of years. Sabe and Obi-Wan stood alone at the foot of the Palace's steps while a grey shuttle began its landing in the main courtyard.

Sabe was dressed in the Queen's heavy red robes, her dark brown hair arranged in a tight crescent that arched from ear to ear. Chalky white face paint covered Sabe's face, the scar of remembrance particularly bright on the girl's lower lip, gleaming in the light of the setting sun.

"I will rescue you, no matter what," promised Obi-Wan, holding Sabe's tiny right hand firmly.

"I know you will," smiled Sabe as the shuttle's repulsor-lifts whined, landing gear extending to gently touch the ground.

The young girl turned to face the tall Jedi Knight. She wrapped her slim arms around Obi-Wan's waist, pulling herself up so she could kiss him tenderly. Obi-Wan crushed Sabe against him, covering her warm lips with his, his kiss possessive and desperate.

When Sabe gently pushed on Obi-Wan's chest, he reluctantly released her, setting her on her feet.

"Good-bye," sighed Sabe, leaving Obi-Wan standing helplessly near the stairs while she walked smoothly to the waiting ramp of the Nemoidian shuttle.

"The Queen has arrived, sir," announced Rune, standing at Nute's side as the pondering Viceroy gazed at the scarred surface of Naboo far below.

"Order the Fleet to return to Nemoidia. They will take up defensive positions in preparation for the Republic counter-attack," instructed the Viceroy softly.

"You think the Senate will mobilize against us?"

"I know they will, it will be the final nail in our coffin, my friend," smiled Nute wanly. "We made a deal with Darkness, now it will cost us everything."

"Perhaps Lott can reveal the Sith's involvement, shift some of the blame from us?" suggested Rune.

"He's been given those instructions from Homeworld, but somehow I don't think he will get the chance to expose the Sith. Sidious isn't a fool, he's eliminating all the loose ends from his plan, and we are the last one."

"Then it's all over," sighed Rune, looking down at the deck.

"Not yet," declared Nute, his red eyes flashing as he regarded his friend. "One last task remains, to make the Queen of Naboo pay!"

Amidala groaned softly, prying her eyes open, her neck throbbing with pain. She was lying on an immense silk-draped bed, the entire room bathed in blood-red light.

"Time to arrival?" asked Maul from his station.

"Two hours," replied Yane, her hood pulled back, thick red hair spilling over her slender shoulders.

"Plenty of time," smiled Maul, rising from his seat, resting gloved hands on hips while regarding the stretched out Queen.

"Why have you kidnapped me?" demanded Amidala, her eyes smoldering.

"Believe it or not, your Majesty, I actually did you a favor," replied Maul, advancing on the bed, then sitting on its edge.

"What do you mean?"

"You really don't need to know the details, suffice it to say that you will spend a short time with me until I am told otherwise."

"I don't want to spend any time with you, animal!" snarled Amidala, sitting up on the bed.

Maul broke into laughter, his golden eyes shining with amusement.

"Animal, how…appropriate!" chuckled the Sith, his lips curving into a wolfish grin.

"And you! How could you betray me and our people!" accused Amidala, pointing at Yane.

Yane cringed, swiveling her chair back to her console, head bent down.

"She got a better offer from me, would you like me to show you?" inquired Maul, running his right index finger up Amidala's bare right leg.

"Don't touch me!" snapped Amidala, hitting Maul's hand away.

Maul growled, baring his fangs, then jumping on top of Amidala, ripping her shift off, clawing her small breasts as he kissed her wildly. Amidala struggled violently, pushing on Maul's chest with her small hands, kicking out with her slim legs. Maul grabbed Amidala's wrists and yanked them behind her back. The girl's body arched while Maul sucked on Amidala's mouth, relishing the taste of her young lips.

"Would you like a taste?" asked Maul, looking up at Yane.

The traitorous handmaiden blushed deeply, gazing down into her lap. She slowly raised her face, watching as Maul squeezed Amidala's throat with his left hand, his right pressed between her thighs, stroking her cunt from underneath her panties. Yane stood up, letting her red-orange robe fall from her creamy white shoulders. The naked girl walked to the bed, crawling up behind Maul, taking Amidala's bent legs and gently pulling them apart. Yane reached forward, grasping the waistband of Amidala's panties and tugging them down the pinned girl's legs. Yane observed Maul's leather-clad finger as it slipped up and down Amidala's pussy, the Queen's juices already glistening on her trembling labia. Maul removed his hand so Yane could stretch forward and lick Amidala's delicate, pink slit. Amidala moaned weakly while Yane sucked on her clit, the girl's tongue slithering across the entire length of the young Queen's pussy.

Maul pressed Amidala's slender wrists above her head while he licked her throbbing nipples. Amidala groaned, her lips shuddering as Yane buried her mouth in the Queen's vagina, her tongue caressing the shivering, wet walls of her hole. Maul kissed Amidala again, long tongue probing her throat, a gloved hand fondling her heaving left tit.

Yane raised her lovely, young face, Amidala's honey oozing down her small chin. Maul pulled off his thick black robes, grabbing his enormous cock and offering it to Yane. The naked handmaiden smiled wantonly, leaning forward to take her master's prick between her sensual lips. She sucked hungrily on his meat, tongue lapping underneath it, moistening it with gleaming saliva. Maul held Amidala down, left palm pressed heavily against her panting throat. While caressing Maul's cock with her lips, Yane fingered Amidala's cunt, slipping two slim fingers into the prone Queen's moist snatch. Amidala moaned, her skin on fire, the aroma of Maul's musk making her mouth water and her pussy throb. Maul moved his left palm from Amidala's throat to her right breast, squeezing the soft orb, pinching the stiff nipple with two gloved fingers.

Yane pulled away from Maul, crawling to Amidala's left so Maul could kneel between Amidala's outspread legs.

"No, please don't," moaned Amidala, her tits pumping, her pussy drenched in sweet nectar.

Maul smiled at the Queen's feeble protest, grasping the naked girl's hips and impaling her pussy with his cock. Amidala shuddered, mouth open in a long moan as the Sith slid deeply into her, his shaft hot and pulsing within her tight vagina. Yane grinned, bending down to kiss the moaning Queen while Maul humped her cunt, his hips thrusting powerfully between her thighs. Amidala caressed Yane's tongue with her own, the handmaiden's breath warm against her wet lips. The young Queen's arms rested limply above her head, her waist jerking back and forth from each overpowering thrust into her belly. Maul arched his back, teeth grinding together as he climaxed inside Amidala, his hot cream spilling out between the quivering lips of her pussy.

