A/N: Hey everyone, I've been out for awhile (2 years, oops) but I'm back with a new story and a new name, CloakedStoryteller. My old one was CloakedDragonWing3721. I'm also CloakedStoryteller on Tumblr and AO3, if you want to check me out there!
Note: Padme was "Princess of Theed" at 13, and I'm relegating that title as part of the City Council, not as the governor position of Theed.
Luke smoothed his robes in a nervous fashion. The swirling purples with embroidered traditional Nabooian symbols glittered up at him as he took quick, short breaths. Governor Luke Naberrie was the youngest on the Royal Advisory Council of Naboo, and while this meeting was not his first by far, it could prove to be the most important of his (possibly very short) political career.
There'd been whispers. Disturbing rumors. Side eyes from imperial officers, aides whispering in his ears and the ears of the other Royal Advisors that another squadron of stormtroopers had arrived, that Lord Vader's flagship, the Executor, was making a stop at Naboo and would be there in five standard weeks. That was three standard weeks ago. Imperial presence in Naboo building, coalescing, until Luke was sure something was terribly wrong.
When this emergency meeting had been called, Luke had known that everything was coming to a head after weeks of agonizing waiting. Luke stood as a man in the uniform of a Royal Guard of Naboo entered, following him with an aide or two following Luke in turn. The royal guard lead their small entourage to familiar tall double doors, which swept open to reveal the Council room, grand and opulent as every part of Naboo was.
Luke noted with relief, looking around the gleaming room, that only four of the six council seats were filled, and the queen was not there yet. Luke took his seat at the Queen's right hand and sat back to observe the other councilors.
Naboo contained five major cities, and each city had a governor. These governors didn't actually govern their city anymore, that was the City Council's job, and the name was a holdover of the past. Each governor acted as a representative of their city and the surrounding suburb's interest to the Queen. The sixth counselor's seat was new, and had changed the council's name from "The Council of Governors" to, "The Royal Advisory Council of Naboo," which was longer but resulted in a more representative group. The sixth seat was the Gungan representative, who did not actually have the power to exercise any of the council's few real powers, but could serve the council's primary function: to advise the Queen. The Gungan representative was a legacy of Queen Amidala, and as such was honored and remained a symbol of the Nabooian-Gungan peace.
Each governor brought a unique perspective to the Council, and were canny politicians with long histories of service to Naboo. Luke Naberrie, alone, was the youngest Councilor by twenty years, at the record-shattering age of nineteen, and he had been serving on the Council since he reached his age of majority at eighteen and became eligible to run for Governor. Previously, the youngest Governor had been thirty-five, and that had been considered a scandal. Even though the Queens were all young, the current one being sixteen, the Councilors were expected to be older, to provide a balance for the Queen's youth.
The people of Theed, Naboo's capital city, hadn't much cared about Luke's age when they elected him Governor of Theed in a landslide victory over the Imperial suck-up that had previously been in office.
Luke's head snapped up when the last Governor entered the room. Governor Colejoh Peladc was the radical representative of Flelshire. Peladc was middle-aged and had the look of a once-fit man who had been frustrated by stress and politics. His hair was thinning and brown, and he typically preferred the sturdy jackets and practical pants and long sleeves of his city, making Peladc an oddity in the Royal Court.
He had only been Governor for five years, one term, longer than Luke, and he had barely scraped the votes together to be reelected, which was not a good sign, seeing as it was extremely difficult to beat an incumbent. Luke should know, he did it. Peladc was unpopular because while at first it seemed as though he would bring a stronger voice for Flelshire than his retired predecessor, his voice ended up being too radical. Peladc was thoroughly disillusioned with the Nabooian government and its Queens. He felt that Flelshire, as the manufacturing center of Naboo, was pushed aside too often and took the Libertarian view that Flelshire should have little to no government regulation, sometimes even seditiously commenting on his inclination towards seceding from Naboo.
Fortunately, very few other than his core supporters in his city agreed with Peladc's politics, and it was an open secret that Peladc wasn't going to pull off getting reelected once more.
Luke's attention was drawn by Governors Clamil Mernic and Noeaniy Eddichi, the male governor of Odongow and the female governor of Rarc. There isn't much to say about those two, other than their Imperial leanings. Mernic and Eddichi both hated Luke for ousting his Imperial predecessor and tilting the Council's balance in favor of Nabooian sovereignty over Imperial nationalism. Mernic was a tall, thin man with steel-gray hair pulled severely into a ponytail at the nape of his neck and clothes that leaned more towards Imperial hard lines instead of Nabooian high fashion. Eddichi wore her hair in elaborate braids that Luke strongly suspected were wigs. Her hair was a stately auburn and she wore dresses that more closely resembled Nabooian fashion than Mernic, although it was common to see hints of the Imperial cog within the complicated patterns of her dresses.
