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 16: The Queen and the Rebel
On Coruscant, an expensive party was taking place inside the Imperial Palace.
Among the guests attending were senators, nobles and imperials.
With two Naboo Royal Guards next to her, Queen Costil carefully took a sip of her glass of Gnostra berry juice.
Queen Costil wore a teal top with loose wide sleeves tied with a floor-length bow in the front. The belt and white panels had pink floral patterns and the bottom hem had a golden patterned trim. Two pins were placed on either side of the chest, connected with matching beads. Her floor-length skirt was blue. The main skirt piece had a swirling golden pattern on the hem. On the top skirt was a longer semi-transparent dark blue layer with golden edges and matching floral patterns. There was a slim golden belt across the waistband. Her dark blonde hair was styled into a traditional updo with hair jewellery. The hair formed rounded triangular shapes on each side of the head which were adorned with pearls, flower-shaped gold detailing and a hanging golden gem. On her head was a traditional hair jewellery in a pale gold colour. It had intricate flower details, pearls and hanging teardrop shapes. A long band of metal formed a loop with the flower in the center resting on the forehead.
The young Queen of Naboo saw the downside of the upper class as well: many of the girls had a condescending attitude towards ordinary people and it bothered her that expensive parties were thrown in the court even though many in the galaxy were hungry and suffering.
The blonde haired girl sighed softly at the view before her.
Inside the Imperial Palace, all remnants of the Jedi Order had been stripped away, with all of the ancient mosaics, tapestries, and paintings removed. The walls and plinths of the expansive corridors were left bare of statues and other art pieces though some banquet chambers were draped with Imperial flags and banners.
One of the Temple's vast pillared halls had been converted into a ball room with its walls ornately tiled and mirrored.
Crystalline sculptures stood on pedestals and shifted shape from abstract forms into Imperial symbols during a ceremony to honour Imperial cadets.
The once beautiful Jedi Temple was now the home place of Emperor Palpatine.
More clearly, the residence of the Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious.
Queen Costil frowned at the nobles around her and appeared to be enjoying the event.
"All the Imperials I see represents what is wrong in the Empire. Women and alien slaves? It's disgusting."Queen Costil thought with a venomous tone."I can't believe the Emperor allows slavery. What kind of galaxy do we live in? But what can I do to change it, if my uncle keeps hiding me in the shadows? For now, I just have to focus the well-being of my people in my planet. They are depending on me."
Admiral Declann went over to Queen Costil.
"Your Highness, the Emperor wishes to see you."Admiral Declann declared.
Queen Costil kept a brave face as she handed her glass goblet to Dalné before she began to follow Admiral Declann with her handmaiden and the two Royal Naboo Guards right behind her.
Admiral Declann led Queen Costil to where Darth Sidious was.
Dalné felt a little nervous at seeing Darth Vader and the Emperor's Royal Guard accompanying the Emperor, but she remained calm.
"Admiral Declann, I see you brought the Queen."Darth Sidious responded.
Admiral Declann bowed at Darth Sidious.
"Yes, my lord."Admiral Declann answered with a smirk."May I present Queen Costil."
Darth Sidious looked at Queen Costil.
The Emperor was an old man garbed in black robes and had chilling yellow eyes.
When they finally meet face to face, however, Queen Costil was struck by the pure evil radiating from him.
But she kept an utterly serene and firm expression on her face.
"I expect you will reign my home planet well than your predecessors, Queen Costil?"Darth Sidious questioned.
Queen Costil gave a bow to Darth Sidious.
"Yes, Emperor Palpatine."Queen Costil responded, her voice sounding firm tone as one of a young adult."My place is with my people."
An evil sneer appeared on Darth Sidious' face as he walked past Queen Costil.
"Excellent."Darth Sidious answered.
The Emperor then walked away with Darth Vader and his Royal Guards following behind him.
When the two most dangerous men were out of sight, Queen Costil let out a soft yet firm sigh of relief.
