I'd Do It All Again
by Inez

"Leia that was the best roast avian I've had in a long time," Han said as he rubbed his swollen belly. "Remind me to thank the cook."

"I'm right here," she replied with a strange look on her face.

"I was talking about the kitchen droid," Han smiled back at her and tried to duck as a napkin flew his direction.

The Winter Fete holiday was winding down with the traditional family dinner of roast avian, vegetables, pies, breads and other rich foods. This year, the Skywalker's and Solo's were celebrating together. It had been quite awhile since everyone had been able to be on the same planet at once. Luke, Mara and their son Ben had come from Yavin IV to spend time with Han, Leia, their children and Chewbacca and to enjoy Ben's first Winter Fete. Everyone was having a wonderful time just relaxing in the presence of family and talking about mundane, everyday things.

Trying to divert everyone's attention, Luke spoke up, "All right, I think it's time for dessert." After being assaulted with a chorus of groans and "I'm too full for dessert," he rolled his eyes. "OK, maybe later. Leia, I'll help you clean up. Why don't the rest of you go into the living room? Isn't it time for another showing of 'I'd Do It All Again'?"

Mara complained, "It's already been on about fourteen times this week."

"Yes, but after tomorrow, we'll have to wait a whole year to see it again," Luke quipped.

"Come on Mara," Han said, "We wouldn't want to miss it. It's tradition to watch it at least once."

"All right," Mara rolled her eyes. "Who am I to go against tradition?"

After Han, Chewie and Mara took the kids to the other room, Luke turned to help Leia take the dishes to the kitchen. "OK, Luke, what do you want to tell me?"

"Are you reading my mind?" Luke asked with a smirk.

"Nope, no Jedi insight. Just sisterly instinct. That and you only offer to help in the kitchen if you want to talk about something," Leia teased.

Luke sighed, "Actually, I did want to talk to you. First, I wanted to say how glad I am that we are all finally able to be together as a fam-"

"I know. It's been really nice. We don't get to do this enough." Leia interrupted then paused.
"Do you ever wonder..." they both began, then laughed.

"You first," said Leia, "but I have the feeling we were thinking the same thing." She smiled and looked into Luke's eyes.
As he gazed back at her and nodded, he began, "Do I ever wonder about what it would be like if we got to spend these holidays with our parents? Yes, I do. Often. Are you sure you want to talk about this? You haven't been very enthusiastic about this subject before."

"I know, Luke, I'm still confused about how I feel about a lot of it. However, it's hard to ignore during family holidays like this one. I can't help but wonder what it would be like, what they would be like."

"I'm sure there would be lots of interesting stories to tell." Luke seemed to be lost in thought for a moment and then went on, "Anyway, I wanted to ask for your help in something. I'm thinking of reestablishing the Jedi Council."

Leia's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Why? I'm all for it, I think, but what do you need me for?"

Luke chuckled, "Really. With the changes I've made at the Academy recently, and new students being found almost daily, it's getting difficult to keep track of all the Knights and their assignments, not to mention the students and their progress. I need you for a few reasons. As Chief of State, you can, of course, help with the bureaucrats in getting it set up. As my sister and Jedi, I'd like you meditate with me. I need guidance on how to go about organizing the council. I've done some research already, but it appears Palpatine was very thorough in destroying any information on the council of the Old Republic. I hope that by concentrating my meditation on the old council, I might be able to get some sort of information. At least a starting place."

"I can do that surely, but why do you need me to meditate with you? Shouldn't Mara or Kam or Streen be the one to do this with you?"

"I just have a feeling it should be you, Leia. I don't know why."

"OK, let's finish up here, then go to the study. It's more comfortable there."

"Now? I thought you'd want to watch the holovid with the others? You don't want to miss your chance to see 'I'd Do It All Again' for the millionth time." Luke joked.

"Very funny, we can watch it tomorrow if it's that important to you. Actually, now is a perfect time. It's a holiday so neither one of us has anything on our minds to distract us. Everybody else is busy watching the holonet so they won't miss us too much in the other room."

"OK, let's go then." Luke and Leia finished cleaning up and headed toward the study.

Han and Mara looked up from the couch as they passed through the livingroom. "Hey, where are you two going? You're about to miss the part where Jirn wishes he was never born."

"Han, Luke and I have some things to do. We'll leave you all to finish watching the show," said Leia as she eyed the kids sprawled on the floor by the tree surrounded by gifts.
Turning to Mara as they left the room, Han asked, "What's that all about?"
"I have no idea. Now be quiet. I'm trying to watch this."

***

"Every time the com rings, an angel gets its wings." *That always gets me choked up* Han and Mara both thought at the same time, also thinking that if anyone found out, they would deny it vehemently. As the music started and the credits began rolling, Leia burst into the room.

"Quick, Luke and I need you to join us right away!"

"Doing what Leia?" Han asked.

"Meditating," Leia replied already seeing the protest forming on Han's lips. "It's important Han. Please, just this once."

***

"Disturbing this is. Decide how to preserve the future of the Jedi, we must." Master Yoda sat in the Jedi Council chamber with the remaining council members high above the surface of Coruscant. The Clone Wars had claimed numerous lives, especially among the Jedi. "Purges are coming. Soon, very soon, hunted will the Jedi be."

The council members were deep in conversation. None of them noticed the morning haze disappearing as the sun rose to warm the ferrocrete enveloping the planet. All of them were trying to voice their concerns over the report brought in by one of the Jedi earlier this morning. Chancellor Palpatine was discovered to be Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord plaguing the council for over a decade, and had declared himself Emperor. As Emperor, he had the legal authority to do whatever he wished. As a Sith Lord, the council knew he would eventually target the Jedi.

"How can the Jedi be saved without the Chosen One?" Mace Windu asked from his place in the council chambers. Before he could continue, two figures appeared in the room, looking around with a mixture of confusion and awe. They were about 40 standard years old; the man just under average height with blond hair, scarred face and very blue eyes, the woman much shorter with long brown hair in a simple braid and big brown eyes. "Who are you? This is a private meeting of the Jedi Council. What are you doing here?"

The figures jumped when he started talking. Obviously surprised, and still confused, the man bowed respectfully then spoke. "Please excuse us Masters. We seem to have stumbled into..." the words died on his lips as his gaze met Yoda's. "Where did you say we are?"

Yoda answered, "A meeting of the Jedi Council this is. In the Jedi Temple on Coruscant you are. How came you to be here so suddenly?"

The man and woman seemed to be communicating without talking. Yoda realized that these two were Jedi, yet he did not know them. Were they Sith? No, that didn't feel right. Then who were they? Somehow they seemed familiar. As the council watched, the two seemed to come to some sort of conclusion.

The man turned and spoke again, "Masters, I must first say that I am truly at a loss as to how we are here. I have never experienced this before."

"Experienced what before?" asked Master Windu.

"Pardon me, let me start at the beginning. My sister and I are Jedi. We were...are...meditating. I am researching the Jedi Council. What I meant to say is, I've never had an interactive vision during meditation before. I don't know how it would be possible. Maybe you have answers that I do not," the man answered.

"Very rare this is. Only for specific reasons does this happen. Jedi are you? Remember you I do not. How come you to be Jedi without knowledge of this council?" Yoda inquired.

***

Luke turned to Leia and whispered, "How much do we tell them?"

"I don't know. It appears this is the past, since we're talking to Yoda of all beings. How much do you want to change?" she answered. "We can't just go telling them the future."

"Yoda said this only happens for a reason. Maybe they need to know the future."

Leia gave him one the looks developed over the years of raising force sensitive children and being the wife of Han Solo. "Maybe, but we don't know what part of the future will be affected by this. I don't like just telling them everything."

"OK, we'll tell them as little as possible until we feel the time is right. And we won't tell them who we are just yet," Luke replied.

"How could their knowing who we are change anything?" Leia asked.

"We don't know how far in the past we are. The name Skywalker might, or might not be to our advantage."
"I see your point. You want to handle this?"

"Sure," Luke shrugged as they turned back to the council.

"Masters, I'm not sure how much to tell you. We are from your future." At this all the members of the council perked up and looked at one another. Luke continued, "This is my sister, Leia, and you may call me Luke. As for our training, that is a difficult matter. My sister was trained by me and I was trained by you, Master Yoda."

The little green Jedi stared intently at Luke before answering. "How can it be that your own sister you trained? Too young for teaching were you or too old to begin learning was she if this is so. Taught this did I not?"

'Too old. Yes, too old to begin the training.' Luke remembered as he tried to suppress a grin, "Master Yoda, future training techniques are very different from your present standards. Age is no longer a factor to begin training. Older students do have more to unlearn, but no one is refused." Mace Windu looked at him questioningly. "This has been a tradition for generations. How is it the future council would make such a drastic change?"

Luke and Leia stared at each other again. After a few whispers the council could not make out, Leia sighed as they turned back to the council. Leia visibly braced herself and spoke for the first time, "Masters, the Jedi Council does not exist in our time. We are here to observe and to learn. It is my brother's wish to re-establish the council."

The council members were uncharacteristically shaken, being that they were Jedi Masters. They conferred for a few moments before Yoda spoke, "Understand we do that you wish not to change the future. However, reason for this interactive vision there is. Stay and observe you will, but be mindful of the reason you are here. Speak if the Force wills it."

"Of course, Master Yoda." Both Luke and Leia bowed their heads as they replied, then sat on a nearby couch.

Mace Windu restarted the meeting. "As it happens, we were discussing the future of the Jedi when you appeared." Turning to the other council members, he asked the question that was never answered, "How can the Jedi be saved without the Chosen One?"

***

Luke and Leia had no idea who or what the Chosen One was, but were not that concerned. They were here to observe the inner workings of the council, to determine if the same format would be used in the future council or just certain aspects of it. As the discussion continued, they began to realize that this was likely one of the last meetings of the Jedi Council.

*Luke, do you think this Darth Sidious they are discussing sounds familiar?* Leia thought at her brother.

*Yes, but I'm not sure why. It appears he has been around for awhile, but they've only recently discovered him.*

They sat in silence for a moment, until one of the council members mentioned purges. *Leia, do you think he could be Palpatine?*
Leia gasped, *Now that you mention it, he fits the profile of that Darth Sidious character. Could this be why we are here?*

*This is only part of it. There is something we are missing, something more. I don't think we should speak up just yet.*

*I think you are right. Are you getting anything useful out the proceedings?*

Luke smiled at his sister. *Yes. I think I have some ideas of how to set up the future council. If we wind up having to discuss the future with them after all, I hope to get some insight into how to avoid the fall this council is about to go through.*

Leia smiled back at her brother and sat back to listen to the council discuss the upcoming purges.

Not too long after Luke and Leia got comfortable, a man was shown into the council chambers. He was about the same age as Luke and Leia with brown hair and a graying beard. He instantly surveyed the room and stopped his gaze on the pair seated off to the side. The man sitting on the couch seemed to recognize him.

*That's Ben Kenobi, Leia!*

***

Yoda broke the silence that had come over the room, "Master Kenobi, good reason you have to interrupt this council I trust."

Obi-wan was still staring at the two people on the couch, "Yes, Master Yoda, I bring news." He then addressed the stranger, "Have we met before? You seem familiar."

"No, Master Kenobi," the man replied, "you have not met me before today."

"Speak you can. Observers are they and betray our trust they cannot."

Obi-wan turned his gaze back to Yoda after the man on the couch gave him a nod. "Master, my news is of the matter you wished to be discussed in your presence alone."
Yoda looked surprised. "Not dead is your padawan, as we feared?" At this, the other Jedi Masters also looked surprised.

"No, Master," replied Obi-wan, glancing back at the couch, equally surprised that Yoda would reveal so much of this matter.

***

Luke and Leia glanced back at Obi-wan. *Leia, did you hear that? Ben said his padawan was not dead.*

*Yes, Luke, I heard. What's a padawan?*

*Apprentice, I think. If that's true, they must be talking about Father.*

Luke and Leia stared at each other for a second. *Luke, this is getting more and more interesting.*

***

Yoda excused the rest of the Council, noticing Obi-wan's reluctance to say more. On impulse, he motioned Luke and Leia to stay. Obi-wan noticed this and immediately protested. Yoda simply restated himself, while giving Luke and Leia a look that reminded them of their place. "Observers are they and betray our trust they cannot."

"Master Yoda," Obi-wan complained, "Senator Amidala is here with me. This concerns her too and she won't like discussing this in front of an unknown party."

Yoda gave Obi-wan a 'drop-it' look and asked, "Concerns her this does?"

"It is a long story Master, one I should have told you before today. Even I do not know all of it and only found out recently how complicated it has become, as you will see."

Yoda stared at Obi-wan for a moment as if trying to see if he was going to say more. When it was obvious he wasn't, he said, "Leave the Senator in the hall you should not. Bring her in, you must."

Obi-wan returned a moment later with a short figure wrapped in a cloak that was obviously too large for her and hid most of her features. She let the hood down and surveyed her surroundings. When she saw Luke and Leia, she was not pleased. "Master Yoda, at the risk of being rude to your guests, I must say I do not wish to discuss this with....in such an open arena." She glanced around the room, then between Obi-wan and Yoda. "We had agreed to discuss this privately. Has something changed?"

If Yoda was insulted, he did not show it. "Yes, changed something has."

***

Luke and Leia were both drawn to the Senator immediately. She appeared to be about 10 standard years younger than them and was short with brown hair and eyes that looked deeply troubled. *Luke, she looks very familiar.*

*She looks a lot like you, Leia. Perhaps that's why you think you recognize her.*

*No, I want to say I've seen her before. A very long time ago.* Leia looked at her more closely. As mother of three, she recognized the subtle signs of pregnancy in the Senator's face. Sudden realization hit Leia like a fully loaded speeder. *Luke!* She practically screamed into his mind, *That's mother!*

Luke's head spun around so fast, his neck hurt. *Are you sure?*
*Positive. She looks like me. She has a mutual interest in Ben's padawan.* Leia dropped her final reason like a bomb into Luke's brain. *And I'd bet the Falcon she's pregnant.*

Luke just stared at her, dumbfounded. *You mean with us?*

*Of course with us. Who else would our mother be pregnant with?*

*I think we just found out why we are here.*

The twins stared at each other for a moment then came to a silent conclusion. Luke stood and addressed the group a few meters from where he and Leia had been observing. "Master Yoda, Master Kenobi, Senator Amidala, we're sorry to intrude, but we believe we have discovered why we are here. My sister and I would be grateful if you would let us stay."

Padm?midala Naberrie looked at Yoda questioningly. Leia spoke. "Master Yoda, perhaps it would be easier to explain to Master Kenobi and Senator Amidala why we are here. Then my brother and I can explain our wish to stay."

***

As Yoda did this, Luke and Leia tried to decide the best way to handle this. *OK, Luke, how much should we tell them?*

*That depends on what they are here to discuss. I have a feeling we will be here a while. We may have to tell them everything. I want to ask Yoda his opinion though.*

*All right. What opinion do want to get from Yoda?*

*Well, I'm assuming if the Force just wanted us to find out about our mother, we could have just seen all of this in a normal vision. I think that our being here and being able to take part in the decisions means we are meant to help them along to the conclusions we already know to be true. At least the truths we've been living.*

*Huh?*

*I'm thinking we are supposed to be part of the decision of whether or not to hide us from the Emperor.*

*What?! Are you saying what I think you're saying? I think I'm getting a headache.*
Luke grinned at his sister. *Don't try to think about it too much. I may be wrong. Just trust the Force and we'll take it from there.*

***

"Master Yoda, are you sure about this?" Obi-wan looked from Padm?o Yoda to Luke and Leia who were standing to the side having a silent conversation.
Yoda looked at Padm?Know we do that Anakin has been influenced by someone of the Dark Side. Found out the council has who this person is. Palpatine is Darth Sidious." Padm?ooked as if she was going to scream, cry and faint all at once. Yoda looked back at Obi-wan, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Sure am I. Feel the Force calling I do. Meant to be here they are."

"Master Yoda," Padm?egan, tightly controlling the urge to throw something which was even more frustrating since she didn't have anything to throw, "I'm not sure about this, but if it is as you say, then I will trust you." She somehow felt that he was right. No matter how embarrassing her predicament was, or how angry she was at Palpatine, these strangers were supposed to help. She turned to the two people from the future, "Sir, Madam, I may not know much about the Force, but Master Yoda assures me you are meant to be here. What makes you so sure that my situation is the reason for this...vision?"

Luke and Leia both swallowed and looked at each other. Leia answered in her most formal tone after a moment's hesitation and a deep breath. "My name is Leia Organa-Solo, Jedi Knight, Princess of Alderaan and Chief of State of the New Republic. This is my twin brother Luke Skywalker, until recently the only living Jedi Master in the galaxy of our time." Leia paused as she saw the shock on the other's faces. "Anakin Skywalker was our father. We never knew our mother. We believe that you are our mother."

Obi-wan could only stare. Yoda looked thoughtful as always. Padm?n the other hand, gaped at them and almost fainted. Obi-wan led her to the couch previously occupied by Luke and Leia. The position she assumed on the couch left no doubt about her pregnancy. Yoda saw this and understood Obi-wan's earlier reluctance to speak in front of the council.

When Padm?ame back to her senses, she had a million questions. "How are you here? Why are you here? What do you mean you don't know me? Am I dead? Why do you have different names? What happens to us? What happens to the Jedi? Anakin? What happens to my Ani?..."
"Padm?calm down. I'm sure all will be explained." Obi-wan gave the twins a stern look. "I'd like some of those answers myself."

Before Luke or Leia could answer, Yoda broke his silent brooding. "Yes, answers we must have. But first, worried are you about revealing too much. This I sense."

"Yes," Luke answered. "I think that if the Force wanted us to know our mother, we could have just seen all of this in a normal vision. Our interacting this way must have some bearing on her situation."

Yoda looked at each person in the room, "To learn of each other must be the reason. Tell your stories you must. When you have finished, decide what to do we will."

"What exactly are we making decisions about?" asked Leia.

Padm?ooked up from her seat on the couch with a steely gaze, "Anakin was thought to be dead. We have just learned that he is alive. He now goes by the name Darth Vader and is apprentice to that bastard I once called friend." She laid her hands on her stomach. "He doesn't know about you two yet. No one does. I won't let Palpatine get to you like he got to my Ani. I just don't know how I'm going to hide it from him."

Leia made a face at Luke. *Big, kicked-in-the-head-by-a-rancor headache.*

Luke suppressed his grin. "I think Master Yoda is right. The easiest way to figure all of this out is to tell you about us and vice versa. However, Leia and I can't make this decision alone. If this decision might change our future, it will affect our families as well." Leia thanked him silently for addressing her unspoken fear.

"Families?" Padm?sked. She was starting to feel an attachment to the two strangers that were her children. Strange to think they were older than she was and she was already feeling motherly towards them. "I thought trying to decide the future of my unborn children was going to be hard. Now you tell me I have to worry about in-laws and grandchildren? Is life for Jedi ever not complicated?"

Luke and Leia laughed. Noticing Padm?as confused by their laughter, Leia explained. "That sounds exactly like something my husband would say," she said with a smile.

Padm?miled with her, "Would it be possible for me to meet my grandchildren?"

"I don't know. I'm sure they would be thrilled." Leia looked at Luke then Yoda. "Is there a way?"

"Possible it is, but concentrate you must. To anchor the connection, one must stay."

Luke looked at Leia and nodded. "You might have to work to convince Han. And you'll have to keep a hold of his presence. Mara or I will watch out for Chewie. The kids should be able to manage on their own. Let Mara decide about the baby."

*Did Mara ever tell you that you worry too much?* she smirked. "I know. I'll be back as soon as possible. It might be easier if I told them what to expect before they get here," she said out loud. After one last look at her mother she disappeared before their eyes.

***

All eyes in the room turned to Luke. Before anyone could ask any questions, he addressed them as one, "Thank you for allowing us to stay. I think it best if we wait for Leia to return before we begin, but I can answer any questions you may have about the future Jedi while we are waiting."
Something had been pulling at Obi-wan's curiosity since he first entered the room. "When I asked you if I knew you, you specifically said that I had not met you before today. Am I to assume you've met me?"

"Yes, it was you who started my Jedi training," said Luke with some sadness creeping into his voice. "Master Yoda finished teaching me what I needed to know."
Both Yoda and Obi-wan were confused at his precise wording, but decided to let it go for now. "Only Jedi Master she said you were. No council and a factor of training age is not. Then purges are coming, as we have foreseen," said Yoda sadly.

"Unfortunately, yes Master Yoda. For a time, I was the only Jedi in the galaxy. Along with the purges, many records were destroyed and many teachings were lost. My own training was...abbreviated. You commissioned me to pass on what I learned. I did not have the luxury of following the old methods. The Jedi Order is slowly being rebuilt. In my time, there are now approximately 100 Jedi Knights and many more students. That is why my sister and I came to be here today. I wish to re-establish the council. New students are being found almost daily. I cannot keep track of all the Jedi on my own for much longer."

Obi-wan was incensed, "Only Jedi? How many records?"

"Yes, for more than seven years, I was the last Jedi, or first of the new as you put it. I'm not sure how many records as I don't know how many there were to begin with, but I know there is a lot missing. However, since I started searching about twenty years ago, I've found enough to fill about three rooms this size, much of it redundant. That's not counting the Dark Side information and Anti-Jedi propaganda, of course."

Luke was immediately taken aback by Obi-wan's look of sheer horror. A hard knot began to form in his stomach as he asked, "Exactly how much am I missing?"

Obi-wan led him to a window and pointed at one of the towers that made up the Jedi Temple. "That is the library tower. Our Hall of Records."

Luke stood silent for a long moment then swore and started pacing the room, staring at the other towers and getting his bearings. He recognized little that looked the same as his time, but was still able to see exactly where he was on Coruscant. He turned to Obi-wan, "The whole tower? Are all these towers part of the Temple?"

Obi-wan and Yoda glanced at each other, "About half of that tower contains our library. The five towers and the surrounding terrain make up the entire Temple complex. The towers represent the path of enlightenment through the Force."

Luke ran a hand over his face and then through his hair, then swore again. "We always knew the Jedi Temple was on Coruscant. We just didn't know where. About four years ago, New Republic archaeologists told me that they had found it." Luke paused, collecting his thoughts. "There was an abandoned office building built over the ruins. In fact, almost all of this area is now built over. The Senate wasted no time granting the rights of the property back to the Jedi. After the archaeologists and historians finished their investigations, we had the building torn down and a new Temple was constructed over the ruins of the old." Luke took a deep breath and looked Yoda in the eye to emphasize his point, "None of us ever knew that there was more than one tower. It never even occurred to us to look further. Palpatine was very thorough."

A silence settled over the room as Luke revealed the truth of the Jedi Council's fears. After a few minutes, Padm?hanged the subject with a hesitant smile, "Who exactly will we be meeting when Leia returns?"
Luke flashed the farm boy smile that Mara loved, "My wife, Mara, our infant son, Leia's husband, Han, and their three children. At least I hope you will meet Han. He's not force sensitive and does not like the idea of us 'fooling around with his brain' as he puts it. There's also Chewbacca, a Wookiee that we have a life-debt with."

Padm?rinned, and Obi-wan and Yoda just smirked at the thought of Han's nervousness. At that moment, Mara appeared with a sleeping Ben in her arms. The three Solo kids appeared a moment later with Chewie. "Uncle Luke, Uncle Luke, is it true? Mom said we could meet Grandma!"

"Yes, it's true, just wait a bit and I'll introduce everybody." Luke answered as he turned toward Mara and pointed at Ben, "How is he doing? Where's Leia and Han?"

"He's fine, just sleeping. Goldenrod is watching over him outside of...whatever this is in case he gets grumpy." Mara smiled wickedly, "Leia is still trying to convince Han to do this. I didn't think we should stick around for the argument."

Padm?as concerned, "I hope I didn't cause some sort of family disturbance."

Chewie made a comment and Luke laughed, "No, those two are at their best when they argue. They've been doing it for years. In fact, I'd worry if they weren't arguing." Noticing the kids getting impatient, Luke was about to call them over from exploring the room when Leia and Han appeared. "That was quick. How did you convince him so fast, Leia?"

"I have my ways," she grinned as she stuck out her chin.

"This better be good, kid, or I'm calling in every favor you owe me." Han was annoyed, but Luke could tell he was also very intrigued by the whole experience.

"Han, you owe Luke just as many favors, so just be careful or you might live to regret it." Leia smiled sweetly at him. Luke and Mara just laughed along with Chewie.

***

Padm?lmost had tears in her eyes. Her family. Luke's wife was a beautiful redhead that somehow looked menacing even with a baby in her arms. Leia's husband was very tall and looked like he could take on the galaxy at any moment, even though he was obviously older than them all, except for Yoda, of course. Their children were beautiful, a perfect mix of all their features. She wasn't quite sure what to think of the Wookiee, but he seemed pleasant enough.

Luke was ecstatic. It was real! He was finally going to be able to know his mother, and she was going to meet his family as well. Luke flashed his farm boy smile again, "Let me introduce everyone." Turning to his family he gestured to Yoda and Obi-wan, "These are the Jedi Masters Yoda and Obi-wan Kenobi, and this is Senator Amidala, our mother." Everyone said their hello's before Luke continued. "This is my wife Mara and our son Ben. He was named after you, Obi-wan." Obi-wan's eyebrows shot up, but he said nothing. Luke turned and spoke again, "This is Chewbacca. We are all part of his honor family." Chewie woofed a soft greeting and gently took Padm? hand. She looked a little nervous at first, but soon relaxed when she realized the huge Wookiee would not harm her accidentally.

Leia continued, "This is my husband Han and our three children; the twins, Jaina and Jacen, and our youngest, Anakin." At that, Padm?asped and a tear rolled down her cheek as she looked at Leia with haunted eyes.

Anakin noticed this and decided to explain. "Mom says Uncle Luke told her that he was good when he died. That's why I got his name." He didn't notice the pained looks Luke and Leia were sharing with her behind his back.

"We'll explain later," Luke finally said. "There's so much we don't know and so many questions we have. Perhaps you should start at the beginning and we will tell you how it ends."

***

Padm?at in the Council chamber trying to collect her thoughts. It was almost too much! She had just recently come to terms with Anakin's death only to find out he was still alive as a Sith Lord. Obi-wan had explained what that meant and now it only made her more angry with Palpatine. She and Obi-wan had come to deliver this news to the council and to ask Yoda's advice on what to do about her unborn children.

Children...she eyed the four adults sitting across from her. These people...her children and their spouses. She smiled as she thought of her grandchildren. A handful they were. Yoda and Obi-wan had gone into an adjoining meditation room to brief each other on the latest news, giving the family some time to become acquainted. By unspoken agreement, Padm?pent most of that time getting to know her grandchildren. They all knew that the stories to be told today were not for young ears. As she held Ben, she listened intently as the three Solo children regaled her with stories of school, friends, and adventures with Chewie on Kashyyyk among other things.

Too soon, Yoda and Obi-wan returned and the children had to leave. Their protests were cut short by promises of dessert and a stern look from their parents. Once they were assured that the adults would fill them all in later, Mara disappeared with them to put Ben down to finish his nap. When she returned, everyone settled into a sitting area at the side of the chamber.

"I don't even know where to begin," stated Padm?

"Probably at the beginning would be best," replied Luke. "We don't know much about our father other than he is our father. We are also curious as to anything you can tell us about Palpatine. You said you called him friend at one time?"

Mara muttered, "This I'd like to hear."

Padm?hot her a look, "You sound like you know him."

"Yes. I do," was the simple reply.

"Anyway," Padm?egan, "it all ties in together in a way. The beginning would be best. Palpatine and I share a home world: Naboo."

"I've never heard of it," said Mara.

"Neither have I," stated the others.

"It's in a small system on the edge of the mid-rim. Not many people have heard of it. Anyway, about 15 years ago, I was elected queen. Palpatine was the senator representing our world at the time."

"Elected queen? How old were you?" asked Leia.

"Fourteen. That's very common on Naboo. We have an elected monarchy based on political merit, not age, upbringing, or heritage. Not long after I was elected, the Trade Federation blockaded our world over a matter of taxation. I appealed to the Senate, through Palpatine of course."
Obi-wan interjected, "Chancellor Valorum thought the Jedi could best resolve this issue. My master, Qui-gon Jinn and I were sent to negotiate. When we arrived, the Federation representatives tried to kill us. They never even met with us, just filled the conference room with poison gas. During our escape, we discovered an invasion army of droids. We stowed away on transports and made our way to the surface."

Luke interjected, "You told me Yoda was your master."

Obi-wan looked a little confused, still a little unsure about speaking with people he'd never met referring to him in the past tense. "Master Yoda trains all the younger students until they are ready to be taken on as padawan learners. I trained under Master Yoda until I was placed with Master Qui-gon Jinn."

Luke nodded and gestured for them to continue. "The Trade Federation invaded and surrounded the palace. I, my handmaidens, and my guards were captured. They intended for me to sign a treaty to make the invasion legal." Padm?umed, "They killed thousands of my people, and they wanted me to sign a treaty! I told them I would never cooperate. They were leading us to a prison camp when Qui-gon and Obi-wan rescued us."

