A Father's Love

[arie]

Prologue

In the limitless expanse that was the Force, one’s fondest of memories were projected as solidified matter, and the passage in to the Force was considered a great step toward better understanding the Force. Many a being had successfully achieved this feeling. And it was within this feeling that sprouted a dilemma.

In this new state, one would be confined to the part of their life in which they were the most at peace, living among those that they loved, and they were overcome with an eternal feeling of euphoria. Euphoria that sometimes, would be not so eternal.

Euphoria that had been disturbed within the soul of a man struggling through the trials of redemption and the cold feeling of regret.

This was a crisis.

A crisis, which would be solved only by the best, the elite force that were the guardians of peace, the keepers of the Light.

The Jedi.

An ancient Temple stood welded into the center of the capital, just as grand and breathtaking as it had once been in reality. Within this Temple, the Jedi’s plan was beginning to unravel, and those involved were full of hope and a sense of new Light was beginning to seep into the heart of the troubling darkness.

Two Jedi Masters walked across a landing platform within the Temple’s cyclopean structure, both appearing solemn, yet relaxed and focused.

“Now remember, in order for this mission to be a success, no one can discover your true identity.”

“Yes, Master. That would definitely defeat the purpose.” Anakin Skywalker replied with a smile.

Obi-Wan didn’t show it on the outside, but he felt his heart lurch at this smile. A smile he had missed for so long…

Obi-Wan smiled back, pouring all his support onto his friend. “You know, this isn’t going to be easy.”

Anakin shook his head. “It most certainly won’t. My daughter is very stubborn.”

“She is her father’s daughter.”

“Yeah… hey!” Anakin frowned.

Obi-wan laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Admit it, Anakin, you were quite… persevering.”

Anakin smiled. “And you were quite boring.”

“Whatever.”

“I seem to recall many days in which you’d launch into another one of your dull lectures…”

Obi-Wan folded his arms in front of his chest and cocked an eyebrow at his former Padawan.

“…lectures that were necessary in achieving a greater knowledge of the Living Force.” Anakin finished lamely.

“That’s better.” Obi-Wan said quietly.

The two Jedi stopped in front of an odd sort of door, which was actually a portal. A portal that could only exist in this dimension. The portal that was key to restoring balance. Because even after fulfilling the prophecy, it seemed Anakin had more to do.

“Ani!”

Anakin turned, and found himself enveloped in a warm hug. Looking down, his eyes met the dark brown orbs of his wife, Padme.

“You didn’t think I’d actually let you leave without giving me a kiss, did you?” she asked, her voice full of mischief.

“Of course not, milady.” Anakin teased, and their lips met in a final goodbye.

“Try not to be gone too long,” Padme added when they broke apart.

Anakin hugged her close. “Never. I will always come back to you, Padme.”

“I know it, Ani.”

Obi-Wan smiled. “Ready, Anakin?”

Anakin reluctantly released his wife and stepped toward his former Master. “I am now.”

“Don’t worry, I promise I’ll take good care of Padme for you.” Obi-Wan said with a sly grin.

“You better.” Anakin replied. He turned around to look into the eyes of his angel again, then said, “May the Force be with you.”

“And with you, Anakin.” Obi-wan supplied.

“I love you!” Padme threw in.

And Anakin took a step into the portal, finding himself engulfed in a wave of swirling light and color.

The last thing he saw was Padme, blowing him a kiss. Then, all went black.

[arie]

Chapter 1

Leia sat in her private quarters of a Rebel cruiser, owned by the former Senator Mon Mothma. Gazing out the viewport, she brushed the knots from her long, russet locks, deep in daydream.

The truth was, she was thinking about Luke.

She was a little worried about him, he had seemed so distant lately, since the fall of the Empire, and Leia had tried unsuccessfully to cheer him up. Even Han had shown a little of his softer side and attempted to coax a laugh out of him, but Luke was no longer the carefree young man that Leia once knew.

His experience on the Second Death Star had changed him.

Leia knew that Luke was heavily mourning the loss of their father, who had passed on that climactic day. As hard as she tried to understand his feelings, to even begin to believe that Darth Vader had saved her brother’s life, and that truly made him a good man, the more she was actually convincing herself of the opposite.

Darth Vader was evil.

It was his fault that Alderann, the innocent, once beautifully lush blue-green world of her youth, was gone. He hadn’t stopped Tarkin from unleashing the fury upon her planet, one that now, did not even exist.

It was his fault that Bail Organa, the man whom Leia considered her true father had died, along with every other citizen present on Alderann.

It was his fault that Luke had lost his right arm at Bespin.

His fault, that Han had been entombed in a slab of carbonite, hanging on Jabba the Hutt’s wall, like a prized piece of treasure, not a human being.

And whenever Leia’s thoughts wandered to the man behind the mask, she felt no pity, no sympathy at all. She felt anger, a fiery wave of passion that she could not erase from her mind.

Darth Vader was a monster.

And whatever Luke said, Leia knew that Darth Vader was not her father.

Father: one who nurtures, raises and comforts a child as she begins to shape her future in the world. One who truly cares, and would do anything for her, one who would stay up all night with her if she had a nightmare. One who would tell her right from wrong and teach her everything he knows. One who loved her.

But Darth Vader: a heartless criminal incapable of love or compassion. A murderer, a traitor. A black hole of dark power used for the promotion of evil.

As far as Leia was concerned, Darth Vader couldn’t have been her father, even if he had tried.

And so, Leia could pretend to empathize with Luke, but she chose not to. She couldn’t let herself stoop as low as to feel sad that Vader had been destroyed.

Besides, she had other things to worry about.

With the elimination of the Empire, the return to a free society would not come as easily as she had thought. She knew times ahead would be difficult, and Luke wasn’t here to help the Rebels pull together the strength they needed.

Though Luke was one of their greatest assets, he had insisted that he go out on his own. He wished to rebuild the legendary Jedi Order, in honor of his father, Ben Kenobi, and Master Yoda. He had told Leia that he felt like he owed it to them, and that she should consider beginning her Force studies soon, even offered to become her mentor. It had seemed so important to him, so Leia had let him go without argument. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder if Luke was doing the right thing.

At least she still had Han.

And just the thought of Han made Leia’s heart flutter.

A great pilot, Han was also of wonderful help in the Rebellion, along with his first mate Chewbacca, the fiercely loyal Wookiee.

And though at first Leia had denied it, she loved Han.

She knew it now.

And now she thought of her times with him, their countless adventures, her first snappy attitude toward him, their first kiss, their confessions of love….

“Leia!” Han called softly into her room.

His voice jarred her thoughts. “What?” her abrupt politician’s tone was back at once.

“You are needed on the bridge, Your Highnessness,” he said simply, and Leia followed his eyes as he eyed her long hair flowing down her back.

“Han, how many times must I tell you not to call me that?” she replied crisply. “And tell them that I will be right there.”

“Oh, of course…” Han said, a mischievous smile on his face. “Your Highnessness”

Leia sighed, but he was already gone.

She hastily pulled her hair up into a delicate bun on top of her head, straightened the white sash around her waist, and followed in the direction Han had gone.

She fell into step with Han, and beamed brightly at her, but he turned down the corridor toward the docking bay, leaving Leia alone.

She approached the bridge, observing absently that both Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar were waited for her. This could mean only one thing: they had found something for her to do.

“Good evening, Princess Leia. I trust you are well?” Mothma greeted when Leia was beside them.

“Yes, I am quite well, Senator. Thank you. What is it that you wish to see me for?”

Mon Mothma smiled tiredly, her brow creased with fatigue and age. Mothma definitely wasn’t a young woman, Leia knew, for she had earned the title of Senator back in the days of the Old Republic, when democracy was in it’s prime. Before Leia had even been born.

But it was Ackbar that spoke, a steady yet recognizably deep voice rising above the datapad he was holding.

“We are ready to tell you of your next diplomatic mission. As you know, there are still many systems that remain loyal to the Empire. We are dispatching ambassadors to many of these worlds, in hopes that they will join forces with us in the infancy of a New Republic.”

“Yes, I am aware of this plan, Admiral.”

Mothma continued for him. “I have requested that you become the ambassador to the world of Escarte, for your skills in negotiation and persuasion far surpass my own.”

Leia felt her cheeks redden, but she smiled humbly. “Why thank you, Senator.”

Mothma’s expression became serious. “But it will be difficult. That is why Captain Solo will be accompanying you.”

Leia rolled her eyes, but her heart thumped at a faster rate at the thought. “As you wish, Senator.”

“And, I am sending someone else along as well. A fairly new face in our forces, but I assure you, he will suit your team well.”

Leia listened intently, then displayed a puzzled expression. “An Academy graduate?”

Ackbar spoke up. “No, but trust me, Princess, he doesn’t need it. His piloting skills are impressive. He’s far surpassed the others in skill, and is going to be with you, mainly for security purposes.”

“Security?”

“Yes, you see he, like your brother, is gifted with the Force.”

Leia was about to say something, but shut her mouth. No one with the exception of Luke and Han knew she possessed the Force as well.

“Since, Skywalker is not here, he will be going with your team.” Mothma explained.

Leia shook her head. “I appreciate your concern, Senator, but that will not be necessary.”

“I knew you would say that. Captain Solo seems quite confident in his abilities to protect you as well, but when I elaborated the danger you could be in and how fiercely Imperial the world was, he gave in for your sake.”

“Why do I find that so surprising?” Leia asked with a laugh.

“I must admit, I thought it would be harder to convince him as well. But he’s met your additional member, and they seem to get along well.”

Leia thought for a moment. “I accept. When will I meet this pilot?”

Ackbar dropped the datapad on the table and said. “He’s not just a pilot, Princess. He’s ascended to the rank of Commander very quickly.”

Mothma smiled. “ I can bring him up here to you now”

“Very well,” Leia replied. “I should like to meet him. When do we depart for Escarte, Senator?”

“As soon as Captain Solo finishes his repairs to the Millennium Falcon, I hope.”

Of course, Leia thought.

Mothma and Ackbar left her side, and Leia’s curiosity spiked. She usually worked with only Han, Chewie, and Luke, so this would be entirely new to her. She wondered distractedly about this new Commander’s origin and what he was like. She hoped that she would get along well with him, because from what Escarte sounded like, the last thing she needed was an irritable relationship with a crewmate.

Mothma returned rather quickly, and as soon as Leia heard footsteps, she turned around, taking in the presence of the new person.

A tall figure stood beside Mothma, a dark cloak draped upon his shoulders.

“Princess, this is your new partner.” Mothma introduced, then turned to him. “Perhaps you’d like to complete you introduction, Commander?”

The man removed his hood.

The first thing Leia noticed were his eyes. They were a sharp blue, piercing and dark, and yet calm and focused.

His hair fell nearly to his cloaked shoulders, and a long red scar ran down the side of his face.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last, Princess.”

[arie]

Chapter 2:

Leia studied the man for a moment more, then nodded, her eyes still on his face. Something about him was familiar, but she wasn't sure what.

As she was thinking, she reached out to shake his hand, and as she did, an odd sensation overtook her.

She didn't know too much about the Force, but it was screaming at her. But what was it saying?

She released his hand, staring into his piercing gaze, as he gazed quietly at her before he spoke again. "I have heard much about you, Princess Leia." Mothma spoke up, and Leia had the weirdest feeling that she was hiding something.

"This is Commander Skye Nairn of the planet Naboo."

Leia sent him an inquisitive look. "The home planet of the Emperor?"

Skye nodded. "Yes, Princess. But home to much more than that."

Leia smiled. "I've never been to Naboo, but I've heard it's lovely, Commander."

The man, Skye nodded. "Quite."

Mothma took her leave, Leia supposed this was because she thought all was going smoothly. Leia gave her a wary glance as she exited the room, no doubt heading out to find Ackbar.

Leia sighed, and broke the silence. "I really don't think this whole security thing is necessary, but I guess Escarte is more dangerous than I thought."

Skye nodded seriously. "It is, Princess. And your safety is of great importance."

Leia smiled. "I'm thankful for everyone's concern, but I am confident that I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can, Princess. And quite well, I expect. But extra help will prove to be more helpful than risky."

"Yes. And Skye?"

"Mmm?"

"Call me Leia. We'll be traveling together for some time, I think."

Leia beamed at her new partner.

The smile that spread across Skye's face probably rivaled the brightness of Tatooine's binary sunset. It started as a little smirk, then blossomed into a huge grin.

But this bright smile, this symbol of happiness, did not belong to Skye Nairn.

This was the smile of a proud father, the smile of a man watching something spectacular unfold before his eyes.

The smile of Anakin Skywalker.

And the smile fed into his soul, filling his heart with happiness like he hadn't felt so much for a long time.

This was where he belonged.

Here, and now.

Leia's voice snapped him out of his reverie.

"I suppose I should check on Han," she said slowly. "You don't know this about Han, but he's obsessed with the Falcon. He treats it like his child. I actually wouldn't be surprised if I caught him tucking it in at night."

A chuckle was shared between the two, but then Leia started to leave. She stopped, seeming to be considering something.

"Come on," she said finally. Anakin followed her to the entrance of the large cruiser's docking bay. "You'd better get accquainted with it, you'll be riding in it a lot from here on out. And trust me, Commander, it's no joyride. It's really a piece of junk, but Han thinks it's the greatest thing ever."

"Hey, not true!" a voice sounded across the bay. Han jogged over to them, gazing warmly at his teammates for the mission. Anakin could tell that he was excited.

"You, Princess, are the greatest thing ever."

Anakin surpressed a laugh. He'd been told that Captain Solo had feelings toward Leia, but hearing him flirt with her was a whole different matter.

Han smiled at Anakin. "We'll be leaving soon, Commander. I just gotta few last adjustments to make. We wouldn't want our hyperdrive failing on us. Comes in handy."

He paused. "Well, it was more necessary when those Imperial troopers and other minions of Palpatine's were out there stinking up the galaxy, but hey, you never know."

Anakin nodded. Leia, however, had her arms folded across her chest. She scowled. "Han, we need to leave soon, so you'd best fix that and fix it quickly. Ackbar and Mothma have to think very highly of a person to send them as an ambassador, so I'd like to continue to impress them, not give them the thought that I'm a lazy spacedog."

Han quirked an eyebrow. "Of course, Your Worship. But I suggest that next time you want something done, don't call the man doing the job a spacedog."

Leia sighed. "You see, Skye? Han is one of the most stubborn people I've met. He hardly listens to anyone but himself."

Anakin grinned at her. Han snorted.

"Look who's talking, Miss I'm Too Good For Security. I mean, I've only had to save you how many times, and you still can't appreciate me fully."

Leia sighed again. "You're unbelievable!"

Han grinned slyly. "So are you, Princess. So are you."

Leia glared at him for a moment, then turned on her heel and stalked off.

Han smiled. "The first thing you should know about Princess Leia, Skye, is that she is quite the character when she's angry."

Anakin nodded. "So I see."

Han turned and walked toward the Millenium Falcon, talking to him as he did. "But don't get the wrong impression. Leia is quite soft at times as well. She's not all she tries to get across." He grinned. "Women like Leia want people to think they're tough, so people don't walk all over them, but inside, they can just melt, you know? It's a gamble associating with their type, but I find that that stuff is what makes Leia so...well," he paused awkwardly. "She's really an amazing and caring woman on the inside, if you only can find that part of her. Surely you know what I mean?"

"I do." Anakin said, thinking to himself about a certain woman. A woman like Leia.

Han sighed in relief. "Good, because I aint one for words, so some people may get the wrong idea from my talk."

Anakin grinned. "Some people?"

Han laughed. "Well, when I said some people, I meant the ladies. Maybe they're just used to some handsome prince and his hokey poetry, or maybe they're just raised in that fancy-talk, but I aint so accustomed to that stuff, so they're a little clueless about how to react to me."

"Are you referring to the Princess?" Anakin asked.

"Maybe I am, but I'm not." Han said slowly. "Btu I'll tell you this: she didn't take to kindly to me at first. Maybe it was an act, but she definitely didn't warm up to me at all. Must be a girl thing."

"Must be."

He patted the hull of his ship lovingly. "So, you coming in? I would give you the grand tour, but I aint too good at that kind of stuff, so you'll hafta check it out for yourself."

He stopped for a moment, thinking. "But don't touch anything. Don't get the impression that you are the pilot."

He puffed out his chest. "You gotta have my permission."

Anakin nodded. "Of course, Captain Solo..errr..Han."

Anakin began his ascent up the ramp into the ship when Han called up to him, "Hey, Skye? Don't be afraid of the big hairy lump in the co-pilot's chair. It's only Chewie, he aint the type to bite. Well, at least not most of the time."

"Thanks for the warning." Anakin replied, laughing and he stepped into the ship.

It was quite impressive, an interesting build and model, and Anakin couldn't help but take note of all its features. The Wookiee, Chewbacca, gave him a little greeting.

“Hey big guy.” Anakin replied. He took a few glances around the ship, admiring its machinery and gadgets.

“Hey, Skye?” a voice called. Han appeared in the doorway. “You ever been to Escarte before?”

Anakin smiled. “Yes, once. With my….brother.”

That wasn’t really lying.

“Oh?” Han said. “so you know what its really like.”

Anakin nodded. “It isn’t the greatest of planets, Han.”

Han smiled. “There’s a lot like that. I’ve seen a great deal of ‘em too, along with the scum that’s always around.”

Anakin laughed. “Scum?”

“Yeah….the not-so-agreeable types. Like Jabba the Hutt, for example. He wasn’t the type to mess with. I was once in a whole lotta trouble with him.”

Anakin knew this too well, but he grinned. “So…”

“Leia killed him you know.”

