I don't own Star Wars or its characters, but Nadia Aomori and my OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Fire of the Rebellion
Chapter 38: Problems in Rori
Inside the Theed Royal Palace, Lisa was in her private chambers and writing down in her diary.
Lisa's diary was a book with a purple cover and decorative golden book corners and slots. The slots have purple stones on top of them on the front side of the book.
The sixteen year old girl had a little candle to bring a bit of light in her desk as she sat down writing.
Dear Diary,
I can't really express how badly things are going.
Because of the rising Rebellion becoming stronger everyday, the Empire is tightening its chains throughout the Galaxy. I have a feeling it won't be long until a Galactic Civil War will begin to intensify between the Galactic Empire and the Rebellion. Here in Naboo looks clear and healthy because this planet is the Emperor's home beside mine. But it's an illusion. I would be lying to say that I don't see or sense the growing fear within the people. There are spies and stormtroopers everywhere. I have to keep acting that I am loyal to the Emperor and I have to be careful on every action I take. No one is safe. Not even me. Though I am relieved to say that I've become very popular with the people of Naboo. It's a popularity that insulated me from overt Imperial pressures.
Lisa lowered her pen for a moment to think about something before she proceeded to keep writing on her diary.
Since I am secretly Force Sensitive, I sense the feelings of those within the members of the Naboo Royal Advisory Council. Fear. All of them are scared of the Empire. They officially know that the Empire's true methods is to bring chaos, suffering and death throughout the Galaxy. But I decide to remain silent and be humble like all of them which is actually getting very hard now. Though I've decided to be patient. My place is with my people and they're depending on me.
The moment the Queen of Naboo finished writing down in her diary, she placed her private journal away and went back to her bed to get some sleep.
The next morning, the Naboo Royal Starship went to Rori; the second largest of three moons of the planet Naboo.
Ohma-D'un was known as the Water Moon, but there was no one living there.
A third moon orbited the Mid Rim planet Naboo alongside Ohma-D'un and Rori.
But it did not have a name and was in fact little more than an overgrown asteroid.
As the Naboo Royal Starship arrived to Rori's atmosphere, Queen Costil turned her head to look at the view in silence.
Queen Costil wore a crimped mauve under-gown under a stiff turquoise dress with intricate patterns. Over this was a light grey robe held together with a wide embroidered sash. The sleeves of the robe were wide and somewhat stiff with curling needlework along the sides. A Shiraya fan headdress adorned her head and was hung with Veda pearl beading and glass filaments.
Located in the Chommell sector of the Mid Rim, Rori was an overgrown, wild world dominated by oppressive gray skies, thick jungles and thick swamps.
The forests and other vegetation were said to be more twisted and knotted than Naboo's plant life.
After a couple of minutes, the Naboo Royal Starship arrived to Rori's capital city, Narmle.
Named for King Narmlé of Naboo, Narmle was the capital city of Rori.
Narmle was nestled in the Narmle Swamp in the southwestern portion of Rori. The expansive Narmle Bog bordered the city to the south and east. The city was built by Naboo architects in a classical Naboo style.
In general, the residents of Narmle were a very open and welcoming people, both kind to strangers and hospitable to all visitors.
Tourists were often directed to the fabled 'Talking Bantha', a large and hairy bantha that apparently spoke with great insight and wisdom.
Although scholars insisted that the Talking Bantha was a simple hoax, the verbose creature continued to attract curiosity seekers from across the galaxy.
When the Naboo Royal Starship landed in Narmel's Starport and lowered down its ramp, Queen Costil stepped out with Dalné and two royal guards following from behind.
There the Queen of Naboo was greeted by Governor Ferrox.
Governor Ferrox was a man in his mid 50s with grey short hair and a grey moustache with long grey side burns. He had green eyes. He wore a long blue suit jacket with gold trim around the lapel, cuffs, back and buttons, dark blue trousers, grey waistcoat, pale grey shirt, blue tie with a Naboo emblem tie pin on it and a lilac patterned scarf tucked just under his suit jacket. His shoes were brown. He also wore a blue ring on his middle finger of his right hand.
