Alderaan (13 weeks)
Amidala took the blanket out of Leia's hand again, and tucked it under her chin. "It's time for you to go to sleep."
"No!" Amidala turned away, but stopped as she heard Leia toss the blanket unto the floor. "I no sleep."
"It's your bedtime."
"Mommy say good night!"
"Princess Leia," Amidala said firmly as she picked up the blanket. The girl whimpered. "Your mother has important guests. She will come see you soon." She almost smiled as Leia started to pout. "You were very good earlier, don't ruin it now." She again tucked the blanket in. This time Leia didn't throw it on the floor. Amidala closed the door behind her quietly. And promptly froze at the gasp. She started to lower her veil, but knew it was too late.
"Senator Naberrie?" Mon Mothma asked. The senator looked stunned. Amidala grabbed her former colleague and dragged her to her rooms.
"Senator," she whispered.
"I thought you were dead," Senator Mon Mothma said. "We all did. Why?"
Amidala wondered just how much she would reveal and decided on the minimal amount of information. "No one goes looking for a dead woman. Palpatine would kill me if he found me."
"Oh." She watched as Mon Mothma pondered that statement. "I'm not sure I understand. He wants all of us dead."
"This is personal," Amidala said.
Mon Mothma pursed her lips together. "I see." She waited, and when no more information was forthcoming, she said, "Can you at least tell me what you're doing here?"
"Kalla and Bail offered to hide me. I am Lady Ami, Mistress of the Nursery. Please, promise that you won't tell anyone that you've seen me?"
"Garm should know..."
"No. Please?"
Mon Mothma nodded. Amidala sighed with relief. It was horribly unfair for Garm not to know, but she knew it was better this way. "Mon Mothma, thanks."
"Maybe someday you'll tell me what's going on?"
"Maybe," Amidala said, then added mentally, 'when it is safe for you to know.'
"Amidala, take care. His power is incredible. He will find you." Mon Mothma walked to the door. "We were going to say good night to Princess Leia. The others are probably wondering where I am."
"Take care," Amidala said as the senator left.
Corellia 14 weeks
Ben glanced in both directions as he exited the air taxi. The driver glowered at the tip, obviously displeased with the amount, then sped away. Ben didn't spare him another thought. The simple house he faced was remarkably like all the other houses nearby. He started forward. The door opened before he reached the steps.
"Hello, Ben," Baryl said, throwing her arms around him. "I see you received Horn's message." She glanced at him, slightly concerned. "I was expecting you a little earlier."
He smiled at her. "I had to take a round about way to get here." He didn't bother to explain about the bounty hunter with the ten second gap in his memory.
"Come on in, Horn's expecting you. Hal and his mother are also here."
"Hal?" He thought for a second. "Nejaa's son?"
She nodded. "Horn just secretly married Nejaa's widow, Scerra, and is claiming Hal as his. I'm supposed to be trying to track down the Halycon family. Horn erased or changed all their official records. So far all I've found is a shot record from when Hal was nine."
"Not bad," Ben said, impressed at how much work had gone into hiding the late Jedi's family. He took her hand and stepped into the house.
Rostek Horn motioned them into his study. "It's clean." He motioned for them to sit on two metal chairs and said without further preamble, "The news is not good. The Diktat has voted to support Emperor Palpatine in the hunt for the Jedi. Too many of the refugees are being captured already."
Ben clasped his hands and closed his eyes. "I know. I've been confronted several times, too."
"We're going to operate as long as possible, but I don't think that's going to be more than a few months. I'm sorry."
Ben opened his eyes. "Don't be. You have prevented the deaths of many Jedi, including the Halycon family."
"I've known Scerra for many years," Rostek smiled sadly. "It was not a difficult decision."
"And the other Corellian Jedi?" Ben asked as he leaned forward. Rostek glanced at Baryl then shook his head.
"Those who accepted my help are safe. And Ylenic?"
"He's with the Caamas settlement on Alderaan."
"A truly horrifying event--among many such events." Rostek sat on the edge of his desk as he spoke. "I asked you here for a favor. We're putting together a team to infiltrate the Sausur's syndicate. Baryl's been assigned to make contact with our agent and I'd like you to accompany her. A couple blends in better where she's going."
"And that's where?" Ben asked with a quick glance at Baryl. She wasn't exactly amused at the idea, but kept silent. He guessed they'd already discussed the issue.
"Tatooine--Mos Eisley."
Ben narrowed his eyes. "Ummm..." He again glanced at Baryl who just shrugged. Mos Eisley was probably far enough from the Lars homestead to avoid anyone who might recognize him. It also offered him a chance to see how Luke--and his brother--were doing. "Okay. When?"
"In a few months and only for a couple of days. I suspect Tatooine is a place you'd like to avoid."
"Sort of," Ben admitted. "It's complicated."
Rostek chuckled. "What story isn't." He stood as did Ben. "Be careful. The bounty on Jedi is going up again. There are rumors that CorSec may have to become involved. The Diktat is very anxious to please the emperor."
"I bet Senator Bel Iblis loves that," Ben said.
"He looked apoplectic when I talked to him this morning," Baryl replied. "Give me a second, there a couple of things we have to discuss." Rostek Horn nodded, so Ben acknowledged her request and stepped out of the study.
He sat down on a chair in the eating area to wait. He turned saw a teen-age boy standing in the doorway.
"You're Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Yes, but call me Ben. You must be Hal."
"Valin Halycon," the boy said proudly with a frown. "I know why I can't acknowledge who I am, but..."
"Your father was a good man and a good friend. You wish to honor him?" The boy nodded. "I understand. And you can, but only to yourself."
"I want to honor him by completing my training." The inflection implied the rest of the question.
Ben shook his head sadly. "You will be better off learning to hide your skills, not learning new ones." He paused as he remembered how he had sensed Hal's presence. "The emperor does not like the Jedi, so I will teach you a very useful trick. Close your eyes."
The boy's face brightened, then he frowned as he followed Ben's instructions. In the coming darkness, knowing how to keep the Force tight to oneself might just save his life. It took only minutes to teach, but a lot of practice to master.
"You must practice often," Ben said quietly. "And in private until it is second nature." They both looked toward the study as the door opened.Hal slipped out of the room so quickly and quietly that Ben shook his head in amusement. He stood.
