Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Disney, Lucasfilm, or Star Wars intellectual properties. This is simply for the enjoyment of a fan and is not for profit or distribution - only for other fans to hopefully enjoy as well.

Preface: This is a sister series to an upcoming story in development. With that out of the way, let me explain some back story of where this story begins. In terms of timeline, this takes place two years after the events of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker are less in consideration for their creative value in regards to this story as writing this story happened in December 2017. Potentially, characters or plots introduced in either film might be used within this story.

Naturally, I have to explain in the most Star Wars way possible:

A long time ago…

In a galaxy far, far away…

Star Wars

The Pilot and the Monarch

The Resistance is under siege. All resources, bases, and aid are being attacked across the galaxy. The planets affected are: DANTOOINE, NABOO, KASHYYYK, and YAVIN 4. With limited supplies and crew, GENERAL LEIA ORGANA attempts to help in every way the Resistance can.

REY, a padawan of MASTER LUKE SKYWALKER, foretells a Force Vision that she has had and knows of SNOKE'S plan to destroy the Resistance once and for all. Knowing more forces would be lost if they act hastily, Leia maintains the illusion of safety so Snoke doesn't know they have advantageous information.

With assets remaining intact as top priority, she sends her best people to the under siege planets in order to extract the supplies and supporters necessary to keep their Resistance afloat.

THE QUEEN OF NABOO is an open Resistance supporter and one of the few who can still provide invaluable resources to General Leia's cause.

Sending her two most trusted allies, Leia is confident that protecting the Queen will ensure resources are maintained and ties will not be cut…

ACT I

Chapter 1 - Theed

Poe Dameron felt as if he had been demoted.

It was his responsibility to do whatever General Leia asked him to do. However, it had been the first time that he was absent on the front lines of war when imminent danger had been on the horizon. He felt he could better serve the Resistance by fighting alongside them rather than being a royal escort. The mission wasn't beneath him, but knowing a storm was coming, he felt useless in the midst of it. A feeling he hadn't been well-equipped to deal with.

He felt that he belonged with his fellow pilots in attacking the First Order directly. If anything, Poe felt that he belonged in D'Qar within the control room in the thick of discussing tactical approaches to important Resistance missions. Instead, he was flying into another turned-war zone that held no personal significance to him. He understood Naboo was one of the planets that supplied most of the Resistance's artillery. Regardless, the pull to help his friends seemed more crucial to him.

It hadn't been the first time that duty overruled privy matters. Thinking about his friends - Rey & Finn in particular - he knew that they were more than capable of defending what they all knew to be right. His main concern had been of the General. Growing in age, he worried for her well-being and knew her health had taken a hit when Han Solo was murdered by their own son.

With gritted teeth, he thought it better not to think of the General's son as it was a main source of contention between him and everyone else. Despite Kylo Ren turning himself into the Resistance - with suspect intentions, no doubt - some insisted on keeping him around. Master Luke being the most determined of all of them, reasoned that there was still good in his nephew. Leia heartily agreed. Poe loved the General and knew her actions to be that of a caring mother. However, Kylo only served the First Order and Snoke.

After his run-in with Kylo Ren on Jakku, nothing would convince him any different.

Pulling him from his thoughts, his X-Wing started beeping to indicate his travels in hyperspace were swiftly coming to an end. Let's get this over with, Poe thought while pushing dials to stop lightspeed. His X-Wing halted abruptly as it looked upon the large green and blue planet of Naboo. With any luck, he would finish his mission sooner than a Hutt could send a bounty hunter to collect a debt.

Entering Naboo's atmosphere in a shield gate many miles away from the capital, a beeping noise sounded where a transmission was waiting for him to pick up. Pressing the button, white noise broke out from his small intercom as he then could hear a lieutenant's voice ring out.

"This is Naboo Shield Gate #525," the male lieutenant informed Poe, "Do you have clearance to enter through?"

"Passcode for entrance is: the Millaflower only grows in the spring," Poe answered back with the phrase the council gave both Luke and him for entrance, "That passcode should clear both my X-Wing and the transport ship behind me."

There was a pause as the white noise stopped. Poe looked down at the shield gate below to see the translucent, blue beam part in half, as it slowly disappeared into the circular entryway. "You are clear for entry," the lieutenant's voice said, "Long may she reign."

…

Star Destroyers ominously loomed above the planet's atmosphere while the First Order's various fighter ships threaded throughout the space, like bees swarming a hive. As they approached the capital of Theed, Poe let himself marvel at the view with its many high waterfalls and lush, green mountains. He himself had only done business on Naboo a handful of times but he had never had a reason to travel to Theed. The large, round buildings with soft green roofs complemented the natural scenery in the best possible way.

