Celebrations
As Braylen ser the Ebon Hawk down on the landing platform by the Jedi Temple, he noticed the familiar figures of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Grand Master Yoda waiting for him. It wasn't often that such a distinguished group gathered for his arrival, which made him instinctively wary.
Braylen disembarked and approached the trio. "Grandmaster, I was unaware you were coming."
"Hmm, right you are," Yoda said, his voice calm but with a weight behind it. "Hoping to speak with you before you leave, I was."
Braylen crossed his arms, intrigued. "Sure, why not?"
Yoda continued, "To the Senate, the Viceroy was given. Gave up his Sith backer, he did not."
"That's unfortunate," Braylen replied, a shadow passing over his face. "And the Trade Federation?"
"Cut all ties, the Senate has," his calm demeanor not betraying any underlying concern. The conversation was clearly leading somewhere.
Yoda, his gaze fixed on Braylen, asked, "Hoping to you could give us we are."
Braylen paused, knowing exactly what they were asking. The Jedi wanted more information about the Sith and their potential ties to the Trade Federation. He took a breath before answering. "We have no proof, but my master and I believe the Sith behind this is Darth Plagueis."
Yoda's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful. Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon, sensing the weight of the name.
"I killed Maul his apprentice," Braylen continued, "but he will find another. Just remember, he's dangerous. Even my master fears him."
Yoda's face remained composed, though the gravity of the situation was clear. "Obsessed with immortality, Plagueis was. Told this, were you?"
Braylen nodded. "Yes. She once told me he was consumed by it. That it drove him to master powers that others couldn't even imagine. He's not someone to underestimate."
Yoda closed his eyes briefly, as though meditating on the information. "Meditate on this, the Council will."
"Thank you," Braylen said, his voice softening. He hesitated for a moment, looking between the Jedi. "For what it's worth, the Jedi have not given me a reason to be your enemy."
Yoda opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Braylen's with a knowing look. "Enemy you are not, for now. Careful you must be. Darkness... follows all paths."
Braylen nodded. The weight of the conversation was palpable, and though no formal agreement had been made, there was an understanding between him and the Jedi. The battle against the Sith was far from over.
Braylen, now back on Coruscant, prepared the Ebon Hawk for another departure. This time, his mission wasn't one of conflict but of celebration. He was there to pick up Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had been invited by Queen Amidala to attend the Freedom Day parade on Naboo, marking the victory over the Trade Federation.
As the Ebon Hawk lifted off from the Jedi Temple's docking bay, Braylen glanced at his passengers. "I didn't expect you'd both accept the Queen's invitation. Jedi don't usually attend parades."
Qui-Gon, seated calmly next to Obi-Wan, offered a warm smile. "Sometimes, even Jedi need to witness the fruits of peace."
Obi-Wan chimed in, "Besides, I think we've earned a moment of respite after everything that happened."
Braylen gave a subtle nod as he engaged the ship's hyperdrive, setting their course for Naboo. "Well, then, let's make sure we enjoy it. But remember, with the Sith still out there, we may not have many moments like this."
The journey through hyperspace was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts. The anticipation of returning to Naboo was bittersweet—though the battle had been won, the looming shadow of the Sith lingered in all their minds.
After the Ebon Hawk dropped out of hyperspace, Naboo's serene beauty unfolded before them. The peaceful planet, with its lush green landscapes and sparkling blue lakes, was a stark contrast to the recent war it had endured. As they approached the city of Theed, the vibrant preparations for the parade were already visible from above.
"We're here," Braylen said as they descended toward the royal landing platform.
As the ship touched down, the ramp lowered, revealing the bustling city of Theed. The grand streets were lined with banners and decorations, and the citizens of Naboo were gathering to celebrate their hard-won freedom. Queen Amidala had planned a ceremony that would honor both the Gungans and the Naboo, cementing the unity that had been forged in the fires of battle.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan followed Braylen out of the ship, greeted by Captain Panaka, who bowed respectfully. "Welcome back. The Queen is expecting you."
"Lead the way," Braylen said, casting a glance over the colorful city.
The next couple of days were a whirlwind of activity as preparations for the Freedom Day celebrations, as the people had started calling it, were in full swing. Naboo was alive with excitement, a stark contrast to the recent devastation of the battle. Everywhere Braylen looked, citizens were busy decorating the streets, repairing the final remnants of damage, and rehearsing for the upcoming parade.
Padmé, now fully immersed in her role as Queen, had decided to make the day an official holiday during the ceremony. She wanted the people to remember not only the victory but also the unity that had brought them together—Naboo and the Gungans, standing side by side.