"Come," Baryl said, "I'll buy you dinner."
Alderaan (4 months)
Princess Kalla glanced at her husband then Amidala. "I can't believe it. You're telling us that--"
"That the Republic Senate has agreed to the creation of an Imperial Navy," Bail snarled as he continued to pace the Organa's private quarters. Amidala shook her head. Only bad news had greeted their return from the Southern Palace.
"How? How did this happen? Don't they see?" Kalla's face was pinched in anger.
"They see that it was a united military that defeated the clones. They see the results of this united military patrolling the shipping lanes. Raider and other pirate activity has dropped over fifty percent. They see it as a cost-saving move. They also see it as hampering the aggressive tendencies of their neighbors."
Kalla took two deep breaths. "Can't they see beyond that?"
"There is a vocal minority against the bill. Garm and I have talked to hundreds of senators. They're tired of the constant bickering and old rivalries that bring everything to a standstill."
Amidala crossed her arms as she watched Kalla wipe her eyes. "Isn't their freedom worth anything?"
Bail wrapped his arms around her. "I don't think they see it that way. The memories of the devastation caused by the clones are still fresh."
Amidala sighed. "He's correct. The galaxy is in chaos, and they see only a strong center from which they can rebuild."
Kalla walked toward the window. Amidala watched as she sagged in the fading light. "Damn them all anyway. This is exactly what Palpatine wants." She marched over to the desk and picked up the jammer. "I hate this thing and everything it signifies: fear, terror, and submission. I shall not agree to allowing the Alderaan military to be taken over. I'll disband it first."
"Don't do anything so drastic, yet," Amidala cautioned.
"She's correct," Bail said, his voice loaded with warning and apprehension. "We are also in a dangerous position."
Kalla nodded. "I know that all too well. Alderaan has been a very vocal critic of the Emperor. But Bail, I can't agree to what Palpatine wants. I can't even begin to imagine living in his Empire. And I'm stuck here, helpless, as we face the inevitable." She slammed the jammer back down on the table. "I can't sit and do nothing."
Amidala shook her head, as her guilt rose up to accuse her. It was all her fault; she'd been responsible for Palpatine's election as Supreme Chancellor. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
As if reading her mind, Bail said, "It's not your fault, Ami. Palpatine would have used the invasion of Naboo differently--but he would still have been elected." He frowned. "Even I was fooled by him. I too believed that the Trade Federation was really a sign of how weak the Republic had become."
The three people stared at each other for a few moments, then looked at the floor. Kalla was the first to break the silence. "We cannot allow history to block the future. We must learn from it and prepare for eventual civil war."
Amidala felt her own eyes start to water. Civil war implied death and destruction. It would be an emotional war that would tear families apart. In other respects as well, the cost would be very high. Kalla seemed to guess her thoughts.
"I know all too well what I am suggesting. Alderaan has suffered from several such wars throughout our history. I hate the very idea."
Bail nodded as he walked over toward his wife. "Kalla, walk cautiously. Don't trust anyone. The pro-Palpatine faction has support everywhere. They are rewarded for reporting anything that might be construed as treasonous."
"Define treason!" she said heatedly. "Treason is exactly what Palpatine is doing. There must be five hundred laws and statutes against his consolidation of power."
"Most likely more," Bail conceded. "But those laws are being changed as we speak." He glanced at Amidala. "The new navy is the least of our problems. The Government Oversight Committee may be our greatest--"
Kalla's eyes narrowed. "Committee?"
"Palpatine has declared that the Republic Senate is too large and cumbersome for the day to day governing of the galaxy. He's created the Government Oversight Committee. They're cleaning up and consolidating the Republic laws."
"In their favor."
"Of course," Bail replied. "The senate votes on their actions once a month. At the moment, the results are in Palpatine's favor."
Kalla snarled. "That violates--"
"The Republic charter," Amidala said quietly. "But it is efficient. And that is exactly what so many see."
Kalla closed her eyes. Amidala turned away, not wanting to see the princess acknowledge that at the moment it would be fatal to fight back.
It was almost twelve years ago that her nightmare began. Only she'd hadn't known it was a nightmare at the time.
The future, indeed, looked dark and bleak. Her children were an important part of that future--she just had no idea how they fit into the scheme of things. She gripped the back of the chair, her eyes closed. She relived that fateful day when she had silently handed Obi-Wan her son and watched Luke fly out of her life, forever.
She opened her eyes. Kalla was in Bail's arms. Amidala silently slipped out of the room. Her friends' future, she knew, lay along a different path. She walked quickly through palace until she stood outside the nursery. She pushed the door open and walked in. Leia, asleep in her bed, stirred and opened her eyes.
"Mommy?" The little girl said drowsily.
"Shhh." Her eyes closed to block the welling tears. "I love you, my child." Amidala said quietly so that Leia could not hear her.
Leia had fallen asleep again. Amidala reached out and pulled the covers up over her daughter's shoulders. "I'm so sorry. You are growing up in dangerous times and have a very dangerous enemy. You'll have to be brave, my child." She backed away from the bed. "Very brave indeed."
She walked slowly through the gilded halls then through the extensive gardens, ignoring the night chill. She remembered other nights spent outside on Naboo. She glanced upward for a second. The stars were blocked by a growing mist.
The roar of the waterfall increased as she approached the site where just a few months earlier they'd celebrated Leia's first birthday. She knelt down on the dew-moistened ground.
She silently stared out over the watery mist. She didn't hear the roaring water falling over the edge or see the silver tracings of the moons' light in the foaming water. She just saw her daughter in Kalla's arms, calling Kalla mommy.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" A soft feminine voice said from behind her. She whirled about. A lone figure could be seen in the foggy light, her features hidden by the silvery cloak she wore. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
"Who are you?" Amidala asked warily as she stood. She instinctively felt the intruder meant her no harm.
"I have come to offer you sanctuary."
"What?" Her voice trailed off in puzzlement.
"Master Yoda requested it--he has never sought our help before, so we did not refuse." The cloaked woman stepped forward. "And because your husband once helped us in our hour of need."
Amidala's eyes narrowed. Very few knew who her husband was. "How?"
The stranger's laugh was light and musical. "Like the Jedi we feel the Force. It has told us much--more has Master Yoda explained. He, too, is worried that your husband will seek you out."
