Chapter 7 - Long May She Reign
Senator Juli listened to Mari's message while leaning against her desk, her hand under her chin with bated breath. It was a relief, to be sure, that Mari wouldn't meet with General Hux as Juli had originally thought. What Mari had staged in her quarters was a clever way to root out the First Order representatives clearly among her council. The deception of her cohorts cut Senator Juli deeply. These were men who had advised her when she herself was queen, prior to Queen Gelilli's reign. These were men whom she dined with, their families being dear friends to her. Their betrayal meant years upon years of falsehoods.
The commander and the Jedi watched her carefully. Even though Juli was someone Mari felt she could trust, a rarity, they were looking for her reaction to see if they'd have to bolt for the door and revise their plans. Commander Dameron in particular appeared more critical than Master Luke. Juli herself thought little of it, too grateful that their spark of hope had yet to be extinguished. Resolute in her role, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath once the message concluded. Rubbing her temples, she sat back in her chair to look out the window.
Theed was a sight to behold. The constant looming of the First Order made her shiver for its future. For days, Mari had asked her council if they should evacuate the city for fear their defenses couldn't hold. And for days, Mari was met with disapproval. Juli stated her agreed sentiments with the queen yet it wasn't enough to sway the rest of the council. The reason why was devastatingly clear now.
"Queen Gelilli meeting with Hux was the last thing our Republic needed," Juli uttered, "I shudder to think what would have happened if Senator Sudis didn't contact the Resistance." She looked up to them, her eyes sharp. "If you knew how much depends on her finances and influence… it could very well mean the galaxy's future for generations to come. The Gelilli family is the most powerful House. All other Houses combined do not come close to matching up. If they have gone into hiding, that means their trust has been broken by close allies. It affects everyone from here on out."
"I'm thankful for Senator Sudis' confidence, your Grace," Luke responded. "She'll be off planet within the hour, that's a promise."
"And you…," Juli turned her attention to Commander Dameron, "The Royal Guard have sworn utmost faithfulness to her. Do you know who she is?" Dameron looked confused by the question. Juli stood up and rounded the desk before continuing. "A brief history lesson then, with a tone of reproach for which I hope you don't miss. Former Chancellor Mon Mothma was the single most person whom the galaxy turned to after the Emperor fell. The sacrifices she made prior to signing the Concordance turned the tide for the Rebellion. Mari was born to a family of such fine legacy. She was taught to understand that her wealth and her name were tools to rally those when needed. If history must repeat itself, she is to walk the footsteps of her grandmother. If she doesn't, the First Order will have her head on a spike. For once she leaves Naboo, defying General Hux in the process, they'll know surrender was never an option. Swear to me now, Commander Dameron, that you will not step in the way of her ascension."
Stunned, Commander Dameron had listened to every word. Juli was unsure if he actually knew the importance of his task before arriving in Theed and just how much was riding on Mari remaining out of the enemy's reach. He blinked, peering at Luke before giving her his attention again.
Senator Juli watched him keenly now. It was of her Mirialan belief that she knew one individual's actions had the ability to affect the galaxy as a whole. On top of this truth, she had an instinct unique to her species in line with the Force, though not all Mirialans had it as strongly as she did. Like an aura, she could see things in a way which others could not. Not easy to explain to most, she could sense when others would bear a heavy significance in the approaching times. Luke's atmosphere alone was nearly blinding, his "light" showing a reflection of his past deeds that contributed to the balance of the Force.
To Senator Juli, Mari had an essence that was both sweet and strong - favorable for a fair politician - but Juli could sense the untapped potential of such a disposition that had yet come to full fruition. Skiff had ambition, Juli could almost smell it. He shone brighter in conjunction whenever Mari was in the same room as him, leading Juli to believe his role within the galaxy was only due to Queen Gelilli's own success, a fortune hunter some would call him. However, when Juli saw Commander Dameron beside Mari in her living quarters, he too emanated a glow that tied to the queen unlike Skiff's. His was brighter and far more significant. Together, their light was powerful even to the untrained eye, Senator Juli could imagine.
Commander Dameron and Queen Gelilli were destined to shape the galaxy in tandem. Their light just had to remain stronger than the bright, bleating red glow that was the First Order.
Or the pilot and the monarch would fall together.
Her gaze flickered to Luke. Their eyes met. He too had an inkling of what Senator Juli could "see."
"I swear," Commander Dameron finally said.
