(A/N: I posted some of the pictures to Tumblr from later in the chapter for those who are interested. Thanks to everyone who has read and/or left a review on the last few chapters. Enjoy Naboo.)
Bump Bump Bump Bump…
Outside the little window it's primarily red, with a small portion of black at the top.
We came into the system using civilian transport, but Ahsoka apparently knows somebody on Naboo that has a hanger, so we grabbed a private transport to get on the planet.
I yawn and try to stretch.
I fell asleep on the way.
I couldn't sleep last night because…
Well, because the girl sitting next to me wasn't next to me.
I didn't even think of it until it was late, and she'd already grabbed her stuff and left since I got cleared and was fine.
Funny how stuff just accumulates.
But I just couldn't sleep. I just tossed and turned and rolled over.
Sabine's looking at me.
I glance up, feeling her eyes on me.
She smiled at me, then looked back up front.
I look away, to my outfit.
Yesterday as a treat, Sabine was put in charge of picking out some clothes for me for today.
Ahsoka specifically told us to wear dark colors today.
Not to mention I lost my new favorite outfit, the black jacket and darker pants.
Hera came with us, more to ensure our safety than anything. Even though she said that she thought she could help me pick out new clothes.
She wanted to make me look good.
We ended up getting a bunch of stuff.
Three jackets, two black, the other a dark brown.
Four shirts. Black, dark grey, blue and white.
Then a ton of pants.
Black, brown, blue, grey, all sorts.
On the way back I mentioned to Sabine that I wanted to put a pauldron like Rex's on the shoulder, which led to us.
In my room.
Around the holo.
I was convinced that she was going to sleep in there again.
She hadn't moved her stuff.
She brought up this outfit designer program from somewhere, and played with all sorts of combonations.
We ended up opting for a blue pauldron on my shoulder as an homage to Rex, Echo and all of their squad.
And it actually looked really good.
I'm keeping my knee guards and slingshot as an emergency measure.
Then Sabine jokingly asked if I'd be okay without her for a night.
I said yeah, and then she was gathering her stuff to go.
The only bad part was…that I could still smell her on my sheets.
And sleep was impossible.
I don't know how I ended up falling asleep, but it took awhile.
A hissing sound below us brings me back to reality.
Oh yeah.
We're landing.
The entire ship shakes as we touch down.
Ahsoka steps back into the cabin as I let Sabine go first.
She smiled at me, then I stand to move out of the craft.
When I get out, I see a dressed up woman hugging Ahsoka.
"It's so good to see you. Thank the spirits you're alright."
"Thank you Dormé. How is the Empire treating you all?" Ahsoka asked.
Dormé frowned. "We manage like we always do. The Queen, as I'm sure you've heard is a puppet to the Regional Governor."
Ahsoka nodded.
"Let me introduce who I dragged along with me." Ahsoka smiled. "This is Sabine Wren, and Ezra Bridger."
"Welcome to Naboo. It's an honor." Dormé bowed her head.
I nervously copy her.
"Thank you." Sabine said.
"So the Empire controls things here?" Ahsoka asked.
"Yes. Because of the plasma. Palpatine's influence keeps them from destroying the planet, so they are forced to limit how much they can get. But it makes a difference."
I nod, and glance around as they keep talking.
This hanger is massive, with a polished stone floor and yellow Starfighters rising on either side.
Impressive place.
I…
Huh?
I'm looking back at Ahsoka and her friend…but...
There's another man next to her.
There's a haze around him. And nobody's acknowledging him.
This is weird.
Before I can speak up, the…man brought his hands to his lips to silence me.
…
Okay?
He's wearing a long, light brown robe and has long brown hair and a beard.
What's going on?
I keep one eye on him as Ahsoka and whatever her name is keep talking.
"Why a different hangar when we're leaving?" Ahsoka asked.
"There's a VIP coming in shortly. I slipped you all in beforehand, and the Queen allowed it because she owed me a favor."
"Ahh. Well you know…" Ahsoka trailed off, with a look in her eye.
"I'll stay where I am for now. It's where I belong."
"Fair enough. You know how to get ahold of me if you change your mind."
The lady smiled, and the man beside her bowed his head.
I bow, more out of habit than anything.
"The door that'll take you into the city proper is right off the first hallway. I can't go any further with you."
"That's fine. I know where to go." Ahsoka reassured her.
We start walking to the door, and the…man, ghost, whatever he is placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled.
Then he just disappeared.
What?
…
I don't even know what just happened.