Gungan representative Tass Wum was politely conversing with Governor Ceba Thestoto. Wum was the grand-nephew of the Gungan Boss, and Thestoto represented Velbridge, known for its fertile land and farming. Thestoto was dark skinned, her family having been immigrants from another Mid-Rim planet. She usually wore her hair naturally, unlike Eddichi and the Queen, which paired alongside her elegant and natural-colored clothing, leant her a thoughtful and calm presence. Since the Empire, the Gungan representatives had become more reticent and careful, which was likely a product of Imperial prejudice against nonhumans. Wum was no different. Thestoto always sought to strike a careful balance between Imperial and Nabooian interests, working to not offend either party, which resulted in her usually becoming the swing opinion in the Council.
Luke ran his hand through his straight blonde hair, then stood as the Queen entered the room. Queen Dalné was dressed in a somber black gown, embellished with dark blue gems. The Queen nodded her head at the murmured "Your Majesty" each councilor gave as she passed. Her handmaidens, garbed in flowing dark blue robes, filed in after her, sitting around the outside edge of the room. Queen Dalné sat at her throne and upon the councilors seating themselves, addressed them. "We are here today to discuss how Naboo and Empire are to interact from now on."
A pit of dread formed in the bottom of Luke's stomach. This could not be good. Casting a glance around the room, Luke noted the worry in Wun's amphibian eyes, the careful serenity of Thestoto, Peladc's angry brows, and the vicious and smug expressions worn by Mernic and Eddichi.
Luke's attention was drawn back to the Queen with her next statement. "Emperor Palpatine has become concerned with the government of Naboo when Rebels were found on his very own homeworld. He has discussed his intent of transferring governance of Naboo to Moff Panaka to prevent more Rebel movements."
There was an immediate uproar in the throne room. Peladc had noticeably ended up on his feet, bellowing protests. Wun's worry had turned to resignation, and the Imperial Governors smiled with triumph. It was only upon meeting Thestoto's concerned eyes did Luke realize that he was standing alongside Peladc, though he remained silent.
Coming to his senses, Luke attempted to regain order in the room. "Governor Peladc, please, let us sit. This is a council, and as the Queen has already stated, we are here to discuss this, not lose our heads!" Meeting Peladc's glare head on, Luke held it until his fellow Councilor retook his seat, then Luke sunk back to his own chair with as much grace as he could muster.
"Thank you, Governor Naberrie," Queen Dalné began speaking once more. "I am telling the Royal Advisory Council as a courtesy, but there is nothing this council can do to sway my decision."
Luke's mind raced. Nothing they could do? He had been elected by the people of Theed to stand against the imperials on the council, and no doubt the breaking of the grip the imperial majority had on the council and the queen was one of the reasons why the Emperor was seeking to renew his hold on Naboo. It was Luke's fault.
Luke felt his panic rise as the bickering started, Peladc sniping at Mernic while Eddichi stared Thestoto down. What could he do? He had limited powers as Governor, only the power to vote against economic mandates created by the Queen, which could only be overturned with a unanimous vote. He could also…
Governors could call a vote of No Confidence. Difficult to pass, even though it was only a simple majority, but there was a mandatory ten days that had to pass between when the vote was called and when the vote took place, to allow time to think and debate. Ten days was not a lot, but if nothing was done, Moff Panaka would be taking power in days. Any delay, any way to slow down the occupation of Luke's home, was worth pursuing.
Luke looked around and saw the aides in the room gathering materials, preparing to leave in a few minutes, and he felt a new resolve dawn. If he didn't act now, it would be too late. The imperial staff had already begun arriving, he just didn't know why they were in Naboo. There might never be another option to delay the power being given to the Moff.
Standing up, Luke made eye contact with a few of the governors. "I-I-"
The Queen seemed to realize that Luke was going to say something she wouldn't like. "Governor Naberrie, this movement isn't open to discussion, I will be handing power over to Moff Panaka tomorrow-"
Luke's resolve hardened into iron-hard will. "I move for a vote of no confidence."
Jaws dropped. Thestoto regarded him with horror. What Luke had done hit him in the stomach like a punch. The queen stared at Luke with a look of something like betrayal, which made her, for the first time in the year Luke had been working with her, like the young girl she was. Queen Dalné rose, only the shaking of her hands giving away her surprise. "Governor Naberrie, what is the meaning of this?"
Luke took a deep breath. "Exactly what I said, your highness. I call for a vote of no confidence. This move to give control of the Nabooian government is a betrayal of Naboo's constitution and its people. My constituents would never support handing over control of our planet to a Moff, and so it is my duty to oppose this transfer of power in any way I can."
Eddichi looked sharply at Luke, as if he were an unruly and irritating child, and scolded, "The vote of no confidence is a move to be used only in dire cases, against threats that would destroy Naboo. To use the vote for a mere political gambit-"
"This is a threat that could destroy Naboo! The Empire plans to dissolve Naboo's statehood and sovereignty, which would remove our peoples' say in their government!" Luke bit back. "Our monarch's sacred role is to preserve the independence and democracy of Naboo! Furthermore, our own Emperor Palpatine, who was born and made Senator of Naboo, used a vote of no confidence to become Chancellor of the Republic!"
