*****
It's over. I can't believe it, but it's true. Naboo is ours once again. WE WON!!!!!!
I would be feeling totally awesome right now except that I still don't know if my family is okay. Casualty reports are starting to trickle in, but it will likely be awhile before there will be any news about people in the outlying areas. And Akaré is *really* outlying. There will be a celebration in a few days, and Chancellor Palpatine and several Jedi will be coming.
I'm so distracted and confused with worry about my family. I suppose I could go back and describe the battle minute by minute, but honestly, I just want to forget it. I have a feeling it will haunt my dreams for years to come. Right now, though, I am awake, and I don't want to think about the battle. I want to find out if my family is alright.
All I'll say for now is that we managed to do it. We fought to the best of our abilities, put all the months of training we've had to good use, and we succeeded. It was wonderful to see how we were able to work as a team, almost without thinking about it, just as we've been learning to do in past weeks. Our teamwork helped win the day–score one for the invisible handmaidens!!
So many amazing things happened to make it possible for us to win back our planet–the teamwork of the handmaidens (Go use!), the peace between the humans and Gungans, Padmé's tactical skills; but the funny thing is that the battle was really won by...Anakin! The ten-year-old former slave from Tatooine somehow ended up in a starfighter in space and took out the droid control ship. And he had never even flown in space before!! It's amazing, and also sobering, to realize that had he not been there, all might well have been lost, even if Padmé had managed to capture the Viceroy as she did, and the Gungans had been able to win their battle.
And of course, our success wasn't absolute. There were many losses. The Gungans fought a huge battle with the battle-droid armies out on the plains, and many of them died.
Many humans died, also, including Master Jinn. He was killed in a lightsaber duel with that hideous creature from Tatooine. He showed up here in the midst of the battle and the two Jedi fought him. Master Jinn was killed, and then Knight Kenobi killed the creature.
When I think about what all this has cost us...Master Jinn lost his life, Jedi Kenobi lost his Master, Anakin lost his savior, many, many Gungans and humans also lost their parents, children, brothers, sisters, and friends. The cost in sentient life is mind-boggling. And for once I won't apologize for being philosophical. If only we could have solved the dispute in the Senate. Chancellor Palpatine (yes, he won the election) claims that he will restore it to its former power and influence, but I agree with what Padmé said back on Coruscant–the Republic no longer functions. If we want peace, I fear we will have to fight for it ourselves, even as we already have.
I will be able to go home and visit (assuming my home and family are still there to visit) after the celebration and after all these dignitaries leave, but that won't be for at least three or four days. There is a memorial service for Master Jinn, the celebration parade, and a banquet in Chanc. Palpatine's honor to get through before my mind will be put at rest. If only someone would send word–then I could find out sooner. Of course, if it's bad news, then I don't know what I'll do.
Best not to think about it, I guess.
Have to go...time to do Padmé's hair. At least this particular outfit doesn't require one of those ridiculous headpieces.
*****
Reviews are welcome!! :)