Ahsoka led us out the door, and immediately we're met with the sight of what could be the prettiest city in the galaxy.
"Whoa…" Sabine said.
"Wow." I speak up.
"Welcome to Theed. Capitol of Naboo." Ahsoka smiled, walking ahead of us.
Wow.
The buildings look like they're made out of stone instead of Durasteel, and there's plants growing everywhere I look.
"I don't think I've ever seen anything like this place before." Sabine said.
"It's the prettiest planet in the galaxy if you ask me. But I'm biased." Ahsoka answered.
"Why are you biased?" I ask.
Ahsoka's smile melted away, and she bit her lip.
"Well, have either of you heard of Padmé Amidala?"
The Queen and Senator.
From Naboo.
"Yeah. Senator Organa mentioned her when listing off his daughter's resume." Sabine said.
"And she used to be Queen here. And a senator." I add.
Ahsoka smiled.
"How'd you know that?" Sabine turned to me.
"I looked into the Clone Wars. Her name, a guy named Kenobi and Ahsoka's old Master's names are all over it."
Ahsoka thinly smiled.
"We had some fun. It was entertaining."
We turn onto a larger street, and see more of the city.
Still gorgeous.
Beside me, Sabine slightly frowned.
"I guess they can't leave perfect alone, can they?"
Way off in the distance…is a Star Destroyer.
"Nope. I assume that's to monitor the plasma production." Ahsoka said.
Talk about ugly.
It's like a bruise on this gorgeous place. At least it's outside the city, but still.
It isn't green, and it doesn't belong here.
"Anyway, Ezra you are right. Padmé Amidala was Queen of Naboo about 20 years ago, and led them thru the first invasion from a foreign power in a century. Later she went on to become Senator. Would either of you like to guess why I bring that up?"
I shake my head.
No idea.
"Well, today is Empire Day to the rest of the galaxy." Ahsoka said.
Wait, really?
It's my birthday.
"Hey." Sabine turned and smiled at me.
Ahsoka frowned at her.
"Well, over here. On Naboo. It's Padmé Amidala Remembrance Day." Ahsoka said, sounding perturbed.
Oh.
"She passed?" I ask.
"Unfortunately."
"Did you know her?" Sabine asked.
"Yeah, a bit. She was one of my master's few friends outside the Jedi Order. He never told me, and I never asked. But they were close."
"What was she like?" I ask curiously.
She's all over the Clone Wars stuff that I've read, fought off an invasion, and knew Ahsoka and her master.
She is important.
"Well, that's kind of why I brought you here. I think you two should know a little of what it was like before the Empire. You'll know what you're fighting for."
Makes sense.
And it's basically what she said back when we were with Rex after we got back.
Ahsoka pointed off to the right, at an unassuming building.
"Amidala, Queen of the Naboo People Museum."
We're going to…a museum?
Aww man.
"How is a museum going to show us what we're fighting for?" Sabine turned to Ahsoka and asked.
Ahsoka frowned.
"You'll see." She said, leaving no room to argue.
I don't think she liked Sabine looking to me when she said it's Empire Day.
Oh well.
It's kind of my fault.
I forgot my own birthday.
Ahsoka leads us inside, and a man just inside waved us inside.
There seems to be areas split off from one another.
'Trade Crisis'
'Early Life'
'Relations With The Jedi'
And others.
Wordlessly, Ahsoka walked off.
Leaving Sabine and I just standing in the archway past the entrance.
Well.
Might start at the start.
I walk over to the area marked 'Early Life'
"Padme Amidala, born in 3607 to workers in the Refugee Relief and Reform Movement was raised to believe in the greater good and in people's ability to do good and right by each other. She quickly realized an aptitude in politics and rose to join the Apprentice Legislature by her 11th birthday. By age 13, she was recognized as the 'Princess of Theed', equal to Minister today. She was extremely popular by all Naboo and rose to the throne when Ars Veruna, King of the Naboo was embroiled in a corruption scandal relating to off world affairs and forced to abdicate the throne by Amidala's strong leadership."
Above us is a picture on the Holotemrinal of a young woman, in all red with stark white makeup and designs on her face.
Looks royal all right.
Wow.
She did everything right.
Corrupt King? Bye, I'm in charge now.
She couldn't have been old.
Next to me, Sabine stopped reading.
We walk over to the next area, labeled 'Invasion of Naboo'
"Rising to the throne at the age of 14, yet not the youngest Queen in Naboo history, Amidala was immediately tested. The Trade Federation, a galactic corporation in existence for hundreds of years acted aggressively by moving to tax major trade routes. Queen Amidala protest formally, appealing to the Galactic Senate. The body, mired in corruption and led by Chancellor Valorum did not act, allowing the Trade Federation to blockade the planet.
