Chapter Eighty-Eight: Return to Naboo

Despite my detour, I'd still left enough in advance that I arrived in Theed prior to the Chancellor. I landed my craft in a designated hangar. When I left, earning a mix of weird and awe-filled looks, I was hit with how weird it was that I was a recognized member of the GAR and ally to the Jedi. In reality, Boba had been very accepting of my chosen alignments.

Jango may have killed me.

When I entered the courtyard before the royal palace, I saw a group huddled in wait already. There was a lot of security, many eyes turning to me long before I approached them. Their excessive presence made sense when I saw the Queen of Naboo standing beside Senator Amidala. The governor and Senator Organa were there as well.

I stepped past the few huddled groups of Naboo natives, their eyes following me, before greeting the senators past the guards. When I was greeted back, the security stepped aside, eyeing the weapons at my hips. I bowed to the Queen, knowing the customs from Padme's tutoring, before the senator swept me into a brief hug. I could tell she had wanted to give me a real embrace, but had to keep up a face in the public eye.

Being a politician sounded horrible.

"Thank you for joining the security for this event," the Queen started graciously with a soft smile. "Have you ever been able to see the Festival of Light?" She was small, making me realize how young she was. Naboo had a custom of electing young girls to be Queen, believing children had yet to be corrupted by power and greed.

Honestly, I didn't think they were wrong. But also a child probably shouldn't run a planet. Right?

I couldn't really talk, considering I was standing before two women who either had been, or currently were, successfully running a whole planet as a child.

Padme nudged me and I realized I hadn't responded to the Queen. "Sorry," I grunted, clearing my throat rather awkwardly. "I've seen it, yes." I glanced at Padme. "Probably around when you were the queen, actually. It's very beautiful, and I'm sad to say I will be missing it. Unfortunately, Your Majesty, my presence here is merely to pick up what's needed for my own part in this mission, away from Theed."

Padme's brow lifted knowingly – she'd played a part in this, too. I shifted, a little uncomfortable under her gaze, but thankfully the governor saved me.

"It's a pity," he said, his voice cheery despite his words. "I've heard stories of your heroics, Miss Fett." I winced slightly at the moniker. "I'd hoped to see if you lived up to the tales."

I forced a practiced laugh. "What's the point in being mysterious and having stories told about me if I just go around proving how good I am all the time?"

"So you're saying you are as good as they say?"

"Kida has proven herself both within the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as within Senator Amidala's service, and beyond," Senator Amidala cut in, his voice smooth and steady. It calmed my nerves a bit, his Force presence strong and sure. Bail was a friend of Padme's, and while I doubted she told him about Anakin, it was likely that he knew. And it was likely he knew a bit about me.

"Thank you," I said to him genuinely.

"So what brought you to Naboo when you saw the Festival of Light?" he asked politely, trying to change the subject.

I looked away quickly, my teeth grinding on the inside of my cheek. The roar of an approaching engine drew our gazes. I spotted a Jedi T-6 Shuttle as it slowly descended to land before us in the courtyard, the wind of the engines blowing back the elegant robes of the officials around me. "It's probably best if I didn't say," I responded vaguely with a chuckle, cutting my gaze sideways to see Padme frowning at me. There was some amusement in her expression though, so I wasn't worried.

The gangway descended, clones in red-painted armor leading the Chancellor from the ship. He was followed by his advisor Mas Amedda and Windu, the group approaching us. I stepped back quickly, letting the Queen take the lead. My eyes were still focused on the empty doorway to the shuttle. Finally, Anakin appeared, tailed quickly by Ahsoka. They both cast me a nod in greetin. Ahsoka cast me a knowing smile before turning to look over her shoulder, drawing my gaze back to the gangway to see Rex. His helmet was on, but I could feel his eyes on me.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," the Chancellor said to the Queen, drawing my attention back. She only bowed her head silently before moved back.

Padme took her place. "Welcome home, Chancellor," she greeted warmly. I frowned slightly. The man frightened me with his mysterious and foreboding presence. It was unnerving to see someone like her so familiar and trusting towards him. "I'm thankful to the Jedi for bringing you here safely."

"Yes, Senator," Palpatine replied cheerily, "It is good to be back. Although I think the amount of security that has accompanied me is…" he gestured to the Jedi now standing behind him. "Overkill."

