Guarded (#2 Post-Order 66 Series)

Guarded - Part 34

Tech stood at the back of the room, staying out of view as Kestia discussed options with Boss Riis. The Gungan was more amenable to the situation than any of them could have anticipated and was being incredibly cooperative. Kestia was once more in her regalia, or at least as much as could be pulled together from around the safehouse. Em had managed to get the mud stains out of the battle dress she'd worn with Tech during the first broadcast and Sabé had done a wonderful job braiding and weaving her hair into an intricate updo. The Scar of Remembrance divided her lower lip, and her posture had changed from the slumped form Tech had cradled the night before, straightening back into that of a monarch. As condescending as it felt to say so, he was proud of her.

The Gungans were a proud people, but they were not so proud as to not recognize the danger that they were in. Boss Riis had agreed that evacuating the city would be their best course of action and had already instructed his advisors to begin coordinating the evacuation effort along with the dismantling and salvage of the nearby holy sites. That part had pained Kestia the most to request, but the Gungan leader had been incredibly gracious.

"Sacred places isa only sacred if wesa daree to see dem. To worship dem. Wesa gon maken new places. Surviving and saving Gungans more important," Boss Riis declared, and Tech could see some of the weight lift off of Kestia's shoulders.

"I'm terribly sorry we were unable to defend the planet and keep you safe, Boss Riis. My hope was that we would be able to deter the Imperials. However, with our recent defeats, I fear it will only be a matter of time before they find where the Bandorium is, and based on recent events, I do not believe your wellbeing will be taken into account. If there were any other way, I'd pursue it without hesitation."

The Gungan leader bowed his head in understanding. "Wesa grateful for yousa doin' yous best. Wes forever in yous debt." A figure appeared behind him, and Boss Riis paused to converse quietly for a few moments before turning back to Kestia. "My must besa goin.' Maken much preparations. Tank you, my lady. Mesa hope yous able to leave disa place safely. May wesa spake again."

Kestia bowed her head as the holo flickered into darkness before turning to Tech, heaving a deep sigh. "Well, I suppose that's that."

Gregar Typho gave Kestia a tight smile. "You've done everything you can, Kes. I know it's hard, but it truly is the best thing for them."

She sighed deeply. "I know, but even knowing that doesn't make me feel any better." The captain stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder, and she reached up, giving it a squeeze.

"You did everything you could, more than many would," Typho tried again. Kes turned and gave him a sad smile.

"I'm grateful for your words, Gregar. Truly."

Tech watched the interaction, not wishing to intrude. He admired the relationship Kestia had with the captain and was glad to see that it had been somewhat mended after their spat the other day. He's like a brother to her, and arguably, he knows her better than anyone. The last point made him slightly envious, but he knew that would come to him with time. Just have to get off this planet first.

A knock at the door caused them all to turn. Hunter entered, helmet tucked under one arm. "Sorry to interrupt, m'lady, but Senna's returned."

The queen smiled. "Excellent. One less thing to worry about."

Senna had left the day after they'd arrived to head back to Fellen and retrieve the two Force users. Tech had been shocked so few had showed up, and even more so at their ages. Senna and Kestia had quickly agreed it was best to remove them from Naboo to protect them from the Inquisitors. It would of course ultimately have to be their decision, something Senna had been clearly nervous about, but the two women were hopeful that they'd come along. Glancing at Kestia, he could see the question lingering in her mind, which Hunter quickly answered without prompting.