After leaving the Senate Dome, I spoke up. "So that clone trooper you mentioned, he wouldn't happen to be Rex, would it?"
Areria immediately tensed up at my words. "Uh...yeah, why do you ask?"
"Oh no reason at all. I only ask to remind you of the Jedi Code." I retorted.
Areria snorted. "That's ironic coming from you."
I raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You and the Diktat, you say there's nothing going on but I can't help to wonder that there actually is something between the two of you." She shot back.
I felt my blood boil at her words. I clenched my fists until my knuckles were white.
"I'd be careful with your next words, Areria." I warned.
"Or what?" Areria challenged.
"Or I'll make sure Rex doesn't come with us. I'll ask Fives, Echo, Mocax, or another trooper to join us instead." I rebuked, causing Areria to shut her mouth. "Good. Now that we have that cleared up, let's meet Rex."
Areria's eyes widened. "What? Now?!"
I couldn't help but crack a smile, amused at her reaction. "Yes, this mission's urgent. We need to leave as soon as possible."
•••
After meeting Rex in Dex's diner, we made our way to the spaceport near the Senate Dome. There in the hangars of the spaceport, we met up with mom and Koltav. Once we were in the ship and out of the port, mom and Koltav discussed the plan to enter the planet.
"Dubrillion is under Separatist control, which means all ports will be heavily guarded with Separatist troops." Koltav explained.
Rex raised an eyebrow. "And how will we get in?"
"Koltav and I will take the lead. Meanwhile Storm, Padawan Skikea, and Captain Rex will disguise themselves as our handmaidens and as our guard." Mom explained.
"Are you sure this will work?" Areria asked as she glanced over at me.
"I trust in my mom and Koltav. And if they believe this will work, then I am confident we will get out in one piece." I mentioned.
"Don't worry, it'll work." Koltav assured her.
It wasn't long until Dubrillion was in sight. The planet looked beautiful from out in space. It was covered with clear pristine oceans and luscious green continents all scattered around the planet. We all looked at the planet in awe. Once we entered the atmosphere, we saw a spaceport near a forest filled with palm trees, eccentric plants that were wrapped around the trees and bombarded throughout the forest. There was a long track around the forest, making its way towards a land that appeared to be about a hundred acres.
That land had a giant palace which was adorned with gold along with colorful gems that covered the columns and archways. Not too far from the palace, there was a small town filled with buildings for what I later discovered consisted of businesses, restaurants, museums, a station, homes, and much more. And all around the town and the palace was a plethora of colorful trees with light pink leaves that one could see from miles, luscious lime green grass, and a pristine aqua blue river running through the land. About four hundred feet from that land, there were other landmasses all connected with tracks from the hovertrain. As soon as I landed the ship in the port, I turned to the others, who were in the cockpit with me. "Alright, here we go."
With that, Areria, Rex, and I changed our outfits in separate rooms. Areria wore a traditional Corellian handmaiden outfit, an emerald long robe covering her beige dress with golden designs towards the end of the dress, and black shoes. Meanwhile I wore the traditional Echani handmaiden clothing, which consisted of a light gray robe with a hood, a long sleeve light blue tunic under the robe, cream white pants with a belt, and black boots. Rex changed into the clothing of a Royal Corellian guard, wearing a silver helmet, a green robe over his white tunic adorned with golden buttons on the right side of his tunic, a belt around his waist, gray pants, and black boots. As soon as we left the ship, we were approached by two B1 battle droids armed with blasters. Areria and I did our best to cover ourselves with our hoods, looking at the ground.
"State your names and your business on Dubrillion." One of them ordered.
"I am Veda Ca'ana, Senator of Echani and member of the Echani Command. And this is Koltav Catroe, the Diktat of Corellia." Mom said, introducing themselves. "And we are here to speak to the Queen and King of Dubrillion, my good friends."
"And who are these three?" One of the battle droids asked.
I tensed up at once. No doubt the droid meant Areria, Rex, and me. My mom must've noticed as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "This is Seta, my handmaiden."
"This is Ria, my handmaiden." Koltav chimed in. "And this is my personal guard, Lonthor."
After a few moments, one of the droids spoke up. "Their majesties are waiting for you in the palace."
"Should we give you an escort?" They asked at the same time.
"Hey, I asked first!" One of them snapped.
"No, I said it nanoseconds before you did!" The other protested.
I rolled my eyes. They may be droids, but they're not the brightest stars in the sky. I glanced over at my mom, who had quickly grown annoyed. However she kept her calm demeanor as she spoke over them, cutting off their bickering.
"Thank you, but we know our way to the palace." Mom informed them.
With that, we left them. As we walked away, the droids continued their argument. When we left the port, we reached a station where a hovertrain stood, near the forest. When we boarded the hovertrain, Rex glanced over at Koltav. "Lonthor?"