"With all due respect, Chancellor," Windu piped up, "Where your safety is concerned, there is no such thing as overkill."

The Chancellor frowned. "So you keep insisting, Master Jedi, but I've grown tired of discussing it." He pushed past Windu, leading the group towards the palace. I stepped aside, keeping my eyes downcast as he passed, but feeling his gaze on me. Windu barely spared me a glance, and when he did look, he gave me a small sneer.

I rolled my eyes, instead turning to join Padme as she stayed behind with the other Jedi. "Anakin, Ahsoka, welcome to the festival!" We followed the group, but stayed a good distance behind to speak freely.

"I've never seen the Festival of Light before," Ahsoka admitted. "Sounds like a big event." I watched her glance around the courtyard in awe, and I wondered if she'd ever seen celebrations like these before; ones where entire cities came out to join the fray, every building decorated with explosions of color. Life didn't seem fair for a young Jedi. They were less monks than…soldiers.

"They're expecting a large crowd, which means it will be difficult for Dooku to attack during the ceremony," Anakin replied, proving my thought. Ahsoka's expression fell slightly before she snapped herself back into work, her brows furrowing with determination. My heart ached for her. "That leaves the palace as the best opportunity for an ambush."

I fell in step with Rex behind Padme and Ahsoka, two of the Chancellor's clone guard behind us. I didn't dare do anything in their line of sight. "Are you that certain an attack is imminent?" Padme asked.

"I'm afraid so," Anakin replied darkly. "Which is why I'm making Ahsoka your personal bodyguard."

The two women gave each other warm smiles, Ahsoka saying, "At your service, my lady."

Anakin continued. "If there's trouble, Ahsoka will get you, the queen, and the rest of your staff to safety."

Padme frowned in thought. "What about you?"

"Hopefully, I'll be where I always am," Anakin grinned at us over his shoulder.

Ahsoka laughed, nudging her shoulder into Padme's and earning a chuckle from her. "He means saving the day."

"Of course he does."

I smiled gently, but said nothing as we entered the palace and found a briefing room. The Chancellor was sighing in the corner with his group of politicians, tired of all the security. I heard him lamenting over something in regards to ruining the celebrations.

Him getting kidnapped certainly would make it memorable, I guess.

"Miss Fett," Windu greeted me, making me grit my teeth. "I understand you should be heading elsewhere. Your inside contacts continue to prove useful to you." There was venom and suspicion in his tone.

He wasn't wrong, but I didn't like his attitude. "Are there any updates from your inside man?" I dared, but I was careful to keep my voice quiet so it stayed between myself and the Jedi. Rex had stayed back towards the door with the other clones, but I didn't doubt he could tell what I'd said by their shocked expressions.

Anakin surprised me with anger, even if it wasn't towards me. "Even Kida knew?" he hissed at Windu, earning a dark look from his master.

"We never told her," he said smoothly, turning the dark gaze to me. "How did you know?"

I scowled. I could tell him the truth. It probably wouldn't even get me in trouble, considering how much the Jedi was already letting me get away with. Instead, I shrugged. "It's like you said. My contacts are always proving useful."

He knew I was playing with him now, his expression mirroring my own. He didn't press it, instead glancing between his companions before sighing. "Our…contact," he said carefully, "Has not made contact in some time."

"He'll be fine and he'll do his part." Anakin's anger about my knowledge had been replaced with curiosity, but the underlying anger at the Jedi's lies remained.

"I'm sure he will," I assured, my voice surprisingly gentle. I looked back to Windu. "You weren't wrong earlier. I'm leaving to pursue a lead about a trading hub here on Naboo that might be where the suspected attackers will be, or already have come through. General Skywalker recommended I take his captain with me as back up."

I didn't miss the slight smirk from Anakin, but I kept my gaze steady on Windu. The elder Jedi frowned, crossing his arms. "Very well. Best go in case they can be intercepted. Call us if you find anything."

I rolled my eyes, bidding a small wave to my friends in the room before gesturing for Rex to follow me. "Of course," I called over my shoulder with a dismissive wave.

"And if it's a cold trail, return here to assist with the mission," Windu called after me.