This did provoke a great deal of surprise from Anakin, which he didn’t hide.

“She’s not exactly the dainty princess who sips tea all day.” Han smirked.

“I guess not.” Anakin replied, awed.

Then, Leia appeared in the entryway, making sure to send Han a scowl before speaking. “Talking about me again?”

“Only the good things, Princess.” Han said, honestly.

Anakin nodded. “Nothing bad, Leia.”

Leia smiled then. “And what makes you two actually think that I did anything bad in the first place?”

Han grinned. “Oh….I dunno. Your heritage?”

Neither Han nor Leia noticed Anakin tense.

Leia sighed. “Han, please tell me that you finished the hyperdrive.”

Han looked guilty. “Well…I….it aint workin, Princess. I think I should call Lando in to have a look.”

“No.” Leia said firmly. “If you can’t fix it, then Lando certainly can’t.”

Han grinned impishly. “You find the most clever ways to flirt with me. I mean, you can’t do it without insulting Lando, too.”

Leia sighed again. “I wasn’t insulting him! I just….feel…kinda awkward around him sometimes…”

“Lando has a crush on Leia..” Han whispered to Anakin.

“Oh?” Anakin said curiously. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Han said back.

Leia frowned. “Well, then what are we going to do?”

Anakin looked up. “I can have a look at it.”

“What?” Han said loudly. “You?”

“Yes…me. Is there a problem, Han?”

“Well, umm….I don’t like the inexperienced types to put their grubby little hands on my Falcon.”

“Inexperienced?” Anakin said, drawing upon the life he supposedly had. “I was a mechanic back on Naboo before I joined the Rebellion.”

Han looked at him warily. “Are you sure you know what you are doing?”

Anakin grinned. “Not a scratch on her, Han.”

“Okay…”

Anakin hurried off to look at the malfunctioning device.

Leia sat in the seat behind Chewie, finger-combing her hair down.

“You should leave it down.” Anakin commented.

Han jumped. “I thought you were fixing the Falcon!”

“I did.” Anakin said conclusively.

Han’s face didn’t betray his disbelief. He went to check…

And was astonished to find it fixed and ready.

I don’t believe it…..he did it! And fast….

Han came back out, fumbling with his holster while trying to formulate a reply. “I….how….you..”

Leia laughed.

“Your welcome, Han.” Anakin replied.

Han shook his head in wonder.

Leia got up and stirred him from thought, her slender hand taking his arm and leading him to the pilot’s chair. “Let’s go, Captain.”

Han grinned. “Of course, Princess.”

[arie]

Chapter 3

Anakin sat in the back room of the Falcon, alone.

But not so alone.

He sat silently, deep in meditation, concentrating so deeply that he was almost completely oblivious to the outside world.

Physically, he appeared relaxed and calm, but spiritually, he was awash in colors and sounds. Meditation had taken on such a larger role in his life since his return to life, for his rebirth could not be achieved alone. Here, if he tried hard enough, his mind could eclipse itself into a sliver of light, and that was all he could see.

Voices danced about him. Obi-Wan, Padme, Master Yoda; all telling him different things.

He sighed and pondered, thinking to himself, “How in Force’s name is this going to work? How am I supposed to do this? Can I even hope at succeeding?”

He felt Master Yoda’s wise smile, even though he couldn’t see it. “Know that already, you do, Master Skywalker.”

Anakin still had his misgivings. “If Leia only knew the truth, she would hate me, Master. She wouldn’t give me that second chance. I have felt the strength of her resentment for Vader. It is nearly impenetrable.”

“Nearly, Ani?” Padme’s voice was soft and reassuring.

He felt a tremor of love flowing between them through their connection in the Force and gratefully fed into it, pouring his mind and soul into it.

“Anakin, we all know that you can do this. We are counting on you, and Anakin Skywalker doesn’t let us down. You must trust in yourself, my friend. We do.” Obi-Wan said calmly, yet Anakin couldn’t help but detect a certain shadowy glimpse of Obi-Wan’s thoughts.

Behind the mask of assurance and confidence, a flicker of fear burned.

Anakin could feel its heat, feel the smoldering wisps of it encompassing his entire world, no matter how much Obi-Wan could conceal it.

The brunt of the trepidation was flowing off of Padme in waves, clogging their sinuous connection of love and passion. Even Master Yoda seemed a little unsettled.

“Something’s going on.” Anakin stated slowly to them. It wasn’t a question.

He felt a mental sigh from Obi-Wan, and felt Padme’s bond grasp him tightly, as if worried that he might let go.

“Anakin…” Obi-Wan began. “There is a disturbance in the Force, we all feel it.”

“Disturbance?” Padme seemed to question his choice of words. “It is more comparable to a fracas, Anakin. Even I can feel it.”

Anakin felt a cold shudder from her. He offered her his warmth and caress, which she accepted, her face turning pink.

Obi-Wan fiddled with words in his mind, Anakin could sense his hesitation. Finally he said, “We sense a dark presence, Anakin. One that we couldn’t possibly hope to identify. But you, being there, it being concealed from you as it is being concealed fromthe rest of the galaxy; you cannot feel it as we can.”

“In grave danger, you could be. You and your daughter.” Yoda finished.

Anakin mentally sent them a solemn nod, but Obi-Wan continued. “Anakin, I sense that this could be a lot harder for you than we had originally planned, harder than we could ever have predicted.”

Anakin replied. “I will be careful, Master. You have my word.”

A pulse of sadness echoed from the presence of Master Yoda. “Stronger, the darkness is becoming. Your redemption, the key it will be to the full return of the light.”

Obi-Wan’s anxiety was palpably distinct now. “You could hold the entire destiny of the Jedi and the Light Side of the Force in you, Anakin”

In the Force, Anakin blinked in surprise. “But…what am I supposed to do?”

“Nothing yet.” Obi-Wan answered. “Just remain with Leia and keep her safe.”

“Of course.”

“What about Luke?” Padme’s voice wavered in the slightest, her alarm quite obvious.

“Safe, Luke is. For now. A true Jedi, he has become. No darkness in him, do I sense.”

“Darkness?” Padme’s presence became tense. “You mean Leia…”

“Every Jedi has a potential to turn to the Dark Side.” Obi-Wan recited. “But, Luke is quite bathed in the Light right now. He has let go of his hatred and anger.”

“But Leia hasn’t.” Anakin said.

“And that’s why there, you are, Anakin.” Yoda said seriously. Anakin could imagine him thumping his gimer stick for prominence.

“To prevent the darkness from returning. Or taking our daughter.” Padme said and Anakin felt her send him her worry. “Oh, Ani. Please, please be careful.”

Anakin nodded. “I won’t let Leia succumb. I can’t let her suffer as I have.”

Obi-Wan added, "And not only must you hold back the darkness, but Leia could also be in physical danger as it is."

"She'll be fine. I'll make sure of it." Determination swelled through Anakin, filling him with the hope he needed.

“And meanwhile, watch we will, this dark new presence and your son, Anakin.” Yoda said, almost warmly.

Anakin relayed his approval. “Good.”

Padme sent him a longing strand of ardor and managed to whisper. “I love you, Anakin.”

“I love you too, my angel.” Anakin responded, and sent her a last portion of his heartfelt devotion.

“It is decided then.” Obi-wan said conclusively.

Yoda shook his head slowly. “Something else, I must tell you, Anakin.”

“What is it?”

“In my meditation, something else have I sensed.”

“What?” Padme asked.

“Certain, it is not, but a great tremor it created. Threaten the balance of your objective, it could, Anakin.”

“What do you mean?”

“All that is, I can tell you.”

“But…”

“Skye?” Leia’s voice was audible now, as the last remnants of his meditation faded away and the Force presences he had contacted through power and love cut off abruptly.

“We’re coming up on the atmosphere of Escarte.” Leia informed him as he opened his eyes. She looked around. “What have you been doing back here?”

Inwardly, Anakin thought, Oh, Leia. If you only knew.

“Meditating. It is a common activity of the Jedi.”

Leia’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re a Jedi? I mean, I knew you were Force-sensitive...”

“Yes.” Anakin answered her truthfully. Then, he had to give her the only information he was allowed to provide. “I have been contacted in spirit by Obi-wan Kenobi, who has trained me in the ways of the Force.”

And, Anakin thought, From a certain point of view, that isn’t exactly lying either.

“Old Ben Kenobi?” Leia said in wonder. “He trained my brother, Luke before he died and then Master Yoda took over…”

She looked confused. "I thought Luke was the only one left...well, besides me, I guess..."

Then she blushed. “In truth, I haven’t put much thought into my power. I know I probably should be so reckless…”

Anakin smiled. If you only knew how much you were like your father.

Leia sighed. “But I’m a little overwhelmed as it is. I only just found out that I had this gift.”

“The gift of the Force is a huge responsibility, Leia. You must learn to use it properly, or something terrible could happen.”

“I know…” she said, almost sadly. “It’s just too much for me at once…but I know that I can sort it all out...eventually.”

“Yes, eventually.” Anakin echoed.

Leia looked thoughtful. “Luke promised to train me, but you know…you could show me a few things, in the meantime.”

Anakin cautiously contained his emotion, but it was quite difficult. “I’d be happy to.”

Leia grinned. “Well, we’d better get up in the cockpit before Han wonders.”

Anakin got up and followed his daughter, who couldn’t possibly know how much the prospect of guiding her meant to him. And his ultimate destiny.

[arie]

Chapter 4

Han looked up as Leia and Skye entered the room. He nodded toward the viewport.

“Get a load of that, Princess. I know they said it was an asteroid mining facility back in the day, but I didn’t think they were talkin’ ‘bout an actual asteroid!”

Leia nodded. “There’s a whole belt of asteroids here.”

Han turned to Skye, hoping for a little insight. “What do you know about the Escarte Commerce Guild?”

Skye looked thoughtful. “Not much. Escarte was once a round star system, but now, besides the Guild, of course, it is uninhabited. Nearly every bit of ore has been extracted from those shafts and craters, which were created by their labor droids.”

“Do they have any human work force?” Leia asked.

Skye nodded. “Escarte was on of the first planets to experiment with advanced tractor beam technology. There is a small human work force that remains in the distribution of their scarce supplies of ore and their tractor beam techs.”

Leia’s eyes widened and she pointed at hulking shapes hanging in the atmosphere. “What are those?”

Skye shook his head. “Guild corvettes. Those are their fleet patrol craft.”

“Unfriendly space, eh?” Han said with a grin. “My specialty.”

Leia sighed. “Han, don’t you dare do anything stupid…”

“Oh, Princess, do I ever?”

Leia paused in mock consideration. “Well...”

“Oh never mind, Skye’s only just met me, you’re gonna scare him off.”

Leia and Skye laughed as the Falcon approached Escarte’s main transport vector, clear of spacecraft, and empty except for the old, war-torn facility orbiting two of the colossal multimooned gas giants.

----------------------

Anakin was touched by the sentimental teasing than so often broke out between Leia and Han. He smiled thoughtfully, hoping that Escarte wouldn’t be anywhere near as hostile as it had been years before.

He had wondered what he would’ve told them if they’d asked when and why he went to Escarte, and He’d brought it up to Obi-Wan and Yoda earlier, who told him not to lie, just to bend the truth.

That had earned them a wary smirk. But Anakin had been routinely informed about what to reveal and what not to reveal about his past. It had been one of the exercises he’d practiced in the times leading up to his journey through the portal.

Anakin was not first-class at “bending the truth”, so his story was hardly a bend at all. It was mostly the truth.

And for that, Anakin was grateful. He hated lying to his own daughter.

But at the moment, he was glad that Leia didn’t know of his true identity. If she had been informed, then, Anakin would probably possess more prosthetics.

He grinned. My daughter has a temper…

I wonder where she gets that from?

But Leia’s hereditary likeness to her father was more than emotive. This had the potential to be frightening.

And who better than Anakin Skywalker to come back to the land of the living to sort it all out?

The chance was one that Anakin had not been able to pass up, and he’d accepted without hesitation.

A chime sounding from the instrument console of the Falcon stirred Anakin from thought.

“That’ll be Escarte,” Han said grudgingly. “Identification and intent statement demand.”

“Turn off the alarm.” Leia replied, and she leaned in over the console’s transceiver, activating the comm.

She spoke purposefully into the microphone. “This is Princess Leia requesting permission to dock. Our peace expedition to your system was approved by Prime Minister Yanul himself.”

Her voice, so full of diplomatic pride reminded Anakin of Padme and he smiled at the thought.

But his smile was erased abruptly from his face at the reply of the Escarte Guild Commander.

“Princess Leia, negative on your request to dock.” The voice spat, seemingly in disgust. “You are not welcome on Escarte.”

Leia’s face hardened. “Pardon me, Sir. But your Prime Minister personally informed the Senator Mon Mothma that my crewmates and I would be permitted to dock peacefully.”

A pause. Anakin felt a shiver pass through the Force. Something was wrong here.

“We have been informed otherwise, Princess. According to our orders, any Rebel scum such as yourself and your comrades shall be terminated without question.”

The communication cut off hastily and Leia made a move to press the comm again, a look of determination crossing her face.

Han’s hand stopped her, and he pointed at a corvette off to starboard. It was coming about.

Anakin exhaled slowly as a sickening reminder of his first experience on Escarte came to mind.

Han looked alarmed. “We need to get out of here, now.”

Leia protested, snatching her hand from his. “How can this be, there must be some kind of mistake! Mothma told me before I left that I’d be welcomed warmly!”

“Does this look like a warm welcome to you, Leia?” Han shouted.

Anakin jumped into action. “Han, turn around now. They’re moving into an aggressive formation.”

Han firewalled his engines and thrust them in the opposite direction, throwing them closer to free space.

A look of fear crossed Leia’s face as several smaller attack style ships swooped toward them, looking menacing as ever.

Sweat beaded on Han’s forehead. “They’re coming for us!”

Anakin shook his head slowly as the ships turned and headed back toward the main cruiser. “No, quick flyby. Something tells me that they don’t like being resisted.”

I know they don’t like being resisted, Anakin thought sourly, This is bad…

“Imperial slime…” Han muttered, as his attempt at weaving around a small asteroid sent Leia crashing toward the other side of the ship. Anakin wobbled a little on his feet, but managed to stay upright, grasping Leia’s arm to prevent her from colliding with the console.

Leia smiled gratefully.

Another panic signal sounded from the Falcon.

“They’re warning us away,” Leia said, with a glance at the instrument panel.

Han grimaced. “I’m all out of ideas, Princess. Either we maneuver out of the atmosphere successfully, or we’re toast.”

He pulled the Falcon into a hard turn around another floating piece of space debri.

Seconds later, two beams of red light splashed across the Falcon, ripping open the top layer of the durasteel outer shell and streaking across the viewport.

“They’re not pleased…” Anakin mused, remembering the space chase that had taken place here years ago.

Han looked desperate. “Any last-minute ideas, Skye?”

Anakin nodded. “Yes. Keep the cruiser on course. No lasers, just show them that we aren’t going to give in.”

Han sighed. “I’m not sure how much more hits the Falcon can take. It’s seen too much space action lately, you don’t know it, Skye, but the Falcon’s been in many a predicament.”

Oh, I know well.

Anakin shook his head. “Come on, Solo. I’ve heard stories about you, you made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs. You’re the kind of pilot that doesn’t let the ones he cares about down. Now push us out of here!”

Han smiled and pulled the Falcon into a screaming plunge toward the stars. “You’ve really heard of me?”

“Han!” Leia yelled. “Just keep going!”

Han laughed. “All right, all right… I never get to revel in the grandeur!”

Han drove the Falcon harder and harder, climbing toward the reaches of space, the cruisers in pursuit.

His hands gripped the console firmly as he pulled the ship valiantly from danger.

Just when Han seemed sure to escape, the Falcon gave a sudden lurch, and froze in its path.

“Oh no.” Leia whispered.

Han froze, and Anakin knew what was going on instantly, the double irony hitting with like lightning. He had been in the same situation the last time he’d come here, and Escarte was infamous for it. And yet, he been so sure that they’d outmaneuver it this time...

“What happened? Are we hit?” Leia asked.

Both Han and Anakin shook their heads.

“Tractor beam.” Han said quietly.

“That’s just great! Where have I seen this before?” Leia cried.

[arie]

Chapter 5

Han’s hands flew over the controls, and Anakin was struck, yet again by the irony of this situation, and how he had sat in almost the exact same situation as Han.

With that in mind, Anakin rested a hand on Han’s shoulder. “Don’t fight it, Han. Their technology is very advanced. The Falcon won’t hold together.”

Han looked defiant, but finally he let his hands fall to his sides. “We can’t let them have Leia.”

Leia put her hands on her hips. “They’ll take you two, too! They said ‘Rebel scum such as you and your crewmates!”

Han’s eyes flashed. “Well, I don’t know about you, Princess, but I don’t like the whole ‘termination’ they have in mind.”

“All right, now hang on a second.” Anakin said. “We can get out of this. Just stop bickering so I can think.”

“Why would Prime Minister Yanul change his mind like that?”

Anakin turned to Leia. “It was a trap. He and the rest of the Guild lied to Mothma. There may not be a lot of population down there, but apparently they are stubborn to their convictions.”

“Sounds like you’d fit right in, Princess.” Han joked quietly. Leia glared at him.

“Well what are we supposed to do?” Leia said, exasperated.

Anakin thought about his last visit to Escarte and what had occurred once he and Obi-Wan had landed.

And he was filled with a sudden dread. The Force screamed warnings at him.

“What is it?” Leia asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Leia was too inexperienced with the Force to feel it. Anakin shook his head. “Nothing…”

Han was silent.

