***DISCLAIMER: I do not own Star Wars or any part of it's property. This story is pure fan fiction that I am posting for my love of writing and Star Wars***
A/N: Connon information on the character - Pooja Naberrie is the youngest niece to Padme Amidala, and first cousin to Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa-Solo. None of these characters are aware that they are cousins. Pooja was appointed as senator of Naboo and the Chommell Sector (the same as her aunt), she served until 0 ABY. The events in this part of her story take place directly after that. The events that the Renegade Squadron and Col Serra face will play a role in this story. I'm attempting to keep as much of the information cannon as possible, while adding Pooja into the story. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter One
Pooja arrived on the small landing pad, nearly hidden by snow and ice, in her small two-man transport. She had paid a steep price to get smugglers from Nar Shaddaa to take her to the Outer Rim. Having never piloted herself, Pooja hired Tye Argon. He was young and eager, but his family was well respected in Naboo and he could be trusted. Pooja's personal pilot from her days as a senator was now a part of the Rebel's effort. The planet of Akuria II was not a friendly one. The wind shook the small transport and it looked colder than space out there.
"The guards are coming. They will not like trying to hide another spacecraft in their crowded hanger. Also, remember that they don't know who you are and do not know my allegiance yet. Leia may be a good friend, but her word will only help us so much. So keep you cocky attitude off this planet." Pooja said the last bit of her speech with frustration.
Tye smirked ever so slightly, "Yes ma'am." Pooja mentally shook her head, for as skilled as Tye was his attitude was a bit more that she bargained for.
Pooja stood and walked to the hatch, bracing herself for the cold weather, and welcome, she was about to receive. With a press of the release button, Pooja stared at several blasters pointed at her face. Putting her hands up slightly, she smiled warily. A man behind the rest narrowed his eyes as he studied Pooja.
"Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan has sent me here." Pooja wanted to keep everything she said short, the more she talked the more likely she was to be shot.
"What is your name?" The man in behind the soldiers now spoke, almost shouting against the wind.
"Pooja Naberrie of Naboo," it was probably best to keep out the senator part.
The soldier in charge looked at her and then behind her shoulder. Intuition told Pooja Tye was now behind her, probably wearing the same smirk. He kept telling Pooja he longed for more action.
"This is my pilot, Tye Argon."
The leader gave a nod to another soldier and looked hard at Pooja. "Welcome to hell frozen over." Behind her, Tye was laughing.
Standing in front of her with several other soldiers, Corporal Maren Kelsome had finally stopped his questioning. "Corporal Kelsome, I thought Princess Leia Organa informed your base of my arrival," it was Pooja's turn to ask the questions now "why haven't you heard from her?"
The corporal looked much different than he did on the landing platform; all of the soldiers did. The heavy coats made to endure the cold of Akuria II along with the scarves and goggles gave the men distinguishable faces. Pooja, Kelsome, and the other soldiers were in a small room. There was one large conference table with chairs, but Pooja was the only one seated. The men stood tall above her, trying to find out if she was an Imperial spy.
"That information is not privileged," Kelsome responded, "not until we decide if you're telling the truth or if you're here to cause problems."
"I have never been an Imperial spy, nor do I know any. Naboo has only aligned themselves with the Empire to spare us from more war." Pooja's response was curt. She loved Naboo above all but her family; it was the main reason she served as senator.
"We'll just have to see what you're pilot says." Kelsome motioned for one of the soldiers to follow him.
Pooja watched as the pair walked out of the room. The rest of the soldiers kept Pooja under close watch, clearly they didn't trust her. After a few moments, Kelsome returned without the other soldier. "You men may go."
Pooja could not help but feel frustrated with Leia at this moment. Clearly these small bands of rebels were not as well trained as the rest of the Alliance. What was the point in sending her there? "What is going on now?" Pooja exclaimed angrily. Kelsome wasn't even looking at her; he was walking around the table, as if lost in thought.
This went on for some time, Pooja sighing with annoyance and Kelsome ignoring her. After a few moments, the previously quiet hall was filled with the sound of booming footsteps. The door swung open and in walked a one of the strangest men Pooja had ever seen.
He was tall with think orange hair and a beard to match. A black eye patch covered his left eye and he wore a yellow bandana in his hair. He was dressed in heavy clothes that didn't match and his face was etched with winkles. Kelsome immediately turned to give his full attention to this man.
"Senator Pooja Naberrie, it's nice to finally meet you. Welcome to our base." The wild man spoke, walking briskly to Pooja, extending a hand.
Pooja stood and shook his hand without hesitation; she had been a senator after all. She was trained to negotiate and talk with people, not that the Empire did much of that. "I suppose it's nice to meet you as well, if I knew who you were."
"You've direct, I like that. Though all of you senators seem a bit stiff. My name is Colonel Odan." He pulled out a chair and gestured for Pooja to sit back in her chair. "The princess did inform me that you would be arriving here. In fact, she too is headed our way."
"Then why do none of your men seem to know who I am?"
"I was asked not to share that information. After all, you are about to become very important to the Alliance."
Pooja could not hide her puzzled expression. "Why? Or more importantly, how?"
"Princess Leia seems to trust you and has given you an interesting task." The Colonel smirked.
"I'm afraid that you are not answering my questions, Colonel. What exactly is it that Senator Organa needs me to do?" Pooja had to control her voice from the anger building up. How long would she have to wait without answers?
"A young man by the name of Skywalker has found a planet that may become the new base for the Alliance. You are to help facilitate the transition. After the loss of Yavin to the Empire, many resources have disappeared. Funding is low too."
"So I'm to go to this planet?" Pooja said slowly.
"You could, but I have no idea what you would do there. The Alliance needs to begin construction first. You will need to go to Thila and interview with High Command. From there, you will be given instructions."
Pooja stood up, still frustrated with the entire situation. "Very well, I will need my pilot returned to me and a ship."
"You're transport will take you to orbit where a rebel ship will be there to receive you." Odan stood as well. Pooja hoped Thila would be different than this base, somewhere she could at least get answers and respect. "Corporal Kelsome will escort you to the landing pad and your transport. You'll find your pilot waiting there."
Pooja nodded, wanting to leave this planet as soon as possible. Kelsome stood by the door, ready to suit up for the weather and take Pooja back to the landing pad. Pooja began to move towards the door.
"Oh and one more thing Senator," Odan said in a booming voice. Pooja turned to look at him. "I hope you enjoy the cold." Confused, Pooja turned to walk out of the room leaving Odan and his booming laughter behind.