"The Emperor's eerie ice-cold eyes of his. So evil. He is pitch black inside."Queen Costil thought with an uneasy feeling."Just like Vader. But more powerful. Though I felt the Force strangely strong with the Emperor's right hand. I can't understand why though…"
Queen Costil immediately snapped of her thoughts when Admiral Declann started speaking to her.
"You have a great responsibility on your shoulders, your highness."Admiral Declann praised."The Emperor expects a lot from you."
"Yes, Admiral Declann."Queen Costil replied with a nod as Dalné handed back her glass goblet."But since the rise of insurgents are rising, the last thing I want is the people of the Emperor's home planet to suffer."
Admiral Declann nodded in agreement.
"Yes."Admiral Declann answered."Though I assure that won't happen on my watch."
"Thank you, Grand Admiral Declann."Queen Costil thanked in a firm tone and thought unhappily."Grand Admiral Nial Declann. One of the members of the twelve Grand Admirals of the Imperial Fleet, member of the High Council and personal favourite to the Empire. Overall, you're a very unpleasant man."
(4 Days Later)
Moenia was an ideal city for Naboo's educated elite.
The city boasted Naboo's highest concentration of successful authors, artists and musicians.
It was also the training ground for many of Naboo's elected officials, and included some of the galaxy's most respected universities.
Inhabitants of Moenia also encompassed many merchants and Gungan sympathizers.
Moenia usually had a misty gloom about it.
While inside the city, one could rarely tell if it was day or night.
In a grass field, Lisa was dressed as a normal civilian and was inside a white blue X-wing fighter.
Lisa wore a light blue sleeveless vest on top of a white tank top and light blue trousers that were held by a dark blue belt with a golden box-frame buckle. She also wore light blue fingerless gloves with yellow trims and light blue leather boots with yellow soles. Her dark blonde hair was styled in two slightly wavy twin tails with neat straight bangs.
Beneath her legs was her pale purple backpack.
After pressing a few buttons, the fifteen year old girl held her breath as the X-wing fighter began to rise from the ground that it laid and began heading straight to the sky.
"I am one with the Force and the Force is with me."Lisa murmured with a firm look."I am one with the Force and the Force is with me."
Lisa remained calm as she made her X-wing fly among other ships that were leaving Moenia.
A small chuckle escaped from Lisa's mouth as her fighter flew away from Naboo safely.
"Glad Dalné agreed to be Queen for a day."Lisa murmured with a smirk."But I won't be gone for too long."
The moment the disguised Queen of Naboo said that, her X-wing fighter jumped into hyperspace.
Garel was a rocky world with dry temperate desert that was located within the Lothal sector of the Outer Rim Territories.
It was known for its tall, wind-carved sedimentary rock formations, its purple twilight sky and its cities built in large craters such as Garel City.
Garel served as a major shipping hub within the Lothal sector, though during the Imperial Era it was also home to several criminal organizations such as the Black Sun and the Broken Horn Syndicate.
Due to its proximity to the planet Lothal, there was a large amount of trade and travel between the two worlds.
Ezra sighed in disappointment as he and Chopper were left behind to clean the Ghost.
The rest of the Spectres were in the middle of a supply run and won't be back until later.
"I kind of miss the old days when everything was simple."Ezra retorted and then remembered what Nadia told him."Me? A rookie. I am more than that."
Chopper let out a laughing beep, earning a glare from Ezra.
"And of course you find that funny."Ezra scoffed.
Ezra suddenly became alerted when he sensed something through the Force.
Something strong.
The young boy made his way off the Ghost to follow what he was sensing causing Chopper to beep at him.
"Relax, Chop."Ezra assured."I will come back."
Ezra headed away from the Ghost, Chopper beeped in disapproval and decided to go after his friend.
As he and his droid companion walked around the Garel City Spaceport, Ezra didn't know what he was looking for.
He only let the Force guide him to the source of what he was sensing.
"Comet! Knock it off!"A female voice laughed lightly."This is no time for games!"
Ezra stopped at his track at the female voice he heard and peeked through the corner to a girl with dark blonde hair looking around through a bunch of crates.