"Good," Juli breathed deeply, her shoulders slouching in order to release the tension she felt. "Kuri Zaa and myself will hold our seats with dignity. If the Queen wishes us to be shadows, we will do so. Watching my planet's democracy crumble will be difficult, but I have faith in Queen Gelilli as well as the Resistance."
"We'll see to it that Naboo's glory is returned," Poe then vowed with a small bow.
Juli looked at him sadly. He was still fairly young, maybe a few years older than herself. The thought replayed in her head, "they would fall together." Even though they all needed him to hold true to such a vow, she wondered the cost it would bring him personally. "I admire your bravery, Commander Dameron," was all she could respond with. He understood the task ahead of him. He understood the queen's value. She prayed that the Force would remain by their side for the long journey ahead.
With an apologetic nod, Senator Juli hovered her hand over an intercom system on her desk. "In order for me to appear on their side, what I'm about to do will seem untrustworthy."
"We understand," Poe answered honestly, "Queen Gelilli needs you to be convincing."
"Then I suggest you run," Juli replied, pressing a button on the intercom. She turned her head to speak into it directly, "I require an escort service to remove the Resistance representatives from the palace, please. They are now invading the premises and are no longer welcome." Poe and Luke bolted towards the hallway with wordless bows in her direction. Wiping at a tear, she whispered to herself, "Long may she reign."
…
Skiff jolted awake with a sharp grumble, the remaining smaller tremors surging throughout his body. With a loud shout of anger, he rolled onto his side then placed all his weight on one knee. Pushing off the ground, he picked up his holopad within his pocket and hastily turned it on, bloodied and cut fingers painfully pressing against the dials.
Waiting for someone to answer his signal, he marched towards Mariani's main room, to see the armed guards that he disposed of earlier still rotting at the door. Skiff stupidly left the blaster he used on the ground once finished with the task, not thinking the Queen would have a weapon of her own. Where did that even come from? Skiff fumed to himself. He had her room checked regularly for anything he'd think was suspicious.
"Oh, come on! Pick up, you bloody fools!" Skiff hissed impatiently.
"This is Naboo Shield Gate #531," a captain answered casually, but upon seeing who was calling, he immediately went on alert, "Lord Skiff."
"You are to turn off the shield gate now!" Skiff demanded, standing on wobbly feet.
"But my Lord, the First Order!" the young captain implored, voice trembling.
"Just do it!" Skiff bellowed, trusting the captain would follow through on the command. Pressing more buttons, the projection of General Hux appeared on his holopad, his superior's hands behind his back in an authoritative manner.
"Lieutenant Skiff," Hux sneered, his nose flaring with every annunciation he made, "I trust you're calling on a secure line and that the meeting is right on schedule."
"The Queen has fled, I am in pursuit!" Skiff blurted out, limping around her wing of the palace to see if she was hiding anywhere. Thinking of the sitting area, he ran to the room that sat opposite of her bedroom.
General Hux's eyes widened at what Skiff declared, his face immediately scrunching up with detest, "I asked you to secure the Queen for her contiguous imprisonment; one...simple...task! How did she get away?"
"The damn girl shot me!" Skiff complained. Hearing fast steps from the corridor, Skiff hid behind a wall, wondering if he'd be arrested by the Queen's Armed Guard for striking her. At the same time his back pressed up against the marble pillar, he heard a loud burst of energy dying away, followed by faded screams within the Royal Plaza. The footsteps in the hallway subsequently stopped, supposedly to observe what happened outside with the turned off shield gate.
Nothing was in between the First Order and the capital of Theed.
"With your help, she won't get far," Skiff said quietly, seeing Hux's image look towards the turned off shield gate from above, "We have an agreement. Please make sure the damage isn't too egregious on the capital. The Queen will have help getting off planet with someone by the name of Poe Dameron and that Jedi, Luke Skywalker."
General Hux was silent, but seemed pleased that the formalities were over; the time for action taking its place, "Learn your place, Lieutenant. Our agreement is only half secure. Once Mon Mariani is in our custody, then you can bark orders to those who'll listen." With a nod, Hux turned off the holopad's signal, at the same time Skiff heard scuffling in the main room.
"Mari!" He heard the pilot call out. Fuming that he didn't have a weapon of his own to take the repulsive pauper down, Skiff stayed put, aware that Dameron wouldn't set his blaster to stun like the Queen had.
"Mari!" Poe repeated one more time.
"She isn't here," he heard the senile Jedi say, "I can't sense her presence."
Hearing the pilot make a disgusted noise, Skiff presumed that he was looking at the dead armed guards at the door, "What can you sense?"
Skywalker didn't respond immediately. Skiff waited while holding his breath, the sounds of Naboo fighter ships flying gallantly into the air; the first noises of battle commencing.
