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, and Feste © me. Don't use them without my permission.
Rithen and Nammon © Amaurea2007.
Star Wars © George Lucas.
Day 2
The Dagobah System
The trip to Dagobah took a bit longer than expected, but we arrived, just the same.
Festé was braiding my hair when we arrived. Since we had been found out, and the danger had past, we agreed to switch back into our normal positions -- her a handmaiden, and I a Queen.
Knowing very well how swampy the terrain of Dagobah was, I chose a simpler outfit than those I usually wore -- something easier to move around in. A brown pleated dress with a gold belt and intricate gold designs woven into the top. While it was not the most extravagant outfit I owned, it was still elegant enough to show royal status. And with the gold ribbons Festé was weaving into my hair, I looked Queenly enough.
She herself was wearing a pleated outfit like my own, minus the gold, and plus the brown hood with the cape that reached just below her shoulders. She looked lovely in something so simple…I wish sometimes that I could wear things so simple. Festé always looks lovely in whatever she wears, no matter how simple it is.
I was about to tell her so, too, when I heard Rithen, calling out that we had arrived. So by time Nammon had come to the door to inform us of the arrival, I was already there, pressing the button on the panel to slide it open.
I think he was surprised, though he didn't show it. "Your majesty, we have arrived on Dagobah."
Offering him a slight smile, I nodded before passing him silently, heading for the door. The smile had quickly faded. It seemed like years had passed since we left, even though it had only been hours. At the time, the only thing on my mind was the people of New Alderaan. Were they suffering?
I felt Festé approach, and looked over at her. She was looking straight at me from underneath her hood -- trying to read me, I knew. She was worried about me… I offered her a smile, then turned my attention to Rithen, who had just stepped out of the cockpit with a grin on his face. Hardly a time for smiles, but he seemed pleased with himself.
"Good landing, huh?" he boasted.
I saw Nammon roll his eyes. "Of course, Rithen." he had replied.
Rithen laughed -- he looked very pleased with himself indeed. If all Jedi were distracted so easily, we might have a problem on our hands. Luckily, it seemed to only be this one. "Are we ready then?" I interrupted, impatiently, I knew, but I couldn't help myself.
Nammon glanced at me briefly, then strode over and pressed the button to open the ramp. "Yes, but stay close to Rithen and myself, your highness. Dagobah is not the friendliest of planets. At least the uncivilized part." he remarked, stepping out.
I folded my arms, tucking my hands into my sleeves as I followed him out onto the ramp. Finally, we were getting somewhere!
Festé stuck fairly close to my side, I noticed. I think she was scared of the unknown terrain, though she was trying not to show it. Trying, and failing. "What kind of…distractions…might we run into?" she asked hesitantly.
Rithen, who was bringing up the rear, answered her. "Oh, the usual. Swamp monsters, quicksand, marshes…" he listed.
Both I and Nammon turned to give him a look -- Nammon, a stern disapproving look; mine, one of plain annoyance. Nammon's apprentice wasn't taking this very seriously.
The padawan shrugged innocently.
What had happened to the serious boy I had scared my deepest secret with earlier?
I turned back to see that Nammon was now assisting Festé over a log that had fallen across our path. I hadn't noticed it before, thanks to the thick fog. Nammon seemed to know where he was going though, despite the seeing conditions.
As she crossed over, I heard Festé murmur to me, "Be careful miss…who knows what's out here…"
I nodded to her, then approached the log. Rithen offered a hand to assist. Now, perhaps Festé had needed help getting over the log -- she was skiddish in unknown territory. But I, no, I wasn't bothered by the fog and the mud and the 'unknown dangers' lying in the marsh. In fact, it was downright fascinating to me.
So I pretended not to see Rithen's hand and stepped up onto the log without his help, getting over it with ease.
I glanced back in time to see him roll his eyes. Offering him an innocent smile in return, I stepped out of the way to give him room to cross, which he started to do, only to be interrupted by his master.
"No no, my apprentice. This could be good practice for you. Clear your way." He told Rithen.
Rithen blinked in return. "What? I can't just climb?"
Nammon simply gestured to the log in response.
I raised an eyebrow at the exchange. This could prove interesting, indeed. I could see how a Jedi worked -- in person, not just in a holo-file from the library. Besides, I wanted to see just how strong Rithen was.