He moved his face a little bit further to get a better view of the girl, only to be awestruck.
The girl appeared to be around his age.
But he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever met.
Actually far more beautiful than Sabine and Gwendolyn.
The girl then went on her knees and reached her right hand, only for a tiny voorpak to appear out from one of the crates and go on her arm.
The voorpak had reddish brown fur, light green eyes that had soft yellow colour fur around his eyes and eight skinny dark purple legs.
Suddenly, Chopper appeared behind Ezra and zapped him with his electro-shock prod.
Ezra scowled in pain and collapsed on the ground.
"Chopper!"Ezra snapped.
The girl then turned her head to look at Ezra, only for him to stand up while giving her a sheepish smile.
"Were you spying on me?"the girl questioned with a small frown.
Ezra immediately stood up from where he laid.
"Sorry."Ezra chuckled with an apologetic smile and walked forward, trying to find a good explanation."I-I was somewhere else. But-"
The girl simply shrugged in respond as her voorpak went on her right shoulder.
"It's fine, Ezra Bridger."Lisa assured slightly.
A surprised look appeared on Ezra's face.
"How do you know my name?"Ezra asked.
"I heard your transmission and I happen to be Ferus Olin's niece."the girl admitted."I'm Lisa Naberrie."
Lisa extended her hand out to Ezra.
Ezra smiled back and shook her hand.
Chopper beeped at Lisa, earning her attention.
"Hi, there. You must be Chopper."Lisa chuckled and lightly tapped Chopper's head."You remind me a bit of my droid friend Artoo."
Ezra looked at Comet, who stood on Lisa's shoulder.
"And that is-"Ezra started.
"This is Comet. His a voorpak."Lisa exclaimed as she gently stroked Comet's fur, making him purr lightly."Voorpaks were much beloved by many ladies of Naboo. Despite their beguiling appearance, they were brave and loyal, and could be quite fierce when provoked or frightened."
"Cool."Ezra answered and became curious."Wait. You're from Naboo? The Emperor's home planet?"
Lisa nodded in agreement.
"I live there with my relatives."Lisa admitted."Though Naboo looks clear and healthier than any planet in the galaxy, I know the Empire is rotten to its very core."
A small chuckle escaped from Ezra's mouth.
"You may get in trouble, if someone heard you say that."Ezra sneered.
"I rather be honest than lying about something."Lisa complemented."Where's the rest of the Ghost crew?"
"Out doing a supply run while me and Chop are left cleaning the Ghost."Ezra stated with a hint of unhappiness."What about you?"
"I came here on my own to get something for the Queen of Naboo."Lisa stated slightly."I am one of her handmaidens."
A surprised look appeared on Ezra's face.
"Whoa. That's impressive."Ezra responded with a smile."Do you need help?"
Lisa gave Ezra a smirk.
"Thanks, but I already got what I needed. How about letting me help you and Chopper clean up the Ghost before we talk more?"Lisa insisted smugly."You don't want your captain to put you in trouble, right?"
Chopper let out a beeping laugh while Ezra rolled his eyes at him.
"Right."Ezra answered.
Not long after cleaning the Ghost, Ezra and Lisa headed off to explore Garel City with Chopper.
Once they finished cleaning the modified VCX-100 light freighter, Lisa brought out from her backpack, a candy box known as the Gracious Government Mix.
Each chocolate came in various shapes and sizes, including four stormtrooper helmets, six Star Destroyers, four Imperial crests and one large piece of chocolate resembling Darth Vader's mask.
The box itself was colored black and the lid was stylized with two blue and silver stripes and a silver coloured Imperial crest in the center. The interior consisted of a blue colored mold, in which the fifteen pieces of chocolate could snugly fit.
"Want one?"Lisa suggested.
"Sure."Ezra replied and picked up a chocolate stormtrooper helmet."Thanks."
Lisa picked a Star Destroyer chocolate and started eating it.
"So what it is like living Naboo?"Ezra questioned.
"Despite the imperials and stormtroopers, Naboo is a lovely planet."Lisa exclaimed with a smile."Though unlike the planets that have royal families reigning them like Alderaan and Hapes, the people of Naboo elect their ruler."