"Mari's looking for us," Luke said faintly, as if trying to find her exact location, "Whatever happened in here has got her spooked, poor thing."
"No kidding," Poe muttered to himself, "Think she did this?"
Skiff heard footsteps draw closer to the sitting room. Wondering if Luke knew he was there, he held his breath, unready to take on a lightsaber, "No. Whoever did that knew Mari's guards would fight for their Queen." The Jedi's voice sounded close, as if speaking directly towards the wall that separated them. He knew of his presence but didn't charge or attempt to apprehend him.
"Where is she now?" Poe asked, worry evident in his voice, "Did we pass-"
His voice trailed off when they heard explosions, followed by the ascending screech of a TIE-fighter flying in low. Skiff could see through the window that the overthrowing of Naboo's government had officially begun.
"No more time to delay!" Luke said, his voice sounding faint again, "The sooner we get off Naboo, the sooner that Mari will be safe!"
It was more than a couple of moments that Skiff felt safe to move. Explosions persisted, transport ships carrying stormtroopers descended. Bringing this upon Naboo single handedly, Skiff took a deep breath and stepped toward the balcony to get a closer glance at the planet which now belonged to him. Confident that the First Order would find Mariani soon enough, he beheld the city of Theed with a growing smile.
All his hard work of ruling a planet had paid off. King Marqe Skiff of Naboo, he thought to himself, Long live the king!
…
Anytime that Mari heard sounds of life heading in her direction, she would duck behind drapes, pillars, or even underneath large benches. After several times of doing so, the thought arose that the people passing could have been Poe and Luke coming to meet her, however, the fear of it not being them drove her reasoning for hiding regardless. Not the most skilled with the blaster she carried, she chose to obscure herself rather than confront those who would try and hurt her.
Holding the blaster awkwardly to her chest, she took several deep breaths before finding the courage to step out into the open space of Skiff's office area. Sweat could be felt on her back and shoulders, her body not used to such intense exertion. On alert with all the noises of war breaking out, she tried to stay above it; not letting fear override. Hiding behind a curtain, she watched as the shield gate shut off, TIE-fighters almost instantly reigning hell across the sky. Structures began to concave, shrill cries started to echo. Naboo's Republic had failed.
Suddenly, she heard rapid strides approach, pulling her away from the internal woes that threatened to distract her entirely from the present. Taking deep huffs of air with a panic, she saw nowhere to hide in her present spot. She recognized that same pattern of footsteps run back and forth previously, knowing that whoever it was, was looking for her!
Okay, Mari breathed shakily, you can do this. Deciding these particular footsteps wouldn't let up, and that hiding wasn't an option, she chose to confront them. Her heart and lungs felt too large for her chest, as she felt she was going to burst from the raging panic within. Forcing herself to rise above it, she rounded the corner, blaster aimed, just as Poe and Luke were about to barrel into her.
"Whoa!" Poe exclaimed quickly, the same time that Mari shrieked from surprise. The pilot quickly lifted her arms upward so the blaster in her hands wasn't facing directly towards his stomach. Putting his full weight against her, palm instantly over her mouth, he leaned her against the corridor wall to provide cover if her scream alerted anyone of her whereabouts. Luke had lightsaber ignited, as he watched their surroundings to make sure they were alone.
Waiting only for a few seconds, Poe and Luke both exchanged glances. Satisfied of their temporary cover, the commander then brought his attention to her; his features softening, "You called?" Poe asked.
She brushed his palm off her mouth, letting out an exaggerated breath through her nose. "What took you so long?"
"You said an hour!" Poe argued.
"Clearly, things escalated well before then, Commander!"
Poe glanced down to her cheek. Eyes hardening, whatever argument he thought to say next had diminished before delivering it.
"What happened, Mari?" Luke asked as a means to stop their bickering. He stepped towards them while turning his lightsaber off, looking at Mari with concern.
"Skiff," Mari started, "has been in direct contact with General Hux!"
Poe, still pressing her against the wall, let out an exasperated groan and looked to Luke, "That would explain the shield gates," he grimaced, as Mari felt his low voice vibrate against her chest.
"My Lady," Luke urged kindly, stepping closer to Poe and Mari to look her in the eye, his steel blue irises pleading, "I hope you're ready to leave now."
"I'm terrified to leave," Mari confessed honestly, "but I will." Even though she sent the holopad before, the idea of leaving still seemed new and unfamiliar. A part of her heart broke just saying it.
