Star Wars, The Young Queen. Chapter 2 (Patreon)

Melion’s Decision

Three hours has passed since the attack on the Alderaan council chamber. Firefighting units and medical personnel are scattered around the ruble trying to contain the loss of life. A few senators and commanders have been found alive and are being stabilized. 

Melion and Stella are walking through the carnage. The princess is pacing even more than before and is distraught with grief. Stella tries to console her but she won’t stand still.

Mellion: How could this have happened, this is Alderaan! We were safe here. How did they get a Republic Stealth Cruiser without us knowing! They took Mom! They just came in and took her!

Stella: Melion there was no way of knowing. It wasn’t your fault. It’s a blessing that your Mother took enough care to send you away otherwise you would have been taken too. 

Mellion: It’s not enough to just survive Stella. I am forever cursed with never being there! I wasn’t there for Tamara, and I wasn’t there for my mother! They are going to kill her! She’ll end up just like…

Melion started sobbing. Dropping to her knees she began to cry. The fire sprinklers were drenching the entire area, and Melion’s tears were doing their best to help. Stella walked up to her and leaned down to console her.

Stella: Mellion, you’re the acting Queen of Alderaan now. Your mother has been captured and is no longer able to lead. You have to be strong for your nation now.

Melion: I’m not. But I’m not just going to sit here and do nothing either.

Stella: There is plenty for you to do already. Your planet is leaderless. I know what you’re thinking but there’s no way to get her back yourself. Jabba will know better than to harm her. She’s too valuable as a hostage. You need to focus on wining the war in order to truly help her. 

Melion: No,..no there’s no way Jabba will let her go. Win or lose my mother is going to die in his care. You heard it yourself during the broadcast, he wants her. I need to get her back. 

Stella: Melion no, it’s…

Melion: The queen is the most important piece Stella. She strikes where she will. 

Stella: So long as she is protected, but she…

Mellion: She isn’t protected, she’s been captured. That’s why I’m going to get her back

Stella: No Melion, don’t you understand, you’re the queen now. You are the one that needs protecting. 

Melion: Will you then?

Stella: …no that’s not fair.

Melion: I’m going to go find my Mother. I’m going to bring her back so we can win this war. So that Jabba receives the punishment he deserves. You swore to defend me. Now I’m going no matter what you say. The question is,.. will you come and keep me safe Stella? Will you protect the new Queen of Alderaan and help her save the stolen Queen of Alderaan?

Stella paused, conflicted in her predicament. She reluctantly nodded to Melion’s decision. She could not abandon her duty to protect her and would not leave the girl who had her affection.

Melion: Besides, don’t you have a score to settle too?

Stella: My master met her fate as the Force willed it. But do not think I’ve forgotten Melion. It’s just that this is an extremely dangerous mission. Where would we even begin? The trail is stone cold. We can’t track a Stealth Cruiser.

Melion: No, but we can track Jabba the Hutt. Whoever took my mother is taking her straight to Jabba. If we can find him before too long, maybe we can save her before it’s too late. Jabba could be anywhere yes,..but he always leaves an unmistakeable mess behind him. 

Stella: You want to go there? To Tatooine? What could we find there?

Melion: My sister’s ship.