Author's Note: Disney doesn't really understand Star Wars and everything in George Lucas' masterpiece work. By bringing up Rey, they made Anakin's sacrifice useless. Also, that Mary Sue has no right to call Anakin's lightsaber her lightsaber. Honestly Anakin must be so mad that Rey buried his lightsaber in SAND! Though I have enjoyed Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, the Mandalorian and the Ahsoka series, I think we can all agree that Star Wars was way better when it wasn't owned by Disney.
I don't own Star Wars or its characters, but Nadia Aomori and my other OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Fire of the Rebellion
Chapter 14: Empire Day
(4 BBY)
On Naboo, Queen Costil was in a grassy open field in Theed and taking part in a hunting sport known as twirrling.
The Queen of Naboo wore a cerulean dress with lighter blue and purple accents, blue trousers as well as metal shoulder blades and an armoured corset. On her feet were short brown boots. Her dark blonde hair was down in loose ringlets held back by a simple light blue headband decorated with a purple diamond pattern. She wore it with the traditional royal make-up: white facepaint, the red scar of remembrance and two stylized beauty marks.
Originating on Naboo, twirrling was the name given to the sport practiced by nobles throughout the galaxy.
Participants in the hunt, riding domesticated gualamas, used trained twirrls to seek out and recover prey which included a variety of small mammals and waterfowl.
Queen Costil rode on her gualama as her hands gently gripped the reins, so she doesn't fell off.
She held up her right arm out as her twirrl returned and landed while holding a dead quadduck by the neck.
The Queen of Naboo secretly used the Force to connect with the species of her home planet.
"Looks it will be chopped pecked quadduck for your supper."Queen Costil complemented and smiled at her gualama."For you, wild grasses and flowers."
The gualama blinked, silently agreeing with the young queen.
"Queen Costil!"
Queen Costil turned her head to see the Captain of the Palace Guards arriving and stopped to bow at her.
"What is it, Captain Felrind?"Queen Costil questioned.
"The latest broadcast from Coruscant had arrived."Captain Felrind answered.
"Very well."Queen Costil answered."I'll be there."
The Queen of Naboo returned to the Theed Royal Palace with her handmaidens to hear the latest broadcast in the throne room.
An immense, cavernous hall with a high, vaulted ceiling, the throne room could be accessed by visitors through a pair of ornamented doors located at the end of a long hallway. Those panels were in fact blast doors, providing extra reinforcements against potential aggressions.
The Naboo monarch and her entourage, however, had their private entrance elsewhere.
The walls and floor of the throne room were adorned with polished marble slabs that came in different colours, ranging from grey to red. One of those walls featured a view screen that allowed the monarch to communicate with the outside world without leaving their royal seat.
Queen Costil's throne itself was an ornate chair on a raised podium fronted by a low, flat-surfaced divider with a composite holoprojector built into it
That throne dated back to the initial construction of the palace, but had been refitted with various new features over the centuries, including a secret compartment to conceal blaster pistols in case of emergency. Although the Naboo had always discouraged weapons, its ruler needed a last line of defence.
Beyond that, the chamber was sparsely furnished. It contained nothing else but a work station that served as the sovereign's desk and a few seats reserved for the members of the Royal Advisory Council.
Despite its bareness, the throne room was spectacular, with its ample windows that bathed the seated monarch in sunlight and offered an impressive panorama of the city.
Theed was indeed a prosperous capital, and the ceremonial chamber of its rulers had been designed to reflect the city's glorous history.
Queen Costil, Senator Naberrie, Grand Moff Panaka and the Royal Advisory Council stood by listening to the Imperial HoloNet broadcast.
Senator Pooja Naberrie wore a black undershirt that reached below her waist under a red blouse with gold trim along the hems. A swirl pattern was also done in this gold trim. The sleeves were loose but not wide, and the red skirt she wore was gently pleated. She also wore a dark red neckband. Her caramel brown hair was done in two cones from the lower part of either side of her head. These were secured with a gold cylinder and a small triangular gold diadem adorned her forehead.
"Today is Empire Day, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the galaxy's salvation, when our great Emperor Palpatine ended the Clone Wars and founded our glorious Empire."the Announcer declared."On this joyous occasion, there shall be public festivities and military parades in every world in our Empire."