Breathing a sigh of frustration with himself, he forced the fears that he had for the Resistance to the back of his mind. His duty was to serve the Queen for the time-being. As a direct order from General Leia, he would do so with dignity. Remembering that his general was once a princess, he had to keep in mind that the royalty standing beside the Resistance were crucial to the cause. His representation of the Resistance was important to keep relations in their favor.

Landing on a hangar that was opposite of the Royal Palace, he turned some switches to power down his X-Wing. Opening the canopy, an assistant propped a ladder beside his X-Wing and held his hand out for payment. Searching his pockets, he found his personal information card and slid it against the assistant's credit reader on his lapel. "One hundred credits," Poe offered and thought about giving more to buy his silence. That was when Luke found his way beside him and waved a hand slowly in front of the assistant.

"You don't need to tell anyone that we're here," Luke said assuringly.

"I don't need to tell anyone that you're here," the assistant said with the same tone as Luke. Poe had experienced a Sith's mind trick first hand. Seeing Luke's Jedi mind trick seemed a lot more wholesome.

"You will keep the X-Wing covered and out of sight," Luke added and began to walk away knowing it would already be taken care of.

"I will keep the X-Wing covered and out of sight," the assistant murmured distantly and looked towards the X-Wing and Poe's droid with determination. T3-A7, an eclectically put together droid the Resistance lumped him together with, seemed alarmed at the attention and acted as if confused, beeping incessantly. Although BB-8 still belonged to him, his droid was currently on Kashyyyk with Finn and Chewbacca for their own mission on the Wookiee planet.

"Stay with the ship," Poe answered, "You see anything fishy, deal with it."

T3 gave an affirmative whistle and scooted backwards to stand beside the X-Wing as Poe had requested. The rhythmic clanking of metal sounded behind Luke with his two droids following behind, C-3PO being the more vocal of the two as they all walked towards the hangar entry.

"Oh, Master, it has been so long since I have stayed on Naboo," C-3PO exclaimed joyously, "If there is extra time for recreation, might I suggest Theed's Historical Museum of Artifacts. The people of Naboo have a rich background that goes back several millennia."

"Extra time for recreation," Luke repeated with a mutter as if the concept seemed foreign, then turned around to look at his droids, and nodded towards his transport ship, "I think it best that you two stay with the ship as well. If any trouble arises, call us on the comlink."

"We won't be gone for long," Poe assured but glanced at Luke with feigned interest, "That museum does sound interesting though."

"What? Without me?" C-3PO sputtered in offense. R2-D2 seemed to catch up on the jest, and made several high-pitched beeps with what Poe presumed to be laughter.

Ignoring the droid's protest, Luke and Poe continued in their stride, the clatter of C-3PO's footsteps no longer a background noise.

"Anything I need to know before we go in there?" Poe asked, following Luke's step outside the hangar bay, the sun immediately touching Poe's exposed skin. They stepped onto a tan, cobblestoned pier that rested beside the smooth, transcendent Solleu River, the tide immediately plummeting into a deafening waterfall. There was a scent about Naboo that was a mixture of fresh water on rocks and luscious foliage, making the air seem sweet and clean as it carried through on a gentle breeze.

Despite the tranquility of Theed, it only took Poe a glance upward to see the First Order battalion looming over their heads. Though it seemed that Naboo's residents didn't seem to pay heed to the foreboding presence, he supposed that they would have been going about their day, without feeling as if it was their last in wary hopelessness. They continued to greet each other warmly, they smiled when Luke and Poe passed their stores. However, their insincere high spirits weren't enough to keep the First Order at bay.

"This mission is intricate, to say the least," Luke began, walking towards the inner city regions, "With Naboo being one of the stronger Republic-occupied planets, it's one of the remaining threats to Snoke. Who Naboo's Sovereign is doesn't help his onslaught either."

"One of Mon Mothma's granddaughters, isn't she?" Poe inquired.

"Her youngest granddaughter, as a matter-of-fact," Luke relayed, "After Mon Mothma's son-in-law, Corthad Gelilli, discovered a planet on the outer rim, its sandy beaches made up entirely of gold minerals, he became the richest man in all the galaxy. Unfortunately for the First Order, Corthad's family has Resistance and Republic ties. All of his daughters, at one point or another, have served as ambassadors to the Republic, Mari being the most popular."

"And the First Order hasn't swooped down yet because…?"