"We need a plan then," Luke then addressed Poe, "They will be checking any and all hangars first; one of us needs to make sure that ours is protected before she steps toward those ships."
"Alright, which one do you feel you can handle?" Poe asked.
"I can handle either," Luke answered with a brief smile, "Can you?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Poe mumbled, "Go reminisce about your hotshot hero days."
"I'll secure the hangar pad," Luke assured, "It'll take some creativity, but I can get there faster, and use a few tricks to throw them off." Before stalking towards the exit, Luke gazed towards Mari, a sad smile appearing on his features now, "The Resistance and my sister thank you for your willingness to heed our warnings."
"Thank you for having the patience," Mari answered back, even if she felt on the verge of crying again, "I just wish that I listened sooner."
"Better late than never, kid," Luke encouraged with a light wink. His eyes switched from Poe to Mari and back. "I hope you're both ready for the journey ahead." Mari stared at him blankly. So did Poe, both of them unsure of how to respond. Without another word, Luke departed, his lightsaber igniting to prepare for the incoming danger.
Mari watched him until he turned the corner, taking deep breaths again to keep the anxiety at bay. With a long sigh, Poe then glanced towards Mari, his face unnaturally close to hers. She stared at him, as they tried to figure out in their minds what to do next.
His eyes flickered to the cut on her cheek again, his eyelid mildly twitching at the sight. "Did Skiff hit you?" Poe inquired, his voice having slight anger within it.
Mari didn't answer vocally, knowing that her emotions would get the better of her. With one simple nod, she pursed her lips fighting the anger she felt towards herself. For years, she let Skiff push her around without thinking anything of it. She felt like such a fool.
Poe blinked several times to switch gears. Knowing that she was alright, he decided to work on an escape plan before things got more precarious.
From both directions in the hallway, they heard threatening shouts surrounding them. Mari's heart raced while trying to think of a solution. Remembering the palace had countless hidden servant quarter entrances, she reached for Poe's wrist, urging him to follow her.
"This way," she whispered to him hurriedly, then glanced towards the presumed wall. Pushing against a spot directly behind Skiff's large desk, the wall gave up, showing its true nature to be a secret door leading into a dark, cramped space.
"In here," she then directed him, tugging on his wrist to get inside.
"Got the general idea," Poe mumbled sarcastically, but shoved her into the space first so she'd be hidden and safe if they ran out of time. Once the door shut behind them, they could faintly hear the Armed Guard marching towards the Royal Corridor in search of their Queen. Mari didn't know who to trust and chose not to make her presence known.
"They won't travel through these back hallways?" Poe inquired behind her in a whisper, his warm breath could be felt on her ear.
"These hallways were built to work around the palace's structure," Mari reasoned, "The Armed Guard won't venture in the servant quarters because they're a maze to get around. I played Hide and Seek in here when I became a handmaiden at twelve. I know this hallway backwards; they don't."
"Can you get us to the front entrance?" Poe then asked. Straining her neck to look at him, he glanced down at her, his face reading confidence, "I know a secret tunnel out of the palace. If we can get to the main entrance, I can get us to the tunnel."
"Very well," Mari replied with a shaky breath. While taking a moment of pause, the palace then shook violently, dust jolting from surfaces that hadn't been clean like the rest of the pristine structure. A loud boom erupted, the rumble reverberating off the walls again. Subconsciously reaching for Poe's forearm, she forced herself to calm down, almost in disbelief of how quickly things were falling apart.
With the noise persisting, Poe reached a hand on Mari's shoulder, pulling her down to shield her from any possible falling debris with his own body. His chest on her back, and arm wrapped around her middle, she felt temporarily protected despite the overwhelming fear of the future.
The deafening roar ceased; the walls stopped shaking. Closing her eyes from the relief of living for at least several more seconds, she then felt Poe stand upright as he then extended a hand for her to take. Pulling her up, he then scanned her features, the fear visibly apparent in her disposition.
Poe's eyes then spotted the blaster in her hands, her scraped and cut skin starting to mar the handle of the weapon. Gently taking the blaster away from her, she then felt the sting of the cuts for the first time, no longer holding onto something with a vise-grip.
"I'm gonna' take care of you, okay?" Poe assured with a friendly voice, his past-training helping to keep him cool under pressure, while also caring for her in the process, "Do you trust that I'll get you outta' here?" Poe asked carefully, "This is only gonna' work if you trust me from here on out."
With an unreserved nod, she took another trembling breath, "I trust you."
Poe gave a brief smile of comfort, then fixed his gaze on the dark hallway, "Lead the way."