"He is alive," she said quietly. She'd known this before, but had secretly hoped that he had died. She did not want to think of him as an evil servant of Palpatine's. The other woman didn't respond--it was as if she was in silent communication with her unseen friends.
Amidala was reluctant to leave Alderaan. In the past year and a half, the planet had become her home. Leia was here--and the few times Kenobi visited, he brought news of Luke.
The other woman bowed her head. "Family and friends create strong ties. If you choose to find sanctuary with us, know this: because of your husband we wish to help you--but because of your husband we ask that you promise to never seek contact with the outside world." Her voice was soft and sad. "Palpatine only knows the rumors of our existence--he would destroy us if he ever learned more." She raised a hand. "We shall wait for you here, the night of the Festival of the Moons--when the moons reach total eclipse--for your decision." She whirled about and vanished into the approaching fog.
"Ami?" A voice called out. It was Kalla. "Where are you?"
"Here," She stared at where the mysterious figure had been. "Who are you?" she whispered as her friend stepped out of the mist.
"Has anything happened?" Kalla asked, her concern evident.
"I just needed time to think."
The fury that remained in Kalla's eyes was unmistakable--so was her resignation. Kalla placed a hand on Amidala's shoulder. "About what?"
"Everything." She closed her eyes. "Nothing. Is it possible for me to get a ship?"
"Of course." Kalla's voice was now sounding alarmed. "Why?"
"No reason." She hesitated. "I want to go to Tatooine."
"I'll arrange it," Kalla said quietly. "Kenobi can take you there. We still expect him in a couple of months." She looked at Amidala suspiciously, shook her head, then looked away.
Amidala knew her friend would wonder why she wanted to see Luke now after all this time. She took a final look at where the stranger had stood. She just wanted to see both her children one last time. "What is the Festival of the Moons?"
Kalla again glanced at Amidala. "It happens once every twenty or twenty-one years, when the two moons are eclipsed by our sun." They both looked upward, but the high fog now completely blocked the night sky. "It's a time of remembrance and rejoicing. The festival is in nine months."
They walked toward the palace in silence. As Amidala reached out to open the gate, Kalla stopped her.
"I understand," was all the blonde woman said. And Amidala realized she probably did.
Corellia: (18 weeks)
Baryl stood as Rostek Horn entered the room, then quickly returned to her seat. She took a deep breath before starting to speak, but Horn cut her off.
"The Diktat authorized CorSec to offer assistance to licensed bounty hunters in apprehending renegade Jedi."
She growled. "Kiffle. Sir, what is a licensed bounty hunter anyway?"
He laughed humorlessly. "Apparently, they apply to me and I evaluate their credentials and warrants, then authorize their presence."
"Ahhh. This could be useful. I suppose you won't be denying them."
"I wish I could. My experiences with bounty hunters have not been positive." He shrugged as he sat down. "But I am authorized to ask for proof that their quarry is Jedi. Bastards, all of them. Apprehend usually means kill. The Diktat isn't concerned with any, and I quote, secondary casualties."
"Idiots." She snarled. "They're all kiffling idiots. Secondary, indeed. Does the Diktat have any idea just what he's approving?"
"It's what Palpatine wants."
"I don't..." She stopped when Horn raised a hand.
"Baryl, I agree with you, but this is a better option than having them operate without our knowledge."
"Yes, sir." She knew it was true. At least this way they could warn the quarry and help minimize any potential secondary casualties. Another thought struck her. "Is this the end of the Pulsar Express then?" She watched him as he nodded. "I understand."
"We'll leave the safe houses, for now. Those Jedi who did not flee may be able to use them." He crossed his arms. "There's worse news. The Department of Public Information has released a statement about the number of Jedi captured." She closed her eyes as he spoke and felt her stomach tighten. "Emperor Palpatine has authorized another increase in the Jedi bounties. And the Senate Jedi War Crimes Tribunal claims there have been a thousand arrests in the past two years." She opened her eyes as his voice lowered.
"With no trials?"
He gave a cursory nod. "They aren't mentioning that fact. And the bounty on Kenobi has tripled. Oddly enough, they are still using a hologram of him without a beard. I'm trying to contact him now. I don't want him to go to Tatooine--"
"Sir, you can't stop him from going!" She blushed at her outburst. "I'm sorry, sir. It's just that--"
"You don't see each other very often," he said sympathetically. "But it's too dangerous. He needs to find some far-away spot and hide himself."
"He will, eventually. But first Ben has to do all he can to stop Palpatine and save the Jedi."
"Baryl, he's not alone. But there's only so much he can do before he's killed. Then he can do nothing."
"I know, sir, but try telling that to a Jedi." She took a deep breath. "Sir, when Ben goes into hiding, I'm going with him."
Horn smiled sadly. "I rather suspected that. I hate to lose you."
"No promises, but you may not--at least not completely. I may be in a position to offer intermittent reports on certain smuggling activities."
His eyes opened wide, but then he frowned. "No. While I would love to have an agent there, I suspect there's more involved than simple hiding." He made a quick motion with both hands. "Don't tell me. I shouldn't know any more. Just let me know when. You've been with CorSec long enough to warrant a small pension anyway."
She nodded. "Thank-you, sir." Now she just needed to tell Ben of her plans. He probably wouldn't like it--but that was his problem. She started to stand. "Oh. I found another record for Valin Halycon. It's been erased."
"Thanks, we appreciate that. Hal's decided he wants to join CorSec after completing school. He's a bright kid--he'll make an excellent investigator someday."
"Yes, he will." She turned to go; she still had to finish her arrest report and go through her notes for the suspect's arraignment.
Coruscant (6 months)
Palpatine nodded as he listened to Senator Brial's speech. The man was very boring, but influential. There would be the expected uproar when Brial proposed that the senate enlarge the Republic fleet and take control of the many different planetary military units, but Palpatine had planned this moment carefully. Admiral Tarkin's fleet had managed to cut raider and smuggling activities by over fifty-percent. He knew many of the senators were impressed by those figures. The significant cost savings to planetary governments and citizens would also be taken into account. He shut the screen off and turned to face Senator Va.
"The senate will agree to the proposal," Senator Va said quietly.