The apprentice sighed and stepped back off of the log, rolling his eyes skyward. He looked annoyed and uncomfortable, all at the same time. I imagine he didn't feel right working in front a Queen and her handmaiden. But he did it, just the same. He lifted the log after concentrating for a few moments.
I have to admit, it impressed me. Perhaps I've been thinking too lowly of Nammon's apprentice. Or maybe I just haven't been paying enough attention. Maybe that was it. Rithen had showed he was responsible when he rescued me. He had been quiet and had obeyed orders. He had proven to be smart and sly when he tricked me on the ship. And he had proven his strength, here, now.
He was impressive in his own little way.
After another moment, he moved the log out of the way and let it down gently. Then he opened his eyes and immediately looked to his master, I noticed. Probably seeking approval, which he got.
"Very good, Rithen. Well done. Now, let us hurry."
He turned and continued down the path, acting like nothing had happened.
I couldn't help but smile at this, turning my gaze from Nammon to the log, and then to Rithen. Festé was asking him questions, now. She was obviously impressed.
"That was amazing. Can all Jedi to that?" I heard her ask as I started after Nammon again, not wishing to lose him in the swamp.
Rithen nodded. "That is a simple trick that Jedi master in their training."
"That probably comes in handy a lot." Festé murmured as she turned to follow me.
I heard Rithen reply, "Yes, it certainly does help. I've seen some Jedi do amazing things…"
I knew he was leading her on. He wanted her to get curious and ask about the Jedi and their ways. He wanted a chance to show-off, I imagined. He was ready to sing the praises of the Jedi.
And Festé fell for it. Hook, line, and sinker. "Like what?"
I could hear in his voice how pleased he was. "Block blaster rifle shots, move entire ships..."
"They sound rather useful too." agreed Festé.
"They can be...when the power is in the right hands..." Nammon interrupted from in front of us. I turned my attention back to him -- he was looking around. "Are we nearly there, then?" I ventured to ask him.
"Yes, just across this marsh."
I suppressed a sigh of relief. One step closer to freeing my people. "Oh good."
He took a step forward, sinking to the middle-point of his boots. I noticed his frown. "It's going to get wet..." he said.
Festé could not have looked more annoyed if she tried. She was one of those girls who was…well, girly. I didn't mind a bit of dirt and mud, but Festé…well, she didn't join in when we played games in the alley as children. "Milady...you can't get wet...you are wearing your good shoes..." She started.
"Festé…it's alright..." I interrupted quickly -- I'd been prepared for her objections.
Rithen looked apologetic as he passed us, stepping into the marsh. "Sorry, this is the only way..." he said to me.
"It's alright. I don't mind the mud...but Festé doesn't like it." I informed.
"We aren't meant to wander around in the mud. It just isn't lady-like." I heard her retort behind me. I was about to say something in return, but someone beat me to it.
"Forgive me, my lady, but these times call for unlady-like measures.." remarked Nammon from in front of us.
"Have a little fun Festé...we don't get to do this often." I added teasingly.
She shot me a look. "And I didn't mind that milady..." she said through gritted teeth.
Rithen chuckled. "Just be careful for the deep spots.." he warned, teasingly. I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. That hadn't been necessary.
"Oh wonderful...we might sink." sighed Festé.
I simply shook my head. "You're so pessimistic Festé..."
"I have to be. You're optimistic. You need to be balanced…" she countered, which made Rithen laugh again.
We were obviously amusing him.
Later
The Jedi Temple
I'm writing from the Jedi Temple now. I have to fill in on all that has happened….
So, we finally made our way out of the marsh. Nothing had happened, we were all still alive. And I planned on gently teasing Festé for the way she had worried so about entering the marsh.
"Well...I'm glad we didn't get into any trouble." I said, casting a small smirk in her direction.
Coming up beside me, Rithen nodded. "That wasn't too bad at all."
"Well...I wouldn't have minded not going through the mud…but otherwise it was fine." Festé muttered, glancing down at her shoes.
I offered her a smile. She could clean off her shoes when we got into the temple, then she'd be fine. She would forget all about the swamp -- until we had to cross it again, that is.