He was in charge with ruling the entire population of the moon and had his home and offices in the capital of Narmle.
"Your Highness."Governor Ferrox greeted with a bow."Thank you for coming."
Queen Costil gave a small nod.
"It's good to see you again as well, Governor Ferrox."Queen Costil replied.
When the Governor of Rori returned to his home with his guests, he had tea served for himself and the Queen of Naboo.
"The inhabitants of Restuss were hard-working, but are suspicious of outsiders."Governor Ferrox warned with a frown."Believe it or not, this paranoia of theirs once protected a community that was actually extremely generous and supportive of their own kind. The inhabitants celebrated together often, and a typical night at the local cantina was often overflowing. Because the locals rarely preyed on one another, crime was virtually unknown."
"But doesn't Restuss have hundreds of laws and ordinances?"Queen Costil asked.
Governor Ferrox placed his cup of tea down.
"Yes. Many of which anee over a century old, your majesty."Governor Ferrox admitted."Although the city often seemed mired in bureaucracy. However, the laws seemed to favour the local merchants, who thrived in the city."
This caused Queen Costil to smile gently as she removed her cup from her red lips that was painted with the Scar of Remembrance.
"That is actually a good thing, Governor Ferrox."Queen Costil complemented."There are those here as well as Naboo that are poor and need a lot of help from the strong, so that they can survive."
"I suppose so."Governor Ferrox agreed slightly."
As she continued drinking her tea, Queen Costil became lost in her thoughts.
Restuss was known for its extensive access to black market goods including weapons since trade was only lightly-regulated.
It even maintained a friendly rivalry with its sister city of Narmle.
As the only cities on Rori, Narmle and Restuss typically competed for funds, visitors and settlers from Naboo.
Narmle's inhabitants often exhibited a sense of superiority, stemming from the fact that Narmle natives actually built Restuss.
The rivalry had become heated on occasion, although it had only rarely erupted into violence.
Perhaps she should do some exploring to get a clear view around Narmle.
But not in her queen attire.
As planned, Lisa waited until it was night time and everyone retired to their chambers to sleep before she carefully sneaked out of Governor Ferrox's home using the Force.
Lisa wore a tan jumpsuit with a dark crimson vest with brown boots and dark grey fingerless gloves. Also on the upper left of the vest, she wore a phoenix badge. She wore a brown belt with a holster for her ELG-3A blaster pistol. Her dark blonde hair was drawn through small, oval, pale blue beads beginning where the hair left the head in three rows across, leaving room for gaps, with her hair down to her middle back.
After she was further away from the Governor of Rori's home, the blonde haired girl began to walk around like she was many of the civilians that lived in Narmle.
Lisa suddenly became alarmed when she felt a disturbance in the Force.
Someone was in danger.
Lisa walked deeper into Rori's capital city and caught sight of two men harassing a woman (Kimmi Chyler) in the alleyway.
"Hey, you bozos!"Lisa snapped.
The two men turned around to see Lisa glaring at them with her arms folded.
"The girl is not interested in hanging out with guys and you attend to pick on her for that?"Lisa retorted in a cold tone."That's pretty low. Even for you pigs."
This caused the two men to glare dangerously at Lisa.
"What'd you say?!"the second man scowled.
"No one talks to us like that."the first man retorted."Not even a girl like you!"
The first man reached out to grab Lisa's shoulder when suddenly she immediately grabbed his hand.
Before he or anyone else had a chance to react, Lisa threw him over her shoulder and slammed him into the concrete ground stunning him.
The second man then charged at Lisa with his fist raised.
Lisa saw the attack coming and tilted her head, dodging the blow.
Then at the same time, the disguised Queen of Naboo gave him a sharp knee right in his groin, making him groan in pain and knocking him out cold.
Lisa then brought her attention on Kimmi, who looked anything but impressed.
"Are you okay?"Lisa questioned.
"I'm fine, squirt."Kimmi responded."But that wasn't necessary. I had the situation under control."