However, with the assistance of two Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Amidala escaped the blockade and flew to Coruscant to personally appeal to the Senate. Her pleas fell on deaf ears. In response, Senator Palpatine of Naboo persuaded her to motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Chancellor. This action paved the way for emergency relief to be allocated for the Naboo.
Boosted by the action in the Senate and with the news that Senator Palpatine had been elected as the new Supreme Chancellor, Amidala returned to Naboo with the intention of retaking the planet. Using a two pronged attack of a space battle to deactivate the Trade Federation's droid army and an assault on the Royal Palace on Theed, Amidala gathered together the scattered Naboo defense and freed the planet."
This time on the Holoterminal is a picture of Amidala in a white dress holding up a glowing sphere with…a species I don't recognize.
Everyone looks very happy though.
"Wow." Sabine said quietly.
I follow her over to the section titled 'Escalation of Tensions and the Start of the Clone Wars'.
And before I begin reading, I look at the Holoterminal.
It's a picture of three people. The woman on the left is Amidala I'm assuming.
The other two have lightsabers. Green and blue.
It looks like a desert planet.
Red dirt and red background.
Amidala has three massive scratches on her back.
"After her early years in the Senate preventing aggressive actions against the growing Separatist threat in the shape of a standing army, it was the actions of a Jedi that plunged the galaxy into three long, bloody years of conflict.
Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi journeyed to the planet Geonosis on orders unknown and was captured by Separatist forces on the planet. Before his capture, Kenobi sent a distress call to his fellow Jedi on Imperial City. That message was intercepted by his Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker. Skywalker was on Naboo, overseeing now Senator Amidala's protection following a string of assassination attempts. Amidala convinced Skywalker to risk everything and venture out to the planet in an effort to save the Jedi Master. Despite their best efforts, the droid forces on the planet overwhelmed them and they joined Kenobi, sentenced to death.
However, before the Geonosians and Separatsts could carry out their executions, the Jedi Council brought over 200 hundred Jedi warriors and 50,000 troops of a new clone army that had been secretly commissioned by the Jedi Order years before and ended the executions.
The battle moved to the Geonosian Plains, where the Republic forces and Jedi won a decisive victory. But at a heavy cost: Galactic peace that had last for a millennia."
I look back up to the picture.
Okay, so the one on the right must be Kenobi.
He's older, is heavier and looks stronger.
Skywalker must be in the middle with the green lightsaber and dark brown clothes.
"Skywalker. That's Ahsoka's master right?" Sabine quietly asked me.
I nod, and led her over to the next panel.
'Conclusion of the Clone Wars and Demise of a Queen'
Oh no.
The picture is of Amidala, Kenobi and Skywalker, years after the Battle of Geonosis.
Clearly a professional photo, but it's interesting.
Skywalker is HUGE.
I don't think you could pay me to duel him.
"After three long, bloody years of conflict that had touched every corner of the galaxy, the Separatist forces, near defeat made a last gasp attempt to win the conflict by capturing Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. In an assault on Imperial City led by General Grievous, they successfully breached the hastily constructed defenses and abducted the Supreme Chancellor. However, due to the efforts of the Imperial Navy, the General's ship was halted before it could escape the system.
There, Jedi Masters Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi made a heroic rescue attempt, forcing the General to flee and rescuing the Chancellor before the ship, The Invisible Hand crashed back to the surface of Imperial City.
Shortly after, the Jedi attempted a coup of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in an effort to seize power and join the Separatists. The attempts on the Chancellor's life were stopped by the lives of several Imperial Guards and clone troops. In response, the Supreme Chancellor declared all Jedi to be enemies of the newly formed Empire and moved to secure the peace and prosperity of the Jedi and ending the Separatist threat.
Tragically, in the aftermath of the attempted takeover of the Jedi and hunt for traitors, it was discovered that Senator Amidala was killed by a group of Jedi for reasons unknown. According to a report published by the Imperial Senate a year after her murder, it is suspected that she stood up to Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker, who was a ringleader of the Jedi plot to wrangle power from the people's representative, Palpatine and Amidala paid for the bravery with her life. The circumstances around her death, due to Naboo custom, remain a mystery."
…
…
Numbly, I look over to Sabine.
What?
…
That's impossible.
The weird thing is, most of that matches up to what I saw online. This is a more pro-Jedi version of the Clone Wars, but…
There's no way he murdered Senator Amidala.
