Hello Friends! I realize that I have not posted anything in over three weeks, and I apologize whole heartedly. School and university classes have started up once again in full force. I have had little to no time to write anything at all, but thankfully, this Sunday evening I have carved out a little to time to post something for you all. However, since I don’t have a whole lot of time, I have decided to post a chapter of my Fan Fiction for you all to enjoy.
I promise that my post on Attack of the Clones is coming soon, but it will just take me a little more time. Thank you all for understanding!
Any who, without further ado, I present chapter three of Revenge of the Master that I have titled, From Cruiser to Coruscant. Enjoy! 😄
…
The Doctor, Amy, Rory, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and the Chancellor were roughly being marched to General Grievous’s command deck. Amy and Rory fell into stride with the Doctor at the back of group.
“Doctor, why would the Tardis leave us behind?” Amy whispered softly, close to his ear.
“Yeah—she’s never done that before. She always so—you know—reliable,” Rory added also in a muffled whisper.
“I don’t know…but she would only leave if forced too. It doesn’t make any sense,” the Doctor paused and squinted in deep thought. “But…when we landed, I scanned the area and found high levels of time energy. Perhaps there has been a misalignment in time—or worse, a fracture.”
The Doctor suddenly looked at them both and broad smile on his face.
“Who knows?” he chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. “We’ll just have to find out.”
They were marched into the command deck where the cyborg General Grievous stood awaiting them.
“Ah…yes…the negotiator. General Kenobi…we’ve been expecting you…” Grievous announced in a scratchy, automated, yet humanistic voice. “That wasn’t much of a rescue.”
“And…” before he could continue, he erupted into a series of wheezing coughs. Rory frantically pulled his shirt up to cover his nose and mouth, apparently afraid to catch some kind of space disease. Amy glanced at him and rolled her eyes.
Grievous continued walking forward, “Anakin Skywalker. I was expecting someone with your reputation to be a bit…older.”
“Well that’s not very nice, you oversized…puffy…bully,” Amy managed, trying her best to sound threatening, but her Scottish accent was not in the least helping.
“Nice,” Rory mumbled.
The Doctor laughed under his breath.
“We have a job to do, Mrs. Pond. Try not to upset him,” Obi-Wan reprimanded. He was clearly exasperated.
“Your lightsabers will make a fine addition to my collection,” Grievous wheezed, placing Anakin’s and Obi-Wan’s lightsabers into the pockets of his large cloak.
“Not this time. And this time, you won’t escape,” Obi-Wan said.
“R2,” Anakin called out.
At that precise moment R2 let out a blast of electricity, catching Grievous and his protectors off guard. Obi-Wan spun and telekinetically attracted his lightsaber, sending it flying into his hands from the inside of the Cyborg’s cloak. He made quick work of freeing his and Anakin’s bonds. Both Jedi knights were now armed and ready to strike.
“Crush them—make them suffer!” General Grievous snarled, enraged. His guards leapt into action.
Rory grabbed Amy and pulled her down as the fighting commenced while the Doctor joined the Jedis, disabling battle droids left and right with his Sonic Screwdriver. Obi-Wan and Anakin quickly destroyed the higher-ranking droids.
“Rory…look,” Amy murmured in his ear, pointing behind them, where the Chancellor was being dragged away by two battle droids.
In a second she was out of Rory’s grasp, wrenching a blaster out of a disabled battle droid’s hand.
“Amy…” Rory mouthed after her. He hesitated for only a second before sprinting after her.
He reached her just as she blasted one of the two battle droids into oblivion.
“Hey…whoa!” the other droid screeched as Rory bonked it on the head then kicked it into a corner.
Amy helped the Chancellor to his feet. He nodded his thanks as he turned to watch the engaging battle that lay before them.
Anakin finished off the guard that was becoming alarmingly close to them. He turned to see his Master, preparing to engage Grievous. He sprinted back to where they were battling it out. But it was too late, Grievous had the high ground…
“You lose, General Kenobi,” He proclaimed jamming a spear into the window that surrounded the command deck.
The window shattered and the suction of space grabbed at them. Amy and Rory held onto each other while holding onto the Chancellor, who had quite the firm grip on a chair for such an old man.
“Hold on, Ponds!” The Doctor hollered while holding onto a control panel. He “sonicked” it, and a large shutter closed over the shattered window and the suction of space released it grasp.
Grievous had flown out of the window but had shot his grappling hook onto the side of the ship. Thus, he had managed to escape, or rather survive.
Obi-Wan and Anakin finished off the last straggling battle droids that had survived while the rest of the command deck crew fled for their lives.
