United in Battle

Chapter 12

Tori tugged slightly at the waist of the gown that Queen Amidala had sent to the Jedi Temple. She insisted that Tori needed to look like the Lady of the Western Lands, at least that what was written in her note to the young lady. Tori glanced over her shoulder and watched as Sessho-Maru pulled on his white silk hoari. He tied the red obi around his waist before lifting his armor onto his shoulder. Damn! He looks so sexy. I just want to drag him back to bed and let him ravish me. Again. Tori turned back to the mirror and continued her tugging.

Sessho-Maru watched Tori as he finished tying his armor to his shoulder. She looks beautiful. He watched Tori swat at the gown. He moved toward Tori and laid a hand on her shoulder. "I will go and get Lily to help you."

"Could you get Sango, too?" Tori looked hopeful as Sessho-Maru nodded slightly.

"I will be right back." Sessho-Maru placed a soft kiss on her neck before turning to leave the room.

Tori turned back to the mirror one last time before yanking the dress off and grabbing the robe that had been left in the room for her. She wrapped herself in the soft cotton as she sank into one of the chairs beside the window. She looked out at the traffic zipping past. She didn't hear the door open but she did hear Lily and Sango talking to Sessho-Maru.

"Stay out, Sessho-Maru. You're not going to see her until we get her dressed." Sango shoved the demon lord out the door as Tori turned to look at them.

"She'll be fine, Lord Sessho-Maru." Lily gave him a bright smile. "We'll have her ready in no time." She shut the door on the scowling demon. "I didn't think he'd let us fix her up right."

"What are the two of you going to do to me?" Tori climbed to her feet and picked up the gown that she had tossed onto the floor.

"Let's see what Queen Amidala sent to you." Lily took the gown from Tori and frowned slightly. "This won't do for you."

"I agree. You need to wear the traditional kimono of the Western Lands." Sango took the gown and tossed it onto the bed. "What can you do with it, Lily?"

"Let me see." Lily waved her wand at the gown and watched as it transformed into a white silk kimono with pale pink and lavender flowers embroidered along the edges. The jade green leaves were trimmed with gold and silver threads. Lily picked up the kimono and held it up so that they could see the back. A large white dog running under a purple crescent moon took up the back of the kimono. "We'll see what Lord Sessho-Maru thinks about this."

Sango helped Tori slip into a juban, a full slip that went under the kimono. "Lily, it's beautiful." Sango took the silk kimono and held it up for Tori to slip into.

Tori slid her arms into the kimono's sleeves. Sango quickly tucked the right side of the kimono under the left as Lily transfigured a length of fabric into a lavender date-jime belt and a pale pink koshi-himo belt. She found a length of cording that was part of the original gown and changed it into a length of gold and silver obi-jime. She placed each piece onto the bed as Sango straightened the kimono.

"Now what?" Tori watched as Sango pointed to the koshi-himo and Lily picked it up.

"We're going to tie this around your waist first." Sango wrapped the pale pink belt around Tori's slender waist and proceeded to tie it in the front. She straightened the kimono a second time before reaching for the lavender date-jime. "This is the next thing that goes on. Lily, we'll also need an obi, if you don't mind."

"Not at all. How does jade green sound?" Lily waved her wand a fifth time and a long jade green piece of silk with gold and silver leaves embroidered throughout it appeared on the bed. "How's this?"

Sango looked up from tying the date-jime. "Perfect." She scooped up the obi before turning Tori around so that she could wrap the obi around her twice. "Now I've got to tie this thing." Sango started to tie the long strip of silk. Finally she had the bow tied in the back of the kimono. "Done. Now for the obi-jime." She picked up the braided cord and noticed that Lily had changed the colors to lavender, pale pink, and jade green. "Nice work."

"Thank you." Lily watched as Sango tied the obi-jime around Tori. "Now what do we have to do?"

"My hair is a mess." Tori jumped slightly as a pounding sounded on the door.