Sabine subtly elbowed me and pointed to an area closer to the door.
'Relations with Skywalker'
Oh boy.
Ahsoka's standing at the display, looking pensive.
We walk over, and stand next to her.
"Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker first met in 3631 after the numerous assassination attempts on Amidala's life. Supreme Chancellor deemed that Amidala deemed Jedi protection, and the Jedi Council assigned then Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker to oversee her protection.
In the coming years, Amidala and Skywalker would become close personal friends as well as prominent figures in the Clone Wars. The two were occasionally spotted in Coruscant eating establishments, and rumors of their romantic involvement were widespread despite the Jedi's opposition to its members being romantically involved, believing their duty was greater than a lifelong vow to one person.
Despite the Jedi's rule, Skywalker and Amidala were close on a intimately personal level. After Amidala's murder, several personal mementos from Skywalker, and it appears that Skywalker kept at least a temporary residence at Amidala's personal apartment."
When I finish reading, I look up to see Ahsoka scrolling thru pictures.
I didn't know there was more than one.
There's one of Skywalker and Amidala, him standing behind her. Both smiling.
Then Ahsoka scrolls to one of Amidala holding Anakin from behind.
Lastly, there's one of them, on what looks like the Geonosis planet, looking into the distance.
…
Ahsoka turned to Sabine and I.
"You two done?"
I nod.
I could spend all day in here, trying to figure out which end is up, but I don't know if that would help.
She led Sabine and I out into the street and towards a bridge.
"The last part. About the end of the war. That's not true."
That makes more sense.
"That did seem sudden." Sabine said, sounding cautious.
"The Empire has to spin the end of the war a certain way. Truthfully, nbody really knows what happened. The aftermath is clear though."
"She had an amazing impact." I say.
Ahsoka smiled.
"Look around. Today is the 16th anniversary of her death."
I look around…and see it.
Everybody's wearing dark colors.
Like it's…a funeral.
And it's quiet.
Solemn.
I look to Ahsoka, and she nodded.
"Don't get me wrong. She deserves that museum, and all this honor, but she is the tragic story. The martyr that the Empire pushes to distract from the real story."
"Which is?" Sabine asked.
…
"I can't tell you."
"What?" Sabine and I both say loudly.
Causing everyone to turn and look at us.
"Sorry." I quickly apologize to the people closest to us.
In response, I get a glare and a shake of the head as they look away.
Oops.
Ahsoka is biting her lip.
"I cannot tell you. If you are captured…they'll kill you for knowing."
"Who is they?" I ask.
"The Empire's leadership." Ahsoka said, then stopping suddenly.
Clip Clop.
Clip Clop.
Clip Clop.
Huh?
Ahsoka quickly stops as everyone around us does the same, and looks to the deserted road.
We're just walking on the sidewalk.
Clip Clop.
Clip Clop.
It's a carriage. Pulled by…something.
"Oh, look…gualaar." I hear somebody say.
Clip Clip.
…
Oh.
It's a carriage.
Followed by a casket.
Clip Clop.
Clip Cop.
Oh man.
Clip Clop.
Clip Clop.
It is completely silent.
Clip Clop.
Clip Clop.
Everybody stands and watches respectfully as the carriage slowly makes its way past us, and up towards a white building in the distance.
A minute or two after the carriage passes us, the crowd begins to walk again, but thin out.
"Let me tell you what kind of a person Padmé was." Ahsoka began. "She never mentioned anything about being the former Queen of Naboo. She was very humble. Very kind. When I first was Anakin's Padawan, she met me with open arms and did everything she could for me.
She trusted me with her safety, her thoughts and her beliefs.
When…"
She suddenly stopped and took a shaky breath while leading us away from the larger crowd and up to the white building.
"About eight months before the conclusion to the war, my master and I were called back to Coruscant to investigate a bombing at the Jedi Temple. We discovered that it was a rogue bomber, just some guy off the street, but when we did more digging, the signs pointed to the true mastermind behind the conflict being me."
WHAT?
"That's—" I begin hastily.
"Impossible. I know." Ahsoka replied, then paused.
"The Jedi Council immediately took my Padawan braid, banished me from the Order and turned me over to the courts. I expected to be convicted guilty, even though I didn't do it. I tried to find evidence of my innocence, but failed."
Ahsoka then took another shaky breath.
"To my complete surprise, waiting for me…was Padmé. She had an incredible defense prepped. Anakin must have told her every detail, because she had a bulletproof case for my immediate release and reinstatement into the Jedi Order."
