Shattered Expectatons.

[Felicity Mason]

Naboo. Home. Naboo was safe. Naboo was secure.
Naboo was...
Shaken.

"My name is Felcity Mason."

An aerial view of Theed, focused on the first breech in the wall.

"If you can see this now, you might think this is some remote abandoned city. You might think that this fighting is taking place far from you."

The image went to the city streets. The abandoned businesses, soldiers leaning against walls, treating wounds, or just silently hoping for the best.

"You'd be wrong if you thought that. This is Naboo. This, what you are seeing, is the product of an invasion from the Systems Authrotity, formerly known as the Confederacy of Independent systems. What I am showing you is what our world looks like mere hours after the start of this invasion."

The image was now of injured soldiers and civilians lined up against the side of a ship waiting for treatment. A bomb going off in the distance. Fighters flying overhead. Blood. Chaos.

"I want you to see what I've seen. I want you to know the truth about the Authority."

The image of a Jedi came up next. He told his side of the story. Just a few clips. Then a soldier. A Naboo civilian.
Then Felicity herself. Beaten. Tired. Dirty.

"My name is Felicity Mason, and I am Naboo."



She'd sent that message out as soon as she could. A rough edit. She'd had to put her footage together in just twenty minutes. It didn't look pretty. It wasn't supposed to be pretty.

When Felicity had finally been found, when she'd finally been able to return to the Palace, she was not the same girl. And mom was.... Mom was too tired to help her. She'd been so worried about her people. She'd supported them through that awful meditation for so long it had drained her.

So, Felicity had been taken to one of her students instead. He did good work. The cut on her cheek, he said, wouldn't scar. Her forehead needed stitches. He couldn't heal a cut that deep with just the force. But he said the scar might not show too badly. Her hand was wrapped up, unable to be used until it healed. Her ankle had been injured as well from the fall she'd taken, although that was something she hadn't noticed until it was all done. That stupid fetish maid did a number on her.

But the worst of it was her ear. There was nothing to be done about that. She would have that for the rest of her life.

The very same day that the battle ended, she went silent. Wouldn't talk to anyone, not even Viper. Not even Percy. Not mom. Not dad. As the clean up commenced, Felicity stayed in bed. Her bed. The bed she never thought she'd see again.
But it felt so shallow now. Everything she'd worried for. Her pretty bed? Her pretty life? Her pretty school?

What about those dead people? All those Protectorate soldiers who were scattered in the streets? Felicity threw up just thinking about it. In the past 24 hours she had seen things she never thought she would see. She saw severed limbs. She saw bloodies faces. She saw dead as far as the eye can see.

And she'd tasted blood. She's felt it on her tongue. She'd had severed fingers in between her teeth. Sometimes she still felt like she hadn't gotten all of that maids dirty fingers out of her mouth. The Authroity were monsters for what they did to her home. But did that made her a monster too, for what she did to her?

Felicity was on a ship now. She was clean, dressed as any little Princess should be dressed. But she didn't look well. She was pale as a ghost, her eyes were vacant. Her hair was shorter now, cut and re-styled to cover the damage the maid had done to it when she pulled it. She pushed a lock of blond hair behind her ear, wincing as her finger accidentally brushed against her wound.

"Little Princess?" Percy sat near her, along for the ride, just to keep her company on the way back to Imerria, "We will be arriving soon. I bet you're really excited to see your sister again."

Felicity fingered the necklace she wore, the stone that her Mother had given her to look after, but she said nothing in response.

"And your Uncle too. Barnabus, right? Doesn't he have his Nephew staying with him? I bet you're excited to hang out with him again."

Felicity tried to make a face. She really tried. But no matter what she did, she couldn't manage it. It just didn't seem to matter anymore.

"Felicity... Your Mother will be fine. She's just a little weak right now. You know that, don't you? We're taking care of her. She'll be right as rain in no time, and then we'll send for you to come back to Naboo. This is only for a little while. It's what is best for your recovery and hers. You understand?"

She nodded. Still not a word from her. Yes. She understood, and honestly, she wasn't protesting. She didn't want to be there. She didn't want to see hell again. Not yet. Everywhere she looked she saw scattered bodies and brain matter.

Everywhere.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Two weeks of travelling around with uncle Elliot, bonding over drinks, spice, gambling and shared war stories (actually academy stories in Owain's case), and Owain felt like he had slid into his uncle's life without much issue. Just as he had coped with the transition to this whole new world that his uncle lived in. Not the planet, Imerria, though that was still somewhat strange (no going outside because you may end up bein literally swept up by a storm), but rather the simple domesticity. After growing up in the academy barracks, this kind of life felt downright decadent. Owain had voiced his thoughts to his uncle, who had agreed and suggested something to help make the Owain's acclimatisation easier.