The Sith rested his hands on Amidala's kneecaps, breathing heavily. Yane stretched out her lithe body next to Amidala's, running a fingertip around the Queen's left nipple while she licked the panting girl's hot left cheek.

=====

Nute Gunray walked silently down the wide, brightly lit passageway, hands clasped behind his back. He passed a few Nemoidian crewmen going about their tasks on his way to the interrogation room. The entry hatch of the interrogation room hissed open, and the Viceroy moved inside.

The young Queen of Naboo was lying on a flat surface, her body naked, her wrists, ankles, and neck bound to the cold metal by brown leather restraints. Two Nemoidian techs stood on either side of the tilting surface, the hum of warming machinery filling the large cabin.

"Are you ready?" inquired the Viceroy.

"We await your order to begin, sir," replied both techs in unison.

"Then begin," nodded Nute, smiling grimly.

Sabe wriggled in her bonds, her eyes wide and frantic as the techs pulled her up, then forward and down towards a humming, red-glowing device with numerous sharp prongs jutting towards her. A tech adjusted a control on the device, causing it to hum louder, the prongs vibrating with power. The red glow illuminated Sabe's terrified features, her lips shivering as she was lowered closer and closer to the device. A prong sparked blue lightning, and Sabe screamed in agony, fire shooting up her left thigh. Another prong snapped, and fresh pain seared the girl's right arm, making it convulse uncontrollably. Each prong sizzled with energy, sending lances of pain all over Sabe's nude body, a continuous flood of anguish. Sabe screamed over and over, only stopping long enough to draw in a fresh, lung-searing gulp of air. Sweat dripped from Sabe's tortured flesh, the girl's throat clenched so tightly that her screams eventually devolved into weak croaking.

Nute smiled in grim satisfaction, the young girl's pain a balm upon him.

The Trade Federation warship swung into orbit around the desert world of Tatooine. Nute walked onto the bridge, joining his aide Rune at the large observation window.

"Did you contact him?" asked Nute.

"Yes, sir. He said he was interested in our proposal."

"Excellent. See that the Queen is prepared for travel to the surface. I will accompany her."

"Is that wise, sir? I could handle the matter," offered Rune tentatively.

"No, my friend, I want to be there when he lays claim to her," said the Viceroy.

The intense heat of Tatooine's surface sucked the moisture out of Nute's skin. He walked quickly across the landing pad to the large, cave-like opening into Jabba's Palace. Two Nemoidians flanked the Queen, practically keeping the girl upright between them. Entering the welcome shade of the entrance, Nute watched as Bib Fortuna, the Hutt's major domo, advanced toward him.

"You have a slave to sell my master, yes?" grinned Bib, baring shark-like teeth.

"I do, the Queen of Naboo," nodded Nute, motioning toward the shuffling young girl dressed in a thin, grey shift.

"She does not look well," observed Bib with a disapproving frown.

"I apologize for placing her in a pain coffin, there was no permanent damage to her."

"I see," nodded Bib, eyeing the Viceroy slyly. "You have a grudge against the girl, yes?"

"I want her to get the fate she deserves," replied Nute without expression.

"I will give you five thousand for her," said Bib, stroking his chin while gazing at Sabe.

"Twenty," countered Nute.

"Ridiculous. Ten."

"Seventeen."

"Twelve."

"Fifteen."

"Done," smiled Bib, handing Nute a small leather bag.

Nute opened the pouch, carefully examined the gems inside, then tied the bag shut again. The Viceroy walked away from Bib, passing close to a vacant eyed Sabe.

"Enjoy the life of a slave for the rest of your short existence," sneered Nute before he resumed his trek back to the waiting shuttle.

The Nemoidian guards let Sabe fall to the ground as they turned to follow their leader to the ship.

Bib Fortuna indicated Sabe with a long finger, and a waiting Gamorrean guard waddled forward to pick up the girl. The fat alien held Sabe upright as Bib drew close, his bright eyes raking over the girl's slim body. The Twi'lek pressed a sharp fingernail underneath Sabe's chin, tilting her face up, then licking her warm lips with his tongue.

"Take her to the slave girls' quarters, she will perform for Jabba tonight."

The Gamorrean grunted, pushing Sabe into motion down the tall, arched, dark passageway, the main gate grinding shut behind her.

"Such a tragedy," murmured Mace Windu, gazing at the destruction wrought upon Theed.

"Sabe agreed to go with the Viceroy if he halted the attack. I have to go after her!" said Obi-Wan, his face anguished.

"You cannot," replied Mace, focusing his attention on the young Jedi.

"Why? She risked her life to save her people!" exclaimed Obi-Wan.

"The Queen is your priority. You must find her."

"We don't even know who kidnapped her! She may have fled for all we know!"

"She did not flee. We believe the Sith may have her," admitted Mace.

"How do you know?"

"When Master Yoda attempted to seek her, her essence was deeply cloaked by the Dark Side. The surviving Sith must be the one who took her."

"Why would the Sith bother? The Trade Federation conflict is over."

"The young Queen is…important. She is linked to your apprentice, and the Prophecy."

"Send another Knight, send several! I have to bring Sabe back!" said Obi-Wan stubbornly.

"The Council has decided that you have the best chance to find the Queen due to your extended contact with her and your brush with the Sith. You will obey the Council's wishes!" replied Mace harshly.

"Master," bowed Obi-Wan, his anger thinly masked.

Mace sighed. He laid a hand gently on Obi-Wan's shoulder.

"Bring back the Queen. When she is safe, you can rescue the handmaiden. I will search for her during your absence."

"Thank you, Master," sighed Obi-Wan, his shoulders slumping with relief.

"You'd best be on your way," suggested Mace with a gentle, wan smile.

"The Nemoidians have gone too far!" declared a senator, his platform floating before the station of the Supreme Chancellor. "I move that they be censored and fined most harshly for this wanton butchery of the Naboo!"

"I move that the Nemoidians be ejected from this assembly! They are not worthy to remain as members of our glorious Republic!" shouted another senator.

"We deny these lies engineered against us!" roared Senator Lott Dod. The Nemoidian pressed the control that would free his platform and allow him to float up to join the other senators before Palpatine's station. When the platform would not break away, Lott smashed his right fist into the control panel in bitter frustration.

"Senator," announced one of the Supreme Chancellor's blue-robed Guard. "The Supreme Chancellor requests that you join him at his station so that you may have the undivided attention of the entire Senate in order to defend your world."

"Good," snapped Lott, following the Guard down a short hallway to a waiting lift. "I have much to say to the Senate about this entire affair."

"I'm sure you do, sir," replied the Guard, slipping a blaster pistol from his blue robes behind Lott just as the lift doors slid shut.

