Author's Note: I've been hearing that Ahsoka Season 2 is in development! So hopefully we'll get to see Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor again as Anakin and Obi-Wan!
I don't own Star Wars or its characters, but Nadia Aomori and my OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Fire of the Rebellion
Chapter 39: A Close Call
At the apartment of the hotel within Milvayne that Sierra was living in, Nadia and her family decided to pay her a visit.
Nadia and Ferus were sitting with Sierra in the living room, chatting about the current events that occurred.
Zachary was chatting with Winter on his phone while Gwendolyn was stuffing her face with blap biscuits which were gooey biscuits served drenched in Carbosyrup and made by their step-grandmother.
"Exactly what is this gala that your father is arranging, Winter?"Zachary asked with a glimpse of confusion.
"Just to remember the 25th anniversary of the settling of the Alderaan Ascendancy Contention."Winter exclaimed."It was basically a political conflict between the noble families of Alderaan, the houses of Antilles and Organa in particular, over which of them was entitled to the position of Viceroy."
"Sounds politically cool."Zachary remarked.
Gwendolyn secretly listened to her older twin brother's conversation with his crush as she took a sip of her blue milkshake.
"Since the gala will be held in the Aldera Royal Palace, I was wondering if you may be available to attend the event with me?"Winter suggested.
An anxious smile appeared on Zachary's face.
"Well, uh, I-"Zachary started.
Gwendolyn suddenly snatched Zachary's phone to speak with Winter.
"Of course, my big brother would love to come to the gala with you, Winter."Gwendolyn sneered, irritating Zachary."Just to shy to say his available."
Zachary angrily took back his phone to answer back to Winter.
"Sorry about that, Winter."Zachary apologised kindly, hiding his anger."Of course. I can come to the gala as soon as I got my parents' permission."
"Wonderful."Winter replied in approval."See you then."
"Bye."Zachary answered.
When he ended his chat with Winter, Zachary sent Gwendolyn an irritated glare.
"Something wrong, Zack?"Gwendolyn asked innocently.
"Would you quit trying to dig into my situations."Zachary scowled, his voiced mixed with calmness and annoyance."They have nothing to do with you."
This caused Gwendolyn to smirk smugly.
"As a matter of fact they do, big brother."Gwendolyn remarked."Nial happened to have asked me to attend the exact same gala that Winter asked you to attend with her. So consider this a double date."
Zachary scowled as he began eating a blap biscuit.
"Fantastic."Zachary muttered bitterly.
Sierra lowered her cup of caf before she spoke to Nadia and Ferus.
"Imperial forces under the command of Darth Vader attacked Callos after discovering evidence that the Callosians were developing a new offensive technology intended to oppose those who were spreading the Empire."Sierra informed in a firm yet stern tone."All of you have to be extra careful now that the Empire is sucking the life of every planet in their chains dry more than ever."
A glimpse of worry appeared on Nadia's face.
"But are you sure it's wise to stay here still, Sierra?"Nadia asked."I know you have a job as a theatre manager, but-"
Sierra gave a small smile.
"I will be alright, Nadia. Don't worry about me."Sierra declared.
"The Rebellion will be publishing their next base in Yavin 4 real soon."Ferus admitted."Though we've been hearing rumours that this deadly project that the Empire is building it's exactly the one you presented to us years ago."
This caused Sierra's frown to deepened.
"Than for all of your safety as well as the kids, you must not live in Chandrila anymore."Sierra instructed with a frown."The Emperor's spies are looking everywhere in the galaxy and keeping any eye for any suspicious behaviour or action of anyone that could be a rebel."
(A Week Later)
Inside their private bedroom in Aldera Royal Palace, Leia and Winter were getting themselves ready for the gala with the help of their aunts; Rouge, Celly and Tia Organa.
Winter wore a light blue strapless ball gown with a white sash belt tied around her waist, grey blue opera length gloves and a pearl styled necklace. Her platinum white hair was braided as well as pinned up at the back and mid-length wavy locks frame her face.
A scoff escaped from Leia's mouth as Celly swerved back her chocolate brown hair with a silver headband which she neatly fitted into the braids so its pearl charm hung at the center of her forehead.
Unlike her adopted sister, she didn't enjoy being everyone's attention.
Leia wore a simple white dress with bold silver jewellery and satin slippers.
Winter smiled at Leia as Rouge finished putting powder on her face.
"You look stunning, Leia."Winter remarked.
"Thanks, Winter."Leia answered with a casual smile."So do you."
Rouge, Celly and Tia went around Leia and Winter.
"Both of you look stunning."Tia praised.
"I'm sure the two of you will attract the attention of many boys this evening."Celly sneered.
"Mostly those belonging to the other houses."Rouge joked.
Leia groaned in dismay while Winter gave a shy smile to their three aunts.
By the time Leia and Winter emerged to the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Palace, the guests had already assembled.
This appeared to be a smaller gala than most.
No doubt the people gathered around formed the core of the anti-Palpatine movement.
Bail Organa was deep in discussion with Winmey Lenz, while Breha spoke with Senator Pamlo.
In the distance, Aldera sparkled on the twilight horizon.