As Queen Costil listened to the Imperial HoloNet broadcast, she felt her anger boil inside while she gave a calm expression.
15 years.
15 years since liberty fell with thunderous applause.
15 years of dictatorship.
15 years of darkness.
Fear rules each heart.
Fear of their children stolen from them.
Fear of enslavement.
Fear of genocide.
How can anyone in the galaxy bring themselves to celebrate such an atrocity?
Queen Costil immediately went out of her thoughts when the Imperial HoloNet broadcast finished.
"Since today is Empire Day, I assume you have arranged the festivity to celebrate the glory of our Emperor, your highness?"Grand Moff Panaka assumed.
A fake yet charming smile appeared on Queen Costil's face.
"Indeed, I have, Grand Moff Panaka."Queen Costil agreed with a nod."Naboo is the Emperor's home planet. I have scheduled a parade to happen here in Theed. Including a banquet to celebrate the anniversary of the Empire's creation."
Grand Moff Panaka nodded at the Queen of Naboo.
"Good."Grand Moff Panaka answered with an approved smile."I shall see that during this time that erecting statues of the Emperor and the military parade includes stormtroopers, at least two AT-STs and Imperial Marines."
As soon as the meeting in the throne room ended, Queen Costil returned to her private chamber with Senator Pooja.
"Pooja, this such an outrageous spectacle."Queen Costil retorted with a glare."The Empire is rotten and yet all the civilians in the galaxy have to celebrate these totalitarian Imperialists like they are some grand heroes of peace and justice. Especially, the Emperor who is nothing but a tyrannical mastermind who bought about the downfall of both the Jedi Order and the Old Republic. I don't see anything good to celebrate this holiday."
Senator Pooja let out a sigh after she took a sip from her cup of tarine tea.
"Lisa. Even though you despise this holiday as much as I and the rest of our family do, you need to still act that you are fond with the Empire."Senator Pooja admitted."You are the Queen of Naboo and if you don't attend the celebration, people will see it as an offence. Especially, Grand Moff Panaka."
A scoff escaped from Queen Costil's mouth as she sat in a nearby chair.
"Pooja. You're my cousin. But to me, you and Ryoo were more like older sisters to me."Queen Costil admitted with a small smile."Though you all still look out for me. Even if I am now the ruler of our home planet."
Senator Pooja gave her cousin a gentle smile.
"That's what family does, Lisa."Senator Pooja complemented."They love and take care of each other no matter what."
Queen Costil gave a gentle nod, agreeing with her cousin.
Since Padmé died after giving birth to Lisa, Sola took the role to be her niece's mother.
She also simply relished being a mother; she saw it as her central and most important role and was genuinely interested in Lisa, Ryoo and Pooja.
Even aged 10 or 11, Lisa understood on some level that these weekly dates were her aunt's way for them to escape their everyday surroundings and obligations and for her to check in with who she was and who she was becoming.
But like her late mother before her, Lisa was smart, beautiful and good hearted.
From inside the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle, Darth Vader stared at the planet Naboo.
The planet which was where his angel was laid to rest with their unborn child.
The day after tomorrow marked 15 years since the woman he loved passed away and he was given the haunting bio-suit to help him survive after having lost the battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar.
A glare formed on his deadly yellow eyes as he silently cursed his former master for what he has done to him.
But also his former friends; Ahsoka Tano, Ferus Olin and Nadia Aomori for failing him.
Those three had let him down just as the rest of the Jedi Order did.
However, Darth Vader wasn't sure if Ahsoka was still alive.
He had visited the moon where the Tribunal wreckage was and found one of his former apprentice's lightsaber among the rubble.
Including the helmet-marked graves of dozens of clone troopers.
Perhaps Ahsoka did survive and left her lightsabers behind to make the Empire believe she was killed during Order 66?
Though, he can't imagine how his former apprentice would react upon seeing or learn what he has become.
The cyborg warlord brought his attention on his master's home planet that appeared to be still green and blue laced with faint misty clouds.
Unlike the other planets in the galaxy that he had helped the Imperial Army conquer, Naboo remained healthier due to its status as the Emperor's home world.