The morning heat washed over Amidala's naked body as she lay upon the wide bed. The young Queen sat up, holding a red silk sheet against her brown skin. She looked out the enormous wall to wall window, the sun's bright rays gleaming just outside, the hot air rolling into the large, spacious bedchamber. Amidala got up, walking naked across the room to the window ledge. She gazed down the length of the canyon, a soft breeze tugging at her long, dark, brown hair. There was a scent in the air, something she couldn't quite identify, a musky, sickly-sweet aroma that made her skin burn and her pussy instantly wet. Amidala lowered her face, blushing hotly as she remembered what she had done the previous night. She glanced hesitantly back upon the disheveled silk-covered bed, where she had allowed her lust to overwhelm her, where she had allowed the evil Sith and her corrupt handmaiden to…take her once more.

Moaning with shame, Amidala walked across the room to a wardrobe and shifted through the hanging clothing for something suitable to wear. The young girl dismissed the skimpy leather garments, but then, hesitantly, she grasped the hem of a black leather brazier. She raised the fabric to her cheek, rubbing it against her skin, her breath quickening as she let the leather caress her face. Amidala reached down to her crotch with her right hand, stroking her pussy, sighing softly while she fondled her trembling clit. Warm honey flowed out of Amidala's cunt, the strong reek mingling with the erotic musk already floating in the air. Amidala felt her juices slipping down her legs, and she smiled with pleasure.

"No!" gasped the Queen, shoving the leather garment away, leaning on the open wardrobe door as she struggled to control her panting. Wiping perspiration from her hot forehead, Amidala pursed her lips, resuming her search for adequate clothing.

Eventually, Amidala found a black latex bodysuit that hugged against her like a second skin, but at least covered nearly every inch of her body. The young girl tugged on comfortable black ankle boots, then tied her brown mane into a ponytail that hung along her spine. A thin, gleaming gold chain encircled Amidala's slender waist, resting on the curve of her hips as she left the sex-reeking bedroom and walked alone down an enormous hallway.

Maul had left no guards, but Amidala could feel eyes watching her, probing her with avid interest. The Sith had told her that they were on Korriban, a planet tainted by the Dark Side. It had been a major world in the Sith Empire when that foul order had nearly conquered the entire galaxy. Amidala could feel the presence of malevolent spirits everywhere, the shades of dead Sith who now were reduced to haunting ruined dwellings like this isolated fortress.

The young Queen entered a doorway to the right, emerging into a massive courtyard filled with growing vegetation. Sunlight poured down from the sky, making the waters of the central fountain glimmer like diamonds as they spurted up and fell into a wide, shallow pool. A pillar-lined walkway surrounded the entire courtyard, doorways granting access to other sections of the fortress. Amidala stood in the shade of the walkway, the air cool, tinged with the scent of clean water from the fountain. Black leafed bushes and patches of blood-red flowers covered the open surface of the courtyard. Dark vines entwined around the support pillars, obsidian blossoms spread open, wafting alluring perfume everywhere. Amidala moved along the walkway, inhaling the strong scent of the flowers, her head light and giddy from the aroma. Becoming dizzy, the young girl leaned against a pillar, hoping to take a moment to clear her head.

A black flower opened near Amidala's face, blowing a fresh wave of perfume into the girl's twitching nostrils. Amidala sighed, her skin growing warm, her legs shivering with weakness. Dark vines slithered from the pillar, trapping Amidala's arms and legs. A warm tendril encircled the Queen's throat, tugging her face toward the open blossom so the flower could release more perfume into her pert nose. Amidala gasped sharply, bound tightly to the pillar, her small body writhing slowly within the black embrace of the vines. Thorns snapped out of the vines, biting through Amidala's bodysuit, piercing her tender skin. The girl moaned, her flesh on fire as the vines drank her blood, making her weaker, her consciousness fading. Amidala's head lolled onto her left shoulder, her mouth slack, her eyes fluttering closed.

A vibro-knife hummed to life, then cut easily through the pulsing black vines. Amidala fell away from the pillar, slumping against Yane. The handmaiden dragged Amidala away from the vines, which were spurting dark ichor into the air. Yane lowered Amidala against the fortress wall, kneeling beside the panting Queen.

"I guess Maul forgot to warn you about the garden," smiled Yane, brushing her fingers across Amidala's sweating brow.

"The flowers smelled…so good," gasped Amidala, her breasts pumping violently.

"They do," agreed Yane, bending close to the Queen, sniffing the lingering perfume on the girl's skin.

Yane purred, then kissed Amidala hard on the mouth. Amidala moaned weakly in protest, her body still filled with unsatisfied lust. Yane unzipped the front of Amidala's body suit, opening the tight garment so she could suck on Amidala's right breast. Amidala whimpered, laying her head back against the stone, her nipple aching as Yane licked it wantonly. Yane kissed Amidala again, their mouths writhing while Yane slid her right hand inside Amidala's suit, caressing the girl's taut belly, then firmly rubbing the Queen's moist cunt.

"Please…stop," gasped Amidala, her eyes squeezed shut, her lips shivering as Yane licked the right side of her neck.

"No. You're my bitch now," grinned Yane, yanking down the bodysuit from Amidala's small shoulders, filling her mouth with the girl's left tit. Amidala groaned, placing her slim arms over Yane's neck, relishing the sensation of the girl's mouth around her left nipple.

Yane raised her head, kissing the Queen hotly while pulling the bodysuit off of the sitting girl's slender legs. Tossing away the torn latex, Yane pried open Amidala's thighs, bending forward towards her dripping pussy.

"Please," moaned Amidala, Yane's mouth fastened upon her melting cunt. The Queen shuddered as Yane delved into her vagina with a warm tongue. Yane moaned inside Amidala's slit, running the tip of her tongue up and down the Queen's cunt opening, drooling saliva over her stiff clitoris. Yane tasted the sweet flesh of Amidala's thighs, reaching behind the naked girl to squeeze her tight buttocks. Amidala hugged Yane's face to her pussy, urging the girl to feast on her wet sex. Yane complied, sucking on Amidala's labia, stroking the young girl's clit with her tongue. Amidala thrust forward with her hips, rubbing her pussy over Yane's hot mouth. Her mind dazed from blood loss and desire, Amidala gasped, shoving out one last time with her hips, her pussy spraying honey over Yane's beautiful, young face.

Yane pressed her lithe body against Amidala's, devouring the naked Queen's mouth. Amidala embraced the red-haired girl with equal ferocity, moaning from the taste of her own juices staining Yane's soft lips.