Leia frowned. “So are we just going to let them reel us in like miniature colo claw fish?”

Anakin sighed. “We have no choice.”

Leia’s face displayed a flicker of fear, but it was soon replaced by determination. “What do we do once we’re down there?”

“We figure that out as it happens.”

---------------------

The tractor beam carried the Falcon into a crater mined by the Guild that was now and eerily familiar docking bay. Anakin tensed. This was bad news.

Uniformed officers surrounded the landing pad, their faces stoic and their hands on their holsters.

“Yes, Leia. This is definitely a warm welcome.” Han teased, but Anakin sensed tension in his voice.

As they cautiously stepped down the ramp, Leia asked, “What now?”

Anakin replied. “I have a plan. All we have to do is get ourselves into the detention level.”

“What?” Han said in disbelief. “Are you insane? Why?”

Leia cut in. “Well, hang on. I think we’re probably headed there anyway.”

“Okay,” Anakin continued. “Just don’t let them think you take this lightly.”

“I have to be polite!” Leia hissed. “This is supposed to be diplomatic and peaceful!”

Anakin sighed, “With all due respect, Leia, I think the diplomacy has already failed us.”

Han’s face was hard. “As much as I hate to go along with this mad idea, I think we’ve already worn out our welcome.” He gave Anakin an unreadable look. “And Skye has experience here, maybe we should listen.”

“Fine.” Leia whispered. “But if your crazy antics get us into a world of trouble…”

“Don’t be surprised.” Anakin finished for her. Leia smiled, despite the circumstances.

The head of the team marched out to meet them. “Put you hands where we can see them!” he barked.

They all obeyed. Several men approached and patted Han and Leia for concealed weapons. They confiscated Han’s blaster and Leia’s small silver pistol.

Then they approached Anakin, who smiled innocently. They found nothing. Anakin grinned inwardly.

“They’re clean.” One said gruffly, and shuffled back into the line.

“I’ll handle this.” Anakin said slowly. No one bothered to contradict him.

“So…you thought you could outwit us, Rebel scum?” the man spat. “Under what grounds do you justify your actions?”

“Princess Leia was approved for counsel with Prime Minister Yanul upon the hour.” Anakin stated simply.

“But we informed you otherwise, and despite your evident disadvantage, you attempted to resist our orders.”

“Yes.” Anakin said, fixing his glare on the man’s face. “Because obviously there was some kind of mistake.” Anakin eyed the small translators affixed to the man’s ears. “Perhaps something was… lost in translation.”

The man’s face reddened in anger. “You dare to defy me, Rebel? Who do you think you are?”

If only you knew who I was… Anakin thought. He eyed the officer, formulating a new tactic. The man was way too clever….but….Anakin smiled. He doubted it would work, but he could try.

Anakin moved his fingers slowly, hardly noticeable unless you were standing next to him, in the direction of the chief officer’s second in command. These are not the Rebels we are looking for. They should be allowed to go about their business.

The man turned to his superior and stated. “These are not the Rebels we are looking for. They should be allowed to go about their business.”

The man turned to Anakin, and then whipped around to glare at the officer, looking quite flustered. “You fool! The man’s a Jedi! Bumbling idiot, you fell for his mind trick!”

One of the men whispered, “I thought the Jedi were near extinct…”

Anakin smiled as Han gave him a surprised look. Everything is going according to plan.

The chief sent Anakin a frosty glower. “And you… no more games, Jedi slime, or you’ll find yourself in a world of pain!”

Anakin gave him a frown of mock disappointment. “What a killjoy.” Talk about déjà vu, Anakin thought, remembering again his familiarity with Escarte’s security system.

The officer’s fists balled up and his knuckles turned white. Anakin commenced. “You see, officer, we felt that you’d been a little rude and we decided to hightail it out of here. Or is it a sign of hospitality on Escarte when you are fired at?”

The man looked beside himself with rage. But he forced calm, letting the color return to his face. “We apologize for our blunt discourtesy, Jedi, but we don’t take a liking to Rebels and their pathetic peace agreements. With the deaths of the Emperor and Lord Vader, we feel that the galaxy needs to elect a new Emperor and continue the legacy that it started.”

Leia was about to protest but Anakin sent her a warning look. “Yes, of course, officer, I understand your concerns. But do you think it right to return to the tyranny the Empire created when it was that same establishment that nearly put your Guild out of business?”

I’m getting good at this. It must be Padmé’s influence.

One look at the man before him told Anakin that he’d gone over the edge.

The officer snapped quickly, “Take this clown and his friends down to the detention level. Surely we can show him the welcome that uncouth Rebels such as himself receive here on Escarte.”

Anakin grinned. Perfect.

--------------------------

Anakin and Han were thrown into a cell with great force, and Leia was dragged away. Leia screamed in protest and tried to kick her captor into submission.

“Leia!” Han yelled in panic. “No!”

Anakin’s eyes widened. This could be a problem.

“Leia!” he called. “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to come get you out!”

I’ve done this before, Anakin thought. But it wasn’t easy.

Han gave a long and frustrated sigh and sank to the floor. Anakin turned, only to find that he and Han were not alone in the detention block.

A man sat in the corner, gazing up at them with curiosity. His hair was shaggy and full of tangles and he looked like he needed a shave. Not to mention a bath.

Han seemed to notice him too, but he didn’t say anything.

Anakin lowered himself into another corner of the cell warily, watching the other prisoner. There was something oddly familiar about him…

Suddenly, Han looked up, sending Anakin an indecipherable scowl. Anakin felt a weird sense of sudden distaste rolling off of Han in waves.

“Is there something you want to say to me, Han?”

Han’s eyes hardened. “Actually yes. I’d like to ask you a question.”

Anakin nodded. “Fire away.” He felt what was coming.

Han looked directly at Anakin. “Okay, who the hell do you think you are?”

Anakin raised an eyebrow. “Pardon me?”

“You. Don’t play innocent with me, Commander. I’ve seen the way Leia looks at you and the little shoulder touching you two do! I’m not exactly blind you know!”

Anakin sighed silently. Oh Han, if you only knew what you were symptomatic of.

Anakin gave Han an incredulous look. “Are you suggesting that there is something….going on between the Princess and I?”

Han huffed angrily. “I don’t know. And don’t you tell me that you’re her brother too!”

Not exactly. Anakin let his voice sound shocked and offended. “I’m astounded, Captain Solo. I don’t know what you mean by being Leia’s brother and how you got the notion that I have a thing for Leia.” That would be very disturbing.

Han’s eyes sparked dangerously. “Because, Commander. How am I supposed to know if you aren’t just being a lying pile of Bantha fodder?”

Anakin sighed aloud. “Because Han, I have a beautiful wife that I could never leave.” Never again.

Anakin watched as the fury drained from Han’s face and he looked regretful. “I’m…I’m sorry… I didn’t know.”

“It’s all right, Han.” Anakin said, rubbing his temples.

“But..I…ummmmm…”

“Han…I assure you, I’m not going to barge in between you and Leia. I see the love you two share and I am nothing but supportive.”

“Really?” Han asked. “I mean…she loves me back…I know that, but…”

Anakin grinned. “You two are meant for each other.” And I mean it.

Han looked embarrassed. “I…ummm…I’m sorry, Skye.”

“Really, Han. It’s already ancient history.”

Han smiled. “Okay.”

Anakin smiled back. “Now, to find a way to get out of here.”

Han got up and approached him. “I like the way you think, Commander.”

------------------------

Sometime later, Han and Anakin had traced a somewhat accurate map of the facility, the ramparts of which Anakin remembered distinctly, for reasons beyond his own comprehension.

“There.” Han pointed. “That’ll be where they took the Falcon.”

The tension between them was now non-existent.

“And there…” Anakin indicated. “Is where I’m guessing they took Leia.”

Han gave him a knowing look. “You’ve escaped this place before, haven’t you?”

“Yes, my brother and I were forced into this exact detention level on my last visit.”

“What did you do, Skye?”

“Well, a lot of what I did to the officer outside...”

“No, I mean to get out.” Han laughed.

“Oh. Right then. I was just getting into that.”

He turned to the other prisoner, eyeing him suspiciously. Anakin walked over to him and he looked up at him with a look on his face that suggested that he was intimidated. Anakin stooped down to his level and said, “Look pal, I know you don’t know much about what’s going on, but if you are in an Imperial prison, you can’t be all that bad. We think we have a way out of this place, would you be interested?”

The man nodded.

“Then be ready.”

Han glanced over at him, eager to begin the rescue operation. After Anakin explained his idea, he nodded. “Sounds good.”

But before Anakin could elaborate even more, the grate slid open revealing the officer from before. He sent Anakin an irritated look and Anakin stared back coolly. He was thankful that Han had wiped out their drawn map before the man had arrived. He then turned to Han.

“You. Are you Han Solo?” he asked curtly.

Han looked uneasy, but he knew he couldn’t lie. “Yes, Sir.”

The man smiled for the first time. “Then we have two valuable hostages. You and the Princess are key leaders of the wretched Rebels.”

He grabbed Han’s arm and yanked him from the cell. “You’ll be of some use to us after all.”

“Han!” Anakin yelled, as the cell door slid shut again. The officer flashed him a grin with his decayed and rotting yellow teeth.

“I’ll be back for you later.” He said menacingly.

And then he is gone.

Anakin sighed, already wondering what to do next. Now, I must rescue both Han and Leia and find a way to get them off world, he thought.

The other man in the cell touched his shoulder and Anakin turned around slowly. He squinted, observing his face, seemingly scrutinizing his features. He then opened his eyes wider, and his hands started shaking in excitement.

“It can’t be… star's end! You’re the Hero With No Fear!”

[arie]

Chapter 6

Anakin raised an eyebrow. This guy knows me?

His eyes lit up and a crooked smile appeared on his weary face. “But…I thought you were dead! You died…years ago.”

Well, that’s sort of true. Anakin thought. “Do I know you, sir?”

His eyes twinkled in gaiety. His skin was light and pale, and Anakin could see bruises speckling his mottled complexion. His eyes had dark circles around them, and his hair, was sort of wavy, but very long, as if he hadn’t been able to cut it in a very long time. He was almost as tall as Anakin, but had broader shoulders and was malnourished. His collarbone stuck out awkwardly and his ribs were visible through his tattered shirt.

Memories came back to Anakin in a tidal wave.

He gazed thoughtfully into the man’s face, his head spinning. “Travale?”

He sighed wistfully. “I used to be Travale. Now I’m not entirely sure who I am.”

Anakin’s eyes sparked in curiosity. “But…how?”

“After our little adventure last time, I was forced to flee this base and was eventually captured posing as a spice miner on Ord Cestus.”

Anakin frowned. Travale had been a Jedi ally during the Clone Wars and had helped Obi-Wan and Anakin themselves to escape Escarte’s security last time. However, his cover was blown but an unknown source and his character as a security officer had been proven fake.

“But…they brought you back here?”

Travale sighed sadly. “I was charged with treason and forged identity and sentenced to execution. Then, Prime Minister Yanul determined that I would be sentenced only to life in prison, because he wanted to make an example out of me. I actually escaped for about four months but was brought in again.”

“The Prime Minister is very indecisive.”

Travale nodded in agreement and looked Anakin up and down. “But…what are you doing here, on Escarte?”

Anakin told him the whole story. Well, almost the whole story.

When he was done, Travale nodded that he understood. “But why was that man…Han Solo, calling you Skye?”

Anakin sighed secretly. He answered slowly, careful not to lie, only to stretch the truth. “I’m working undercover as of now, Travale. I too am living under a false identity. This world is a very dangerous place for Jedi. I don’t know if you know, but the empire used to hunt down and exterminate Jedi. Even after its destruction, the Empire has control over some planets, like this one where its beliefs live on, and I have joined with the Rebels…in a journey of…self-discovery.”

Travale seemed to understand. “Do Captain Solo and the Princess know of your true identity?”

“No. No one can know, it’s too dangerous.”

“I see.” His eyes trace over me and he says. “You remember our last escape…Skye?”

Anakin nodded. “Yes. Only now it’s more complicated. Tell me, Travale, have the security systems been updated a lot since my last stopover?”

Travale shook his head. “Not really. There are more security personnel and guards, but we seemed to dispose of them neatly.”

Anakin nodded. “Okay, Travale. If you help me to find the Princess and Captain Solo, we will take you back to the Rebel base and see what they can do for you.”

“Anything to get out of this place.”

Travale touched Anakin’s shoulder, a worried look on his face. “But you should know, the Guild has possession of a small quantity of Trade Federation style droid units.”

Anakin threw him a surprised look. “But I thought the all units were shut down at the end of the Clone Wars.” A sickening feeling rose in Anakin’s gut and he swallowed a lump in his throat.

Travale replied. “Yes, they were. But the technicians here are top of the line, and they were able to replicate and activate several infantry style orders of Seppie droids.”

Anakin’s head rang in frustration. “Well, that makes it even more like last time.”

“If I remember correctly, I was told that last time you passed out?”

Anakin laughed. “Who told you about that?”

“The other Jedi. Jedi Kenobi, I believe was his name. Whatever happened to him?”

Anakin knelt down and began unfastening his right boot. “He died. Years ago.”

Travale’s eyes seemed to fade in luminosity. “Oh. I’m very sorry to hear that.”

Anakin ignored the pang he felt emanating from his heart and reached into his boot, pulling out a small cylindrical object and grinning wickedly. “Time to get out of here.”

Travale’s eyes were the size of saucers. “You Jedi never cease to amaze me.”

Anakin looked around for guards, but when he saw none, he ignited his blue blade and began slicing through the bars of the cell. He slinked out, and allowed Travale to follow.

Travale was right behind Anakin as Anakin walked stealthily down the corridor, tapping into his Jedi senses to search the prison complex for enemies.

Travale spoke up. “I reckon you should shut down the tractor beam first, and then find your friends. There’s bound to be more security attention surrounding valuable captives than the beam’s control console.”

“That’s where I’m headed first.” Anakin mused softly, and turned left down a winding hallway. Travale sighed. “It feels so good just to be out of that stupid cell...”

“Yes. I’m sure it does. Now I understand why you weren’t that inclined to speak to us at first. I was a little suspicious of your silence. I’m sure it was overwhelming to be stuck in a prison for years and suddenly have two others thrown in with you.”

“Misery loves company.” Travale said hoarsely. He cleared his throat and said. “You’ll want to make a right turn up here and then two more lefts, and we’ll be there.”

Anakin walked a little faster. “My hopes are that the base’s layout hasn’t changed since last time or we’re in trouble.”

“What else is new?” Travale said half-joking, half-serious.

A loud clang halted the two in mid-step as they watched a large defense gate fall just feet in front of them. Anakin paused a moment, then pointed and said. “Well, that seems a little up-to-the-minute.”

He approached the bars of the gate, reaching out to the Force. Travale fingered the bars and muttered, “Great. Just what I needed. More iron bars.”

Anakin made to grasp one of the bars, but jumped back in surprise as his flesh hand was jolted with electricity.

He stepped back, hand tingling. Travale noticed and pronounced flatly. “I probably should have told you that after you and Kenobi pulled your little stunt last time, Escarte became a very anti-Jedi facility. Many of the defense mechanisms are specifically designed to stop those strong with the Force.”

Anakin sighed. “Well, isn’t that convenient.”

An idea was already present in Anakin’s mind as he thrust his hands sideways through the air, applying all the strength he could muster through the Force. In his mind’s eye, he visualized the bars of the gate bending and breaking under the pressure.

Travale watched, wide-eyed, as the gate gave way under extreme strain. As the iron collapsed to the floor, Anakin’s hands fell slack and he grinned weakly, regaining his energy.

Travale looked nervous. “We’d better move. Someone will have heard that.”

Anakin nodded, and they were off.

Soon, he had executed all of Travale’s previous instructions, and found himself in front of a long winding tunnel that led to the guard station.

Travale growled in annoyance. “Of course, they had to change the building.”

Anakin sighed. “It’s too late to go all the way back. Is there another way?”

Travale sighed. “We could try the old power coupling station, two levels below this one. I’m not sure, but if I were to move the tractor beam’s energy source, I’d put it there.”

Anakin turned on his heel and began to run.

Travale trotted behind him. “Take another right and keep taking rights until we reach a stairway. That will take us below the docking level.”

Anakin continued to sprint down the hall, but a klaxon blaring at him through the Force told him to stop. He pressed himself against the wall of the corridor, treading softly toward the corner. Travale caught up and followed suit.

Anakin suddenly stopped as the Force granted him the sight of five guards toggling the console on the all and speaking in low animated voices.

Travale knew something was wrong. “What next, Jedi?” he hissed.

Anakin whispered. “Leave them to me. Just keep running toward the destination. I’ll catch up.”

Travale nodded. “I love a good plan.”

Anakin abruptly turned the corner igniting his blue blade. “Why, fancy meeting you boys here!”

The guards’ eyes all riveted in his direction. They were Aqualish, so they were able to see him clearly in the dim light. They seemed astonished to see a lightsaber in the intruder’s grip. Anakin extended his hand and a Force-push sent him slamming into the door to a turbo lift elevator. Anakin absently registered Travale’s frail form scurrying down the hallway toward the other end. None of the guards took notice, as they were all giving Anakin their undivided attention.

Before they could blink, Anakin was upon them, leaping and somersaulting, his saber caved large gashes into their leathery skin, dropping them with Force-aided punches, kicks and jumps. One managed to fire two orange energy bolts at Anakin, but he dodged expertly, avoiding the shots as they sped around the room, pinging of the walls. One slammed into another guard, toppling him, the other flew into the wall, leaving a scorch mark.

Anakin grinned mockingly and eyed the fallen guard. “Thanks, friend.”