So they found themselves in the training room, beating the life out of each other. Elliot had a wealth of experience on his side, and Owain had his youth. It wasn't helping.

"So, that makes it my win again. How about best 11 out of 20?" Elliot asked, breathing deeply through his nose.

Owain glared at him from where he had come to rest in the conrer, upside down. "I think I'll pass," he finally said. He had been able to keep upw ith his uncle, and make him retreat several times. Granted, the old man always had a trick or two or twelve up his sleeve, but these were all intended to be lessons for the youth. Lessons he appreciated. WIth a sigh, the raven haired boy righted himself and stood up, stretching his limbs. "Besides, Princess should be coming home soon. You'd better go meet and greet her and all that," Owain added, his face rbiefly contorting into a grimace at the mention of Felicity.

Elliot nodded as he towelled the sweat off his brow. "Aye. I'll go freshen up and head to the gate. Sure you don't want to greet her home too?"

"Yes."

"You sure?"

"Yes!"

"Really sure?"

"DAMMIT UNCLE YES!"

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

"Princess?"

Felicity looked up from where she'd been running her finger across her bandaged hand.

"We're going to be landing soon. Do you need anything?"

A shake of her head was all she gave him.

"Water?"
no.
"A snack?"
no.
"A hug?"

Felicity gave him a look that spoke her feelings quite clearly. Touch me, and I'll do to you exactly what I did to her.

"....Okaaay, well, never mind then," he cleared his throat as the ship touched down, "Well then, little Princess, this is it. You'll be well here. When you are ready, just let us know. We will be back for you."

The ramp lowered and Percy helped to wheel her down to meet her Uncle at the bottom.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

A quick shower later and a change of clothes, and Elliot Barnabus was ready and waiting for the ship to touch down. Since Dis had been built into a cliff face, it featured a small hangar, barely big enough for one ship, that usually held Keter's Fury. Since that ship was undergoing repairs on Naboo after being sunk in the Theed river (a boring story), the hangar was available to let a ship actually land on Immeria without worrying about the small window of opportunity for landing. The ramp lowered and the old soldier sucked in a breath. Felicity had been through hell, he could tell. SHe was in a wheelchair, and quiet, and reserved. She reminded him of her mother. The way she was all smiles and politeness despite the hurt.

"Welcome home," he said, smiling. ANd there was much to smile about - Felicity had made it home alive, and in one piece. In his book, that was a win. Hmmm, might be best ot keep Owain from her for a while. She probably didn't need another argument after what she had been through. Elliot made a mental note to contact his nephew as soon as he could to warn him. In the meantime, he nodded cordially at Percy, the elite guard that Feena trusted with her children. More a fighter than a survivor, never having to worry about deployment.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

The girl wasn't really looking at anyone. Not Uncle B. Not Percy. Nobody. She played with her bandages, gazed at her lap. She didn't see Celeste. Didn't see Owain. For some reason, that actually did bother her a little. Even if she couldn't stand his stupid face, at least it was an enemy she could recognize.
Ugh, after this she couldn't even trust the help in the palace.

She tried to smile. Mom would have wanted her to smile. But she couldn't help but think it looked wrong on her somehow. A lie. She quickly gave up on it.

"Ah, yes. There now, Little Princess," Percy said, "I'm going to have a talk with your Uncle really quickly. You don't mind, right?"

The response was as expected. Nothing at all.

"Mister Barnabus, yes?" Percy began, giving a stiff little bow, "I've been told you were given a general idea of her condition, but... Well, some details. Most of her external wounds are healing well. She will need to stay off her ankle for at least another week. It's not bad, but we were advised to take no risks. Her bandages on her hands should be changed regularly. That's something she's been doing herself, so it shouldn't be a problem."

He glanced to the girl over his shoulder and shook his head slowly.

"She hadn't spoken since the ASA forces retreated. I doubt it's anything serious, but she's been shaken up a bit by this whole thing. Its not much of a wonder that she's a little out of it. I don't know how much we can do about her... emotional state, but I've just been talking to her, waiting until she's ready to talk back."

