This is a 'journal' written by my character, Queen Aimee Alcina of New Alderaan. It explains the events of the attack on her planet, and probably will end up moving into the Sith Wars someday. Anyway, the whole storyline and plot was concocted by myself and my partner in crime, Amaurea. Sooo…yea.

Aimee, New Alderaan, Feste, Tirue, and Jiirue © me. Don't use them without my permission.
Rithen and Nammon © Amaurea2007.
Star Wars © George Lucas.


Day 1
The Jedi Spacecraft

I started this holo-journal, just incase I don't make it out of this. Just in case my planet falls, New Alderaan's final battle will not be lost to the world. It's history must be remembered. But I certainly hope it will not come to this.

I have some hope though. The Jedi Knights have come, and are taking me to Dagobah to seek the help of the Jedi Council. But perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. I might as well start at the beginning.

For several weeks now, I've been feeling a bit out of it. I kept feeling these odd things, I can't really explain. Something was…tugging at my mind, whenever I had to make a decision, or whenever I was thinking about how I had to rule my planet. I asked my mother about it, and she seemed startled and sent me to the infirmary. They couldn't find anything wrong with me, as I expected they wouldn't.

I didn't want to worry my mother anymore, so I stopped talking about it, and started to ignore whatever it was. Maybe that's what got me into this mess. My ignorance. Perhaps if I had listened to that little tug in my mind, this wouldn't have happened.

I received a message from a ship called the 'Imperial Trader' several days ago, asking if we were interested in material trades. I knew very well that New Alderaan was one of the most industrious of the Republic planets, and making deals to trade our materials with the Imperials wasn't something I was interested in doing. Which I told them, and it seemed to make them very angry. They threatened the planet, but I ignored it. After all, what could one Imperial ship do to us?

Plenty, when it had reinforcements. I didn't honestly believe that they would be this angry about us not giving them materials. But they were, because the next day, they arrived, with several battle ships and plenty of TIE fighters.

It didn't take them long to overthrow the planet. We have no defense systems set up, as New Alderaan is not a violent planet and before this, we'd never had a reason to need to defend ourselves. We had no allies, nobody to call for help. It seemed we were lost.

But then, bless her, Tirué told me that she had contacted the Jedi Council when we had received the threats the day before. She told me that they had sent a pair of their finest to help out with our defense. I could only hope they would arrive quickly. I had no idea to what extent the Imperials would go in taking over. I had heard horrible stories of a time before the Jedi Academy, when Darth Vader led his troops through cities, killing ruthlessly and burning everything in sight. I did not want this for my planet.

Festé pleaded with me, to pull a switch with her, but I flat out refused. I would not put her in this kind of danger. Besides, I would rather be the one doing the negotiations with the Imperials. I was the one who made this mess. I would be the one to fix it.

The four of us parted ways, and that was the last I heard from Tirué and Jiirué. It didn't take long for the Imperials to discover my hiding place, and I was brought before the General of the operation. He didn't seem to want to negotiate, and I began to get the feeling that this was what they had wanted all along. They didn't want a few of our materials. They wanted everything. They wanted our manpower, our garages, everything. The one thing they didn't need, was me.

I was to be executed, in front of my people, as a warning to them all.

I have never been afraid of dying. But the thought of leaving my people in the hands of the Empire frightened me. I had forgotten about the Jedi at this point. There was too much going on, and I was afraid there was no hope for my planet.

I was led to one of our storages rooms, which was, of course, windowless. Unfortunately for me, the Stormtroopers were smart enough to blast the lock on the door from the inside. They knew I could probably open it if I wanted to. But I surely couldn't now.

So now I just had to wait. I felt so bad…that I would be spared from this devastation when I brought this upon everyone, while my people, who had done nothing to deserve this, would be the ones to suffer. It simply wasn't fair. But then, the Imperials were never fair.

I was pondering if there were any way for me to escape, when the door opened. I quickly leapt to my feet, ready to fight my way out if I had to, but I was amazed to see not Stormtroopers, but two men. Their kind seemed recognizable, but I just couldn't place it. My mind was too full to really think straight. I asked them who they were, and how they had gotten through the Stormtroopers.

The elder one's quick response answered all my questions. To me he said, "We are Jedi Knights."

The knights Tirué had requested! Perhaps there was hope for us now after all. They could take out the General, and without him, the troopers would be lost. I was devastated to learn that they didn't share the enthusiasm of my plan. They wanted to return to Dagobah to speak with the Jedi Council.

I argued that I could not possibly leave my people. We had to do something to protect them. The younger Jedi replied, "There isn't time for that now, your highness. You can help them better when you're safe"

While I hated to admit this, I knew he was right. But I didn't want to leave them so that THEY were in danger. If I left my people, the Imperials could take out their frustration on my people. Or worse yet, they could start to kill them off, to lure me back. My leaving would surely kill people. But I knew, only a Queen and two Jedi could not save my people. So reluctantly, I agreed to go with them.