"That's cool."Ezra chuckled."Your queen must be awesome."
Lisa slightly chuckled at Ezra's declaration.
"Thanks."Lisa answered.
"So what about your parents, Lisa?"Ezra questioned."What are they like?"
Lisa was silent for a moment at the mention of her parents before responding to Ezra.
"My father died in one of the last battles of the Clone Wars."Lisa exclaimed."My mother was badly injured and lived only long enough to deliver me. To be more clearly, she died after giving birth to me. So, I lost them both before I was even one day old."
Ezra covered his mouth, feeling guilty upon having asked Lisa about her parents.
"Sorry."Ezra apologised in shame."I didn't mean to-"
Lisa simply shook her head.
"It's okay. You didn't know."Lisa assured with a forced bright smile."Even though I didn't grow up with any parents in my life, I have other relatives to take care of me. Even friends that happen to be very close to me. So for me—my family is complete, just as it is."
A small smile appeared on Ezra's face.
"Right."Ezra answered."Even though my parents were taken from me and lived as a street urchin for the last eight years, I found a family within the Ghost Crew. Things are different, but in a good way."
Lisa smiled back at Ezra in approval.
"Family is not an important thing."Lisa complemented."It's everything."
Comet snuggled against Lisa's left cheek.
"I wish my hair could be brown like my late mother's."Lisa admitted with a small smile."Yet it's warm yellow like the first light in the morning. My uncle told me I inherited it from my dad."
"I don't see anything wrong with your hair colour."Ezra remarked, making Lisa chuckle lightly."I think it suits you perfectly."
"You're right, Ezra."Lisa agreed smugly."Otherwise, I would look completely like my friend, Leia."
Chopper beeped at Lisa.
"If you're wondering about Artoo, his doing just fine in Alderaan."Lisa assured."The same with that chatterbox droid companion known as Threepio."
A scoff escaped from Ezra's mouth.
"I remember Threepio."Ezra complemented."The first me and my crew met him, he send a distress call to Agent Kallus and that bucket-head followed us back on Lothal."
"Ouch. That's unfortunate."Lisa chuckled and thought fondly."And to think my own dad was the one who invented that protocol droid."
Lisa picked up the large piece of chocolate resembling Darth Vader's mask.
"I hope I get to create my own lightsaber soon."Lisa admitted."I may have a job in Naboo, but I would really love to take part on the action to fight against the Empire."
"Does the Queen know you actually oppose the Empire, Lisa?"Ezra questioned.
Lisa smirked at Ezra.
"Oh, she does."Lisa assured as she fed Comet a small dead little insect with her left hand."And believe it or not, she is actually no fan of the Empire either. Though she has to keep that detail utterly secret."
Ezra nodded in respond.
"For a handmaiden, you're pretty fierce."Ezra admitted.
"And for a Padawan, you aren't half bad yourself, Ezra Bridger."Lisa remarked."I respect that."
Lisa spilt the chocolate piece she held in half before handing a piece to Ezra.
Once she finished eating her piece of chocolate, the disguised Queen of Naboo used the Force to jump off the roof of the Ghost.
"Save the rest of the chocolates for your friends."Lisa insisted."I hear eating too many sweets would make you sick."
"Don't you need a lift back to your home planet?"Ezra questioned.
"Not really. I have my own fighter to use."Lisa complemented as she placed her backpack on her back."It was nice meeting you and Chopper, Ezra. Good luck saving the galaxy."
Lisa then headed off with Comet safely on her shoulder as Ezra and Chopper waved goodbye at her.
"It was nice meeting you too!"Ezra called out before a love struck smile appeared on his face due to have developed a crush on Lisa."Wow…"
Noticing Ezra looking goofy, Chopper zapped his friend with his electro-shock prod again.
"Chopper!"Ezra scowled with an irritated glare and started chasing after the droid."Quit doing that, you rolling junk pile!"
(Next is the Siege of Lothal)
See you later and have a wonderful day!