Among the guests were Zachary and Gwendolyn.
Zachary wore a black tuxedo with a white shirt, matching trousers and brown shoes.
Gwendolyn wore a strapless red ball gown with a floor-length peach skirt, dark red frills and medium red ribbons. Her waist-length chestnut brown hair were in a slight wave. There were straight bangs and a braid tucked behind her ear which rested over her shoulder.
"Whoa."Gwendolyn chuckled excitedly as she looked over the buffet table."We've never been into a party this elegant."
"Just to control you're appetite while we're here, Gwen."Zachary muttered in an unhappy tone.
Gwendolyn frowned. "And you need to stop being such a grump."
A sigh of dismay appeared on Zachary's face as Gwendolyn began putting a few small cakes on her plate.
Zachary suddenly felt someone tap his shoulder and saw Winter behind him.
"Winter?"Zachary said in surprise.
Winter gently took Zachary's hand to lead him to where other couples were dance.
"Relax, Zack."Winter instructed smugly."Just let me guide you."
With a soft smile on her face, Gwen began to dance with Zachary.
As they continue to dance gracefully, Winter noticed that Zachary's dancing had actually improved which made her blush and smile at him.
A small pink blush bloom on Zachary's face as he stare into Winter's light blue eyes.
"You're doing great, Zack."Winter praised."You're improving a lot. Just keep up the good work."
Zachary didn't say anything as he continue to dance with Winter.
"Are you okay?"Winter questioned.
Zachary blushed in embarrassment upon being absent minded due to how beautiful Winter looked in the gala.
"Sorry."Zachary apologised with a small smile."It's just I never done anything like this before."
Blinking, Winter's blush gets even redder as she nodded.
Zachary's grip on her hand and waist tightened as he didn't want to release her.
"You're a good dancer."Winter praised."I'm surprised."
"Well, a lot of things about me would surprise you."Zachary chuckled.
A smirk appeared on Winter's face.
"I love surprises."Winter declared."See what you think of this one."
Winter then kissed Zachary on the lips causing his hazel green eyes to widen before kissed her back.
Gwendolyn frowned a bit as she finished munching on a slice of fruitcake.
"Nice to see Zack enjoying himself."Gwendolyn grumbled.
The young brunette suddenly heard somebody clear his throat and saw Bail's nephew; Nial Organa.
Nial Organa was a handsome medium-brown skinned 17 year old boy with black hair and emerald green eyes. He wore a stylish grey blue shirt, maroon trousers and black boots.
"Oh, Nial. Hi."Gwendolyn greeted as she placed her small plate down."When did you get here?"
Nial smirked. "I live here, remember?"
A sheepish smile appeared on Gwendolyn's face.
"Of course you do."Gwendolyn responded."Are you bored?"
Nial smiled as he took Gwendolyn's hand.
"Not now since you're here."Nial declared."May I have this dance?"
Gwendolyn let out a small giggle.
"Sure."Gwendolyn answered."Despite the Empire's wrath, it's nice to see everyone enjoying the gala. Hopefully they'll remember this night forever.
"Well, do you remember this?"Nial asked.
Nial moved in to kiss Gwendolyn.
"What are you doing?"Gwendolyn asked.
Nial blushed a bit.
"Uh, being romantic and kissing you."Nial replied.
"Oh."Gwendolyn sneered smugly."You might have to help me remember then."
"Okay."Nial replied.
Nial moved in to kiss Gwendolyn again.
Gwendolyn blushed and prepared to kiss Nial back.
Suddenly, the young brunette became alarmed when she felt a disturbance in the Force, making her realise something was not right.
But right as Nial was about to plant his lips onto hers, Gwendolyn inhaled deeply and blew right into Nial's mouth.
Nial turned away and coughed the air out.
"Gwen!"Nial coughed.
Gwendolyn then immediately hugged Nial and kissed him on the cheek multiple times.
"I miss this. I miss you. I haven't seen you at all recently."Nial remarked."Come on, just one little dance."
"Oh, Nial, I miss you, too."Gwendolyn remarked."But I really gotta focus. We'll dance later."
Gwendolyn blowed Nial a kiss and walked off, making him become a bit disappointed.
"I'll see you then."Nial murmured.
Then Tarrik, one of the most trusted of the Organa family's aides and servants, went up to Queen Breha and Bail.
"Your Majesty, Viceroy."Tarrik announced, his eyes darting from side to side."Presenting Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin."
Silence instantly fell in the Grand Ballroom.
Everyone went utterly still, except for Grand Moff Tarkin, who strolled onto the terrace as though it were his own.
Grand Moff Tarkin wore full military uniform and a thin-lipped smile.
Zachary became a bit shocked as he and Winter stopped dancing with each other while Gwendolyn quietly gulped down her glass of startfruit punch.
Grand Moff Tarkin went over to Queen Breha and Bail.
"Your Majesty."Grand Moff Tarkin said, half-bowing to Breha, his behaviour as polished and polite as though he had actually been invited."Forgive my intrusion."
"Governor Tarkin."Queen Breha responded gently."To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?"