I waved my hand again in the air before the doors hissed closed behind Rex and I, but I was smirking. Coming back to help with the mission. Ha. That wasn't a part of my plan today. Still mindful of the many eyes in the palace, I led Rex back out, my shoulders only relaxing when we descended the grand stairs.

"You alright?" Rex finally asked, his voice still quiet as we walked the streets of Theed. We were both in our armor, drawing the gazes of the locals.

Despite my anxiety about everything, I cast him a genuine smile. "I'll be better when we're back to the shuttle. We have a quick stop to make, though."

I felt his confusion and I wished I could see his face. "Errands? I didn't expect that to be part of the mission."

I chuckled, muttering more to myself than to him, "Yeah, I think you'll be surprised by a lot on this one." If Rex heard me, he didn't reply. I led him through the markets, finally ducking into a shop with beautiful fabrics lining the walls.

"What is this place?" Rex asked, his golden gaze trailing over the wide array of vibrant colors strewn about.

I didn't get to answer, a terribly old-sounding voice calling out from the back of the shop. "I'll be up in a moment!" Rex glanced at me, but waited in silence as we listened to the shuffling of the old man before he emerged, revealing clouded eyes beneath bushy white brows. "Who's here?" he asked to the silence, knowing there were someone in the room. "Pailen? Is that you?"

"Su cuy'gar, Graer," I responded clearly from my place near the door. "You're looking old."

The man, his face haggard and lined with wrinkles, crinkled into a smile. "Kida? Is that you?"

Rex looked to me. "How did–"

"Oh, you've got a friend with you!" Graer chuckled, shuffling around his bench to stand before me. I moved further into the shop, careful to make heavy footfalls so he could hear my approach. "Is this the friend the order was for? They certainly weren't your measurements." He wiggled his brows towards my general direction before reaching his hand out in search of Rex.

Rex cast me a glance before offering his forearm for the man to grab. Graer grasped it immediately, his brows furrowing in thought as he dragged Rex closer with surprising strength. I only watched with a small, amused smile on my face, letting the captain experience the joy that is Graer. The elderly man roamed his hands across Rex, muttering to himself while doing so.

"Yes, this is the man whose measurements you sent me. Though, a soldier, Kida?" he glanced over his shoulder at me, his brows lifted. Despite being blind, it often still felt like he could see you. He looked back to Rex suddenly, his tone more commanding. "Remove your helmet, good sir."

Rex hesitated only for a moment before obeying. The elder's hands were still resting lightly on his armor, feeling Rex move to do as he was asked. He settled the helmet at his hip, stiffening as the man's crooked fingers glided across the planes of his face.

"You're making him uncomfortable, Graer," I chuckled, earning a laugh from the shopkeeper. He ignored me otherwise, feeling across Rex's face until he felt he had a good image.

"A handsome man," he nodded, turning to cast me a wry grin. "Strong too. Well done."

"Do you have my order or what?" I asked, putting fake sass into my words. Graer only laughed, practically wheezing in his age as he shuffled back towards his workbench. He leaned heavily on one of the many support beams in the shop, the wood wrapped with silks, gnarled fingers ringing the bell hanging there.

"Pailen! Pailen, I need Kida's order!" he yelled, coughing a bit between words.

I approached immediately, stepping heavily and touching his shoulder gently prior to fully wrapping my arm around him to bear some weight. "I wasn't joking when I said you looked old, burc'ya. Take it easy."

He laughed and dismissed my concern, but let me settle him onto his work bench anyway. Rex took the opportunity to step forward, his blush from Graer's forwardness finally dissipating. Footsteps sounded from the back stairwell, a woman about my Ahsoka's appearing. She was short and curvy, her curly hair tied back in a messy bun.

Her eyes lit up when she entered, regarding me in my beskar armor. "Kida!" she yelled, rushing forward to hug me. I returned the gesture, patting her back somewhat awkwardly as she separated from me again. "It's so good to see you! You look fantastic! And is this the friend I was working tirelessly for?" She looked to Rex, flashing him a dazzling smile before hugging him too.

He looked more awkward than I did.

I chuckled under my breath as she puttered about, chirping about collecting my order for me. "How do you know Kida?" Rex finally asked, watching her produce a bundle from behind the counter.

Pailen looked up quickly, flashing another smile. "Oh, Kida killed my father!"