The guard that had fired the pistol’s face contorted in anger, and he charged toward Anakin. At the last minute, Anakin flicked his blade forward, and the Aqualish’s chest received a forceful stab. His eyes flashed in surprise and pain and he fell to the floor.

Anakin grinned.

“Wow!” a voice exclaimed.

Anakin turned, only to see Leia, mouth agape. “That was unbelievable!”

“Leia…how did you..?”

She ran forward, smiling. “Did you honestly think I’d let them interrogate me without a fight?”

“They were...?”

“It’s all right. I’m fine…and I don’t think I could be happier to see you at this point.”

She enveloped him in a small hug, and Anakin’s heart sang.

Then, she looked around, the anxiety appearing in her striking brown eyes again. Padmé’s eyes…

“Where’s Han?”

“He was…taken to another cell. I thought they may have put him with you.”

Leia frowned. “No, I didn’t see him.”

“Don’t worry, Leia. We’ll find him.”

Leia nodded slowly and Anakin gestured in the direction Travale had gone. “Ladies first.”

Leia stepped boldly in front of him and they began to walk at a quickened pace.

“You should know…” Anakin said. “We’ve picked up another person along the way. His name’s Travale and he was once an operative for the Jedi.”

Leia turned around. “Well, how do you know we can trust him?”

Oh, Force. I can’t tell her that I’ve worked with him before. “If one reaches far enough into the Force, you can see a glimpse of another’s intent.” Anakin silently applauded himself, for that wasn’t lying either.

Leia sighed. “I don’t know why I questioned you. You’re obviously a very skilled Jedi. What you did…back there…I…”

“Really, Leia. It was nothing.” Anakin said modestly.

“No…ummmm…I mean, could you maybe…teach me to fight like that?”

Anakin felt his grin blossom. “I’d love to, Leia.”

“Hey, Jedi!” Travale called from ahead. “I’m waiting!”

Anakin broke into a fast dash and Leia followed. Soon, Travale’s figure was visible.

He pointed. “This hallway should lead to the tractor beam.”

He looked at Leia and nodded reverentially. “Princess.”

Leia nodded back.

And then, they were off.

They continued on for quite awhile, but suddenly, Travale stopped. He pointed at the ceiling, where a hovercam droid lurked.

Leia and Anakin turned around and sprinted out of the droid’s sight range.

Travale followed. “That was close.”

Leia was about to say something, but Anakin placed his mechanical forefinger over his lips. “Hang on…”

He crept silently down the other corridor, letting the Force guide him. His senses were a lot more developed and accurate since his rebirth, and the knowledge he’d gained over the years was immensely helpful.

He stopped suddenly, as he saw two large Aqualish guards wrestling with a prisoner, attempting to shove him into a high-security cell.

Han.

Leia, who had silently followed along with Travale, whimpered softly behind him as one of the guards struck Han rather roughly, but Han twisted his body around and kicked the guard in the shin.

“Stay here.” Anakin said delicately. He calmly stepped out and walked up to the guards holding Han.

When the guards caught sight of him, the stopped and looked at him menacingly, their large eyes clouded with a sudden growling desire to strike him down.

Anakin met their gazes squarely and Han tried to search Anakin’s face for a clue as to his next move.

“Excuse me, officers.” Anakin said almost sweetly. Then, his voice became tight and hard. “You’ll need to release Captain Solo immediately or face the consequences.”

“What are the consequences, Rebel filth?” one dared to ask.

Anakin’s eyes flashed roguishly. “You are going to wish you didn’t ask.”

And the blue lightsaber swept suddenly upward, hacking the arm from one of the guards. He yelled, and Han used the diversion to wrench out of his grip. Anakin felt the Force singing in every cell in his body, as the lightsaber performed for him, and soon, every guard lay on the ground in noiseless consent.

“Thank you, officers.” Anakin said, and the others walked right past them. Leia looked awed and Han just grabbed her arm protectively, as if one of them was about to spring upon her.

Anakin stepped over one of the distraught sentries, sheathing his blade. “Have a nice day.”

“Jedi scum.” He whispered, but Anakin ignored the comment and trudged along toward the tractor beam.

Travale motioned to a door ahead. “There.”

Anakin blew it open with the Force and Leia, Han, and Travale passed through.

In the center of the room, sat a large round console, flashing and chirping.

Anakin was about to run toward the instrument panel, but an alarm sounded and suddenly, armed men were pouring into the room, surrounding them.

Anakin sighed. “Looks like we’ve run into a couple of old friends.”

The officer that Anakin had taunted stepped forward, brandishing his blaster. “Don’t make any sudden moves, Jedi.”

Anakin smirked. “What drama!”

The officer’s brows knitted into a V shape. “Let’s teach these comedians what we do to trash like them.”

“But…Officer Milon! He’s a Jedi! Surely I need to call for additional backup...”

And so, I finally learn the idiot’s name. Officer Milon.

“We will dispose of all of them quite easily, Mister Reyg. I suggest you don’t question the orders of a superior again, trainee.”

The men all charged their blasters, and pointed them at Anakin, Leia, Travale, and Han.

Anakin stepped protectively in front of his comrades, his gloved hand spouting blue once again.

Several of the men’s faces twisted in surprise. They looked uneasy.

As they should. Anakin thought.

“Han.” Anakin whispered. “Get to the console. Disable the power.”

Han gave Anakin a two-fingered salute and obeyed.

Leia shrunk behind Anakin, fear evident. “If only I had my pistol…”

Anakin let his mind and the Force intermix, and located the weapons in the shirt pocket of one of the officers’ uniforms.

“And so you will.”

Time seemed to stand still as Anakin called the pistols to him using the Force, and the first shots were fired. Leia’s hands closed eagerly around the weapon, and she pressed the trigger. Travale grabbed Han’s blaster and grinned.

Pandemonium erupted. Anakin leapt into the center of the ranks, swirling his blade around, blocking oncoming bolts and taking down enemies at once.

Leia’s gun emitted sparks. Travale held his in front of him, firing knowledgeably into the faulty areas of the padded uniforms.

Han’s hands worked quickly and efficiently to shut down the tractor beam.

And yet, even his fastest wasn’t fast enough.

Leia yelped in pain as one of the men tripped her and she hit the durasteel floor, the gun sliding from her hand. The man snatched up the blaster and pointed them both at Leia, his mouth forming a malicious grin.

Anakin felt the danger call to him through the Force and he struggled free off Officer Milon’s grip. He snarled and thumped Anakin with the butt end of his blaster, Anakin blacked out for an instant, and he felt the saber being jerked from his hand.

He jumped up, driving a hard punch into Officer’s Milon’s face.

His nose cracked and blood spurted everywhere.

But Anakin’s lightsaber fell. Fell all the way down into the depths of the facility, making a distant clang as it stuck the bottom.

Anakin hardly noticed. He leapt toward Leia, the urgency blaring through him.

The man, Mister Reyg, brandished the two blasters at his daughter and Anakin wouldn’t have it.

No. It can’t happen like this.

And Anakin threw himself in front of Leia in a magnificent explosion of speed and precision. The man squeezed the triggers…and fired.

[arie]

Chapter 7

Two explosions of white-hot pain erupted through Anakin’s body, and he felt his body waver and collapse at Leia’s feet.

Muffled voices rang around him, and through his blurred vision, he saw shadowy glimpses of figures evolved in a scuffle.

The pain gushed throughout him, but he hardly perceived its twinge. Leia was safe…The Force wrapped itself around him and confirmed his success.

He didn’t know how long he’d been lying there, but he felt a strong arm lift him up, and he leaned into Han’s shoulder.

His eyes cleared and he saw Leia’s face swimming into focus.

She looked extremely worried. “Can you walk?”

Anakin nodded slowly, but Leia’s face conveyed a glimmer of doubt.

Anakin attempted to straighten himself and winced. “Where’s Travale?”

Leia bit her lip. Anakin followed her eyes to the sight of Travale, lying facedown on the durasteel floor, unmoving.

Anakin closed his eyes, knowing his comrade had passed into the Force. He was silent for a moment.

“We need to hurry.” Han’s voice sounded tired and a little overwrought.

“Han…” Anakin said. “I’m too heavy for you, it’s all right…I can make it.”

Anakin freed himself from Han’s grip and stood for a few seconds. But then, his head began to spin as the world started to fade around him and the throbbing came back, intense and pounding.

Han caught him just as he fell. Leia reached for Anakin’s arm. “Let’s get out of here, more are most likely on the way, and they’ll get Travale…” He stopped as her fingers closed around Anakin’s right arm.

“Your arm….it…” she looked at him in awe. “It’s a prosthesis?”

Anakin nodded, and Han started toward the exit. Anakin helped him along as much as he could, and Leia held him steady.

It took them awhile to reach the door, and Leia pulled it open. “Han...which way’s the docking platform where they took the Falcon?”

Han paused. “I don’t know, it’s either a level up or a level down from here.”

“A level…up.”

Leia threw Anakin an anxious look. “We need to get you out of here. You’re hurt pretty badly.”

“If you ask me, you’re lucky that you’re alive, Skye.” Han added.

I’m lucky I was able to save Leia.

Leia’s eyes sparkled with apprehension as she eyed the two handsomely sized scorch marks that had burned right through Anakin’s tunic.

Once out in the hallway, Anakin motioned for them to stop. “I’m slowing you guys down…please let me walk…”

“Skye…you know we can’t do that, you’re badly injured.” Han says gruffly, and takes a few burdened steps, assisting Anakin to move toward the elevator.

Anakin gripped Han’s arm hard and pulled himself upright.

Leia paused, not sure if she should grab him or not.

Anakin turned, offering them a feeble smile. “Don’t let me hold you up.”

Leia protested. “You weren’t…”

Anakin put up a hand to stop her. She shut her mouth, but still frowned. Anakin felt a twinge of pride at Leia’s fortitude. An obviously inherited trait. Leia got Padmé’s argumentative tendencies and my stubbornness…what a combination.

Anakin took a few steps and leaned against the wall next to the elevator, pressing the button.

Leia shrugged and Han took her arm and they joined him.

When the lift arrived, Anakin stumbled in, and found Han grasping him by the shoulders again.

Leia glanced nervously at the door. “Come on, come on…”

Anakin smiled privately. It seems little my impatience is in Leia as well…

Han looked down at Anakin, a new respect in his eyes. “Listen, Skye. You’re gonna have to cooperate with me here…I aint no doctor, but I know you probably shouldn’t be moving around.”

Anakin frowned. “But…”

Han shook his head. “Please. Let me help.”

The elevator stopped, and Anakin took a step forward. As he did, a sharp pain flooded through him and he fell back into Han’s arms, moaning.

Leia looked horrified. “Let’s go.”

She and Han hurried down the corridor, searching for the docking bay. Leia was the picture of frustration, as was to be expected. Han calmly and supportive helped Anakin down the hall.

Anakin tried his best to do most of the work, not wanting to encumber Han. Though it seemed like Han didn’t mind, Anakin hated feeling like he couldn’t do things for himself and had to have others wait on him.

He had been injured many times in the past, and when he had battled on the warfront during the Clone Wars, he’d received a good many scars because of this. Anakin’s appearance since his rebirth reflected his demeanor just before his fall to the Dark Side, being that that had been the most influential part of his life. He knew that Leia had been astonished to discover that he possessed a mechanical arm just like Luke.

Anakin wondered what Leia really thought about him thus far. He knew that he’d made quite an impression, just as he intended.

Suddenly, the Force bristled dangerously as the trio was about to turn the corner. “Leia!” Anakin called urgently.

“What is it?” she said, giving him a curious glance.

Anakin shuddered as he felt the Force cascade upon him in a rush of energy.

“Don’t…there’s…”

But he didn’t get to finish. Around the corner, a Separatist- style crab droid scuttled toward them, its photosensor eyes already locked on to him.

Anakin shrugged himself away from Han and stood squarely, wondering how in the Force they were going to escape this conundrum.

Bereft of his lightsaber, he glared the droid, once again marveling at the unfortunate irony of this newest development.

Han barked loudly. “What the hell is that?”

Leia looked a little nervous. “I don’t know Han, but I’m guessing it’s not friendly.”

She turned and saw Anakin standing, staring determinedly at the oncoming droid.

“Skye…don’t…”

“Leia...” Anakin began. “I was put on this mission to assist in your protection and security…and that what I intend to do.”

Before Leia could dispute, Anakin gathered every ounce of Force energy he could manage around his comprised life Force, and leapt straight at the droid. Han and Leia took out their blasters, which they had regained after Anakin had been injured and began shooting at the enemy.

Leia whispered. “Be careful Han. We could hit Skye.”

“Just what he needs. Another laser shot.”

Anakin already had a plan in mind, the only thing that could possibly trouble him were his chances of keeping himself safe. But Anakin wasn’t thinking about himself. He knew that all he needed to do was distract the droid long enough for Han and Leia to get out. At the moment, that was all that mattered.

Anakin battered the droid’s weaker spots with several Force-kicks and used a quick thrust to smash its revolving head into the ceiling. Feeling his energy depleting at a dangerous rate already, and realized what he had to do.

“Han! Leia!” he shouted breathlessly. “Get out of here! I’ll…I’ll...catch up.”

“No way!” Han yelled back. “We’re not leaving you!”

The droid whirled around and knocked Anakin off his feet. He felt his mind go black again for a moment, but fought back to consciousness. He struggled to his feet, and despite the aching hot pulses of pain emanating from his wounds, delivered a finishing push of the Force that sent the droid crashing into the opposite wall.

Its legs floundered around for a few seconds, but Han and Leia’s blasters discharged the killing bullets, and the droid fell silent.

Han and Leia rushed to where Anakin was standing leaning on the wall.

Anakin opened his mouth to speak.

“No. Don’t say it.” Leia said. “You are not okay.”

She grabbed his arm again and she and Han helped him into the docking bay.

“There. The good old Falcon. What a beautiful sight.”

Anakin had to agree. The cruiser looked very welcoming at this point.

“Wait until we tell Chewy all that’s happened. Do you think the old fuzzball will believe us?”

He spoke fondly of the Wookiee whom they had deposited on Kashyyyk to visit his family early in the flight to Escarte.”

“Things will be difficult to explain.” Leia agreed, and helped Anakin up the ramp.

They quickly closed the hatch and Han hastened to start the engines. Soon, they were blasting off.

Leia guided Anakin into a chair in the back.

She looked at the gashes carved into Anakin’s chest and cringed. “Skye…what you did...I...”

Anakin smiled weakly. “Leia…you’re safe, and I’m happy. Those officers…are very rude. They should know how to treat a Princess…”

Leia looked at her feet. “But if it hadn’t been for me…”

“If it hadn’t been for you, the galaxy would still be the horrible place it once was…”

Leia smiled halfheartedly and rummaged through a compartment, searching for bacta. “But now you’re hurt, and I feel like it’s my fault.”

“Please, Leia. Don’t feel bad…don’t blame yourself.”

Leia pulled out a pack of bacta patches and laid them carefully atop the lesions. “This will have to do until we get back to the base.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes…thanks.”

Han appeared in the doorway, and approached Anakin. “Listen, I just want you to know, that I’m not one for getting all soft, but what you did back there for Leia…I couldn’t thank you enough. No matter how much of a laserbrain Leia thinks I am, I love her dearly and…”

Leia sat down on the seat next to Han, brushing his cheek with her lips. “I love you too.”

Han and Anakin smiled simultaneously.

Han patted Anakin’s shoulder. “I just want to say… you’re not half bad.”

Han couldn’t have possibly known how much those words meant to Anakin. Anakin said between breaths. “……thanks…..”

Leia looked worried. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Take it easy.” Han said and went back to manually pilot the ship.

Anakin turned his gaze to Leia. “Would you like to begin training?”

Leia’s eyes lit up. “Ummm…sure. What do I do?”

“First, let your mind collapse upon itself, and feel it fall into sync with the breezes of the Force…”

----------------

A few days later, Anakin sat in his newly appointed quarters in the Rebel base, a roll of bandage stretched across his damaged chest, meditating.

“Oh, Ani...” Padmé’s voice wavered in concern. “Promise me you won’t be so reckless...”

“I’m all right.” Anakin reassured her.

As much as Anakin would have loved to continue his communing with his wife, he sighed and turned to the connection he could follow to the presence of Master Yoda.

“Master Yoda…could Travale have been the threat to the safety of the success of my mission that you sensed?”

He felt Yoda shake his head sadly. “If Travale, the threat was, feel it still, I would not.”

“What about that dark presence you sensed earlier?”

Obi-Wan finally spoke up. “We can’t seem to identify it, Anakin…but it could be immensely precarious upon you and Leia.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, we’ve established this.”

Obi-Wan’s sigh resonated around him, making his entire presence seem frustrated. “I’m sorry we cannot reveal more about this, Anakin. We don’t know that much more than you.”

Anakin echoed the sigh. “I know, Obi-Wan. I know.”

He paused then said, “I need to go down to the Falcon and see if Han’s finished sealing up the latest dents. Any last remarks?”

“I miss you.” Padmé voice was so refreshing. “And I love you.”

“Not nearly as much as I love you, Padmé.” Anakin replied.

“Great danger, I sense for you, Anakin.” Yoda said ominously. “Blown, your cover could be.”

The thought made shivers run down Anakin’s back. “By who?”

“See, I cannot. Careful, you must be. Very careful.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, Master Yoda.”

And he promptly broke off from meditation, his thoughts clearing and his eyes opening.

He got up slowly, as the healers had suggested, for he was still recovering.

He found Han atop the Falcon, with Chewy, who had just returned from his visit to family. They both bent over the ship, working dutifully. Anakin smiled and slipped past them and into the ship.