More sounds of destruction emanated throughout the space, but seemed distant compared to the large one previously. With one more push of resolve, she stepped forward into the familiar gloom, Poe following close behind to protect her if another explosion occurred; one hand on her shoulder so he wouldn't lose her in the darkness. Together, they heard the sounds of war occurring on the other side of the walls. Travelling through the labyrinth of dusky halls, Mari let the eeriness sink in. The destruction was occurring because of her. People were dying because of her. Mentally blocking herself from that mindset before it consumed her, she proceeded to step forward; the drive to set things right helping her to persevere.
Focus on getting out, Mari thought inwardly, that's all you can do for now.
…
The hallway opened up in various places when other times it narrowed so much so that the petite Mari would have to bundle her dress, and walk sideways to get through. Sometimes there would be small, wooden stairs going up or down, while some landings seemed dangerous and uneven. Mari led the way, knowing which direction they were going, even with the limited light and claustrophobic atmosphere.
Whenever they heard large booms or servants speaking within the quarters, Poe would pull her in close to shield her from any dangers that could potentially occur. At those times, Poe could feel Mari's body constrict, holding herself completely still. Being disciplined to stay cool under pressure in the most turbulent of circumstances, he could tell Mari hadn't been equipped with the same training. Almost to the point of hyperventilating, her breaths turned into sobs the further they moved towards an escape. Poe could only imagine what she was thinking and how many steps of grief were hitting her all at once. Being uprooted from her home, usurped from her rule, wanted by the First Order as a prisoner and puppet, she was losing a lot of things in a short amount of time while being faced with a new, uncertain reality.
Another explosion erupted, as Poe immediately crouched down low in the confined space, bringing Mari down beside him. The Queen forced her emotions to the back of her mind to the best of her ability, but Poe could tell they came flooding back regardless. Reaching for her bloodied hand in a friendly, supportive manner, she held it tightly. Poe could almost feel the terror and heartbreak. A sense of responsibility surged within him. The trust she gave him wasn't just with her entire well-being, but also the people of Naboo.
"We'll be alright," Poe promised gently.
Realizing that Poe was paying attention to the way she was reacting, she wiped away the tears, while quickly trying to pull herself together, an almost-embarrassed smile emerging, "I'm sorry, Commander…, it isn't my intention to make you uncomfortable."
"I'm not," Poe replied, "Don't worry about me. This is my job to help you."
"I know," Mari answered, closing her eyes as silent, hot tears fell, leaving streaks on the makeup that was already smeared, "I just didn't expect to be… I'll try and be better as we get on."
"Mari," Poe said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. They locked eyes in the low-lit space before he continued, "You don't have to prove anything to me; don't feel ashamed."
"Okay," Mari said unconvinced, drawing in slow breaths, the palace still shaking from the explosion before.
When everything fell silent, Poe helped her back up and nodded forward once again, "Let's get moving. I'm sure Luke is wanting us to hurry by now."
After moving for several more minutes, the hallway opened significantly, as Poe began to recognize where they were, "Alright, m'lady," he encouraged, "I can take us to the tunnel from here. We're almost out of this place, okay?"
Mari gave a small nod, devoid of any relief. In the more lit space, he could see the sadness evident in her eyes. Realizing she could care less for herself, that point was driven home when they heard screams occur in the main entrance on the other side of the wall. Womens cries were cut off by blaster fire. Men were heard shouting orders to each other, their tones desperate and pain-stricken.
Reaching for her hand to guide her, Poe gave a nod of reassurance, "We gotta' keep moving, Your Highness. Don't focus on them, we can't do anything for them right now."
He could see the blank stare, and knew she was experiencing complete and utter shock. Poe grabbed her hand and began to walk towards the secret tunnel, choosing to ignore it. They were running out of time.
…
With easy success, Poe found the secret tunnel towards the flower shop, the recognizable sound of the Solleu River rushing on the other side of the brick and mortar. The Queen's hand clasped with his, he focused on leaving, no matter what was occurring around them. It took all he had to not fight for the innocent, helpless lives they heard within the palace, however, their journey wasn't near finished.
Feeling they should be reaching the end very soon, Poe's boot kicked the first step ascending to the flower shop, "We made it halfway, your Majesty!" He encouraged in a whisper, "You made it this far; we can make it the rest."
Mari didn't look him directly in the eyes. Her tears finally stopped with her breathing evened out. She appeared to be pondering something, an eyebrow slightly raised while circling around her inner thoughts, "Do you think that the violence on my people will cease if I surrender to the First Order?"