"I have a task for you, my young apprentice," said Darth Sidious, his blue holographic form wavering for a moment, then solidifying.

"What is thy bidding, my Master?" asked Darth Maul, kneeling before the flickering image.

"The Republic Fleet is assembling in the Ando system. You will take your Infiltrator and sabotage it. Have the techs completed the necessary upgrades?"

"Yes, my Master. I can leave at any time," replied Maul, his golden eyes gleaming with eagerness.

"Then go at once. Do not fail," warned Sidious before his image faded away.

Admiral Monigold sat serenely in the command chair upon the bridge of the Republic Flagship. He watched the bridge officers efficiently go about their duties, coordinating placements for the constant influx of warships. A slim female officer in a tight white flight suit strode up to the right side of the Admiral's chair and stood at stiff attention awaiting his notice.

"Commander Frost," nodded the Admiral in greeting. "What can I do for you?"

"Request permission to take a squadron out to patrol the fleet perimeter."

"It's kind of crowded out there, Commander. Do you think taking a fighter wing out into that mess is wise?"

"The Fleet is somewhat vulnerable at the moment, sir," replied Frost smoothly. "The Republic Fleet hasn't fought together on this scale for years, someone should be watching to make sure no one takes advantage while our capital ships organize themselves for the jump into the Nemoidian system."

"A wise precaution, Commander," nodded the Admiral. "You have permission to launch."

"Thank you, sir!" replied the beautiful young woman, spinning away to leave the bridge.

Commander Frost eased her fighter over the top of a slowly moving cruiser, the aging ship's hull marred by black scorch marks and shallow pitting. Frost's wingman stayed close to her starboard wing as she moved on to the next ship, a heavy Mon Calamari battleship.

"Commander, the Fleet is about ready to make the jump to Hyperspace. Please return to the Flagship," requested a flight control officer.

"Acknowledged. I'm on the way," replied Frost, pulling back on her stick, her fighter looming up and over to return by the path she had just flown.

The Republic Flagship was just coming into visual range when there was a bright flash near its engine pods. The huge warship shuddered, its aft quarter separating slowly from the rest of the hull. There was another eye-searing blast as the engines exploded and engulfed the listing main hull.

"Great Maker!" swore Frost's wingman, while she could only stare in numb shock.

The death of the Flagship heralded more detonations across the breadth of the Fleet. Warships snapped like twigs, great spheres of expanding gas and debris marking the positions of their companion vessels.

Frost dove beneath a shattering cruiser, molten metal shards slashing through space to slam against her fighter's raised shields.

"Frost to all fighters! Engage afterburners and move away from the Fleet, watch out for debris!"

The pilots of the fighter wing acknowledged, rocketing away from the dying warships.

"Ma'am! I'm getting a weird IR signature on my scope!" reported Frost's wingman.

"Patch it to my display!" replied Frost, lowering her gaze to a small screen on her right.

Outlined against a cloud of churning plasma, a small, dagger-shaped vessel hung stealthily in space.

"Most of my sensors can't detect it, but it must be absorbing heat from the exploding warships then radiating it out."

"A cloaked ship," murmured Frost, her green eyes blazing. "Weapons hot, kid! We're taking it out!"

"Ma'am!" replied her wingman, igniting his own afterburners to follow Frost.

Frost used her IR sensors to lock her lasers on her target. When the weapons were charged, Frost squeezed her trigger, sending six red streams from the nose of her fighter toward the motionless enemy. The unknown ship rolled to starboard as the lasers smashed into it, propelling it away. The dagger ship blasted forward, emerging into view as it raised its shields.

"I've got a full sensor lock now!" shouted Frost's wingman.

"Nail him!" ordered Frost.

The wingman fired two proton torpedoes, the missiles slashing past Frost's starboard wing toward the dodging starship. The dagger ship dove down into the darkness, spinning in a blur of motion. The missiles followed the ship, closing in on its blazing red ion engine vents. The ship swayed sharply to starboard, one missile zipping past to explode against a dead warship's fractured hull. The second missile detonated against the ship's aft shield, making it sparkle brightly with blue fire. The dagger ship made a swift arc, closing with Frost's wingman.

"Break, he's got you locked!" warned Frost.

Frost's wingman ducked to starboard, flying directly into a massive barrage of green laser fire spitting from the dagger ship's bow. The wingman screamed into Frost's helmet as his fighter was ripped apart by the lethal rain of laser bolts.

"Bastard!" hissed Frost, tears gleaming unshed in her eyes as she smashed her finger against her weapon trigger, hurling more red bolts at the dagger ship's starboard wing. The dagger ship dipped beneath the laser fire, turning hard to starboard, racing toward Frost. The pilot smiled grimly at the challenge, diverting more power to her weapons, maintaining a constant stream of fire that splashed against the starship's forward shield. The dagger ship returned the compliment, its bow lasers flashing, green darts slicing through space to smash against the Republic fighter's shields. Frost gritted her teeth, sweat beading down her face, as she drew closer and closer to her enemy.

The two ships missed each other by a hair, their shields flaring as they slid against each other. The dagger ship spun around, unleashing green fire on Frost's aft shield. Alarms sounded in the small cockpit, warnings that the rear shield was about to fail. Frost was just beginning to initiate an evasive flight pattern when the dagger ship's lasers shattered through the failing shield and burned into the fighter's engines. The fighter exploded silently in the void, its expanding sphere of flame joining the garden of deadly blossoms littering the velvet night.

Sabe wept softly, curled in a ball upon her dirty sleeping pallet. The small cell was cold and filled with the stench of rank sweat and despair. The young girl wiped tears from her burning eyes, her lips quivering, her aching body a heavy weight she wished she could discard. Fresh sobs burst out of Sabe, wracking her small frame violently.

"Hey! What're you doing?" asked a lovely girl with bright purple hair fashioned in a crest across the top of her head. She wore a gold and leather bikini, a golden slave collar, and bright pink leggings.

"Who are you?" sniffled Sabe, wiping her eyes again.

"Diva Shaliqua," replied the slave girl, pulling Sabe up to her feet. "Now hurry, we're on in ten minutes!"

"Huh?" asked Sabe in puzzlement as the slim girl dragged her through a dimly lit passageway lined with the doors to the other slave girls' cells.

"You're scheduled to perform before Master Jabba tonight with me! Why did they have to partner me with the new girl?" growled Diva in exasperation.

Diva led Sabe into a crowded dressing chamber where girls applied or removed make-up and dressed without concern for modesty in revealing, skimpy attire.

"Put on the white teddy and hose! You can be the good girl," instructed Diva as she unfastened her bikini top and tossed it onto a chair seat, moving quickly to slide out of her leggings.