"My son," Graer added, allowing Rex to form to connection. The captain stammered slightly, shifting his weight. Graer laughed, a deep bellowing sound. "Oh, I hired Kida to do this."

"You…hired her to kill your son?"

Pailen made a sour face. "He was a terrible person. He wanted to sell me to a slaver when I was younger." Her voice was small, her eyes downcast.

I stepped in. "He was extorting Graer and his business, as well as abusing Pailen and her mother, who was sick. A drunk and a scoundrel. Having him out of the picture meant that Graer could get his daughter-in-law the help she needed, as well as custody of his granddaughter."

"She saved my life," Pailen whispered as she approached, the bundles now in a large bag that she offered to Rex. "You have a very brave friend."

"I know," Rex said, accepting the bag. "Vor entye."

Pailen's eyes widened. "Kida! He speaks your tongue!" She stepped closer, examining Rex's attire and face closer than she had before. "Are you…a clone?" She glanced around the room, her hand slapping to her mouth. "Was that rude to ask?"

Rex only chuckled. "No, it's not rude. I'm a clone. My name's Rex. I'm Captain of the Republic's 501st Legion." He stood a little straighter while introducing himself, making my lips curl slightly.

"A man in charge," Pailen teased gently, appraising Rex. Suddenly, her expression became more serious. "She's amazing. Be good to her or she'll end you herself," she warned. "She's the strongest person I know."

Rex seemed more amused than worried, turning his gaze to me before answering. "Me too." He glanced back at the girl, nerves soothed at my calm demeanor, understanding we didn't need to hide here. "I don't plan on being anything but good to her for the rest of my life," he assured Pailen, his voice quieter now.

Still, we all heard it in the silence of the shop, my face erupting in a blush. Graer chuckled warmly, his face towards me as he smiled. "Can I dare to ask where you're headed this time?" he asked from his seat.

"This time?" Rex interjected, Pailen now clutching his arm with a wide smile over his previous statement.

She perked up, still holding him but leaning away enough to meet his gaze. "Oh, Kida puts in a lot of orders of clothes for jobs."

"Disguises, I assume?" Rex asked me.

I shrugged. "Sometimes. And other times it's just clothes." I shrugged again as the group regarded me. "They're good at their craft and I like an excuse to come to Naboo." I crossed my arms, looking away pointedly.

Pailen squealed lightly, releasing Rex to rush and throw her arms around me instead. "Oh Kida! You can just say it's because you love us!"

While it was true that they were sweet and I trusted and cared for them…I could only spend so much time with the wild pair. Besides, I had plans today. "Sure," I teased, getting her to release me enough that I could pull out a bag of credits. "These are for you."

She took it from me gratefully, handing it off to her grandfather. He didn't open it, but frowned as he weighed it in his hand. "This is more than I asked for, Kida."

"You didn't even count it," I laughed, but I fully knew he could tell without counting. "It's more than I can do for the last minute order." The old man frowned, but didn't argue further. "We should go," I said to Rex, who was shouldering the bag easily.

He nodded, dipping his head to them both. "It was nice to meet you both."

"Already?" Pailen complained, earning a soft tap on the arm from Graer.

"She's a busy woman, child," he chastised gently. "Leave her be." Pailen pouted, but offered us both a hug in farewell before Graer offered each of us his hand. He winked at me, jerking his head in the direction of Rex, again making me forget he had no sight. "You did good."

I chuckled, but patted his arm. "Thanks, old man. Take care of yourself."

"Don't tell me what to do."

Rex and I both laughed as we exited back to the market streets, forgetting ourselves for a moment. We earned the gazes of the Naboo natives, our laughter quieting immediately. Rex put his helmet back on.

"So where are we going?" Rex asked as I began leading the way again. He was aware of the gazes, but the relaxed exchanges in the tailor shop had soothed him more towards how he acted at my club: like a regular man.

"My shuttle isn't far," I responded vaguely, casting him a mischievous smile.

"And after that?" I glanced at him again, raising my brow. "You're not going to tell me." It wasn't a question.

"We're hardly in a secure setting, Captain," I teased. If his helmet was off, I was sure I'd see him scowling at me. "This mission is classified, after all."

"Yet I was told nothing other than I was needed."

"Isn't it nice to be good at your job?"