And that's how I got here, on their ship. I found Festé on the way to the hanger, and asked her to come with me. It didn't take much convincing to get her to come along. She didn't really trust the Jedi, and wanted to make sure she was available for a switch later, if needed. I knew it wouldn't be necessary, but having her with me would make me feel much better.

I suppose now I should get to know the Jedi. After all, I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time with them now.

Later
The Jedi Spacecraft

I did pull a switch with Festé after all, but not because I was in danger. I wanted to get to know the Jedi on a more personal level, and I knew they wouldn't take me seriously about this if they knew I was the Queen. So I became Akiilé, the right-hand and best friend of the Queen, and leaving Festé in the room the Jedi had given us, I went out to find the Jedi.

Rithen, the younger Jedi, was sitting at the table, staring out the window. I approached him, easily switching from Queen mode to Handmaiden mode. We switched so much, that it was easy for us to play as the other. Nobody ever knew the difference, as we were rather convincing. "My Queen profusely thanks you for your kindness." I told him.

He turned to look at me, then nodded. "Quite welcome, er, I didn't catch your name."

I offered him a smile. "Akiilé."

"I'm Rithen." he replied. Aimee knew this, of course, but it was news to Akiilé. That was one of the harder parts of switching like this. Remembering what your real self knows, and what the person you play wouldn't, or vice versa. "Where are we going?" I asked, trying to make my role a bit more convincing.

"Dagobah, to see the council." was his reply.

I nodded, taking a seat across from him. "Will your council be in danger with the Queen there? She would not wish to put the Jedi in danger."

He leaned back, shaking his head. "It is our job to protect the Republic. That's what we do."

"I am aware of that, as is the Queen. But still…"

"The Jedi are strong. It'll be alright. If Master Nammon thinks it wise, then I trust him."

"Very well. I trust your master, even though I have no say in the matter." And neither did Aimee, really…

Rithen gave a small laugh, glancing up at me. "Don't worry. We've gotten out of worse situations before."

"I'm sure you have." I replied. I had no doubt about that at all.

I watched as he turned towards the window again, brushing his messy hair aside. "So you and the Queen, how long have you known each other?" he questioned.

This threw me off, somewhat. Nobody ever asked me that question before. "Oh, all our lives…we grew up together." And how true. The Queen never left my side…she was my shadow.

"Sounds nice."

"Indeed. Growing up on New Alderaan was lovely. The planet is gorgeous, and everyone there is quite caring." The people of New Alderaan…oh, how I mourned for them. "The Queen is worried about the people. They will not survive long under the control of the Empire."

He frowned, tracing designs on the table top. "Nobody survives long under the Empire. It must be stopped."

"I know, but it won't be easy. There have been attempts to stop it for 50 years." I replied. I knew my history about the Empire…I knew about the battles of Yavin, the explosions of the Death Stars, and the death of Darth Vader. And even the death of the Emperor hadn't stopped the Empire. What would?

"We can't give up…there's still hope."

"There is always hope. But if no one does anything to solve a problem, that hope will go to waste." I was silent for a moment, then told him something I hadn't told anyone in years. "I wish to become a Jedi. I want to learn the ways of the Force, so that I might help with the fight against the Empire." I once told my mother about my wish, and she had nearly slapped me silly. She hated the Jedi, and thought I would be better off in politics and working at home, like a woman should. But I wanted to help people.

I hadn't even told Festé that my dream still lived. Why did I tell this boy I just met today?

He seemed surprised by my announcement. "I don't know if that's possible...I mean most Jedi are trained from the moment they're old enough to walk..."

"I am aware of that. But did not Anakin Skywalker become a Jedi at the age of 10? And Luke and Leia Skywalker in their older teenage years?" I countered.

"Well you know what happened to Anakin...And the twins just had a lucky break. They were strong."

"Anakin turned out alright in the end."

I guess he wasn't sure how to respond to that, because we sat in silence for a bit. Finally, I asked, "How far is your Dagobah?"

"A day or two from here."

"That long? We cannot leave our people in the hands of the Empire that long."

"There's no choice. It won't take quite as long assuming our lightspeed jump goes well."

I sighed, nodding. I knew there wasn't anything that could change this. We were going as fast as possible. The Jedi were doing all they could. Still, I worried, and Rithen could sense my concern. "Try not to worry. The council will know what to do."

"I trust the Council will make a good decision. However, I'm afraid it will be too late by time we reach them. Who knows what the Empire has in store for our people."

"The Empire won't wipe them out. That would be too much of a loss"

I nodded slowly, staring at the table in front of me "I am sorry for complaining. I'm only worried about my planet."

Rithen nodded, going silent. When I looked up at him, I noticed he had been staring at me. "Is there something wrong?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Nothing. Just thinking about New Alderaan. I can't imagine how worried you must be."

"The Queen is more worried than I, and I'm horribly worried. She must be quite stressed indeed." was my reply.

He nodded sympathetically. "Yes, she must. But the council will know what to do." He tilted his head, watching me. "Have you ever been to the Council?"