"What? No! I won't!" protested Sabe, blushing furiously under the cool gazes of the other slave girls.

"Listen, you little bitch! Either you put that outfit on and come with me or the guards will come and rape you until you die! It's your choice!" snapped Diva, leaving Sabe standing alone near the clothing rack.

Sabe picked up the hanger that held the delicate, lacy, white teddy. Skin burning, the girl slowly pulled up her tattered shift to change.

Feeling naked and vulnerable, Sabe clutched her twisted belly, following Diva, who was dressed in a black leather vest that tied up the front, black latex shorts that clung to her small buttocks, black fishnet stockings, and polished black knee-length boots. The air was filled with the smell of unwashed bodies, sex, and an assortment of mind-bending drugs. Harsh lights beamed down from the ceiling, illuminating a wide, open area in front of Jabba's throne. The bloated Hutt lounged on his dais, daintily sampling a squirming, glistening slug. Licking the slug's slime from his fat fingers, Jabba picked up the stem of his water pipe, sucking deeply on the soothing vapors.

"The new slave, Master," whispered Bib Fortuna near Jabba's left. "She is supposedly the Queen of Naboo."

"A tender little thing," growled Jabba in the Hutt language. "I want her to dance for me!"

"Master Jabba wishes you to dance!" announced Bib.

The band started playing a slow, sensual rhythm. Diva took the lead, strutting in front of Jabba, swaying her sensual hips from side to side, slowly, gracefully. Sabe glanced up at Jabba, saw the raw hunger glittering in his eyes. She started to spin, arms outstretched, hips thrusting right, then left. Diva stalked Sabe, taking a whip from someone in the audience, snapping the lash over Sabe's ass. Sabe stumbled, the whip biting sharply into her bare left buttock. The audience laughed at her, even Jabba chuckled at the sight of Sabe's discomfort. Sabe ignored her aching ass cheek, she raised her arms over her head, spinning slowly. Diva snapped her whip again, marking Sabe's left shoulder with an angry red welt. Sabe bit her lower lip, maintaining her smooth rotation, running her palms down her white hose covered legs. She bent down, showing her pale cleavage to Jabba, then straightening back up, prancing to the right, hands slipping up the backs of her firm thighs.

"Make her moan," commanded Jabba, thick drool flowing down his wide, flabby chin.

A large round bed was rolled into the center of the performance area. Diva grabbed Sabe's shaking hand and pulled her onto the bed's surface.

"Just relax," advised Diva while she slowly untied the front strings of Sabe's teddy. "Close your eyes if you have to."

Sabe squeezed her eyes shut, breathing sharply as Diva gently pulled off her white teddy. Diva sat behind Sabe, raking her fingers over the girl's bare stomach, caressing her silk-clad legs. Sabe whimpered, biting her lip so hard blood trickled down her tiny chin. Diva wrapped her left arm around Sabe's waist, her right hand diving into the girl's white g-string panties. Sabe shuddered when Diva touched her pussy, softly massaging it, fingers warm and deft. Diva's fingers rubbed faster, pressed into the pink folds of Sabe's cunt. Sabe moaned, softly at first, then louder as her juices escaped from her slit, covering Diva's fingers and staining the front of her panties.

Sabe listened as her audience became aroused, men fondling themselves or forcing slave girls to jerk them off. Jabba watched in wide-eyed fascination, his bloated member engorging beneath his stubby tail, his strong musk stinging Sabe's nose. Sabe smelled the lust that filled the reeking air. She opened her eyes to slits, watching her audience stare at her, at her bare breasts, at her dripping pussy. Diva tilted Sabe's head, kissing her ravenously. Sabe moaned, flicking her tongue against Diva's, her small right hand stroking Diva's right thigh. Diva raised her left hand from Sabe's waist to her small left breast. The slave girl squeezed the soft orb, rubbing the erect nipple as she dipped a finger into Sabe's pussy. Sabe groaned loudly, leaning heavily against Diva, spreading her legs wider so Jabba could see the slave girl finger her cunt. Diva tore off Sabe's panties, then replaced her finger inside the young girl's slit, the delicate pink lips gleaming with warm nectar. Sabe kissed Diva, their mouths melded together, their tongues caressing while Diva pumped two fingers inside Sabe, her knuckles drenched in Sabe's juices.

Sabe felt her orgasm building inside her belly. She pressed her back against Diva, screaming in ecstasy as her vagina closed around the slave girl's stabbing fingers.

Sabe lay limply against Diva, breasts heaving, honey glistening on the sheets and over her inner thighs.

"Very good," rumbled Jabba, squirting his own cream into the air.

"The Fleet is in ruins! We're defenseless!" exclaimed a terrified senator, one panicked voice among thousands after the news of the Fleet's destruction.

"Yes, this is a tragedy beyond imagination, but it is not a time to panic!" called out Palpatine, raising his hands placatingly. "The Fleet can be rebuilt!"

"But that will take time! Years!" retorted another senator, supported by the hum of other voices. "What's to stop the Trade Federation Fleet from coming to Coruscant and killing us all?"

"We have a supplier who is willing to sell the Republic new warships, the most advanced warships ever designed!" announced Palpatine.

"What about officers? The best leaders in our navy were killed along with the Fleet!"

"The Academy is filled with able officers ready to prove themselves! I've approved their commissions myself!"

"Then rebuild the Fleet! Quickly!" shouted a desperate senator. A chorus of voices supported the call to rebuild.

"The motion is passed, the Senate has ratified the budget necessary to rebuild our shattered navy. In the span of a few weeks, we will have the ships necessary to punish the Nemoidians and safeguard our worlds," smiled Palpatine.

=====

Amidala dug her palms into the bed's mattress, her hips pumping as Darth Maul thrust deep into her cunt. The young Queen panted loudly, her small breasts jiggling, covered in a sheen of sweat. Maul slapped Amidala's left buttock with an open palm, rubbing her smooth, taut ass. The Sith placed his left hand over Amidala's clenched stomach, pulling her up against his bare chest. Maul's hand roved over the naked girl's body, caressing her flushed skin, squeezing her left tit painfully. Maul lowered his right hand to Amidala's clitoris, stroking it, teasing it with his fingers. Amidala moaned, leaning against the Sith's lithe body, her small hands resting over his while he fondled her breast and rubbed her throbbing clit.