"Yes, I believe they will, after many hours of debate." Palpatine smiled, inviting the man to continue speaking.
"Polls from my world show very high support for the creation of an Empire. We rely heavily on interplanetary trade, and the recent reduction in piracy has resulted in an economic boom for us." Va smiled. "You should ask for the vote now, Your Majesty."
Palpatine said slowly, "If this is what the senate truly wants."
"With the exception of a handful of malcontents and agitators, the senate would support such an action." Va leaned forward. "I've been talking with my colleagues. Senator Brial is working on an amendment to the Republic Charter."
Palpatine nodded. "I will abide by what the senate decides. Like you, I just want what is best for the galaxy."
Va grinned. "I understand. I've long dreamed of a strong central government. With the military under *Imperial* control, it would be difficult for any government to attack its neighbors." Va bowed low, then turned to leave. Palpatine watched him go, then flicked the switch above the blinking yellow light.
"Admiral Tarkin, have you completed your mission?" A hologram of the sallow faced man shimmered into existence.
"Sire, Isard has just completed the test..."
"Let me speak to him," Palpatine said. Tarkin started to argue, then bowed. Isard stepped into the image.
"Your Majesty, Senator Naberrie's tomb is well protected--" there was a satisfied smirk on the man's face, "--but not well enough. I was able to access the crypt and take a bone sample." Palpatine frowned. He just wanted to know the results--not a detailed description of how Isard managed to accomplish his goal. Isard continued to speak. "I compared the DNA to the samples you provided." The smile on the intelligence officer's face continued to grow. "They do not match. Senator Naberrie is not buried there."
"I thought so," Palpatine whispered. "I need you to find out where she is."
"Yes, sire," Isard's image said.
"I want her alive," Palpatine hissed. "When you find her..." He cut the image. That nagging flicker in the Force had been correct--he should have investigated the matter earlier. He stood and walked to the center of the room. With a wave of his hand, the door to the secret staircase opened.
"My Lord," the voice hissed as he entered the darkened room. Palpatine waited a second before acknowledging his apprentice.
"What have you learned?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi worked with a CorSec officer during the final days of the Clone Wars. He has not been seen since the final battle at Spaarti." Palpatine smiled at the vehemence in Lord Vader's voice, then frowned as Vader continued. "He was here. I sensed him."
"On Coruscant?" Palpatine's frown deepened. "Strange, I did not sense him." This was an interesting development. He narrowed his eyes as he studied his apprentice. This, combined with Amidala still being alive, could put Vader's loyalty in question.
"It was earlier."
"You should have told me." Palpatine raised a hand. "I would not like to be disappointed in you, my apprentice." He smiled wickedly as Vader gasped for a quick breath, then lowered his hand.
"Yes, my master. The CorSec officer was on Coruscant at the same time."
Palpatine pondered this piece of information. "I'll arrange things." He started to leave. "Lord Vader, do not disappoint me again."
Alderaan (8 months)
Amidala's smile grew at the sight of the Jedi entering the private quarters of the Organa family. "Obi...Ben." He smiled in return.
"Lady Ami, you are well?" She glared at him. For some inexplicable reason, she did not want him to use that title. He took the hint. "Amidala, it's good to see you again."
She hugged him. "It's good to see you too." She pulled back enough to see his face. "Have you seen Luke recently? How is he?"
"Growing." She managed to keep smiling. She could only imagine what her son looked like now. Ben looked at her, concerned. "Amidala, what's wrong?
"Ben, I..."
They both turned as the voice of the woman in the other room grew louder. Amidala grimaced. "Princess Kalla wanted to be here, but the Kuati Premiere demanded to speak with her. It has to do with Alderaan's militia."
He placed his hand around hers as they listened to the princess speak in angry tones. "I'm sorry, Premiere Ochat Kuat, that you choose to believe that."
Amidala shook her head. "Kalla was not happy to hear from him again."
At that moment, Kalla looked their direction and waved at them through the open doorway. She motioned the two closer as she placed her other hand over the recorder. "This is the fifteenth time this idiot has contacted me," she whispered. She removed her hand and focused on the holo-image Kuati official. "Premiere Ochat, Alderaan is a peaceful world. We have no expansionist plans...I really can't believe that you would believe such a rumor."
"Of course you would say that. Lure us into a false sense of security," the Kuati Premiere lisped. Amidala gripped Ben's hand tighter. She realized with a shock, just what the Premiere was implying.
"Why would he believe that?" she whispered, Ben shrugged.
Kalla raised her hands in frustration. "Premiere, you must believe--"
"There is no other reason for the Alderaan military not to be placed under the control of the Republic Senate." Kalla snorted, her attempts at diplomacy clearly over. She looked downright furious.
"Don't," Kalla hissed. "Do not tell me that you are willing to accept such a lie. I'd always thought the Kuati government had more sense than that."
The Premier stiffened. "Princess Kalla, my government is simply taking a sensible precaution. Our shipyards would naturally be the first target of any nearby government--such as yourself--with expansionist goals. We have every right to protect ourselves."
"How dare you," Kalla said incredulously. "Our military is for our own protection!"
"I see," Ochat growled sarcastically. "But know this, my government is considering your refusal to relinquish control of your military an act of war." The image vanished.
"Then you are a greater idiot than I'd thought possible," Kalla muttered at the empty imager. She turned and faced the pair. "Did you hear that?"
"This was instigated by Palpatine, wasn't it?" Amidala asked.
"Not directly. But already the erosion of our sovereign rights begins. First we have to relinquish our own military, next he'll be placing a garrison of his own troops here. Slowly, and steadily power is being given--GIVEN--to that man." She gave a quick shake of the head as if to dispel any further thoughts along those lines. Amidala marveled at the princess' ability to regain her composure. "Ben, I'm so glad you made it. We were worried after we heard about Detash."
"Unfortunately, I can't say you have no reason to be worried." Ben's frown grew as he returned to the earlier subject. "What will you do?"
"The only thing I can," Kalla said, resignedly. "Disband the military, incorporate the defensive portion into our security force." Kalla bit her lip. "They can't object to our having a token security presence, after all. But I can't send my people to serve *him*." Almost to herself she finished, "Nor can I stop those who choose to of their own volition."
"You should have done this months ago," Amidala whispered, remembering her advice to the princess to wait and see.