Koltav wore a sheepish smile. "Sorry, it's the first name that came to my mind."
Areria snickered, causing Rex to turn towards her. He may have still been wearing the helmet, but I could sense that he was glaring at her. I glanced out the window, seeing the palace on the hundred acres of land. I knew that Mom had several friends on different planets, but not once did I think that any of her friends would be Separatists. But then again, I never asked about her friends that I never meant. Jinx was that person, always asking about her friends and about their families.
It wasn't long until the hovertrain arrived at the station on the landmass where the palace was. As soon as we got off, we were greeted by a beautiful woman and a handsome man in their late fifties. They were both wearing elegant clothing. The woman wore a midnight blue dress with flakes of gold around her waist along with matching heels and arms covered in bracelets. Her long strawberry blonde hair was pulled back in a bun held in place by a golden crown with flowers. She also had chocolate brown eyes that were scanning the station.
Meanwhile the man wore black pants, a white tunic with a midnight blue waistcoat, and a red robe. Over short shaggy silver hair, he had a golden crown adorned with the most rarest of gems. The man also had emerald green eyes. No doubt they were the Queen and King. They wore stern looks that could scare the faint hearted. As soon as mom saw them, she greeted them with hugs. "Cassiopeia, Cepheus!"
The Queen and King were as equally as happy to see her, their stern looks replaced with genuine smiles. As they asked my mom a million questions, I glanced over at the pillars holding the station up. It was then when I noticed two guards by the pillars, not too far from us. No doubt they were trying to give them some space yet remain within close range in case something happens.
"I promise I'll answer all your questions. But first, I want you to meet Koltav Catroe, the Diktat Of Corellia." Mom said as she motioned Koltav to join her. "Koltav, meet Cassiopeia and Cepheus Drayen, Queen and King of Dubrillion."
As soon as Koltav reached them, he bowed before them as he addressed them. "Your majesties, it's an honor to meet you."
"The pleasure's all ours." The King replied.
The Queen then glanced over at Areria, Rex, and me. She tilted her head, looking at us from head to toe.
"Veda, aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?" The Queen inquired, referring to the three of us.
Mom's smile fell at once. "Perhaps it's better to continue our introductions in the palace."
She then leaned in, whispering something to the Queen. The Queen's eyes widened at once, and she looked over at me. "Of course. Then let's return to the palace at once."
With that, they led us out of the station with the two guards beside them. As we made our way to the palace, I looked around in awe. The ground was covered in marble, there were a plethora of trees covered in light pink leaves, a lavender sky with two medium sized suns and a small blue sun beneath them, and there was an aqua blue river running through the town.
"I think I can get use to this place." I mentioned.
Rex scoffed. "This place is too fancy for my liking."
Areria nodded at once. "I agree with the Cap. I like Coruscant much better than this."
I snickered. "Of course you would agree with Rex."
I then noticed Areria's cheeks turning bright red, making me chuckle. Once we reached the palace, we made our way to the throne chambers. The throne chambers was just as elegant as the palace itself, containing two thrones with jewels, a mosaic of a beautiful pink leaved tree on the floor in the middle of the room, an enormous golden chandelier dangling ten feet above us, and giant windows with a few of the gardens. The King immediately turned to all the guards and servants inside the chambers.
"Leave us." He ordered.
In a heartbeat, all the guards and servants left without questioning him. No doubt that none of them wished to upset him. Once we were all alone with King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia, the Queen spoke up. "Now we can continue with the introductions."
Veda nodded. "Of course. Allow me to introduce to you Storm Ca'ana, my daughter. She's..."
"A Jedi." The Queen finished as her eyes lit up. "A famous one known throughout the galaxy."
"You brought a Jedi here?!" The King exclaimed, his voice laced with anger and terror. "If Count Dooku discovers this, he'll be furious. We could be killed for this, Veda."
Mom then glanced over at me and after a few seconds, I knew why. She wanted to tell the secret that my grandma and her had hidden from my siblings and me. I gave her a nod. They're bound to find out sooner or later, so might as well say it now.
"Then I'll talk to him personally. After all, he is...my father." Mom confessed.
The Queen, King, Areria, and Rex all looked at Veda and me with baffled expressions. None of them could speak, and I feared that they would all look at us differently now. Koltav, who stood beside me, discreetly reaching out for my hand, giving it a squeeze. I felt relieved having him beside me. Finally after what felt like hours, the Queen spoke up. "Your father's Dooku?"
Mom grimaced. "I'm don't like the thought anymore than you do, Cass."
"Don't worry, your majesties. We are nothing like Dooku." I assured them.