"Qui-gon convinced the queen that the safest place for her was off planet."
Padm?huckled, "I found him rather persistent and somewhat rude. He persuaded me to plead our case directly to the Senate. I didn't want to leave my people to suffer, but I saw the wisdom in his reasoning."

Obi-wan continued, "After we released the pilots being held in the hanger, we boarded her personal shuttle. The ship was damaged when were attacked while leaving the system. One of the R2 units on board fixed the shields just in time for us to jump to hyperspace. Tatooine was the closest planet not controlled by the Trade Federation."

"Tatooine?" asked Luke, surprised.

"Yes, it's an outer rim planet, entirely des-" answered Obi-wan.

"I know. I grew up there," Luke smiled.

Obi-wan continued, "Oh, well, the hyperdrive lasted just long enough for us to get in system and land on the outskirts of Mos Espa. Qui-gon took Jar Jar and the R2 unit to look for parts."

"Jar Jar?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you about him. Qui-gon and I ran into him when we first landed on Naboo. A very accident prone Gungan; the other native species of Naboo. Most annoying creature I've ever met. However, he did help guide us through the planet core to get to Theed, the capital city."

"The planet core?" Han was intrigued.

Padm?nswered, "Yes, Naboo has a unique planetary structure. The core is hollow, filled with water. The entire planet is one big underwater cavern."

"Amazing," muttered the group.

"Well, Qui-gon had gone off to search for parts. I was curious about the planet so I disguised myself as one of my handmaidens and had my guard captain, Panaka, order Qui-gon to take me along." Padm?rinned, "He wasn't happy about it."

Mara was curious, "That must have been some disguise if he didn't know who you were."

Padm?lushed, "Well, I think he did know who I was and just played along. I didn't know anything then about how Jedi can sense different beings. The disguise had worked for me before on several occasions. When I was elected, I used my secondary name. Everyone knew me as Queen Amidala. By tradition, the queen is always elaborately dressed with heavy face paint and intricate headgear. All my handmaidens were similar in appearance to me and trained in unarmed combat. I frequently traded places with one of them. In public appearances and minor councils, my bodyguard was the one dressed up. I sat to the side in plain sight wearing no face paint and a simple handmaiden's gown." Padm?miled, "Most people never knew that the quiet handmaiden Padm?as really Queen Amidala."

Mara was impressed, "Hiding in plain sight; very effective if you can pull it off. I take it this also gave you the opportunity to move about freely 'under the Queen's orders'?"

Padm?rinned, "Of course."

***

Luke and Leia sat entranced by Padm? story. As she continued to talk, they had no problem believing their mother had once been a queen. Her earlier episode of confusion and shock belied the quiet dignity and grace that could now be seen. Luke could definitely see where his sister got her royal bearing. He had always assumed it was from being raised in the royal court of Alderaan, but now, watching his mother, it was obvious who Leia took after. There was even the hint of her fiery determination and willingness to fight for what she thought was right, against all odds.

Padm?ontinued, "We found a junk shop owned by a Toydarian that had the parts we needed. That's where I met your father. Qui-gon had gone out into the yard with Watto (the Toydarian) so I was left talking to this funny little boy. The first thing he said to me was, 'Are you an angel?'" Padm?miled at the memory. "He told me he had heard some of the pilots talking about beautiful creatures in deep space called angels and he was a pilot too. I found that a little hard to believe as he was so young, but we continued talking and he told me he and his mother were slaves."
Luke and Leia both cried, "Slaves?" Chewbacca's growl left no doubt about his opinion of slavery.

"Yes, they had been given to Watto to pay off a gambling debt by a Hutt named...I think it was...Gardulla."

"Gardulla?" Han asked, "As in Jabba's girlfriend?" Everybody stared at Han. "What? I heard a few rumors when I was running shipments for him."

Padm?ooked at Leia, "Shipments? You married a smuggler?"

"Ex-smuggler," Han said, emphasizing the ex. "Long story, we'll get to it later."

Padm?hrugged, "Very well then, where was I? Oh yes, I was also shocked to hear that Anakin was a slave. I was naive enough to believe that slavery didn't really exist in the Republic. He promptly told me that he was not just a slave, but he was a person and he had a name." Padm?miled again, "Qui-gon came back and told me that we would have to find another way to get the parts we needed."

Luke mused, "Let me guess, Watto wouldn't take Republic credits?"

"How did you know?"

"Rim-worlders as a whole don't trust government, especially off-world government. Who do those high and mighty core-worlders think they are trying to tell us how to live out on the rim? What do they know of life out here? What's a Republic credit but a piece of plated durasteel with some fancy markings, guaranteed by some faceless bureaucrat?" Luke explained while enhancing his Tatooinian accent and adding just a bit of sarcasm.

Padm?hought about that for a second, nodded, then continued, "Anyway, Qui-gon decided we should wander around a bit to familiarize ourselves with Mos Espa and to see if some other opportunity presented itself. We ran into Anakin again and he invited us back to his house to take shelter from an approaching sandstorm.
"Needless to say, his mother was a little overwhelmed at Anakin bringing home three strangers and a droid. Shmi was very kind and immediately invited us to stay for dinner. Qui-gon provided some extra provisions so we wouldn't be too much of a burden. Anakin was very excited about a droid he'd been building for Shmi and took me to his room to show it off." Padm?rinned and shook her head, "He's very good with his hands and can build or fix almost anything. Imagine, a nine year old boy building his own series 3 protocol unit. It looked like it came off the factory floor...except he wasn't finished with it yet."

"Oh, I can well imagine it. Now I know where my Anakin gets it fr..." Something in Leia's brain clicked and she glanced at her brother, "Did you say series 3 protocol droid?"

"Yes, we call him Threepio."
Luke, Leia, Han and Mara just gaped at each other. Chewie started chuckling. Luke finally asked, "You said something about an R2 unit earlier. You wouldn't happen to still have it would you?"

Padm?ooked confused, "Artoo and Threepio get along too well to separate them from each other. Besides they both have their uses."

Luke started laughing, "This has to be the Force at work. Are they here? May I take a look at them?"

Padm?ooked at Luke like he might be a little nuts, then walked to the door to summon the droids. Obi-wan and Yoda exchanged glances, but didn't say anything. They really had nothing to say but knew they would soon enough.

***

Padm?alked back into the room followed by the two droids. "Hello, my name is C3PO, cyborg relations. I am fluent in over six million forms of communication. This is my counterpart, R2D2."

Luke, Leia, Chewie and Mara were all laughing now. Han was in shock, "Great, it's not good enough to just freeze me in carbonite. No, he had to go and build Goldenrod. I should have known." Han continued muttering under his breath about hokey religions and personal hells.

Luke shook Han from his reverie and asked him and Chewie to help check out the droids. Padm?ave her permission for them to remove access panels and they went to work.
Threepio was not pleased when Chewbacca approached him. "Get away you hairy beast!" Chewie's growl shut him up just long enough for Han to get to work taking off his access panel. "Mistress Padm?I must protest! Having a total stranger poke around my internal..."

"Stow it, Goldenrod or I'll make sure your insides become your outsides."

"Well, I never...I'll have you know that..."

Padm?poke up, "Threepio, it will be fine. Just let them work. They won't hurt you." She stared at Han as she said the last part.

Obi-wan looked over their shoulders and asked, "What exactly are you checking for?"

Luke held up his hand in a 'just a moment' gesture then turned back to Artoo who was bleeping at him. "Relax Artoo, I just want to see what is behind this panel." Artoo bleeped again, "Yes, Artoo, I know what I'm doing and I've done this plenty of times."

Artoo let loose a barrage of whistles and beeps. He didn't quite trust this stranger. "That was rude Artoo. I swear, one day I'm going to find out how you learned to curse like a Hutt." Artoo tootled as if amused. "Nubian pilots and their hangar computer, huh? Figures."
Padm?nd Obi-wan just stared at him incredulously. "You can understand him?"

Luke just grinned and he and Han turned back towards the group, each with an access panel in their hands. "It's them alright." They then showed the others what they had found. Luke smiled, "Leia and I currently own these droids..."

"I think you are mistaken sir. I belong to Mistress Padm?nd Master Anakin. He built me you know. Why it seems like only...."

"Quiet Threepio!" cried several voices at once.

Luke chuckled, "If that's not proof enough. As I was saying, we own these droids. That's how I can talk to Artoo, I've had lot's of practice. We were checking their registration numbers. Artoo's match."

"But Threepio doesn't have registration numbers. Anakin built him."

"Exactly my point Mistress Pa..."

"Quiet Threepio!"

Han glared at Threepio then translated as Chewie explained, "We always wondered about that. There are ways of telling its him. We've had to repair him so many times, we've become quite familiar with his internal wiring, along with his charming personality."

Chewie pointed at a particular spot in Threepio's back. "This group of wires here is not standard in mass-manufactured protocol droids. That datachip there is normally placed in the chest and the memory core of standard droids doesn't have a backup. This one does. Well, we think it's a backup. We've never been able to get it to do anything. We always thought it was broken, but seeing as how it's integrated into his central memory core, we didn't want to remove it."

Padm?as amazed. Luke and Han replaced the access panels and Padm?xcused the two droids to wait for her at her ship. She turned back to her children, "How in the galaxy did you end up with my droids if you didn't know me or know of me until today?"
"That's another long story," Luke replied. "Let's just say those two droids play a very large part in setting the Force in motion." Yoda and Obi-wan stared at Luke with puzzled expressions. "We'll explain later. I believe our mother was telling us about meeting our grandmother."

***

Everyone settled back onto the couch and Padm?ontinued her story. "I only got to know her for the short time we were on Tatooine, but Shmi was the kindest, gentlest, most unselfish person I have ever known. She made us feel right at home and immediately tried to help us in any way she could.

"We had a very interesting evening. Shmi and Ani explained to us, to me rather, the fact that slavery was, in fact, a real thing that far away from a central government. They were very open and candid about their situation. They didn't seem to be embarrassed by it. I think that was the one thing that impressed me the most about her. She lived her entire existence in oppression, yet she had more strength of character than most of the nobles I knew.

"Ani had seen Qui-gon's lightsaber and started asking him all sorts of questions. He said he dreamed he was a Jedi and freed all the slaves. He thought we had come to do just that." Padm?hought of the events as they truly happened and became a little sad. "We explained that we were on a mission and had to get to Coruscant, but our ship was damaged and we had no money. Shmi told us that gambling was the only weakness that we might be able to exploit.

"Ani told us that he raced pods and..."

"Podracing?" Luke and Han interrupted her.

"What's podracing?" asked Leia.

Luke grinned and answered, "It used to be the main sport on Tatooine and Malastare. A small, escape pod-sized cockpit tethered to two, sometimes four, fusion engines bound together. Very fast, very dangerous. That's what flying through Beggar's Canyon was all about. It actually used to be part of one of the race courses. We used to imagine we were in the pods when we raced our speeders." Luke looked back at Padm?"Mos Espa is nothing but a ghost town now. For some reason, pod racing fell out of style and Mos Espa was eventually abandoned. I've never heard of any humans that could do it though."

"Well, Ani could; the only human who could. He told us he had built his own racer and there was a race coming up soon. He assured us he could win. Ani and Qui-gon worked out a deal, after convincing me and Shmi, that would allow us to get our parts. Watto didn't know Ani had built the racer, so Qui-gon would 'supply' the racer if Watto would supply the pilot. If Ani lost, Watto could keep the racer. If he won, Watto could keep the prize money, minus our parts."

"Which race was it?" Luke asked.

"The Boonta Eve Classic. I found out about an hour before the race that Ani had never actually finished a race, much less won. Fortunately, Ani actually won this race. He had some close calls. There was a Dug that was always picking on him because he was just a kid. This Dug tried to sabotage Ani's racer but he pulled through at the last second. Shmi and I were so scared. I could see why Shmi said she died inside every time he raced. It was very dangerous. He actually was the only racer left. All the others had crashed."

Luke was impressed, "The Boonta Eve Classic. I've heard of that one. Supposed to be the biggest race on the planet. Anakin Skywalker was never listed as a racer, or winner that I can remember."
"I think that, because of the betting, the owners were listed as the winner, not the pilots. Either way, it was a very huge race. Thousands of beings were there. It's a good thing he won the race too. None of us knew at the time, but Qui-gon increased the bet. Ani won his freedom that day. Qui-gon attempted to win Shmi as well, but Watto wouldn't bet that much against just one racer."

Obi-wan finally spoke, "Because of Anakin's ability to pilot the pod racers and his intuitiveness, Qui-gon suspected he was Force sensitive. He tested the boy for midichlorians and his numbers were off the scale, higher than any other being, even Master Yoda here. Qui-gon talked to Shmi about his suspicions and asked about his father. There was no father; he was born of the Force. He was the Chosen One."

***

Luke, Leia, Chewie, Han, and Mara were dumbfounded. They sat in silence trying to absorb all they had heard. Luke wasn't sure he could fathom the 'born of the Force' statement yet and after a quick scan of Leia, he could tell she couldn't either, so he asked the simpler question. "What are midichlorians?"

Yoda and Obi-wan were shocked, "What are mid...? You mean you don't know?"

"As I said, many records were lost, as were many of the old teachings. I'm sure I would remember if you told me."

Obi-wan was dazed, wondering what could have happened that was so horrible that even the basic principles of midichlorians had not survived to be taught to the next generation of Jedi. After a moment he found his voice, "Midichlorians are microscopic symbiotes. They are present in all living things and can communicate directly with the Force. The more midichlorians you have, the stronger your Jedi potential is. That's how we detect new recruits. It's a simple blood test that can be done in a matter of minutes."

Han was a little perturbed, "And these...things...live inside every being. Even non-Jedi?"

"Yes, the more you have, the more susceptible to the Force you are." Obi-wan looked between Luke and Leia. "Your numbers must be extremely high indeed if you are Anakin's children."

Luke and Leia looked at each other. "Alright, let's do it."

"What, now?"

Luke replied and grinned, "Sure. Why not? I don't remember curiosity being of the Dark Side."

Mara jerked a thumb in Luke's direction, "He's willing to attempt anything once."

"Besides, it would probably be best if I did learn more about this. It would make finding students a lot easier."

"Okay, I'll be right back," Obi-wan said as he went to get the tester.

***

Yoda had been sitting in silence, listening to Padm?nd Obi-wan tell the story of Anakin Skywalker, Chosen One of the Force. He also watched these newcomers, wary of how they would react to hearing the tale. He was a little worried about what Luke had told them about the purges, and that so much was lost. Would he be able to rebuild the Jedi Order? So far, he was encouraged, if not a little dismayed at the lack of guidance Luke had to put up with.

Yoda sighed. He should have seen it coming. They all should have seen. The Jedi were becoming arrogant, complacent, and too set in their ways. Is this what bringing balance to the Force entailed, that so much had been twisted and destroyed that the only way to bring balance was to start over with almost nothing? Yoda dearly hoped not, but somehow knew it was true.

As he listened and watched, he began to see. He saw all the pain and suffering of the galaxy. He saw the Jedi, in their temple, their ivory tower, high above the surface of Coruscant. He saw those same Jedi rejected and hunted by the same beings to whom they had sworn to bring peace and justice. He began to understand that those beings felt betrayed by the Jedi; betrayed because they did not understand. The Jedi had become an elite club, not the servants of all beings they were supposed to be.

Yoda sighed again and made a decision. Whatever was decided today, he would make sure that would not happen again. The future Jedi could not afford to become arrogant and detached. The future Jedi would rely on the Force and especially the beings they were meant to protect to keep them that way.

***

Obi-wan returned with the midichlorian testing device. He gave a brief explanation of how it worked and what it measured, then he grabbed Luke's right hand. "Just a little prick and that's all it takes."

Luke pulled his hand back and gave Obi-wan his left, "You won't get anything from that one." At the look on Obi-wan's face, Luke explained, "It's a prosthetic."

Padm?nd Obi-wan were surprised. Padm?tated, "I don't believe it. They've come that far in prosthetic technology? Ani's prosthetic never looked that life-like."

*I thought you told me he lost his hand after the first Death Star.* Luke thought at his wife.

Mara gave a little shrug of her shoulders. *Actually, I didn't know. I was just trying to rile you at the time.*

Luke pulled back his sleeve and opened the wrist access panel to expose the mechanics inside. He twisted his lip, "Sometimes, I forget it's not flesh and blood."

Padm?nd Obi-wan were both extremely curious as to how he lost his hand, but were too polite to ask. Instead, Obi-wan just took his left hand and took the sample for the test. After watching this, Leia and Mara both decided to get tested. Obi-wan took their samples and then gave everyone the results. "Just as I suspected. Luke and Leia, your numbers are the highest numbers on record, after Anakin's of course. Mara, your numbers are extremely high as well, almost as high as Master Yoda's. Who were your parents, if I may ask?"

Mara got a faraway look in her eyes. "I don't know." Obi-wan was about to inquire further, but then noticed Luke shake his head in warning.

Leia asked, "So what does all this mean?"

"Well, as I said, the higher the midichlorian count, the greater your link to the Force. You two have the potential be the most powerful Jedi in history next to the Chosen One, your father." Obi-wan spoke with more than a little awe in his voice.

Luke and Leia squirmed at the thought, knowing what their father had become. Han politely swerved the conversation, "And our children would have this same potential?"

Yoda explained, "Have the potential, all beings do, but influenced by genetics are all things. Noticed I have that your son has blue eyes, as do Luke and Anakin, yet have not you or Leia. In the same way, midichlorians work. Stronger are the odds if parents have them as well."

"Yes," Luke said, "Many of my students have some ancestor with Force potential, but a few do not."

"Every now and then, a Force-sensitive child is born into a family with no previous history of Force potential. Just as in genetics, some trait will show up unexpectedly." Obi-wan said.

Leia was curious, "And this is what happened to our father?"

Obi-wan pointed to Luke and Leia, "Your father was a special case. A fulfillment of prophecy actually. He was a child of the Force, the Chosen One."

Leia was confused, "You keep saying he's the Chosen One, a fulfillment of prophecy. What prophecy are you talking about? What is the Chosen One?"

Obi-wan shook his head and took a deep breath. After getting an approving nod from Yoda, he began. "There is an ancient Jedi prophecy that states a child will be born of the Force. That is, this child will be conceived by the midichlorians. This 'Chosen One' will have an unprecedented connection to the Force, thereby possessing skills as a an untrained child that many adults have trouble mastering. The Chosen One will bring balance to the Force. Many believe this will come about after a period of great darkness."

Luke and Leia were speechless. Naturally, Han jumped right in and asked the question everybody was thinking but were too shocked ask. "You're telling us that they have no grandfather?"

"Um...no, they don't. Unless you count the midichlorians."

The room became eerily quiet.

***

The little group from the future were all thinking along the same lines. Looking back is always easier than looking forward. Everything began to fall into perspective. All the pain and suffering of the beings of the galaxy. All the evil possessed by the Emperor. All the power that was twisted and corrupted. All the lives lost during the Rebellion. All that had changed when Vader and Palpatine had died.

For Luke and Leia, especially, it was overwhelming. To find out they were of prophesied lineage - by the Force, no less - was incomprehensible. How Shmi dealt with this, they would never know. To have some nameless jerk walk out on her and leave her pregnant and alone was one thing, but to have no nameless jerk at all was entirely another. The implications of the details of their father's conception slowly dawned on them. It hit Luke the hardest.

*I faced the most powerful Jedi in history. I was an untrained brat! They knew. They knew and they didn't tell me. Would it have made a difference if I did know? Probably not. Did Palpatine know who he was manipulating? He had to. No wonder Palpatine was afraid of us. Was that why he was so intent on turning me to the Dark Side? I did turn. Oh my stars, what did I do? What could I, or Leia, have done?*

Leia just sat, staring at her hands in her lap, unaware that her knuckles were white because she was keeping them from trembling. All her old fears of becoming what her father had become came back to haunt her. She always had trouble believing she could be a powerful Jedi. To tell the truth, she was only afraid of finding out just how powerful she could be. Now that she knew, it scared her beyond anything that had frightened her before.

Two faces looked up. Two faces strained every muscle in an attempt to project calm. Two faces utterly failed to project that calm. Two voices said in unison, "I think I need a drink."

***

Padm?atched Luke and Leia as they took their drinks and downed them in record time. She knew that Anakin's conception would come as a shock, but she didn't think it would cause this kind of shock. She briefly considered asking them what it was that had them so shaken, but decided that changing the subject would be more conducive to their present state of mind.

"Where was I? Oh yes, Ani won the race and his freedom."
Silence. Obi-wan decided to continue and hope they would come to their senses soon. "Qui-gon went to tell Anakin that he was free. He told me later that Shmi actually let Anakin make his own decision whether or not to leave and become Jedi."

Leia nodded. The drink was helping and she now was thinking about her own children. They would have to leave for Yavin soon.

*Well, at least that got some response.* Obi-wan continued, "Just as we were about to take off, we were attacked by a Sith who was after the queen. Qui-gon and Anakin barely escaped. That's when I first met Anakin."

Luke was finally calming down and showed some interest in Obi-wan's tale. "A Sith?"

Obi-wan was aghast. "Don't tell me you don't know what a Sith is."

Luke snapped, "Of course I know. I'm beginning to lose track of how many have tried to kill me over the years." He took a deep breath and continued. "I meant to verify that it wasn't Palpatine."

"No, it wasn't. We have just found out about Palpatine quite recently. This Sith, Darth Maul, was one of his apprentices. We made it back to Coruscant and Qui-gon informed the Council of Darth Maul and presented Anakin as a candidate for training." Obi-wan looked a little embarrassed. "I was a little jealous. Qui-gon wanted to start training Anakin right away even though I was still his padawan."
Yoda quietly cleared his throat from his seat a few meters away. He gave Obi-wan a purposeful look and got the story back on track. "Troubling news was this. Neither seen nor heard of for a thousand years the Sith were. At the same time, return of the Sith and coming of the Chosen One. Many things had the Council to discuss. Many things." Yoda shook his head. "Tested the boy we did. Great potential he had, but also much fear and anger. His mother he missed. Warned him I did of where this could lead. Decided by the Council it was that the boy would not be trained. Argued Qui-gon did, but the Sith were more important. Of the final decision, agreement we came to that it would be made later."

Padm?ontinued, "I met with Palpatine before I addressed the Senate. It's all so clear to me now." She got up and started pacing. "His lies. He manipulated me. How could I have been so foolish?"

Mara understood Padm? guilt. "Don't blame yourself. Lying and manipulation are what he is best at. His Force ability gives him an advantage. He knows just what to say and when to say it. You couldn't have known." Mara felt the pride coming from Luke and she smiled just a little.
Padm?ave her a grateful smile and continued, "He convinced me that the fastest way to get something done about the blockade and invasion was to have the issue remain on the Senate agenda. I agreed with him. I couldn't imagine what would happen to my people if we had to wait on the courts to intervene. He also convinced me that it might be necessary to call a Vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Valorum. He pointed out the Senate had become corrupt and weighed down with bureaucracy. More and more senators were only looking out for themselves, selling their votes to line their pockets." Padm?ighed. "Valorum was one of our most loyal supporters. I didn't want to undermine his position, but I was prepared to do anything to keep more people from dying.

"I addressed the Senate and told them of Naboo's plight. The Trade Federation of course denied everything. It was suggested that a committee be formed to investigate the charges. Palpatine was there whispering in my ear, telling me all this would take place as it was happening. I told them I would not defer to the committee while my people were suffering. I called for the Vote of No Confidence. Palpatine was elected Chancellor a short time later."

The little group radiated shock in varying degrees. They didn't know quite how to take that this woman standing in front of them was inadvertently responsible for Palpatine's rise to power.

Padm?oticed this. She glanced at Obi-wan and got a reassuring smile. "During the trip from Naboo, my advisors had been sending me updates of the invasion. Qui-gon would not let me answer them so as not to give away our position when my ship was damaged. After I addressed the Senate, I was finally able to talk to them. They were dying and starving in those camps. I had to do something. I decided to return to Naboo. Palpatine tried to talk me out of it, but I insisted on going back. Qui-gon and Obi-wan were sent with me, in case Darth Maul returned."

"What happened?" Leia wanted to know.

"The humans and Gungans of Naboo had a long history of distrust. We weren't openly at war with each other; we just stayed out of each other's way. During my time on Tatooine and Coruscant, I got to know Jar Jar. I realized our people were not that different from each other. He was genuinely concerned about his people and the invasion. As far as we knew, the Gungans had not been found by the Trade Federation. Being amphibious, they lived underwater and had vast cities beneath the surface. Jar Jar told me that the Gungans had a massive army and would not give up without a fight. The Naboo are peaceful and only have a small peacekeeping force.

"When we reached Naboo, Jar Jar led us to the hiding place of the Gungans. My bodyguard tried to reason with Boss Nass, the Gungan leader, but he didn't want to listen. He couldn't believe that the Naboo would ask for his help since, according to him, we thought ourselves better than the Gungans and it was our fault the Federation invaded our planet. I could see that simply asking for help wasn't working and something drastic had to be done, so I stepped forward and revealed myself as the true queen to..."

Obi-wan interrupted her with obvious amusement, "She actually got down on her knees in the swamp and begged for the Gungan's help. Boss Nass loved that! He immediately declared a truce between the Naboo and the Gungans."

Leia mused, "I wish my Senate negotiations were that easy."

Padm?ooked both embarrassed and irritated. "As I recall, Obi-wan, you and everyone else there that day got right down in the mud with me. Besides, it worked. Panaka made contact with some of the palace guard who had escaped and were hiding out in the forests. We humans infiltrated the palace while the Gungans lured the droid army to battle on the nearby plains. Panaka, some of my handmaidens and I made it to the throne room where we captured Nute Gunray, the Federation Viceroy, and his aide. We almost didn't make it, but the decoy worked for me again. She led Gunray's guards away when we were almost captured."

Obi-wan continued, "On our way to the throne room, we stopped by the hangar to release the fighter pilots. They were to disable the droid control ship. As they were leaving, Darth Maul returned." Pain and sadness crossed Obi-wan's face. "He had a double-bladed lightsaber which made it possible for him to fight both of us at once."

Luke was intrigued, "Double-bladed? I don't think I've heard of one."

"It was more of a staff than a sword. I've not seen one before or since, but lightsaber construction is not written in durasteel." Obi-wan sighed, "We backed him into the city's power generator. I was knocked onto a lower level. I...I didn't make it in time. Qui-gon and Maul had moved into a shielded area. Maul ran him through before I got there." Obi-wan ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "Darth Maul almost got me too. I was hanging by a nodule in the wall of the energy core and had lost my lightsaber down the shaft. He decided to tease me before killing me."

"Rookie," said Mara.

Obi-wan gave her a strange look and continued with just a hint of pride, "I was able to jump out and grab Qui-gon's lightsaber. I cut him in half while he was distracted by the jump. Qui-gon's dying wish was that I train Anakin."

"Conferred on Obi-wan, the Council did, the title of Jedi Knight. Approve I did not of Qui-gon's last wish. Outvoted I was." Yoda sighed and shook his head, a move he made more and more frequently in recent times.

Padm?oticed the tension in the room and decided to end on a happier note. "The Naboo and the Gungans made an official peace. Our people now share representation in the Senate. There was a wonderful victory celebration and the Trade Federation lost most of its power."

"Where was Anakin during all of the fighting?" asked Luke.

Obi-wan laughed, "Qui-gon had him hide in one of the fighter cockpits when we were in the hanger so he could stay out of trouble." Padm?tarted giggling. "We were having trouble with some destroyer droids and he used the fighter's weapons to blast them. We found out later that he had inadvertently turned on the ships automatic systems, with Artoo's help of course. It was set on autopilot to follow the other ships. When Artoo finally got it off autopilot, he was already in the middle of the battle to take out the control station. He decided to stay and help out. Somehow, his ship got hit and he landed in the control ship's docking bay. He was able to restart it and fire his weapons. He blew the whole thing apart from the inside out."

"So it was this kid's first time in a starfighter and he blew a whole space station?" Han was about to explode.

"That's what happened," Obi-wan replied.

Luke's face turned bright red as Han, Leia, Chewie and Mara's laughter filled the room.

***

In an obvious effort to change the subject, Luke asked the first question that came to his mind, "So you began to train Anakin?"

Yoda's face curled up into a little smirk, but Obi-wan ignored him. "Yes, the Force knows it wasn't easy. He's very stubborn, I'll give you that." Obi-wan shook his head and smiled sheepishly at Yoda, "I thought I could do as good a job as Yoda here. The Force knows I tried."

Yoda whacked Obi-wan on the knee with his walking stick. "Told you many times I have. Do or do not."

"There is no try," Leia and Mara finished for him. Obi-wan's jaw dropped at the interruption of his Master. Yoda just gave them all a knowing little smile.

Luke glared at them, "I apologize Master Yoda. It seems my wife and sister think they've heard that saying one too many times."
Yoda looked from Luke to the women to Obi-wan with the same little smile and started to chuckle. "Apologize do not. Learned that lesson at least someone has."

***

Padm?rinned and diplomatically changed the subject. "I didn't see him again for ten years. In that time, my term as queen ended and Queen Jamillia asked me to step in as Senator. I was looking forward to some time away from politics, but I couldn't say no.