"I was traveling in my personal vessel, the Carrion Spike, when it suffered a systems malfunction."Grand Moff Tarkin sighed."Nothing too major, I hope, but we needed to put in for repair and Alderaan was the closest world. Naturally I knew I must pay my respects to the queen and her viceroy as soon as possible."
"You're very welcome here."Bail declared.
While standing next to Senator Mothma, Leia looked at her father with a disapproved look.
Even after working with her father for two years in politics, Leia had never before seen him lie so smoothly.
Tarkin took the measure of the terrace.
His mind was even sharper than his gaze which meant he no doubt recognised all of them instantly.
"I appear to have interrupted something."Grand Moff Tarkin assumed.
"A simple dinner party, Governor."Queen Breha replied."You are of course invited to join us."
"How very gracious of you, Queen Breha."Grand Moff Tarkin responded slightly."I accept."
Everyone else on the terrace was beginning to adjust, mustering smiles and nods.
But Leia felt sure they all wanted to faint and/or scream, just as badly as she, Zachary and Gwendolyn did.
Zachary and Winter went away to join Gwendolyn and Nial to avoid getting the Moff's attention.
Tarkin would've arrived flanked by stormtroopers and a Star Destroyer would be hanging over the city of Aldera.
Tonight he intended to take the measure of the gathering, to evaluate whether his suspicions were correct.
If her mother and father and their friends betrayed even one hint of fear, Grand Moff Tarkin would pounce on it.
The gala had become a piece of grand theatre in which the lives of every other guest were on the line.
Queen Breha steered the conversation to Eriadu, to the redesign of military uniforms, and other topics with which Tarkin was known to be especially familiar.
Naturally he dominated the conversation, which both flattered him and cut down on the amount of playacting for the other guests.
She had arranged the seating so Tarkin was on her right hand, honoring him above all other guests and also keeping him close, so she could personally manage him.
And she kept everyone talking, which was critical, because every silence that fell was charged, nearly excruciating.
Leia went over to Queen Breha and Bail.
"Grand Moff Tarkin."Bail spoke up as he placed his hands on Leia's shoulders."You remember my daughter Leia?"
Grand Moff Tarkin gave Leia a slight frown.
"How can I forget the troublemaker."Grand Moff Tarkin commented.
Leia gave Grand Moff Tarkin a casual smirk.
"I apologise for my previous juvenile behaviour, Governor."Leia apologised."I have learned a lot since then."
"Well."Grand Moff Tarkin replied, his voice sharp enough to puncture steel."I hope you do not plan on being such a thorn in the side of the Imperial Senate."
Leia simply smiled in respond despite not being fond for the cold hearted Moff.
She had heard a lot about the Moff from her father, none of it good.
She instantly disliked him, maintaining that he represented everything that was wrong with the Empire.
Leia was particularly disgusted with the idea of Tarkin having a slave, as she did not understand how it was possible that the Emperor allowed slavery.
She even dropped a water balloon on his head while 'watering her plants'.
The visit made Leia seriously contemplate what kind of galaxy she lived in, and what she could do to change it.
"We all want the same thing: To defend the rightful freedom of all sentients."Queen Breha declared."Wouldn't you agree?"
"Of course, your highness."Grand Moff Tarkin agreed simply."Everyone should get what they deserve. I must take my leave now. But I'm sure I'll be returning to your planet very soon. I bid you good day."
With that Tarkin stalked out while Zachary and Gwendolyn glared coldly at him.
No one said a word until the old-fashioned doors slammed shut and for an instant after that, during which the room seemed to have no air.
Then everyone simultaneously deflated.
"That was too close for comfort."Nial retorted.
"I'll say."Winter responded uncomfortably."I feel like I am staring at death every time he comes to Alderaan."
Zachary gave Winter a firm look.
"Have no fear."Zachary instructed kindly."No harm will ever come to you while I'm here."
Winter smiled shyly while Gwendolyn simply frowned deeply at her older twin brother's declaration.
How many people die because of Palpatine's rule every year?
Is it deadlier to fight against that kind of tyranny or to let it flourish?
When was it time for the Rebellion to give up on hiding and take up arms?
She didn't have answers to those questions.
Probably her parents would.
When the gala ended, Zachary and Gwendolyn were sent safely back to Chandrila to be reunited with their parents.
After their children went to their rooms, Ferus dropped down onto his seat as he rubbed his forehead a bit upon hearing what occurred in Alderaan while Nadia folded her arms in thought.
RG-G1 let out a low beep as he stood in the living room with his friends.
"Good thing we weren't in the gala, Dia."Ferus retorted with a glare."Tarkin would've had his Star Destroyer fire down on Aldera immediately or report Vader of our location."
Nadia's frown deepened.
"I know."Nadia agreed."We really need to watch our steps more carefully like Sierra told us to."
Ferus looked at Nadia.
"But what do you think of the idea moving to Yavin 4?"Ferus questioned.
"It's a rebel base, but it will have to do, hun."Nadia complemented."The last thing we'll need is for Vader is to appear in our doorstep."
This caused Ferus to be completely nervous.
"You're right, Dia. We have to leave."Ferus admitted."We can't stay in Hanna City anymore."
RG-G1 beeped in agreement.
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!