Everything Broken: A Star Wars Story

Chapter 13: New Plan

The inside of the palace was flooded with light, almost too much light in Kidaras opinion. The Queen sat on a large throne, covered in intricate gold-woven jewelry and surrounded by colorful birds. Anakin was introduced to the queen as Lars Quell, and Kidara and Ashoka stood side by side behind him.

"So," The queen started, clearly unimpressed. "You're the man who claims to be acquainted with Bruno Denturri?"

"Yes your highness," Anakin Spoke, removing the oversized helmet to hold at his side. "However, when I spoke with him he failed to describe your beauty."

Kidara and Ashoka looked at each other, then rolled their eyes. Anakin claimed he could use his charm to get them safe passage, but the queen was unfazed by his smooth talk, simply chuckling at his remark.

Anakin was, however, able to avoid a blaster to the face as he made his claim of murdering Bruno himself.

"Here are two slaves from his palace," Anakin pointed to Ashoka and Kidara. "Compensation for my efforts." With his words, he harshly yanked the dark grey cloaks from them, revealing them to the queen. Kidara played her part of 'ashamed, loyal' bowing her head, and Ashoka, well,

"Unhand me briggand!" She exclaimed, to which Anakin gave her a 'well, you tried' look. Kidara did everything in her power not to snicker.

The queen stood up, circling the two of them.

"The slaves are certainly of fine stalk," The queen spoke, satisfied. "Bruno always knew how to choose beautiful females. Though this one has such a terrible scar."

"Yes," Anakin spoke, giving Kidara a empathetic glance. "She's very loyal, the scar is proof."

Nice cover-up, Master smooth-mouth.

"Good." She rested her hand on Ashokas shoulder, which Ashoka yanked away.

"Don't." She started, snarling. "You dare, touch me."

"Though, they will have to be processed." The queen glared at Ashoka. "This ones demeanor leaves much to be desired."

Ashoka and Kidara rolled their eyes again as Anakin whispered something into the queens ear.

"Perhaps we can find a way to put a price on your slaves." She smiled. "Come, walk with me." She hooked onto Anakins arm, and Kidara and Ashoka followed as they walked through the palace.

~*~

As Anakin spoke with the Queen on one of the many vast balconies of the palace, Kidara noticed another slave girl; a Twi'lek; with a knife hidden carefully under the tray she held in her wavering grip. Kidara nudged Ashoka with her elbow, so slightly that no one would notice, but enough to get her attention. She darted her eyes towards the weapon in the green Twi'leks hand.

Before either of them could do anything, the girl spun the knife in her palm, holding it in a similar fashion to how Ashoka held her lightsaber, thrusting it forward to strike the queen. Anakin, however, was faster, grabbing her arm as the queen stumbled away.

"Let me go!" The twi'lek girl cried, stumbling down the steps of the balcony as Anakin released her arm.

The queen regained her composure. "You dare raise a hand against your master?" She spoke, looking down at the poor Twi'lek. "Clearly you require further processing."

"No!" The girl shrieked, Climbing onto the balcony stoop, looking at the long drop below her. "I won't go back there!"

Anakin realized what the Twi'lek was doing, but it was already too late. "Wait, Stop!"