But like Tatooine, Naboo wasn't a planet that Darth Vader enjoyed visiting due to the planet have a link to his past life.
He intending to close off every memory of his beloved at Varykino Villa.
Every memory of their marriage ceremony on a glorious evening with the sun's rays shining off the pure blue of the waters off Varykino's precious shores.
But he could not control his own mind and his own memories.
Though he heard the new Queen of Naboo was very popular with the people of Naboo, a popularity that insulated her from overt Imperial pressures.
Though her predecessor, Queen Kylantha was the one that appointed Padmé Amidala's niece, Pooja Naberrie, to the Imperial Senate.
Since today was Empire Day, Darth Vader was actually looking forward to meet Queen Costil.
He surely hoped that this new monarch of Naboo would prove to be less troubling than Queen Apailana was to him.
Inside the Theed Royal Palace, Dalné and the other handmaidens were picking out the right dress for Lisa to wear for the Imperial Parade.
Lisa, in her white undergarments, stood waiting within the room where sumptuous royal finery was available in abundance.
The fourteen year old girl apparently needed a change of clothing for this so-called special event.
The anniversary of the Empire's creation was celebrated yearly, on the twenty-third day of the fifth month using the Great ReSynchronization (GrS) dating system based on Coruscant. Despite the holiday falling on a single date of the year, celebrations of the event could last for several days or even weeks in certain regions of the Empire, depending on the local culture.
The holiday commemorated the dissolution of the Galactic Republic and the creation of the Empire by Supreme Chancellor–turned–Galactic Emperor Palpatine.
The day also celebrated the might and power of the Empire as well as that of Palpatine himself.
Imperial Military parades were common on Empire Day, as was as the display of statues of the Emperor in public squares. During the Galactic Civil War, Imperials used the holiday as an opportunity to step up propaganda efforts and further Palpatine's cult of personality. Government workers distributed Empire Day memorabilia to passersby and Imperial citizens offered one another salutations of 'Happy Empire Day'.
Many individuals loyal to the Empire celebrated with family or friends while others sought to be close to their Emperor on his holiday.
Because of Palpatine's reclusive habits, few saw this wish realised.
Lisa brought her attention back to the handmaidens.
"Can't I wear something simple?"Lisa requested."After I was elected queen, it took me months to get used to the weight of the headdresses. The one I'm wearing for coronation was quite heavy."
"Absolutely not, your highness."Farinaé scolded, finding Lisa's request outrageous."All of Naboo expects their queen to look fine when attending the Imperial Military parade."
"And eat as if it was a ceremony."Lisa thought sarcastically and her expression saddened a little bit."But also the day after tomorrow is my 15th birthday and also the day mother-"
The fourteen year old girl paused herself from finishing her sentence, not wanting to finish it.
Lisa then made her way to the closet that contained the red dress that belonged to her late mother when she was the Queen of Naboo.
Her fingers touched the wide-shouldered red throne-room robe that was accented by hand-stitched gold embroidery and a series of illuminated sein jewels just above the robe's wide, potolli-furred hem.
Her mother must've looked fearless when facing the Trade Federation during the invasion of Naboo.
"How about this one, Lisa?"
Lisa turned away from her late mother's dress to see Vatié hold the simplest dress on offer.
Another one in white, but the simplest dress of a ruler of Naboo remained ornate in the extreme.
Pale pink and yellow veils fell in layers from the cape, and a white net stretched behind her head like a ruff.
The effect was beautiful, but to Lisa's eyes, extravagant.
Lisa nodded. "Alright. That will do."
Soon after Jaanie finished placing the traditional royal make-up on her queen's face, Dalné and Vatie helped Lisa put on the dress.
"This is traditional dress."Dalné insisted as she fluffed the veils cascading over Lisa's shoulders."Queens and other high officials wear this at times of rejoicing. You're signalling that you expect the parade to be successful."
"Right."Lisa answered with a slight anxious tone."Would've been nice if you and I switched places."
"No, no."Dalné answered, shaking her head at her best friend."I don't want to come across like I'm pretending to be queen myself."
"If you say so, Dalné."Lisa sighed.
When the night time hour arrived, the Imperials stage a military parade of stormtroopers, AT-STs s and Imperial Marines through the streets of Naboo's Capital City, Theed.