"Let's keep going." Nammon called -- on the move again. After a few moments, he us through the thinning tree line, into a clearing, which held the large, elegant Jedi Temple. I noticed behind it, several smaller buildings, and a great courtyard in the center. I imagined the Jedi did their training in the courtyard, and lived in the smaller buildings. It was a nice establishment, simple enough for the Jedi, and it took care of their needs.
"And here we are." I heard Nammon say.
I turned to look at him, offering him a smile. "Thank goodness."
Rithen walked by, grinning again, I noticed. He was the first to enter the building, and Festé and I followed closely, with Nammon at the rear. For a long time, we girls were silent, simply taking in the surroundings. The building was decorated elegantly, with marble pillars and statues of famous Jedi lining the halls.
I was the first to regain my voice. "So, this is the famous Jedi Academy…"
"Indeed it is." Nammon replied.
"When will we be allowed to see the council?" Right down to business, of course. We could admire the beauty of the building after plans were executed to save the people of New Alderaan.
I was surprised to hear him reply, "Immediately."
I had not expected for the Council to be able to fit us in immediately. But Nammon was off once more, heading down the hall. He seemed sure that the Master Jedi could attend to us now, and I had no objections, of course.
He must have known what I was thinking, because he said, "They're not going to make something like this wait. A planet is at stake."
I knew he was right. Of course they wouldn't make us wait.
As we walked down the hallways, I tried to identify each of the Jedi statues lining the walls. I had done my research on the Jedi, and knew of many. There was Aayla Secura and Shaak Ti, Jocasta Nu, Mace Windu, Barriss Offee, Adi Gallia, Siri Tachi. And when we arrived at the Council Room doors, I found three more statues -- these seemed to be important. I quickly recognized them as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker.
I studied the latter for a good long time. The statue showed him at his prime, probably at age 18. I could see the fierceness in his eyes…the carefree nature he held, what had led him to his fate in the end. And yet I could see that there was good to him, that he had done great things in his time. Though I admit, I wondered if the good things he had done as Anakin Skywalker were more than the horrible things Darth Vader had done.
Nammon was opening the doors and heading into the Council Rotunda now, so I had no more time to think of the time when the Republic and the Jedi reigned without problems. It was time to think of my planet, and the best course of action.
I followed him and Rithen wordlessly. Waiting to be announced, I paused behind the Jedi, glancing past them curiously. The famous Luke Skywalker sat in front of him, flanked to the right by his sister, Leia Skywalker-Solo, and to his left, Mara Jade Skywalker, his wife.
Nammon and Rithen bowed before the Jedi sitting there, Nammon speaking. "I have come with the Queen of New Alderaan." he announced calmly.
Luke nodded to them, speaking with a voice that gave me chills. He spoke with such authority, such power. It was easy to see why he was the greatest Jedi the galaxy had known. "Good to see you again, Master Nammon, and young Rithen."
His blue eyed gaze was quickly fixated on me. "Welcome your highness. We are honored by your presence"
"Thank you for taking the time to speak with me." I replied, stepping forward and bowing respectfully.
Leia nodded. "Welcome Queen Alcina. Tell me, how is my sisterly planet faring?"
I had forgotten that Leia had come from Alderaan, the planet which had spawned New Alderaan. The rubble from the destroyed planet had been caught in a gravity field and had eventually gathered and compacted so much other rubble, that it became a small moon. And by some miracle of the Force, it became fertile, growing green and beautiful. It wasn't long before people started moving there, and New Alderaan was founded.
Suppressing a sigh, I glanced at the ground, unable to hold her gaze any longer, feeling as if I had let her down by letting another planet fall to the evil that had destroyed the first. "New Alderaan has fallen victim to the Empire."
"We found the Queen locked in a cell upon our arrival. The people have been enslaved." Nammon added.
Mara Jade frowned. "I wonder what the Empire is up to now."
"New Alderaan is a planet with no military to speak of, which makes it an easy target. We have many natural resources that the Empire might find useful. I'm afraid that they have come to our planet to take what they need, and use our people to do their bidding." I told her.
The Jedi lapsed into silence for a few moments, and seeing that they were not going to speak again, I did.
"I've come to ask for the Jedi Council's assistance. I need help to free my people. I cannot do it alone"
"And we won't leave you to do it alone." replied Luke.
Leia nodded her agreement. "I will do whatever I can to help my sister planet. New Alderaan will not fall as it's elder did."