He found Leia hovering above a datapad, looking quite preoccupied. She grinned when she saw him come in. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, Leia. Really.”

“Good.” She looked at him, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. “We’re about to be assigned a new mission.”

“Where to?”

“I don’t know yet. They haven’t told me anything.”

Anakin sighed.

“Well, I’m off to the briefing now. See you later.”

“Bye.” Anakin said and sank into a chair. A new mission. Already. And with these new threats looming above us, this one will prove to be even more…entertaining.

--------------

Luke Skywalker walked into the docking bay, spying the Falcon and striding purposefully toward it. Lando had told him that h’ed last seen Han and Leia there…

Luke had decided to go on the next mission with his sister, for he had been informed about the dangerous mission to Escarte, and was worried for his sister.

He climbed aboard the Falcon, calling, “Han? Leia? I’m coming with you guys! The Temple work can wait….where are you guys?”

Luke was puzzled. Surely they would have heard him?

With a frown, he reached for the handle to the back compartment, and jerked it open.

Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw next.

His eyes widened, and he spoke in an incredulous voice, hardly believing his eyes.

“Father?”

[arie]

Chapter 8

Anakin shook his head at his own lack of common sense. Of course. I should have known.

“Luke.” he stated calmly, yet behind this small acknowledgement lurked Anakin’s sense of uncertainty and a sort of how-in-the-name-of-the-Force-did-I-not think of this? sensation.

Luke continued to gape at Anakin, his eyes as big as the dinner plates Padmé and Anakin had used at Varykino. “But…how?”

Anakin sighed and stood up. “It’s not really that much of a how, Luke. It’s a more of a why.”

Luke looked him up and down and took a few steps forward. “Am I dreaming or something?”

Anakin had to laugh. “No, I assure you, Luke, you are very much awake.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “How are you…well...?”

“Here?” Anakin finished. “As far as most know, Luke, I’m not.”

“But I mean...you’re...”

“Alive?” Anakin laughed again. “You know Luke, you’re quite grown up. You should easily be able to speak in sentences.”

Luke laughed absently. “But I don’t understand how this could be...”

Anakin smiled. “You don’t have to. It would take awhile to explain everything to you anyway.”

Luke grinned back and enveloped his father in a hug. “This is surreal. I come in here looking for Leia and Han and I find you.”

Anakin laughed. “I do have a way with appearances.”

Luke released him and looked into his face. “Do you mind at least explaining how and why you are standing here?”

Anakin thought for a second, and then began. “The Force can do remarkable things, Luke. If these remarkable things were meant to happen. As for why, I am here to protect your sister.”

“From what?”

“It is irrelevant to say right now, but it involves the Dark Side of the Force and me, and that is why I’m here.”

“But how is this possible? You died...”

“There is no cheating death, son. But perhaps it is the will of the Force that I am here before you. Maybe I have more to do in my life.”

“More? Like what?” Luke said, full of questions and curiosity.

“There is much ahead of me that I cannot even know, Luke. My destiny is undecided as of now. It all depends on the Force...and greatly depends upon Leia as well.”

Luke sat down beside his father, still a little dumbstruck that he was doing so. “What does your destiny have to do with Leia?”

“Leia is a very important factor, Luke. In ways that even I cannot fathom.”

Luke still looked confused. “I don’t understand.”

Anakin laughed. “I can understand why, Luke. This is all quite overwhelming for you.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Luke said sarcastically. Then his voice took a more serious tone. “But, what were you doing all this time when I thought you were dead?”

Anakin sensed his son’s wonder and sighed. “I resided in the netherworld of the Force for some time, but when the Force willed my journey toward redemption toward the living, I left and before I know it, here I am.”

Luke looked awed. “You were just...brought back to life, just like that?”

“There’s no real easy way to explain this, Luke.”

Luke smiled. “This is amazing! I finally get to spend time with my father in ways I’ve only dreamed about!”

Anakin sighed. “I wish it were that simple.”

“What do you mean?” Luke said. “There’s more that you aren’t telling me.”

“To the galaxy, my name is not Anakin Skywalker, nor is it Darth Vader.”

“You are working undercover?” Luke asked. “But why?”

“Can you imagine a reason why not, Luke?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I can! To show the galaxy that you were a good man! To lift that guilt that is hanging on your shoulders! Quite frankly, I’m astonished that you are doing this!”

“Luke, can you imagine how complicated something like that would be? Did you think that after my death, I was welcomed back into the Light with unquestionably open arms? There is a lot more to acceptance than anyone could possibly visualize. I was forgiven long ago by many of my loved ones, but I haven’t forgiven myself yet! I have to prove more to myself than others that I am worthy, Luke. Your sister has the potential to teeter dangerously toward the Dark Side, Luke. That is why I am here. I cannot let her endure that. This is also related to atonement in many ways, Luke. Leia does not know of my true identity, and neither do countless others. You must understand that it must remain this way! I may not truly be Skye Nairn, my son, but when the time is right, and the Force wills, Leia shall learn of my true self. And then, only then, will the reparation of Anakin Skywalker’s soul be complete. Redemption has been a long and strenuous journey, Luke, but it is a path that I choose to walk without doubt in my mind that I will succeed.”

Luke remained silent for a moment, and then said. “I can see why you are doing this now, Father...if it is that important to you, then I am very sorry for questioning it.”

“It’s only natural, Luke.” Anakin replied, rubbing his forehead. “You are after all, a Skywalker.”

Luke smiled and put a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Indeed I am. And proud of that fact.”

He paused, only just noticing Anakin’s bandage, having been enthralled with his mere presence. “Father...what happened to you?”

Anakin sighed again. “It is a long and actually quite interesting story, Luke, but perhaps Leia should tell you. She will, after all need to tell you what you’ve missed if you are to join us on our next mission.”

Luke’s eyes seemed to sparkle with happiness. “I wouldn’t miss it for the galaxy, Father...err... perhaps I should become accustomed to calling you Skye.”

Anakin laughed. “Thank you, Luke, for being so supportive.”

“That’s what families do...Skye. That is so strange.” He remarked.

“I can imagine it would be.” Anakin answered.

Luke grinned. “Well, perhaps I should venture back to my original question. Where are Han and Leia?”

“Han is on top making repairs. You must’ve just missed him. And Leia’s at a briefing about our next move.”

“Oh. Well, I can wait.” He smiled thoughtfully.

A sudden muffled banging sound rang throughout the room. Anakin turned to look at the door. “Someone wants in.”

Luke laughed and tugged it open. “Sorry, Artoo. I didn’t mean to forget you.”

Anakin’s heart thumped at the sight of the droid, and Luke said, “I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

Artoo retorted with a series of whistles and chirps that Anakin took to mean: You’d better make sure of it.

Artoo rolled down the planked ramp and into the room, only to freeze and focus a red photoreceptor upon Anakin.

An excited wail escaped the little droid and he sailed over to Anakin, beeping and whirring elatedly.

Anakin knelt down. “It’s wonderful to see you again too, old friend.”

Artoo beeped cheerily in response and Anakin chuckled. “Yes, it’s been far too long.”

Luke sent Anakin a questioning look and Anakin smiled. “Artoo and I were quite the team back in our day, right Artoo?”

Artoo whistled something that translated to: Back in our day? Master Anakin, I’m far from being scrap metal.

Anakin laughed again. “So I see.”

Luke grinned. “Wow. This day just keeps surprising me.”

“Me too, Luke. Me too.”

Suddenly the door opened again and in came Han. “Hey, I thought I heard you come in, Luke!”

He clapped him in a friendly manner upon the shoulder. “Did you miss us?”

“Definitely. It’s good to see you well, Han.”

“Luke!” Leia yelled happily as she walked in. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Neither did I.” Luke confessed. “But my feet just carried me here.”

Leia laughed and hugged her brother tight. Then she turned to Anakin. “Our group is growing!”

Anakin laughed. “It appears so.”

“Well, Chewy’s staying behind so that’s minus one.” Han pointed out.

Leia pulled out her datapad. “Ready to get going?”

Artoo bleeped enthusiastically, and Leia laughed again. “Okay then.”

Artoo nudged Anakin playfully and Anakin replied softly. “Yes, we are off on another adventure.”

“Skye, this is my brother, Luke Skywalker.”

“Yes, I’ve already become acquainted with Luke.” Anakin grinned.

Han grinned. “Good, because I was never one for formalities. Let’s get the ship ready for another surefire disaster.”

Everyone laughed, then began to move about, preparing for another great journey.

[arie]

Over the course of the next few months, Leia’s galaxy seemed almost perfect. She enjoyed more civilized diplomatic missions as an official ambassador for the New Republic, and she actually successfully brought some worlds out of their Imperial cloud and into the light of a growing democracy.

She enjoyed the company of Han, the man she loved without question, no matter how much of a nerfherder he was; Luke, her beloved brother whom she felt eternally connected to in the Force, and the mysterious character of Skye Nairn.

Leia wasn’t sure what to think.

Even though Leia remained highly untrained in the ways of the Force, she found herself learning from Luke and Skye in between missions. Luke had even gone as far as to help her to construct her own lightsaber. Her blade was a dazzling blue, much like Skye’s, and Luke’s before Bespin. Skye had acquired a new sparkling cerulean saber after he lost it on Escarte.

Her senses in the Force also grew more precise and unambiguous. She mediated with Skye and her brother, and learned to listen to the flow of the Force in the present.

With her newly polished senses, though, Leia could feel that something was amiss. She wasn’t sure of exactly what, but she knew that it had something to do with Skye.

Luke didn’t seem to notice it at all, which added to Leia’s suspicions. Luke and Skye seemed to become very close, and Leia smiled at the sight of the two men engaging in a sparring match, which usually ended in them both collapsing on the floor in fits of hearty laughter.

And all the while, she found herself becoming quite attached to Skye Nairn.

This was welcomed, yet she was a little wary, all the same.

She loved Han unconditionally and passionately, and over the next few months of time, found herself falling into depths of love she once thought unattainable. Even though she was still the slightest bit reluctant to break through her arguments and banter with him, she found herself enveloped in many more kisses and embraces, and the most interesting part of it was: Leia didn’t try to break away. She melted right in; greedily accepting Han’s offerings.

She loved Luke for obvious reasons as well. Her brother seemed like a part of her, as Han was, but the bond she shared with Luke was unexplainably different. The Force connected a brother and a sister in extraordinary ways, that she doubted even the wisest Jedi Master could hope to sort all out.

Then, there was Skye. She had taken to calling Skye “Master”, for he had accepted her plea for training and she had become his apprentice of sorts. Luke told her that back in the days of the old Jedi Order, apprentices were known as padawan learners. She was bemused and intrigued by the new information that came to her through the Force and through Luke and Skye.

At first, Leia had wondered what Luke would think about her decision to learn under Skye. For reasons unbeknownst to her, Luke hadn’t even questioned this choice, and had wished her well.

Skye, she was sure, was keen about teaching her.

And she found herself pining to learn more after every session; though her pleas would usually be met by a warm smile and a verdict that decreed rest, meditation, and patience.

Leia hated to be patient. But she learned to contain her protests and eager objections and to obey her Master. She found herself growing and shaping into her ultimate role in the galaxy and the whole process both delighted her and left her perplexed.

She learned slowly but surely to fight with a lightsaber and to use the Force in ways that seemed to impress her Master; something she continually began to do.

In the end, she found herself wanting to. Wanting to please him. Hoping to make him proud.

This mystified her even more.

She felt an great, yet unexplainable type of love toward Skye; one that she found herself pondering day in and day out.

At first, she wondered if she was going insane.

She wondered if it was because of her ultimately looking up to him for guidance and thinking of him as a role model.

Skye told her that a Master-Padawan bond is very strong and hard to sever, and that he and his Master, Kenobi, had been extremely close. And this provoked more wonder...

Kenobi was dead. A spirit of the Force.

Leia was fascinated by the existence of Force spirits and speculated about them once with Skye.

He had told her about Jedi deaths, and “becoming one with the Force.” She learned that death is inevitable, but the Force can grant you a type of immortality and you can forever subsist within the Force itself.

Her apparent indifference toward her abilities with the Force had vanished, replaced by an ardent yearning to find out more and more.

She was engrossed.

And all the while, she allowed herself to marvel in the personage that was her Master, but contained her curiosity.

But she didn’t restrain her mounting affection for Skye, and didn’t conceal his caring for her either.

She came to understand the beauty of a relationship through the Force, using the ones surrounding her as examples.

Han, Skye, and more...

Soon, Chewbacca returned from another visit to Kashyyyk. Mala, his life mate, had been feeling a little under the weather, but apparently she had healed up nicely. Greeting him was a jovial occasion, as expected, and there was many a day that she would find her friends spending an afternoon together. Perhaps Han and Chewbacca would lounge around in the Falcon, or Skye and Han would tinker endlessly with the ship until she finally told them to stop.

Life living at the Rebel base was both entertaining and relaxing. While she worked herself hard in her studies of the Force, she also enjoyed priceless downtime with others.

The situation in general that the Rebellion was in seemed to brighten as well. Mothma shared a safer comm discussion with Prime Minister Yanul of the Escarte Commerce Guild. She told Leia that progress was being made, but she hadn’t swayed their beliefs significantly yet.

As long as there was hope, Leia believed that the Force would help peace to return to the galaxy.

And hope seemed to spread like a contagious disease when she was near the ones she cared about.

-------------------------

Anakin sat cross-legged athwart from Leia, both Jedi entranced in the Force. Their eyes were closed, and yet each could read the other a little bit with each dive deeper.

Anakin found himself carefully prying apart and analyzing the woman that was Princess Leia.

He searched her, reading her clearer than he could recall reading a Force-sensitive being before. Perhaps it was their connection, or perhaps they truly shared an unbreakably strong bond as father and daughter...

Leia remained profound in a bottomless swim through the currents that were the Force, and Anakin felt a gush of pride as he considered how far she had come.

Taking a stride deeper within the Force, Anakin could peel apart Leia’s true self.

Love. It shone brightly and endlessly within Leia’s soul.

Hope. Leia’s ever-rising confidence in her beliefs...

And then, Anakin came upon the troubles.

Fear. Hatred. Anger.

He felt a small sweeping sensation of darkness and shuddered, for he had not felt the Dark Side to this extent since his rebirth.

He spoke aloud. “Tell me what it is that you fear, Leia.”

Leia broke away from her private thoughts slightly and latched on to Anakin’s connection.

Anakin waited as she found the words.

“I’m afraid that...that no matter how hard we try, we fight a losing battle, and that all I have fought for will dwindle into meaningless history... I fear that I’m losing what I have struggled to attain all my life...”

Beneath the hope, the darkness lurks, and Leia’s optimism fails her.

“And what is it exactly that you fear you will lose? What, in truth, have you been searching for?”

Leia seemed to straighten with certainty. “Peace, freedom...democracy...”

Anakin stopped her. “Have you considered what you’ve tried to attain on a personal level, Leia?”

Leia paused. “I want to live a fulfilling life, I guess.”

“Look deeper.”

Leia struggled with her answer. “I want...I want to have a real purpose, I suppose. I want to do something very meaningful.”

“Think of all that you have already completed. Is that not meaningful?”

“Of course it is...but...”

“But no matter how much you do, you always feel like you can achieve more.”

“Yes.” Leia said firmly.

Anakin waited for her to continue, but she seemed to fumble with the words she wanted to say. “But I...I’m not sure if...”

“There’s more.” Anakin stated. It wasn’t a question.

Leia seemed to wince, but spilled out the truth in a rush of emotions. “I’m also terrified that someday...that someday I may lose the ones I care about... that I may lose Han, and Luke, and you...”

Anakin ignored the certain sense of accomplishment he felt to know that Leia loved him to that extent and zeroed in on her fear.

Fear of loss is a path to the Dark Side. Yoda’s words echoed softly through Anakin’s mind as he came to the realization that if Leia were to fall, it would be for reasons similar to his own.

The hatred, he knew, was for Darth Vader, but little did Leia know, she had taken a step onto the path the Sith lord was born unto.

Anakin sighed mentally. “You must let go of your fears, Leia. Do not let them dominate your life. Allow them to sink away.”

“But one cannot be asked to stop loving! It cannot be done!”

“True as that may be, you must know when to let your love fall beneath what is destiny. It’s hard to know, Leia. The Dark Side can be very tempting to a strong loving heart. Love may not necessarily blind you, but it can have its effects on important decisions you face. ”

“But love can help you as well. It’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“Indeed it is. Compassion is essential to life, Jedi or otherwise.”

“Then how do I know what to do?”

“You must learn, Leia. Act on instinct, but also keep the future in mind and act thoughtfully.”

Leia sighed, and Anakin knew that Leia’s fear was quite like his own had been, quite hard to conquer.

He could almost hear the dragon hissing within Leia. All things die, Leia. Even stars burn out.

Anakin was flooded with understanding. The battle ahead for Leia would be a difficult one, and would ultimately decide her fate, and Anakin’s.

Anakin privately swore to do all he could to help Leia to choose the correct paths.

“That will be all for today, Leia.” He said slowly, standing up. Leia followed suit, a small yawn escaping her system. Anakin laughed. “Get some rest.”

“Yes, Master.”

And Anakin watched his daughter leave, waiting until she closed the door to his quarters and the lock clicked behind her.

Then, he reached out into the Force, calling.

“Excellent, you have done Anakin.” Came Yoda’s praise. “Very proud of you, we all are. Leia, a true Jedi, she is starting to become.”

Anakin replied softly. “Thank you, Master.”

“Confirmed, we have, that Luke, the threat to your identity, he was.”