She was looking for answers; any solution to spare the people of Theed, even if it meant her outcome was less optimal. Poe kept his cool, hoping she would read his answer to be genuine, "No, I don't."
Mari replied with nothing but a simple nod, her reaction almost moving Poe to sympathize even more than he already was. However, there were things that needed to take place before he got too sentimental.
Leading her up the stairs, he saw that the door was already opened ever-so-slightly, a ray of sunlight shining into the tunnel. Before touching the door, they heard a loud slap followed by the Xoran, Hanelle, screaming from the pain.
"There is a secret passage to the palace within this building," a stormtrooper started, his voice amplified by the helmet, "Tell us where it is, and we'll be on our way."
Poe then realized that Hanelle kept the door opened a centimeter so they could hear what was occurring on the other side, knowing they would try to exit via her shop.
With a spit and an animal-like hiss, Hanelle's voice rang out angrily toward the stormtrooper, "I will never tell!"
"Last chance," the stormtrooper seethed, "in three!"
"You won't find her!"
"Two…"
"Long may she-" the sound of a blaster erupted in the air at the same time Mari let out a small gasp. Poe clutched her hand tighter, briefly seeing her other palm go over her lips. Poe had to remember that even if he'd seen the harsh parts of reality countless times, she lived her life away from the many sorrows that the galaxy had to offer. Wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulder, he pulled her close, as she began to shake uncontrollably from hearing Hanelle's body hit the floor.
"Useless," the stormtrooper muttered, "Think it's about time to tell the boss that this tunnel doesn't even exist?"
"Might as well," another stormtrooper responded, "Didn't get any information on it."
"Sun's going down soon," the first one mumbled, "We can always raid the pastry shop nearby before more instructions come in."
"Sounds good to me," the second one casually said, their footsteps already getting more distant.
Waiting at least five more minutes for any kind of sound, Poe finally opened the sliding door all the way, immediately scanning the area for any signs of movement. He took slow steps toward the window, leaving Mari at the doorway, hoping to find how many numbers the stormtroopers had near the Triumphal Arches. With a short peek, he could see at least a hundred stormtroopers march toward the Royal Palace. Exiting out the front door entrance of the flower shop was no longer an option.
"There has to be some other way to get out of here," Poe muttered to himself, stealthily following the shop's wall in hopes of finding a back door.
With one glance at Mari, he saw her staring down at Hanelle's body, her expression full of mourning on behalf of the royal florist. Continuing to find a way out, Poe then saw a backdoor of the building, briefly seeing two stormtroopers waiting next to it from the outside. Pulling out his blaster, he took quick and quiet steps to dispose of them. Shooting at the access door panel, the clear sliding door opened as Poe waited against the wall for them to enter.
"What the…?" A stormtrooper exclaimed, both of them running into the shop to inspect. Going past the wall in a hurry, Poe aimed the blaster at the back of their heads, pulling the trigger twice with haste, both of them crashing to the floor in a heap. Poe then jumped over their bodies to get Mari from around the corner. Still in the same spot as she was before, he reached for her hand and began to move to their only exit. The Queen followed without protest, no longer having the energy to emotionally keep up with their hectic day.
Staying within alleyways, behind buildings, and crouching down low while on the bridge, Poe led her through the darkened park, the sun already completely behind the mountains. The screams and explosions persisted. While Poe looked around cautiously, he saw some buildings on fire, even some people within the open square laying lifeless on the grass. The contrast to when he first walked towards the Royal Palace was horrifically different in comparison. The sounds of laughter and harmonious living were long gone, The First Order making their presence known with extreme brutality.
Some holograms were playing throughout Theed with Kuri Zaa speaking in his authoritative voice, "This is Governor Kuri Zaa relaying a message from Queen Mon Mariani Gelilli. She has requested all citizens of Theed be evacuated immediately. Refuge shelters have already been issued beyond the city limits. Find remote places to seek protection from the First Order. This is not a drill." The hologram would then flick back to the beginning of the message to repeat its urgent news.
"They are crying for help!" Mari lamented, a shout being heard from across the square.
Poe ignored it, not even responding to the Queen in regards to the heart wrenching cries, "Hurry!" He instructed, urgency in his voice, "We're almost to the hangar! We have to go!"
Looking behind him as they reached the building, he was dismayed that she looked very much like the Queen still. The occasional Naboo citizen that they passed would recognize her, then quickly inquire if she was alright. Poe just continued to lead her through the cobblestoned street. Every so often, he glanced back in the darkness to see a depleted woman. It was as if the weight of the planet rested upon her shoulders. The looks from her people were not acknowledged by Mari, her eyes locked onto the ground in utter shame.