"By the time I joined the Senate the bureaucracy had become worse. Many member worlds were growing more and more displeased with the Republic and began to secede."

Yoda interjected, "Led by a former Jedi named Count Dooku the Separatists were. Too many worlds seceding from the Republic. Too few Jedi to negotiate. Dark Side growing stronger. Losing our ability to be effective we were."

Padm?ontinued, "A resolution had come up in the Senate. An Army of the Republic had been proposed to assist the Jedi in keeping the peace. I opposed the resolution and worked very hard with the Loyalist committee to stop it. The last thing we needed was martial law. At that time, I started receiving death threats and even narrowly survived a few assassination attempts.

"I left Coruscant for a while to escape them, but I eventually had to return to vote the issue. As always, I traveled disguised as one of my aides while she took my place." Padm?linked away a few tears. "I had just landed my starfighter when the ship carrying my double exploded as she walked down the ramp. Cord?as a good friend."

Mara had an indignant look on her face and muttered something to herself that no one heard. Obi-wan shot her a look of warning.

Padm?ook a few deep breaths to calm herself, "Imagine my surprise when I walked into the Senate Chamber only to hear Palpatine announcing my demise and praising me as an icon of democracy. The negotiations were fierce. I tried to convince them that creating an army to force the Separatists would lead to war, but they wouldn't listen. Palpatine postponed the vote."

"Met the Council did with Chancellor Palpatine and the Loyalist Committee. Warned them that the Jedi could not fight for them. Sensed great darkness coming, I did."

Padm?lance at Yoda then continued, "Palpatine tried to tell me that the assassination attempts were from disgruntled miners from Naboo. I knew he was wrong. I knew Dooku was behind it." Padm?ointed at Yoda and Obi-wan, "Palpatine convinced them to grant me Jedi protection."

"You don't sound like you were pleased," noticed Mara.

"I already had a full contingent of Nubian guards. We've just established the Jedi were already spread thin." Padm?ooked at Obi-wan again, "I'm thankful for the help, but at the time, I didn't feel it necessary."

Obi-wan snorted, "Necessary? There was another attempt that very night! If it wasn't for me and Anakin you would have been kouhun food, Padm?

Mara was aghast, "Kouhuns? Who was this assassin? An incompetent bounty hunter, or some hired goon who watched one too many holovids?"

Obi-wan stared at Mara for a long moment, trying to figure out who this woman was. "Hired by a bounty hunter actually. How did you know?"

"Just a guess. Did they really try to kill you Padm?or were they just trying to scare you into changing your vote?"

Obi-wan answered for her, a little upset at the apparent callousness of this woman, "They really wanted her dead. Why? Could you have done any better as an assassin?"

***

Obi-wan immediately felt his insides turn to ice as the faces of group from the future all displayed the same wicked grin. Mara's grin, however, was purely predatory. She may regret the things she had done in her past, but she still thought like a warrior: always working out logistics and tactics. She answered him with a voice so cold it could compete with Hoth winds. "Yes, I HAVE done better as an assassin." The group was stunned into silence, but Mara kept talking, "A real assassin would not use explosives in that way. Too messy. A real assassin would not use deadly insects. Too unreliable. A real assassin is trained to kill quickly, quietly and ruthlessly. That usually requires the target to be up close and personal."

Mara finished her little speech when she heard Luke's voice in her head. *Why, Mara, I haven't seen this side of you in a long time. Up close and personal, huh? Is that what you call our little trek through Myrkr?*

*Shut up, farm boy. I'm making a point here.*

*That point being scare the life out of your mother-in-law?*

Mara was taken aback by his words. She glanced over at Padm?nd indeed she looked frightened. Obi-wan and Yoda, being Jedi, weren't scared, but extremely suspicious. She looked back to her husband. *Oh, shavit! I guess I went a little to far, huh? A little help here?*

Luke's eyes twinkled and he laughed, "Nope. You got yourself into this. I think you should explain to my mother why I married an assassin. Preferably before I get some kind of lecture."

Han didn't know what Luke and Mara had said in their mental conversation, but he knew that whatever Mara said next ought to be good.

Mara looked a little nervous. *Why am I nervous? This is just my mother-in-law. I can handle that can't I?* Mara instantly knew that this was completely different than anything she had ever faced before. *Well, here goes nothing.*

"Um...ex-assassin. Long story?"
Han almost fell off his chair from laughing. "That only works once, Jade."

Mara really didn't want to go into the details of her past, but now it looked like that was her only way out. And she couldn't blame anybody but herself. Luke took her hand in encouragement and she let out a deep sigh. She looked around at the expectant audience, then stared at Padm?

"You said earlier that I sounded like I knew Palpatine. You were right." Mara sighed again, then stood up to pace the room. "I don't remember who my parents were. I was taken from them when I was very young and raised by Palpatine. He erased all memory of my previous life. I don't know if Mara Jade is my real name. I don't know where I come from. I don't even know if the birthday I celebrate is the correct day. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how old I am.

"I trained constantly from childhood to be the perfect assassin and shadow agent...the Emperor's Hand. Killing, sabotage, and infiltration were all I knew growing up. Vader was Palpatine's right hand man, his brute strength. I was his finesse. Whenever he needed something done quietly, I did it. It wasn't until I met Luke that I realized the magnitude of his lies and deceit."

Padm?as stunned. She was at first frightened of this woman, wondering if there was a misunderstanding with these people and she somehow had come to kill her or her children. But as Mara poured her heart out before them, she realized that Palpatine had used her. Padm?as incensed that Palpatine could do such a thing to a little girl. In many ways Padm?ould now see that little girl, hurt and scared, in Mara's eyes. She got the impression that this was something very few people saw in her daughter-in-law.

Obi-wan was still a little wary, though, "You said ex-assassin."

Mara nodded, "I could hear his voice in my head from anywhere in the galaxy, just like he was standing next to me. I could talk to him the same way. As he was dying, he blasted me with one last assignment. KILL LUKE SKYWALKER."

Padm?as shocked, "You married your own assassin?"

Leia laughed, "Don't worry. He waited until she stopped threatening before he asked."

Luke blushed, "No, actually. I waited until she stopped trying. She still threatens."
Mara glared at her husband who was smiling at her with nothing but love in his eyes, "No one in the Imperial Court knew me for who I really was. They all thought I was just another one of Palpatine's courtesans. I couldn't go there for help, so I wandered the galaxy trying to earn my keep anyway I could. I finally found an employer who was not afraid of my force abilities or tried to bed me the first chance he got. I became second-in-command of his smuggling organization."

"Heard him you did? Possible at that distance it is not supposed to be."

Mara explained, "The nearest we can figure out is Palpatine amplified my abilities in some way. When he died, I lost almost all control of using the Force. I suspect that my particular talent also lies in communication."

Obi-wan gave her a questioning look. Luke answered for her, "She had been trained to use the Force growing up, but had almost no control over it when he died. Mara can mentally communicate over longer distances than any other I know. Leia is my twin and we can only hear each other in the same system. Mara and I can hear each other several star systems away."

Obi-wan was curious, "Can you sense Palpatine now?"

Mara nodded, "Constantly since I first arrived. He's in his private office, with Vader. They're plotting something. My guess is they're planning on coming here soon. If you want more than that, I'll have to risk him sensing me in return."

Padm?as trying to sort this out, "What made you change your mind about being an assassin?"

Mara regarded her carefully before answering. Showing her feelings to people was something she still had trouble with, but she knew these people had to know for them to be able to trust her. "Five years after Palpatine died, I finally found Luke. I hated him with every fiber of my being, simply because of that last command." She smiled at her husband. "For various reasons I kept getting into situations where I needed him alive just a little longer. During one of these situations, we started talking. I discovered Palpatine had lied to me about why he wanted Luke dead.

"I was tired of being ordered around and lied to, especially by a dead man. I decided if I was going to assassinate anyone, it would be on my own terms. The only problem was I kept hearing Palpatine in my head, 'KILL LUKE SKYWALKER'.

"The short version is, at about the same time, one of Palpatine's successors tried to start a new round of Clone Wars." Mara gestured to her family, "With the exception of one other, we were the only Force-sensitive beings known at that time. This successor found an insane cloned Jedi and had him try to subdue us all. This clone made a clone of Luke, who also happened to be insane. I killed Luke's clone and I haven't heard Palpatine in my head since."

Mara turned away from the window she had been staring out of to see the reactions of her audience. They all had a blank expression on their faces: her family because they were there and this was nothing new, Yoda, Obi-wan and Padm?ecause they had no idea what to say. "Anyway, I had a new job and for the first time in my life, I had friends. Friends who trusted me when no one else did. Friends who saw me for who I am and not who I was." Mara gestured to those friends, now her family. "Never before had anyone treated me that way. I couldn't let that go no matter how foreign it was to everything I had ever known before. I no longer had reason nor desire to kill anyone," her lip twisted a little, "in cold blood, anyway."

She looked around. Everyone stared at her. "Well now that I've told you life story, go on, continue." Mara sat and waited.

***

Everyone stared at her a moment longer then Obi-wan picked up where he left off. "We tracked down the...assassin..." he shot Mara a look, "for lack of a better term. She was killed with a poison dart by her employer, the bounty hunter, before we got a chance to question her. I tracked the origins of the dart to a world that had apparently been erased from our records: Kamino. A good friend told me where to find this planet and that it was inhabited by cloners. I went to check it out while Anakin brought Padm?ack to Naboo."

Padm?olled her eyes. "A lot of good that did me."

Obi-wan glared at her, "When I got to Kamino, I found that I was expected. Well actually, a Jedi was expected. The cloners were eager to show me the clone army they had created, apparently on the order of the Jedi. I played along and learned that an army of over 200,000 clones had been growing for the last ten years.

"The cloners introduced me to the clones' host, the bounty hunter I'd been tracking. And his alleged son. As part of his payment for being the host, he also had requested an unaltered clone (no accelerated growth or special training) of himself. When I attempted to bring them back here for questioning, Fett escaped to Geonosis."

Han was instantly on his feet, "Boba Fett is a clone!!! I don't believe it!" Han continued pacing and rubbing his hands over his face until he bumped into a wall of fur. "Outta my way, Chewie."

Chewie rumbled. "No fur-brain, I will not calm down. Do you know what this means? Next time I see that armor wearing low-life, I'm going to introduce him to my fist. You will too if you know what's good for you."

Chewie's reply was decidedly sarcastic. Yoda and everyone from the future started laughing. Padm?nd Obi-wan just looked confused. Seeing this, Leia explained. "It appears, Obi-wan, that your little piece of information has bruised my husband's ego." She turned to Han, "Han dear, I'm fairly certain your old smuggler buddies won't think any less of you for being caught by a clone. Boba Fett was, after all, the most notorious and successful bounty hunter of all time. Besides, no one has seen him for years. For all we know, he's dead by now." Leia caught everyone's eye and they all had equal trouble keeping a straight face.

Han turned several shades of red in embarrassment and anger. "That's not the point, Leia. Every one of us was afraid of Boba Fett back then. I outran him longer than any of his other targets. It gained me a lot of respect. If he was just a clone, what if there was more than one of him? Maybe he got his reputation on false pretenses. That means I got mine the same way. I'll lose a
lot of contacts." Han hoped he was showing more confidence in his excuse than he felt.

Mara snickered, seeing right through Han's blustering, "Han, I can run this by Karrde if you like. He's knows practically everyone. I'm sure he'll be able to tell you if you'd lose any respect."

"No!...I mean no thanks, Mara." Han tried not to fidget and pointed at her, "If you breathe a word of this to Karrde or any of his people..."

Mara laughed along with everyone else, "Your secret is safe with me, Solo."

Han recognized the look on her face, "What's it going to cost me?"

"I'll think of something."

Mara immediately heard Luke and Leia in her mind. *What are you going to do to him, Mara?*

She answered both, *Nothing actually.*

*Nothing?* Both Luke and Leia were equally surprised.

*I'm in a generous mood. It's the holidays after all. Besides, I'll enjoy seeing him sweat while I supposedly decide his fate.*

Luke and Leia both laughed out loud. Leia had one last thing to say. *Mara, if I haven't said it before, I'll say it now. I'm glad you are part of this family.* The sisters-in-law shared a secret smile.

***

Padm?ook pity on Han and continued the story before anyone else could tease him. She wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. She and Anakin had kept their relationship secret for so long, it was uncomfortable for her to finally tell someone about it, especially in front of Yoda and Obi-wan. "Ani and I started out on Naboo. We had a wonderful time actually. It was good to be home even though I had to leave Jar Jar as my representative in the Senate. I wasn't thrilled about it. I had been working for over a year against the Military Creation Act. Because of all the attempts on my life, I had to leave just as the vote was being called."

Padm?ighed, "I woke up one morning to find Ani staring at the sunrise. I knew something was wrong. I heard him during his nightmare just a few hours previously. He said he could feel that Shmi was hurting. He knew she was in trouble. He told me he had to go to her even though it went against his mandate to protect me." Padm?urned her gaze on Obi-wan who had fire in his eyes and looked as if he were about to say something. "Don't even start Obi-wan. We've had this argument too many times already and I won't have it again." She hung her head dejectedly, "Besides, it's too late now."
Obi-wan stared at her for a moment, then hung his head too. "I'm sorry, Padm?but ..."
Her head came up quickly and she glared at him in a way that said to everyone in the room that he should drop the subject immediately. Padm?ook a deep breath and continued, "We both went to back to Tatooine to look for her. We found Watto. He told Ani that he had sold Shmi to a moisture farmer named Cliegg Lars."

Luke's head snapped up, "Lars?" He was too stunned to say anything else.

"Yes. Cliegg actually freed her and married her. We went to their farm and met his son, Owen and his girlfriend, Beru."

Luke inhaled sharply as memories flooded back. "That's how they were related. I always wondered." Something else clicked in his brain, "Oh stars! That was her!"

"Who?" Leia asked.

"Shmi. There was a holo in the living room when I was growing up. I must have been about five or six when I decided to ask Aunt Beru who it was. She only said that it was the only woman Uncle Owen called 'mother' and that she was dead. The next day, the holo was gone and I never saw it again. It had to be her." Luke became silent as he realized another injustice inflicted upon him as a child; the loss of his grandmother. He looked at Padm?"What happened to her?"

Padm?ooked at him with an expression he couldn't quite place. Was it fear or sorrow? He didn't know. She began, "Cliegg was freshly missing a leg. He explained that Shmi had disappeared a month before. Tuskan Raiders took her early one morning while she picked mushrooms off the vaporators. Cliegg said that search parties had been sent after her, but only four men came back. I could tell he was desperate to find her, but he had begun to give up hope." Padm?ooked at Obi-wan. He looked as if he'd never heard this before. She wondered about that, but continued anyway, "Ani immediately went out looking for her on Owen's speederbike. He returned with her body the next morning."

Padm?urned to look at Yoda and Obi-wan, "Obi-wan, didn't Ani tell you about this?"

"No."

Padm?at up straighter and braced herself. "I thought not. Sit down, you aren't going to like this next part."

***

Obi-wan sat and wondered what Padm?as going to say next. He was already confused about this latest revelation. Anakin's mother did mean a lot to him. That she died before he got to see her again had to have been a great blow to his emotional state. Not that his emotional state was entirely stable to begin with.

As if Padm?ad heard his thoughts, she explained, "Ani didn't find her dead, Obi-wan." Padm?as obviously having trouble telling him about this. She got up and paced a little and shook her head. "I didn't see it then. I only saw his pain and grief. Yes, I was appalled at what he did, but I could only see that he was hurting."

Obi-wan was getting a little impatient. "What did he do, Padm?

She looked right into his eyes and he could see the torment there. "I guess it's not so surprising now, considering why we are all here. I just didn't know what it could lead to." Tears began to well up in her eyes, "Why didn't I see it sooner? Why?"

Obi-wan repeated himself a bit more forcefully this time, "What did he do, Padm?

She turned away slightly, knowing he wouldn't be happy to hear what she had to say. "He tracked down the Raiders. He found Shmi tied up inside one of their huts, severely beaten. She was still alive, Obi-wan. A whole month and she was still alive. She could barely talk. She only had the energy to say she was proud of him and barely was able to say 'I love you' before she died in his arms."

Padm?as crying now. She could see the horror on everyone's faces. "He was wracked with guilt Obi-wan. He knew he shouldn't have done it."

"Shouldn't have done what, Padm?

She looked straight at him again. "Killed them," she whispered. Before anyone could speak, she continued, a little louder this time. "He did it to avenge her. He hated them for what they did to her. He slaughtered every last one of them Obi-wan. The whole camp: men, women and children."

It took a few seconds to sink in before anyone could answer. "He did WHAT?" was both yelled and softly spoken by two different voices.

Luke's was the softer voice. Knowing what his father had been capable of, he wasn't surprised at the brutality that Padm?ad just described. He was more in awe of the fact that he had taken on an entire band of Raiders himself and lived. However, before he could explain his question, Obi-wan continued his tirade. "He killed out of anger and no one told me? Do you even know what that means, Padm? Jedi aren't supposed to act in anger. Ever!"

Padm?as tired of taking the blame from him and stood her ground. "Don't give me anymore lectures, Obi-wan. I'm not your padawan. I never was. If you'd spent more time listening and less lecturing, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess!" Padm?as furious. She didn't care that everyone was watching and she really didn't care that she was needlessly blaming Obi-wan, but she was at her breaking point and yelling at him was the easiest way to relieve her pent up emotions. "Ten years, Obi-wan! Ten years he didn't see her or hear from her. She was the only thing he had in life and you took that away from him."
"He knew what he was getting into, Padm? I told him the first day he wouldn't see her again until he was knighted. It's our way."

"Your way?" She shrieked. "Your way? I've heard Jedi called a lot of things, but I never believed them to be heartless. Maybe I was wrong."

Obi-wan was about to tell her what he thought of that when he was stopped by a hand on his arm. He turned around to see a pair of blue eyes boring into him. If Obi-wan had trouble believing before that Luke was Anakin's son, he believed it now. The eyes were the same color and intensity, but what he saw there almost frightened him. They looked older than the person they belonged to, as if their owner had seen and experienced too much. Obi-wan could see the tightly controlled fire behind those eyes and feel the strength of the Force in the man standing before him. The fire and strength in him so much like his father. Obi-wan knew instantly that Luke was a man aware of what he could do yet continually struggled to keep that knowledge from overwhelming him.

Luke spoke and Obi-wan listened. "I would appreciate it if you didn't speak to my mother that way, Ben. It sounds like you're all going through a hard time. Maybe we should take a moment to get things back under control." Luke deliberately used the word 'control' and it had the desired effect. Obi-wan nodded and took a deep breath. When he looked at Luke again, he had calmed down considerably.

Obi-wan glanced at Yoda sheepishly, then back at Luke, "Forgive me, Masters. I seemed to have gotten carried away."

Luke grinned at Obi-wan acknowledging him as a Master. Yoda nodded and continued his quiet contemplation.

***

As Luke spoke to Obi-wan, Leia and Mara led Padm?o the adjoining meditation room. Padm?urned to her daughters and apologized, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lashed out at Obi-wan that way, especially in front of everyone." She took a deep breath and dried her eyes. "I guess I'm just a little on edge lately."

"Mother." Leia felt a little awkward calling a virtual stranger by that title, but it felt right. "It's all right. I can speak for all of us when I say we understand. This can in no way be easy for you. Besides, being pregnant doesn't help your emotional state." Leia gave her a little grin.

Padm?ooked at Leia and tried to smile. "I guess so. This must be so very awkward for you all, especially you and Luke." She laid a hand on her belly. "Seeing yourself at this stage must be...surreal."

Both Leia and Mara laughed lightly. "You have no idea. Feeling myself through the Force, yet not from my own body is really strange. I can feel Luke twice, like an echo. It's not like feeling a clone though...more like a mirror image. I can't explain it better than that."

Mara grinned, "You're right, Leia, a clone is a copy and therefore has flaws. This is a perfect duplicate. I must admit, having two Luke's around is disconcerting, especially since one is not even near old enough for me."

Padm? jaw dropped at Mara's comment, but Leia laughed. Just then Padm?elt one of her twins kick and grabbed her daughters' hands. "Feel this. Can you tell me who is who, Leia?"

Leia smiled, "Easily." She moved her hand around and found her own presence, then Luke's. "This one is me. Luke just kicked."

Mara grinned feeling Luke kick again, "Just as anxious as ever." At Padm? questioning glace, she explained, "Luke never could wait around if something was going on. He always wants to be in the middle of the action."

"He gets that from his father." Padm?rinned, "To be honest, he probably gets some of it from me too."

Leia got a far away look in her eyes. "Mother, there is something that Luke and I have always wanted to know. You obviously don't love what he has become. How?...Why?..."

Padm?new what she was asking. "No, I didn't fall in love with a Sith Lord. I fell in love with the sweet little boy I met on Tatooine." Padm?lmost started to cry again. "He was so generous and kind, Leia. Even when he was a slave and had nothing, he gave us hope. He helped us. When I saw him again ten years later, he had grown into a handsome man. One that was very enamored with me. At first it made me uncomfortable. He told me he never stopped thinking about me in all those years. I was overwhelmed by it all. But after we got to know each other again, I realized I felt the same about him."

Padm?ooked at her daughters again. They were both listening intently and with compassion. "We knew that he was not allowed to marry. For Jedi, attachment is forbidden. At first, I didn't want to get involved. I didn't want to have to sneak around and lie to people." She let out a bitter laugh, "I suppose this will sound like some awful holodrama, but I changed my mind when we were almost killed a short time later. I realized that I didn't want to die and not know love....love with him. I didn't care about the rules anymore. I was tired of being Senator Amidala, champion of justice. I just wanted to be Padm?a woman who loved and was loved in return. Please tell me you understand that."

Leia took her hands, "Yes. I perfectly understand that."

Padm?miled gratefully and asked them both, "You are both married. Luke said that he hasn't had the luxury of following the old ways. I assume the 'attachment' rule is no longer in effect?"

Mara answered, "No, Padm? Luke, as well as the rest of us, realizes that emotional attachment can be a hindrance, but it can also be a help. As Jedi, we have to be wary of our emotions and never act on them without thought, but as humans, we still have them. We can't just turn them off. Luke teaches that we must control our emotions, not deny them."

"I'm glad to hear that." Padm?aused, "Maybe if Ani had been taught that...Damn him! How could he do this to me? Damn Palpatine, too! Why didn't I see it before? I've been so blind. I should have-"

Mara quickly cut her off. "No, Padm? It's too late to wonder what if. What's done is done. Now we have to pick up and move on."

"She's right, Mother." Leia looked into her eyes, "It hasn't been easy living with this as I can imagine it is not easy for you in the middle of it all. Luke and I have come to terms with it...Luke more so than I, but I do want you to know that no one blames you for this. Anakin made his own decisions and he is the one who must fix what he has broken." Leia glanced at Mara and was surprised at the pride and understanding in her eyes. Mara knew about Leia's struggle to forgive her father for what he'd done and herself for being his daughter. Leia sighed and shut her eyes, "It's taken me a long time to figure that out." Leia returned her gaze to Padm?I must warn you that it gets much worse before it gets better, but he will figure that out for himself one day."

Padm?hifted her gaze between the two of them with tears in her eyes. She was happy to hear that her Ani was not destined to always be this way. She whispered, "Thank you," and hugged both her daughters.

***

Yoda watched as Luke calmly separated Obi-wan and Padm?hen got Obi-wan to calm down. As his master, Yoda should have been the one to reprimand Obi-wan, but he knew that Obi-wan would not act on his emotions and therefore decided to see what Luke and Leia would do about it instead. He wanted to see if they would react like Anakin would or act as a Jedi should. Yoda was impressed with the way they quietly handled the argument.

Luke let go of Obi-wan's arm. "No need to apologize. I imagine this situation is more than enough to try anyone's patience." Luke grinned, "I don't think she meant what she said, Obi-wan. It sounds more like mood swings to me."

Han and Chewie laughed. "You got a point there, Kid! When Leia was pregnant, she would pledge her undying love to me one minute and threaten to kick me out the next." He smirked, "I hear Mara had you sleeping on the couch at one point."

Luke's face turned red, but he laughed at his plight anyway. "Not only that, I thought I was going to have to hide her blaster."

Obi-wan had no experience with pregnant women and therefore didn't know what to think of their comments. He immediately wondered what gods he angered to get him into this mess. "Why me?"

Luke shot him a look and his jaw tensed. "Because she has no one else, as far as I know. Would you rather he came back?" No need to specify who 'he' was.

Han jumped in, "Trust me, you don't want that. Dark Jedi came after my wife both times she was pregnant."

The words were out of Luke's mouth before he knew what he was asking, "Both times?" He snapped his jaw shut too late. Han glared at him and Luke wished for all the galaxy that he could take back the question. He hadn't meant to bring it up ever again. Han had never truly forgiven him and the brothers-in-law had silently agreed never to speak of it in each other's presence again.

Han glared at Luke, but then Chewie reminded them that they both brought it up. Han and Luke both visibly relaxed and with a nod, they declared a truce. Yoda, however, was not so easily put off. He only sensed the Light Side in Luke, but from the exchange he had just witnessed, he could have sworn that Luke was the Dark Jedi Han was talking about. "Explain this."

Luke looked at Yoda guiltily and Han set his jaw. He never truly forgave Luke for attacking Leia when he went to the Dark Side, but he knew without a doubt that Luke would never do that again. The way he had acted since then and the enormous guilt that came over him every time it was mentioned was proof enough for Han. For this reason, Han was also one of the first one's to defend his brother-in-law's actions. "He doesn't have to explain anything to you."

Luke was a little surprised, but grateful. He smiled weakly at Han then turned back to Yoda. "No Han, they need to know. It was the worst decision I've ever made in my life. There's no way I can ever come close to making up for it." Luke hung his head, "I fell," he whispered, barely getting the words out. "I fell to the Dark Side. If it wasn't for Leia and her unborn son, I wouldn't be here today." He couldn't say more. He didn't want to relive the unspeakable horrors he had caused. It didn't matter to him that Admiral Ackbar personally forgave him on behalf of the Mon Calamari homeworld. It didn't matter that anyone at all forgave him. He could never forgive himself.

Yoda and Obi-wan were horrified. "Impossible it is to turn back. Never. Never before has it been done."

Luke's head snapped up. There was fire in his eyes and defiance. "Yes, it is possible. I admit, I don't have access to much of the Jedi histories, but certainly you haven't forgotten Ulic Qel-Droma."

"Cut off from the Force he was. Turned back he did not, until that happened. To turn back and retain use of the Force, never has it been done."

"I've been witness to it many times." Han nodded his agreement and Luke continued. "You may not believe me, but I'm telling you now that Anakin Skywalker is still there. Underneath the armor and the hate, he still exists. Master Yoda, you once told me that the Dark Side would forever dominate my destiny if I gave in to it. You were right, in a way. I've since learned that it is possible to come back from the actions of the Dark Side, if I don't lose myself to the darkness. My father has not given in to the Dark Side so much that he has lost himself. There is still a light, deep inside, that is Anakin Skywalker. It will shine again."

They didn't quite believe him, and were about to say so when the women returned from the meditation room.

***

Padm?nd Obi-wan stared at each other for a moment, silently apologizing and forgiving. Obi-wan gestured to her to continue. "We buried Shmi that afternoon. Your message came through as Ani was saying his last good-byes." Padm?urned to Yoda, "Master Yoda, I don't know if you were aware, but it was my decision to go after Obi-wan on Geonosis, not Anakin's. I knew that we could get there sooner from Tatooine than any of you could from here."

Obi-wan could tell she was still a little upset from earlier and decided to explain to the newcomers what she was talking about. "I followed Fett to Geonosis. While there, I discovered that Count Dooku was organizing the trade and industrial groups to supply armies to the Separatists. My transmitter was damaged en route to Geonosis so I sent my report to the Council via Anakin. I was captured during transmission."

Obi-wan laughed bitterly, "Dooku warned me that a Sith was in charge of the Senate. I didn't believe him. I couldn't believe him. I thought for sure that the Council would have sensed it."

Yoda shook his head. "Clouded the Dark Side was. Arrogant we were. Sensed nothing."

"Anakin and I arrived and were also captured. We three were to be executed, devoured by beasts while an arena full of Geonosians watched. In the meantime, Palpatine was given emergency powers and created the Army of the Republic." Padm?olled her eyes and continued on sarcastically, "He gave a most moving speech about his regret at having to use such power and his assurance that he would gladly be rid of his burden once the crisis was averted."

The whole group muttered their opinions on that.

Obi-wan continued, "Anakin, Padm?nd I fought our way free of our captors, but not the arena. Fortunately, Master Windu brought all the available Jedi to help us. We were outnumbered when Dooku ordered the droid armies to attack." Obi-wan grinned, "Fortunately, Master Yoda also brought the Clone Army."

Yoda gazed at Obi-wan reproachfully, "Why so smug, do you look? Told you I did that a victory it was not. Started the Clone Wars it did." He shook his head, "Many Jedi died that day. Fought Dooku I did, but he got away."