"They underestimate who they are dealing with," Luke responded, putting his hood up so as not to draw attention to himself. Poe stealthily placed his blaster within his jacket to conceal the weapon, following Luke's example. The older man continued his briefing as they proceeded into the heart of Theed, which had been filled with people going about their business, "To the First Order, Mari is young and impressionable. Usable would be a better term. They are keeping their distance and toeing that line until she steps over it first. When she does, she's no longer an asset and can officially be listed as a threat. Instead of killing her, they want to persuade her to switch alliances. The First Order needs her on their side just as much as we do. They are, however, aware that she has been supplying all Resistance ships and weapons for the past two years. Even your X-Wing has her name on it. General Hux wishes for that kind of support from a well-known Sovereign."

"That would make sense as to why those Star Destroyers aren't firing right now," Poe mentioned while bumping into various people throughout the overcrowded alleyway.

"Scare tactic," Luke explained, "They were hoping Naboo's people would stage a coup out of fear for their lives. However, their loyalty to the Queen has no limits."

Poe surveyed the alleyway and saw that there were no signs of First Order supporters anywhere. Many propaganda murals were painted with the symbol of the Republic hanging proudly above the streets. They entered a large marketplace, surrounded by massive buildings. Hanging over the marketplace was a large portrait of who Poe presumed to be Queen with words underneath stating, "Long may she reign." Clad in headpiece, symbolic make-up, and the most elaborate red and black dress that Poe had ever seen, he tried to look beyond the white powder on her face and saw an intensity that she carried in her eyes.

"She has become a favorite among the people," Luke admired, seeing several holograms of her figure which people had used as an artful reminder of her watchful presence, "She got the vote not just because of who she is but because she loves the citizens of Naboo tremendously. Not a lot of rulers carry a one-two punch quite like she does."

One hologram at a bakery was playing live footage of what seemed to be the Queen's acceptance speech into the monarchy. Several people gathered around to watch, while reliving the moment when she declared servitude to the people of Naboo. "While pleased with the results of the latest election, I am also humbled with the faith that my citizen's have entrusted to me." The Queen's voice was young and shook with nerves as she addressed thousands in the front of the Royal Palace. The hologram continued, "From this point forward, the interest of the people will remain in my heart, with every decision I make for their benefit. Whether it be in my reign, or following in my duty as senator, I vow henceforth to serve the planet I love, for the rest of my life." The hologram showed a pleased smile on the young Queen's expression as unseen cheers rang out. The people surrounding the hologram seemed entranced, her message resonating as much as it did when she took the oath.

"How long does a queen carry out her term?" Poe inquired while following Luke through the capital streets.

"It depends on a few things: their popularity, whether their loyalties still remain with their realm, or if they retire from service," Luke answered, "Mari has already been Queen for almost seven years, beginning at age seventeen, with no signs of stopping. Last election was nearly unanimous. Judging by her continued support from the people, she still has a lengthy rule ahead of her. Probably one of the longest serving monarchs, next to my own mother."

Even Luke appeared enamored by the Queen's evident opposition against the First Order. Poe had to admit to himself that he too was impressed by her backbone, and the fact that she could encapsulate so much support from the people of Naboo.

Once out of the marketplace, Luke led the way through a garden square. Many of Theed's citizens sat on benches while others preferred the tranquility of reading underneath the shade of the many, remarkable trees, all adorned with lush green leaves. Children played harmoniously, chasing each other with clasped hands in front of them, their pretend blasters at the ready.

"For the Resistance!" One young boy shouted and chased the 'stormtroopers,' the children laughing hysterically from their make-believe game.

They reached the other side of the square, as Luke continued his pace throughout Theed, now crossing over a cobblestoned bridge. The older Jedi walked with familiarity, like he had been to Naboo numerous times in the past. Either it was because he had been to Theed before or the Force was leading the way, Poe couldn't say for sure and had learned it was best not to ask. With Luke, asking questions meant gaining a riddle for a response, and he wasn't in the mood to deal with such vagueness. He did, however, keep mental notes on which direction they came from so he could get to his X-Wing quickly if he was ever in a bind.

As Poe followed Luke onto the bridge, he could finally see the Royal Palace up close, away from the narrowness of Theed's alleyways. Theed's navigation of streets, gardens, and diverging rivers made him easily forget which direction that he was in. The bridge over the Solleu River offered clarity once more, but as soon as he felt confident in his location, he watched Luke turn left, the palace directly behind him.

Not questioning the General's brother, Poe took a deep breath and said nothing. As if Luke sensed his confusion, he turned back to look at the young pilot. "We have another entryway," Luke responded in order to reassure him.