Mom then turned towards me, forcing a smile. I furrowed my brows. She would usually force a smile when she didn't want us to worry. However before I could say anything, Koltav intervened, introducing Areria and Rex. After we introduced them, a young man around Koltav's age along with a woman around my age barged through the giant doors and into the chambers. The man had short strawberry blonde hair like the Queen along with emerald green eyes, like the King. Meanwhile, the woman had long golden hair with warm chocolate brown eyes like the Queen. And they both wore clothing similar to the King and Queen. No doubt they were the prince and princess of Dubrillion.
"Mother, father, I..." The man began, however he trailed off as soon as he saw me. His cheeks turned rosy pink as he stumbled over his words. "F-forgive me...I didn't know you had company."
The woman let out a snicker. "That is really smooth, Lee."
The man immediately whipped over at her with his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The King let out a sigh. "Leander, what is it this time?"
"You have no idea what Iris plans to say to the Parliament." Leander explained.
"Leander, your sister is our senator. She represents our home." The Queen reminded him.
"She knows what is best for our planet, Leander. I wouldn't have given her the title of Senator if I knew she was not prepared for the role and its responsibilities." The King elaborated.
So I was right. the King and Queen have two children: Leander and Iris. Leander's lip twitched and he opened his mouth prepared to speak. However as soon as he took one glance at me, he closed his mouth. Iris bowed her head at once. "Father, mother, forgive us. We'll leave at once."
"It is alright, Iris. You and Leander can stay. Besides we would like you to meet some friends of ours." The Queen commented. "Leander, Iris I'd like you to meet Veda Ca'ana, the senator of Echani, a member of the Echani Command, and a best friend of mine. Veda, this is Leander and Iris, Cepheus' and my children."
Veda gave them a curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you both, your highnesses. Allow me to introduce to you my daughter, Storm Ca'ana."
I bowed before them. "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you, your highnesses."
Leander's smile widened. "The pleasure's all mine, Lady Storm."
Before I could utter a single syllable, Koltav stood in front of me. His fists were so tightly clenched that his knuckles white. "And I am Koltav Catroe, the Diktat of Corellia and I am Storm's b-"
I immediately cut him off, fearing he would blow our secret. "Friend. He's one of my best friends."
An amused grin appeared on Leander's face. "Ah, so I see."
Koltav's pale cheeks immediately turned rosy red as he glanced over at me, filled with rage and jealousy. I did my best to ignore him as I glanced over at Areria and Rex. "And these are also my best friends, Areria Skikea and Captain Rex."
"I shall have a few servants show you to your rooms." The King informed us, after all formal introductions were made.
As soon as the servants arrived, Leander spoke up. "I can escort Lady Storm to her chambers."
I didn't have to look at Koltav to know he was fuming. Nevertheless, I remained quiet, not wanting anyone to discover that there's something between us. That's the last thing I need right now. A smile appeared on the King's face before he gave his son a small nod. Leander then approached me. "Ready when you are, milady."
With that, I left with Leander. However I glanced back at Koltav to give him a reassuring smile. Once we left, Leander led me through countless hallways that were adorned with elegant statues, silk carpets, and paintings. As we walked, Leander bombarded me with questions, curious to know more about me.
"Are you a senator like your mother, Lady Storm?" He inquired.
I chuckled. "I bear no fancy titles, your highness. I'm just a Jedi."
Leander's eyes lit up at once. "A Jedi? I've heard so many stories about the guardians of peace! Are you a Jedi Knight? Do you have an apprentice?"
"Yes, and as a matter of fact I do have a padawan. Areria is my padawan." I informed him.
"I imagine you've visited a plethora of planets." He mentioned.
"I have been to a lot on missions...and now with the war, I've been busy, fighting in battles on different planets." I explained.
Leander grimaced. "The war seems like it will wage on for many more years."
I nodded. "It does appear to be that way."
"Is that why you've all come here? To negotiate in an attempt to stop the war?" He questioned.
"Yes, but for the record I was against the idea." I retorted.
He raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"
"Separatists are the enemy, they can't be reasoned with." I explained.
A smug look appeared on his face. "Oh is that so? And what do you think we Separatists think of you and the Republic?"
"We're trying to help. You don't understand the lies Dooku has fed you and all the other planets under his command." I protested. "You're all being brainwashed."
He scoffed. "Typical coming from a Jedi who serves the Republic. You're naive, Ca'ana."
I narrowed my eyes. "And you're oblivious, Drayen."
He then finally stopped at a beige colored door with brown handle. Leander let out a long sigh before turning to me with a smile. "It's evident that you and I are not seeing eye to eye, but you will soon that we aren't that different."
"There is a huge difference, your highness. I am on the right side and you are not." I shot back.
Leander said nothing more on the matter, instead he motioned towards the door. "This is your chambers. If you need anything don't hesitate on calling a servant or me. I hope you have a good evening."
Leander then gave me one last smile before walking off. As soon as he left, I let out an exhausted sigh. Why did I agree to this? Leander's going to be a pain in the exhaust port.
~Translations~
Sisalo---Sister (Echani)