"Master I only was glad that we survived it...barely." Obi-wan turned to the group and explained, "We could have defeated Dooku if Anakin hadn't rushed in to fight him. I told him to wait until reinforcements came, but he was still upset and thought you had been hurt Padm?

Padm?olled her eyes, "Just because I was knocked from the ship? He should have known better. It was a hard fall, but I made it."

Obi-wan glanced at her from the corner of his eye, "Yes, well, anyway, we fought him and both were injured. That's how he lost his arm by the way. We were both down when Master Yoda showed up."

Yoda sighed, "Victory it was not. Failed to stop the Separatists we did. The clone armies Palpatine sent to oppose the Separatists."

***

Padm?ooked her children in the eye and told the secret she had been keeping since that day, "Ani was still assigned to protect me so he traveled with me back to Naboo. We got married in secret the next day."

Before Luke or Leia could answer, Yoda rapped his cane on the floor, "Forbidden it is. Told me you should have Obi-wan."

"I didn't find out until a few months ago, Master. By the time I was able to return here, we believed he was dead and there was no longer any point in telling anybody."

Padm?lared at them both and spoke clearly in a 'drop it' tone, "That's the whole point of getting married in secret, now isn't it." She sighed and changed the subject, "With the start of this latest Clone War, the past few years have been such a blur anyway."

(A/N: Latest Clone War is my own extrapolation of multiple Clone Wars based on Yoda's singular statement, "Begun this Clone War has." and time extrapolation based on Corran's history. If Hal Horn was ten when Nejaa died at the end of the Clone War, Corran couldn't possibly be as old as Luke and Leia. Also, the Noghri homeworld was devastated during the Clone Wars, supposedly about 35 years before ANH. I know this contradicts Darth Vader as being their savior, but maybe he waited a while before helping them? Last, but not least, why are there cloners set up on the Outer Rim anyway? What do they need all those clones for? In AOTC, they already had military applications available. Must have been from some previous war. OK, OK, back to the story.)

Obi-wan interjected, "Palpatine requested that the Jedi lead the clone army, since it was supposedly the Jedi who supplied them."

"Closest thing to a military of the Republic, the Jedi were. Masters not already assigned, generals they became."

Padm?ooked at her new family. "Since the Loyalist Committee had failed to prevent war, we were chosen by Palpatine to work with the Jedi to try and end the War as soon as possible." She let out an angry sigh, "It's no wonder we failed. We reported to Palpatine. He knew everything we planned and discussed. He really has taken manipulation to a new level." She glanced at Mara and got a reassuring nod.

Obi-wan tensed as he remembered the numerous deaths. "The Separatists' droid armies fought brutally and targeted the Jedi for their involvement in what the Separatists felt was a forced membership in a body of government. Even some of the Republic's supporters turned against us. They also felt our involvement was wrong. Anti-Jedi sentiment has never been so high as it is now.

"Hundreds of Jedi were killed in only a short period of time. Many padawans were prematurely advanced to Knighthood to fill in the ranks. Because of his status, and against my recommendation, Anakin was one of the first to be included in this group. Hundreds of loyal Republicans also volunteered for service to aid our effort but it was still not enough."

"The Separatists also targeted Naboo because of Palpatine and me. The Trade Federation never forgave me for my role in their downfall." Padm?ecame teary-eyed. "I returned to Naboo after one such attack had left Theed all but destroyed. I was beginning to see that our efforts weren't working, so I left Bail Organa in charge of the Loyalist Committee and went home to aid the relief effort.

"Ani was able to get a few days off from the fighting and came to see me. We hadn't had a chance to be together in months because of our work." Padm?lushed and continued, "He was devastated by the damage done to Naboo and especially Theed. Before he left, the fighting began again. This time, the farm country was hit." Tears rolled down her face. "My father's farm was completely demolished. My entire family was killed. Anakin blamed everything on Dooku and immediately left to find him." Padm?ouldn't continue and found the equally tearful gaze of her children.

"Anakin returned to me because I had been assigned to find Dooku's headquarters," Obi-wan stated. "It took us a couple of months, but we finally tracked him down. He was on a small, volatile moon near the Core. Our forces met at the edge of a lava flow. Again, Anakin and I faced Dooku and again, Anakin rushed in to fight him first. This time he killed Dooku. I knew he had killed Dooku out of anger. I confronted him about it." Obi-wan sighed and shook his head, the very gesture Yoda had made popular in recent years. "The next I knew, he drew his weapon and started telling me exactly what was on his mind.

"I suppose it was inevitable. He blamed most everything on me. He was so angry; at everything and everybody. He said I held him back and was jealous of his abilities. He said it was my fault that Shmi died because I didn't believe his dreams were more than dreams. He said that the Jedi weren't much better than slave owners in the way they treated their followers. He said we were drunk on our own power. He said that it was my fault Naboo was attacked because I didn't find Dooku sooner. He told me about marrying Padm?nd bragged that it was the one thing he had control over in his life. He then said that he was taking back all control in his life.

"That's when he attacked. We fought and he sank further into his anger. I didn't want to hurt him, but he didn't show any signs of stopping. I was able to disarm him when he stumbled over a rock. Unfortunately, that also caused him to fall into the lava pit nearby." Obi-wan took a deep breath and pleaded with Anakin's children. "My gods! I thought he was dead. I picked up his lightsaber and left. If I had known...if I had only known there was even a chance..." Obi-wan looked horrified and awed. "I still don't understand it. How is it possible for someone to live through that? How did he survive?"

***

Silence filled the room for a moment as the occupants thought about his question. No one quite knew what to say. Luke and Leia had heard rumors of Vader's creation, but never knew for sure. For Han, Mara and Chewie, Obi-wan's telling of Anakin's fall (both literally and figuratively) made it that much easier to see him as human and not some abstract, evil being.

Padm?roke the silence, "I was naturally devastated. When Obi-wan told me what happened, I had already discovered I was pregnant, but decided not to tell anyone since no one knew we were married. I buried myself in my work." She paused. "I received a holocom call a couple of weeks ago. It was addressed to 'Angel'. I almost fainted when I saw who it was from. When he showed up on the screen in that armor, I thought it was some sick joke. He told me what happened to him. He was rescued right after Obi-wan left. Palpatine had been keeping an eye on him and had an agent pull him out of the lava. He spent weeks in and out of bacta tanks, med centers, and healing trances. Palpatine had the armor created especially for him to keep him alive.

"He was calling me to tell me about his new status," she said sarcastically. "He wanted to know if I wanted to join him since Palpatine wouldn't forbid our marriage. I was speechless. I didn't believe him and didn't dare hope he was really alive. I switched off the holocom without saying a word. I didn't realize until later what he had called me in the com address. That's how I knew it was him. I called Obi-wan and here we are."

The group from the future was lost in thought, but Obi-wan had one last point to make. "The irony is, when he killed Dooku, he effectively ended the War. Without Dooku's leadership, the Separatists couldn't continue the fight. Actually, it was discovered that a large portion of the Separatists had only seceded because of promises given by or lies told by Dooku, not any real conflict with the Republic. Anakin was posthumously decorated as a Hero of the Clone Wars for his efforts."

"Of course, looking at all this in hindsight, it's obvious Palpatine was behind everything." Padm?coffed. "The question is, what do we do now?" She searched the eyes of her children for the answer, hoping beyond hope this wouldn't get any harder. She was wrong.

***

After asking for a few moments to gather their thoughts, Luke, Leia, Han, Mara and Chewie retreated to the meditation chamber. No one knew where to begin. No one spoke for a long while until Han, as usual, broke the silence. He rubbed his hands over his face and spoke. "I think I speak for both Mara and myself when I say that you two should decide this. We trust you to do the right thing."

"Normally I'd tell you to speak for yourself, Solo, but this time you're right. Don't let it go to your head." Mara smirked. "Any last words Chewie?"

Chewbacca roared his opinion. "Cubs, an honor family is no replacement for blood. Do what you must do."

Luke and Leia began to protest, almost in unison. "We brought you here for a reason. What happens to you if we change the future? Surely you want to be part of that decision."

Han held up his hands. "Whoa! I never worried about 'what-ifs' before and I ain't starting now."

"Besides, whatever happened to 'The future is always in motion'?" Mara asked. "Who's to say what is decided here today changes anything?"

"Listen, it's too personal. You two know what we want. You two know what you want. But we can't make these decisions for you and we aren't going to pressure you two for our own selfish reasons. Just ask yourself this; would you do it all again? Is it worth it; knowing what you know now? Do you honestly believe that you can change anything?"

Luke and Leia glanced at each other then the others and nodded. After a round of hugs, kisses, and 'I trust you's' Han, Chewie and Mara returned to the main council chamber.

The twins just stared at each other for a moment, then fell into each others embrace. "Force, Luke, I just don't know. I think of Alderaan and the answer is so clear. Then I think of how much danger Mother and we are in. The answers don't come so easily after that."

Luke sighed, "I hate to say it Leia, but I think Han was right. Do we honestly believe we can change anything?"

"What do you mean?"

"So many people died, Leia; too many to count. But the question is, was it because of Vader or Palpatine?" At her confused gaze, he continued. "Look at it this way. We know that Father only returned to the Light because I was strong enough to oppose him. Only Father was strong enough to oppose Palpatine. I don't think Mother, Yoda or Obi-wan can do it. They are too personally involved." Luke sighed, "I never truly understood before today why it had to be us." He looked at his sister and could see the understanding begin to take hold. "We obviously can't stand up to him in our present day condition."

"But Alderaan, Owen, Beru, Bail..." Leia cried. "I know what you are saying, Luke, but is it worth it?"

"I don't think anything is worth that, Leia, but if we are successful in turning back Father today and staying together, who knows what will happen?"

"I know. 'The future is always in motion.'" Leia smirked then sighed as she realized the inevitable. "We really can't change anything can we? Not for certain anyway. Palpatine could just as easily find someone else to do his dirty work. Under his reign, just as many people could die. For all we know, changing things could only make things worse. We run the risk of Mother and ourselves being used or killed by Palpatine." A tear rolled down her cheek, "I don't like this Luke."

He brushed her tears away and hugged her. "I don't either Leia, but what else can we do? Besides, if we do change things, we risk losing Han, Mara and the kids. No matter what they say, we have to consider them."

"I agree." Leia sighed and kissed his cheek, "Let's just go tell them what we know and see what happens."

***

Han, Mara and Chewie walked into an argument in progress. "All I'm saying, Padm?is be prepared to make some sacrifices."

"Sacrifices! What do you think I've been doing my whole life?"

Han tried to soften the blow that he and Mara were expecting from Luke and Leia. "He's right Padm? It might be the only way."

Obi-wan regarded Han and Mara for a moment then turned back to Padm? "They haven't even told us their half of it yet, but even I can see that this might be the only way. What do you think Palpatine would do if he found out about you...and them?"

Mara answered him. "Palpatine's only goal in life is to be in control. He didn't destroy the Jedi because of some deep seated hate. He didn't even destroy the Republic because he thought it was corrupt. That was just an excuse to get what he wanted. He did it all so he could be in charge. The second he finds out about this, he'll find a way to use it to his advantage or remove the obstacle." Mara let the implications of that statement sink in for a moment. "Do you think Anakin decided overnight to follow him? Palpatine must have been working on him for years. He singled him out the second he found out about this 'Chosen One' business."

Obi-wan and Padm?oth were stunned by Mara's statement. They both realized that they had effectively been deceived for years. They both remembered conversations with Anakin; conversations about Palpatine's interest in him. They then realized exactly how long Anakin's fall actually took. It wasn't just the past few years since his mother died. Anakin had been falling for a long, long time.

Luke spoke up from his place near the door. No one had seen them come in during Mara's speech. "We don't like it anymore than you, but it might be the only way." Everyone was stunned speechless. Leia held his hand as he stared Padm?traight in the eye and continued. "All we can tell you is what we know. You still have to make the final choice."

Padm?as heartbroken. She could only shake her head. Obi-wan lead her to the couch again and they all sat down to hear the rest of the story.

***

Luke took Padm? hands and got her to meet his gaze. "We want you to be prepared. This is not an easy story to tell. Everyone you spoke of today, including yourselves, is dead. Much of it does get worse, but remember this: Darth Vader is dead. Anakin Skywalker does come back, just for a little while, but he does return to the Light." Luke turned to look at Yoda and Obi-wan, then back to Padm? He spoke with conviction, "Remember that."

Padm?as holding back her tears and could only nod with a sad little smile. Luke held her hands tighter after he got a nod to continue from his sister. "Leia and I were separated. I was told it was because we would be a threat to Palpatine. I never really understood why until today. I'm beginning to see that it was probably the right choice after all.

"Naturally, we were too young to remember all the details, but I was raised by Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru on Tatooine. Leia was sent to Bail Organa on Alderaan."

"But what about your names? You were adopted weren't you?"

Leia answered her. "Luke wasn't. I was. We don't really know why. I guess it has something to do with legalities concerning my status. Bail couldn't declare me his heir without a legal adoption."

Padm?rightened, "Bail becomes Viceroy?"

Leia smiled, "Yes."

"But why aren't you Vicereine? Is it because you are Chief of State? What exactly is that, anyway? I've not heard of that title in the Republic before." Padm?as confused by the look on her family's faces.

Leia wasn't sure where to begin. She was not looking forward to explaining why she wasn't Vicereine, but she was amused that her mother didn't know she was currently more powerful than Palpatine, politically speaking. She sighed, "Alderaan is gone." She held up a hand to forestall any questioning. "Chief of State is more or less equivalent to Chancellor."

Padm? eyebrows shot up. "I've got to hear this."

"Let me start at the beginning. It's easier that way. Over the next few years, Palpatine declares martial law in all systems. Several systems rebel and set up underground networks. They weren't organized and weren't accomplishing much. A few years after that, Bail helped form the Alliance to Restore the Republic along with Garm Bel Iblis of Corellia and Mon Mothma of Chandrila."

"Mon Mothma? The Baby Senator?" an amused Padm?nterrupted.

"Baby senator? She was until I came along. I beat her record by five months. I was chosen to take Bail's place in the Senate when he became Viceroy," Leia said proudly.

Padm?eamed until Luke spoke. "Before Palpatine declared martial law, he and Vader tracked down and destroyed the Jedi. He had all records, buildings and resources used by the Jedi destroyed or recycled to promote his 'New Order'." Obi-wan and Yoda stared at him as he told them, "As far as I know, you two were the only survivors."

There was a knot in Luke's stomach as he watched Obi-wan and Yoda absorb what he told them. There was pain in there eyes and wonder. Naturally, they questioned why they were the ones to survive when thousands of their brethren perished.

Leia decided to shift the conversation again. "Because I had diplomatic immunity as a senator, I was able to transfer information between rebel cells without being questioned...well, until Darth Vader caught me."

Obi-wan, Yoda and Padm?erked up. Leia went on. "When we were eighteen, Luke and I met. That's when the Rebellion really got started." She took a deep breath and began.

***

"Palpatine's hobby was superweapons. He created a battle station the size of a small moon and named it the Death Star." Leia fought back tears. "The Death Star had a laser capable of destroying planets. One group of rebels stole the technical readouts in hopes of finding a fault that we could use to our advantage. I was chosen to deliver the information to the Alliance. My ship was boarded and Vader took me to the Death Star. Before they found me, I was able to load the Death Star plans into Artoo and sent him to look for you, Obi-wan."
Obi-wan was puzzled. "Me? Why me?"

"My father, Bail, told me to go to you if I ever needed help."

Luke explained, "When we were separated, Mother went to Alderaan with Leia, you brought me to Tatooine."

"My ship happened to be passing through the Tatoo system when it was boarded. Artoo and Threepio used an escape pod to get to the surface. As I said before, I was taken to the Death Star and..." Leia drew in a hitched breath then expelled it in one quick burst, "interrogated."

Leia couldn't continue just yet and Luke held her hands while Han wrapped an arm around her. Mara filled in the details. "Standard Imperial interrogation is really just a euphemism for torture. Nerve drugs and pain enhancers were common."

Padm?nd her group were horrified, but Leia spoke before they could say anything. "That was the usual interrogation, but Darth Vader took it upon himself to do it personally." She continued at barely a whisper, "Those methods were used, but he also attempted to rip the information out of my mind." She paused, "I still don't know I kept him out...excuse me." Leia fled into the meditation chamber, Han following behind her.

Luke sent comfort to his sister, then stared each of them in the eye. "That's the most she's been able tell us in one sitting before breaking down. They wanted to know where the Alliance was based. She wouldn't tell them. Grand Moff Tarkin ordered the Death Star to Alderaan and threatened to blow it up if she wouldn't tell. She lied and told them of an old base, but he ordered them to fire on Alderaan anyway." Luke sighed and shook his head. No one noticed how much the action resembled Yoda's. "Vader held her in place as Tarkin made her watch."

Mara spoke before they could pick their chins off the floor. "Tarkin was the most sadistic person I've ever met. If he'd had Force potential, Palpatine would be the least of your worries."

Padm?as aghast, "What happened?"

"The droids made it to the surface and were picked up by Jawas. Uncle Owen wound up buying them. I found part of Leia's message to Obi-wan while I was cleaning them." Luke grinned, "The only Kenobi I knew was the crazy old hermit Ben Kenobi who lived on the edge of the Dune Sea."

"A hermit?!?" Obi-wan rolled his eyes.

Luke chuckled, "Yes. You came to Tatooine to watch over me as Mother did the same with Leia. Uncle Owen didn't like you very much. I think he was afraid of who I could become. He got very angry every time you were mentioned or came near the farm." Luke paused, "By the way, I've always wondered, why 'Ben'?"
Obi-wan smiled, "A childhood friend couldn't pronounce Obi-wan, so he called me Ben. No one's called me that in years."

Luke grinned, then went on. "Well, the droids and I met up with you. Artoo's message was for you to get him to Alderaan to give the plans to Bail." A pained look came over him. "The Empire was looking for the droids because they didn't find them on Leia's ship. They tracked them to the farm. I was too late; Owen and Beru were dead. I decided to follow you to Alderaan."

Han and Leia returned. Leia's gaze was downcast and Luke looked at Han questioningly. Han nodded to let him know Leia was alright. *Leia?*

*I'm fine, Luke. Really.* She lifted her eyes and gave him a little half smile. "What did I miss?"

"Not much. You came back just in time. Han must have known I was about to talk about him," Luke replied with a wry smile.

"Well, we can't leave out the most important day in your life, Kid. After all, meeting me for the first time only happens once." Han flashed his best 'scoundrel' smile.

Everyone rolled their eyes. Luke bantered back, "Unfortunately, it's the meeting you over and over again that I can't forget." He then turned back to his mother and the Jedi Masters after seeing the scowl on Han's face. "We went to Mos Eisley to hire transport to Alderaan. That's where we met these two." Luke jerked a thumb at Han and Chewie.

"Speaking of," Han interrupted, "You were the one who set it up, so you better learn to speak Wookiee in the next 20 years."

"I already do. I just haven't had the opportunity in far too long." Obi-wan smirked then looked thoughtful, "I thought you said you were eighteen?"

Luke explained, "Twenty by Alderaanian and Tatooinian calendars, eighteen standard." He paused, then continued, "Anyway, we took off for Alderaan only to find out we were too late. Our ship was brought aboard the Death Star and we snuck in to find a way to get free. While we were waiting for you to sabotage the tractor beams, the droids found out Leia was on board and we went to rescue her."

Leia cleared her throat, then smirked. "Rescue? I recall having to get myself out of the detention block, along with the three of you."

Han, Luke and Chewie stared at her indignantly. "Hey Your Highnessness, you're alive aren't you?"

"I never claimed it was a well thought out plan." Luke was still slightly embarrassed by his first 'rescue' attempt.
Chewie just looked at the floor.

Leia stared at them a moment longer, exchanged amused glances with Mara, then continued. "Anyway, we made it out eventually and delivered the droids to the Rebellion."

Luke spoke up before she could finish, "Not all of us made it," he whispered. The others from the future sent Obi-wan a sorrowful glance. Luke was glad he didn't have to explain further. He wasn't exactly uncomfortable telling them the future, but he was definitely not looking forward to telling someone about their own death, especially someone he cared for.

Obi-wan saw the way Luke was staring at him with pain in his eyes, and Luke's earlier statement finally made sense. 'Yes, it was you who started my Jedi training. Master Yoda finished teaching me what I needed to know.' Obi-wan wasn't sure if he wanted to know the details of how he died, but he was a little pleased that he would live a good deal longer, even if the feeling was unJedi-like. There had been too many times, especially in recent years, when he wasn't sure he would live to see the next day.

***

Always the diplomat, Padm?gain changed the subject. "What did you do with the plans?"

"We used the plans to find a weakness in the Death Star. Unfortunately, we discovered that the Empire let us escape in order to track us. We had only a few hours to prepare a defense before the whole Rebellion was wiped out," Leia explained.

Han couldn't resist. He jerked a thumb at Luke. "Junior's life-long dream was to be a pilot. Alliance High Command was crazy enough to let him join one of the fighter squads. It was close, but he managed to blow the whole station, with my help of course."

Everyone rolled their eyes, but Luke remained quiet and seemed to not notice the eyes boring into him from across the room. Obi-wan recognized that look. "How many?"

Luke started and stared at him. "Alliance...almost four squadrons went out. Only three fighters and Han's ship came back, myself included." He took a deep breath and Mara rubbed his back. She didn't remember those days fondly and now knew he really didn't either. "On board the Death Star...1,205,109 crew, most of them probably conscripted."

No one knew what to say for a moment. A quiet sadness permeated the room. Luke finally continued, "Han's right though. I never would have made it without him. Vader almost had me on target-lock when his wingman knocked him out of the fight because Han had clipped him."

"You outflew him?" Obi-wan was impressed.

"Almost. I never got the chance to find out after that." Luke replied with just a hint of pride. "The next few years we spent running from the Empire. It only got worse when they found out who I was."

"What do you mean?" Padm?sked.

Leia answered. "We all had prices on our heads back then. Luke and I and the rest of the Alliance members were all wanted for sedition. Han and Chewie were wanted for a bad debt with Jabba."

Chewie roared a sarcastic reply to that comment. "Chewie, don't start that again. I told Jabba it wasn't my fault. Everybody gets boarded eventually. Besides, he wouldn't have raised the price on our heads if..."

"Would you two stop it already? That was years ago!" Leia glared at her husband. "Anyway, while Han and Chewie had the distinction of being the only beings able to survive for more than a year on Jabba's hit-list, Luke here holds the record for the all-time highest bounty in the galaxy."

All three of group from the past dropped their jaws. Padm?inally broke the silence. "What did you do?" At the same time, Obi-wan asked, "How much?"

"I had to dump a load of spice when I got boarded after being turned in by my supplier. Jabba wasn't happy that I couldn't pay him back right away. I have to admit, the Rebels sure knew how to hide. Jabba had every bounty hunter in the galaxy after me. Boba Fett was determined to be the one who caught me. Last I heard, the price was up to 500,000 credits."

"500,000 credits!" Obi-wan and Padm?ooked back and forth between Han and Luke. "What about you?"

"Naturally, the Emperor wasn't happy about the Death Star. Originally, the reward was 500,000 credits for the pilot who blew up the Death Star, dead or alive. After they found out who I was, it was 750,00 for me personally, alive only." Luke smirked. "About a year later, one of the more well known crime lords on Coruscant decided he could get into good graces with Palpatine by offering a reward for me dead. He and Vader got into a bidding war. What was the last price, Mara?"

Mara grinned wickedly, knowing what their reactions would be. "2,500,000 credits if I remember correctly."

Yoda, Obi-wan, and Padm?ere dumbfounded. Something occurred to Obi-wan, "Vader wanted you alive?" He only dared to hope that there was still a chance to save Anakin.

***

"The destruction of the Death Star was the first real victory for the Alliance. Until then, Palpatine considered us little more than a nuisance. After the Death Star, more and more systems realized they could fight back and have the possibility of regaining their freedom. And not every system bought into Palpatine's Death Star propaganda. We were hunted mercilessly, but after they found out who Luke was, Vader took on the search personally." Leia explained.

Luke was dreading this part of the story. "He tracked us to Hoth, where we were based at the time. We barely escaped. We four were some of the last to leave the planet. We were supposed to meet the fleet, but I detoured to Dagobah to find you Master Yoda."

Yoda perked up, "Find me did you?"

"Yes, Ben here told me where you were."

"How did I...."

Luke shook his head, "We stayed connected somehow. For many years, you were able to appear to me and talk with me."

Obi-wan was amazed. He had not heard of this phenomenon and looked questioningly to Yoda. Yoda sat wide-eyed and deep in thought, unsure if there was an answer. Only now did Obi-wan see the great depth and scale of the 'vergence in the Force' centering around the Skywalker line. No one - not Qui-Gon, not Mace, not even Yoda - had foreseen the grand scope and potential of Anakin and his offspring.

Luke was a little disappointed at the lack of an answer, but knew it was not important. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Leia cut in. "The hyperdrive in Han's ship malfunctioned, so Han, Chewie and I wound up making our way to Bespin for repairs."

The group from the future all cringed together in a subconscious reaction to their memories; everyone except for Mara. She sat quietly at Luke's side seemingly deep in thought about something. No one noticed she was actually concentrating with all her strength.

Luke shook himself from his reverie in an effort to get this part of it over with. "Vader captured Leia, Han and Chewie and tortured them again. He knew I'd feel their pain and come after my friends." His breath caught for a moment, then looked toward Yoda. "I didn't listen to you. I left to find them." Luke had to get something off his chest. "Master, I never got the chance before, but I apologize now. You were right." Yoda nodded and sighed. Luke felt an enormous weight lift off his shoulders. For years, although he never told anyone, he felt guilty after he finally realized the implications of abandoning his training so early.

Leia also wanted to get this over with. She glanced at Han. He was sitting quietly, lost in thought. "He froze Han in carbonite, then handed him over to Boba Fett. He wanted to test if the carbonite would preserve Luke long enough to take him to the Emperor. Chewie and I barely escaped with the help of a friend, Lando. We found Luke later, hanging from the underside of the city, missing his hand."
Padm?as outraged, "HE DID THAT TO YOU!!!!"

Luke was startled by his mother's outburst and a little happy that she was so protective of him, but he knew he had to make her understand. "It was my fault. I rushed in to fight him before I was ready. I didn't know who he was-"

She interrupted him, "But he knew who you were." Padm?asn't mollified yet.

"Yes," Luke sighed, then turned to Obi-wan. "He sensed that I hated him. I had been told that Vader murdered my father." Before Padm?ould get anymore upset, he explained. "I didn't know it then, but Obi-wan was right in telling me that. At that stage in my life, I would have gone off to join my father no matter who he was." He let her and Obi-wan adsorb what he'd told them. They both seemed to be pacified, at least a little.

"He tried to convince me to join him. At first, he just wanted me to turn to the Dark Side, like him. Palpatine wanted a new plaything, I guess." Luke's disgust was evident. "After he cut off my hand, he asked me join him in overthrowing Palpatine."

Padm?sked in a horrified whisper. "What did you do?"

"I was at the end of a maintenance platform in the middle of the city's main reactor shaft. He gave me a choice: join him or die. I jumped."

To the surprise of everyone, Leia yelled, "You jumped??" She saw everyone staring at her then said a little more quietly, "I thought you fell."
Luke shook his head. Leia wasn't finished, "You weren't..."

"No, Leia. It was a choice. I just let go." Luke laughed bitterly in her mind. He didn't want his mother to hear what he had to say next. *I told you that's when he told me who he was. I wasn't suicidal, but I still don't know how I kept my sanity.*

Leia took his hand in sympathy when she noticed it twitching in the familiar nervous habit he'd developed since that day. Evidently, they still had much to talk about, but only when they were alone. She decided to move on for now. "As I said before, we picked up Luke and went back to the fleet. Chewie and Lando went to find Han and we joined them later to set Han free."

***

Han finally spoke up. "Being used as wall art in Jabba's palace was not the highest point in my life. Luckily, Leia was the first person I saw when she brought me out of it." Leia blushed and Han got a faraway look in his eyes. "That was the longest six months of my life."

Padm?at wide-eyed. "How did you get free?"
Han was about to tell them all about Luke's daring rescue, but was cut off by Luke himself. Luke really didn't want to have to explain to his Masters exactly how he got into Jabba's throne room. "I attempted talking Jabba out of it, not really expecting it to work. It didn't. Jabba sentenced us all to die after I killed his rancor and we fought our way off his sailbarge."

"You killed a rancor?" Padm?ooked like a little girl being read a particularly exciting bedtime story.

"Not exactly. I brought the restraining gate down on its head by throwing a skull at the switch. It was close though. I barely escaped being eaten." Luke looked around sheepishly at the dropped jaws. "Anyway, we got away after Leia killed Jabba."

Leia didn't give them the chance to ask her, "The slug made me his personal 'pet'. It was revolting. He kept me on a chain. I strangled him with it during our escape."

Obi-wan couldn't remember the last time he'd been so surprised than in the past few minutes. "You strangled a Hutt?"

Leia shrugged. She glared at Han when he made a comment about the metal bikini. "Han..."

