The female Gungan led them into the chamber, which looked much like a court, a wide panel of judges sitting behind the table and one elaborately dressed Gungan that sat at the head of the table. This one was thin and a dark brown, looking similar to Abso Bar Binks in shape, but he was very old and had attained whiskers in his age. Despite his apparent frailty, he sat alert and rapt, watching them intently with his orange eyes.
Along with the panel of what they assumed to be judges, many guards were aligned throughout the room and some even stood behind the panel. The old Gungan spoke hoarsely, but with clarity. "Welcome to Otoh Gunga, outlanders. I'sa is Boss Tarpals and we'sa are da Gungan So-city. We'sa mussen be askin - what'sa yousen purpoos here?"
Leia, ever-the diplomat spoke first. "We are here on a diplomatic mission to Naboo and are due at the Capital City of Theed. I am Leia Organa, formerly the Princess of the Alderaan, and a member of the Rebel Alliance. We are here to find a transport to the City of Theed. Our ship has had a crash landing and cannot be repaired for some time; thus we found Mr. Binks, who has brought us to your city. We come in peace and beg for your help."
At this, many of the council members murmured in awe to each other while the elder Gungan frowned and muttered, "Dat Binks, just'a liken his fadder..." Shaking his head, Tarpals spoke louder and replied, "Ah, I'sa see. What'sa yousen wantin' from us? We'sa no helpin' dem up dere, deysa still banishin' us. What'sa yous mission?"
"We are here to eradicate the last of the Empire and let diplomacy resume. If you can help us, we will be forever in your debt." Leia chose to bow and dip her head at this time in a gesture that a few of the panel recognized.
Han mumbled to Luke, "She definitely knows how to play 'er cards, kid."
Boss Tarpals pondered this for a moment and then leaned to whisper into his advisor's ear. Hushed whispers where exchanged, echoing around the courtroom. Finally, they came to a decision.
Boss Tarpals cleared his throat loudly and slammed his gavel atop the glistening table. "We'sa have comin' to a dission. We'sa only have undawater ships. We'sa can provide yousen kaadus and Gungs to guide yous. Yousa may stay in Otoh Gunga while tings are prepared."
"We thank you, sir, and appreciate your hospitality." Leia bowed, but then saw Han motion to her. Hurriedly, she added, "Oh, and may I have permission to inquire of one more thing?"
Tarpals cocked on brow but nodded nevertheless. "Well, sir, are there any shops or any way at all to obtain parts to a YT-1300? Our ship has crashed and General Solo will need to repair it."
The elder opened his mouth to speak, but one other of the Council spoke first. "Of course! We'sa havin' lotta parts! When yous leave dis leval, yousa gonna go up tree more levals and den on da right is a spare parts shop."
The female Gungan secretary, Lana So Gallos, led them out to the exit of the courtroom level and showed them the way to the other levels. She told them that they would be notified once the kaadus and all would be ready. Abso continued to follow them around as their guide until they found the parts shop, then he left the Rebels alone to find the Lana So, who he seemed to have a thing for.
They had just enough credits to purchase a hyperdrive generator, gunner charges, power couplings and some spare parts. After doing so, they loaded the parts into a case to carry with them on the way.
By the time the Gungans had arranged the last of the Rebel's travel plans, the clear Nubian sky had gone a dark hue of purple with rows of stars faceted across it.
Lana So Gallos approached the group as they were finishing their rather unusual supper of Gungan cuisine in the main dining hall.
"Yousen prep-arishins fineesh'd. Yousen followin' me."
She waited for them to gather their belongings and proceeded to lead them to a structure reminiscent to a docking bay. In the bay was a band of around a dozen Gungs, most being male. All carried strap-on weapons, and each mounted a kaadu, an amphibian pack animal.
At the head of the group was Abso Bar Binks, and a rather old yet similar-formed Gungan, both with cheesy grins plastered on their faces.
"Hallo, Princess Organi! Dis mesa fadda, Jar Jar Binks, Daddy, dis Princess Organi and her'sa Rebel friends."
Jar Jar stepped forward clumsily and grasped Leia's hand to swing it vigorously back and forth, like a handshake. The others stifled laughter, while Leia was somewhat affronted, but shook back politely.
"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Binks. Your son has been very helpful, and your people very hospitable. We appreciate all they are doing."
Jar Jar looked close to tears, which surprised her. "Oh, me'sa heart's tumpin wit joy! I'sa usen to know yousa fadda! Oh, I'sa bein' moi moi happy to be meetin' yous. Oh, and hallo dere! Who'sa are yousa?"
Jar Jar shifted hands with Han, Luke and Chewbacca quite ecstatically. This Gungan had known her father? She resolved to find out more. Yet the million questions running rapid through her mind like a river were dammed up by the need for decorum.
"This is General Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon, a very fast ship, but yet it made a crash landing on us."
Han eyed her menacingly. "Well, Princess, it's the fastest ship in the galaxy, and made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs!"
Disregarding Han's extraneous remarks, she pointed to her brother. "And this is Commander Luke Skywalker. Now, this is Chewbacca, co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon." She opted not to mention her relation to Luke; it was not a welcome subject up for questioning.
The older Gungan's eyes bulged in awe as he stared at Luke. "Yousa DAT BOY? Oh, I'sa knowin' yous daddy too! Ani Skywalker, yousa lookin jus' likey him!"
Now Jar Jar was finally reduced to tears. While he calmed down, Han mumbled half-joking and half-hopeful, "I wonder if he knows my father too..."
Taking advantage of Jar Jar's temporary silence, Lana So spoke. "We'sa havin' no time for chit-chat. We'sa are da Gungan Freedom Fighters. We'sa gonna be accompanin' yous to da Capital City. It'sa time to get goin', best time ta be goin' is at night. Less patrols, less trouble-o. We'sa be taking da back routes. Usin' dose breaders ta be swimmin to da surface, den rest is easy. Unless we'sa getting caught by da patrols - yous usin' dese."
She pointed to their blasters and the electro-rods that hung from the kaadus. Leia nodded.
"We understand. Let's get going before dawn breaks."
After those months on Hoth, they were used to mounting Taun tauns, similar in form to kaadus. To their surprise, old Jar Jar Binks clambered onto one of the free pack animals. Boss Tarpals came to bid them farewell, and forewarned Jar Jar not to be clumsy before they departed.
The night was chilly and all was silent. Their surroundings hid them from any foreign presence and a cool breeze sauntered through the trees. They, the Rebels and Gungans, had been twisting and turning through the foreign paths covered in wood for around five standard hours, according to Leia's wrist chrono.
Innumerably cold and bored, she sifted through the group toward Jar Jar Binks, who looked ready to fall asleep. So as not to startle him she tapped his shoulder lightly before whispering, "Hello, sir. I seem to recognize your son now. He was a little bit familiar and I believe he was my decoy on the Tantive V four years ago. You must be very proud of your son, he was very brave to face Vader." Why did she say that?