Anakin sighed in relief. “Well, at least that’s cleared up. Luke’s agreed to keep my secret, in hopes that Leia will understand why he did later.”

He felt a wash over dread come over Obi-Wan’s presence.

“What is it, Master?” he asked.

Anakin felt the look Obi-Wan sent him rather than saw it. His eyes were full of tired sadness. “Anakin...the technology we used to send you into the living...has been...stolen.”

“Stolen?” Anakin cried. “By who?”

“We don’t know, Ani.” Padmé spoke at last, and by her voice, Anakin could tell she was biting her lip.

Anakin let the news fill him. Yoda spoke. “Still have, we do, the prototype of the device. Works, it does, but only temporarily.”

“You mean...if you were to send someone else through the portal...they wouldn’t stay?”

“Only about a week, it would last.” Yoda shook his head. “That’s why sending, we are, your wife.”

“What?” Anakin yelped in surprise. “Why?”

“I want to come, Ani.” Padmé said slowly. “Though I cannot express my true feelings, I am eager to finally meet Luke, Han, and Leia.”

“But...you’ll just die...after a week!.”

“No, I won’t let it come to that. I’ll return early, through the aid of Obi-Wan and Yoda. My departure will appear quite practical. We will make it appear as if I have left and arrived in my Nubian starship.”

Anakin smiled. “I’ve given up trying to argue with you. I suppose it’s fitting, for Leia and Han are aware that I am married.”

Padmé grinned. “And Mothma’s having a gala in two days in Leia’s honor. I couldn’t possibly miss that.”

Anakin agreed. “Of course, milady.” Padmé had to giggle.

Obi-Wan called out. “In the meantime, be careful, Anakin. Until we find the thief, you and Leia, not to mention Luke, are in immense danger.”

“Of course.”

And he detached himself from the communication, mind reeling. Padmé was coming in one day, and the portal’s inner technology could be anywhere...

Anakin rolled onto his bed and attempted to fall asleep.

[arie]

Chapter 10

No! No, please...Please, someone...help...

Anakin awoke from restless sleep, hearing shattering pleas ringing through the Force. It didn’t take him long to realize that the source was Leia.

He leapt out of bed and threw on his tunic, ignoring the slight sting he felt as the fabric brushed against the remains of his healing blaster wounds. He shoved his feet into his boots and dashed down the corridor to Leia’s quarters.

He yanked open the door, finding Leia thrashing in sporadic slumber, tears streaming down her paled face.

Anakin rushed to her side, letting his instincts instruct him.

He shook her, not violently, but enough to jolt her from sleep.

She inhaled piercingly as her eyes snapped open. She looked around a few times, taking in her surroundings. When her eyes met Anakin’s, she fell into his shoulder, letting the tears drip down her cheeks.

Anakin patted her shoulder. “Leia...it’s all right. You’re safe...you were dreaming.”

He let her sit there for several minutes, then said, “Leia, look at me.”

Leia lifted her head and sniffed. “I’m so sorry...I...”

“Don’t be sorry.” Anakin said softly. Leia’s eyes closed and she breathed slowly, calming the slightest bit.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Leia looked at him. “Yes.” She shuddered. “Can a dream like that actually come true...I mean, did I see the future?”

Anakin sighed aloud. “You must be careful when sensing a possible future, Leia. The future is always in motion, so the guarantee of your dream becoming reality doesn’t exist. But if you convince yourself enough that this future will happen, the Dark Side will become very tempting.” Great, now I sound just like Yoda did to me. I have to help her...

“I will never turn to the Dark Side.” Leia spat, almost venomously.

Anakin nodded. “So you say. Just be careful, Leia. It is perfectly tolerable to be mindful of the future, but always remember to live in the present. Do not let your nightmare govern your life.”

Luke’s face appeared in the doorway, looking concerned. He’d obviously heard Leia cry out too.

“Is everything okay in here?” he asked.

“Yes, Luke. Thanks for your concern.” Leia whispered.

Luke sent Anakin a look. Anakin said through the Force, I have this under control, Luke. Go back to sleep.

Yes, of course. Luke replied and gave us a sleepy smile. After he left, Leia sat up straighter, and Anakin noticed the color returning to her cheeks. Her eyes remained wide and fear-filled.

“Tell me what you saw.” Anakin said delicately.

Leia frowned, but slowly told him. “We were...in a dark room...I couldn’t tell where we were...I was trapped. Then, I heard this voice...talking to me...in my head. It wouldn’t stop. Then...all of a sudden... I don’t know why, but I was crying...then I heard your voice in my head, telling me to be strong. Then I felt this...this...bitter shivery feeling, and everyone was gone!” she broke into sobs again. “Everyone! I couldn’t feel them anymore! Luke, Han...and you. I was alone.”

Anakin was silent for a moment. “Leia...it was only a dream. Are you sure you couldn’t tell where you were?”

Leia shook her head. “I don’t know, but I was terrified...and no one was there with me...”

Anakin brought her into a hug. “Leia, nothing bad will happen to you. I promise you. Please, get back to sleep.”

Leia hugged back. “I’m sorry I woke you...”

“Nonsense.” Anakin took her by the shoulders, gazing solemnly into her face. “I know what it is like to have nightmares like yours. I used to have them all the time.”

Leia looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yes.” Anakin said, remembering forlornly. “They are terrible...you feel like it’s actually happening.”

Leia nodded slowly, and then looked thoughtful. “What did you dream about?” Then she looks embarrassed. “I mean...if you wanted to tell me.”

Anakin smiled. “Of course. I will tell you. I had a nightmare about my mother dying. It was never clear how and where she was...but she was suffering...and in pain.”

“That must’ve been dreadful.” Leia stated. “Did...well, did it...?”

“Did it come true?” Anakin finished. “I went back to find my mother, only to have her die in my arms.”

Leia looked remorseful. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No.” Anakin replied. “It’s fine, don’t worry. But don’t use that as an example. The future is always in motion.”

Leia looked uneasy. “Did you have any more nightmares?”

“Yes...” Anakin continued. “I had a dream that predicted my wife’s death as well.” He didn’t elaborate. The truth was, he couldn’t. It was too risky. Not that he even wanted to.

“That didn’t come true.” Leia said slowly. “Because your wife’s still alive.”

Anakin didn’t answer. He gently brought the covers around Leia and she settled back into her bed.

Leia looked into his eyes once again. “Thank you...Master.”

Anakin smiled genially. “You’re quite welcome. Anytime.”

As Anakin turned to leave, Leia grabbed his right hand. “I’ve been meaning to ask you...your hand...it’s metal, and well, Luke has a prosthetic replacement for his right arm too...how did you lose your arm?”

Anakin was prepared for the question. “During my training, I encountered an agent of the Dark Side. This evil lord cut off my right arm with his lightsaber.”

Leia nodded. “One of Palpatine’s followers?”

As Anakin responded, he inwardly praised himself for not lying to Leia once again. “Yes. Good night, Leia.”

“Good night, Master.” She replied with a yawn.

“Do you want me to stay here until you fall asleep?”

Leia answered him with a sigh. “If you want. I think I’m fine now.”

Anakin pulled a stool over and sat across from Leia’s bed, even past the time that he began to hear small snores. Then, he stood up and softly kissed the top of Leia’s head.

Anakin shut the door gently behind him and crept back to his quarters, sliding beneath the bedspread.

He fell into a deep sleep, dreaming sweetly of his beloved wife.

----------------------

When Anakin awoke, he dressed quickly, feeling a weird sensation that was like a herd of banthas were stampeding in his stomach. Padmé was coming tonight.

She had told him that he should meet her in the docking bay of the base just before supper.

His entire being was swathed in anticipation.

He threw on his boots and hooked his lightsaber on his belt.

In the corridor, he passed by a cheerful-looking Han.

“Hey, good morning!” he exclaimed. “I’m starved. Breakfast sounds really good right about now.”

“Me too.” Anakin agreed.

They walked into the spacious dining hall to find Leia already seated, watching the holovision. She looked up as they entered and smiled.

Artoo beeped gleefully and came to Anakin’s side as he and Han pulled chairs up around Leia.

“Wow, Artoo really likes you.” Han commented, pointing at the little astromech.

Artoo whirred happily.

Anakin laughed. “So it seems.”

Luke approached the table, beaming. “Hotcakes for breakfast, guys. Better get them before they get cold!”

Han looked up. “Hey, Luke. I was just about to get up and get some. Leia?”

Leia grinned. “I already ate, sleepyhead.”

Han chuckled. “Oh. Right.”

Anakin laughed as well and got up with Han as Luke pulled a chair over.

As Anakin and Han got their breakfast, Han leaned toward Anakin. “Hey, Luke says something happened with Leia last night. She won’t tell me what it was.”

“She had a nightmare through the Force. They are quite startling; she may not wish to talk about it right now.”

Han looked at his plate. “Oh. Well, just as long as everything’s all right.”

Anakin smiled. “She’s fine, Han.”

They both sat down around Leia.

Han started the conversation. “Well, Leia. Tomorrow’s your little party. You excited?”

“Little party?” Luke said in an incredulous tone. “Han, this is a big time Senator organizing a gala in Leia’s honor. It’s more than just a party.”

“It’s all the same to me, kid. Silly little shindigs thrown by the ladies for whatever reason.”

Leia looked at Han. “Do you have something a least somewhat presentable to wear?”

“What?” Han asked, looking at his current attire.

Leia smiled. “Well, if you’re escorting me, you’d better.”

Han grinned slowly, letting the smile encompass his true feelings about the gala. And escorting Leia. “Don’t worry; I’m sure I can work something out.”

Han looked at Luke and Anakin. “You two got hot dates for the occasion?”

Luke looked uncomfortable. “I...ummmm...”

Anakin spoke up. “My wife’s coming to stay with me from Naboo. She’ll be here tonight.”

“You don’t say...” Han murmured.

“I can’t wait to meet her.” Leia said, her eyes twinkling.

“Well, Luke?” Han said expectantly.

Luke got up. “You’ll have to wait and see, Han.”

Anakin hid his curiosity as Luke walked away. He recalled his communiqué with Padmé the previous evening and how excited she’d been. She was on Naboo now, Anakin knew, hiding somewhere, picking out a beautiful gown...

Padmé had always thought galas were unnecessary celebrations, but this one was surely a lot different.

It was for Leia.

Padmé was used to attending Senatorial galas and such. Which reminded Anakin of his next move.

He stood up. “I have an audience with Mon Mothma. I will see you two later, okay?”

Han and Leia nodded simultaneously. Anakin walked swiftly out the door.

----------------

Mothma’s aides let him right in. He knocked on the door to Mothma’s main office.

An abruptly toned political voice said, “Come in.”

Anakin obeyed and stood politely in the doorway, gazing at the Senator bent over a datapad.

She looked up, her eyes softening as he entered. “Anakin.”

He nodded and she motioned for him to have a seat. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes.” Anakin said purposefully. “It’s about the gala tonight.”

“You must be very proud of Leia. She really is a wonderful politician. So much like her mother.”

Anakin nodded again. “That’s why I’m here, Senator.”

“Anakin.” She stated. “Surely you and I are past the formalities? You may call me Mon; it may actually be sort of refreshing to hear.” Mothma had been very supportive of Anakin throughout this entire ordeal, and for that he was extremely grateful.

“Mon.” Anakin corrected. “My wife wishes to be present at the gala tonight and to stay with me for a few days. I was told to refer this request to you.”

Mothma’s eyes goggled. “Padmé...tonight?” Her hands flutter nervously. “That’s... that’s excellent!”

She looked at him. “And you needn’t worry. The coast will indeed be clear. Well, except for me of course.”

“Thank you, Mon. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for what you have done for me.

“It had been a pleasure, Anakin.”

“Well then, I suppose my initial qualms are no longer valid...”

Mothma shook her head. “Worry no longer, Anakin. It will be quite all right.”

“Then all should go as planned.” Anakin said, relieved.

Mothma looked flushed with joy. “I look forward to seeing Padmé.”

Anakin stood up and bowed reverentially, then turned to head out the door. “So do I. So do I.”

[arie]

Chapter 11

Anakin sat in his quarters, meditating upon the theft of the very device that enabled him to complete his mission.

“The Chosen One, you are, Anakin Skywalker.” Yoda’s voice suddenly floated into his mind. “Regretful, I am, that see it before, I could not. Destroyed the Emperor, you may have, but much more, I sense, remains for you to do. Perhaps your rebirth, meant to be, it was.”

Anakin was quiet for a moment. Then he communed back. “But Master Yoda, how could it have been the workings of the Force? I was brought back through technology, through a machine!”

“Indeed, Anakin. But even so, displayed, you have traits and effects that are unique to the process.”

“What do you mean?”

“It is almost as if manifested, you were, by the midichlorians themselves during rebirth. More similar to your children, you are, than us. Different, you have grown from Obi-Wan and I. In every sense, living, you are.”

“But...why?”

“The will of the Force it is. Perhaps your life, meant to end on the Second Death Star, it was not. Sees more for you, the Force does. Meant for extraordinary things you were, Anakin. Never clearer, has it been.”

“I’m not sure I understand everything you say, Master Yoda. Are you suggesting that I could have come back without the actual technology?”

“Suggesting that, I am not. Stating it, I am.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Told me, the Force has. A great destiny, you have, Anakin. Greater than any that seen, I have. Know we do not, exactly what you are meant to do now. But know, we do, that the right thing, we have done.”

Suddenly, Anakin felt that there was something very wrong going on in the Force.

“Ah, feel it, you do now, Skywalker.” Yoda stated knowingly.

The Force swirled around him, the edge of his senses overcome with a bleak chill.

“Cold, feels the Force. The Dark Side, that is.”

Anakin concentrated. “Who?”

“Who, feel you?”

“The presence... it seems slightly familiar, but I don’t know who it is.” Anakin admitted.

“As much as we, you now know. Great danger, I sense in the future.”

“Then why are we sending Padmé now, Master? Why should we put her in unnecessary danger?”

“Told me, the Force did, also, that right, the time was, for Padmé to join you.”

“How can that be? Why now?”

“The answers, know I do not, Anakin. But a message, to deliver, I have.”

Anakin released some of his tension. “What?”

“Delayed, your wife will be until tomorrow. Technical difficulties, her ship is having. Fixing it now, she is.”

Anakin sighed. “Very well. Then I will see Padmé tomorrow.”

Yoda sighed. “Dark times ahead, there are. Careful we must be. In the hands of the Sith, that technology could be. Disastrous, the results could be if true that is.”

Anakin nodded. “I agree. We must exercise extreme caution.”

Anakin was quiet again as a question came to him. “Master, do you think that a Sith could be brought back into the living through the midichlorians as well?”

Yoda paused thoughtfully. “Know, I cannot. Possible it is. The will of the Force is ever-changing. The destiny of the Light, rests with you, it does.”

Anakin assented and bid farewell to the elderly Jedi Master.

A million questions swirled through his mind.

A knock at his door broke through his strained thoughts. “Come in.”

The door opened, and Luke was revealed. “Hello.”

“Hello, Luke.”

Luke was sure to shut the door tightly and then hurried to Anakin’s side. “Father, can I have a word? Well actually, more than a word. I need to ask you something.”

“Of course. What is it, son?”

“Did you mean it when you were talking about your date earlier? I mean, I couldn’t quite ask in front of Leia and Han...”

Anakin laughed. “How did I know? Yes, Luke. I meant it.”

Luke’s face seemed to burst with joy. “Mother is coming here...tonight?”

“Tomorrow. Her ship needs repairs.”

“Father...how? How is Mother coming?”

“The same way I did, Luke. But she must rely more on the technology aspect, being that she isn’t sensitive to the Force.”

Luke, with difficulty, restrained his glee and remained seated. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Anakin shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry it has to be this way, my son. I’m sorry that you cannot address your mother as such and truly express your love to her, as she cannot to you.”

“Don’t be sorry, Father. I mean, it’s amazing that I get to meet Mother at all. I don’t mind, really. What am I supposed to call her?”

“Padmé. She will be known as Padmé. She doesn’t require a new first name.”

“Padmé...” Luke whispered, and he rose to his feet. He then turned to Anakin, pulling him into a hug. “I will see you and Padmé later then.”

And Anakin watched his cheerful son prepare to leave.

“Luke?” he asked.

“Yes?”

“Who’s your date?”

“You know her.” Luke said, with a blush. “But she doesn’t really know you. Mara Jade.”

And he closed to door.

Anakin smiled. What a kid.

---------

The next evening, Anakin walked swiftly down the corridors, his heart thumping considerably harder and faster. His angel was coming...no, she was here.

Anakin couldn’t hold back a smile as he stepped into the docking bay, just as the Nubian starcraft was finishing its descent. Impeccable timing, my love.

The docking bay was all but empty, almost everyone was preparing for the gala. Leia, he knew, was in her quarters, freshening up after another sparring match and changing into her dress. Han was most likely changing as well, and Luke was already in the ballroom, with Mara, whom had already become acquainted with Skye Nairn earlier that day.

The barrenness was perfect.

The ramp lowered, and Anakin had to consciously remember to breathe as his wife appeared in the hatchway.

Her hair fell loosely upon her shoulders, and her eyes glittered with gaiety. She wore a striking gown that Anakin recognized instantly as the dress she had been wearing when they had shared their first kiss.

Her cheeks were flushed pink and a bright smile appeared upon her lovely face when she caught sight of him.

She broke into a sprint, collapsing gratefully into Anakin’s waiting embrace. She buried her head into his tunic as he stroked her chestnut curls lovingly.

After what seemed like an eternity, they broke apart, and Padmé gazed into Anakin’s deep blue eyes.