Luke came to his rescue. "We didn't know it then, but it was closer than we thought. Palpatine had learned about what Vader offered me and sent Mara after me. She was disguised as one of Jabba's dancers. Luckily, he wouldn't let her go on the sailbarge or I would have been dead." Luke laughed in an attempt to ease the tension, but soon noticed no one was laughing. They were staring at Mara, who in turn was staring out the window, oblivious to them all. "Mara?"

She didn't answer.

Luke reached out to her through their bond. *Mara?*

She jumped and noticed everyone was staring at her. "Palpatine is up to something. He's happy...too happy."

"Sense him I do not. Clouded is the Dark Side."

"That may be, Master Yoda, but whatever he did to me enables me to read him like an open datapad. He's up to something, but I'm not sure what it is. I could find out, but he would know I'm here."

Yoda thought for a moment. "Do this you should. A bad feeling about this do I have."

***

Mara closed her eyes for a moment to center herself. When she opened them again, she looked straight at Yoda. "I can do this, but not while he is so focused. I'll need a distraction."
Padm?as curious, "What kind of distraction?"

Mara grinned wickedly, "Even though he is Sith, getting him angry is the best way to make him lose concentration." She noticed some of the others' confused looks. "He uses his anger to aid him in the Dark Side, but Palpatine has an enormous ego. He just can't focus if someone spoils his fun, especially when he's pleased with himself."

Padm?rinned as she understood, "I might be able to provide that to you, Mara. Master Yoda, I will need to speak with Queen Jamillia for a few minutes first. May I use your com?"

Yoda gestured to the terminal used during council meetings for reports given by Jedi from off-planet. Padm?xcused herself. The rest of the group remained quiet; thinking. They could hear some muted exclamations coming from the com and the Jedi could sense Padm? agitation, then determination. When she returned, her face was set in a mask of iron will. Something had changed in her eyes. Her children could see that she had turned her previous grief into something else. What that was, they weren't sure, but Luke could definitely tell he would not want to be on the receiving end of it.

Padm?at regally in one of the councilbeings' chairs and faced the center of the room. "I ask you all to remain quiet. Do not say a word, no matter what I do." Padm?urned to Yoda. "Master Jedi, I need to set up a link with Palpatine, not full projection of course. It would also help if he didn't know the call was coming from the Temple."

Yoda smiled and directed Obi-wan to set up the call. Everyone unconsciously held their breath as the call was put through.

A projection of Palpatine appeared in the middle of the room. He smiled cordially, certain no one could detect the surprise in his voice. "Senator Amidala, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Not so pleasurable, Your Excellency. I have just been given plenipotentiary powers by Queen Jamillia. It is with her blessing I ask you to explain yourself." Luke and Leia were surprised by their mother's deep tone of voice. It was the same voice, Obi-wan recognized, she used as Queen of Naboo to make herself seem older.

Palpatine laughed, the epitome of the kindhearted grandfather. "My dear, whatever do you mean?"

"I mean, Sir, that I have heard disturbing reports about your status in the Republic." Padm?as forcing him to be the first to admit that he'd declared himself Emperor. Palpatine would normally have never fallen for such an obvious ploy, but we was quite pleased with himself at the moment.
"Oh, I must admit that the reports are quite true, Senator." Palpatine smiled. "You may call me Emperor."

Padm?rched an eyebrow. "Funny, I don't remember seeing that particular item on the Senate agenda. I certainly didn't vote for it."

Palpatine was getting annoyed, "Senator Amidala. Padm?dear. Surely you can see what the Republic needs now is strong leadership?"

Padm?ad to contain her laughter. "Chancellor Palpatine. I can honestly say that, no, I cannot support this. What did you call it? Strong leadership?" Padm?hook her head. "No, Chancellor," she emphasized his title a second time, "the Republic already has strong leadership. It is unfortunate that we beings of the Senate have been blinded by political infighting these many years. Tell me, you wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?" Padm?ook a deep breath. "I ask you again, Chancellor; explain yourself."

Palpatine was losing his temper. "There is nothing to explain, Senator. Soon, you will bow before me along with the rest of this miserable excuse we call a government."

Padm?umped at the opening he'd just given her. "Certainly, Your Excellency...on one condition."

"And what is that?"

"I ask you to return the favor."

"What?" Palpatine was shocked.

"You heard me." Padm? eyes bored right into his. "Tell me, Palpatine. You remain a registered citizen of Naboo, do you not?"

Now he was confused. "Yes."

"I assume since you were once Senator before me, you are familiar with Nubian law?"

"As it pertains to the Republic, yes. What are you getting at?"

Padm?urled her lip slightly. "There is a difference between you and I, Palpatine. I have had the advantage of studying Nubian law as it pertains to the monarchy. You do remember I was once Queen, and as the present Queen's plenipotentiary, I have certain rights?"

Palpatine eyed her suspiciously. "What are you saying?"

She only asked him another question, further irritating him. "Are you familiar with King Renu?"

"The worst King in Nubian history?" Palpatine laughed. "What does he have to do with anything? You are wasting my time, Senator."

"Patience, Your Excellency. I'm getting to my point. King Renu was the single reason our people decided to turn to an elected monarchy, but he did leave behind a few interesting edicts." Padm?aused and sat up straighter. "One of these edicts, although not widely used, is still in effect. All citizens of Naboo must show proper respect to their monarch at all times or be charged for treason. So again, I say, Sir, I will certainly bow to you...so long as you do the same."

Palpatine was barely controlling his rage. "Senator, you are no longer queen of our people. Furthermore, as ruler of the Republic, I bow to no one."

Padm?rched an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you represented the Republic, not ruled it, but that's not my point. King Renu's edict does not specify past or present monarch, and I am speaking to you on the present Queen's authority. I don't see how it would make a difference anyway. You are still a Nubian citizen, by your own word."

"I bow to no one." Palpatine gritted his teeth.

"So you admit treason?" Palpatine didn't answer. "Sir, you openly declare yourself Emperor, do you not?"

"Yes."

"Naboo's membership treaty with the Republic clearly states that all changes in the Republic's government must be voted upon by a representative of Naboo. You were once a member of the Senate; a voting representative of Naboo. You were elected Chancellor from that position." Padm?lared at Palpatine. "I am now the voting representative of Naboo, and I have not been called to vote on your current change in Republic government. It stands to reason that you have violated Nubian Planetary law, which also brings a charge of treason. Do you deny this?"

Palpatine just glared back at her.

"The Queen demands an answer, Palpatine," Padm?aid menacingly.

Palpatine answered defiantly. "I do not deny it, Senator."

"One last thing, Sir. I have also heard reports that you were involved with the Trade Federation during my reign. Is this true?" Padm?idn't really want to discuss his Darth Sidious alter ego, but she did have a right to know about his involvement.

Palpatine saw no need in denying it any longer. He was Emperor. He had the most powerful Force user in history on his side. Remembering Anakin, he laughed. "You've been a thorn in my side for years, Padm? It seems now I have the upper hand. Tell me, do your friends at the Temple know your little secret? Hmm...the look on their faces must be priceless."

Padm?omehow found the strength within herself to bury her anguish. "I am speaking to you on the Queen's business Palpatine, not my own. Are the reports true?"
Palpatine was indignant at being brushed aside so easily, but let it go. "Oh yes, Senator."

Padm?ooked defeated for a moment, then spoke. "Then as the Queen at that time, you will answer to me." Before anyone could stop her, she pricked her finger with a hidden vibroknife and stained her upper lip, a stripe on her lower lip and dots on her cheeks in her own blood. "As Queen of Naboo, I used to wear the Scar of Remembrance in honor of my people who had died in past wars. I wear it today in remembrance of the people who died under my reign. You are telling me today that those people died because of you. Am I correct?"

Palpatine was amused. "Yes, Senator."

Padm?as furious, but remained calm. She spoke with authority that left no room for argument. "I am questioning you as your former sovereign with the authority of your present sovereign. You will address me as Your Highness!"

Everyone in the room jumped, as did Palpatine over the holocom. They had never seen her so demanding. When Palpatine didn't answer, Padm?leared her throat. Her gaze burned into his. "Well?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Then by the power given to me by Her Majesty Queen Jamillia the First, I must charge you with three counts of treason to the Sovereign Planet of Naboo. By your own admission, you are guilty of these crimes and must be sentenced accordingly. On the count of showing disrespect to your monarch, you are sentenced with banishment from Naboo. On the count of disregarding the Nubian Planetary Treaty with the Republic, you are banned from holding any position within the Nubian government. On the count of the attempted murder of your monarch and inciting war, you are sentenced to death."

Padm?et that sink in a few moments before continuing. "If you are seen anywhere in Nubian territory, you will be taken into custody and executed. I will recommend to Queen Jamillia next I see her that Naboo publicly oppose your new regime and, as much as it pains me to say it, officially boycott the Republic as long as you are in office. Remember, Sir, that Naboo has many friends in the Republic. Our boycott will not be taken lightly. Finally, I am resigning my position as Senator, effective immediately. Good Day, Your Excellency." Padm?urned off the holocom, not giving Palpatine time to answer her.

She wiped the stains off her face. The tears she had been holding back finally flowed. For long years, she fought to keep the Republic together and she had just thrown it all away. After a moment's hesitation, she realized it was worth it to save what was left of her family. She finally let herself look at her audience. They were all dumb with shock.

***

Everyone in the room stared back at her with jaws gaping and eyes wide open. None of them had ever seen Palpatine put in his place so thoroughly. A petite, pregnant woman had just fearlessly given a thorough tongue lashing to the first Sith Lord to show his face in a thousand years, and lived to tell about it. Without fail, each of them decided never to take this woman for granted ever again.

After a few moments, the silence was broken by uproarious laughter. Leia, Han and Chewie were completely shocked to discover the sound coming from Mara. Luke had seen her laugh before, but never with this much enthusiasm. They all stared in wonder as she got control of herself and walked over to Padm?o give her what would have been a bone-crushing hug had she not been pregnant.

"I congratulate you. That was the finest distraction I have ever witnessed. I must admit, there have been many moments in my life that I wished to exact revenge on him, but what I have seen today is beyond any humiliation I could think of." Mara realized what she was doing and quickly let go of her mother-in-law. She leaned closer to her and whispered. "I will always remember this. Thank you."

Padm?iped her tears and then grinned widely. "No need to thank me. I've been wanting to do that for years."

With a smirk, Mara turned around to look and the others, ready to get the job done. "Now it's my turn. Again, please say nothing and don't bring attention to yourselves in any way. I will attempt to do this without him noticing, but I don't think it will be that easy. If I start talking, it won't be to you, so don't answer unless I address you first." She turned to Luke and pinned him with a glare. "Remember, do nothing." They all nodded and she sat down in a meditation pose to begin.

***

Mara sat still for several minutes. Just as Obi-wan and Yoda were about to ask about her apparent lack of action, her eyes flew open and she inhaled sharply. She settled down, and again remained still for several minutes.

The com buzzed and Obi-wan moved to answer it. "Master Kenobi, don't touch that," Mara stated firmly.

Her eyes closed and she spoke again. "No need to use such conventional methods, Palpatine." The Jedi in the room realized she actually said this to him through the Force and only spoke aloud to let the others know something was happening. She continued the half-conversation.

"Who I am need not concern you."

Mara smirked, "You sound agitated. Having a bad day, Your Excellency?"

"I wouldn't try that if I were you. You may have been able to fool the Council all these years, but you can't fool me. I won't let you in to cloud my mind anymore."
"Yes, I know you quite well. You can't keep me out, Palpatine. In fact, you could say I was trained in this sort of thing."

The others in the room felt a glimmer in the Force. Obviously, Mara was making progress.

"Now, now. You shouldn't speak that way to a lady."

"Oh, what sort of secrets are you hiding in here? Do your friends at the Temple know?" Mara mocked his previous words.

"Oh, I know you know where I am. Does it really surprise you?"

"You seemed so pleased a while ago. Why don't you share so we all can enjoy?"

Mara flinched, "Aha! Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out about this?"

A dark cloud lifted in the Force and all the Jedi in the room gasped. Mara flinched one last time. "I said don't try it Palpatine. I would advise you to retreat back into your own little world."

Mara opened her eyes and ran to the window and gasped. A moment later, everyone else stood beside her. A large crowd could be seen below and their presence in the Force was anything but friendly. Padm?as horrified to see the glare of white armor intermingled with ordinary, angry citizens.

Obi-wan swore. "There are too many of them! There aren't enough of us left to defend ourselves against that crowd."

Mara turned to the diminutive Jedi standing next to her. "Master Yoda, if this place has an evacuation plan, I suggest you use it. Now."

Everyone turned again at the sound of Luke's violent epithet. "Vader is here. He's in the building, and he's not alone."

***

Obi-wan was shocked that he hadn't sensed his own padawan. He reached out to find him and discovered that his Force presence was skewed. It was finally sinking in that Anakin was Anakin no longer. The burden that had been squeezing his heart these past several months increased.

Yoda immediately took charge. "Obi-wan, protect the Senator you must. Discover her here, Vader cannot. At the shuttle to the spaceport I will meet you. Instruct the Council to evacuate the Temple, I will." Obi-wan's heart almost stopped at Yoda's next words. "Purges have begun, as we have feared."

Chewie growled, "Master Jedi, I must warn you. Palpatine is very xenophobic. All non-humans must take extra precautions." Han translated this to Padm?nd Obi-wan, who was beginning to understand, but not entirely.

Padm?ooked grim. "Master Yoda, tell the Council that Naboo will gladly provide refuge should it be needed."

Yoda nodded his thanks sadly. "Go you should. All of you. To be seen here would not be wise."

Obi-wan led the group quickly from the room.

When they got in the turbolift, Han pressed the emergency stop button. As the others glared at him, he explained. "If Vader is here, with reinforcements, I'd feel better having my blaster."

Obi-wan stared at him a moment and was then caught off-guard by a wave of embarrassment coming from Luke, Leia, and Mara. He turned to them and was surprised to see Leia disappear into thin air again.

Luke explained, "Tomorrow is Winter Fete. We were having a quiet family dinner. At home, with the kids, we usually don't need...arming ourselves was the last thing on our mind." He said the last part a little sheepishly.

Obi-wan smiled, but said nothing. Mara quietly, but obviously, shifted her left arm. Obi-wan and Padm?ere surprised to see her pull out a small blaster and flip a safety switch. She grinned wickedly at the look on their faces.

Padm?as worried, "You aren't going to shoot him, are you?"

Han answered. "Don't worry. I'm not taking chances with all this time-space continuum nonsense. My blaster will be set to stun." Han smirked. "It doesn't matter anyway. The last time I tried to shoot Vader, he just absorbed the blast with his hand." Han's face clouded over as he remembered what happened next.

Obi-wan knew about this ability, but Padm?id not. Luke saw her unbelieving expression and replied, "It's not that hard to do; it just takes concentration, and it hurts like hell."

Before Obi-wan could respond, Mara snickered. "Corran would say you have a remarkable ability for understatement. I don't think he could describe absorbing an entire explosion as 'hurts like hell'."

"An entire explosion? Who is this Corran?" Obi-wan could hardly believe his ears.
Luke answered, "One of my students, and a Halcyon."

Obi-wan grinned in understanding. Just then Leia reappeared and started passing out everyone's weapons. "Han, the kids were playing with the house computer again. I caught them re-wiring the com terminal...to do what, I don't know." Chewie growled his laughter as he took his bowcaster.

Han rolled his eyes and sighed as he took his blaster. "If they re-wired it to sound like 3PO again..."

Luke and Mara fought back a laugh as they took their weapons. Padm?asped as she saw Mara's lightsaber. At first, Mara was surprised, then realized why she reacted that way. "Luke gave this to me as a gift." She frowned for a moment. "Come to think of it...it might be recognized by someone else. I probably shouldn't use it here."

Obi-wan wordlessly took her lightsaber and placed his in her hand. She gaped at him, then nodded her acceptance of his offer. Obi-wan stared at his former padawan's lightsaber sadly. No one said anything, but the other Jedi could feel his pain and discouragement. Luke understood and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Obi-wan glanced at Luke gratefully, then gathered himself and said, "Are you sure your weapons will work? I'm a little surprised that you were able to bring them here." He activated Anakin's old weapon, then quickly turned it off.

"Oh! I didn't even think about that. I just grabbed them and came back." Leia thumbed her lightsaber on, being careful not to impale anyone in the crowded turbolift. Staring at her blade, she was surprised to feel shock, anger and despair coming from her mother and Obi-wan. "What?"

"It's red." Obi-wan stated flatly.

Leia stared at him, confused. "And my shirt is white. So?"

"Red is only used by Sith."

Luke's and Leia's eyes widened in surprise, but then Leia grinned. "Well, it's a good thing I made this little adjustment, then. You'll like this little brother."

"You still believe you're older?" Luke snorted then asked, "What adjustment?"

"This," Leia stated simply as she thumbed off her saber. She twisted the handle near the top and pressed the activation switch again. The blade shone the same color as the chalcedony waves signifying Leia's station in the Alderaanian Royal House.

Pride radiated from Luke's presence. Before he got to question her about the change, Padm?sked, "You don't even know who is older?"

Luke and Leia shook their heads no. Luke glanced at his sister with a silly grin. "She insists that she is, but I don't know why. It just means she'll be 40 before me next month."
Leia elbowed him in the ribs. "Nerf!"

"I hate to break up this little bonding moment, but we don't have much time," Mara said. She was familiarizing herself with Obi-wan's lightsaber and switched it on and off quickly to get a feel for the weapon. Luke, Han and Chewie checked their weapons, then Han pressed the button to resume the turbolift's descent.

The Jedi looked at Leia questioningly. Han, Padm?nd Chewie watched them because they had nothing better to do at the moment. Leia explained. "I got to thinking about Corran's dual-phased lightsaber and how it worked. I had a chance to talk to him a while back and he told me how he built it. I realized that the focusing crystals could all be set the same or very close to each other, so there would be little or no variation in length when realigned. Only the color change would remain. I had a few days off at the time, so I decided to experiment." Leia grinned then looked at Mara and her mother and laughed. "After all, a girl has to accessorize."

The women laughed. The men rolled their eyes, but Leia could feel their amusement. More importantly, she could feel Luke's admiration. She smiled until the turbolift stopped and the doors opened.

***

The group walked out of the turbolift and into a large hallway. "We're headed for the public shuttle platform," Obi-wan explained. "No one knew we were coming so we landed Padm? ship as far from the Temple as possible so we wouldn't be noticed. Once we meet Yoda, we will take a shuttle to the spaceport." The small gathering nodded and then walked around a corner; right into a squad of about 20 troopers.

The troopers were surprised to see people in this hallway and they hesitated. That hesitation was just enough for the Jedi to take their weapons and smash them into the nearest wall using the Force. They had no time to react as Chewie and Mara flew into action. Obi-wan intended to stay back and protect Padm?but was startled to see Luke, Leia and Han do the same. "Shouldn't some of us go and help them?"

"No need. We'll just get in their way. Mara is the best hand-to-hand fighter of all of us, and Chewbacca could easily fight in the place of all three of us." Luke answered. Obi-wan and Padm?tared at him for a moment then turned to watch the fight.

As they all watched, Chewie pulled arms and legs just as fast as they flew at him. Any Stormtrooper in Chewbacca's day would most likely think twice before attacking him, but these clones were programmed to fear nothing. Therefore, they had no fear of the huge Wookiee before them. Han could tell Chewie was holding back; he settled for dislocating limbs rather than removing them. Chewie didn't want to risk killing someone in the past.

Before long, Chewbacca was the only one standing in a ring of troopers writhing on the floor in pain. Padm?inced at the odd angles of the limbs displayed on the floor. They all turned to Mara, who was standing in a smaller ring of unconscious troopers. She was still fighting the last one, who was the apparent leader of the squad. He was wearing an officer's uniform version of the Clonetrooper armor, complete with helmet. It appeared the non-cloned soldiers attacking the Temple did not want to be recognized. He was putting up a very good fight, but Obi-wan was impressed with the way Mara handled herself.

***

Mara suppressed a grin as she fought the last trooper. She could feel his arrogance as he assumed he could easily defeat a woman, then his surprise when she blocked his first punch. He tried a front kick, which Mara easily swept aside. His surprise turned to anger and embarrassment when Mara snap-kicked him on his backside as he turned away from her block.

He stumbled but quickly regained his balance just in time to block a fist flying toward his gut. He was surprised again when her foot made contact with his knee. He went down. Holding his leg in pain, he spat, "You think you're so tough with your Force. Without it, I'd bet you're just a scared little girl."

Mara flinched at his voice. It sounded familiar. "Ooh, I'm so scared," Mara said sarcastically. "I'll let you in on a little secret. I don't need the Force to take you down." Mara smirked, "At least I haven't yet."

Angered by her taunts, the trooper jumped up, no longer feeling his pain in his adrenaline enhanced state. Unfocused in his anger, Mara effortlessly jabbed him in the sternum as she hooked his ankles, which brought him down again, and he landed hard on the floor. "What's the matter? Did you slip?"

He roared at her and rushed in with both fists balled. Mara stepped in close, blocking his punches. One got through to her kidney and Mara cried out. He grinned at her smugly. "Ready to give up, little girl?"

Mara jumped at him, landing a blow to his side, then his neck. While he was stunned, she swept his feet out from under him again and knelt down, staring him in the eyes. "I never give up!" she hissed and grabbed his armor near the neck, "And don't call me little girl!" One hard shove into the floor knocked him unconscious.

***

Obi-wan watched in awe as Mara repeatedly knocked the man down. He had never seen anyone fight that fiercely or as well. Thinking her as only cold and distant before, he could easily see now that this woman was extremely dangerous and deadly. He hoped she had learned to control her anger given her talents. Someone who enjoyed fighting so much was flirting too closely with the Dark Side of the Force in his opinion. Maybe she wasn't cut out to be a Jedi.
He immediately caught himself. *What right do I have to judge? Pride is just as dangerous as anger. What a remarkable career I've had; killed one Sith and trained another. If it wasn't for me, Anakin never would have turned. I'm responsible for all of this.*

*No. Don't blame yourself.*

The voice in his head jolted him out of his regret and self-pity. Obi-wan forced down those feelings, then brought his focus back to the others. Luke was staring at him with understanding and...was that reproach? It unnerved him a little. This man, that looked so much like his padawan and knew more about him than he felt comfortable with, just stared at him in a way that made him want to crawl under a rock and hide while at the same time bare his soul of all his troubles. For some reason, it reminded him of Qui-gon.

*Who else is there to blame? It was my pride that got in the way.* Obi-wan laughed bitterly through his mental conversation. *Thinking I was as good a teacher as Yoda.*

*Is Yoda so invincible? He trained me and it didn't stop me from turning.* Luke sighed. *I used to wonder if the Dark Side was predestined, but a very good friend explained to me once that falling to the Dark Side is a choice.*

Obi-wan saw the truth in what Luke had told him. He hadn't been fair to Yoda, himself, Anakin or the Force. *What became of this friend?*

Luke smiled as he stopped staring at Obi-wan and turned back to the fight. *I married her.*

Obi-wan turned back to watch Mara, remembering those first few days with Anakin and how he had judged him. Some lessons take a lifetime to learn it seemed. He watched with the others as Mara removed the trooper's helmet and was amazed to hear her laugh when she did so. As they walked toward her, she got up and kicked the unconscious man hard in the ribs.

"What's so funny?" asked Luke.

"This man was my combat instructor. Rumor was he was so good at his job because he once got beaten up by a woman and could never get over the embarrassment." Mara grinned.

Luke took her face in his hands and began studying the swollen eye and split lip he found there. He aided her in starting the healing process, then asked, "And the kick to the ribs?"

Mara scowled, "He was a little too good at his job. He used to beat me up every chance he got. I received more than one injury under his tutelage ." She quickly squatted next to him and placed her hand on his head, sending healing waves through the Force.

Now Luke was really confused. "Now what?"
Mara shrugged, "He may have beaten me, but I'd be dead many times over if it wasn't for what he taught me." She quickly turned to continue down the corridor, ignoring the befuddled party behind her.

***

They caught up to her and Obi-wan continued leading them toward the shuttle. Han suddenly turned and started walking towards a door in the side of the corridor. Everyone came to a stop as Obi-wan caught his attention. "That's just a storage closet."

Without saying a word, Han palmed the door open and glared at his three children. "I thought we told you go home?" He held up a hand to silence them. "Don't answer that. I know we told you three to go home. So explain to me why you are here."

"In the closet?" asked Jaina.

"For starters, yes."

"Um, we heard voices and figured it was best to hide."

"So what you're actually saying is you heard our voices, and knowing you aren't supposed to be here, you hid from us." Han scratched his chin. "Am I right?"

The Solo children recognized that tone of voice. "Yes, sir."

"And what have I told you three about using the Force to sneak around?" Luke asked.

"That Mom would disown you and Dad would probably put a blaster to your head when they found out you taught us how?" Jacen joked. His only answer was a glare from his uncle and stifled laughter from the rest of his family, including his grandmother and Master Kenobi.

Under Luke's continued glare, Jaina answered again. "Don't do it unless it's absolutely necessary or an emergency."

"So where's the emergency?"

"Um, here?"

Han spoke up. "And you three were not invited to this 'emergency'. Your mom's already told me about rewiring the com. I'd say that plus this gets you three no privileges for a week." The look on his face told them it was unwise to argue about it. "We don't have time to talk about this right now. Go home and stay there."

"Yes sir."
Han closed the door and turned to Luke as they continued walking along the corridor. "That's not a bad idea, you know, putting a blaster to your head."

"It won't work. I already tried that, remember?" Mara said. She turned to her husband, cutting off his next comment. "Don't even say it. I know you're thinking it. It's comments like that, that keep me threatening your life. Just be glad I didn't 'do' it."

Luke grinned and took her hand in his as they walked. "I am." He glanced over his shoulder, "They had to learn sometime, Han."

"Why did you have to make them Jedi, Luke?" Han asked teasingly.

"Why did you have to make them Corellian?"

"How did you know they were in there?" Obi-wan asked Han before he could make another sarcastic comment to Luke. The look Obi-wan was giving him was one of uncertainty. Obi-wan was confused how this non-Force-sensitive could know three children were behind a closed door.

"It was pure logic. When Leia told me about the com, it was only a matter of time before they got bored and decided to spy on the grown-ups. I'm surprised it took them this long." Han thought for a moment more. "It must be the holidays. They don't want to jeopardize their role in the gift-giving tomorrow."

Luke grinned like the proud uncle that he was. "I must admit. They are learning more and more everyday. I didn't even sense them joining us." He frowned. "I'll have to talk to them about that."

Padm?rinned with a twinkle in her eyes. "There's an old saying on Naboo. 'It takes a village to raise a child.'"

Leia laughed. "With those three, more like an entire planet."

Chewie rumbled in agreement. "I just hope little Ben isn't the same. I don't think any of us could handle a fourth."

Luke and Mara cringed at that thought and glared at Han and Leia, who were grinning at them wickedly.

***

They continued towards the shuttle platform, and their laughter died down as the seriousness of their situation settled in. They encountered more troops, who were quickly subdued. One group almost succeeded in ambushing them, but Han and Luke recognized it as a well known tactic used during their Rebellion days and were able to get everyone out of it before anyone was seriously hurt.
They steadily made their way, passing several Jedi evacuating the building. Everyone was hurrying as fast as they could while still looking like dignified Jedi. Obi-wan slowed to talk to a few of them, but continued to lead his charges to another turbolift. At one point, a Mon Calamari female approached them. Obi-wan talked animatedly to her for a moment and to everyone's surprise, hugged her before she hurried away.

Before anyone could ask him about it, there was an enormous explosion nearby, followed by a loud rumbling sound. Everyone in the hall ran to the nearest window, doing their best to keep their balance as the floor shook with the shockwave.

Cries of surprise and anguish were immediately heard throughout the corridor. Han recognized it as he watched his loved ones being equally affected. The death cries in the Force were almost palpable, even to him. He noticed Padm?olding back tears. He didn't know if she knew what was going on with the Force-sensitives around them or not. As she met his gaze, he gasped and he realized something in her eyes had just died. Her husband, the man she loved, was responsible for this. Han took her hand and Chewie laid his on her shoulder as the Jedi around them stared out of the windows, gaping in disbelief and sorrow. In the smoke and rubble, surrounding what had once been the training halls, the crowd cheered.

The entire ordeal only took a moment before the Jedi regained their characteristic serenity as they went back to evacuating the building. Han had been living with Force-sensitives long enough to recognize that this was mostly a facade. The tension surrounding them was thick. One last look out the window confirmed that the crowd was moving to the next tower...the living quarters. He turned with the others. Getting out of here was becoming more and more important every second.

***

As they approached the turbolifts, Luke, Leia and Mara could feel the Dark Side centering around a single being and it was coming closer. Remembering how his father had sensed him on Endor, Luke dampened his Force presence. Mara and Leia noticed this and asked him about it.

"He can't find out about us," Luke reminded them.

The women understood and quickly did the same. "You two should also take care of your other selves," Mara suggested. Luke and Leia nodded as Mara added a suggestion of confusion in the Force.