“Well done, my friend,” Obi-Wan averred, walking over to the Doctor and patting him on the back.
Alarm bells sounded.
“Master, all the escape pods have been launched,” Anakin conveyed, annoyance plain on his face.
Obi-Wan shook his head.
“Grievous…can you fly a cruiser like this?” He asked Anakin in angst.
“You mean, do I know how to land what’s left of this thing?”
“Well?”
“Well, under the circumstances, I’d say my ability to pilot this thing is irrelevant,” He concluded and glanced at Obi-Wan indecisively. “Strap yourselves in.”
The Doctor, Amy, Rory, the Chancellor, and Obi-Wan obeyed his order instantly without a moment’s hesitation.
“Open all hatches, extend all flaps, and drag fins,” Anakin directed.
The Doctor once again used his sonic screwdriver, from where he was strapped in, to execute Anakin’s command.
The ship jerked and shook, then suddenly it jolted them so violently that they all would have flown forwards if it had not been for their seatbelts. Amy held tightly to Rory’s hand. R2 beeped out an “uh-oh” as the back end of the ship broke away leaving only the first half of the ship to land, that is, if it still could be called a ship.
“We lost something,” Anakin muttered apprehensively.
“Not to worry…we are still flying half a ship,” Obi-Wan said, apparently trying to lift the mood…to no avail.
As they entered Coruscant’s atmosphere at an almost deadly speed, the ship began to burn, smoking on all sides and would have surely crashed if it had not been for Anakin’s skillful piloting.
The Doctor had his hands placed on his head in a position of anxiety. Although he was desperately attempting to keep himself calm, his eyes were slightly wide, his heart was beating nearly two hundred miles per hour, and his stomach was in his throat.
Rory noticed the fire and smoke with terror. Hastily he covered his eyes with one hand and grasped Amy’s hand in the other, believing that this was the end. “It had been a nice life…a beautiful life,” he thought to himself, ready to take his last breaths with Amy. Of course, he was being completely over dramatic as usual.
“Steady,” Obi-Wan said to Anakin, but he had said this mostly to keep himself calm, for he had never really been fond of space travel.
Amy shut her eyes tight and gripped Rory’s hand tighter. She had always hated when the Tardis landed, but this was even worse.
“Fire ships on the left and right,” Obi-Wan added, pointing to the two ships that had just come alongside them. “Landing strip, straight ahead.”
“Were coming in to hot!” Anakin mumbled, shaking his head.
The ship hit the landing strip with a lurch once again nearly sending them flying out of their seats. Like an irate beast it went, charging down the landing strip, upending asphalt, and destroying a control tower. Nearly falling on its side, it finally skidded to a halt.
It was all over, and they were all sitting in a motionless, smoking, and disfigured command ship or…half of one. The Chancellor sighed deeply. R2-D2 chirped and rocked back and forth on his two rolling legs.
Anakin audibly sighed and looked up at his Master.
“Another happy landing,” Obi-Wan breathed, slight smile on his face as he ran his fingers through his hair.
Amy took a deep breath and for the first time looked out of the command deck window. Before her, the beautiful city of Coruscant was laid out. The sun shone brightly on its high buildings, yet she could not have guessed that in just three days’ time the Empire would rise from this beautiful city and all because of the choice of one man.
They were escorted off the ship and into a transport vehicle that would take them to the senate building. They all sat in stillness for most of the trip, mostly thinking of all that had just taken place. Finally, Obi-Wan broke the silence when they were preparing to land.
“I would like to thank you and your friends, Doctor. You were a great help to me and Anakin. The Chancellor is safe; thus, the mission is completed,” he exulted.
Amy and Rory smiled.
“It was a pleasure to fight alongside you again, my friend. However, we…” the Doctor was cut off as the vehicle landed with a rattle, and they all rose to exit.
Amy and Rory stepped out onto the landing pad behind the Doctor and squinted in the bright sunlight. They had arrived on Coruscant.
Anakin and the Chancellor followed them, but Obi-Wan stayed behind.
“Are you coming, Master?” Anakin asked him, noticing that he was still on the transport.
“Oh no, I’m not brave enough for politics,” Obi-Wan replied with a smile. “I have to report to the Council. Besides, someone needs to be the poster boy.”
“Hold on,” Anakin interjected, “this whole operation was your idea.”
“Let’s not forget, Anakin, that you rescued me from the buzz droids. You killed Count Dooku, and you rescued the Chancellor, carrying me unconscious on your back.”
“All because of your training,” Anakin objected.
“Anakin, let’s be fair. Today you were the hero, and you deserve your glorious day with the politicians.”