Lily walked over to the door and opened it a crack. "She's not ready yet so go bother Inu-Yasha." She slammed the door closed. "That man is getting on my nerves."

Sango and Tori laughed as Sango led Tori over to the small vanity that the Jedi had put into the room. She picked up the brush and pulled it through Tori's sandy blonde hair. She pulled it up into an elaborate bun and picked up the jade combs that Lily had transfigured for them. Lily quickly applied a small amount of jade green eye shadow to Tori's eyelids before applying mascara and eyeliner. Sango picked up a set of golden chopsticks and slid them into the bun as Lily finished applying Tori's blush and lipstick. Both women stepped back as Tori slipped her feet into the jade green slippers that Lily had transfigured for her. Slowly she rose to her feet and made her way over to the floor length mirror beside the vanity.

"That is what the Lady of the Western Lands should look like." Sango smirked in triumph. She glanced at Lily who was nodding approvingly.

"I can't wait to see Lord Sessho-Maru's face when he sees you in this." Lily rubbed her hands together.

Tori twisted her head this way and that to see the full affect of what Sango and Lily had done for her. "I like it. Thank you for helping."

"No problem." Lily gave Tori a gentle hug, being careful not to mess up the kimono.

Sango bowed to Tori. "You are the Lady of the Western Lands. It was an honor to aid you."

Tori blushed slightly. "Maybe we should let Sessho-Maru see me now."

Tori stood next to the window with her back to the door. Lily opened the door and stepped out into the corridor. Sango turned when the door opened a second time.

"Your lady awaits, Lord Sessho-Maru." Sango bowed to him before leaving the room.

Tori turned around and waited with her head bowed. She was terrified that Sessho-Maru wouldn't like the kimono. Sessho-Maru gaped at his mate. The kimono she wore was beautiful to him. It reminded him of the kimonos that his mother had often worn.

Sessho-Maru moved swiftly across the room and placed a finger under Tori's chin. He could smell her fear as he gently raised her face to look into his eyes. "You are beautiful. I thought the gown was lovely but this kimono is gorgeous. Lily and Sango did a wonderful job dressing you as befitting the Lady of the Western Lands." Tori blushed as a knock sounded on the door. Sessho-Maru growled slightly as he moved toward the door.

Qui-Gon stood in the doorway. "It is time to go to Queen Amidala's quarters."

"Thank you." Sessho-Maru turned slightly as Tori moved toward the door.

"We're ready, Master Qui-Gon." Tori had scooped up the jade bag that Lily had created for her.

Qui-Gon's mouth had fallen open when he realized that the vision standing before him was Tori. "Lady Tori?"

"You don't like it?" Tori's eyes widened slightly as Qui-Gon gave her a deep bow.

"You look beautiful." Qui-Gon took Tori's hand and gently kissed the back of it.

Tori blushed a second time as she looked down at her feet. "Thank you, Master Qui-Gon."

"We must hurry before Queen Amidala leaves for the Senate." Qui-Gon turned and led the way down the corridor.

Tori laid her hand on Sessho-Maru's extended arm. Together they made their way behind Qui-Gon. They tried to keep up with the Jedi Master but it didn't help them when every male in the Temple noticed the beautiful woman walking down the corridors. Sessho-Maru had to growl more than once to keep the males away from his mate. They walked to the enclosed speeder with Obi-Wan behind the wheel and Qui-Gon seated beside him.

"Where did you get this vehicle?" Sessho-Maru helped Tori into the speeder before walking to the other side and climbing in.

"This is one that was reserved for Queen Amidala." Obi-Wan made his way into the streaming traffic. He didn't notice that Tori kept her eyes closed through the five minute trip.

Sessho-Maru held her hand as they landed before the building that contained Queen Amidala's quarters. Qui-Gon hurried into the building to retrieve Queen Amidala. Queen Amidala and two handmaidens came down the steps and climbed into the seat behind Tori and Sessho-Maru.