Obi-wan, who had been concentrating on Padm?noticed the change. He was about to inquire when he felt the dark presence coming closer and then he understood. He still could not feel where the other was, but knew he was coming in their direction. Yoda had said they shouldn't meet, but unfortunately it was too late.

The group looked up as they heard the turbolift open. As the dark figure stepped out of the lift with a small group of troops, they stopped as if running into an invisible wall and held their breath. All of them except Padm?

Oblivious to everything around her but her estranged husband, Padm?alked towards him with a determined step and some unnameable expression on her face. She could not slap his face but made do with an open-handed blow to the side of his helmet. Vader's guards immediately fired at the woman who dared attack their commander, but the blasts did not hit their mark. A blur of green and blue light swirled before their eyes and the guards watched in awe as the sabers returned to their masters. Their own weapons were then pulled from their hands. They all began to tremble in fear as their commander turned to them. With a wave of his hand, they began gasping for breath. "Leave. Now!" Vader said menacingly. The guards turned and ran as Vader again stared at his wife.

***
Completely focused on Padm?Vader didn't notice the others in the corridor or their actions. Luke, Leia and Mara reinforced their Force suggestions, but Vader didn't notice. Obi-wan braced himself for another fight, wary of his padawan's use of the Dark Side, but Vader didn't notice. Padm?as again wearing her over-sized cloak, so Vader didn't notice her condition either. They continued to stare at each other.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Padm?inally asked, icily.

"Something that should have been done a thousand years ago. Something that needs to be done."

"How could you? These people are your friends!" Padm?ried.

"FRIENDS?" Vader roared. "Do friends take everything away from you, deny you all that would make life worth living and then leave you for dead?"

"Why are you doing this? I don't understand." Padm?as holding back tears that could flood a whole valley. "Why are you here?"

"I could ask you the same." Vader replied coolly.

"What do you mean? These people are my friends even if you deny this yourself."

"You didn't answer my question. Why are you here?"

"I asked you first," Padm?nswered. "But if you insist, I came to consult my 'friends' on a personal matter."

Vader was visibly shaken. "Personal?" He glanced at Obi-wan then back to his wife. "How personal?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't patronize me! Don't think I haven't noticed. My Master was right about you two!" Vader was seething with barely controlled fury as he gestured toward Obi-wan. Obi-wan was completely shocked by the accusation and could not form a coherent sentence to refute the claim. Padm?however, had plenty to say.

"How dare you! How dare you even think such a thing? I meant what I said when we took our vows, Ani! You think so little of me to believe an unjustified rumor? It's insulting!" Padm?pat. She drew back to hit him again, but he caught her wrist and held it tightly.

"My Master doesn't have time for trivial rumors, only the truth."

Padm?losed her eyes and took a deep breath. "And what truth is that? Do you believe everything he says? Did you even think to ask me about this? Are you so quick to judge that you don't consider the facts? Whose truth, Ani?" Padm?sked. "Palpatine's truth?"
"Yes," was all he said.

Padm? nostrils flared and her eyes gleamed fire. "I can't believe you would do this, Ani. Listen to yourself. 'My Master'!" Padm?ocked. "You do everything he says, believe everything he says...without question. If you miss slavery so much, you should have told me. I'm sure Watto is buying. At least we could have made some money from the deal!" Vader gripped her wrist tighter, but Padm?asn't finished. "But you give yourself freely at the price of your soul! If Shmi were alive...she must be rolling in her grave!"

With a great roar of anger, Vader flung her to Obi-wan's feet. "NEVER SPEAK HER NAME AGAIN!" The entire group backed away from the wave of rage and sorrow.

Obi-wan was still in shock so Luke caught Padm?efore she hit the ground. As she regained her balance, he looked into her eyes and gasped. She was very beautiful...but sad. Leia's words to him, it seemed like a lifetime ago, repeated themselves over and over in his mind. This was the face of the woman that Leia remembered. A woman who had lost everything and died of a broken heart at an early age. He glanced at his sister. She was holding back tears and he knew she had seen it too.

Without saying a word, Padm?urned back to the man that she no longer knew as her husband. As she did so, she yanked something from around her neck. At the look on her face, Vader's rage was quickly engulfed by an even bigger wave of sorrow and just a hint of fear. The Jedi all glanced at each other, not knowing what to think or do about this.

Padm?ordlessly placed the necklace in Vader's glove and closed his hand around the item. She looked into his mask as she wept. "Someone very dear to me once said this would bring me good fortune. That person is lost to me now. If you happen to find him, I pray it brings him enough good fortune to return this to its rightful owner." Padm?acked away from him and started walking towards the turbolift. She halted as he spoke.

"That person may no longer be bold enough to allow himself to be found."

Luke said something in Jawa and Vader snapped his head up to look at him, but Luke already had his back to him and was escorting his mother to the turbolifts. The rest of the group followed Luke and Padm?s Vader returned to staring at the small pendant he held, remembering a time and person that he thought no longer existed.

In the turbolift, Padm?sked quietly, "What did you say to him?"

Luke smiled sadly, "It's an old saying. 'Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Fortune favors the bold.'"

(A/N: The first part of this quote comes from William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Act iii. Sc. 1.)

***

Obi-wan was still reeling from Vader's accusations of his infidelity. How could Anakin believe such a thing? *No,* he told himself. *Anakin would never even consider it. Vader, on the other hand...* The utter failure he felt threatened to overwhelm him. He realized he was quickly going to drown in his own despair and centered himself. He'd think about these things later. "How did you know he spoke Jawa?"

"I didn't, but if he was a slave in a Tatooine junk shop, he wouldn't have lasted long if he couldn't at least understand it."

Obi-wan nodded and they exited the turbolift only to find themselves in yet another lightfight. Unfortunately, this one was directly in front of their shuttle and involved Master Yoda, who had arrived before them by another route.

Clonetroopers were trying to get to the shuttle's landing pad via the docking ramp so they could sabotage the ship. Yoda fought fiercely, but was outnumbered and wouldn't last much longer. Yoda's lightsaber whipped around with such speed, it blurred into intricate patterns as he flipped back and forth, barely hitting the ground before leaping into the air once again, swatting away blaster fire like insects. The little green Jedi even appeared to be flying at one point.

Han was impressed. "Wow! I never knew he could do that!"

Luke sighed. "Han, you didn't honestly think I learned everything from Ben here in just a few days, did you?"

Han was about to answer sarcastically, as always, when Obi-wan cut in. "A few days? How much formal training did you actually have?"

"Between you and Yoda...about two and a half months." Obi-wan gaped. Luke went on. "But I also read everything I can find about training and technique. And a few things, I just learned on my own." Obi-wan couldn't respond to that; it was unheard of!

Han finally got a word in. "Does it really matter right now? We have to figure out a way to get to that shuttle and keep those guys from getting to it first."

Luke had an idea. "Somebody needs to take out the docking ramp and jam it. A blaster shot would do."

Obi-wan found his voice. "How will we get to the shuttle? It's too far to jump."

"Trust me," Luke said doing his best impression of Han.

"What about the ramp? I'm a fairly good shot, but not good enough to hit those controls." Padm?estured toward the ramp controls on the far side of the platform. Han pulled out his blaster, aimed and just barely missed. The troops fighting Yoda were alerted to the new threat and some of them turned to confront the intruders. Luke, Mara and Obi-wan glared at Han then quickly turned to fend off the shots coming their way. Leia calmly turned and took Han's blaster. She hit the ramp controls, then gave Han's blaster back to him and joined the others.

Obi-wan saw this out of the corner of his eye but was too busy to comment. "Now that the ramp is retracted, what's your plan?" he asked as he deflected several blaster bolts.

Luke grinned. "Leia and I take Mom on a little run."

Obi-wan gave him his best 'you've-got-to-be-kidding' look. "You're serious aren't you?"

"Just clear us a path."

Obi-wan and Mara led Han and Chewie into the fray, clearing a path from their current position to the edge of the platform closest to the shuttle. Obi-wan hoped they would make it. He didn't know anyone who could jump that distance; Anakin, maybe, but he had never tested his abilities that far before.

***

Luke and Leia continued deflecting bolts away from their mother until the troops turned to take care of Obi-wan's group. Luke picked up Padm?nd said, "Hold on tight, don't look down, and try to stay relaxed."

Before Padm?ould answer, they were already running across the platform using Jedi enhanced speed. Padm?eld her breath and shut her eyes tightly as Luke carried her over the chasm separating the platform from the shuttle's landing pad. When she opened her eyes, Luke was setting her down and Leia was deflecting blaster fire as he opened the shuttle. They hurriedly ran into the cockpit and Luke fired up the engines.

Through the windows, mother and daughter watched as Obi-wan, Mara, Han and Chewbacca joined Yoda in his fight against the troopers. It was taking a few minutes for the engines to warm up. The group was getting tired and a few blaster bolts got through to cause flesh wounds, but they were steadily driving back their attackers. Just as Leia thought the troopers were beaten, a new squad appeared.

"Luke whatever you are going to do, do it now!" Leia yelled. "They won't hold out much longer."

"I know. Just be ready to lower the ramp again," Luke answered. "And stay away from the windows!"

Padm?oved to take a seat beside Luke. Leia moved towards the back to be near the ramp. As Luke lifted the shuttle off the landing pad, both women could hear blaster fire begin to hit the hull as the troops tried to shoot them down. Luke expertly flew the shuttle away from the platform in a wide arc.

"What are you doing? We have to go back for them!" Padm?sked incredulously.

"This thing is more maneuverable than it looks, but it doesn't have shields. I'll have to come around and surprise them," Luke explained.

Padm?atched as Luke maneuvered the ship under the platform and flew it to the other side. When the shuttle rose to be level with the platform again, Padm?nderstood Luke's plan. He had come up behind and at an angle to the troops. With the noise of the lightfight, they didn't notice his presence until he was directly above them. As he gently brought the shuttle down between the troops and Yoda's group, he continually kept the shuttle in a position to shield them while at the same time bringing the ramp as close to them as possible. This also kept the side opposite from the ramp and the bottom of the shuttle in the firing line of the clones. Just as she heard her friends and family clambering aboard, she spotted a familiar figure limping from the building, followed by the Dark Lord of the Sith. "Luke-"

"I see them." Luke interrupted her. He waited until the last person was on board then flew directly over the troops toward the building. Those in his path were knocked down, and out, by the force of the shuttle's repulsors. Approaching their friend, they saw him ignite his purple lightsaber, then turn to face Darth Vader.

***

Padm?atched in horror as the man she loved attacked the Jedi Master. This couldn't be happening! She was glad he wore a mask for she could not bear to think of the cold, burning anger in the eyes of her Ani. Praying it was some kind of pregnancy induced nightmare, she shut her eyes in an effort to make herself believe that when she opened them, it would all go away.

Silent tears slid down her face when the same scene was displayed through the cockpit window. She tore her eyes away from the window and looked at her son. His face was a stony mask. She almost smiled when she recognized it was the same expression Anakin used when he couldn't win an argument with her.

Luke felt his mother staring at him. He turned to look at her and could plainly see the disbelief etched in her features. He didn't know what to say. 'Don't worry, he's done much worse than this,' just wouldn't be appropriate. Knowing about the atrocities his father committed and actually witnessing them were not even comparable. He felt a warm hand on his shoulder and looked up at his sister. She smiled at him sadly then put her arm around their mother. Attempting to comfort Padm?ny way he could, Luke took her hand as all three continued watching the fight outside the shuttle.

Their sorrowful contemplation was cut short by the sound of blaster fire. Some of the troops on the platform had awakened. Not wanting to hit their commander, they tried to please him by shooting down the escaping shuttle.

***

Vader slashed at Mace Windu. Mace parried, then jumped back from his opponent and fell as his wounded right leg buckled under him. Vader charged again, but Mace was able to roll away from his blade just in time.

Vader, still getting used to living in full body armor, stumbled and barely remained upright as he regained his balance. This gave Mace an opportunity to swing his blade at the Sith's back as he struggled to his feet. Darth Vader turned and caught Mace's lightsaber on his own just before it singed his cape. The Sith Lord used his momentum to continued his turn and back-slashed at the Jedi's legs, causing him to jump out of the way again.

Mace Windu was openly bleeding from his wounded thigh, caused earlier by a stray blaster bolt in the hallways of the Jedi Temple. He used the Force to ease the pain and slow the bleeding, but his concentration was split. Fighting the Chosen One was no easy task.

Vader and Mace circled each other, gauging strengths and weaknesses. They knew each other, knew the other's fighting styles. But they also knew the other was recently injured.

Vader lunged again at the Jedi Master. Mace caught the red saber on his, but did not sweep it away. Instead, he stepped closer to the Sith Lord and brought his other fist up to punch the other man in the kidneys. Mace bit back a cry of pain. Body armor; he hadn't expected that.

Vader used his close proximity to sweep Mace's legs out from under him. Mace twisted his body and caught himself on his hands and knees. Through the Force, he felt Vader shift his feet to take a killing blow. Mace went limp and rolled over on his back. Scissoring his legs, Mace tripped the Dark Lord. Vader caught his balance at the last second and swung his lightsaber blindly in the direction of the Jedi Master.

Mace had already climbed back to his feet. He caught the flailing blow on his own saber, then went on the offensive. Mace gathered all the strength he could and prepared himself to destroy the Sith, a man he knew well. Mace slashed at Vader's head, only to be blocked. Vader parried his blade away and continued the arc to swipe at Mace's legs. Mace barely stepped out of the way in time.

The two continued the dance; back and forth, slash and parry. They were both well known throughout the Jedi Order for being among the best swordsmen in recent history. The fight would not be won easily. They tired quickly, however, due to their weakened physical conditions. Soon, they broke apart and circled each other once more.

***

Luke immediately moved the shuttle away from the platform. Some of the blaster fire eased off, but not enough. He backed off a little more and this time, they were far enough away to not be hit easily by the troopers' blasters.

Turning around in his seat, Luke surveyed the situation. Master Yoda's wounds were being tended by Obi-wan. Han and Chewbacca were disagreeing with each other and Mara, who was trying to tell them they needed bacta bandages for numerous minor wounds.

"Is there any way we can help him?" Luke asked no one in particular.

Several of them looked at him quizzically, then got up to look out the windows to see what he was talking about. Obi-wan's heart sank at seeing the confrontation just as Mara noticed a third group of Clonetroopers emerge from the building with a blaster cannon. They could not defend themselves against that and help Master Windu at the same time.

No sooner had they come to that conclusion, than the fight ended abruptly. Obi-wan barely managed to find a seat before he went completely numb. He was the reason this was happening. It was he who taught Anakin, now Darth Vader, the ways of the Force, lightsaber techniques, combat tactics and much more. Obi-wan was having trouble breathing as the weight of his failure came crashing down.

The occupants of the shuttle sat in silence for a moment, everyone lost in their own thoughts, then Luke let out a loud sigh of frustration. He needed to get out of here fast. The blaster cannon was almost in position. There was nothing more they could do.

***

Mace suddenly Force-shoved Vader onto the platform, causing him to land hard on his rear. This only caused the Sith to become angrier. Vader quickly leapt to his feet and rushed toward the wounded Jedi Master. Vader used the Force to squeeze Mace's leg, above and below the blaster wound. Mace screamed in pain and fell to his knees. He quickly blocked an overhead smash, then pounded his lightsaber handle into the respirator controls on Darth Vader's armor.

The Dark Lord stepped back in shock. He could not breathe. Concentrating on his anger, Vader quickly used the Dark Side to re-adjust his respirator before he passed out. At the same time, he held Mace Windu in a powerful choke hold, giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Jedi Master Mace Windu, member of the Jedi Council, leader of an ancient and long-standing order that was now literally falling down around him, could only see a hazy film of the world he lived in. He thought he recognized scenes of his life flashing before his eyes. Mace had heard it said that this happened to people who were about to die. Briefly he wondered if this was the Force's way of preparing you to say goodbye, of reminding you of all you would be leaving behind while at the same time giving you an image to compare to the beauty of becoming part of the Living Force. He wondered if he would get to see his old friends again. Would Qui-gon be there to greet him?

Mace became suddenly aware of a hypnotic hissing sound in his ear. The Sith had repaired his respirator. The deep, dark voice spoke. "If he is there, tell him I said 'hello'."

Before he could reply, Mace Windu felt the hold on his throat release. Through the spots of his regained vision, he saw clearly the red light of the Sith's weapon emerging from his chest. Then all fell black and silent.

***

As he turned to prepare to enter the local traffic, Luke was brought up short by several security speeders. Luke cursed to himself as the speeders surrounded the shuttle and the com started to beep for his attention.

"Unauthorized shuttle, you must land immediately. Prepare to be boarded."

Padm?crambled to the com. "This is Senator Amidala of the Naboo. I have diplomatic immunity. I suggest you let us pass."

"Negative. I have just received word that you are no longer a member of the Senate. You have suspected criminals aboard that vessel. Land now or we will open fire."

"News travels fast," Padm?uttered under her breath. She spoke into the com. "I was not aware I was traveling with outlaws. What are they suspected of?"

"Mass murder on several worlds. By order of the Emperor, all Jedi are to be...obtained on these grounds. Any resistance is grounds for execution. Thought you could fool us all by controlling this war, but His Excellency saw through your games," the voice added sarcastically.

Yoda hobbled forward. "Jedi Master Yoda, this is, Head of the Jedi Council. Not notified was I."

The com was silent for a long time. The voice was full of disgust when it returned. "Council members specifically are wanted for treason. I will not repeat myself again. Land now!"

Yoda turned to Luke. Their eyes met and Luke knew Yoda was debating with himself: to stay and fight a losing battle or run and hope for a better future. Luke knew there was only one thing to do. Yoda saw the determination in his eyes and reluctantly nodded.

Luke gave a quick instruction to his passengers then turned back to the controls of the shuttle as everyone sat down and secured themselves. He took a deep breath and addressed the speeder one last time. "Acknowledged. We are shutting down now."

***

Luke turned off the repulsors and watched as the Coruscant skyline flew by in the blur of free fall. The occupants of the shuttle felt their stomachs in their throats as it plummeted to the lower depths of Coruscant. Luke paid no attention to them as the shuttle stopped a little too abruptly when he turned on the repulsors once again. Running a quick check, he yelled to Han and Chewbacca. "Han, repulsors 3, 4 and 8 are offline! They must have been hit by that blasterfire. See what you can do about it!" Han and Chewie quickly moved to the service area next to the ramp as Luke asked, "Everyone OK back there?"

Padm?aught her breath, then said, "Luke Skywalker! If you don't want to be born prematurely, I suggest you don't do that again!"

Luke turned to her with a sheepish look and eyes full of mirth. "Yes, Mother."

"Head for the spaceport on the other side of the Manari Mountains," Obi-wan interrupted their laughter.

Luke turned back to the controls and saw the speeders catching up to his position. He quickly applied as much power to the thrusters as possible. Luke flew for all he was worth, dodging, twisting and turning, trying to shake off the speeders. The others sat silently, unable to do anything else as Luke flew, occasionally interrupted by Han's curses as he and Chewie worked on the repulsors.

The security speeders, momentarily confused by Luke's subterfuge, started to gain on the slower shuttle. Luke dodged the ruins and other obstacles of Coruscant's lower levels with alarming speed. Obi-wan and Yoda knowingly looked at each other as they felt the level of Force awareness Luke possessed as he used it to sense what lay beyond the twists and turns.

Before long, Han and Chewie made their way forward to announce the repairs were done. They took a seat with the others in the middle of the shuttle as Luke said, "Thanks. Does anyone know a place to get out of sight for a while? These speeders are too fast for this transport."

Obi-wan stepped forward. "Just beyond that row of warehouses is an abandoned transport terminal."

Luke nodded and headed down a wide alley to take a circuitous route to the transport terminal: he didn't want to advertise his eventual destination. One of the speeders was already waiting for him, recognizing the alley as a likely escape route. With the Force, Luke sensed the speeder just before he would have crashed into it. "Hang on, everyone!" Luke twisted the shuttle into a tight loop that it was never meant to handle. The ship groaned with the effort and shuddered violently just as Luke pulled out of the tight turn and continued down the alley, having confused the speeder pilot with the maneuver.

The others, not caught up from Luke's sharp turn down the alley, were steadily gaining. Luke threw the shuttle into another sharp turn, using the newly repaired repulsors to bounce off the wall of a warehouse before he slammed into it. Two of the speeders weren't so lucky. That left only three more, one of which was still catching up to the chase after nearly crashing in the attempt to follow the tight loop Luke had just performed.

In the confusion of the numerous evasive maneuvers, Luke dipped low under a collapsed wall just outside the abandoned terminal. His two closest pursuers sped past him over the wall. The remaining speeder followed them a short time later. As they turned to make another pass, Luke flew the shuttle slowly under the wall into a sub-level of the transport terminal. He entered a large room that appeared to be a storage hanger. At the far end, a part of the ceiling was collapsed, creating a sort of lean to against the back wall just large enough to fit the shuttle.

Luke shut down the shuttle's power, leaving only the emergency lights on. Getting up from the pilot's seat, he turned and walked to the others in the main cabin. "Is everyone OK?" After everyone indicated they were fine, he turned to his brother-in-law and Obi-wan. "Any ideas on how we can get some more speed out of this thing? We're going to need it if we want to make it over the mountains without being followed."

Han, Luke and Obi-wan conferred for a few moments then went to work trying to coax more life out of the engines.

***

Mara and Chewie returned from searching the hanger. "There wasn't much, but we found a few power couplings, some conduit and a power converter," Mara said as Chewie dumped the items unceremoniously at their feet.

Leia followed soon after them. "I think security finally gave up. I haven't sensed them for a while and there's no sign of them outside."

Obi-wan looked up from the panel he was working on. "They'll be back. They're probably waiting for us to show ourselves."

"We can't stay here much longer." Luke said from inside the depths of another panel. "We have to get off planet as soon as possible. They won't quit looking for us." Luke hung his head; the weight of what was happening finally resting on his soul.

Han drew everyone out of their sorrowful contemplation. "Chewie and me can use this stuff to rig some more power to the engines. It'll take us about half an hour though."

Luke and Obi-wan pulled away from their work and nodded. "Go ahead. We can't do anything else but wait, right now."

Far off in the distance, another explosion was suddenly heard. Padm?aw the pain on the faces of her family and friends and knew another tower had been toppled. She sent a worried gaze to her son-in-law. Han gave her a sympathetic look and shrugged. There was nothing they could do. She got up from her seat to sit closer to Han and Chewie as they went to work, wanting to give the Jedi some peace.

The rest of their group sat quietly, meditating or just staring, trying to block out the death screams through the Force. Too much had happened in the last few hours for them to deal with on any rational level and they all drew into themselves and the Force. With every passing moment, Obi-wan felt more and more responsible. Knowing Anakin was helping Palpatine to do this. He delved deep into the Force, seeking any peace he could find. He didn't know how he'd go on, being the cause of all this.

Yoda cleared his throat. All the Jedi turned to stare at him, but he was gazing intently at Obi-wan, as if to reprimand him for his negative thoughts. Han and Chewie suddenly announced the modifications were complete and Luke jumped up to take the controls once again.

"You should have about 30 percent more power now, Luke." Luke nodded his thanks and started the engines. They roared to life and Han noticed a grin on his face that looked almost predatory.

The shuttle shot out of its hiding place faster than the security team anticipated and the speeders were quickly left behind. The captain in charge of the team attempted to call in back up but was told by his superior to return to base for new orders.

Leia looked up from checking the sensors. "They're breaking off. Something's not right."
"I agree, but we can't worry about that right now. We need to get to the ship, then decide what to do," Luke replied as he eased the shuttle into normal traffic, blending in with the numerous other shuttles and speeders.

The rest of their journey over the mountains went by quietly and with no interruptions. They were still wary, however, because they saw less and less civilian traffic and more and more planetary security ships flying about. As they approached the spaceport, Obi-wan stared out the window. "They have the spaceport surrounded. It looks like they're preparing to shut down all traffic heading off planet."

Luke looked at him worriedly. Obi-wan quirked his lip into a half-grin. "Don't worry. I've got a plan." Luke grinned back and began landing procedures.

***

As the shuttle landed, Obi-wan straightened to his full height and marched briskly to the back of the shuttle and lowered the ramp. He was met at the end of the ramp by a squad of Clonetroopers who recognized him. They immediately came to full attention. Obi-wan breathed a sigh of relief. These troops hadn't been informed of the full events of the day. Apparently, he had chosen wisely in choosing this spaceport far away from the Temple. They had only been told to secure the area.

"Lieutenant! The Senator and her party need escort to her transport. I want a security team set up immediately."

"Aye, General!" The lieutenant saluted and gathered his men. Obi-wan lightly touched his mind and was relieved to feel the man's willingness to perform well for his superior officer. He wouldn't question anything.

Having heard the exchange, Padm?nd the others descended the ramp a moment later. Padm?as flanked by Leia and Mara, apparent ladies-in-waiting, while Han and Luke marched in perfect unison a few steps ahead of her and to her sides, very much on guard. Chewie and Yoda brought up the rear, ready to advise the Senator on any decision which needed to be made and to provide further protection. Obi-wan and the other Jedi maintained Force disguises to appear as official advisors and make all of them look human, so as not to arouse suspicion from the troops. Obi-wan fell into step between Luke and Han as the group was escorted into the hanger bay.

Approaching Padm? ship, Han suppressed a whistle. The starship was sleek and highly polished. It was so smooth, he couldn't see any seams or any external shield generators or weapons, but he knew they were there. Han had flown something similar in his academy days. The design was roughly early-Empire, before the Empire made its ships with nothing but efficiency in mind. The ship, in his opinion, was beautiful. It would be a little cramped for all of them, but Han guessed they weren't going to stay much longer. He hoped he would have a chance to fly this one.

Padm?emoved her comlink from her pocket and signaled Artoo to lower the ramp and to ready the ship for take-off. She walked around the lieutenant, who was also speaking on his comlink. As she passed him, he grabbed her arm and ordered his men to surround her and her group.

"Don't move, 'Citizen' Amidala. You and your party are wanted for questioning; especially the General."

***

Obi-wan signaled Padm?nd the rest to be still and continue the act. He turned to the lieutenant with a menacing glare. "On whose authority, Lieutenant?"

The lieutenant swallowed hard, floundering under the heated stare of his superior officer. "Major Tarkin, Sir. The ex-Senator and her party are to be held for questioning, including yourself."

"And why is that, Lieutenant?" Obi-wan arched an eyebrow.

"Major Tarkin didn't say, Sir, but he sounded very anxious."

"So you are telling me," Obi-wan said sternly, "that you have disregarded my orders to protect this lady, on the word of a lower-ranking officer, without an explanation, because that officer 'sounded very anxious. Furthermore, you have ordered your men to draw arms against a superior officer, again without explanation."

The Lieutenant gulped wide-eyed at the General, thoughts of court martial foremost on his mind. "My apologies, Sir!" Turning Padm?oose, he ordered his men to move back and lower their weapons.

"Lieutenant, take your men and continue your previous duties. You are no longer needed here." Obi-wan let the displeasure in his voice fill the silence between them for a moment, then turned without saying a word and lead his group to the ship. Several breaths were released all round their circle.

Padm?as the first up the ramp and headed straight for the co-pilot's station. Checking the scanners, she gasped, "They've raised all planetary shields and planetary security has just initiated a high alert. No ships will be allowed to leave the planet."

Obi-wan took the pilot's chair and started the engines. "We'll just have to think of something, then. Any ideas?" He asked the group behind him.

There was a long argument behind them as Obi-wan and Padm?flew out of the hanger, ignoring the warnings coming over the comm. Planetary security tried to follow them, but the starship was very maneuverable and quick. The transponder was also broadcasting a false flight plan to the other side of the planet. Their pursuers didn't follow them for long, believing they were only out for a pleasure cruise around the city.

Suddenly, Leia shouted, "I've got it!"

***

"I know the codes." Leia said, as if that explained everything.

Han was the first to protest. "Princess, you forget, we're not in our own time. Your codes won't - "

She cut him off with a mischievous grin. "Want to know the most closely guarded secret in all of the Republic?"

That got everyone's attention. Even the two flying the ship turned to glance at her for a moment, before returning to their piloting, ears perked for her answer. "The President's planetary security codes are based on a simple algorithm; the result of a disgruntled slicer centuries ago."

Everyone stared wide-eyed at her, but she ignored them. "Artoo, get us access to the planetary defense system. Don't complain, I know you can do it." The droid obediently plugged himself into the nearest computer outlet and began slicing into the system.

Leia turned back to the others. "Because of the security risks involved, the system was upgraded and two more codes were added. The shield won't come down without the Chancellor's personal override code and the Head of the Defense Force's personal override code." She gave a knowing look to Mara and Yoda, who both had wide grins on their faces.

Padm?urned around and noticed Obi-wan gape over his shoulder at the others. "You mean that with the Head of the Jedi Council's and Palpatine's personal codes, we can override all of Coruscant's defenses?"

"That's right," Leia smiled triumphantly. "Master Yoda, you should let any others know that they should be ready as soon as we take down the shields." Just then, Artoo whistled his success.

"Already has it been done." Yoda smiled and nodded to Artoo, indicting that Leia should continue.