"Just through this marketplace, then we'll be there," Poe explained as the alleyway cleared into an open space. Stopping abruptly at the entrance, he held Mari at bay when he saw the marketplace still full of people. Completely silent, unlike when he'd been there before, he studied all the patrons' reactions as they in turn gawked at their Queen standing behind him. The two sounds heard was Kuri Zaa's message echoing off the large walls surrounding them, and TIE-fighters above screeching dangerously close.
Poe felt trapped. With the stormtroopers about to find out where their location was at any given time, he gave each citizen a skeptical glance thinking they would turn Mari into the First Order for credits. Still staring down at the ground, Mari seemed as if she wouldn't have blamed them for doing so.
The silence and stillness continued for several more seconds. Then just as Poe was about to push forward, an older, feeble woman stepped forward slowly. Her eyes glistening in the twilight, she outstretched her arms towards Mari with deep respect.
Not understanding what was happening, Poe took a step back, leading Mari to mimic his cautious movements.
"Long may she reign," the older woman said in a frail voice, and repeated her sentiments while producing a wet washcloth, "Long may she reign."
Ambling towards the Queen, the woman showed no signs of fearing Poe. His past training taught him to hold his ground at all times, the thought of the woman being a potential threat. Yet, as the women approached, he could see the compassion apparent across her features. He stepped aside, beholding everyone in the marketplace to see they all had the same kind eyes.
The woman made direct contact with the Queen, doing so gently by reaching for her chin to gaze into the young royal's eyes. Lifting it up, the Queen began to sob again, as the older woman held her cheek with admiration evident in her touch.
"Long may she reign," the woman repeated, reached for the Queen's bloodied hand, and kissed it tenderly, "Long may she reign." With the wet washcloth, the woman brought it to the Sovereign's face to wipe her makeup away.
"Here," another woman stepped forward, reaching to take the pins out of Mari's hair, "We will help you get away, m'lady."
Poe felt a nudge on his arm and turned to see a vendor holding out folded clothes for him to take, "She must not be seen," the man urged cautiously, "Protect our Queen."
Taking the clothes, Poe stepped towards Mari whose light headdress was off and makeup washed away. He saw brown, loose, curly hair as it fell away past her shoulders, bouncing with each movement she made. With the makeup cleared off, he could see a woman with sorrow across her features.
The older woman took the pants in Poe's arms, and slowly knelt down for the Queen to step inside them. The woman cared for Mari just as he'd seen her young handmaidens do. A possible former handmaiden to a former Sovereign of old, the respect towards Queen Mon Mariani was astronomical as the others within the marketplace followed her example.
Stepping into the pants, the Queen lifted them up under her long dress. The second that they were firmly in place, another woman with a knife stepped forward as Poe's heart nearly beat out of his chest in alarm. However, she merely began cutting the dress at the waist as someone else began putting her hair up in a casual bun.
"M'lord," a young child spoke as Poe glanced down to see a little girl with a golden bracelet in her small hands, "As a gift for the Queen."
"Here, sir," a man with an apron nearly pleaded to Poe, a loaf of bread in hand, "Some nourishment for the long journey ahead. Long live the Queen." Poe took both gifts graciously. Never before had he seen such love extended towards complete strangers. He supposed they all knew the Queen in their own way, but they treated her like a beloved family member in the most caring way while saying their goodbyes.
The lower part of the bustling dress fell away with one final cut. With one final embrace the older woman held the Queen then kissed her forehead, "Leave now, m'lady. We will protect the hangar on this end for safe passage."
As soon as the woman said it, several men and women in the marketplace produced blasters to indicate they were ready for war.
"My dear, you have served us with all of your heart," the baker with the apron marveled, "Come back to us when it's safe, your Majesty. We will give the First Order hell until we meet again."
Poe briefly handed their parting favors to the young girl again then walked to Mari, with a brown jacket ready for her to slip on. She did so with her head facing downwards once more. He admired how easily she blended into the crowd, all signs of royalty stripped away.
The little girl with their belongings held them up for Poe to take again, "You need to hide," Poe cautioned the small child. With a tiny nod, the girl stepped away from the crowd and ran towards the closest building without any protest.
"Long may she reign," Poe heard throughout the throng, slowly turning into a chant, "Long may she reign."
"Long may she reign," the older woman joined in as the words gained more momentum.
Poe reached for the Queen's hand again. She stepped forward while Poe leaned down to relay the worry of being on the planet for another second, his chin resting on her temple so he could be heard over the chants, "We have to go."