"I didn't expect him to somehow convince the Kuati that we are the enemy. We've always had peaceful relations." Kalla glanced at the floor, then back up. "I must contact the assembly and Bail. There hasn't been a royal decree issued in almost fifty years. It'll be faster than having the assembly vote on it. If you'll excuse me? Kalla swept out of the room.
"You shouldn't blame yourself for any of this." Ben tightened his grip on her hand. "I must go soon. Before I do, is there anything I can do for you?"
"I want to go to Tatooine."
His eyes opened wide at her request. "You mustn't, it's not safe."
"Ben Kenobi. Tatooine is controlled by the Hutts, not the Emperor. *They* aren't looking for me. Besides, my son is there. I want to see Luke one last..." She blinked several times. "Please?"
He took a deep breath. "Amidala...I'll arrange it. Why now?"
"Because," Amidala whispered. "My son is almost two years old and I don't even know what he looks like." She motioned for him to follow her. They walked silently through the palace, past the garden, and toward the river, below the fall. She pondered her decision to leave Alderaan, and how much she would tell. She only knew for sure her time was running out.
"Tell me, how could all this happen," she whispered as she stared at the racing water.
Ben stared at the water before kicking a stone into it. "How what happened?"
"All this. How did Palpatine manage all this?"
"I don't know," he confessed. "I honestly don't know. I've spent the past two years wondering just that. What could we have done differently."
She closed her eyes. It was so peaceful here. The constant sound of rippling water tempted her to relax completely and sleep. She opened her eyes and slowly returned her gaze to Ben.
"Explain to me how the Jedi never noticed Palpatine for all those years?"
He took a breath, held it for several seconds, then released it with a loud sigh. "Looking back, maybe we should have noticed, but 'Hard to see, the darkside is.'"
"Why? Why is it hard to see? Do you mean you have trouble sensing it?" She'd been told this once, what seemed a long time ago, but this evening she wanted to know more.
"Yes, it has to do with our sensing ability." He knelt down on the bank and scooped up a handful of fine gravel. "The Force is created by life, it surrounds us and binds us together. It's like a river, constantly flowing and changing as the surroundings change." He tossed the gravel into the river. "A Jedi learns to use that river. We see--sense--those changes." He shrugged as he picked a dozen larger sized pebbles and tossed them all at once into the river. "Using the Force causes ripples in this 'river.' Like the stones, you see--sense--the effect before it quickly fades. But light and dark cause the same ripple." He picked up one dark and one light colored rock, each the size of his fist, and tossed them. "Unless one is concentrating on the source of the disturbance--the final disturbance is the same."
"I see." She quickly amended it to, "At least, I think I do."
"And Palpatine was careful to avoid using the Force too much."
She chuckled. "Now that I can understand."
He stood and held out his hand. "Looking back at the past several years, even going back two decades, there were several events that in hindsight suggest something evil was happening."
"Like the Battle of Naboo?"
"Yes, like the Battle of Naboo. The earlier Clone Wars, the death of the Trade Federation Viceroy before his trial even began--several other things besides." He shrugged, then changed the subject. "How's Leia?"
"Growing. Master Ylenic says she is strong in the Force. Ben, can the Emperor sense her?" She took a deep breath to calm the panicky feeling that thought always caused in her.
"That I don't know." He quickly held his hand up to stop her next question. "He might sense something, but unless she attracts his attention... It's their father we need to be concerned about." He blanched and turned away.
"I've been told that Anakin lives. Ylenic warned me that my children may have some sort of connection to him."
"It's possible. He also has a connection to you. A strong one. If Palpatine discovers--"
"That I'm alive, I know." She closed her eyes. "I haven't told anyone I'm leaving. Please, don't tell Kalla."
"Where will you go?"
"I don't know." She stared out over the water. "Is the darkside stronger?"
"Stronger is the wrong word," Ben said after a second of contemplation. "Easier."
"Oh. Can Anakin be brought back to the lightside?" she asked, a faint hope in her voice. To have Anakin back, maybe then, she could bring her family together. But even as she spoke the words, she knew that it was just a dream.
"Once you start down the darkside, forever will it dominate your destiny," Ben recited the phrase as a lesson well learned.
"Can we try?"
"Do, or do not..." Ben shook his head as if to dispel an old memory. "I failed on Spaarti. I went to find him on Coruscant. What happened to him is my fault, and I need to bring him back." He stared at her suspiciously.
She felt her heart leap at the possibility, then she dragged herself back to reality. "It's not your fault." She didn't mention her own sense of guilt. She, after all, had not contacted him during the Clone Wars--a time when Annie had been the most vulnerable. She was his wife. He had once loved her--no, he still loved her. She realized Ben was studying her, so she changed the subject, not wanting to talk about her plans or emotions anymore.
"And how is Baryl?" She smiled as she watched the Jedi blush. "Good. She's good for you, Ben."
"She's placing herself in great danger with her continued association--"
"Ben, shut-up. Take the one good thing this accursed galaxy has offered you and treasure it." She stepped back. "I'm sorry, but you need her."
"What kind of life can I offer her?"
Amidala smiled sadly. "That is for you to choose. Together." She wiped her eyes. "It'll be hard to leave all this."
"Then don't. The Organas will protect you."
"I have to." Amidala bit her lip. "My presence could endanger Leia's life." She placed her hand on his. "I've made my decision. Please all I want before, go is to see Luke once more."
Reluctantly, he said, "It happens I'm going to Tatooine in another few months. I'll make the arrangements."
"Thank you, Ben." She pulled away and looked around. "I wish I could see Naboo one last time as well." Her smile faded. "I know, I am too well known there. I only wish..." He wrapped his arms around her as she started to cry.
"We all wish. Your children will know a better future..." She wasn't sure if it was an empty promise, but she wanted to believe. She so wanted to believe.
Tatooine: (9 months)
Ben concentrated on anything but the smell as he pushed the cantina doors open. He blinked and adjusted to the internal darkness. The place brought back so many memories. Over a year ago, he'd met Nejaa Halycon here and then the Corellian Jedi Master had died. Ben took a deep breath. He believed in the Force, not superstition. He walked toward her table, avoiding the other patrons.
"Hello," he whispered as he sat down next to Baryl. She smiled at him. "See, I made it."
