Darth Vader: Hero of Naboo

Chapter 38

Twenty dead in Grivel, nine in Brimol, fifteen in Kothport.

The death counts from the Federation's Occupation came in steadily as they reestablished order across the planet.

"Less than a half-thousand dead after the planet was occupied," Padme said with an empty smile. "I suppose I should be content with that, Governor."

Bibble gave her a sympathetic smile. "None could have hoped for more, Your Highness. The situation was beyond anything we expected or planned for."

Padme nodded idly. Each lost life weighed heavy on her mind, but what uplifted her was how small it really was. With a population of over a billion humans, and so far less than five hundred deaths reported across the entire planet. Most of them were resistance fighters actively attacking the Federation. The civilian death count only started to rise towards the end, when Gunray was growing more paranoid and erratic.

The battle droids had been devoid of kindness, but also of cruelty. Only at the direction of Gunray did they act in wanton slaughter.

The Queen came back to the present as she heard a rather loud cheering outside, her smile becoming a bit more genuine.

Bibble was grateful for the raised mood as he turned to another topic. "I understand this is a hard time for you, My Queen, but there are matters we must discuss."

"The celebration, the awards, thanks to the Gungans, mourning the fallen," Padme listed off somberly. "I may need to have a stand-in for some of the public events."

Bibble didn't protest or question that. He knew perfectly well that the Queen might suddenly receive terrible news that would require her own time to grieve. "I've given the orders to seize and search all properties owned by Senator Palpatine. We are...keeping news of him a secret for now," he explained carefully.

Padme nodded. Oh, she planned to reveal everything about Palpatine to the people, of his treachery. But even with communications restored with the rest of the Galaxy, news from Coruscant was causing much confusion and bewilderment. Padme wanted to know as much as she could about Palpatine before she unleashed that barrel. Besides, Naboo deserved to enjoy its victory for a day or two.

"Your Highness," Panaka called as he entered the room, saluting her.

"Captain," Padme acknowledged with a regal nod.

"The clean-up of the droids is mostly complete. All major cities have collected the remains and removed the power cells for good meaure," Panaka elaborated. "Those at the battle with the Gungans will take more time. Along with the tanks."

That was to be expected, all things considered. "Word of the injured?"

"A handful more have perished, but the majority I've heard to be stable," Panaka elaborated.

"Good, that's good," Bibble agreed, glancing between the two curiously. "If you don't mind me asking, Your Majesty, but what should I refer to these allies you have gathered?"

"Our friends," Padme answered honestly. "But if you need a title, Anti-Federationists should suffice."

"Anti-Federationists?" Bibble repeated with an arched brow.

"They are as they sound," Padme answered idly. "Speaking of, are the repairs to the Clamator going well?"

"As well as can be expected. We have no great shipyard, and our engineers are not used to working on battleships of that nature or size," Bibble reminded. "But they should have it ready for safe hyperdrive travel within a standard week."

"Wonderful," Padme acknowledged in relief. "And Vader? Has he disappeared yet?"

"No, your highness. He's still as he has been," Panaka remarked before scowling. "Though, the Mandalorian is with Sixxa and Nym. I believe they're trading advice for taking down droids."