Braylen, observing from the sidelines, watched Padmé navigate her responsibilities with more confidence each day. Though she had her moments of doubt, he could see the strength growing in her, shaped by the events they had faced and the lessons she had taken from him. Anakin, meanwhile, followed Braylen closely, soaking in every detail as he learned from the man who had quickly become a mentor.
"She's really taking to the leadership role, isn't she?" Shimi remarked, joining Braylen as they watched the preparations from the palace balcony.
"She's a fast learner," Braylen replied, his eyes following Padmé as she gave instructions to the workers below. "And she's got a good heart, which helps."
Shimi smiled softly. "You've done more for her than you realize."
Braylen gave a slight shrug. "She's already strong. She just needed a push."
As the day of the parade approached, Padmé made sure everything was in place for the grand ceremony, where she would declare Freedom Day as a permanent celebration of Naboo's liberation. It was a moment that marked a new chapter for the planet, and Padmé wanted it to symbolize the strength of unity and the power of hope.
Standing at the head of the procession, dressed in her ceremonial robes, Padmé looked every bit the Queen she was born to be. Braylen stood behind her, along with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin, as they prepared for the day that would forever be etched in Naboo's history.
As the crowd gathered, eager to celebrate their freedom, Padmé took a deep breath and stepped forward to address them. "Today, we celebrate not just the end of oppression but the beginning of a new era for Naboo," she began, her voice steady and clear. "Let this day remind us of our strength when we stand together. Let it be a day of unity, hope, and peace."
The crowd erupted in applause, and as the parade began to move through the streets, Braylen couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in how far they had come since that fateful day on Tatooine.
The parade had reached its pinnacle, with the grand stage of Theed Palace framed by the sun, casting a golden hue over the city. On the wide, ornately decorated platform, Padmé stood tall in her royal attire, radiating grace and purpose as she prepared to present the Globe of Peace. The sounds of cheering crowds faded to a reverent murmur as all eyes turned toward the approaching procession.
Across the great grass plains leading into the city, the Gungan contingent made its triumphant entrance. At the forefront, Boss Nass rode a magnificent ceremonial falumpaset, a large, majestic creature with elaborately adorned gear. The falumpaset's rhythmic steps reverberated through the ground as it carried the Gungan leader forward with a sense of dignity and pride. His head held high, Boss Nass was a commanding presence atop the creature, his traditional Gungan robes flowing in the wind.
Flanking him as a guard of honor were two of the Gungan army's finest—Boombad General Jar Jar Binks, sitting tall on a swift kaadu, and Captain Roos Tarpals, mounted on his own sturdy kaadu. Both warriors were dressed in ceremonial armor, with Jar Jar trying his best to appear dignified despite his characteristic clumsiness, while Captain Tarpals remained stoic and vigilant, spear in hand, his eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of trouble. The Gungan banners fluttered in the breeze behind them, carried by a line of Gungan soldiers marching in perfect formation.
As the entourage neared the stage, the crowds erupted in applause. Boss Nass raised a hand, acknowledging the cheers, while Jar Jar gave a goofy grin, waving back enthusiastically despite his attempts to stay serious. Captain Tarpals kept his composure, offering a respectful nod to the people of Theed.
Padmé stepped forward on the stage, holding the Globe of Peace in her hands. Her eyes met Boss Nass's as he dismounted the falumpaset with a deep grunt, assisted by Tarpals and Jar Jar. The Gungan leader strode up the steps to the stage, his wide face breaking into a broad, proud smile as he approached Padmé.
"Your Excellency," Padmé began, her voice filled with warmth and respect, "on behalf of the people of Naboo, I present to you the Globe of Peace, a symbol of the unity we have forged today and the lasting bond between our people."
Boss Nass, visibly moved, extended his large hands to accept the glowing orb. As he held it aloft for the gathered citizens to see, the crowds roared in approval. Behind him, Jar Jar and Captain Tarpals took their positions at attention, their kaadus standing proudly at the foot of the stage, completing the Gungan honor guard.
"Dis-sa day, we-sa united!" Boss Nass declared, his booming voice resonating across the square. "Together, Naboo and Gungan—stronger den ever!"
The cheers grew louder, the air thick with celebration. Padmé smiled, a deep sense of satisfaction settling over her as she looked out over her people—no longer divided, but joined together in the spirit of peace and cooperation. The Globe of Peace, now glowing in Boss Nass's hands, symbolized more than just the end of a battle—it was the beginning of a new chapter for their world.
As the sun set behind them, the image of Padmé, Boss Nass, Jar Jar, and Tarpals standing together on the stage would be remembered for generations as the moment Naboo became whole.