"I noticed. I'm supposed to make contact with our agent tomorrow or the next day outside Government Hall."
"This place really has a government?" He winced as a particularly awful smell wafted pass. "Complete with sanitation laws and the like?"
"It is pretty ripe," she agreed. "It helps to mask the taste of the drinks." She pushed an empty glass toward him. There was a coded-key with it. "I've a room at Darat's Inns. It's not too bad." She leaned closer. "And it definitely smells better."
"Shall we," he started to stand. A tall, burly reptilian-looking humanoid pushed him back down in his seat.
"I recognize you," the alien said--the voice was heavily distorted by the translator. "You're Jedi." Ben relaxed and leaned back in his chair and raised his hand.
"You're mistaken," he said casually. "I'm just a moisture farmer."
"Moisture farmers don't come here." The alien pulled out his blaster. He bowed toward Baryl. "Sorry, miss, but you'll have to find business elsewhere. This Jedi is mine." The alien used his free hand to pull out a piece of paper. "And your stinking mind tricks won't work on me." He took a step to his right so that Baryl could pass. Ben waited. As she stepped next to the bounty-hunter, she tripped. Ben stood, whirled about and kicked the bounty hunter in the stomach and fled. He felt a little uncomfortable about leaving her, but he knew instinctively that Baryl could handle anything.
#
Baryl stepped forward slowly and shoved her elbow into the bounty hunter's stomach. "You stupid fool." She grabbed his blaster. "Stupid, stupid. I should take the five-thousand credits you just cost me out of your hide." The other cantina patrons were watching. She knew she had to put on a good show. She pushed the blaster into his stomach. "Unfortunately, I doubt you are worth that much. Two weeks wasted, because of a stupid fool." He took three steps back, she only took two forward.
"He's worth ten," the reptilian hunter said weakly. "We can split--"
"I don't split with anyone," she hissed. "I suggest you find yourself another city--better, another planet--where I am not likely to see you. I might decide I need new luggage after all." She pushed him to the floor, tossed the bartender some coins, then walked out and waited across the street. A few seconds later the bounty hunter ran out. She could hear the laughter from the cantina. He didn't even look back as she followed him to his ship. "Kiffle," she muttered as she leaned against the building across from the crowded landing field. "Not even a private docking bay. Must be really stupid." Her sense of satisfaction grew as she watched the ship leave.
"Kiffle," she mumbled again as she remembered their reason for being here. Months of planning had just been thrown out the window. She would still meet the undercover agent, but without Ben, she would have to be extra cautious. She stared out past the spaceport toward the open sands. And within an hour, half the bounty hunters on Tatooine would be searching for Ben. "Meddling idiot."
#
"Ben?" Baryl whispered as she entered her darkened room. "You shouldn't be here."
She heard his kind chuckle and then the creaking of a chair. A shadowy shape stood less than two meters from her, not coming closer. "What happened with the bounty hunter?"
"He's gone." She pulled the wanted poster out of her pocket. "He didn't even have the right Jedi. You should have left, too. It's not safe," she said, letting months of anger and frustration seep into her words.
"It's not safe anywhere," Ben gently chided her.
"Like I hadn't noticed." She crossed her arms and stared at him. "You've talked about settling on Tatooine, to keep an eye on Luke. Maybe now is the time. Just avoid Mos Eisley and you'll be fine."
"It is time."
She faltered, then closed her eyes. "I see. What will you do here?"
"I have no idea. I've picked a site on the fringe of the desert, about twenty kilometers from the Lars homestead."
"What's it like?"
"It's located at the base of the hills, so it's a bit cooler than the desert. The midsummer sunrise lines up with the opening of the canyon."
"Sounds beautiful."
"And very lonely." There was a hint of wistfulness in his voice that made her open her eyes.
"In a year I'm eligible for partial retirement benefits. There would be more than enough for two to live on."
"Baryl, you can't. It's no life for you."
"It's not one for you either, but it's all we have. I shall join you on Tatooine in a year." She moved next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "And no mind tricks to convince me otherwise."
"I wouldn't dream of it." He took her hand and kissed it. "I can't promise you a life of comfort or even coolness."
She laughed. "I never asked for either." She tilted her head as he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, while his arms slid down her back and pulled her closer.
"I'm constructing a house in the canyon walls."
"Cooler underground." Her several trips to Tatooine had taught her a little about the desert: hot, dry, and windy, but she had found it fascinating.
Hours later, she found herself sitting at the table, watching Ben pour two glasses of blue liquid. "I'll meet my contact alone. You should leave Mos Eisley."
"Baryl--"
She cut him off. "Ben Kenobi, you stubborn fool, you were publicly labeled a Jedi. Half the bounty hunters in the spaceport will be looking for you. The other half have already left, figuring you were smart enough to do the same."
Ben acknowledged the situation with a slow nod. "Amidala wants to come to Tatooine."
Baryl almost dropped her glass. "Why?"
"To see Luke." She stared at Ben as realization sank in. "She's planning on leaving Alderaan. For good."
"You have to convince her to stay. She's safe there. Palpatine--"
"Thinks she's dead, I hope."
"We can't be sure. Anyway, where will she go?"
"I don't know," Ben said. "She didn't tell me."
"Kiffle. Ben--"
"I'm going to Anchorhead to make arrangements. No one will recognize me there."
"Except Owen and Beru."
"They only come into town once a week." She wondered how and why he'd learned that piece of information, but didn't press him on it. "Anyway, I can continue work on our home." He held out his hand. "If that is truly what you wish?"
"It is," she whispered, taking his offered hand. For the first time in years, the future seemed brighter. They wouldn't be fighting the Emperor directly, but in their own special way they would be contributing to the future. Ben would eventually train Luke to be a Jedi--and perhaps even herself. And someday, when the galaxy was ready, they would be ready to bring Palpatine down.
Tatooine (11 months)
"Hello, miss," the voice cackled. "You lost?" Amidala whirled about and then relaxed as the older man grinned at her. "We don't get many strangers in these parts. Especially not such well dressed ones." Amidala grimaced. It was quite obvious that green tunic and pants she wore, were not the outfit of a moisture farmer.