Queen Amidala noticed that Tori wasn't wearing the burgundy gown she had sent to her. "That is a beautiful outfit, Lady Tori, Where did you get it?"

"Lily transfigured it for me. It is a traditional kimono for the Lady of the Western Lands." Tori gave Queen Amidala a slight smile.

"She did a fine job of it." Queen Amidala leaned back in her seat.

Tori looked as Rabe and Eirtae settled on either side of Queen Amidala. "Where is Padme, Your Highness?"

"She had to take care of a few things for me, Lady Tori." Queen Amidala watched Tori smirk slightly. Tori, Lily, and Sango were the only ones that knew her secret and she trusted them to keep it for her.

I wonder what that was all about. Sessho-Maru watched the exchange between the women but said nothing. He knew that his mate could be trusted to keep a person's secret. The Senate building rose into sight as the speeder landed beside the front doors. Qui-Gon helped Queen Amidala out of the speeder after her handmaidens had climbed out. Sessho-Maru helped Tori out of the speeder and straightened his swords at his side. Tori smoothed her hand down the front of her kimono before following Queen Amidala into the Senate building. Sessho-Maru followed after the ladies.

"Senator Palpatine." Queen Amidala moved toward the dais that was the platform for the Naboo senator.

"Queen Amidala." Senator Palpatine bowed to Queen Amidala before he noticed that Tori and Sessho-Maru were right behind her. "Lady Tori, Lord Sessho-Maru."

"Senator." Tori gave him a slight bow before gliding past him onto the platform.

Sessho-Maru bowed to Senator Palpatine. "Senator, I trust my mate and Her Highness will be safe here."

"Of course. Who would dare attack them while they are among Senators?" Senator Palpatine's eyes didn't meet Sessho-Maru's.

Something's not right here. Sessho-Maru moved passed Senator Palpatine and sat between Queen Amidala and Tori.

Eirtae and Rabe sat on either side of Tori and Queen Amidala. They waited and watched as the Senators from various worlds filed into the conference arena, as Tori had taken to calling it. It reminded her of the ancient Roman Coliseum. The platforms were lines up the whole way up the walls. Tori opened a white silk fan that Sango had made sure was inside the bag and fanned herself with it. She felt hot in this huge room and was anxious to get the whole thing over with. The Supreme Chancellor and his aides made their way to their private platform and it rose into the middle of the room. Tori watched as the Chancellor climbed to his feet.

"The chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo." Chancellor Valorum motioned to Senator Palpatine.

The Naboo platform moved forward toward the Chancellor. Palpatine rose to his feet and cleared his throat impressively. "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate, a tragedy has occurred on Naboo. The Trade Federation has created a blockade due to the taxation of the trade routes."

Another platform rushed toward them. "This is an outrage! There is no proof."

"I have Queen Amidala here to prove that the Trade Federation has done this." Senator Palpatine sat down as Queen Amidala stood and moved forward.

"I have come from Naboo thanks to the Jedi Ambassadors and several new allies, two of whom sit here with me." Queen Amidala motioned to Tori and Sessho-Maru behind her. Sessho-Maru, who had stood when Queen Amidala rose, bowed to the Senate. "These people were captured by the Trade Federation."

"Lies!" Lott Dod shook his fist at Queen Amidala. "Again there is no proof."

Tori climbed gracefully to her feet. "No proof? Sir, I was there. I know what happened to me and I have heard the tales from my companions. I saw two of the Federation speaking of what to do with us. And you say that there is no proof." Tori looked around at the other Senators. "This group is corrupt when they listen to the voices of one group instead of the voices of all."

Chancellor Valorum leaned toward one of his aides. Senator Palpatine moved toward Queen Amidala. "Now you see the true corruption of the Senate. You must call for a vote of no confidence if our home is to have a chance to survive."