Maul's crotch slapped against Amidala's ass, his cock jabbing into her slick vagina. Maul kissed the back of Amidala's neck, then ran his hot tongue down across her creamy right shoulder. Amidala bit her lower lip to stifle a groan of pleasure. The girl's hips shivered helplessly, her pussy overflowing with her sweet honey. Maul grasped the back of Amidala's head, turning her face towards his so he could kiss her. The Sith's mouth covered the Queen's, his tongue slithering between her submissive lips and down her throat. Amidala moaned softly, her breath mingling with Maul's as her orgasm began. The naked girl shuddered, her legs quivering while ecstasy spread from her cunt to her belly. Maul grunted, spilling his seed inside the young Queen's vagina.

Maul pushed Amidala onto her stomach. She lay limply upon the wet silk sheets, her sides heaving, sweat glistening over every inch of skin.

"My sweet whore," purred Maul, running his hand up Amidala's left leg, across the back of her thigh, and over her warm left buttock.

The Sith left the bed, snatching a nearby black robe and draping it over his slim body. Glancing at the prone girl, Maul left her alone in the bedroom, closing the door after himself. Amidala slowly sat up, not bothering to cover her nudity. She looked out the wide bedroom window, the cool desert air caressing her hot skin. The Queen lowered her right hand to her crotch, gathering a droplet of Maul's cum that remained on her labia. She stared at the drop of semen, her eyes filling with hot tears.

"What have I become?" murmured Amidala, her beautiful young face anguished.

Obi-Wan's ship left Hyperspace, advancing swiftly towards Korriban. The planet reeked of the Dark Side, the mere sight of it repulsed the young Jedi Knight. Focusing his mind, Obi-Wan searched for Amidala, sending tendrils of the Force across Korriban's desolate surface. The Jedi smiled in satisfaction when he detected the young Queen. Adjusting his small ship's controls, Obi-Wan dove toward the planet's surface, determined to rescue Amidala from the last surviving Sith.

Obi-Wan entered the large courtyard, his lightsaber in hand but deactivated for the moment. An impressive fountain sprayed in the center of the open courtyard, a garden in bloom surrounding it. Obi-Wan followed a covered walkway to the right, wary of the vines adorning the walkway's pillars. Following the Force's guidance, the Jedi entered a long, arched hallway, weak sunlight beaming in from the left.

"At last we meet," growled Darth Maul from behind the Jedi, his double-bladed lightsaber hissing to life.

Obi-Wan snapped on his green blade, whirling to meet Maul's charge. Humming laser blades clashed together, sparks leaping between Jedi and Sith as they slashed and stabbed at each other. Maul twirled his lightsaber, slashing at Obi-Wan with both blood-red beams. Obi-Wan gave ground, parrying blows, stabbing at Maul only to have his attacks knocked away with ease. Maul spun, smashing his left boot into Obi-Wan's stomach. The Jedi grunted, just barely blocking an overhead slash from Maul. Obi-Wan scissored his right leg forward, kicking out Maul's feet. The Sith fell lightly onto his back, rolling away from Obi-Wan's downward cut, jumping to his feet in a blur of motion to resume his own attack on the Jedi. Obi-Wan felt rank sweat beading down his spine as he fought off Maul, then caught sight of a spiral staircase to his left. The Jedi pushed Maul back with a quintet of lightning quick slashes, then ran up the stairwell, pursued closely by the enraged Sith.

The stars twinkled, unmindful of the two foes fighting on an abandoned fortress battlement. Maul hacked at Obi-Wan, his lightsaber a revolving blur of red light, its shrill hum reverberating in the Jedi's ears as he rained blow after blow on the young man. Obi-Wan fought to maintain his control, the discipline hammered into him by Master Yoda and Master Qui-Gon. Parrying another round of slashes from Maul, Obi-Wan used the Force to gather the desert wind, blasting the Sith with it. Maul was pushed back, his lightsaber thrust up into the air over his head. Obi-Wan slashed at Maul, opening a deep wound in the Sith's chest. Maul fell onto his back, panting sharply for breath, blood staining his black robe while the Jedi stood over him, raising his lightsaber to deliver the killing blow.

"For my master," whispered Obi-Wan, his eyes burning with fresh loss.

The blaster shot cracked across the desert, echoing through the ravines and mountains.

Obi-Wan jerked back, his legs collapsing beneath him.

Yane ran forward, kneeling at Maul's side as she put away her blaster pistol.

"Can you move?" asked Yane, placing her right arm around Maul's waist.

"Yes," hissed Maul, grimacing in pain when his wound opened wider as Yane pulled him to his feet.

Leaning heavily against Yane, Maul followed the girl off the battlement, his chest awash in agony.

Obi-Wan groaned as he sat up, the right side of his chest still smoldering from the blaster bolt. He closed his eyes, calling upon the Force to heal his wound. Seared flesh slowly began knitting itself together again, and the pain fell to a level Obi-Wan could tolerate. Staggering to his feet, Obi-Wan hefted the pommel of his lightsaber, stumbling towards the battlement staircase.

Amidala was standing before the open window, her dark brown hair billowing in the desert wind, when Obi-Wan opened the door to the bedroom. Queen and Jedi stared at each other in shock, Amidala at the mere appearance of the Jedi, Obi-Wan at Amidala's naked, sensual body. Noticing the direction of Obi-Wan's gaze, Amidala squeaked, rushing back to the bed to grab a sheet and cover her nude form.

"Let's go," said Obi-Wan, motioning for Amidala to join him.

The young Queen finished tying the red silk sheet around her slim frame. She looked out at the stark, strangely peaceful desertscape one last time, then inhaled the erotic scent of the bedchamber. She quietly followed the Jedi out of the room, closing the door with finality.

Dressed in a clean white tunic and leggings, Amidala sat with Obi-Wan in the small ship's cockpit.

"Do you know where the Nemoidians took Sabe?" asked Amidala with concern.

"No, Master Windu said he would try to find her while I looked for you," replied the Jedi. "I'm going to leave Hyperspace for a moment to link with the Holo-Net."

The swirling blue vortex of Hyperspace collapsed into a familiar setting of darkness and small pin-sized lights. Obi-Wan swiveled his chair to the left console, tapping commands into the comm system. A small image of Windu appeared, hands clasped before him.

"Obi-Wan," nodded Windu. "Have you found the Queen?"

"Yes, Master, and I've rescued her from the Sith's clutches. He managed to get away, however."

"Unfortunate," frowned Windu, "but the Queen's safety is paramount. Return her to Naboo immediately."

"Have you tracked down Sabe?" asked the young Jedi.

"Yes. She was sold to Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine. I have a team of Knights working on a plan to rescue her."

"Thank you, sir. Obi-Wan out," said the Jedi, cutting the Holo-Net link.

"Will you help the other Jedi rescue Sabe?" asked Amidala softly.