"I'm just visiting," she said quietly. Her eyes darted past the man toward the speeder that was parked across from the small store. Anchorhead was not very big. A few houses, a store, and several repair places. She'd carefully situated herself across from the store so as to have an unobstructed view of the entire street.
"Strange place to visit," he chuckled then followed up with a bow. "Barak Darklighter."
"Ami," she said, silently wishing he would leave.
"Well, well. Who's the lucky fellow?"
She blushed as she realized what he was implying. "I'm not planning on staying."
"That's too bad." He eyed her appreciatively. "You can find me over there most days." He pointed to the store. "I've retired. Moisture farming is too damn hard. I let the kids handle it these days." He started to walk away.
Not for the first time, she wished Ben had come with her, but he was worried about being recognized. Amidala continued watching as a woman walked out of the store, a little blond boy beside her. Somehow, even without Ben's description, she knew the boy was Luke. Even though he was younger, something about his exuberance reminded her of an eight-year old Annie.
"Not now, Luke," she heard Beru say. "I still have some errands to run."
The boy pouted, but Beru firmly took his hand and started walking across the street. Amidala watched as the woman reached over and affectionately tousled his hair, then saw Luke's answering smile . She ached to run over and hug the boy, to tell him who she was. Just as she wished she could reunite her whole family. She whispered to herself, "Oh Annie, I'm so sorry you will never know your children. If you could, I'm sure any wish to serve the darkside would vanish."
Amidala hadn't planned to talk with Beru Lars or Luke, but seeing them come so near, she impulsively stepped forward.
"Hello," Beru said with a smile. She eyed Amidala's costume. Amidala flushed, once again wishing she'd picked something a little less conspicuous--but the Rodian clerk had been most persistent. "I'm Beru Lars."
"Ami."
"Welcome to Anchorhead." Beru waved at the cluster of buildings. "Your first visit to these parts?"
"I'm just passing through," Amidala said, even as she realized how lame that sounded. Beru glanced at her more carefully, then nodded. "Good for you."
Amidala wondered at that comment but was distracted by the blond boy at Beru's side whined, "You promised!" Beru rolled her eyes.
"Not now, Luke. I said when I'm finished with my errands."
Luke stamped his foot and crossed his arms. "Finished?"
Beru sighed and turned toward Ami apologetically. "He's two and becoming quite stubborn. Do you have children?"
Amidala nodded, then quickly shook her head. Beru's eyes welled with sympathy. "I'm understand. I lost my only child. Luke is the son of my husband's brother." Amidala hid her surprise. She'd thought the Lars had taken him as their own. "Luke Skywalker," Beru continued. "I never met his parents--they died soon after Luke was born."
"He's lucky to have been sent to live with you."
Beru's smile grew. "I think we're the lucky ones."
"Auntie Beru," Luke said. "Go!" The boy stared at Amidala, then tugged at Beru's tunic. "Promised."
"OK, OK, I'm going." She turned back to Ami. "Good luck. Jabba's goons don't usually come here. You aren't the first of his runaway slaves to come this way." Beru smiled as she spoke to the boy. "Just one more stop, then I'll buy you a ruby bliel."
"Bye-bye," Luke said to Amidala. The look he gave her made her heart ache. He grinned and then ran off. Beru took off after him. "Luke!"
Amidala watched them, oblivious to the strange looks from the few Anchorhead residents who passed, until Beru had disappeared into one of the buildings.
She whispered good-bye, and turned to leave. Suddenly she froze. Owen Lars was standing by his speeder, his arms crossed, staring at her. She ignored his suspicious looks as she climbed into the speeder Ben had bought. Owen was still staring as she started the engine.
She drove straight to the canyon where Ben waited. He cocked his head, but didn't speak until she climbed out of the speeder..
"Well?" He asked.
"I saw him. He's grown." She briefly closed her eyes, remembering what Luke had looked like. "They are good people." She took his hand. "Thank you."
"Amidala, I want you to do a favor for me in return. You shouldn't leave Alderaan. There is no safety for you--"
"I've been promised sanctuary by friends of Yoda." He stared at her, then looked away. She didn't want him worrying about her. Ben always worried too much about those he cared for. "How's your house coming along?" He smiled and gestured toward the hole he was carving into rock.
"The excavation is fairly easy to do, I just don't think it's a standard usage for a lightsaber."
"You've picked a beautiful spot. Baryl will like it." She looked around wistfully, remembering a time when she'd had similar dreams of setting up a home. She sighed as she turned to her friend. "I'm through here."
"Amidala," Ben said. "When will you leave Alderaan?"
"The Festival of the Moons." She continued to stare at the rocks that surrounded her, haunted by the many memories of this place, especially her first meeting with Anakin.
As if guessing her thoughts, Ben said, "I'll take you back to the Mos Eskal spaceport. Just give me a few moments to clean up first."
She nodded, then waited silently by the speeder until he returned. She climbed in beside him. "One more thing, Ben. Promise me that you will warn Beru and Owen to be careful. They should have changed Luke's last name."
The roar of the engine drowned out Ben's answer. She didn't ask again.
Alderaan (12 months)
Kalla Organa turned away from the crowds below the balcony and walked back into the warmth of the palace. She reached up and started to undo her tightly wound braids. Amidala picked up Leia, while Lady Brasa went to help. "I'm going to cut my hair, yet," the princess muttered as the first of the blonde braids came undone.
"It would definitely cause a stir, Your Highness," Lady Brasa said. "But think of what it would cost the economy."
Kalla narrowed her eyes. "How would my cutting my hair affect the economy?"
"All the hair stylists--" Lady Brasa started.
Kalla finished the old joke with her. "--would be out of work. I suppose." She glanced over at Amidala. Amidala looked away, aware that Kalla wanted to know what Amidala was planning. The problem was, Amidala realized, she didn't know herself. Some days her plans made sense and other days she wondered if perhaps she was slowly going insane.
The door opened and a harried clerk ran in. "Your Highness, Senator Organa is trying to reach you." Amidala straightened. Bail rarely had any good news these days. The other two women shared a look of alarm, then Lady Brasa came over and took Leia. The little girl just yawned as they left. Kalla silently walked over to her desk, her hair in complete disarray.
"Bail?"
The senator's face appeared on the screen. "Hello, Kalla, Ami." They could see the anger on his face, even though he managed to keep his voice calm. "It's happened."