"We must investigate this further." Chancellor Valorum had turned back to his podium. "Queen Amidala, will you allow it?"

"No, I will not. My people are dying at the hands of the Trade Federation and we stand here arguing over whether it is happening. I suggest new leadership is needed." Queen Amidala looked back at Tori and Sessho-Maru and nodded once. "I call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum."

Tori was shocked to see the Chancellor sink back into his seat. She watched as the various beings began to chant "Vote now!". This wasn't good.

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Qui-Gon stood waiting for the Jedi Council to give him an answer about Anakin. The boy had just finished his testing and stood in front of Qui-Gon waiting for the verdict. Master Windu pressed his fingertips together.

"Passed the tests he did." Yoda leaned on his walking stick. "But train him we will not."

"What?! Why?" Qui-Gon stepped forward.

Master Windu gave a deep sigh. "He is too old and there is much fear in him."

"That is no reason. You checked his midi-chlorian count." Qui-Gon looked around at the council.

"We did. You were right that he has the highest over found. He is strong with the Force but he is too old to train." Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward slightly. "You have heard our verdict."

Qui-Gon looked down at his feet before coming to a decision. "Then I will train him, with or without the Council's permission."

"An apprentice you already have." Yoda tapped his stick against the floor.

"Obi-Wan is ready for the trails." Qui-Gon didn't look at his apprentice.

Obi-Wan stepped forward. "I am ready."

"What know you of ready?" Yoda's ears twitched slightly.

Obi-Wan looked at his feet. "Sorry, Master."

"This meeting is over." Master Windu motioned to them to leave.

Qui-Gon led Anakin and Obi-Wan from the Council Room.

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Queen Amidala stood before the window in her quarters. Tori was seated on one of the sofas while Sessho-Maru stood behind the sofa with a hand on her shoulder.

"That Senate is so corrupt. How could they? Don't they care for anyone but themselves?" Tori fanned herself with her white silk fan, the gold and silver threads flashing with each pass.

"Yous think that yous people gonna die?" Jar Jar moved toward Queen Amidala.

"I don't know, Jar Jar."

"Gungans gonna get pasted, too, eh?"

"I hope not."

Tori felt Sessho-Maru remove his hand before she saw him move toward the distraught Queen. "I really think that we need to go back."

"Yes." Queen Amidala half turned when she felt Sessho-Maru's hand on her shoulder. "Will you return with us?"

"If you need help, we will aid you." Sessho-Maru moved slightly when Jar Jar stood a bit straighter.

"Gungans no die without a fight. We warriors! We gotta a grand army!" Jar Jar didn't notice that the Queen's eyes had widened slightly.

"The Gungans have an army?" Tori rose gracefully to her feet and moved toward the Queen. "I think I have an idea."

Just then the door to the quarters slid open and Senator Palpatine stepped into the room with Captain Panaka right behind him. Tori suppressed a shudder when she saw Senator Palpatine.

"Your Highness!" Captain Panaka hurried toward Queen Amidala. "Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as supreme chancellor."

"A surprise but a welcome one." Senator Palpatine looked around the room.

"Who else was nominated?" Tori closed her fan with a snap.

"Bail Antilles from Alderaan and Aks Moe of Malastare." Captain Panaka didn't look at Palpatine.

Tori noticed the murderous stare on Senator Palpatine's face. Something's not right here. She turned when Queen Amidala cleared her throat.

"There is nothing I can do here while the Senate decides its course of action." Queen Amidala whipped her skirts slightly as she started toward the comlink. "This is your arena, Senator. I must return to help our people."

"The Federation...!" Senator Palpatine gripped the Queen's arm.

"The Federation will not harm the Queen." Sessho-Maru grabbed Palpatine's collar and hauled him away from Queen Amidala. "I will see to that." He cracked his knuckles slightly and allowed a small amount of his poison drip onto the carpet which burned slightly.