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Elliot nodded as the man spoke. It sounded like minor post-traumatic stress disorder. Almost. Elliot doubted he'd go that far, but it matched up with her behaviour. "Well, thank you for taking care of her," the old soldier said, smiling softly. "Any idea when her parents will come? I think its best if she talked with them." He looked at Felicity, usually so bold and proud, now just sitting there like part of the scenery. He sighed. He had never been a healer. He could make people comfortable whilst they died sure, but actually fixing them? Way beyond him,

"Hey uncle, I forogt to ask about dinner- whoa, you look terrible princess!" siad Owain from the doorway.

Elliot sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Dammit Owain," he quietly cursed under his breath.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

"Her Majesty isn't well at the moment herself," Percy answered, keeping his voice low enough that Felicity couldn't hear him, "I doubt she will be making an appearance any time soon. Master Keter said nothing about a visit, so I can not speak for him."

And then there it was. That voice. Felicity finally looked up, her eye's meeting Owains. For some reason, it made her want to smile. She almost did. Almost. It felt so... normal. For a split second, she felt like throwing an insult back at him. Something about birds. Then it faded, whatever that spark was. She lowered her head again.

There were bodies everywhere. Lined up in neat rows. She couldn't keep count. She couldn't even remember which uniform belonged to the ASA, and which one was Protectorate. She thought the green was ASA, but... there was so much red now, she couldn't be sure.

Then she was back again, sitting in the hangar. When were they going to move her? She wanted to open up her mouth and ask, but she just couldn't.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Elliot was about to reprimand his nephew when he cuaght they way Felicity looked up. A reaction huh? The old man let his eyes drift between the two. Maybe Owain was an insensitive jerk, but maybe he could function as a distraction. Yes, he'd buy that explanation. He motioned to Percy to be quiet for a moment, wondering where this was going to go. Owain seemed puzzled by the silence that greeted him, and stepped into the hangar.

"What, no strong words of protest? No justification?" he asked, obviously surprised as he approached. "If I'd known that all it took to shut you up was a simple haircut I'd have volunteered myself!" the youth continued with an easy grin. She was so...quiet. Quite unusual. Sure she was wounded but she'd heal. If she really was a princess she'd probably end up better than she had been before she'd gone to Naboo. Besides, it's not like she got seriously hurt. At least from what he could tell. He circled her, tapping his chin. "Hmmm...yeah, sorry, this new look doesn't suit you at all," he commented. Why wasn't she saying anything?

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Percy had been about to say something to this boy himself. How dare he insult young Miss Mason that way? He went to step forward, when Barnabus put hand up to silence him.

Felicity looked up again, He was closer now. His insults stung, but she couldn't help but feel a little bit of... what was this? Warmth? From him? From a few harsh words?

She almost smiled again. Very close this time. Her good hand came up, pushing a lock of blond hair behind her torn ear. Her hair wasn't that short. Just past her shoulders. Did it really look that bad? No. He was just being a jerk.

"Your... face doesn't suit you... Bird."

Her voice felt foreign, small, weak from days of misuse. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Percy jump at the sound of it.

"Well," he said clearing his throat, "I best be going. Seems she's off too a much better start here after all."

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

"Ah, she speaks at last," Owain said, rolling his eyes. Looks like he had ben worried over nothing. "And here I thought you'd los your tongue. A pity, I so enjoyed our little chats," the youth continued, the sarcasm dripping from his words. "Anyway, uncle, what's for dinner?"

The older Barnabus shook his head in exasperation. "You know how to cook. Make something for yourself," he replied. "I've got to keep an eye on Felicity."

"What, she can't roll herself around her own home?" Owain asked, surprised.

"Well...she could but it's best she rest for now."

"Ah right...wait, you don't mean we're going to have to wait on her hand and foot until she's better, do you?" the boy asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion,

Elliot smiled broadly suddenly as an idea came to him. "No," he replied. Owain sighed in relief before he spoke again. "Just you." The old man turned from his indignant nephew and nodded at Percy. "Well, you are welcome to stay here for a bit, get your strength back before flying back," he offered.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

The scene playing out was more than Percy could handle. He coughed to cover the laugh he could feel coming on. Yes. The little Princess would be fine here. He wasn't worried anymore now. She'd already spoken. That was more than he could manage with her.

"Thank you," he replied with another stiff bow. "but it's really best I get back to the Queen. Miss Felicity, be well. Mister Barnabus. Young mister Barnabus."


Felicity managed to give Owain a smug look. That itself was an achievement for her right now.

"Missed you too, Owain," she murmured, "Now take me inside."