"No, I'll save her myself. Do you mind accompanying me to Tatooine?"

"Not at all," smiled the Queen.

Diva sucked hungrily on Sabe's lips, her left index finger digging deeply into the naked girl's cunt. Sabe groaned softly inside Diva's mouth, her own left hand between the slave girl's thighs, caressing the violet-haired girl's moist slit.

Diva pressed her mouth against the left side of Sabe's neck, kissing the warm skin, her finger slipping in and out of the handmaiden's pussy, juices flicking into the air like glittering gems. Sabe pushed her ass against Diva's crotch, stroking the back of the slave girl's left thigh, the flesh hot and firm. Diva crawled on top of Sabe, resting her arms just above the girl's rich brown hair as she kissed Sabe, her lips tender and moist. Sabe placed her arms around Diva's hips, fondling the slave girl's small, curvaceous buttocks. Diva rubbed her pussy hard against Sabe's, the handmaiden thrusting up with her cunt with equal fervor. The two naked girls humped each other, hands exploring warm, sweat-slick flesh. Sabe climaxed first, her pussy squirting a stream of juices over Diva's slim thighs. Diva moaned, pressing her cunt over Sabe's, her honey oozing out to coat Sabe's trembling labia.

Diva remained on top of Sabe, hugging the naked girl, gently kissing her mouth and cheeks. Sabe purred softly, her arms around the slave girl, welcoming the sensual touch of Diva's silky skin over hers.

The first sun was just peeking over the horizon when Obi-Wan climbed over the window ledge and dropped silently onto the hallway floor. Insuring that there were no guards, the Jedi turned to help Amidala inside. The young Queen brushed off her leggings, then drew her blaster pistol, following Obi-Wan when he began walking down the length of the narrow passage.

The Jedi and Queen stopped when two Gamorrean guards appeared around the corner of the hallway.

The guards snorted, hefting their pikes and charging the duo. Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber while Amidala aimed her pistol. The Jedi parried one guard's downward slash, severing the weapon in half. Before the guard could react, Obi-Wan sliced into his fat belly, entrails flopping out onto the floor. While the first guard fell, Amidala fired two shots at the second guard, smacking him in the center of his wide chest. The guard spun crazily in a half-circle, collapsing to the floor next to his dead comrade.

"We better hurry!" urged Obi-Wan, running down the hall, lightsaber glowing in his right hand.

Sabe awoke with a start, gently pushing Diva off of her so she could rise from her sleeping pallet. Belting on a brown robe, Sabe opened the door of her cell, peeking into the hallway. She gasped when a large Gamorrean guard slammed into one of the walls, then slid to the floor with a smoking hole in his stomach. A young man dressed in brown robes and wielding a bright green lightsaber entered the passageway, flanked by a young girl in white.

"Obi-Wan?" called out Sabe, her breath quickening.

"Sabe!" smiled Obi-Wan, rushing to hug the handmaiden in relief.

"Are you alright? Did they hurt you?" demanded the Jedi, tilting up Sabe's face.

"I'm okay," grinned Sabe, tears pouring down her cheeks.

Obi-Wan kissed Sabe ravenously, his arms holding the slender girl tightly. Sabe clung to Obi-Wan's neck, embracing him with matching intensity.

Amidala peeked into Sabe's cell, discovering Diva, who covered herself with a torn blanket.

"You can come with us if you wish," offered Amidala tentatively.

"No, please, just go!" replied Diva, her eyes wide with fear.

Obi-Wan lowered Sabe to the floor, taking her hand and leading her after him. Sabe looked back at Diva, waving in farewell before disappearing down the passage. Diva clasped the warm blanket to her body, raising her right hand to wave slowly at empty air.

Sabe crouched behind a support arch, flinching while Obi-Wan blocked blaster bolts with his humming blade. Amidala knelt behind a support on the other side of the hall, firing her pistol at the advancing guards. Obi-Wan extended his left palm, creating a Force Wind that blasted down the hallway, knocking guards off their feet. Amidala left her shelter to run to the end of the hall, slapping a panel that opened the large, metal gate. The Queen faced into the hallway, firing her blaster as Obi-Wan escorted Sabe out into the blistering hot Tatooine sunlight. Amidala backed outside, maintaining her fire while Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and activated the door panel again. The massive gate lowered to the ground, closing with an echoing thud. Motioning for Amidala to follow, Obi-Wan led Sabe to the waiting ship, never letting go of her small hand.

Sabe left the shower stall, grabbing a nearby towel and rubbing her wet hair vigorously. She entered the small cabin where Amidala sat on the bed, fresh from her own shower and dressed in a short silk robe.

"Thank you for coming with Obi-Wan," smiled Sabe, hugging Amidala.

"It's the least I could do for my best friend," giggled Amidala, returning the affectionate hug, resting her chin on Sabe's left shoulder.

Amidala held tightly to Sabe, inhaling the clean scent of the girl's body and rich brown hair. A familiar hunger sprang from Amidala's sex, the hunger she had felt as a captive of the Sith. She rubbed her pert nose against Sabe's neck, her lips gently touching the girl's skin. Sabe backed away, gazing into Amidala's lust-filled eyes, remembering her own time with Diva the slave girl. Sabe kissed Amidala roughly, tearing off the Queen's robe, crushing Amidala's small breasts with her hands. Amidala moaned with pleasure, sliding her hands down Sabe's spine, cupping the handmaiden's luscious buttocks. Sabe forced Amidala onto her back upon the bed, using her weight to keep the young Queen pinned while she sucked on Amidala's pink lips, her fingers massaging the girl's soft, immature breasts.

Obi-Wan double-checked the coordinates for Naboo before rising from his chair and leaving the cockpit. He walked down the short, narrow passage and into the exit hatch room. Continuing into another passage that ran down the length of the ship to the engines, the Jedi made his way to the cabin that Sabe and Amidala were sharing to see if they needed anything. When the hatch slid open, Obi-Wan's eyes widened when he beheld Sabe on top of Amidala, sucking on the naked Queen's left tit.

"Hi, lover," smiled Sabe, licking Amidala's nipple from the corner of her mouth. Amidala had her eyes shut, her hips thrusting slowly up towards Sabe's crotch.

"I..I'll leave you two alone," stammered Obi-Wan, reaching to close the hatch.

"You can join in if you want, my Queen won't mind, will you?" asked Sabe.

"It's okay," moaned Amidala, turning her face to look at Obi-Wan with glazed eyes.

Obi-Wan blushed, then walked into the cabin, closing the hatch behind him.