“Welcome, Padmé Nairn,” Anakin whispered, and leaned in to kiss her softly.

She relented, and after her greetings, she looked at Anakin again. “Well, Commander Nairn. Surely you plan to help me with my bags?”

“Of course.” They walked, arm in arm, toward the ship.

After gathering Padmé’s things, Anakin began to lead his wife through the halls of the base. She clutched his arm, drinking in her surroundings with an inquisitive guise.

“What do you think?” Anakin asked her, just happy that she was there, next to him.

“I’m getting more excited by the minute,” she replied.

Anakin laughed and opened the door to his quarters, setting Padmé’s luggage in the far corner.

Padmé smiled as Anakin switched on a light with a flick of his hand. Anakin lowered himself onto his bed and watched Padmé observe his room.

“Lovely.” she commented, as she sat beside Anakin, caressing his shoulder absently. “I’ve missed you so much... Commander.” She giggled.

Anakin laughed again. “Quit teasing me, or I’ll start calling you Senator again. Or better yet, ‘milady’. Call me Skye, love. Unless you wish to be addressed as ‘milady all night.”

Padmé giggled and put a finger to his lips. “No matter what, you will always be Ani to me,” she said softly.

Anakin playfully kissed her finger and pulled her into his arms. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Padmé sighed dreamily, and after a moment, reluctantly stood up. “Why, my dear Skye, I do believe you aren’t properly dressed yet for the occasion, darling.”

“A thousand pardons my angel. If you will excuse me for a moment, I will be right back.” Anakin replied and he disappeared into the refresher.

“Ah, but make sure it is, in fact, only a moment, love. I miss you already.” Padmé said with a small giggle.

A few minutes later, Anakin emerged, dressed in a formal white shirt and dress pants.

“You’re absolutely dashing,” Padmé said with an infectious grin.

“Thank you. Did I mention you look gorgeous, as always?”

Padmé laughed again as Anakin began to button up his shirt. She grabbed his black overcoat, laid it beside him, and gestured to his shirt. “May I?”

Anakin’s hands fell to his sides, and Padmé slowly began to button his shirt.

“Mon Mothma is quite anxious to see you again.” Anakin informed her.

Padmé’s face was glowing with delight. She fastened another button and said, “It will be wonderful to see her again...I...”

She stopped, gently running her hand over the two long scorch lines that remained ingrained on Anakin’s chest.

“Oh Ani.” she murmured delicately, applying a tender kiss to each of his wounds.

He smirked. “It’s all right, Padmé. It’s nearly completely healed.”

Padmé nodded leisurely and finished buttoning his shirt. When she was done, she smoothed out the fabric, even though it wasn’t wrinkled, and Anakin pulled on his overcoat.

Padmé pulled herself into him, hugging him close, not wanting to let go.

He wrapped his arms around her slender form, resting his head atop hers.

“I love you.” she announced keenly.

“I love you too,” Anakin replied. He led Padmé to the door, still holding her near. “Come along, Padmé,” he said, closing the door and beginning to escort her to the ballroom. “There are so many people who cannot wait to meet you.”

Padmé seemed to show happiness, nervousness, excitement, and an unexplainable love as she answered, “Well, then. We mustn’t keep them waiting.”

[arie]

This chapter is very emotional and a handful to write. Thought I'd warn you.

Chapter 12

Padmé took a breath as Anakin led her into the entryway of the ballroom. Anakin turned to her, a supportive smile and loving eyes fixing upon her rosy face.

A feeble grin blossomed upon Padmé’s lips, and Anakin squeezed her hand. “You ready, love?”

She nodded. Anakin took a few steps into the room, and Padmé followed, her eyes wandering around the crowded room, taking it all in.

The ballroom looked rather fancy, dressed up in white lacy fabric and bunches of fresh bouquets of flora upon every table. The dance floor was already a throng of activity; Anakin could see many people he recognized from around the base.

Padmé’s eyes shone happily. “Oh, Anakin. I’m still a bundle of nerves.”

Anakin smiled at her. “It’ll be all right, Padmé. I promise you.”

She held his hand tightly, not sure what to do or think. Anakin could sense her excitement and anxiety.

“Is this the missus, Nairn?” another Commander that Anakin was acquainted with, Commander Grend, asked.

“Yes, Commander Grend, this is my wife, Padmé. Padmé; this is Herry Grend.”

Padmé nodded in greeting. “Hello.”

Herry kissed the top of Padmé’s hand politely. “It’s a pleasure, ma’am.”

Padmé seemed to calm a bit, as Anakin sent her a reassuring look. Herry excused himself and Anakin decided to lead Padmé around so that she could get to know the place better.

“Hey, Skye!” an enthusiastic voice called out.

Anakin turned, Padmé in arm, to see Han, clad in a full proper suit, hair combed neatly and at his side, attired in a shimmering blue gown: Leia.

Anakin felt his wife start a little, and Padmé’s breath seemed to catch in her throat, but she did well at concealing her feelings. Anakin knew it was hard for her to do, but her face remained only seemingly politely interested. Her eyes, however, showed her true, overwhelming sentiment.

“Hello Leia, Han.” Anakin greeted. He eyed the couple for a moment, his heart swelling with pride.

Han cocked an eyebrow. “Hey, Nairn, I know I’m wearing a suit and my hair aint a mop on my head, but if you say one word...”

Anakin grinned genially. “You look great, Han.”

“Well, I clean up pretty nicely, I must admit.”

Padmé’s eyes were rested softly upon Leia. Leia gave her a little smile. “Hi. I’m...”

“Leia. I’ve heard too much about you.” Padmé said, seemingly calm, but Anakin knew that she was experiencing a tidal wave.

Leia smiled. “Really? Good things, I hope.”

“Only the best.”

“Han, Leia. This is my wife, Padmé.”

Han grinned. “So, how do you put up with this guy?”

Padmé laughed aloud, as Anakin gave Han a curious look.

Han chuckled and patted Anakin on the shoulder. “Just joking! You should have seen the look on your face!”

The entire group laughed, and Anakin silently thanked the Force as he noticed that Han had lightened the mood a bit.

Leia sighed. “Han, that was entirely improper.”

“Sorry, Princess.” he said truthfully, and Leia laughed a little. Then she turned back to Padmé; eyes full of wonder. “So Padmé...ummmm...may I call you Padmé?”

“Of course.” Padmé’s lips formed such meaningless words, yet her eyes continued to convey what she was feeling inside.

“Okay. Have you missed your husband while he’s been with us?”

Padmé nodded.

Leia smiled. “Well, we are delighted to have you; you are welcome to stay as long as you please.”

“Thank you very much.” Padmé said her voice soft. Anakin knew that she was struggling. He had known going in that this would be hard for her.

Padmé smiled weakly as Han and Leia began to look at her inquisitively. “I’m sorry; I’m just feeling a little jumpy. It’s been a while since I’ve been out, much less out to a big gala.”

Anakin silently applauded her. She was handling herself well. Leia and Han nodded simultaneously.

“So, this is in your honor, Leia?” Padmé asked, changing the subject.

Leia blushed.

Han spoke. “The Princess has done some wonderful things in her life. Things that she ought to be very proud of herself for. We know we’re proud of her.”

Anakin grinned at Han’s answer. It was all too true.

Padmé smiled inquiringly. “So what have you been doing recently? I’m afraid my dear Skye has been anything but specific.”

She seemed to smile inwardly at the lie, for she knew a lot about Anakin’s activities recently. Anakin knew that she just longed to hear her daughter speak again.

Leia, with assumed pleasure, answered. “I’ve been busy with my Jedi training.”

Padmé smiled brightly.

Anakin cleared his throat. “Padmé, darling, I trust you’ll be all right here for a few minutes? I must go speak with someone, then I will come back for you and we will go meet Mon Mothma.” On the outside, he merely smiled, but he sent Padmé a mental wink.

Padmé nodded. “Do what you must, dear. Don’t be gone too long.”

Anakin kissed her cheek softly. “Of course not.”

As he walked away, he heard Padmé continue the conversation. “You’ve been training with Skye, and your brother, correct? I’m sure Skye’s a wonderful Master.”

“Oh yes. I’ve already learned so much!” Leia responded vibrantly.

Anakin couldn’t ignore a burst of self-accomplishment that seemed to distend within him.

He made his way around the swarming ballroom, searching with his eyes and senses.

Finally, he located Luke, pouring himself and Mara some refreshment at the bar.

Luke grinned as he approached. “Hello.”

Mara nodded in greeting. “Hey, Skye.”

“Hey you two. Luke, could I have a word?”

“Of course.”

Luke stepped aside with him, and Anakin whispered, “Your mother is ready to meet you.”

Luke’s eyes seemed to explode with emotion. “Right now?”

“Yes.” Anakin handed him a duplicate key to his quarters. “Go in my room in about fifteen minutes. She will meet you there.”

Luke nodded. “Yes. I will be there.”

Anakin smiled. “Then I will leave you to your date.”

Luke sighed. “Don’t tease.”

Anakin laughed and walked away. When he found Padmé and Leia again, Han had wandered off, and Padmé was enthusiastically talking about dresses and hair with her daughter.

Anakin was chuckling to himself as he came up behind Padmé, snaking an arm around her waist. How did I not see this coming?

Padmé smiled up at him. “Done?”

Anakin smiled back. “Yes. Are you ready to meet Senator Mothma.”

“Sure. You’ll excuse us, Leia?”

“Of course. I need to find Han anyway. But it’s been fantastic talking to you, Padmé. We have a lot in common.”

Padmé nodded and dragged herself away from Leia, hugging Anakin tight. As soon as they were out of earshot, Anakin leaned down. “Are you all right, Padmé?”

“I think so Ani,” she whispered, blinking back tears. “Our daughter...she’s beautiful...”

“Like her mother.”

Padmé smiled faintly. “Actually, I was going to say that she seems a lot like her father.”

Anakin laughed faintlyas Padmé, with complexity, swallowed her emotion.

“Okay. Mothma is waiting in her quarters. She told me that she wanted a more private meeting with us, sort of like I’ve arranged for Luke.”

Padmé’s eyes lit up. “I get to meet Luke alone? And he knows?”

“He knows everything.”

Padmé tried hard not to burst out crying with joy, burying her head, outwardly lovingly into Anakin’s collar.

Anakin led her silently out and turned right toward Mothma’s quarters. Outside the door, he kissed her tenderly and knocked.

She pulled herself together momentarily, but melted when Mon Mothma’s face appeared in the doorway.

“Padmé...” Mothma seemed to croak, as words failed her. Padmé took a few steps into the office, still clinging to Anakin. The moment Anakin shut the door; the two women were enveloped in an embrace, both crying noiselessly.

Anakin smiled at the reunion, but felt and eerie sense of guilt, as he realized that it was mostly his doing that the friends had been separated.

But Mothma’s eyes met his as she and Padmé broke apart. “Thank you, Anakin. Thank you for bringing her here.”

Anakin smiled agitatedly. “You’re welcome.”

“Oh, Padmé...I missed you so much.”

Padmé nodded, as she seemed unable to find words.

Mothma continued; her eyes a little watery still. “I am endlessly happy that you are here.”

“Me too.” Padmé said delicately.

Mothma looked the two of them back and forth. “I take it you’ve met Leia?”

Padmé started to cry all over again. “Yes...”

“She’s wonderful, Padmé. She truly is. Every bit the politician that her mother is.”

Padmé assented wordlessly, and Anakin approached, pulling her into a supportive hug.

She accepted it gratefully.

Mothma sighed. “Well, I shouldn’t keep you, Padmé. We’ll see much of each other within the next few days, I promise you.”

Padmé grinned, and swallowed, some of her emotion tumbling away. “Thanks so much, Mon.”

“No thank you.” Mon said cheerfully, wiping the corner of her eye, and opening the door, showing them out. “I have to leave for the ballroom anyway.”

Anakin and Padmé bid her farewell, and Anakin began to guide Padmé toward his quarters.

“Anakin...” Padmé whispered into his sleeve. “I want you to come in when I meet Luke.”

“I don’t think that would be right, Padmé. I think you two need your time together alone.”

“But I need you.” Padmé said, her eyes pleading with his.

“I will be right outside the door. I will be able to sense everything going on in there, and if you still need me, I will come in.”

Padmé sighed. “Okay.”

Anakin stopped outside the door, Padmé clutching his hand securely. “He’s in there.”

Padmé let out a nervous breath and Anakin stepped aside, allowing her to open the door.

Padmé shut the door soundlessly behind her, mentally preparing herself. She slowly pivoted on one foot, her dark brown eyes meeting a pair of awed blue ones.

Luke sat upon the bed, hair slightly tousled, seemingly entranced at the sight before him.

Padmé lost the ability to breathe, and in an instant, Luke was in her arms.

She let the tears fall gracefully down her cheeks and into Luke’s hair and upon his sweater, but Luke didn’t care. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close. “Mother...”

Padmé squeezed her eyes shut, running her fingers through the shaggy locks of hair upon Luke’s head. “Luke...”

They sat there like that for what seemed like forever, Padmé slowly rocking her son back and forth, letting all the emotion she had felt since meeting Leia pour out of her. Even Luke’s eyes got teary as he finally released his mother, his eyes still fixed admirably upon her.

She smiled softly. “Luke...you and you sister...you both remind me so much of your father.”

Luke nodded in understanding, and then spoke, his words seeming to constrict in his throat as he did. “You and Leia...look alike.”

Padmé sighed, swiping a hand at her tears. “I’m sorry, Luke.”

“For what, Mother? You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t have met you earlier...” she paused, gazing in wonderment at her son. “You know... when I was pregnant with you and Leia... I didn’t find out the gender of the baby...at the time we didn’t know I was carrying twins... and somehow, I knew I would have a little boy.”

Luke closed his eyes for a moment, and then nodded slowly as he opened them again.

“Your father thought that it was a girl...we both ended up right in the end...”

Luke pulled his mother into another hug, replying simply with the gesture. Then, he wordlessly showed his desire for her to continue.

Padmé took a breath. “When I told your father I was pregnant...he was so happy. The look on his face... I’d never seen him so delighted... The galaxy was so torn with war that that smile alone nearly melted me...I hadn’t seen him in months... and I was simply relieved that he was alive and well... but seeing that joy brought back feelings I hadn’t felt in so long.”

“It must’ve been hard.” Luke murmured softly, intrigued by his mother’s words. “Being away from someone you love for long periods at a time...in a war, no less.”

Padmé nodded. “I was so nervous to tell him...I wasn’t sure how he’d react. We’d always wanted a family...but with our life stuck in the boiling point of a dangerous war, things proved to be quite difficult.”

Luke nodded.

“I was afraid for us, yet so happy at the same time...”

“Why were you afraid?”

Padmé looked ruefully into her son’s eyes...so like Anakin’s...but not as dark. “Luke, your father and I weren’t allowed to be married...the Jedi code forbade marriage among Jedi.”

Luke gazed at his hands, clasped in his lap. “I didn’t know that.”

“But he broke the Code to be with me... and never regretted it once. But if the Jedi were to find out about it, or Anakin’s impending fatherhood, he’d have been expelled from the Order.”

Luke’s jaw dropped, but he didn’t speak.

“He’d considered, after the war, turning himself in, and leaving the Order to be with me... to raise his family. But, Luke, I couldn’t let him. I couldn’t let him give up being a Jedi. I know that he loved me infinitely... but he also loved being a Jedi.”

Padmé gulped as tear threatened to fall. “I am so honored to be able to see you, my son.”

Luke stared into his mother’s wet face, whispering. “I didn’t have any memory of you, Mother. But on the inside, I’ve always wanted to meet you, to know you... and now... everything seems to be falling into place.”

Padmé nodded leisurely, letting her eyes linger upon her son.

“When did you find out that you were having twins?” Luke asked somewhat hesitantly.

“When you were born. I never asked the medical droid to tell me that...I wanted a surprise...” She sighed again, another tear sliding down her face. “You were first...” she closed her eyes...the memory floating back to her. “And when I laid eyes on you...I felt a certain sensation...something magical, Luke. I can’t possibly describe what you two were like in that time...similar to bundles of light. Bundles of light in dark times. That’s why your name is Luke...it means ‘light’ in Nubian.”

Luke inhaled penetratingly. “Wow. And Leia?”

“I named her for Anakin, being that he’d been so certain that he was going to have a little daughter...Leia means ‘little angel’ in Nubian, but in an outer dialect of another form of language, it means ‘warrior princess’.”

Luke laughed absently. “That’s Leia.”

“And Anakin. For in that same dialect, Anakin means ‘great warrior. I’m delighted to find that your names suited you well.”

“Why ‘little angel’?” Luke found himself full of questions.

Padmé sighed languorously. “When your father met me...for the first time...his first words that he spoke to me were ‘Are you an angel?’ ... I know now that I was meant, and always will be, Anakin’s angel.”

Luke nodded. “Wow.” He said again.

Padmé grasped Luke tightly, bringing him into another hug. “it means so much that I can hug you, Luke. I love you so much...”

“I love you, too Mother.”

And at those words, Padmé’s heart burst with ecstasy. And she sat for a long while, silently reveling in the love she’d found for her children, for a long time. She found herself finally feeling like Luke and Leia’s true mother.

Luke sat, regarding his mother privately and knowing inside that this moment would define his life.

Padmé was filled with love and bliss, like none she’d ever felt.

Outside Skye Nairn’s quarters, Luke’s father, having rode the turbulent emotions of the meeting, and heard every word resonate within his head again and again, was experiencing a similar sensation, and as he let the wave crest over him, he slid to the floor, sinking into the sitting position, tears of indescribable passion slipping silently down his cheeks.