They zigzagged through various alleyways again, still going the opposite direction of the palace. Suddenly, Luke stopped upon seeing a building with a red roof, its neighboring buildings all having green roofs instead. Poe looked at the wider road and saw that the historical Triumphal Arch - their large structure serving as an entrance into the Royal Plaza - stood exactly to their right. Luke again took Poe by surprise when he didn't step towards the arch and instead walked across the street towards the red roofed building.

The structure looked to have several boutiques on the main floor, all for women's clothing or jewelry. There was one more shop on the corner which had charming, red Millaflowers that drooped above the store's entryway.

"This is our stop," Luke said with a low voice and walked into what appeared to be a florist shoppe. Poe didn't protest. Despite not understanding Luke's navigational skills, Poe trusted that the Jedi Master was guiding him the right way.

Crossing into the entrance, Poe noticed countless floral arrangements, each color represented in remarkable fashion. Vines trailed up and down the naturally-lit space, and the smell was overwhelmingly fragrant.

"Welcome to our little flower shoppe," a Xoran woman called from the back of the store, poking her green face up from a counter. Her voice was uncommonly high-pitched for a species that was bigger-boned than most. Poe could tell that she took stock in her own appearance, each strand of teal hair curled, all six of her fingernails sparkled gold, with sharp-like claws. She gave them only half of her attention, still fidgeting with one stubborn yellow plant, a wide smile spreading across her features, "Can I interest you in the millaflower? They're wonderful this time of year!"

"That's why we're here!" Luke exclaimed, "I heard they only grow in the spring." Poe immediately recognized their code that let them pass the shield gate.

The Xoran ceased arranging the flowers on the far wall, then turned around to observe Luke and Poe more fully. "We have our best supply in the back," she informed them with a gesture to follow, and disappeared beyond the threshold used only for employees.

When reaching the back room, Poe watched the Xoran woman reach into her pant pocket and produce a holopad as she set it onto her private desk. Pressing a few buttons, they waited for a response, from whoever she was calling, as the holopad made several beeping noises.

A small projection displayed above the holopad to show a well-dressed Cathar male clasping his hands at the sight of the Xoran, seemingly alarmed, "Hanelle, darling, this is not a good time. I-"

"Senator Sudis," Hanelle interrupted, her cheeks turning a darker shade of green, "The Jedi is here! From the Resistance!"

Senator Sudis appeared bewildered, then tilted his head at her words, "Already? We called for their assistance only yesterday!"

"Shall I turn them away?" Hanelle questioned.

"No. The sooner, the better for our Queen," Sudis assured, "I will alert her secretary of their arrival. The Jedi. Is he with you now?"

Hanelle nodded and stepped out of the way so the holopad could pick up Luke's movements in order to project them to Sudis.

Sudis' jaw was agape at the sight of Master Luke Skywalker. "I will meet you at the tunnel door," Sudis stated, satisfied that Luke was the one who he had been waiting for. With that, the projection came to a close as Hanelle subsequently placed the small holopad back into her pocket. She then glanced towards them and pointed to a shelf in the corner.

"Secret tunnel to the palace," Hanelle revealed to them in a hushed tone, "Hurry now. The passcode is millaflower. Sudis is waiting for you."

Poe stepped towards the shelf. Upon closer examination, he could see a seven-foot tall crack along the edge with a near-hidden access code atop one of the shelf racks. Entering the passcode, Poe noticed Luke paying Hanelle some credits. Asking for discrepancy over a Jedi mind trick meant respect, Poe concluded. The door quickly slid open leading to a dark stairway. When Luke approached and saw the blackness of the tunnel entrance, he produced his lightsaber, ignited it, then proceeded down the steps. Giving a final nod of thanks to Hanelle, Poe followed Master Skywalker into the darkness.

…

Luke's lightsaber gave off a blue gleam in the musky, and cramped tunnel, the illuminated weapon humming quietly as they went. The ground had several large puddles of mossy, sitting water. The tunnel led in a straight line with no other halls or passageways, a design made specifically to get from one point to another. Poe could vaguely hear the sound of the Sellou River reverberating off the walls.

They both heard the sound of shuffling in the distance and paused. Waiting for a follow-up noise, Poe produced his blaster and set it to stun.

"Master Skywalker?" A voice whispered.

"Senator Sudis?" Luke questioned back. They walked closer to see the tunnel finally reach a dead end. Senator Sudis waited for them expectantly. His fur was a mixture of black, dark brown, and orange. His yellow eyes reflected off of Luke's lightsaber with a feline glow.