"As will I." Tori pushed her way past Senator Palpatine to follow Queen Amidala.

Sessho-Maru followed after the women with Jar Jar right behind him. Senator Palpatine watched the group before turning to leave for his own compartments.

Tori turned to look at Sessho-Maru. "I think we should contact the Jedi."

"Yes." Queen Amidala flipped a switch and waited for an answer.

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Qui-Gon hurried back into the Council Room with Obi-Wan behind him. Master Windu was speaking softly with Yoda when the two Jedi stepped into the room.

"We have heard from Queen Amidala." Master Windu pressed his fingertips together. "You will accompany her back to Naboo and protect her from the Federation."

"If that is the will of the Council, then it will be done." Qui-Gon bowed slightly.

"Take our new allies you will." Yoda tapped his walking stick against the floor.

"Yes. Shippo and Rin will remain here. I suggest you gather the others and prepare to leave."

Qui-Gon bowed again and left the room. They didn't say that Anakin couldn't go. Perhaps it would be a good idea if he went and just watched what we do.

James came running down the corridor and slid to a stop in front of Qui-Gon. "What's going on? Sessho-Maru called and said to get ready to return to Naboo and take out the Federation."

"Yes. We are returning to Naboo." Qui-Gon nodded slightly. "Please gather the others."

"Consider it done." James disappeared with a soft pop.

"I've got to ask him how he does that." Qui-Gon shook his head. "Obi-Wan, please go and get Anakin. He will go with us."

Obi-Wan bowed slightly before hurrying down the corridor. Qui-Gon started down the corridor and made his way to the front steps where he knew the entire group would be waiting for him.

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An hour later, Queen Amidala's ship was being loaded and the new friends were greeting each other again. James and Sirius were whistling when they saw Tori in her kimono, making her blush furiously. Inu-Yasha knelt before Queen Amidala and Tori before kissing the backs of both their hands. In his own way, he had offered his protection to the two lady rulers. Koga did the same. He knew what it entailed. Qui-Gon stood to one side watching the group as each person started up the ramp. Anakin made his way over to the older Jedi.

"I don't want to be a problem, Master Qui-Gon." Anakin looked up at Qui-Gon.

"You won't be. I want you to watch what I do and be mindful of what you see. I may not be allowed to train you but you can still learn." Qui-Gon patted Anakin's shoulder.

"Sir, what are midi-chlorians?" Anakin watched Qui-Gon kneel next to him.

"They are microscopic beings that aid the Jedi in hearing the Force." Qui-Gon rose to his feet and started to the ship. "Come. It is time to go."

Anakin followed him to the ship. Jar Jar was bouncing around. "Weesa goen home!"

Anakin smiled as he followed the group onto the ship. Another trip in space.

The ramp rose after the group had finished boarding. Slowly the silver ship rose into the air and took off into the stars.

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A hooded figure stood in the hologram as he stared down at the two Neimoidians before him. "The Queen returns to Naboo. This is a bold move on her part."

"We understand, my lord." Nute Gunray bowed low to the figure.

"When she arrives, force her to sign the treaty and recapture those beings. I must have their power." Darth Sidious had his hands tucked into the sleeves of his robe. "Are you in control of the planet, Viceroy?"

"Yes, my lord. We have taken the pockets of primitive life."

"Good. I am sending my apprentice, Darth Maul to you. He will deal with the Jedi and aid in the capture of those beings." Another hooded figure stepped into the hologram.

"Yes, my lord." The Viceroy bowed slightly as the hologram disappeared. "A Sith Lord, here? We are done for."

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Tori lounged in her white kimono while waiting for the meeting to begin. Lily and Sango were near her but she wasn't in the mood to talk. We're going to war and all anyone can talk about is returning to Naboo.

"Can you believe we're headed back? Hopefully we can defeat the Federation." Lily stretched slightly.

Tori looked up from her folded hands. "We will." Lily and Sango glanced over at the quiet woman.