[arie]

Chapter 13

Anakin was startled from his private thoughts as a voice began to commune with him, urgently. Anakin? Anakin, can you hear me?

Anakin shook his head distractedly and replied solemnly. Obi-Wan? Yes, I am here.

I need to speak with you. Something very strange is... Anakin, are you all right? Obi-Wan paused, sensing a weird sort of sorrow emanating from Anakin.

Yes, I’m fine. Everything’s fine.

Anakin could tell that Obi-Wan didn’t believe him, but Obi-Wan didn’t question him. Anakin, the technology has been found.

That’s a relief. Where did you find it?

That’s just the thing, Anakin. We found it right where it had disappeared.

What? You don’t mean... do you think the thief put it back?

We don’t know, but there is significant evidence of tampering. It still functions properly, but there are some peculiar adjustments made to it...

What do you think happened? It doesn’t make sense. Why would the thief give it back?

I don’t know. But something unusual is going on here.

Anakin stopped as he heard the door click nearby and saw Padmé kneel beside him. “Ani. We’re going back to the ballroom now.” She had washed off her tearstained face and applied a little makeup to conceal her reddened cheeks. Her eyes were bursting with exhilaration.

Luke emerged behind her, a new aura of happiness seeming to shine around him.

Anakin nodded. “I’ll be right there. I have something I need to take care of first.”

As soon as Padmé and Luke had disappeared around the corner, Anakin almost dove into his room, shutting the door tightly. Obi-Wan? Are you still there?

Yes, my friend. There was another pause. I take it Padmé met the twins.

Yes.

She can stay now, if she wants. Since the technology works well, she should be able to carry on for as long as she pleases.

Is there a way that I could look at the device, just to see if I can make sense of any of the alterations?

There is only one way that could happen. Someone would have to bring it to you.

Anakin sat on the bed, absently tracing lines on the sheets where his wife and son’s presences still lingered.

I could bring it, Anakin.

Isn’t that a little risky? Surely you’d be a little more noticeable.

Only to Luke. I don’t think Leia will recognize me.

Are you sure?

I wouldn’t stay long. It is a good idea, if anyone could figure this all out, it's you. I think the risk is practically imaginary.

Perhaps.

I will be visiting Commander Skye Nairn from his home planet of Naboo. I’m your brother, Ben Nairn.

That’s a laugh. You look nothing like me, Obi-Wan.

I was adopted.

Anakin laughed aloud. Whatever you say.

See you soon, Skye.

And Obi-Wan disconnected himself. Anakin sat for a moment in silence, then went into the refresher, splashing cold water into his face.

Looking in the mirror, Anakin felt a little queasy sensation, but it left as soon as it came. He sighed, and made to follow his wife and son into the ballroom.

When he found Padmé, she instantly threw herself into his arms. “Anakin...” she whispered. “Thank you...”

Anakin spun her around. “For what?”

“For helping me meet my son in private.” She was glowing. “It meant so much to me.”

“Anything for you.” Anakin replied distantly.

Padmé’s mood changed suddenly. She looked straight into his eyes. “Something’s wrong.”

They gradually stepped onto the dance floor, taking their own little corner to themselves. Padmé leaned into his shoulder, allowing him to discreetly whisper into her ear.

When he was finished, she nodded, her chin brushing against his shoulder. Then, she pulled herself into his arms and began rocking back and forth. “It’s been a long time since we’ve danced, Anakin Skywalker,” she purred into his ear.

“Too long, Padmé Skywalker.” Anakin murmured quietly, inwardly smirking slightly at the change of subject.

“And far too long since we’ve done this, as well.” Padmé seemed to notice mischievously as she angled her mouth over his and pulled him into a zealous kiss.

Nearby, Anakin vaguely observed Han and Leia, standing close, conversing in hushed tones. Leia seemed to shine with love; her presence in the Force was bathed in it. Han smiled at her, pulling her onto the dance floor as well.

Leia’s eyes briefly met Anakin’s and she grinned at him. He managed to smile back, before he heard an authoritative voice ring through the ballroom.

Mon Mothma stood on a platform that jutted out at the front of the room, her eyes as bright and cheery as her vivid gown. “Hello, everyone, and thank you for attending this wonderful event. This gala was hosted in honor of a woman I admire greatly and am privileged to be very acquainted with. She is one of the most promising political figures I have known in quite a long time, and is constantly dedicated and persevering when it comes to what she does. Everyone, please, a nice round of applause for our own lovely Princess Leia!”

Everyone, including Padmé and Anakin, broke into a thunderous ovation, and Leia, highlighted by a light shining on her in the center of the room, blushed a little.

Mothma strode down the stairs and shook Leia’s hand, then handed her the small sound amplifier. Leia began to speak. “Thank you everyone. I cannot possibly describe what this means to me. I am honored to be among each and every one of you and to work among some of the greatest people this galaxy had to offer. I would like to publicly thank Han Solo, for his constant support and companionship, as well as Chewbacca, for sheer kindness to me, even though I first regarded him as, and I quote, ‘a walking carpet’.”

Laughter buzzed through the crowd and Chewbacca roared his approval.

“I would also like to thank Senator Mothma for hosting this glorious occasion, and Skye Nairn, who has been so nurturing and supportive in the time I have spent with him.”

Padmé squeezed Anakin’s hand and Anakin gazed hazily at his daughter.

Leia curtsied a little. “Thank you all so much.”

Mothma joined in as another round of applause burst out among the crowd.

Mothma smiled knowingly. “And now, I believe Captain Solo has a bit to say.” She backed up, a smile playing upon her lips.

Leia looked surprised as Han took the amplifier, and began talking.

“Leia. I cannot think of a way in a million light-years to fully describe you in one word. When I first met you, it was hard to decipher what exactly I thought of you. You were a Princess, and I, a simple man who loved nothing but his ship, his Wookiee, and his money. I couldn’t tell if I was annoyed by you, or if I was beginning to like you. The truth is obvious to me now, Princess. I love you. I love you more than anything in the galaxy, and love you more than I ever thought possible for me to love someone. I may be a nerfherder, but I know that what my heart tells me is true, and I feel like I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Han, who had said he wasn't one for words, was speaking his feelings.

Leia had started crying in the middle of Han’s speech and now her eyes were riveted completely on him, luminous with tears and compassion.

“Leia...I ask you, in front of everyone here, to be my wife, knowing that I will always care for you and treasure you until the breath has left me and beyond.”

Leia’s face crumpled and she flung herself into Han’s arms.

“So what do you say, Princess? Will you become Mrs. Leia Organa Solo?”

The crowd hushed, as Leia smiled through her tears. “Yes.” She said loudly, and everyone began to clap.

Luke and Mara embraced happily and Mothma clapped her hand together.

Leia and Han were gazing lovingly into each other eyes, their arms clasped around each other, smiles pasted across their faces.

“So, Princess, you are willing to put up with me, a scruffy looking nerfherder, for the rest of your life? I think you’ll go insane and get sick of me.” he teased.

Leia laughed brightly. “I don’t know where you get your delusions, laserbrain. I love you, and always will.”

And right there, in front of everyone, the newly-engaged Leia and Han kissed, arousing another round of applause.

Leia and Han melted into each other, their love now obvious to any onlooker.

The crowd was beginning to disperse, as the music faded out and the gala began to end.

But Leia and Han were too caught up in the moment to notice two silent figures standing against a pillar, tears coursing down their cheeks.

----------

Obi-Wan waited in the docking bay, hidden by the blanket of darkness that had fallen over the base, somewhat impatiently.

Anakin will never change... He thought. So punctual. What is keeping them?

But just as he thought about sneaking toward his quarters to look for him, he felt Anakin’s presence enter the room.

He turned. Anakin walked somewhat grudgingly toward him, Padmé grasped supportively in his arms.

Obi-Wan could see that both of them were exhausted, but there was something else.

As they finally stopped in front of him, their faces were eclipsed in a crevice of the moonlight, and Obi-Wan saw tears running freely down their faces.

“What happened?” he whispered, astonished. He’d seen Anakin cry before, but it was never often, and Padmé was weeping into his shoulder as well this time. Obi-wan could see that the fabric of Anakin’s tunic was drenched already.

Padmé lifted her head. “Our daughter...our little girl...is getting married.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes widened and pure bliss filled him. “Well! Then I suppose congratulations is in order.” Then he looked at Anakin. “Are you sure this is a good time? I can always come back later.”

Anakin shook his head quickly. “No. Nonsense. Show me.”

Obi-Wan lead them aboard his small space cruiser, and into the main cockpit. He handed Anakin a small bundle. “Here’s the mainframe chip that has been altered.”

Anakin unwrapped the parcel and ran his fingers over the chip, which was no bigger then his palm.

He then stepped back toward the back room, without a word. Neither Padmé or Obi-Wan followed, allowing Anakin to examine the piece alone.

Padmé wiped her eyes with her sleeve, sniffing a little.

“Han proposed?” Obi-Wan asked gently.

“Yes...” Padmé whispered.

“That’s wonderful.” Obi-Wan said honestly, patting Padmé’s shoulder.

A few minutes later, Anakin emerged and entered the cockpit, his expression grim.

Obi-Wan looked up, sensing Anakin’s distress. “What is it, Anakin?”

Anakin shook his head slowly, setting the chip on the control panel. Then he turned and looked straight at Obi-Wan, just as Padmé approached and grasped his arm.

“The chip has been modified indistinctly, Master.” Anakin muttered. “It functions the same, but some of the main inner workings are indeed tampered with. The signs suggest that it was done by an expert hand and looks as if whoever did it attempted to cover up their adjustments. But they made one vital error, which I was able to pick up on quickly and...”

“And?” Obi-Wan asked, knowing the answer would be dour.

Anakin placed the chip back in Obi-Wan’s hand, his eyes gazing into his former Master’s bleakly. “I think this chip has been duplicated.”

[arie]

Chapter 14

Anakin withdrew his hand, as Obi-Wan’s eyes widened.

“Duplicated?” Obi-Wan said, dubious. “But...I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I.” Padmé spoke up. “Why would the thief duplicate it and then give it back, rather than just keep this one?”

Anakin shook his head miserably. “Padmé has a good point...but...”

Obi-Wan eyed Anakin suspiciously. “You know, don’t you?”

“Know what?” Anakin asked, not denying the accusation.

“I’m not sure, but you know something.” Obi-Wan concluded perceptively.

Padmé squeezed Anakin’s hand. “Ani, we’re all just trying to help you. We are on your side.”

“Of course. I know, angel.”

“Then why don’t you just tell us?”

Anakin seemed to swallow uncomfortably. “Padmé, you cannot stay.”

“What?” Padmé said, in distress. “Anakin...what are you...?”

“I cannot let you be in preventable danger, Padmé.”

“What danger, Anakin? What are you talking about?”

Anakin closed his eyes, appearing exhausted. “You remember when this technology was first perfected?”

“Yes.” Obi-Wan answered. Obi-Wan and Anakin both felt a slight tremor in the Force as the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn murmured into the wind, And who, pray tell, was the being who perfected it?

Padmé looked at them. “What is going on?”

Obi-Wan’s eyes were immersed in his former padawan’s. “Anakin...”

Anakin nodded again, his eyes sparking in alarm. “Do you remember what I said to you, the day that the first successful rebirth was conducted?”

Obi-Wan focused, recalling Anakin triumphantly altering the device, his hands working expertly on the chip and its flawless first trial, sending a Qui-Gon through and back.

Obi-Wan suddenly remembered. “You said that you yourself had put in a certain amount of Light energy and a few interesting modifications...that made it impossible for a Sith to use the portal and its technology.”

“Exactly.” Anakin said with a shudder.

Padmé, who had been listening to the entire exchange, announced, “I still don’t understand why I suddenly have to leave.”

“Because I can’t lose you again, Padmé...” Anakin said softly.

Padmé let her eyes drink in the sight of Anakin, as Anakin dumped himself into a chair, sighing in frustration.

“But Ani...”

“Padmé. It’s obvious now. You cannot remain here much longer. The Sith have the technology now, and no doubt plan to use it...”

Padmé waited, with bated breath, for him to continue. Obi-Wan sat silently listening.

“...They stole it, and since they couldn’t use it, they duplicated it, and gave it back. They now have the basic inner workings, they’ll remove them from the chip and figure out a way to put them into a chip that will sustain Dark energy... and if...if they just pull together a few things, they’ll be able to use it!” Anakin said slowly, his voice full of desolation.

Padmé gasped. Obi-Wan shook his head, his despair apparent.

Anakin rested his chin in his hand. “Padmé, this is a crisis. You cannot stay here, and I’m truly sorry for that. I won’t let you be caught up in this, Padmé, because it is avoidable.”

“But... you can’t expect me to just leave you here, when I know that the Sith will be after you!”

“Yes I can. And you will.” Anakin stated simply. “I’m sorry, Padmé, but you must know that you stand no chance against a Sith lord.”

“Maybe not, Anakin. But that doesn’t mean I have to go back.”

“Padmé, this is a lot more complicated than you realize.”

“Anakin’s right, Padmé. You must go back.”

Padmé looked lost. “But...I want to help.”

Anakin looked up at her, his face full of sympathy. “I know you do. That’s all you ever wanted to do, my love. Ever since you were a little girl, you always wanted to help people. That’s why you became Queen, thinking that you could. But Padmé, not everyone knows what a wonderful person you are, and they will hurt you. And I may not be able you protect you. I couldn’t bear losing you like that...”

Padmé let tears trace over the tracks that her previous crying had left behind and took Anakin into her arms.

Anakin murmured. “I’m sorry, Padmé.”

Padmé nodded her consent to him, and then abruptly released him, looking at both of the Jedi expectantly.

“Well then, at least Obi-Wan is staying, right?” her voice seemed to challenge them to say no.

Obi-Wan shook his head. “I don’t think so. It’s risky enough if the Sith succeed with the technology, because the threat to Anakin’s identity will be massive. And I think me being here would undermine the mission rather than help it.”

Padmé protested. “But Anakin cannot fight the Sith alone! If they come through that portal, you cannot expect Anakin to kill them all!”

“I don’t. And Anakin wouldn’t be alone, Padmé. Luke and Leia are also Jedi, you must remember.”

“Oh yes, that’s very reassuring. Knowing that my husband and my children might be fighting the Dark Side.”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “Padmé, there is no way around the fact that this situation could be very dismal.”

Padmé sighed, suddenly seeming remorseful. “I know...” she whispered. “But I hate to just leave.”

“Of course you do.” Obi-Wan said, knowingly. “I wish I could find a way to help, but I think it is best if Ben and Padmé Nairn leave Skye and head back to Naboo.”

They gathered themselves up and prepared to leave the ship, each one drowned in gloom.

Padmé buried herself into Anakin’s cloak. “But not just yet.”

Anakin nodded sullenly. “You just arrived; I won’t make you leave just yet.” Then he turned to Obi-Wan. “Ben, you get the empty quarters next to mine, I had it arranged earlier.”

He began referring to him as Ben now that they were stepping into a public hallway.

“There you are!” Leia’s voice sounded. She beamed at them. “I’ve been looking for you guys.”

Anakin hugged her. “Congratulations, Leia.”

“Thanks!” she said brightly, unconsciously lifting the three people a little from their gloominess with her shining attitude.

She looked quizzically at Obi-Wan. “Who is this?”

Padmé spoke up, eager to speak to her daughter again. “This is Ben Nairn. He’s my brother-in-law.”

Anakin knew that Leia immediately assumed that either Skye or Ben was adopted, for their appearances varied vastly. She smiled. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”

“Hello there, young one.” Obi-Wan said with a warm grin. “And congratulations, Skye here’s just told me!”

Leia beamed again. “Well, I’d better go. Han’s waiting for me, and... I have to go see Luke. You know, I was really surprised when Mothma took the microphone from my hands and gave it to Han. I wasn’t even finished speaking!”

“Politicians.” A voice muttered.

Everyone turned to see Luke. Luke laughed. “It’s okay, Leia. I assumed that was why you didn’t mention me.”

“I was about to, but I guess the gala was almost over and Han needed that time. You already know I’d incredibly grateful for you, Luke.” And she turned on her heel and ran off.

As soon as she was gone, Luke threw himself at Obi-Wan and gave him a small hug. Obi-Wan was a little taken back, but patted Luke’s shoulder.

“Hello there, Luke.” he said softly.

Luke looked at him calculatingly. “Ben.”

Obi-Wan scratched his gingery beard thoughtfully. “You’ve grown a lot since we last spoke, young Luke.”

Luke smiled. “Ummmm...thanks I guess.”

Anakin excused himself to take Padmé into his room.

She retreated immediately to the refresher, as Obi-Wan entered his room after bidding Luke farewell and shut the door.

Anakin pulled off his shirt and fell into his bed.

Padmé emerged, dressed in a simple mauve shift for a nightdress, and sat next to him.

She looked deep in thought, and as Anakin watched her, he marveled once again at how beautiful she was.

Then, another tear dripped down her cheek.

“Are you all right?” Anakin inquired softly.

She sighed. “Yes... I’m fine... it’s just...so much has happened...”

“I know. You must be worn out... not to mention weighed down.”

She laid her head on his pillow. “Our children are wonderful, Ani.”

“Of course they are, my love.”

“But I...” she began.

“What?”

“I won’t get to see the wedding.” Padmé said, as she sobbed quietly into Anakin’s shoulder.

Anakin said determinedly. “Yes, you will.”

“How?” she sniffed.

“Somehow. I will find a way. You will witness Leia’s marriage, Padmé. I promise you.”

She nodded gratefully, and the couple lay sprawled in peaceful reminiscence until the darkness willed them to succumb to the comfort of the warm bed.

---------