"I was not expecting you for another week!" Sudis said with pleasant surprise, "I assumed the Resistance had other priorities to attend to."

We do, Poe thought to himself but didn't voice his opinion out loud.

Luke seemed troubled with something that Sudis said. With brows furrowed, he peered at the senator skeptically before speaking. "There is something you aren't telling us. I can sense it."

Sudis stirred in his spot, shuffling from one foot to another. "It's bad, Master Skywalker," his low voice almost growled, "Naboo has...changed. It's something that can't be seen in the city of Theed unless you look hard enough. The First Order isn't just above us. They are among us!"

"What do you mean by that?" Poe asked as he stepped forward.

"You have to understand," Sudis started slowly, "When calling The Resistance, I had to act alone! I'm the only one…," he drew in a deep sigh and almost sounded ashamed, "Everyone else thinks you are here as extra security. They don't know that you're extracting the Queen to a safer location."

"You've gotta' be kiddin' me," Poe grumbled, putting a thumb and index finger to his sinuses, the new information giving him a headache, "Did we fly all the way from D'Qar for nothing?"

"Why the secrecy, Sudis?" Luke inquired with patience, unlike Poe who felt like flying back to the Resistance at first notice.

"Several days ago, I received a tip from a reliable source just before the First Order arrived," Sudis began to explain, "It was about the council. Without specific names, part of the council are devising a plan to surrender the Queen over to the First Order. I don't know who to trust. I don't know who truly has her best interest at heart."

"The First Order cannot have her," Luke worried out loud then looked to Poe with concern in his eyes, "She is much too valuable to the Resistance. Mari's mother and Leia would be heartbroken if she were captured."

"They won't get her," Poe assured, "We can leave as soon as possible."

"That's what I hoped you would say," Sudis praised then nodded towards the dead end, "Thank you, for coming to our aid. I'm sorry that there is so much confidentiality. But when the Queen's life is at stake…"

"We understand, Senator," Luke forgave.

Sudis then knocked on the wall three times, "There is one more thing that I must inform you about." The wall started separating to reveal it was a secret door instead; a Cathar female pushing it open, behind her a bright light. He continued, "The Queen doesn't know she's leaving."

AFTERTHOUGHTS WITH THE AUTHOR

#1 - Naboo #525 shield gate is obviously a nod to the date in which Star Wars first presented itself to the world! May 25!

#2 - Fun fact about the millaflower! While also being the most popular, and a sign to show respect when giving it to others as a gift, it has a pharmacological use! Stepping into a meadow full of millaflower's could give the passerby a mild tranquilizing effect (anyone else think of that Wizard of Oz scene?). When extracted and distilled, it could kill someone if taken in high dosages. Which is why Naboo actually has a law prohibiting anyone to distill it unless you're a licensed drug manufacturer. One of the major exports of Naboo! Oh, the endless facts, thanks to Wookieepedia!

#3 - Lots of research went forth to map out the capital of Theed. Most of this chapter, when written out, I had an extra tab opened to a map of Theed to make it the most accurate as possible. But seriously, I now know this capital like I know the town I live in, and almost wish that I could travel to Naboo to see it's made-up beauty myself!

#4 - Please tell me you know who Mon Mothma is! If you need a refresher, she first appeared in Return of the Jedi (ya know, the OTHER female besides Leia). "Many Bothans died to give us this information…" Other appearances for Mon Mothma include, Clone Wars, deleted scenes of Revenge of the Sith, and Rogue One (same actress from RotS reprised her role for R1, which I think is really cool).

#5 - Making an original character means forming a life around him or her. Mon Mariani Mothma-Gelilli is no exception and will have many details about her life prior to his story taking place.

#6 - So I'm a fan of the Crown television show. While writing for a royal, I did a lot of research for Naboo's customs, but where there wasn't information on Wookieepedia, I filled in the gaps with the British Royal customs & family, particularly, Queen Elizabeth II. The speech that Poe catches wind of in the market is based off a speech that Elizabeth gave on her 21st birthday. "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service, and the service of our great Imperial family, to which we all belong." NOTE: I know there are official books in regards to Naboo's elected monarchy. Remember, I began writing this in December 2017. Basically, I didn't want to bend my own creative liberties to fit into the canon mold. And… it's fanfiction, so whatever.

#7 - An odd thing about the Xoran...it's an original species of my own thought...I think? When looking up species, I saw Xoran and was like, "oh, that would work." Follow up research came and guess what? Couldn't find Xoran species on Star Wars websites ANYWHERE. Where did I find Xoran in the first place? So if you guys could find Xoran...that would be great!