Obi-wan suddenly gasped and everyone turned to look out the front window. Only two of the five original towers of the Jedi Temple were left standing. The crowd was approaching the smaller of the two and the fifth, main tower was billowing smoke in several places. Padm?et out a cry of outrage and a powerful wave of sadness and anger washed over the Jedi.

Five ships, larger than their own, emerged from the rubble and flew to surround them. "Refugees they are, headed to Ossus," Yoda said in answer to their unspoken questions.

Leia blinked back a few tears and turned to the computer where Artoo was still waiting. She began entering the coded algorithm into the computer, along with the codes and corresponding dates that she used. "Artoo, I need you to use this algorithm to find the current code. Got that?" The droid beeped affirmatively.

"Master Yoda, I need you to input your code, please." The Jedi Master hobbled over and entered the Jedi Council's override code.

Leia thanked him, then turned to Mara. She was already standing behind Leia, waiting to input the information. "Palpatine didn't use normal codes. He used passwords, usually phrases mixed with codes." Leia nodded. Mara continued. "Artoo, transmit this. 'Firthe, holmde, une sebdi wi orfanon. Kala, Es Tune.'"
Padm?olted out of her chair, stalking toward Mara angrily. "What did you just say?"

Mara repeated the phrase. "He never told me what it meant. I assume you do?"

Padm?lared at no one in particular and clenched her fists. She screamed, "If I see him again, I'll kill him with my own bare hands!" Everyone was too shocked by her outburst to tell her it would be a futile attempt.

She saw their surprise and confusion and calmed herself as much as she could. "It is the old Nubian language. You just said, 'Death, destruction and disease to the inferior.'" Padm?eethed between gritted teeth. "The last bit is a date using the old Nubian calendar. It happens to be the same day the Trade Federation invaded Naboo."

Mara stared at her wide-eyed, as did everyone else. Padm?asn't quite sure why Palpatine held a personal grudge against her, but she made up her mind then and there that she would do everything in her power to end his reign. Even if it meant doing what Obi-wan had tried to convince her of earlier in the Council Chambers, she would sacrifice all for this cause. Coming to that decision, she let her anger bleed away into determination and motioned Leia to continue.

Silently, Leia turned to Artoo and input the correct, current codes.

"The shields are down!" Han announced a moment later from the co-pilot's station that Padm?ad recently vacated.

Yoda turned to Padm?nd asked, "Your ship this is. Going home are you?"

Padm?linked and nodded. "I must inform Queen Jamillia of today's events. After that, I will do as you say, Master Yoda."

***

Six ships sped as fast as they could towards the nearest hyperspace jump point. A host of Coruscant military ships were waiting for them. Obi-wan swore as he saw the swarm of ships positioning themselves to block the Jedi's escape route.

Han regarded the formation with a keen eye. "Who's flying those other ships, Kenobi? Are they any good?"

Obi-wan stared at Han for a moment and felt through the Force for the other pilots in their group. "I believe they are all accomplished pilots."

Han nodded. "Good. Luke! Chewie! Get up here!" He turned back to Obi-wan. "Will they take orders from you... or me?"

Obi-wan was now thoroughly confused and slightly irritated. "They will... with an explanation."

"Tell 'em I'm getting us out of here." As Luke and Chewbacca made their way to the front of the group, Han ordered Obi-wan, "Move."

Obi-wan wasn't sure about following orders from a civilian, but he sensed Han's confidence. He removed himself from the pilot's chair and Han took his place as Chewie took the co-pilot's station. Luke stood next to the nav computer and sensor readouts. He looked over the information. "Han, are you doing what I think you're doing?"

"You got it, Kid," Han grinned.

Luke mock saluted him and cast an amused look at Obi-wan. "Well then, let's get to it, General Solo."

Han smirked. "Just keep an eye on the sensors. You know what to do."

Obi-wan felt the amusement from Luke and the determination from Han. General? Something was going on that he wasn't sure he understood. He was staring out the front window when Han interrupted his thoughts, "Kenobi, are the others ready?"

Obi-wan nodded distractedly. Han began barking orders to the other five ships. Three broke off to the right while he led the other two left, drawing some of the blockading ships to follow them. The Jedi's ships were very maneuverable, but had minimal weapons, so this maneuver was particularly dangerous. It was a typical Han Solo tactic, but Obi-wan didn't know that.

As Obi-wan and the others watched, Luke said loudly, "Now!" and Han ordered the two groups to turn straight towards each other. Each group had a number of pursuers. As the six ships neared each other, Han ordered them to break off and fire upon the other team's followers. Chewie let loose several blasts from the ship's guns and two Imperial ships were destroyed. Five more Imperial ships also disappeared from the sensors, hit by the other refugees.

Luke studied the sensors. "Han, you've got an opening. It's not much, though. We might have to force our way through."

"OK, Kid, stand by." Han brought the other five ships into a loose formation behind him. "Everybody brace yourselves. This might be a little rough."

At Han's order, the six Jedi ships threw all power they could into their thrusters and headed full speed into the blockade at its weakest point. All six ships fired continuously, to create a larger hole in the line. The enemy ships began to fire, but quickly stopped when they realized the Jedi had set them up to fire upon each other from both sides of the hole in the blockade.

After they passed, the Imperial ships started firing again. They were too late. The Jedi were too fast and had a head start. Obi-wan entered a set of coordinates into the nav computer. Han pulled the lever and the ship blurred into hyperspace. Several mini-jumps later, they all met up with each other and checked that everyone was safe. One ship had some heavy damage, but was otherwise hyperspace capable. The five jumped back into hyperspace as Obi-wan once again entered coordinates into the computer.

***

They all breathed a sigh of relief as Han sent the ship into hyperspace, headed to Naboo. Padm?at staring at the swirling colors for a while, trying to come to terms with the mess her life had become in the past few months. Her family noticed, but didn't know what to say. Abruptly, she wiped her tears and stood. In the confusion of their escape, no one had thought to get out of the cockpit. Now, safely in hyperspace, they followed her into the main lounge.

As they made themselves comfortable as possible in the cramped space, Obi-wan asked, "Do all New Republic Generals use such dangerous tactics?"

Luke, Leia and Chewie laughed as Han answered. "It's my specialty. Besides, that tactic isn't new, just very useful." Obi-wan looked confused.

Luke smiled. "The Kenobi Offensive and all of its variations have been a New Republic standard since long before Han and I joined the military."

Obi-wan grimaced, "I knew it looked familiar."

Padm?uddenly interrupted their conversation. "You said he does not remain this way," Her lower lip trembled, "and Palpatine is dead?"

Luke turned to her and nodded. "Yes."

"Tell me," she ordered.

"Where were we?"

"I was sent to kill you." Mara smirked.

Luke chuckled. "And thankfully, you didn't. Anyway, after killing off Jabba and thawing out Han, I went back to Dagobah. That's when I learned the truth."

"What truth?" Padm?sked. Obi-wan and Yoda remained wisely silent and attentive.

"The whole truth about Vader." Luke stared at Yoda and Obi-wan. "And with your dying breath, Master Yoda, and another of your visits, Ben, I also found out the truth about Leia."

"And to think I kissed you..." Leia breathed, then looked up sharply, realizing she had said it out loud.
Her brother's face was red and contorted, greatly embarrassed and slightly angry. Mara, Han and Chewie were howling in laughter. Obi-wan, Yoda and Padm?ooked as if their eyes would burst out of their heads.

"Leia, we agreed never to mention that again," Luke gritted between clenched teeth.

"Stars, Luke, we didn't know! And besides, I only did it to make Han jealous. You know that!"

Leia was spared Luke's retort by Mara's outburst. "A-ha! She blabbed first! That's 50 credits you owe me Solo! And I want it in actual credit chips, no transfers. Pay up!"

Han dug in his pockets and grumbled. "Remind me later, I don't have it on me at the moment."

Before she could respond, Luke and Leia blurted out simultaneously. "Mara! You knew?" "Han! I can't believe you told her!"

Han raised his hands in protest. "Don't look at me. I didn't say a word!"

Chewbacca agreed. "He didn't tell... for once."

Han gave Chewie a dirty look as Mara explained. "Right before we got married, Luke, Threepio decided I needed to know everything there was to know about you." Luke's eyes widened in horror and Mara grinned wickedly. "Though it was most entertaining, listening to Threepio for that long will make anyone want to have more than a few drinks. The wonder boys here found me halfway through the first bottle. Han only confirmed a few things, he didn't tell."

Luke growled, "Remind me to remove Threepio's vocoder when we get back home."

Leia was stunned. She had never heard Luke threaten Threepio before. The present day Threepio felt the need to defend himself. "I'm sure I was only trying to help. Though I don't remember doing..." Han hit the button at the back of Threepio's neck to turn him off before he got too chatty. Luke sighed and buried his face in his hands as Artoo shut himself in the cockpit, afraid he would be next.

***

Luke had never been more embarrassed in his entire life, but luckily his mother saw fit to get everyone back on the subject. He smiled inwardly. His mother; Luke never imagined he'd get the chance to know her. It was a comforting thought.

"Palpatine. How does he die?" Padm?sked. Obi-wan was beginning to think she was getting a little fixated, but decided to talk to her about it later.

"Anakin killed him," Luke stated simply.

"Vader, you mean. Dead, Anakin is." Yoda was adamant.

"No. I meant Anakin. Vader died just before the Emperor did." Luke was defiant and the rest of the group watched in awe. Not many people argued with the head of the Jedi Council.

"Told you, I have, never before has it been done." Yoda stamped his stick on the deckplates.
"Well, he did it... right before my eyes."

"Deceive you, eyes can."

Luke set his jaw. "So I've heard. This was no deception."

"If Vader and Palpatine both died, where did the other Sith come from?" Luke looked confused, so Obi-wan elaborated. "Earlier you said you've lost track of the number that have tried to kill you."

"I'm sorry, I mis-spoke myself. There are no true Sith anymore. There are still many Dark Jedi and some who have studied Sith teachings, but the last of the Sith who followed the one master, one apprentice rule died when Anakin returned and killed Palpatine."

Obi-wan gaped and Yoda's eyes bulged. Could it be? The Sith really were extinct? Yoda was intrigued. "Explain." It was a simple but demanding order, not to be ignored.

***

Luke took a deep breath. "I returned to the fleet after you told me about Vader and Leia. You also told me to pass on what I had learned Master Yoda and that I wouldn't be a full Jedi until I faced Vader again. When I returned, every ship in the Alliance was gathered for a last, final attack against the Empire."

"He was building another Death Star, bigger than the first," Leia spat. "We learned that Palpatine was overseeing the construction personally and we were prepared to throw everything we had at it, to send him with it."

Luke continued, "Leia and I joined Han's team along with Chewie to take out the shield generator, so the fleet could attack the Death Star. When we got there, I sensed Vader. I knew he could sense me as well. I was endangering the others, so I told Leia everything, and left to face him."

Luke took another deep breath. He noticed Mara sitting stiffly in a corner. She no longer followed the Emperor, but this story always set her on edge. He projected calm around her and she relaxed a little. He wished he could calm down as well. Just as he was about to finish the story, his mother whispered, "Show me."

"What?"

"Show me. I know it can be done. Show me."

Luke was surprised. He looked to Yoda and Obi-wan, they hesitated for a moment, then nodded their assent. He then looked to his family. They were also surprised and hesitant, but agreed with Yoda and Obi-wan. No one but Mara had actually seen his memories of that day, and that was only a brief glimpse while in Thrawn's cloning chamber as their minds overlapped while fighting the sentinel droids. Leia had never before wanted to know more than he was able to tell her in his own words.

Luke swallowed and asked, "Are you sure? It's not... very pleasant."

Padm?hrugged and replied sarcastically, "It can't be much worse than today."

Realizing that Obi-wan, and especially Yoda, were more likely to believe him this way, he slowly nodded. Luke remembered the sadness in Padm? eyes and decided that she needed to see. The memory was terrible, but she needed the closure of the ending of Anakin's life. They sat across from each other and he gently took her hands in his and placed one on his temple, the other on hers. As he projected the images to everyone else, Leia held Han's and Chewie's hands to send them Luke's memories through her mind.

***

The forest was dark, but not as dark as the feelings that surrounded him. He used every calming technique he could think of, but the fear and even some anger still remained. She could feel the stuncuffs on her wrists, just as if she were there, in his place. She watched through his eyes as he was led to a military platform, deep in the woods. The experience was much like a dream; thoughts, feelings and scenery flashed around her disjointedly, but still perfectly coherent.

Suddenly, he was in the presence of the only man in the galaxy whom he both loved and hated. Surprisingly, in that presence, he was calm and at peace... resigned. He knew now why he had come here. His insides twisted at the thought of killing him, as Yoda and Ben had tried to convince him he ought to do. He was ready, now... ready to face his fate no matter what that might be. Leia would continue to fight, but she wouldn't be able to defeat the Lord of the Sith or Palpatine if he didn't live through this. He was the last Jedi, just as Yoda had said. There would be no one to train her, no one to return his father to the Light... he had to do whatever it took to succeed. There was no other choice. He was their only hope. But he still had to try.

The thought only took a moment.

"So, you have finally accepted the truth."

"I have accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father."

"That name no longer has any meaning for me!"

"It is the name of your true self."

She watched the argument play out as if she were standing there, right in between them. The calm face and expressionless mask belied the torrent of emotions suppressed just below the surface. She could feel her son's anguish as if it were her own. She could read her husband's mannerisms just as well, and therefore could see the uncertainty in his stance. These two pulled each other through their common bond, yet at the same time resisted across their chasm of differences.

"I know there is good in you. That is why you couldn't destroy me. That's why you won't bring me to your Emperor now."

The Force-suggestion didn't work. He hadn't really believed it would, but his father barely even hesitated. She felt the betrayal threaten to overwhelm him and almost broke the connection. Was he really preparing himself to kill his own father? He stared into the trees, contemplating just that. He felt sick. Could he do it? Would he do it? Silently, he prayed to any deity that would listen; end this, find a way out. How he wished he had never even heard of the Force. He stiffened when he heard the familiar sound of his own weapon. Would he be killed now? That wasn't exactly how he wanted it to end.

"Your skills are now complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen."

"Come with me."

"Obi-wan once thought as you do. You don't know the power of the Dark Side."

"I will not turn. You will be forced to kill me."

"If that is your destiny..."

His own father was going to sacrifice him for his own darkness. She wanted to cry out, but steadied herself. He had told her that her husband would return. She had to see this through. She felt her son's fear return. No one publically known as a member of the Alliance had seen the Emperor in person and lived to tell about it, save for those older members who were around before he declared his 'New Order'. And he was the Emperor's number one enemy.

"Search your feelings! I feel the conflict in you. Let go of your hate."

"It is too late for me, my son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your master now."

"Then my father is truly dead."

***

The journey to the Death Star was silent. She marveled at the size of the space station, but her husband and son were lost in their thoughts. The younger meditated, attempting to drive away his fear and hurt. Through her son's Force sense (She had never felt that before; it was amazing), she felt the conflicting feelings in her husband. He would follow his master's command, but a flicker of some long-lost emotion remained. In the certainty of hindsight, she knew it was despair over the loss of a loved one. The son was slowly comforted. By the time the two reached the Emperor's throne room aboard the Death Star, he was again at peace, while his father still fought his inner demons, hiding his betrayal from his master.

Was that really Palpatine? He looked so old, decayed. Her son spoke into her mind. *The Dark Side takes life, whereas the Light is fed by it. The body decays as a reflection of the soul.*

"Welcome, young Skywalker."

He calmly listened as Palpatine gloated, his father's conflict giving him a strange sense of peace. The Emperor was arrogant, secure in the knowledge that his greatest prize was in his grasp. She felt his own arrogance as Palpatine dismissed his guards, then taunted him again.

"You are mistaken. You won't convert me like my father."

"Oh no, it is you who are mistaken... about many things."

He was more than decayed, she thought as he moved closer. She always knew his ego was considerable, but this old man's conceited-ness was beyond anything she had experienced. Her son's nervousness was returning. What was the Emperor thinking? He couldn't read him clearly through the Force. There was something beyond his smug comments. There was something happening that he wasn't aware of. He felt no intrusion into his mind and knew he had not given away any plans of the Rebel attack. Perhaps it was time to throw him off balance a little.

"Soon I'll be dead... and you with me."

"I assure you we are quite safe from your friends here."

He knew! Panic flooded her senses for just a moment, before he suppressed the feelings and instinctively became defiant.

"Your overconfidence is your weakness."

"And your faith in your friends is yours."

"It is pointless to resist, my son."

He fought the urge to scream at the dark figure standing next to him. She felt torn as he defied the Emperor, yet longed to be with his father. Long buried feelings of abandonment and unfulfilled places in his heart cried out for attention. Those feelings were dangerous right now.

"Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. Your Rebel friends are walking into a trap. It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them."

Frantic. His mind whirled at the knowledge. She felt dizzy as he grasped for any thread of any hope of a plan. He needed to stop this. Escape, warn his friends... anything. He stared at the Emperor, the dark figure at his side all but forgotten.
"You will witness the final destruction of the Alliance, and the end of your insignificant Rebellion."

He had to kill him, rid the galaxy of his evil permanently. She agreed. She saw through his eyes as he searched for his weapon.

"You want this, don't you? Take your weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down. Give in to your anger. With each moment, you make yourself more my servant."

"No."

"It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now... mine."

It would be so easy. She wondered what the harm in it would be, just as he did. He forcefully removed that thought from his brain. Giving in would doom them all. The temptation was great, but his friends were out there, right now, fighting the results of that temptation. He couldn't let it end that way. His friends were well armed. He couldn't help them now. He had to concentrate on his real mission; his father.

***

The battle raged on. She could feel his despair at watching friends die, not able to do anything. She knew the feeling. One after the other, Rebel ships disappeared from the starscape on the other side of the window. He knew many of those pilots personally.

"As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station!"

NO! He didn't even try to calm himself now. The Force was a forgotten entity. She watched, horrified, through his eyes as the blinding green light tore through a heavy cruiser as if it weren't there. Her children's stories of planetary destruction were set firmly in her mind. How could he fight this? The Emperor must die. The Emperor must die... but he would be acting on his dark feelings. Wouldn't he?

"Your fleet is lost. There is no escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die... as will your friends."

He was in the process of destroying thousands of beings, and it meant nothing to him. The man must die! But what would become of her son if he killed Palpatine in anger?

"Good... I can feel your anger. Take your weapon. Strike me down with your hatred and your journey towards the Dark Side will be complete."

Anger was overwhelming him now. Maybe if he killed him quickly, he would not remain under his influence. She gasped as he called his weapon to his hand. Her worst fears were confirmed when the father defended his master by attacking the son. Palpatine's evil laugh filled the air, leaving her chilled through the memory of Luke's senses.

"Good. Let the hate flow through you."

Catching his breath, he stared for a moment at the dark figure regaining his feet at the bottom of the stairs. She felt his determination as he struggled and then succeeded in releasing his anger. No. He wouldn't do it this way. Calm. Peace.

"Obi-wan has taught you well."

A brief surge of pride, but ultimately suppressed.

"I will not fight you, father."
"You are unwise to lower your defenses."

As most combat situations go, she saw the red saber flying at her in slow motion, then felt her son defend himself and flip out of the way in a blur of motion barely remembered in the past twenty years of his memories. He was acting on instinct. Survive. Stand back and assess the situation. He reached out again to the Force as they faced each other.

"I feel the good in you... the conflict."

"There is no conflict."

"I don't believe you will destroy me now."

"Once again, you underestimate the power of the Dark Side."

He hadn't expected him to throw the saber. She involuntarily flinched as he barely had enough time to control his fall and hide under the stairs in the waiting darkness. The irony wasn't lost on him, he just didn't have the time to think about it now. He struggled to control his feelings as they searched for him. The Dark Lord's respirator was deafening in the silence. He taunted, but her son refused to fall for it. He couldn't hide here forever, but he needed time to think. How many of his friends were dying while he sat, hiding under this staircase? Oh gods! Is Leia OK?

"Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for... sister!"

She began to weep. He berated himself. What had he done?

"So...you have a twin sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the Dark Side... then perhaps she will!!!"

"NNOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

The word exploded out of his mouth and his lightsaber ignited before he knew what he was thinking. The man before him claimed to be his father, but had only caused him pain. An orphan all his life, he'd just found his family again and this monster wanted to take it away from him. For what? A pawn in his own petty power struggle. Blind rage drove him now. The only thought running through his mind was this evil being and his master had to die.

Suddenly, he heard laughter. Laughter? She felt his confusion then his overwhelming horror as the veil of hatred fell.

"Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side."

Father? He then realized he held his blade at his father's throat. The dark figure seemed helpless, moaning in pain at the loss of his hand. Hand? She saw him look at his own right hand. She could feel the exact moment of revelation... his father's place. His father's place, standing over a disarmed opponent. She heard his thoughts. He didn't destroy me. I almost did. He didn't destroy me. My father. Anakin Skywalker. A Jedi. Not a Sith.

"Never. I'll never turn to the Dark Side. You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me."

"So be it... Jedi."

***

Agony. More than pain. She knew he was reflexively blocking the full brunt of it from her, but through the link of his memories, she also knew it was excruciating. He screamed repeatedly, mildly surprised at himself for having even that amount of energy.

She watched him writhe on the floor of this mockery of a throne room. He was exhausted, confused and desperately trying to think of any way to get out of this. Palpatine was taunting him, repeatedly electrocuting him in a calm fury. Anger flared in her soul as Vader regained his feet and stood by his master's side.

Luke saw this and pleaded for his life, calling out to the only one who could help him now. Vader just stood there, staring.

"Now young Skywalker, you will die."

And he really did want to die. How could his father just stand there? He screamed louder now. Darkness surrounded him. She felt him weakening, calling out to the Dark Lord with sorrow and pain. Suddenly, she felt a shift. The pain was still there, but the darkness seemed to be lifting. He could barely open his eyes, but what he did see was indescribable.

She could still sense his surroundings through his Force awareness. The feeling of darkness faltered then light consumed everything, so strong she could actually feel it. It was followed by overwhelming joy. She almost cried out at the sight of her husband, throwing the despot to his death. Her son did cry, unable to do anything else at the moment.

For long seconds, there was peace, the only sound that of ragged breathing. Luke forced himself to crawl to his father's side, just to be closer to the man he didn't know. They sat and they cried, silent until they heard the wail of sirens, warning of attack. Calling on the Force, they stood slowly and painfully and made their way to the hanger.
The way was long and treacherous. Luke couldn't help but notice that not a single man stopped to ask why the Dark Lord was being led by a Rebel. No one asked of Palpatine. No one asked anything. They all ran for their lives.

She could hear the shift of his thoughts. His father had returned. He was in shock. Too much was happening and he couldn't process it all, but he did know one thing: his father had returned. They were still in danger, still in pain, but his father had returned. He sensed no darkness in the man/machine leaning heavily against him. He had saved his son and himself. She wept at this knowledge. She knew Yoda and Obi-wan had been wrong. Luke spoke the truth. Her Anakin had returned!

She sensed his hesitance for a brief second, then his decision to continue the memory. They were sitting on the floor of the hanger bay, unable to move further. Anakin was laying on the ramp of his shuttle. Chaos and destruction surrounded them, but they were only focused on each other. Their Force senses intermingled, flowing with love, awe and so many questions.

"Luke, help me take this mask off."

No! He would die! Was that thought hers or his?

"Nothing can stop that now. I want to look on you with my own eyes."

Luke did as he asked, too curious to argue. She gasped as she saw her husband as an old, scarred man. Luke was silently crying, mimicking himself of twenty years ago. They both felt regret and sadness from Obi-wan before he suppressed the feelings.

Father and son stared at each other with shy smiles. There was too much to say. There was nothing to say.

"Leave me."

"No. I can't leave you. I've got to save you."

"You already have, Luke. You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right."

"Father, I won't leave you."

But his father left him. Luke stared as Anakin closed his eyes for the last time and vanished, just as Yoda and Ben had done. A large explosion reminded him of the danger he was in. Slowly, he stood and gathered the remaining armor and machinery then walked into the shuttle.

He piloted the ship away from the fireball that so recently had been the Death Star and contacted the Rebel Fleet. They gave him permission to land on the moon and he set down in a clearing away from the Ewok village.
He walked numbly, looking for stray pieces of wood. He tried not to think of all he'd gained then lost in last few days, but it was no use. His father had returned, then left him just as quickly. He'd been declared a Jedi Knight and was given a commission to rebuild the order, but there was no one left to guide him. He'd discovered a sister he never knew existed, but uncovered decades of deceit in the process.

When it was time to say good-bye, he lit the pyre. He looked up to see the remnants of war and the beginnings of hope as fireworks lit the sky, mixing with the light of the flames. Looking back to the pyre, he realized he might be wrong. He was only burning a shell of what once was. His father hadn't left him, he'd gone on before him in the Force - the light side of the Force. Luke smiled sadly and walked back to the village to find his friends.

Leia flung herself at him and he hugged her as hard as he could. He went on to greet the others, but was distracted by his thoughts. He walked to the edge of the village and smiled as he saw Anakin watching him along with Yoda and Ben. He knew now that he had definitely been wrong before. They would watch over him and he would remember their words. There would be no more deceit. And as Leia wrapped her arms around him, he knew he would always have love and never be alone.

***

Han and Chewie stood silently, respecting the gamut of emotions flowing obviously throughout the lounge. Mara stood stiffly, face firmly set in a neutral position despite the confusion of her feelings resulting from watching her mentor die. Yoda sat with eyes closed in concentrated thought. Obi-wan stared at the floor, not knowing how to process what he'd seen. Leia wept silently, resting her hands on her mother and brother's entwined ones. Luke ignored them all as he looked deep into his mother's eyes, watching her face cycle through anger, joy, hope and sadness.

Finally, Yoda spoke. "Speak of this we must," indicating the five Jedi in the room.

Han got the hint and went to Padm? He extended his arm to her, "Come on, Milady. I get the feeling we commoners aren't allowed in this discussion." He caught Luke and Leia's eye. "Besides, there's all kinds of Mom questions you can answer that I'm just dying to find out."

The twins shot him a mocking glare, but he could see the thanks in their eyes. Their mother would not get the chance to be their mother much longer and needed to feel that connection as much as possible.

Mara shook herself from her reverie. "You know what I want to know, Solo."

Han and Mara grinned at each other knowingly. The twins sighed as Padm?ook a deep breath and stood. She forced a smile, took Han's arm and followed Chewie into the cockpit.

Padm?at staring at the stars for a while, then sighed. She turned to Han tearfully, resting her hands on her stomach. "I'm really going to have to give them up, aren't I?"
Han nodded. "If Leia's memory serves, you'll be with her for a little while at least."

Padm?miled sadly. "She remembers me?"

"Just a little, a few brief images. She and Luke have both tried to remember more, but were unsuccessful."

Padm?urned back to the stars for a moment, then asked, "Would you tell me more? I - I'm never going to learn more than what I've come to know today." She fought desperately against her tears, but soon gave up as they streamed down her face.

Han hugged her and began to tell her what he knew, while trying to comfort her. "Don't tell them I said this, but I think Luke takes after you and Leia is more like her father than she cares to think about. I never met him except under extreme circumstances, but I believe Luke when he says he returned to the Light. Leia has trouble with it still; he hurt her so much. I hope what we saw in there gives her some peace about it.

"I know you aren't happy with the situation, but I think they are closer for having been separated. They are both stubborn and strong-willed," Padm?rinned at that. "But they have a bond stronger than most couples I've known. I used to be jealous of that. Sometimes, I still am, but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be this close if they'd known each other their whole lives. They have to work at being siblings and their stubbornness won't let them fail at that."

Padm?ulled away from him and smiled. "Thank you, Han."

Chewie roared before Han could answer. "It is a great privilege to have them as part of my honor family. They both have great honor and have proven themselves many times in battle. Family is the center of their lives and community is the center of their efforts. They work for the good of others as well as themselves."

Han translated and went on to say that this was the highest praise given in Wookiee society. Padm?ugged Chewbacca gratefully. "I'm glad and I'm proud. I guess that's all a mother can ask for."

They were silent for a moment, lost in thought. "Padm?back to those Mom questions. Who's responsible for the lack of self-preservation? Both of 'em are oblivious to danger, especially Luke."

Padm?aughed. "That's definitely from Anakin. I've been known to be in danger myself on occasion, but I usually have a plan."

Han grinned. "Mara and I both want to know about the tendency to get into trouble. She's had to fly across the galaxy on numerous occasions to save his butt. Before they met, it was my job. Don't you dare tell him I told you, but the family and some close friends have made a pact not to let him travel alone ever again if we can help it."
Padm?tared at him incredulously. "It's that bad?"

"Yes. I can name very few planets we've been to on which he was not attacked by the native predators. That's how he got the scars on his face." Han took a deep breath. "When we were stationed on Hoth during the war, he was attacked by a wampa. I almost didn't find him in time. He was minutes away from death. We had to spend the night out in the wastes. We're both lucky to be alive."

Padm?hought. "I really couldn't say about that trait. Anakin and I both get into trouble frequently, but it usually doesn't find us. It's more a result of the lack of self-preservation." She smirked. "To tell the truth, Obi-wan is the one who's always getting into sticky situations."