Empire Day was most celebrated on Naboo's capital city, Theed, due to the planet being Palpatine's homeworld.
Grand Moff Panaka made his way out to the Triumphal Arch as the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle arrived and landed in the magnificent architectural masterpiece.
The ramp of the shuttle lowered down and Darth Vader stepped out as Grand Moff Panaka bowed at him.
"You honour us with your presence, Lord Vader."Grand Moff Panaka declared.
"I trust that everything is progressing according to plan, Grand Moff Panaka?"Darth Vader assumed.
"Of course, my lord."Grand Moff Panaka replied."The Queen has done what she was instructed to do."
Grand Moff Panaka turned to look at behind, only for a shocked expression to appear in his face.
Darth Vader sensed a feeling of shock within the Imperial Moff.
"What is it, Panaka?"Darth Vader questioned.
Darth Vader followed Grand Moff Panaka's gaze to the entrance of the Theed Royal Palace, only for a stunned expression to appear behind his mask.
Stepping down the stairs of the Theed Royal Palace was Queen Costil followed by Senator Pooja and her handmaidens.
Queen Costil wore a luminous pale pink ceremonial dress. The silky outfit included a banner that hung from her low neckline. Over this, she wore a cape decorated with myriad pink silken petals. The pink petalled cape and long white dress was topped by an aurate fan capped with jewelled finials was commonly used to signify continuity in ancient Naboo fashion. She also wore a delicate royal diadem, and, for simplicity, wore minimal jewellery. On her feet were small white pointed-toed shoes. Her dark blonde hair was drawn up into a unique bun with five crescents in a star shape along the back of her head.
The young queen looked beautiful without question.
But to Darth Vader, it felt like he was staring at a shard from the past.
The shard was his angel during the festivities celebrating the end of the Naboo Crisis where Naboo was liberated from the invasion of the Trade Federation.
Queen Costil walked over to Grand Moff Panaka and Darth Vader.
Grand Moff Panaka snapped out of his shocked expression.
"Of course."Grand Moff Panaka replied and looked at Queen Costil."Forgive me, your majesty. You reminded me of someone else."
"It's alright, sir. No harm done."Queen Costil assured with a warm smile before her face became serious when her gaze went on Darth Vader."I am pleased to meet you at last, Darth Vader. Your reputation as the Emperor's second in command is well known here on Naboo."
"Yes. I can say the same as well, Queen Costil."Darth Vader replied, slowly recovering from his shock."When I heard Naboo got a new ruler, I never expected the responsibility to be held onto one so young."
A slight smirk appeared on Queen Costil's red lips.
"I am not the youngest queen to be ever elected."Queen Costil responded."But as such I have a responsibility to live on Naboo for the needs of my subjects."
Then Admiral Nial Declann walked over to Darth Vader.
"My lord, it's time."Admiral Declann declared.
"Very well, Admiral Declann."Darth Vader answered.
Darth Vader then went away from Queen Costil and Grand Moff Panaka after giving the young queen a small glance.
She was strong, smart, feisty and bold.
She even looked quite a bit like Pad…
No, he would not think of her.
The Dark Lord of the Sith went to deliver a speech to a crowd of loyal Imperial citizens.
Guarded by a group of Triumphant-class dark troopers, Darth Vader used the holiday to honor those who served the Empire graciously.
"Loyal Imperial citizens, we are here today to celebrate the day when our Emperor made his Declaration of a New Order and dissolved the Galactic Republic."Darth Vader declared."Out of the ashes, the Emperor formed the mighty and invincible Empire we are today. It was not an easy task, even for the Emperor. Without the help of extraordinary Imperial citizens, it could not have been done."
After his short speech, Darth Vader boarded his shuttle to leave the planet.
As he departed, Imperial TIE Fighters flew by in the sky as fireworks exploded overhead.
Queen Costil let out a small sigh of relief upon not being discovered by the Sith Lord as her warm brown eyes scanned the cheering citizens.
They all appeared to be happy and enjoying Empire Day.
But the Queen of Naboo sensed a big amount of fear among some of the civilians.
Not many on Naboo were fond of the Empire as she and her family members were.
Though they all had to pretend that they were for their own well-being and protecting their loved ones.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!