"You're welcome."Lisa scoffed and noticed the mark on the two men's jackets she knocked out belonged to Black Sun."Are you a target of Black Sun?"
"They're thugs hired by Lonay, a Black Sun vigo."Kimmi answered as she took out her blaster that was hid underneath her orange dress."That Twi'lek slimeball had wagered all his credits on a final showdown, but I beat him with a pure sabacc and began scooping up my winnings. Guess he wasn't fond of losing."
Lisa noticed Kimmi beginning to walk away from her.
"If they are Lonay's thugs, you're not afraid that he would send more after you?"Lisa asked.
"I can handle it, blondie."Kimmi commented."Besides, I have the Narmle Memorial Rally to attend to."
This peeked Lisa's curiosity.
"As in the swoop bike race?"Lisa assumed.
"You can tag along and watch."Kimmi insisted with a frown."That's all I can offer you."
Lisa smirked. "I'm in."
As it expected, various people gathered to attend the Narmle Memorial Rally.
Narmle Memorial Rally was an illegal swoop racing competition held on the moon of Rori during the height of the Empire.
The track weaved through the streets of Narmle and in the neighbouring swamp.
As the race was going to start soon, Kimmi introduced Lisa to her friend known as Dash Rendar; a smuggler and freelancer from Corellia.
"What's your name, kid?"Dash asked.
"Shmi."Lisa replied with a small smile."Shmi Lars."
Lisa shook hands with Dash.
"I've heard of people having dealings with the Black Sun."Dash chuckled."But I've never expected someone to have guts to kick them down without breaking a sweat."
A small chuckle escaped from Lisa's mouth.
"I've been taught to fight beside learning to use a blaster to defend myself."Lisa commented and glanced at those who were getting their swoop bikes ready."I've heard of many swoop races, but was is this one about?"
"Then allow me to fill the details. Legends say that this track retraces the route used by local smuggler, Trein Veltin as he tried to elude authorities intent on his arrest."Dash exclaimed."Weaving through the streets desperately trying to lose his pursuers he made it out of the city. Unfortunately his escape was cut short due to a fatal collision with a flesh eating chuba. Since that time many have made the run in his memory. Eventually it became a semi-formal track for a thoroughly illegal street race."
"Despite the tragic origins, the race sounds terrific and exciting."Lisa praised.
Kimmi passed by Lisa and Dash while moving her swoop bike.
"Yeah, but it's no joyride for rookies."Kimmi informed.
Lisa glanced at Dash with a frown.
"You really haven't heard of Kimmi Chyler?"Dash sneered."She's a real crackerjack swoop racer."
"So am I."Lisa declared with her arms folded."The first time I made a swoop bike was when I was six."
Dash gave Lisa a surprised expression before smirking at her.
"Then how about you take my swoop bike for a ride?"Dash encouraged.
Lisa raised an eyebrow in concern.
"Are you sure?"Lisa questioned.
"Hey. Go for it."Dash insisted."You helped Kimmi out. It's the least I can do."
"Thanks."Lisa thanked."I'll bring it back."
The disguised Queen of Naboo hopped onto the swoop, grabbed the handlebars and twisted the start ring.
The swoop bike's turbine grumbled back online.
Lisa twisted the throttle to turn the swoop bike and roared away to head to Restuss in the middle of the night.
Restuss was located on the nothern shores of the Narmle Bog.
Like its sister city of Narmlé, Restuss was largely surrounded by swamplands.
The city was built by Naboo architects in a classical Naboo style.
Upon arriving to the entrance of Restuss, Lisa came across a man dressed in purple uniform named Commander Gaius, who was from the Restuss Militia.
"Young lady, if you're from Narmle, it's unwise to come here."Commander Gaius warned.
"Sir, I mean no harm to you or the civilians of Restuss."Lisa assured."I've only come to deliver you a scroll from the Queen of Naboo that wishes to bring peace between Narmle and Restuss."
Lisa brought out from the inside pocket of her jacket a scroll.