"What do mean?" Lily moved to kneel before Tori.

Tori's eyes slid out of focus slightly. "I've seen it. Some Gungans will die in battle. Anakin will help the pilots destroy the Federation ship in orbit. Queen Amidala will rewrite the treaty that the Federation wants her to sign." Tori's eyes misted over with a film of tears. "We will lose one with great power."

"Sango, we're not to tell anyone what Tori's seen." Lily rose to her feet. "James, and Sirius will make fun and I don't know what the others will do."

"Right." Sango noticed that Tori's eyes were back in focus. "Are you okay, Tori?"

"Fine. I think it's time for us to have a meeting." Tori noticed Queen Amidala nodding in agreement.

Queen Amidala looked around the room. She is right. Many may die with this plan but it is the only way for us to win. "Let this war council begin."

Captain Panaka stepped forward. "You will be captured as soon as we land, Your Highness. The Federation will force you to sign a treaty making their invasion legal."

"Jar Jar." Queen Amidala watched the Gungan step forward. "I need your help."

Jar Jar stepped forward and pointed at himself. "Mesa?"

"Yes." She turned to Tori. "Lady Tori, please explain your plan."

"Certainly." Tori rose to her feet. "If we can convince the Gungans to join the Naboo, perhaps we can cause a bit of mayhem for the Federation. Jar Jar, we need you to speak to Boss Nass for us. This is my plan." She turned to R2-D2. "R2, if you please." A hologram was projected onto the wall. "We have a battle in this field here." Tori pointed to a large clearing in the center of the hologram. "Meanwhile, the Queen and a small contingent will sneak into the castle and capture the Viceroy."

"What happens if the Viceroy escapes?" James looked over the hologram.

"That's where you guys come in. You can help keep the Federation busy." Tori gave James, Sirius, and Remus a small smile.

"What happens if that guy comes back?" Remus scratched the back of his neck.

"We will handle that." Qui-Gon stepped forward.

"Good." Tori sank back into her seat. "First let's see if the Gungans will help."

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The silver ship landed in the swamps of Naboo. Lily had transfigured her robes and Tori's kimono into outfits like Sango's, except hers was an emerald green and Tori's was lavender. James, Sirius, and Remus transfigured their robes into jeans and t-shirts before James changed Miroku's robes into skin tight jeans and a navy t-shirt. Jar Jar had left the moment they landed to go to the Gungans' underwater city. He had been away for a while. Tori was starting to worry when she heard Jar Jar hurrying through the swamp.

Sessho-Maru saw the stricken look on his face. "What did you find?"

"The city destroyed. All Gungans gone!" Jar Jar looked worriedly at Queen Amidala.

"Where could they be?" Lily stepped forward.

"They've probably been destroyed." Captain Panaka ignored the growls coming from Koga, Inu-Yasha, and Sessho-Maru.

"Not likely. Gungans go to sacred place." Jar Jar tilted his head slightly.

"Can you take us there?" Queen Amidala stepped forward.

Jar Jar nodded and led the way into the swamp. Several hours later, they were still walking through the swamps of Naboo while trying to keep themselves from being captured. Suddenly Captain Tarpals and several other Gungans came from the forests. They were riding on creatures that Tori thought looked a bit like kangaroos except with scalier skin. Jar Jar called them kaadu. They followed the Gungans through the forests to the sacred place. Finally they stood before the Gungan council once more.

"Queen Amidala of the Naboo." Captain Tarpals motioned to the Queen.

"No like da Naboo." Boss Nass tried to wave them away.

"We need your help to defeat the Federation." Queen Amidala stepped forward.

"We no help da Naboo." Boss Nass tried to ignore the group before her.

"But..." Queen Amidala was cut off when Padme stepped forward.

"You tried, Sabe, but now I must try." Padme stood her ground as Boss Nass stared down at her.

"Who dis?"