She was going to like ordering him about. She gave Percy something close to a smile just before he turned and walked back up the ramp. He was a nice man. When she was better and she went back to Naboo, she'd give him that hug he offered. Yes. That was exactly what she'd do.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

That backstabbing old man. Silently fuming, Owain moved into position behind Felicity and began wheeling her in, heading for her room. In the time she had been away, Owain had carefully scouted out Dis and learned the best ways around which would keep him as far from the Princess as possible. SUre, their little spats were fun and all, but sometimes he'd need to be somewhere without interruptions. And now he was stuck babysitting her. His family was being humiliated by the Force, he could swear on it. "So where first?" he muttered through grit teeth, leaving the hangar behind.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

He was angry, she could tell. But was he angry because his uncle decided this for him, or angry because now he was going to have to spend actual time with her? Did he actually hate her that much? Somehow, she didn't get such a sick pleasure out of that as she normally would. The truth was, after the ASA invasion she'd felt rather lonely.

"Bedroom."

She still didn't feel used to her own voice anymore, so she was keeping her answers short. Now that she thought about it, she supposed he'd never actually seen her room. Unless he'd been sneaking around while she was gone. She wouldn't put it past him. The idiot.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Ah, now this he could work with. "Oh my, but aren't we going fast? Surely dinner and a holo first?" he idly commented, wheeling her towards her room with a grin. Oh she wouldn't like that, he was sure. "By the way, I am not feeding you. Your arms seem perfectly fine," Owain added as they headed down the corridor, keeping his gaze fixed forward. Damn his uncle. He had left the army to pursue his family, and here he was, taking orders. The more things change, the more they stay the same, as they say.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Oh. He wanted to play dirty already. For a moment, she had that old spark back. She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. Her big blue eyes watched him for a moment through thick eyelashes.

"Are you asking me on a date, then?"

Why was it easy to talk back to him, yet nobody, not Marea, not mom, not Percy, not even Vipes could get her to talk to them? Why did her voice die in her throat when people were being nice to her? And why was she suddenly able to banter when this bantha-brain made some stupid joke at her expense? It was actually a bit irritating. She didn't understand it. Not in the least.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

He rolled his eyes. "You invited me to Naboo, I thought that counted," he countered, glancing down at her. "And no. Though bickering with a change of scenery just sounds so magical," he added, turning a corner and pushing her forwards. "Also, please tell me you don't live on another floor," he groaned, realizing a potential problem already.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

The word Naboo made her shut down again. The effect was almost instant. Her head lowered, her eyes fell, even her hands stopped moving, laying limp and useless on her lap. She didn't even bother throwing an insult back at him.

"Third floor," she answered, voice flat, "Good luck."

He was going to have trouble with that. She hadn't considered that, actually. Getting to her room. And getting back down again. He was probably going to have to leave the chair behind and carry her up. Normally she would make a face at the idea of him touching her. But today, she couldn't be more indifferent.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

"Great," he bit out. Two sets of stars. Lucky him. Interesting how merely mentioning Naboo made Felicity fall silent. "Also, I'm not helping you with make-up. I imagine all the news sites on the holonet are going to want to interview you," he said as they reached the stairs. He stood there for a while, looking from the stairs to the girl, trying to figure out how to do this before making up his mind. "Alright then, hop on," he said, kneeling by her side and indicating she should grip his neck. No way was he carrying her bridal style to her room. THat was just pushing it.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Felicity didn't stir. Interview. After her message hit the holonet, she had no doubt about it. She would be stalked by press. Why did he think she was here recovering, instead of the palace? Nobody was going to come here. She was safest here. At least for now.

"I'm not doing that," she mumbled, "I'm wearing a dress, Idiot."

It just wasn't appropriate. It was bad enough that she was going into her room alone with him. If mom knew... If mom knew she probably wouldn't care, actually now that she thought about it. It was probably dad that she needed to worry most about. She could just imagine what he'd say. Or what he'd do. To Owain. She didn't imagine Daddy would like him very much. Or most of the boys she knew, come to think of it. But especially not Owain. How could anybody like him?
Why did she even like him?

[member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

"So?" he asked, totally not seeing the problem. "What, you want me to carry you like a blushing bride on her honeymoon?" he added, his tone laced with sarcasm to make his opinion on the matter clear. "Up two flights of stairs?"

Owain doubted it was a feat he could pull off in truth. Though he refrained from saying that in a rare flash of common sense. "Come on, let's go. You probably want to sleep," he said, looking back up the stairs.

[member="Felicity Mason"]