"Long may she reign," the people of Naboo continued with pride as Poe guided her towards the nearby hangar.
"Almost there," Poe encouraged as the marketplace opened up to the empty hangar. Luke stood in the middle, out in the open, holding his hand out towards the large hangar entrance. All the while, Poe saw TIE-fighters flying slowly towards the hangar none the wiser. Parts of the hanger roof were destroyed, the debris floating in mid-air. At closer glance, Poe could see his X-wing flicker like a mirage, then assumed Luke was creating a Force illusion so it wouldn't be seen by any stormtroopers.
"Luke!" Poe shouted, running towards his X-wing.
"Right on time," Luke answered tiredly, letting his hand drop, the illusion shattered. Stumbling to his transport ship, he nodded towards Poe and Mari, "I'll ride behind you."
Poe gave a nod back, then bolted towards his ship to see T3 waiting impatiently as she began beeping incessantly.
"I know, T3, I see them too," Poe argued, handing the marketplace goods to the Queen then brought a nearby ladder to get to the cockpit. Once everything was prepared, she climbed up the ladder with the bags of food being held in one hand. Poe watched as T3 situated into her spot while he stepped onto the ladder while hearing blasts and explosions erupt behind them. Turning around to see if they were in imminent danger, he saw an orange light reflect off one of the entrance walls to the marketplace. Screams then could be heard as he forced himself to ignore it and follow through his first duty: to protect the Queen.
Sitting in his seat, as Mari sat in Finn's usual spot, he closed the canopy over their heads and quickly pressed the dials to get them off planet and finally towards safety. With a sudden jolt, Poe felt the X-wing begin to levitate from off the hangar pad as he thrust the lever forward to fly away.
Naboo's surface grew smaller as he created more distance, punching the thrust hilt forward. Unfortunately, he was unable to create enough space as they both witnessed more deadly explosions ignite in the marketplace that they just escaped only minutes before. Random beeps could be heard inside the cockpit with all indicators reading normal. Seeing Luke's transport ship behind him, he pushed down on the lightspeed gears, then watched as all stars grew to be elongated, swarming into a mesh of white and blue.
Sniffles could be heard in the seat behind him. Finally able to fully empathize with her grief, he turned to the side to face her, resting his hand over top of her arm with condolence, as Mari held the golden bracelet with sadness. "They'll be remembered as heroes for what they did in that marketplace," Poe encouraged softly, knowing the strife that was invading her mind.
"And I'll be remembered as the queen who failed them," Mari whispered in a husky voice, while wiping the tears from her cheeks.
AFTERTHOUGHTS WITH THE AUTHOR
#1 - They are finally off planet! I started writing this book in December 2017 and didn't get to this point of storyline until early May 2018. It was a lot of making sure all the grounds were covered but I think I did an alright job. And now look it's 2022 to post. Life is stupid busy sometimes.
#2 - The shield gates I have are reminiscent of the ones on Rogue One (have I mentioned that's my favorite Star Wars film?) in the final act on Scarif. I imagine that they have several shield gates that give passage through to the planet as Naboo is a HUGE planet that imports/exports and isn't just a military base. If you remember in the first chapter, the shield gate was #525. Skiff called #531 which could be interpreted as being a somewhat closer gate (perhaps above the Theed capital itself).
#3 - Hux answers the call as Lieutenant Skiff...it's not much of a spoiler to say, but I didn't want that detail to fly under the radar. This was a long, premeditated plan on behalf of Skiff. Enough so that he was a Lieutenant on the First Order's payroll.
#4 - Did Luke know Skiff was in the sitting room? That could be left for the reader's interpretation…
#5 - A little bit of back story to Mari. She was bullied while in the Royal Academy because a good number of students were born and raised on Naboo while she wasn't. When she said she played Hide & Seek, she was hiding from other handmaidens (damn you, Handmaid's Tale for ruining this word for me!) who were being mean to her. She wasn't the type to necessarily care about the popularity contest; she was a kind soul.
#6 - The older woman in the marketplace is meant to be Keira Knightley's character, Sabe, in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. I touched on that her actions were similar to how the current handmaid's doted and prepared the Queen, but this woman knows exactly the same traditions that job upholds. The relationship between a Queen and her handmaid shows no bounds; and that love will stay true even after death.
#7 - RIP marketplace citizens. That was one of the first scenes of this novel that I wrote out. It gave me an idea of who I wanted Mari to be, how I wanted her to be revered, and what she could be from that point onward.
#8 - Force Illusion is a thing!