"I am Queen Amidala. Sabe is my decoy, my protector. She steps in from time to time to protect me."

Tori smirked slightly as James, Remus, and Sirius looked between the two women. "Told you something was unusual."

"As usual, you never listen." Lily gave the boys a large smile.

Padme turned to look at the gaping Jedi. "I am sorry for misleading you, Master Jedi." She turned back to Boss Nass. "I know our people do not see eye to eye on many things but we need your help. I ask you for help. No." She knelt before the Gungan council. "I beg for your help."

One by one the group fell to their knees before the Boss Nass. His laughter echoed around them. Mesa like. You no thinking yousa greater dan da Gungans. Wesa help."

Tori let out the breath that she was holding when Boss Nass said this. Her vision was coming true. Now to throw a wrench into the Federation's plans.

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Nute Gunray and Darth Maul walked behind a traveling hologram. "We found the Queen's ship in the swamps. It won't be long before we have them."

"This move is not of the Queen. It's too aggressive." Darth Sidious looked at his apprentice. "Be mindful. The Jedi will soon be there."

"Yes, my master." Darth Maul bowed to the disappearing hologram.

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Boss Nass had taken Queen Amidala and her group from the swamps to the edge of the grasslands that Tori hade shown the others on the hologram. Jar Jar seemed nervous about the entire thing.

"Yousa done good, Jar Jar. "Isa make yousa bombad general in Gungan Army." Boss Nass laughed as Jar Jar seemed to get woozy.

Tori shook her head slightly as the lookout shouted "Dey come!" and Anakin hurried over to them. "How many, Annie?"

"No idea." Anakin watched as Captain Panaka and several other Naboo jumped from the speeders.

"Most of them are in prison camps. I could find few hundred former guards and soldiers that had formed a resistance against the Federation." Captain Panaka watched as R2-D2 projected a hologram of the castle onto one of the speeders.

"That may be all we need. The Gungans will provide the distraction here while the rest of us will sneak into the palace here." Padme pointed to a spot on the palace. "Once there, the remaining pilots will get to their fighters and take out the Federation ship. The rest of us will make our way to the throne room the capture the Viceroy."

"Hopefully he won't get away and get another army." James leaned against the speeder.

"We will do what we can to protect you, Your Highness." Qui-Gon bowed to Padme.

"Thank you." Padme turned back to the hologram as the leaders of the resistance gathered around her.

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Darth Sidious gave the Viceroy a malicious smile. "This will work to our advantage."

"We are sending out our droids to meet this army of the Queen's." Nute Gunray seemed a bit smug about the fact that they were going to win.

"I do not like this, Master. The Jedi could be manipulating the Queen." Darth Maul shook his horned head. It was the man that had attacked Qui-Gon on Tatooine.

"They will not become involved." Darth Sidious watched his apprentice. "If they enter the castle separate them from the Queen."

"Yes, my master." Darth Maul bowed slightly.

"Do I have permission to precede, my lord?"

"Yes." Darth Sidious's smile seemed to widen. "Wipe them all out."

Author's Note: I thought folks would like to know about the kimono that Tori was wearing and how Sango put it on her . Each piece is important. You start with a full slip called a juban. The collar of the juban is the only piece that shows. Next is the kimono itself. The front always goes right under left except when dressing a corpse. Then it is left under right. The kimono front is raised so that the fabric is level with the woman's ankles. A koshi-himo is wrapped around the body twice. The kimono fabric that was raised is then lowered over the koshi-himo. Everything is straightened so that it is smooth. Next the date-jime is wrapped around the waist twice to cover the koshi-himo and extra fabric. The obi is then wrapped around the date-jime and tied in the back. The final piece is the obi-jime which is a braided cord that matches the kimono. I thought it would be nice if Tori's kimono matched Sessho-Maru's in a way. Hers has the symbol of his realm on the back. There fore it shows that she is the Lady of the Western Lands.