“All right…but you owe me one, and not just for saving your skin for the tenth time.
“Ninth time, that business on Cato Nemioidia, doesn’t count. I’ll see you at the briefing,” Obi-Wan finished, bidding Anakin farewell.
“Farewell, my friend…may our paths cross again, and may the force be with you,” Obi-Wan said, directing this now at the Doctor.
“May the force be with you Master Kenobi. We will be staying in Coruscant for some time,” The Doctor replied, a broad smile on his face.
“Excellent,”
And with a final nod Obi-Wan bade them goodbye and stepped back into the transport.
The group that had gathered to receive the Chancellor was moving back inside a large building, and Anakin turned to follow them. The Doctor caught stride with him as did Senator Organa.
“Doctor, how are you going to get home? Your ship seems to have vanished,” Anakin asked, suddenly reminding the Doctor of the loss of his beautiful box.
“Oh, I’m sure the Tardis will show up. She’s very reliable that one! You needn’t worry about that, Anakin. For now, me, Amy, and Rory will be staying here in Coruscant,” the Doctor said calmly. However, he was nothing but anxiety inside.
“What is this Tardis you speak of? And, you call yourself a Doctor?” Senator Organa inquired with curiosity.
“All in good time, my good man!” the Doctor assured with a smile, patting the Senator on the back. “That’s getting into a long story, but here I am again. In the middle of a war,”
“And, the fighting will continue until General Grievous is spare parts,” Anakin pointed out.
Standing just behind a pillar, Senator Padmé Amidala watched the three men talk. She noticed Anakin spy her out of the corner of his eye, and the slight smile that came over his face.
“Well, I will do everything I can in the senate,” Senator Organa said.
“Excuse me, gentlemen,” Anakin interrupted. He paused a minute before running to Padmé and gathering her up into his arms.
Amy and Rory caught up with the Doctor.
“Doctor, how are we—” Rory didn’t finish. He was interrupted by a familiar voice that came from the shadows a few pillars ahead of where Padmé was standing.
“Doctor…over here,” the voice whispered.
“River?” The Doctor articulated slowly, walking toward the direction of the voice. An elated smile was consuming his face.
A woman stepped out from behind the pillar and announced, “Hello, sweetie.”
“River, what are you doing here?” Amy queried, surprised.
“Yeah—we’re here completely by accident,” Rory added.
“Hello, mum and dad. I’m a detective now, but hush, you mustn’t tell anyone,” River muttered under her breath.
“You’re here for a reason, River. What’s wrong,” the Doctor asked, his smile suddenly turning to concern. Maybe the Tardis’s disappearance had not been an accident.
“Oh, I am glad you’re here, Doctor, even if it was only a mistake. Something is terribly wrong on this planet.”
“Wrong? Wrong in time?” The Doctor probed.
River glanced behind herself anxiously. “I can’t talk now. I am Senator Amidala’s handmaid, and she is about done with Master Anakin.” She lowered her voice until it was barely audible. “Meet me tonight in my chambers. However, I believe I should introduce you to the Senator. Wait here a moment.”
River was wearing a long dress that was a red at the top but as it flowed down it turned to a light yellow. It had long sleeves and a built-in red hood that covered the top of her forehead while heeled flats shod her feet, but her hair was as bountiful, bouncy, and blonde as ever. She motioned for the Doctor, Amy, and Rory to stay put while she turned to walk back to her mistress. Silently, she put on her hood and disappeared from the Doctor’s view.
As River approached, she heard Anakin speaking to Padmé in a soft whisper, “Were not going to worry about anything right now…alright? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life.”
They embraced each other, and River looked away to give her master and mistress privacy. Her heart sighed with relief. She had told him, at last.
When they had finished, she walked slowly until she was just behind them but still in the shadows.
“Milady,” she began, stepping out from her position.
The senator jumped a bit.
“Oh, River, you frightened me,” Padmé sighed, smiling softly at her handmaid.
“My apologies, milady,” River said. She turned to Anakin and bowed slightly, “Master Anakin. It is good to see that you have returned safely.”
“Thank you, River. I trust you have been good to my Padmé?” Anakin returned.
“I have tried my very best,”
“Were you able to meet with your husband, River?” Padmé asked.
“Yes, milady, and my parents. They came in with Master Anakin…the Doctor.”
“The Doctor is your husband and the Ponds are your parents?” Anakin inquired with surprise.
“Yes…I was hoping that I may introduce them to you, milady. I believe that they have already met Master Anakin.”
Padmé glanced at Anakin nervously.