Rex snorted laughter, the sound warbled through his helmet's modulator. We rounded the corner, the hangar in view. "Did General Skywalker really suggest I join you as backup for this?" He surprised me with his sudden question, making my steps falter. On instinct, his hand shot out to steady my hip, but he retracted it just as fast when he remembered where we were.

"I asked," I admitted. I felt Rex's genuine surprise, which was soon overcome by curiosity. "I'll tell you everything soon," I promised as we stepped into the hangar. I left Rex for a minute, getting the droids to disconnect any fuel lines from my shuttle. He knew where to go, leading the way onto my ship.

I joined him shortly after to find him digging through the bag Pailen had given him. His helmet was off, a child-like grin on his face. I laughed genuinely. "Couldn't wait?"

"Was I supposed to?" He actually looked embarrassed and I immediately felt bad for saying anything.

"No, of course not," I assured, sitting in the pilot's seat. "What do you think?" I gestured to the bag.

"These…aren't like the clothes you've given me on Coruscant," he said gently.

I laughed, relaxing him further. The engines engaged under my hands on the console, my ship coming to life to lift us from the planet's surface. "Do you like the clothes I give you on Coruscant?"

"I do," he said quickly, before clearing his throat. "I really do. They're comfortable and I blend in." He smiled, his amber gaze smoldering. "I can tell you like me in them, too."

I flushed, choosing to keep my sights on flying the ship. "I'm glad you like them," I squeaked, absolutely horrified at the sound of my voice. I swallowed and nodded to the clothing bundles in his lap. "These are the Naboo fashion, so you can blend in."

"And we are trying to intercept the bounty hunters where we're going?" I cut a glance to Rex, earning a small groan from him. He knew my looks too well now. "Kida, what did you do?"

"For the record, Anakin was in on this."

"What's happening? Where are we going?"

I smiled widely at the captain, "Dee'ja Peak." His brows furrowed in thought, the name familiar. "You saw it in the dream we shared on Kadavo."

He remembered, his brows lifting curiously. "Did you…plan a vacation for the middle of when the Chancellor is under threat of kidnapping?"

"Hey, neither of us were originally assigned to the security mission. It will be like nothing has changed for them."

Despite rubbing his face tiredly, Rex chuckled, lifting one of the flowing shirts from the bag to examine it. "And Anakin was okay with this?"

I shrugged. "He's nothing if not confident. And I think he wants as few people as possible around when he's finally able to talk to Obi-wan again."

Rex grimaced for what that reunion implied. "I'm grateful for you…mission…for keeping me away from that."

"You're welcome." I cast him a glance, seeing him shift in his armor. "You can change if you want. We won't want to be in armor when we arrive."

"You didn't buy any clothes," Rex pointed out.

"I've done a lot of traveling," I laughed, "So I've collected plenty of things to wear. Oh, and Rex," I called after him as he moved to exit the cockpit. "I do want to warn you that there may be just the…slightest bit of crime on this vacation."

His strong brow lifted. "Crime?"

I lifted my hand, pinching my thumb and forefinger close together. "Just a little. There is the slightest of chances Embo might come through Dee'ja Peak. That's if he ended up on Dooku's job, of course."

"You want to help the bounty hunter who is trying to kidnap the Chancellor?"

"He's doing a job," I dismissed, "And he's a friend. This is all circumstantial anyways. Embo would have to be on the job, fail, and successfully escape and make it all the way out to the Gallo Mountains." I lifted my hands in mock surrender. "It's unlikely to even happen. But, if it does, that means our vacation get's extended!"

"Vaca–" Rex shook his head. "Extended?"

I smirked, turning back in my chair to focus on navigating. "It's all circumstantial. Go get dressed."

He knew I was withholding information on purpose, but didn't seem to care in this instance. He did as I said, leaving me alone in the cockpit to lead us to Dee'ja Peak…and our much needed time off.

MANDO'A

Su cuy'gar– hello (lit. you're still alive)

Vor entye– Thank you

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Ayyy on a roll lately!

See Ch 77 if you don't remember the Dee'ja Peak scene! And also thank the stars we are finally getting these guys some R&R. Not to mention I do just love Naboo.

See ya all again soon, I hope. As always, reviews welcome and encouraged!

-Ryder