…
"But Tarkin…wouldn't hear it. And neither would Palpatine. I was about to be convicted when Anakin busted in, having found the true culprit, who came in and spat garbage about how the Jedi orchestrated this entire war to gain power and orchestrate violence."
But she never went back to the Jedi…
"The Jedi offered me a spot back, but no real apology. One of the Masters essentially passed the blame onto "the will of the Force.", so I left. I couldn't believe in them, or in myself. I needed to find answers."
…
"I never should have left. If for no other reason than to save Padmé."
…
I look over to Sabine, speechless.
She looked back at me, looking shocked.
"I know that the Jedi were the "guardians of peace" and all, but whenever we do clean this mess up…it might not have been the worst thing in the world."
…
Huh.
I want to ask more about that Jedi, but I don't think that's a good idea.
We briefly stop at a flower stand, where Ahsoka buys a bouquet of white flowers, then we silently walk to the white building, which upon closer inspection has a dome on it.
And is REALLY white.
When we start up the steps, Ahsoka said "You guys don't have to come in."
No.
"I want to." Sabine says.
"Me too."
Ahsoka slightly smiled, then led us inside the stone building.
It's cold.
There's a small entry way, then a foyer with a blue stained glass painting of a brunette woman in a headdress leading to another room.
That's where she is.
Sabine and I sort of hang back as Ahsoka sort of floats into the other room.
After a minute or two, we walk in.
…
There's a stone…coffin I guess, with a symbol carved on top.
It's really pretty.
Just like this whole planet.
Sabine glances up in the doorway to see a pot of flowers about 8 feet up.
…
…
Ahsoka gently put the flowers under the carved symbol, then stepped back and bit her lip.
She's a mess.
I've never seen her anything close to being like this.
Gushh…Shhhh…
I freeze in disbelief.
Gushh…Shhhh…
Gushh…Shhhh…
I look over to Ahsoka, and she has a look of shock.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sabine move, and I glance back to see her pull her pistols out.
Oh man.
Not here…
Gushh…Shhhh…
But we've got to defend ourselves and her from that…
Monster.
Vader.
He's not getting the better of me twice in a row.
My powers have doubled since Ord Mantell.
I pull my lightsaber to me, but don't activate it.
Gushh…Shhhh…
Ahsoka activates hers right before he walks in.
Gushh…Shhhh…
"Leave. You are not welcome here." Ahsoka said firmly.
Gushh…Shhhh…
"I…not today." He said.
I guess it's a he?
Is Vader a guy?
I activate my lightsaber and take a half step in front of Sabine.
"No. I didn't give you a choice." Ahsoka replied strongly.
Gushh…Shhhh…
Vader slowly raised his hands into a clear non threatening position.
"I don't want to start trouble. Not here. Not today."
…
I'm not sure about this.
"You're why nobody was here. I thought that was weird." Ahsoka stated.
Vader…nodded?
"This is supposed to be a secret. My master believes me to be across the system in Chommell Minor."
Master?
Sabine raised her pistols higher, causing Vader to look away from Ahsoka and to us.
…
…
And then he looked away.
"Obi-Wan told you."
WHAT?!
That…
"You know he's alive?" Ahsoka gave no ground.
"I was there." Vader replied simply.
…
He had to be in the Jedi inner circle.
He knew Ahsoka, and Kenobi.
"Stop your line of thinking…young one." Vader says, in his deep voice.
Sabine turns to me.
I open my mouth, but no words come to me.
"So you'll do us no harm? And let us go?" Ahsoka asked, lightsabers still ignited.
"Yes. I'll inform my scouts that they saw nothing. You were never here, and neither was I."
He wants to keep this quiet.
Gushh…Shhhh…
Then Ahsoka deactivated her lightsaber.
…
Okay?
I nervously do the same.
I feel like I'm handing my life over to this guy.
Ahsoka started to the front entrance, then stopped right next to Vader.
Gushh…Shhhh…
He's got about 8 inches on her.
You can't notice anything about him physically.
He's completely in black, and it belies his size.
The guy is enormous.
6'7 at least.
Finally, Ahsoka looked away from Vader, and walked behind the stained glass.
I put my arms between him and Sabin as she followed, then walk behind her.
I feel Vader's eyes on us all the way out.
When I get outside, Ahsoka is looking around.
He said he had scouts in the area.
…
I don't see anyone.
And it's a pretty bare area.
Not many places to hide.
Ahsoka waved for us to follow, and before long, we're in the back of a ship.
Going home.