I nodded, trying to act as dignified as possible despite my excitement and relief. "Thank you."
"What can be done, masters?" asked Nammon.
Mara nodded, looking towards Luke. "That's a good question. There's many of them, and few of us."
"Too few these days..." Luke agreed, looking down.
The excitement and relief was soon gone. "So…there isn't much hope for New Alderaan." I remarked dejectedly.
"There's always hope. As long as there is good." Luke replied, looking up at me with an intense gaze. "Master Nammon. Would you and your apprentice be willing to help?" he asked, turning to look at them. I was glad when those blue eyes were turned away from me.
"Of course." was the response.
"We will gather everyone possible who can fight for this planet. I'm sure Han would love some action." Leia remarked. I knew who she was talking about. Her husband, Han Solo. I'd heard many stories about him, as well.
Luke smiled at this. "No doubt he would."
"Rithen and I can go and gather more information about the troops on New Alderaan if you wish." said Nammon.
Leia nodded. "If Luke agrees, then you shall."
"If that is what you wish to do, then may the Force be with you. The Queen Aimee Alcina may remain here for the time being."
I blinked, surprised, looking over at him -- I had turned to look at Nammon when he volunteered to assist. "With all due respect, sir, I would like to accompany them, if it is not a burden. I don't wish to sit around and do nothing. I wish to help."
Luke's serious gaze was fixated on me again. "It will be very dangerous, your highness"
"I do not fear danger, sir." I replied confidently.
Luke sighed thoughtfully, glancing over towards the others, while Rithen and Nammon both glanced towards me. I ignored them for the time being, keeping my gaze on the Jedi masters in front of me.
Mara Jade and Leia exchanged knowing glances, then Leia nodded, looking towards her brother. "Luke, you know well that once a woman's mind is set on something, you can't change it easily."
Thank goodness there were females on the Jedi Council.
Luke laughed and nodded. "That I do know. Permission granted."
"Master Skywalker, with all due respect I must protest." Nammon spoke up.
This was even more surprising, and I turned my head to look at him, raising an eyebrow. I was not at all pleased. Did he honestly think he would just leave me here? If he was going back to New Alderaan, then so was I. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
"What's on your mind Master Nammon?" I heard Mara Jade ask.
"What if the worst should happen? The people cannot loose their queen."
Luke took a moment, thinking quietly. I watched him desperately. Surely he wouldn't make me stay here… At last he answered. "The Queen is under your care, Master Nammon and Padawan Rithen. She may accompany you."
I smiled inwardly, but kept my expression clear as I bowed with a nod. "Thank you for your time." I said to them.
Leia nodded with a smile -- she knew how relieved I was, I could see it. "Good luck to the three of you. We will discuss how to free New Alderaan while you are away."
"May the Force be with you." said Luke.
Nammon nodded quietly, then bowed and turned to leave. Rithen followed suit, as did I. We met up with Festé, who had remained in the hall. She cast me a curious look, and I returned one that assured her that things would be fine.
Rithen noticed that we were having a 'conversation', and raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything about it, instead looking at Nammon as he asked, "Are we leaving immediately, master?"
"We shall leave as soon as the Queen is ready." was the response.
"I'm ready when you are." I replied, glancing over at them. As an afterthought, I added, "I hope that my coming is not an inconvenience."
Nammon shook his head. "No your highness, just a worry. Let us go."
I nodded. I didn't plan on being a burden. But then I realized that my friend might be. It would be too dangerous to bring her along, and I didn't want anything happening to her. Making a quick decision, I turned to her. "Festé...why don't you stay here?"
"But, milady..."
I was already turning to Nammon. "Can't she just stay here? She'll be safe here."
He nodded. "Of course. She is welcome here."
"Are you sure you'll be alright milady?" Festé asked anxiously.
I nodded to her. "Of course. You just stay here."
Rithen gave her a small smile. "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your queen." He said. I offered him an appreciative smile. Hopefully his words would comfort her.
She nodded, glancing up at him before returning her gaze to me. "Alright...just, be careful."
I smiled, nodding, and then suddenly stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, loosing the Queenly posture I had been working so hard to maintain around the Jedi. It had just crossed my mind that I possibly might not ever see her again. As I pulled away, we exchanged a glance that said all that needed to be said.
