Beth was awoken by the Naboo's rising sun shining through the viewport, taking a quick peek at the chrono showed her that it's only 0500 giving her ample time to prepare for the long journey ahead.
Her handmaidens had already packed her clothing and other necessities a day prior. She would be wearing her handmaiden disguise all throughout their journey but she'll exchange place with Amy, her decoy, as soon as they arrived at Hospian.
From there she will meet up with the newly appointed Senator of Naboo, a Gungan named Erd Niess, to aid with the turnover of power and discuss about their political plans and how he could best represent the entire Naboo. This task was usually done by the incumbent senator but his untimely demise had led to a quick election for a new representative to the New Republic Senate.
With the rising threat of the New Order, Naboo cannot afford to appear weak against their adversary. Beth was sure that The First Order was responsible for Senator Kala's assassination and it was due to his decree to give full military support to the Resistance. Senator Kala and Queen Faè both held strong political influence; together they planned on gaining the support of all worlds governing body in hopes to pass the decree and aid General Organa.
His death may have stalled that plan but Beth will ensure that her friend's sacrifice will not be in vain. She will continue to use her own political influence to represent the Resistance and seek more support from other worlds.
The longer the republic continues to ignore the growing threat, the more The First Order will rise to power. She hopes beyond hope that her political fame will be enough to make the Republic realize the grievous threat that the First Order pose before it's too late.
A soft knock signalling her handmaiden's arrival to her chamber to help her with her morning routine forced Beth out of the comforting warmth of her bed. Rosita came in first, carrying a tray of flatcakes, shuura fruit and caf with synthmilk, followed by Tara who went straight to the refresher to prepare her bath and Jessie made her bed and prepared her handmaiden disguise.
Joan and Alisha are probably assisting Amy with her royal disguise and make-up which takes hours even with help.
Beth scanned through her datapad while she absent-mindedly chewed on her food. She wanted to squeeze in as much work as she could before she leaves her home planet.
There are just too much tasks that needed her immediate attention. Such as Dr. Edwards report on the success rate of his Shaak Flu Vaccine. He had deemed the vaccine is ready which means that the Ministry of Health will be requesting credits to fund its mass production. She made a mental note to discuss this with Royal Council as soon as she gets home.
Beth is convinced that there is simply too much work to do that she's tempted to bring it along with her. In fact Beth is already pondering on how she could sneak it without revealing her true identity to Commander Dixon.
She was half-way through reviewing Boss Jal's draft of plans to improve the transport system to Otoh Gunga that will in-turn enhance the trade between Gungans and Humans alike, when her sister came barging to her into her room.
"Drop the datapad this instant!" Maggie yelled pointing dramatically at it. "How many times do I have to remind you not to bring work to the table?"
"Each and every day." Beth remarked "and like always, I choose to ignore you."
"Very funny, sister dearest." Maggie rolled her eyes and forcibly took the datapad from her sister's hand. "Now go ahead and finish your morning meal. Your bath is getting colder the more you waste your time."
Commander Dixon is checking the pre-flight diagnostic of his starship when he was approached by Captain Rhee who handed him a warm cup of caf to which he accepted gratefully.
Glenn looked over at the calculations on the Navicomp, he surmised that it would take 2 days at most for Beth to arrive at Hospian System where she would stay for about 3 days before returning home.
A week is much too long for Glenn's comfort.
He is more than grateful to Beth's insistence that he stay for the birth of his and Maggie's son but he had been ensuring Beth safety since her ascension to the throne. But her security meant more to him than simply being his duty. She is more than just his Queen, she's also his sister and he cares for her deeply. If anything happens to her while she's far from his protection…Glenn doesn't know what he'll do.
"You ain't got nothing to worry about. This cruiser got heavy laser canons, blasters, deflector shield plus its own cloaking device. The Queen will be plenty safe onboard." Daryl assured the distressed man. Glenn clapped Daryl on his back in silent thanks giving him a friendly smile.
Maggie assured him that Commander Dixon is more than capable of protecting their Queen. Having him along side Beth allows Glenn to breathe easier but the threat of the First Order still lingers, especially after the recent assassination of Senator Kala. Glenn doesn't want to take any risk.
Glenn whipped out his datapad to start briefing Commander Dixon on his security plans for the Queen.
"So the Queen will be accompanied by Officer Lerner and Shepherd who will act as the Queen's bodyguards." Daryl half listened as Glenn listed their credentials. Daryl doesn't care much about them so long as they know how to use their blasters. "- and Noah, your co-pilot." Glenn finished.
Daryl looked up in shock. Co-pilot? Daryl is used to commanding an entire squadron but he never in his life shared a cockpit with another person. "I ain't taking a co-pilot with me." Daryl forcibly insisted.
"I can assure you commander that Noah is a capable pilot."
"I don't care if he's the best damn pilot in the entire galaxy, I ain't sharing my cockpit."
"You'll be travelling through hyperspace for 2 days straight so unless you can convince me that you're capable of piloting the cruiser without rest Noah will be assisting you. I'm sorry Commander but you have no choice in the matter. This is a matter of the Queen's safety, not your comfort." Glenn stated leaving no room for argument.
Daryl gritted his in annoyance, mentally cursing General Organa for forcing him into this mission instead of Dameron.
At exactly 0700, Queen Faè and her whole entourage arrived at the hangar. Daryl remained at the cockpit with his overeager new co-pilot preparing for the lift-off.
Ignoring Noah's unending questions about the Resistance and whether Daryl met his idol Han Solo, he spotted Beth speaking with a heavily pregnant woman who tearfully hugged and kissed her cheek. Thinking that he's intruding a private moment, he shifted his gaze back to the calculations of the navicomputer.
Maggie gave Beth a tight hug and kissed her sisters cheek not caring who sees.
"Enough Maggie, it'll only be a week." Beth giggled wiping the stray tears off her sister's face.
"I know but I can't help it. Hormones you know." Maggie joked before turning serious. "Promise me you'll come home safe."
"I promise."
"Beth, everyone is ready to board." Glenn came up beside Maggie cutting short the sister's farewell.
Beth, forgoing the formalities of being a Queen, hugged her brother-in-law goodbye whispering "Take good care of them both."
Nodding, he took Maggie's hand swearing "I will."
Beth looked back at her family as if it would be the last she'll see of them, a thought which she cast as simply being paranoid. She followed the others in embarking the star-cruiser but as soon as the ramp closed that nagging thought that something terrible is about to happen returned full force.
"The refined plasma you ordered has been transported. You shall be receiving it in 4 standard days, no less." Governor Blake happily announced to the soft blue glow of General Hux's holo-projection. Its light gives a cold menacing aura to Governor private quarters in the Theed Palace.
Unbeknownst to the Queen and the entire Royal Council, Governor Blake has been conniving with the First Order. He had been illegally smuggling Plasma that's being used to produce the Order's weapons.
"70 Million credits shall be transferred to your account, the First Order thank you for your support Governor." General Hux replied stoically.
"Has your Queen departed for her business in Hospin?" General Hux suddenly asked.
"Yes, the Queen is leaving Naboo as we speak." He grinned maniacally as he sipped his favourite Correlian Brandy. He had known of the Order's plans to destroy the planet which was why he ensured that the meddling Queen will be there when it happens. And as soon as she's terminated, The First Order will gain full control over Naboo.
From the ashes of the Republic, a new Galactic Empire shall rise.