"No," Kalla said. "It can't."
"There was some opposition, but not enough."
"Empire," Kalla snorted. Amidala reached over and placed her hand on Kalla's shoulder. They'd both known this moment was coming, but still the reality of it actually happening stunned them both. The hand was also a warning to say no more. Even the best security could be breached.
"Kalla," Bail said, then hesitated.
"What?" Kalla's voice was low. "What else?"
Bail grimaced, "Promise to remain calm?"
"No. Tell me what else has he done." Amidala tightened her grip on Kalla's shoulder.
"The senate has authorized the placement of an imperial garrison in systems of strategic importance. To help maintain order."
"Of course," Kalla said sarcastically. "Corellia, Chandrila, Alderaan?"
"Amongst others."
"I understand all too well."
Amidala backed away. She'd heard enough. Kalla and Bail would discuss the political ramifications of the new situation on Alderaan, then say good-night. She went out into the hallway
Amidala glanced behind her, then smiled. Lady Brasa was introducing Leia to some of the other court children. She continued to reflect on her daughter and life on Alderaan as she walked down the gilded hallway. She stopped at the corner and turned back at the sound of children's laughter. She took a step forward and immediately ran into something solid.
"Excuse me," the tall golden droid said.
Amidala stared at him. There was something about that voice...The droid cocked his head and somehow managed to look puzzled. "Excuse me," the droid said again.
She shook her head, "I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg relations. I am fluent in over six-million forms of communication. If I can be of any assistance?"
"No," she shook her head. She'd known the two droids had been given to Bail, but hadn't even wondered why she hadn't seen them. She stared at the droid. "What are you doing here?"
The droid looked affronted. "I have been reassigned to Princess Kalla's household staff. My counterpoint wandered away and I was looking for him."
"Artoo Deetoo?" See-Threepio didn't seem surprised that she knew the other droid's name.
"That is correct. He is too inquisitive."
"Threepio, do you recognize me?" Amidala whispered.
"No. Should I?"
She'd known Ben had wiped their memories, "Of course you don't. I'm Lady Ami, Mistress of the Nursery. I'm pleased to meet you."
Threepio processed the information. "Lady Ami, if you see an Artoo unit, please inform him that he will be deactivated if he does not return to duty immediately."
"I doubt that," Ami smiled. The droid may not remember who she was, but it was strangely comforting to see someone who knew Anakin before everything went wrong. She looked past the droid at the sound of running footsteps.
"I'm sorry, Lady Ami," the light-haired man said. "We're still programming the new droids. This unit shows remarkable spirit, for a droid. It won't happen again."
"That's all right," Amidala said quietly. "I enjoyed our conversation. Thank-you, Threepio."
"For what?" the droid asked as she walked away. Her smile grew at the memories.
"Lady Ami," Kalla's voice called out. She turned to face the approaching princess. Kalla had somehow managed to bring her hair under some control, but it was the look on the Princess's face that worried her. Something else had happened.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"We have to talk." Kalla jerked her head toward Amidala's quarters.
Amidala couldn't do anything except stare at her friend after the door shut. "What will you do now?"
"I have no choice," Kalla said softly as she motioned her hand toward the window. "He has his Empire. And now we can sit and watch it grow in strength daily. We don't have the resources to resist."
"You know what he is; what he will do..." Amidala's voice trailed off as she turned away and stared at the floor.
"All too well. But what do we have to fight with?" She could hear the sadness and anger in the princess's voice. "We lost a third of our forces in the recent clone wars. Kalla bit her lip. "And others in the Alliance lost even more than we did. My people are tired of war. A few officials worry that too much power is being concentrated in Coruscant--but think if that is the price for peace...We have lost so much. You've heard and seen what happens when we talk about the Empire. Many are in favor--too many just don't care."
"But you can't just accede to this. You can't." Amidala knew she was losing the battle--she understood the political realities too well.
"What choice do I have? We're disbanding the Alderaan military. Bail says that several systems had been threatening sanctions until we complied." There was no mistaking Kalla's furor. The princess took several deep breaths before continuing. "In my ideal galaxy, Alderaan would stand up to the Emperor and show him that we are willing to fight for our freedom. And someday we shall."
"Kalla, I'm...I understand. You can't stand by and watch your people die."
"I'm a realist, Amidala. I can't stop our young people from serving in the Imperial forces: too many will. Too many are ready to believe in his message for a new order. But at least I have prevented the wholesale takeover of our military." She picked up a datareader. "I've been discussing this with several council members and they agree. Mostly." Her voice trailed off as she gripped the reader tighter. "With our military disbanded we are vulnerable, but there are never any easy choices."
Amidala closed her eyes. "I congratulated Palpatine on his election as Supreme Chancellor. I expressed my wish that he would restore sanity and compassion to the galaxy. Little did I know."
"No one did," Kalla answered as she placed a hand on Amidala's shoulder. "Palpatine is a remarkable man--and I don't mean that as a compliment. Even now he hides his evil behind a convincing mask of civility and concern for the galaxy's welfare." There was a long silence before Kalla spoke. "He's coming here in four weeks."
Amidala froze. "What?"
"He's suggested a face-to-face meeting here on Alderaan to discuss the garrisoning of the new Imperial troops. " Kalla removed her hand. "Considering...You might want to be elsewhere during his visit."
"I can't leave Leia. It would be best if we carried on business as usual." Even as she spoke, Amidala realized that business as usual would include avoiding Palpatine during his stay. She hastened to assure herself that in her role as the Mistress of the Nursery, a confrontation was highly unlikely. And surely Palpatine wouldn't be interested in a two year old child--unless--unless he knew exactly who Leia was. She shivered at the thought.
"He won't be here long." Kalla grimaced. "A few hours at most. It's part of a good will tour."
"Good will," Amidala snarled. "He must know--"
"How we feel? Of course he does. That's why Alderaan is his first stop. To show that he bears us no ill will. It's a brilliant move."
Amidala sat down at her desk. "No ill will. And you?"
"Bail and I will be gracious hosts. The political reality is I can't not meet with him. We will discuss the situation, he'll agree to not place troops on Alderaan--for the moment. He'll come out of the negotiations as a shrewd, but sincere man."
A brilliant move, indeed, Amidala silently agreed.