“I have met the Doctor, and he is a very respectable man.” Anakin attested. “Have you told them anything about me and Padmé, River?”
“No, but I believe with my whole heart that if you were to tell him your secret, he would keep it.”
“I have searched my feelings, Padmé…I trust the Doctor and his companions and so does Obi-Wan.”
“Alright, Anakin. You may go and get them, River, I would be honored to meet them,” Padmé agreed.
“Thank you, milady.”
River turned and returned to the Doctor.
“Sweetie,” River said. She poked her head out from behind the pillar where the Doctor, Amy, and Rory stood.
They jumped at the sound of her voice after standing for so long in silence. The Doctor smiled.
“Follow me,” River said, gesturing them to follow her.
The Doctor, Amy, and Rory followed River back to where Anakin and Padmé stood, talking in hushed voices.
“Milady, this is the Doctor and my parents: Amelia and Rory Williams,” River announced, bowing slightly.
“Williams?” The Doctor whispered in River’s ear.
“Behave, sweetie,” River whispered back.
“It is a pleasure to meet you all,” Padmé conveyed, returning their bows.
There was a moment of awkward silence.
“So…erm…are you two related?” Rory finally asked, motioning to Anakin and Padmé. The question only made the awkwardness worse.
“Well…if we are being honest…we’re married,” Anakin stated, placing his hand on Padmé’s shoulder
There was an interesting silence that followed. The Doctor’s brow furrowed remembering something that Obi-Wan had told him many years ago. The first time they had met.
“I thought…Jedi could not form attachments—but don’t take it the wrong way…I am very happy for you both,” The Doctor said, smiling softly.
“You’re…right, Doctor. As a Jedi, you are not allowed to get married, but I don’t think that that should stop anyone from being with someone that they love and deeply care about,” Anakin responded, searching the Doctor’s conflicted eyes tensely, afraid that he may have made a mistake in trusting him with this secret.
The Doctor raised his eyebrows at Anakin’s response, but the Ponds stayed silent. They felt the nervous tension that hung in the air and glanced uneasily at each other.
“Please, you all must promise to keep this a secret. Anakin would be expelled from the Jedi Order if anyone were to find out,” Padmé beseeched, keeping her voice low as she broke the silence.
“Doctor, you, Amy, and Rory must keep this a secret, even from Master Kenobi,” River requested, and the Doctor saw the sincerity in her eyes and heard it in her voice.
At the request to keep their marriage a secret, especially from Obi-Wan, the Doctor stroked his chin in thought then slowly he brightened up and sighed, “Of course we will…won’t we Ponds.”
“Yes—of course!” Amy piped up.
“Absolutely,” Rory added with a nod.
“Thank you, Doctor,” Anakin related a sincere expression of gratitude on his face. He smiled as relief washed over him.
The Doctor chuckled and clapped Anakin on the back.
“I understand you and your companions don’t have lodging for the night. You would be more than welcome to stay with me and Anakin,” Padmé offered cordially.
“That, would be very much appreciated, thank you, Senator,” The Doctor inferred.
They all left the senate building and stepped out into the bright midday sun outside. Anakin, Rory, Amy, and River walked ahead while Padmé promptly fell in stride with the Doctor.
“Doctor, I am intrigued. How do you know Master Kenobi?” She inquired.
“Oh…that was many years ago. I met him when he was just a Padawan with his Master Qui-Gon Jinn. It was just before the siege of Naboo during the Mandalorian Civil War. I stayed with them for a couple of months before returning to my world to keep a promise, I had made to a young girl. I was only supposed to be gone five minutes, but the Tardis took me elsewhere—well that’s getting into a completely different story.” The Doctor smiled to himself as he remembered little Amy: the girl who waited.
“I can see that your ways are far from mine, but I hope that we can be allies just like you are with Master Kenobi. You must have many stories to tell.”
“Oh, Senator…you have no idea.”
They arrived at the landing pad just as a transport arrived. Before boarding Amy took a moment to take in the immense beauty of this gigantic city: the center of the Republic. Birds flew overhead and greeted her ears with their melodious tweets. In the midst of this exquisite city, neither Amy nor Rory could have guessed that not long from now the sun’s radiance would be extinguished and darkness would rise to power to rule with a vengeance…
…
Well, I hope that you enjoyed that, friends! Thank you all for your readership—I appreciate you all so much! Hopefully, as I become more used to my school schedule, I will be able to post more often. My next post should be (hopefully 😁) on Attack of the Clones, but let’s see how the weeks goes! 😉
You all have a great week, and thank you for reading!
Until next time,
Time Lady of Coruscant 😉
The Limelight 