"Really?" Han laughed. "It must be some kind of Jedi thing."

Padm?obered. "The Jedi. So many died today. I can't believe - "

She was interrupted by Mara at the door, who said only half-impatiently, "It's interrogation time."

***

Luke watched Han and his mother leave the room.

"Sure of your feelings are you?"

Luke stared at Yoda. "Of course. Why would I not be?"

"Perhaps, enough time you did not have - "

"I've had nothing but time to reflect on this!" Luke interrupted. He quickly suppressed his temper. "Forgive my outburst, Master. As I see it, there is no other conclusion."

Yoda stared hard at him. "Impossible, your conclusion is. Never before has it been done."

"Master Yoda, I was told that nothing is impossible and I fail because I don't believe."

"Heh! Many things are told to children to encourage - "

Luke interrupted again. "Master Yoda, you said that to me right after you lifted my ship out of the swamp because I tried and failed."

Yoda drew back in surprise and Obi-wan was having trouble choking back a laugh. Leia and Mara shared sly smiles. Luke had never been afraid to speak out when he thought he was right, especially when it concerned his father. Yoda finally changed the subject. "The Sith, gone are they?"
Luke nodded. "Yes, Master."

Yoda started to pace as the others looked on. "Then the Force is truly balanced."

"How can that be when there is only one side, now?" Mara asked. "I was always taught two sides make a scale." Yoda looked at her sharply. "Oh, don't act so surprised. You think being raised by Palpatine I was taught only court and politics? I wasn't educated in any Sith teachings, but he did his best to muddle my brain. So, explain please."

Yoda stamped his gimer stick. "Respect, you should - "

"Respect," Mara interrupted Yoda again, "is earned, Master Yoda. So far, I'm still deciding about you." She ignored Luke's voice in her head, telling her to behave, in so many words. "However, I can be polite, so excuse my interruption. Please, continue."

Yoda looked Mara up and down, then began to chuckle to himself. "Revolves around the cycle of life, the Force does. A part of life, is death. Living things come and go. Suffused with the Force, this is. Cycle. Balance. Ebb and flow. A Sith breaks this cycle. Seeks to gain power over life and death, a Sith does." Yoda looked at Mara, "Unbalanced this is, controlling the Force."

Mara opened her mouth to ask the obvious question, but Yoda stopped her. He threw his gimer stick and called it back to himself. "Using the Force this is, not controlling, not gaining more power, but allowing it flow through you." Mara nodded her understanding. Yoda turned back to Luke. "Say you do, that Anakin has returned to the Light, and brought balance to the Force?"

"Yes, you saw it yourself," Luke answered.

Yoda closed his eyes and sighed. "Then correct Qui-gon was. He is the Chosen One."

Everyone was silent for a moment. Yoda stared at Luke. "Head of the Order you are, and wish to re-establish the Council do you?"

Luke nodded. "There was no one else, and yes, I wish to re-establish the Council. The job is too much to do on my own."

Yoda nodded. "Then to Ossus we must go. A copy of all records and codes there are there."

Leia spoke up. "With all due respect, Master Yoda, I don't think my brother wishes to copy the Council, just learn from it." Obi-wan's eyes grew wide and Yoda looked sharply between Luke and Leia.

"A thousand generations has it been this way!"

"If there is one thing I've learned in my life, it is that change is inevitable." Leia stated.

Luke silently thanked his sister, then turned to his Master. "We've known for a long time that there were flaws in the Old Republic and the Jedi Council. I told you before I do not have the luxury of tradition. Too much has been lost and not enough has remained the same for me to follow the old ways. Circumstances -"

"Circumstances! Heh!"

Luke took a deep breath. "Circumstances have changed, Master."

Yoda's ears perked up. "A thousand generations -"

"Have no doubt seen many changes in the galaxy as well as the Jedi Order, Master Yoda," Leia spoke quietly. "To put it bluntly, from what we've learned of the old ways, the Jedi Order could not survive in our time."

"What?" Obi-wan was shocked.

Luke sighed. "We've already told you many ways that the Order has changed. The Jedi of our time live their lives as ordinary citizens. We marry. We have families. Most of us have regular jobs. Many of us were not even found to be Force-sensitive until we were adults." Luke glanced from Obi-wan to Yoda. "And I have the feeling that's the way it should stay."

Obi-wan stared mutely at the man who just turned his whole belief-system on end. Yoda sighed and shook his head. "Ordinary citizens? And what do they say?"

Luke glanced between his wife and sister. Mara walked towards the cockpit as he spoke, "I suggest you ask them."

***

When told why they had been called, Han burst into laughter. "You want my opinion on the future of the Jedi?" Han looked at Luke. "Kid, you know how I feel about all this hokey religion stuff. Why ask me?" Yoda and Obi-wan were shocked at Han's irreverence, but for Luke, it was an old argument. He just stared back at Han with what he knew his brother-in-law recognized as his Jedi Master face. Han sobered and looked at the other Jedi in the room. "You're serious, aren't you?"

Luke grinned. "More than you know, Han. Besides, you and Chewie are the only ones of us old enough to remember this time. It provides a unique perspective." Han gaped at Luke for a moment, then got up and began to pace. He had plenty of opinions of the Jedi, but this was the first time anyone had seriously asked him about them in anything other than a passing comment.

Chewie, as always, came to his rescue. "When I was a cub, the Jedi were the beings of legend in stories told to me by my mother. When I was old enough to choose my name, I had by then learned the Jedi were actual beings who traveled the stars to prevent war. In the years before the Clone Wars, I had never seen a Jedi and those I knew who had, told of beings who were secretive and cunning, some deceptive. During the Clone Wars, the Jedi became power-hungry warriors, bent on shaping the galaxy to their way. After the wars, the Jedi were all but extinct and Palpatine's first priority was to tarnish what remained of their image." Chewbacca sighed. "He succeeded because there was not much left to tarnish."

Obi-wan gasped. Han raised his head. "Surprised?" He laughed sarcastically. "What did you expect? Somewhere on Corellia, there's a shorter version of me, bored to tears in a history class. That kid is probably learning right now that the Jedi are supposed to be the guardians of peace in our galaxy. That same kid will go to a holocom terminal and see the reports of the crumbling Republic. So where's the guardians now?

"I've never believed much in anything I can't touch and feel. I especially never believed much in the Force." Han looked at Obi-wan. "Which reminds me, I was pretty rude to you when we first met. Sorry," Han said with his trademark smirk. "The truth is, you've isolated yourselves so long, no one noticed your fall. Palpatine just did the clean up."

Yoda was stunned. Obi-wan couldn't speak. They weren't used to Han's blunt approach. A soft voice broke the silence. "They're right," Padm?aid quietly. When Obi-wan glared at her, she continued. "I've been privileged to come to know you, simply for the fact that I am - was - a Queen and Senator. Can you honestly say that if I was simply Padm?the farmgirl from Naboo, that you would have anything to do with me?"

"But as a simple farmgirl, you'd not have problems large enough to..." Obi-wan trailed off as he realized what he'd said.

Padm?ave him a knowing look. "Exactly my point, Master Jedi. You remember those first few days we met. Think back. How did you interact with Padm?the handmaiden? Jar Jar, the native species? Amidala, the queen?" He stared wide-eyed at her, absorbing her chastising. She pierced him to his chair with her gaze. "Anakin, the slave boy?" Obi-wan hung his head in shame and embarrassment.

Padm?urned sharply to Yoda. "And you, Master Yoda? How has the Council interacted with the beings of Coruscant? What do the ordinary citizens of the Republic think about the Jedi? I'm very sorry to say that we have found out today." She frowned, then looked back to Obi-wan.

"What is it you do that gives the everyday being a chance to confide in you, to let them tell you their troubles? The Jedi have become the servants of the Senate. No one else dare grace their presence."

The ship's lounge was once again eerily quiet. Luke finally spoke. "We didn't come here to accuse or blame. We came here to learn."
Yoda could see in Luke's eyes that he wanted to honor the old ways, but did not want to repeat their mistakes. He sighed and shook his head. Yoda motioned to Luke to kneel before him. "Tell me, what is it you seek, then?"

Luke thought for a moment what he really wished to accomplish, then looked deep into Yoda's eyes. "Restoration." He glanced at the floor, then back to Yoda. "The completion of a redemption." Obi-wan suddenly understood what had happened with Anakin, the Chosen One. He sat heavily on a nearby bench.

Yoda grimaced. "So sure are you, that your way is better?"

"No Master, but it is the only way we have. We cannot go back, only move on from where we are."

"And where are you?"

***

Luke grinned. "Some I've told you already. For a time, there was only me. I passed on what you taught me and I have found some records to fill in the gaps. There are now over a hundred Jedi in our time. We still struggle with the fear of others, but more and more are becoming accustomed to having the Jedi as a presence in the galaxy again."

"More, tell me."

"Palpatine destroyed almost everything he could find in the way of records and teachings. Some, he adapted to the Sith ways." Yoda and Obi-wan cringed. "But we have been able to find remnants; the largest being Chu'unthor on Dathomir." Yoda's ears perked up and Luke smiled. "Yes, Master. It was a great help." Luke's smile became wider. "Mother Rell asked after you." Obi-wan's jaw fell as he witnessed a sight he thought he'd never see. Yoda blushed.

Luke continued, "I started an academy on Yavin IV." At Yoda's expression, Luke quickly added. "Exar Kun is gone." Mara snorted in disgust. "I told you we uncovered the ruins of the Jedi Temple, or part of it at least. The facilities on Coruscant are primarily administrative. We maintain our independence from all governments."

Leia nodded and spoke. "All the Jedi facilities are funded by private accounts and a pre-paid grant from the New Republic which does not require repayment of any kind. Luke and the other Jedi are under no obligation to take sides in any matter."

"How is that possible?" Padm?sked.

Leia smiled. "The Alliance knew that trade wars led to the Clone Wars. We learned during the Galactic Civil War that trade," she smiled at her husband, "however illegal it was at the time, was the backbone of our economy. For many in the Rebellion, it was the only way we survived.

"Palpatine limited all interplanetary trade. He disbanded the Senate after he removed most of its authority. The Empire was nothing more than a military state. When Palpatine died and the Empire erupted in chaos, the Alliance already had a strong trading partnership with several worlds."

Leia turned to her mother. "The New Republic is primarily a trading partnership among member planets. All members are required to trade with others in some way and supply resources for the New Republic. The New Republic in turn provides protection should they need it and mediation during disputes. Almost all the Jedi are citizens from New Republic member worlds and therefore are not considered an entity to themselves."

Leia grinned. "The grant is technically recorded as a charitable donation to a 'facility of higher learning'."

Yoda's eyes became wide, not knowing whether he should be offended or find this amusing. Luke looked slightly embarrassed. Padm?it her lip and asked, "And how has the New Republic fit into all this?"

"We don't," Leia answered. "Member worlds are represented in the Senate, just as before, and things are discussed endlessly just as before. But everything must be finally approved by the High Council who are elected by the Senate. The High Council elects a President, which happens to be me at present. I act as head of the Senate and can command the New Republic Armed Forces."

Leia sighed. "There are some who wish to see the Jedi controlled as they think it should be. There are some who wish the Jedi never returned. But there are more who welcome them back."

"Count yourself among the Jedi, you do not?" Yoda was curious at Leia's detachment.

"Of course I do, Master Yoda, but when speaking in matters of the New Republic, I must remain neutral."

Yoda nodded and sat back to think on what he had learned that day. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Then so shall it be." He turned toward Luke, who was still kneeling before him. "Said by a great Jedi Master it was that the best learners are those who can teach their masters." Obi-wan hitched his breath, but Yoda kept staring at Luke. "Confer on you I do, the title of Jedi Master, young Skywalker. Learn through the Force, all you will need to guide you."

Luke gasped. He'd never in a million years expected this! He only barely heard the identical reactions of his family. It wasn't until much later that Luke realized Yoda had given him his typical quizzical answers. If he had to find his answers in the Force, then he would do it. The shock had barely begun to sink in when C3PO interrupted their meeting. "Mistress Padm?Artoo reports that we are approaching the planet of Naboo."
***

Everyone stood staring out the viewport at the lush planet below them. Padm?eld her breath as she always did when returning home. The com interrupted their contemplations and Padm?nswered it. A young woman with a dark complexion in an orange robe appeared.

"Milady Amidala, the Queen requests to see you as soon as you arrive. She has recently received word from Coruscant that is very disturbing and wishes to discuss this with you."

"Of course, we will be landing shortly."

The woman looked over her shoulder to see if anyone was listening, then whispered. "Milady, bring a small escort. The Queen has been ordered by the Senate to arrest you, but she will not act on this until she hears about today's happenings from you." The com switched off unexpectedly.

Padm?at stunned for a moment, then shook her head. "I guess bad news really does travel fast." She looked up at her companions blankly.

"We'll go with you," Luke stated.

"You can't," Padm?aid sadly. "Eight beings are much harder to hide than three. We will be too conspicuous."

Luke opened his mouth to argue, but snapped it shut again. They were not of this time and would be highly noticeable. She was known as a friend to Obi-wan and Yoda and it would be much easier to conceal fewer beings in the crowds of people at the starport.

He didn't want to say goodbye.

Reading Luke's thoughts were not necessary as the desire to stay was written all over Luke's face. Obi-wan quietly sat in the pilot's seat and Yoda strapped into a chair against the wall. The others automatically filed back into the lounge. Luke hesitated for a moment, thinking to say goodbye to his mentors, then realized it was not necessary in the Force.

Chewie, Han and Mara murmured quiet good-byes as they hugged Padm?midala Skywalker. All three slowly faded back into their own time as mother turned toward children. Being Jedi, the twins were half-way successful in holding back their tears.

"Tell me. Are you truly happy? Are you angry that I - we were not there for you?"

Leia's eyes flashed at her last question. "I was angry, yes. But only when I discovered who he was. I was never angry with you." Leia wrung her hands. "I honestly don't know how I feel. There are days I'm glad he's dead," Padm?asped, "and I wish I never found out who he was. I had a father and it wasn't him." Leia sighed. "Ironically, the more I find out about him, the more I'm confused. I don't know how to feel anymore."

She looked up to her mother through hooded eyes. "But for every part of me that still wants to blame and scream at all the injustice he caused, there's another part that rejoices in how much I've won." Leia smiled timidly and took her brother's hand. "I found family I didn't know I had. I found love and all of us have finally found peace. Yes, I'm happy."

Padm?rushed away tears she didn't know she had as she turned to her son. "And you?"

Luke smiled sadly. "I was angry at Uncle Owen and Ben for not telling me, but then I felt only sadness for not having the opportunity to know him. I felt the need to find him, connect with him in some way, even though I knew it was dangerous. I had to believe in him so I could believe in myself."

Luke squeezed his sister's hand. "I had others who believed in me. I too, have found family, love and peace, but there's one thing I've always missed."

"And what is that?" Padm?ondered.

Luke suddenly drew her into hug large enough to make a Wookiee proud. When he pulled away, he said, "I never knew you. Today, I finally found you and I can now say I'm truly happy."

All three smiled through their tears. Padm?ut her hand over theirs. "I don't want to say goodbye." They got the feeling that she wasn't only talking about the next few minutes. The twins didn't want to say goodbye either, but knew it was inevitable. Padm?rew them in to kiss each cheek. She made a poor attempt at a smile. "If you are both truly happy, then that is the most a mother can ask for, I guess."

The twins nodded mutely. They both hugged her tightly as they said their final goodbyes.

As she watched them slowly fade, Padm?aved. "I love you both."

She heard the reply faintly, as her future children finally disappeared. "As we love you."

***

Mara Jade Skywalker sat in the stillness of the early morning hours, feeding her son. She was amazed at the way her son's face mirrored that of his sleeping father. A look of pure joy was written on both and she could feel it through the Force. She was pretty sure why Ben was so happy; a full belly and attention from his mother had to be the reason. She wasn't so sure about Luke. Yesterday was a very emotionally trying day. Many questions were answered and several unknowns were laid to rest, but she expected Luke to be a little sullen.

Curious about the wide grin on his face, she lightly touched his mind and invaded his dreams. She withdrew from Luke's dream a short time later with a light laugh. Ben grinned back at her and drifted off to sleep. Mara sat back in her chair and watched the snow fall outside.

Winter Fete was a time for family and reflecting on the past year. Mara had never really celebrated it before, but the Skywalker and Solo families didn't need much of a reason to celebrate when they got together. They were away from each other so much, that any time spent together was always made the most of. In the past, someone was usually in another part of the galaxy fighting an enemy. In the few years since the Peace Treaty was signed, someone was usually in another part of the galaxy mediating disputes.

She and Luke had left the Solo apartment shortly after waking up from their meditation. Luke and Leia had agreed to get together later to discuss all that had happened and what they had learned. They both needed time to search their feelings. Mara had tried to engage Luke in conversation about the experience, but he went straight to bed claiming exhaustion and a need to think about what he had gone through.

Suddenly, Mara felt the presence of her niece and nephews approaching their apartment and grinned wickedly. The Solo kids always woke up early on this day, the sooner to open their presents. She idly wondered how short a time it would be until Ben was old enough to join his cousins in the early morning holiday ritual. Han and Leia had decided they could wake up their uncle this year. Mara knew they wanted to sleep in a little longer and since she was usually awake feeding Ben at this hour, she had agreed to let the children come over this morning. Using the Force, Mara lulled Ben into a deeper sleep.

***

He flew the skyhopper around the pillar of stone at a break-neck pace. The last turn made, he was finally in Beggar's Canyon. Luke dropped the ship over the ledge and headed for the lower levels, where the most dangerous formations lay. Quickly sideswiping the outcrops of rock jutting from every angle of the tightly twisting canyon, he increased the speed of his skyhopper as the rock corridor straightened out for a few hundred meters. The ship shuddered with the speed and then groaned as he pushed its limits, heading straight for the slight curve and the small span of rock known as the Eye of the Needle. Lining up his craft, he steered his ship at a sharp angle to take the turn as smoothly as possible. Almost faster than the eye could see, the skyhopper flew through the Needle with less than a hand's width to spare. Luke opened his mouth to cry with delight.

"Oof!" Luke Skywalker was abruptly ripped from his dream by three laughing children, jumping on the bed and on him.

"Wake up, Uncle Luke! It's Winter Fete morning!" Jaina, Jacen and Anakin shouted.

Luke glared at his wife who grinned back. *Leia said you needed the practice for when Ben was old enough.* Luke sighed, defeated. He yawned, sent another glare to his wife, then turned to his sister's children. A full-fledged tickle war broke out in the Skywalker bedroom.

Several minutes later, Luke and the children lay breathless in all corners of the room. Force-induced tickling didn't necessarily need to be close range. Mara stood up from her chair, laughing. "If you children are ready, Leia is expecting us for breakfast in an hour." Luke glanced at his niece and nephews. All four stared at Mara. "Oh no! Don't you even -" Mara shrieked as Luke Force-lifted Ben from her arms and three sets of invisible hands started to tickle her.

When she caught her breath a few moments later, Luke and the children had wisely left the room. Stepping into the shower, she plotted her revenge.

A clean and very cheery Mara walked into the main room a short time later to find her family watching 'I'd Do It All Again', again. She pointed to the three Solo children. "You! Clean up that mess you made in my room." Three faces fell and shuffled off to next room.

Luke got up from the couch and gave her a quick kiss. "Good morning, my love."

"Don't think you're out of the Sarlacc's mouth." She picked up a fussy baby from his playpen and handed him over. "You get to clean up this mess, and yourself." Luke's face fell also and he headed for the refresher to shower with his son. Mara sat down to enjoy a quiet moment and a cup of tea.

***

Several hours later, the Solo household was winding down from a morning filled with raucous present opening. Chewbacca sat inspecting his new bandolier. Luke and Han debated the many uses of their new hyperdrive upgrades. Leia and Mara admired the simple, but elegant jewelry bought for them by their husbands. Jaina, Jacen and Anakin played with the new Force puzzle made by their uncle. Ben lay asleep, curled up by the meter-tall, stuffed Bantha that his Grandpa Talon found on one of his many excursions to the Outer Rim.

Leia answered the comm as it interrupted their conversations. A young security guard, high enough in rank to guard the President, but too low in rank to be excused on a holiday, appeared on the screen. "Madame President, I'm sorry to bother you this morning, but we have a woman demanding to see you. She won't leave a message or make an appointment and wants to speak to you personally."

Leia could see an old woman in the background, quietly arguing with a very embarrassed man. Just as she was about to ask the guard what she wanted, the woman turned to the screen and stared right at Leia's projected face. Leia gasped. Her family crowded around and did the same. The woman looked very much like Padm?

"Madame President," the woman stated. "I apologize for intruding on a family gathering. I would not do so except for the strict instructions of Milady Amidala."

Stunned, Leia was barely able to answer. "Lieutenant, show them here immediately."

A few minutes later, the older couple were shown into the Solo's living room. When the lieutenant left, the old man turned to Leia as he sent a sideways glare to his wife. "Forgive my wife's impertinence, Madame President. We will leave you to your family. We should not have interfered." He tried to pull his wife to the door.

"Nonsense, Sir. You are here now. Please, stay and tell us about Lady Padm? instructions." Leia said forcefully.

The old woman looked at Leia questioningly. "You know of Milady? You have heard of her?"

Leia nodded. "Only just recently. She was my mother." Luke smiled gently. The old woman's face paled and she started to tremble. Her husband took her arm and led her to the couch. Han brought her something hot to drink and she started to mumble.

"She never said a word. She never told me." The woman stared wide-eyed at Luke and Leia. "I can see it now. We assumed she was running from Palpatine." Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. "The rest were all hunted down, in search of her. I'm the only one left. I should have been with her." She began to cry silently. Her husband put his arms around her and began their tale.

"My apologies. We have not introduced ourselves. I am Sirvan and this is my wife, Dorm? She was a handmaiden to the Queen, Amidala of Naboo, many years ago. When the Queen's term ended and she was elected Senator, many of her handmaidens remained with her for protection. Dorm?nd I were married and moved to Commenor. She kept in contact with Lady Amidala and the others." Sirvan frowned sadly. "When Amidala started to receive death threats, Dorm?ished to return to her service, but was expecting our third child. She could not go. I refused to let her go."

"By the time I was able to return, she was already in hiding." Dorm?aid. "Then Palpatine declared himself Emperor. Milady was labeled a traitor to the Republic because she spoke out against him and convinced the Naboo council to exile him from our homeworld." Dorm?iped her eyes. "All the while, it was he who was the traitor!"

"Several weeks after Palpatine became Emperor, Padm?ppeared at my door. I had not seen nor heard from her in months. She looked frightened and extremely sad, as if she had lost her most cherished possession and her soul was split in two. She told me the others were dead, hunted down because of her." Dorm?ept. "Padm?aid she was going away and would not be able to contact me again, for our own safety. She gave me a small box and told me to hide it. I was scared, but knew that we were probably safe. Palpatine's soldiers had come asking about her a few weeks previous, but left when they discovered I had no contact with her since before Palpatine declared himself Emperor. We were well known in town, so it was difficult to have us watched. Milady would not tell me where she was going, or why. I assumed she was so sad because of Palpatine, the other handmaidens and her family. The war took so much from her."

Dorm?ulled a small box from her robes and handed it gently to Leia. "She made me promise to deliver this box to you, on this date. She would not tell me who you were or how she knew where to deliver it." Dorm?tared at Luke and Leia. "You say she is your mother?"

It was more than a question of their parentage. Luke answered, "We discovered it through the Force."

"The Force? Yes, I suppose that would make sense..." Dorm?railed off, then gasped, stared at Luke, then started laughing. "Oh, Anakin! Why didn't I think of it before? She never said a word; not even to the others. They would have told me." The twins sat up a little straighter.

"He was the subject of much gossip among Milady's maids," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Yan?old me Obi-wan was so disappointed in him because he could not focus on the task at hand. He was always going on about Padm? She grinned. "From what I heard at the time, if my husband looked at me the way he looked at her, we would have twice as many children."

"Dorm? Sirvan was aghast. Luke and Leia blushed.

"Oh, hush Sirvan. It's true. I could see it when they first met. Those two were destined to be together." She finally noticed Luke's and Leia's stares. "But you don't need to listen to an old woman rambling on this day. I came to do Milady's bidding and it is done. We will leave you to continue your celebrations."

"No!" Both twins almost shouted as they stood. Luke continued. "Please, we would love to hear more. There is so little we know."

Dorm?miled. "Alright, but not today. I have a feeling you should open the box first. I will tell your protocol droid where to contact us." The old couple politely bowed then left after talking to C3PO at the door.

***

Everyone sat staring at the box where Leia had carefully placed it on the caf table. Luke and Leia stared at each other, silently daring the other to open the box first. Han got tired of this very quickly and scooped it up.

Inside, he found several data disks, a holocube and a holovid chip. He handed them over to the twins. Luke activated the holocube, while Leia picked up the datadisks. She found copies of an old journal belonging to her mother and one containing love letters from Anakin. She set them aside for later and was surprised to find tears in her brother's eyes. Following his gaze, she gasped, then began to cry herself. There before them, was a holo of their mother holding two newborn infants. She was smiling, but it did not appear to be a happy occasion. Something in her eyes revealed the tragedy about to take place. This happy little scene would soon be torn apart, literally.

Luke pressed a button on the side of the cube and the scene changed. This one revealed a young boy with dirt all over his face, grinning madly while a young Padm?tood next to him, smiling. On either side was an older woman and a tall Jedi. Luke gasped and quickly explained to Leia that this was the woman whose holo he had seen as a boy. This was their grandmother. The holo was a little crooked and appeared to be looking down at them all. They wondered who had taken it. More clicks of the button revealed holos of their parents private wedding, overlooking a beautiful lake, a formal portrait of Queen Amidala of Naboo in her ceremonial robes, and another of the Queen standing next to a very young Obi-wan and Anakin atop a large set of stairs. There were also a few of Anakin and Padm?hen they were older. These were candid shots of the two of them in various places, usually surrounded by water or flowering fields. In all of them, Anakin was staring at Padm?n some fashion. The old woman had been right, the look he gave her was powerful. Both smiled happily in every holo. The twins assumed these were from the few times they spent together as husband and wife.

When they had seen them all, the twins smiled at each other. Leia was finally seeing the human side of Anakin Skywalker and didn't find it so revolting. Luke could sense this in her and hugged his sister. They silently placed the holovid chip in Artoo and sat back to watch. A thin, pale and almost withered-looking Padm?aterialized in front of them.

"Luke. Leia. So much has happened in the few months since I spoke with you. I have never considered myself a coward, but I have cause to fear now. Palpatine has declared me a traitor and a threat to his empire. He and his armies have decimated our homeworld of Naboo. They have hunted down what is left of my friends, in search of me."

She fought back tears. "He knows I am his strongest adversary. I still have influence over Anakin, therefore I must not be allowed to survive. Obi-wan and Yoda have been able to hide me, but with your birth, we have become too easy to find. I do not believe he knows about you, but if he did, he would kill us all."

Padm?as openly weeping now. "I saw my beloved husband turn into an unspeakable monster before my very eyes. I saw him slaughter hundreds, maybe thousands that day. He has led the search for us and as some kind of twisted pledge of loyalty to Palpatine, he must hunt me. Yoda has been sheilding us as much as he can, but he says the Force is too powerful in Anakin, and in you. I have been fighting it, but we have all decided that you were right. You must be separated," Padm?hoked out.

"Leia, I was disturbed by your attitude towards your father, but I cannot condemn it. You only saw his weakness, and that is a regretful thing. I'm leaving you, both of you, this box. These small memories are all I can safely store away and I hope you will receive them. I do not wish to bring harm to my few remaining friends by drawing attention to them. I hope you come to a better understanding of Anakin, of both of us, through them. I hope both of you can forgive us for our weaknesses."
"It's a curious thing, but I've had much time to think in the past few months. I've had time to consider my circumstances and my choices. There is a saying, 'love makes you blind.' In my case, it has also made me a fool and I have come to the conclusion love also makes you free. I was blind to Anakin's faults. I was a fool to think I could change him. But I was so free when I was with him. The responsibilities and stresses of the day would melt away. I could be Padm? I didn't have to worry about what anyone thought or needed. He made me feel safe and cherished."

"Some would argue that we were wrong to go against tradition. Some would condemn it, but I have no regrets." Padm?miled sadly. "I think many believed Anakin was the Chosen One, but conveniently forgot that he didn't fit into their pre-assigned boxes. We didn't set out to defy the Council, tradition or anyone. We only loved each other."

Padm?ried again. "I only wish he could know about you. He would have been so happy. He would have been a wonderful father. He would have loved you, as I do. I've been asking myself over and over again, 'If you love them, why give them away?' I can only say that I understand now that I love you enough to let you go. There have been many times in my life that I've asked myself if I'd made the right decisions, if I would repeat my actions. And as much as it breaks my soul, as much as I hate to consider it, I know this is the right choice. For all our futures and especially for yours, I would do it all again."

The End

Hi!

I just wanted you to know that I have finished [link=http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=9359730&replies=1310]I'd Do It All Again[/link]

Thank you so much for reading! :)

Inez