A golden paper scroll with a blueish-white ribbon tying it up. The ribbon had a small mark that belonged to the Royal House of Naboo on it. The tips of the scroll were also adorned with the same ribbon, but thicker.
The sixteen year old girl handed the scroll to Commander Gaius.
"The Queen has heard that the rivalry between the two cities of Rori, Narmle and Restuss had always ended with heated arguments."Lisa exclaimed."But she means to help you all in these stressful times."
Commander Gaius opened the scroll to read the message written inside it before looking back at Lisa.
"We appreciate Queen Costil's help. But that's easier said than done."Commander Gaius declared."As the second settlement founded on Rori, Restuss actually rose from tragedy."
This caused Lisa to become concerned.
"How so?"Lisa questioned.
Commander Gaius glanced at each side to make sure, only he and Lisa were actually alone before he continued talking.
"Restuss was originally constructed to serve as a quarantine area during a devastating Brainworm Rot Plague that affected Naboo and many outlying systems."Commander Gaius explained."The first inhabitants were therefore doctors, missionaries, and the afflicted. When the plague was crushed, the Republic ordered that Restuss remain quarantined for several years, for fear that the disease would somehow resurface. During this crisis, the citizens of Restuss developed a deep distrust for authority."
Lisa became silently shocked, but kept wearing a calm face.
"Then what happened?"Lisa asked.
"An unarmed revolt eventually ensued and the Republic reluctantly lifted the quarantine."Commander Gaius declared."Huge portions of Restuss including the hospital and detainment center, were razed to the ground in the ensuing riots. Restuss was then rebuilt around a small starport which served as the town's primary meeting place and financial center. As a consequence of those terrible events, the city was largely removed from Naboo politics."
Lisa was silent for a moment before she spoke up.
"So you're clearly saying the Restuss citizens actually have difficulty identifying the current Monarch of Naboo?"Lisa assumed.
"Restuss seemed even less interested in galactic dealings."Commander Gaius added.
An apologetic look appeared on Lisa's face.
"I apologise for not being aware of this."Lisa apologised with a sad frown."I'll be sure to tell Queen Costil about this."
Commander Gaius gave Lisa a nod, agreeing with her respond.
"Thank you."Commander Gaius replied.
With that, Lisa turned on her swoop bike before she zoomed off to return back to Narmle in the cover of darkness.
Upon arriving to Narmle and returning Dash his swoop bike, Lisa was only able to catch a bunch of Z's upon returning to the Governor of Rori's home and had to force herself to drink a cup of caf to keep herself awake.
Despite her head being a little tired, Lisa couldn't help but feel troubled at what Commander Gaius told her last night.
Restuss was removed from Naboo politics upon the damage caused by the Brainworm Rot Plague and the Republic's lack of help to aid the inhabitants during the epidemic.
After doing her best friend's hair and putting the traditional makeup on her face, Dalné helped dress Lisa in her queen attire.
"Dalné, this is awful."Queen Costil commented."I never expected Restuss to be in serious trouble. Even the people need a lot of help."
"Then what do you intend to do, your highness?"Dalné asked.
A serious look appeared on Queen Costil's face.
"The inhabitants of Restuss lost their trust on authority because of the awful plague that made them suffer during the height of the Clone Wars. But it's up to me, the Monarch of Naboo, to earn their trust and love. We will start with rebuilding their city back in healthier conditions."Queen Costil stated in a soft yet stern tone."I'll speak with Governor Ferrox on hiring builders to help the people on Restuss rebuild their buildings including the hospital and detainment center. As well as getting doctors and inventors to aid them in the process."
"Do you think Governor Ferrox can be trusted?"Dalné questioned.
Queen Costil let out a sigh.
"Most men have faults."Queen Costil informed with a disapproved look."Arrogance, pride, vanity. Especially, the dogs loyal to the Emperor. But I believe Governor Ferrox would want all parts of Rori to be peaceful. Even Restuss. I have to try."
Dalné gave a bow to Queen Costil, approved with her ruler's course of action.
"As you wish, your highness."Dalné answered.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!