While the Jedi removed his robes, Sabe resumed sucking on Amidala's left breast, her right hand fondling the Queen's hot pussy. Obi-Wan moved next to Sabe, crouching down to kiss his naked love on the mouth. Sabe moaned, flicking her tongue inside Obi-Wan's mouth. Amidala looked down at Obi-Wan's shuddering cock. She wrapped her left hand around it, fondling it gently. Obi-Wan groaned, the ferocity of his kiss strengthening. He dug his left hand into Sabe's thick hair, sucking deeply on her lips. Amidala's stroking grew faster, her fingers tightening around Obi-Wan's shaft.

Sabe lowered her mouth to Obi-Wan's chest, licking his left nipple. Obi-Wan moved his cock towards Amidala's lips, which she quickly wrapped around the head of the Jedi's prick. Obi-Wan gasped as Amidala sucked deeply on his member, her tongue expertly caressing the underside of his penis. Sabe ran her tongue down Obi-Wan's chest, over his stomach, and into his patch of pubic hair. She licked the upper side of Obi-Wan's pole while Amidala caressed the bottom portion with her warm lips. Obi-Wan jerked his hips forward, panting while the two naked girls nibbled and licked his meat. He caressed Sabe's back, slipping his hand down to her ass, then rubbing up and down her crack with his left index finger.

"I need him inside me!" gasped Amidala, the head of Obi-Wan's cock resting on her lower lip.

Sabe climbed off of Amidala so Obi-Wan could turn the Queen towards him. Sabe rested her back against the cool bulkhead, spreading her legs apart and squatting on top of Amidala's face. The young Queen began slurping on Sabe's wet cunt while Obi-Wan inserted his cock into Amidala's slit. Amidala moaned weakly, her mouth full of Sabe's labia, as Obi-Wan started shoving into her, ramming deep into her belly. Sabe sucked on two fingers, watching Obi-Wan thrust again and again into Amidala's pussy. The handmaiden moaned, closing her eyes to slits while grinding her cunt against Amidala's sucking lips. Vaginal juices poured out of Sabe's pink hole, dribbling over Amidala's cheeks and chin.

Obi-Wan pumped hard between Amidala's thighs, forcing his cock through her tight vagina. He leaned forward, wrapping Sabe's left nipple with his lips, licking the hardened nub intently. Obi-Wan rammed over and over against Amidala, his crotch slapping the girl's slender thighs until he could hold back no more. The young man pulled out his cock, squirting hot cream over Amidala's stomach. Sabe crouched over the Queen, licking Obi-Wan's jism from Amidala's hot flesh. Amidala continued to lick Sabe's cunt, probing the girl's vagina until rivulets of musky honey dripped down into her open mouth.

"It's..horrible! It's just horrible!" sobbed Amidala, covering her eyes with her hands.

Sabe moved close to the Queen, hugging her soothingly with her right arm. Obi-Wan stayed a respectful distance away, so Amidala wouldn't have to mask her grief.

"So much destruction! So much death!" murmured Amidala, pressing her face against Sabe's chest.

"You will heal our world, Majesty, it is your gift," replied Sabe, stroking the Queen's dark hair.

Amidala reluctantly broke away from Sabe, straightening her robes. She turned to face Obi-Wan, bowing formally.

"Thank you for saving me, Jedi Knight. If there is any way the world of Naboo can repay you, just ask."

"I ask no reward, your Majesty," replied Obi-Wan with equal gravity, bowing deeply.

Amidala's face softened briefly. "Farewell, Obi-Wan."

"May the Force be with you, your Majesty," smiled Obi-Wan wanly.

Amidala spun away, striding wearily to the damaged Palace. Sabe looked at her departing Queen, then quickly drew close to Obi-Wan, hugging him desperately.

"Good-bye, Obi-Wan. I have to go with the Queen."

"You could come with me, Sabe," whispered the Jedi into the handmaiden's hair.

"No. I wish I could…more than anything! But I can't, my place is with the Queen."

"Can I see you again?"

"Of course, I will wait for you," smiled Sabe before she kissed Obi-Wan one last time, her lips soft, her breath warm and intoxicating.

"You failed," snarled Darth Sidious, glaring at Maul's restive form. "The Jedi defeated you in battle, twice!"

Sidious' right arm shot out, his fingers digging into Maul's throat. Maul clutched at his master's arm, gagging violently.

"I should kill you for your failure, but you will serve in another way. You are no longer my apprentice, I cast you from the order of the Sith!"

"No, Master!" choked out Maul, his eyes wide with horror.

"The Jedi know that you live, they will assume that master and apprentice are of the same race. The Jedi Council will send its knights to hunt you down and destroy you, allowing me free rein," smiled Sidious coldly, his fingers a vice around Maul's neck.

"Now go! Flee for your miserable life! You might even make it to the Outer Rim before the Jedi find you," chuckled the Sith Lord, releasing Maul.

Maul massaged his abused throat, coughing for breath. He bowed to Sidious, then left the coldly silent room.

"Multiple ships entering the system, sir!" reported the bridge officer.

"They've come at last," nodded Nute Gunray.

"Do we advance?" asked Rune, his hands shaking.

"No, let them come to us. Order the Fleet to arm turbo-lasers and torpedoes."

"Yes, sir," replied the comm officer.

"Strange, we can't identify the ship types. They're completely new designs!" said Rune, his eyes intent upon a console screen.

"Invading ships are launching fighters!" announced the tactical officer.

"Ignore them, concentrate weapons on the capital ships," ordered Nute calmly.

"Invading capital ships are now in weapons range."

"Wait."

Rune shivered in his thick robes, glancing nervously at the serene Viceroy.

"Enemy fighters are not advancing."

Rune frowned at Nute, but the Viceroy just smiled to himself.

"Enemy ships firing!"

Green turbo-laser bolts lit up space, lancing toward the motionless Trade Federation warships. Shields shattered after the first barrage, the second strike smashing into the circular-shaped vessels' unprotected hulls. Warships exploded instantly, wilting like water-starved flowers beneath the searing rays of the Republic starships.

"What kind of weapons are those?" screamed Rune as the bridge shook from a hull hit.

"Advanced laser cannons, evidently," observed Nute, pressing his left palm against the window glass when the bridge shuddered from another strike.

"Fighters coming in!" shrilled the tactical officer.

Swarms of twin-paneled fighters screamed toward the burning Nemoidian warships, concentrating their fire on the damaged vessels, ripping them apart with short bursts of laser fire.

"Good-bye, my friend," smiled Nute, gazing at Rune's gasping face.

Neither Nemoidian saw the hail of turbo-laser fire that smashed against the bridge, blowing the entire spherical command section to pieces.

~~~~~~