"I've been to the Council in Bespin. But not the Jedi Council." I responded, concentrating on the table again, not really paying attention. I hadn't realized that I had just blown my cover.

"It's amazing...to be in the presence of such great and powerful people..." continued Rithen.

"It is quite incredible..." I replied, glancing up at him. I wondered what he was getting at.

He nodded with a smile. "You'll meet the council as soon as we get there, your highness."

I nodded, then froze, realizing what he had called me. He'd figured me out! How smart he was. He knew that handmaidens wouldn't be allowed in the council chambers in Bespin. He knew that only the Queen would have been allowed there.

A satisfied grin spread across his face, and he leaned back, watching me. "So, is that a safety issue you've got going there?" he asked.

I nodded with a sigh. "For safety, and just so I can be free. It's hard to do what you wish when you are constantly guarded."

"I understand."

"I'm sorry about tricking you…" I murmured, glancing at my hands, which were folded neatly in my lap.

He shook his head. "Don't be. I know why you did it. It's ok."

"I suppose this blows all my chances of becoming a Jedi." I said, and he was about to respond, when the door opened and Master Nammon stepped in.

He smiled. "I see you two are becoming acquainted." he said, leaning against the doorframe.

Rithen nodded and opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, taking a deep breath, but Nammon caught this, and to his apprentice said, "Your thoughts betray you, my apprentice. Speak them."

The young Jedi glanced at me before saying, "Uh, master, this is Queen Aimee."

Nammon's eyebrows raised, and he turned to the me, giving a polite bow. "Ah…your highness…"

I offered a slight smile, bowing my head. "No need for formalities Master Nammon. My name is Aimee, and you may call me by it if you wish." I glanced over at Rithen, smiling. "The same goes for you."

It was a pet peeve of mine, to be called 'your highness', 'your majesty', 'your grace', or any other such thing by people I was acquainted with. I don't know why, because most people would enjoy it. But I certainly didn't.

Nammon laughed, shaking his head. "What kind of knights would we be without chivalry, your highness?"

With a sigh, I asked, "I won't be able to change your mind, will I?"

"Well I'm sure my young apprentice will be easily swayed in his manners, but not I, my lady." He replied.

I noticed Rithen raise his eyebrows at his master, then he made a spoon fly at him using his powers. I blinked at it, then glanced at Nammon again. "What if I demand it? Will you then?"

Nammon blocked the spoon without hardly glancing at it. "Perhaps with time."

"Very well...I shall keep trying then"

"Try as you may, Your Highness. We should be reaching Dagobah by nightfall."

Wonderful! The jump to lightspeed must have been quite successful. We were ahead of schedule. "Excellent. Faster than I expected. This is good. Thank you, Master Nammon. I appreciate everything."

"Of course, Your Highness."

"Aimee. My name is Aimee."

"Of course, Queen Aimee."

I heard Rithen chuckle at this, and I glanced over at him, raising an eyebrow. This was ridiculous. "I just can't win, can I?"

"I wouldn't try to win against Master Nammon..." was his reply.

"I guess I shall save my arguing for when its needed."

"That is most wise of you, your highness" agreed Master Nammon.

Rithen chose to head to the control room now, to prepare for landing on the swampy terrain of Dagobah. His master took a seat at the table, glancing out the window at the approaching planets. I watched him for a second before following his gaze. "Do you really think we can free my planet?" I asked.

He paused before answering. "That future is unclear to me, Your Highness"

"I certainly hope the Jedi can do something about it."

"If anyone can, it is the Jedi council"

I nodded slowly, gaze still fixated out the window. I wondered what my people were doing right now…they were probably terrified, being worked to death, or just plain being put to death.

Nammon must have noticed my unease, because he said, "Get some rest, your highness. You will need it."

"I doubt I could rest knowing my people are doing just the opposite."

"You will not be much help to them without your strength..."

"While my people are in danger, I will not be without strength. Trust me Master Nammon."

He smiled. "You are a good Queen, milady."

"Thank you Master Nammon. I try to be. However, I feel as I've failed them..." I sighed, looking down. I'd let New Alderaan fall into the hands of the Empire. What would everyone think of me now? Would they still want me as their Queen, should we get back our planet?

Nammon stood up, shaking his head. "No. You cannot fail them while you still fight for them"

"I should have paid more attention to the things going on around me. They would not have gotten into this mess…"

"There was nothing you could have done" he interrupted.

"There was plenty I could have done. But I failed to do it."

"The arm of the Empire has grown long...Had you acted more promptly you may have been killed, along with your people"

I shook my head, looking at him. "Still..."

"You cannot help your people if you are dead. Even devoted leaders must take a step back for their safety and, ultimately, the safety of their people"

I tapped her fingers on the table, sighing, glancing out the window again. "I only hope we can save them quickly." If we didn't, the Empire would have fun destroying them, one by one. And I could not live with this. It would be as if the blood of my people were on my hands, not the Imperials.