Mernic's face was pale, with red spots high on his cheeks. "How dare you-"
"What?" Luke snapped back, a wild smirk on his face, "use the precedent set by Queen Amidala and Emperor Palpatine themselves to challenge rulers for the sake of Naboo's sovereignty to keep our beloved government from being dissolved?"
"Enough," the Queen cut in, "if Governor Skywalker moves for a vote of no confidence, we are obligated to take the vote. We must first set a date-"
Peladc interrupted, "my Queen, we may as well vote now." The Governors, Luke included, stared at him in askance. No preparation for the vote? No debates, no backroom wheeling and dealing? The future of Naboo might be decided in mere minutes.
"What-"
"My dear Governor Mernic," Peladc cut Mernic off with a smarmy smile, "don't you want to put this ridiculous vote to a fast end? Surely delaying will not change anything?"
The atmosphere in the room ground to a halt. No one had paused to think about how anyone else would vote. Luke's heart sunk at the thought that Peladc, the only other Governor whose vote Luke had thought had a good chance of lying with him, all but declared he would vote with Mernic. Did he hate Naboo so much? He was a revolutionary, a secessionist, and Naboo's government had refused to hear him for so long that it was no secret Peladc held contempt for the very organization he served within, but letting it be dissolved? In exchange for what, the Empire? Overseers who were further away?
Eddichi took the opening with the smile of the cat that had caught the canary. No doubt she was certain the vote would be quashed and the Empire's strength furthered with the failed vote.
No doubt, Luke thought to himself, she was right.
"I second that we vote immediately."
Luke stayed quiet as the Queen read the room, looking more in control of herself. For a moment, she had been afraid that she would end her reign early and in disgrace, but since Peladc's declaration, she seemed to have settled. There was no question of Mernic and Eddichi's support to keep the Queen in place, in order to keep the move to the Empire's power running smoothly, and now that Peladc had joined them, a conclusive majority was assured. "Very well. According to Governors Peladc and Eddichi's requests, we shall have the vote now."
Luke exchanged desperate glances with Representative Wum, but there was nothing either of them could do against the Empire that would dissolve the Nabooian government Luke so loved and would bring the xenophobia that Wum's people had been subject to for so very long, and had only recently gotten out from under.
Everyone unconsciously resettled themselves as an aide prepared to formally record the vote. When the aide nodded to the Queen that they were ready, Queen Dalné took a breath and looked at Eddichi. "Governor Eddichi, how do you vote?"
"Nay." Came the triumphant answer.
Heartened, the Queen continued along the semicircle of chairs. "Governor Mernic, how do you vote."
"Nay." The word, so small, felt like a ringing hammer blow to Luke.
"Governor Peladc, how do you vote?" As the Queen asked, Luke felt a new depth of despair as the closest thing he had to an ally was about to vote against him. What could he do? Luke had exhausted all of his options. Taking a glance at Mernic and Eddichi, they looked smug, ready for one of their staunchest adversaries to vote alongside them and guarantee their victory.
Peladc looked around the room, basking in the attention for a moment, then, with a self-satisfied smile, answered.
"Yea."
A collective gasp of surprise. Mernic was pale, and Eddichi's rage was incandescent. What? Luke was confused, but as he observed Peladc's triumphant demeanor, he realized the genius of what he had done. Peladc had pushed the vote up to keep everyone confident, and furthermore, to keep bribery and threats out of the vote. No one had had the chance to consider their actions or back down. Now the vote became considerably less certain.
Shakily, the Queen asked, "Governor Naberrie, how do you vote?"
"Y-Yea."
That answer was expected, though Mernic threw Luke a look of toxic vitriol.
The Queen focused on Governor Thestoto. Thestoto looked ready to hyperventilate, realizing that she was the tie breaking vote. Thestoto had often served as a tiebreaker, as the only Governor that was too afraid to stand up to Mernic and Eddichi on important issues. Luke realized, with a sinking heart, that this vote could be considered an important issue.
Thestoto looked around the room worriedly, making eye contact and flinching from Mernic and Eddichi, then looking torn upon looking at Luke, who tried silently imploring her to vote in the interest of her people. Luke knew that Thestoto deeply loved her people, but was that enough to keep her strong against the unsaid threats of the Emperor's people?
The Queen gazed uncertainly at Thestoto. "Thestoto, how do you vote?"
"I-I-"
Thestoto scanned the room one more time, and this time her eyes settled on Representative Wum's almost broken hopelessness. He was rendered voiceless in this vote, watching as the planet's dominant government readied to hand his people over to the Empire as an afterthought. Luke saw a spark in Thestoto's eyes as she looked at Wum, who she had taken under her wing when he arrived on the council.
"Yea."
The room was plunged into stillness. It was broken by the aide that had recorded the vote. "This council has asserted no confidence in Queen Dalné. Queen Dalné is hereby removed from office and a vote will take place in one week's time to choose a Governor to assume the crown of Naboo."