'It has been several years since I have seen my old Jedi masters Obi-Wan and Yoda. I have been hidden here on my mother's home of Naboo since the death or disappearance of both my parents. I know my mother died shortly after giving birth to my twin brother and sister. The people of Naboo recognize me as the daughter of the former Senator and Queen Padme Amidala Naberrie Skywalker. I hear I look much like she did out of royal garb. I have not seen pictures of her so I am unsure. I know much like my mother I am drawn to politics but yet the Force is very strong in me as well which is why I was trained by Masters Yoda and Kenobi. I have a light saber similar to my father's original one but yet it is lighter weight for me to use. I do not believe that my brother or sister have tapped into their abilities yet. I worry about them but know they are well cared for.
I miss the laughter and smiles of my parents. I remember how Mother lit up when Father was around, I could feel the love and happiness coming from them. He was handsome and kind, she was intelligent and strong, and I am unsure who I am more like these days. Master Yoda says I remind him of the Senator the most but Obi-Wan mentions my father is in me more.
Darth Vader is not a presence that I fear, I feel within him the spirit of the man who cared for me and loved my mother and me so much. The fear that he showed before the birth of the twins is gone but I wish that could feel him again. His strength and scent is something that still pains my heart in my dreams and memories. I wonder does he remember me, does the man inside the machine remember the child I was who adored her father, who saw only the best in him. I miss the man that he was. The Emperor can not destroy the man who lives in my memories with the man who now stands at his side in some suit.
Luke and Leia, how my thoughts often turn to you. I wish that I could share with you the memories that often cloud my dreams. I know that I will see you soon and we will bring the man Anakin Skywalker out of the suit that contains him.' Lara Naberrie Skywalker closed her journal and stood to look over the city that had been her home. "It's time, isn't it? I worry about them, they are strong but I don't know how well they will stand against him. By the Force, Mother, how I wish you were here to guide me?" she said as she whispered into the darkness of the Naboo night sky
The next morning the palace was active and seemed to be electric as Lara entered. "Lady Naberrie, I am glad to see you. The Queen has been quite disturbed by the recent events." A maid remarked leading Lara to the Royal Meeting Chamber.
"What events?" Lara asked.
"Senator Leia Organa from Alderaan has been taken under arrest by Lord Vader who has declared her a rebel. The Queen is frantic as the Senator was due to arrive here on a diplomatic mission from the Imperial Senate. Her Majesty fears this will impact Naboo and cause the Emperor to change his treatment of us."
"The Queen is wise in her concerns especially where the Emperor or Lord Vader are concerned. They are not easy gentlemen to deal with when they are in the best mood. The Rebellion has caused them many headaches lately." Lara said as she reached the Chamber.
They entered and Lara was introduced. The Queen turned to her at once, "Lady Naberrie, Naboo is blessed to have you to aid her at this time."
Lara curtsied to the Queen before responding, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. I understand that Senator Organa has arrested by the Empire."
The Queen responded, Lara could sense the fear in the young woman in front of her, "Yes. I worry the Senator was due to arrive here. I fear the Emperor will now view us as sympathizers and will treat Naboo harshly."
"You are wise in your concerns. I might suggest contacting the Senator's vessel as if trying to confirm her arrival on Naboo. No doubt it will be under storm trooper control who will reply to us. At which point you can respond surprised as to the crime Senator Organa has been charged with and protect Naboo all at once."
"Do you think it will work, Lara?"
"I think it will be the best way to show being separated from the Senator's extra activities and also allow the Emperor see that we are still connected to the Empire." Lara said feeling the Force rise nearby.
They all turned as the doors of the Chamber slammed open. Lord Vader was in the doorway. Lara stepped behind the Queen as required. She watched as the Queen spoke, "My Lord Vader, we are greatly surprised at your arrival. We have been expecting Senator Organa with news from the capital about our application to become a member of the Empire."
The black machine covered suit walked closer, Lara took a deep breath blocking him and watched as he began to speak, "Senator Organa is a traitor and will be dealt with appropriately."
The Queen gasped dramatically, "A traitor? We are shocked. We believed that the Senator was a loyal member of the Senate serving the Emperor. Do you agree, Lady Lara?"
Lara faced the Queen as she addressed her, "Yes, Your Majesty. I know that we all believed that the Senator was a good servant of the Empire. I hope her actions will not reflect on Naboo, My Lord."
"No, Naboo has not shown any connections to the Rebel Force and will be admitted to the Empire. In fact I am here to bring your representative to the capital now for introduction to the Emperor." Vader said through the suit.
"Well, we had not prepared yet to send the representative but the Emperor must not be kept waiting. Lady Lara, you will need to pack what you will need to take with you to the Capital." The Queen said.
Lara turned shocked and curtsied, "Your Majesty, I am so honored by your selection. I will work to represent my home to my best ability."
The Queen spoke again, "Rise, Lady Lara. I am sure the example of your mother will lead you down the right path for Naboo. When should Lady Naberrie be ready to depart, My Lord Vader?"
Vader looked over the profile of Lara before addressing the Queen, "Immediately upon completion of her packing for the capital."
Lara turned to face Lord Vader. "If I may be excused, Your Majesty, My Lord Vader. I need to begin packing at once to be ready to leave as soon as possible."
The Queen and Vader both said, "You are excused."
Lara seethed as she threw her belongings out of her closet. "By the Force, I will have to be with that Monster for the entire journey. I hate the machine that the Dark Side has created. It will never replace the man who is inside that evil thing. ARRGH!!!!!" she said screaming out loud.
A voice echoed in her mind, "Calm you must be to shield from Vader's skills."
Lara nodded, 'Thank you, Master. I will need to remember that which you taught me.' She thought back as she finished her packing. On top of her clothes she included holo-sound files of her parents and her journal. She looked around her quarters one more time. Her light saber lay buried under clothes to hide its existence for her own safety. She thought quickly as she turned to leave, 'Masters I hope I can do you credit for what you have taught me. I know though that the man inside the suit still exists. I hope I can be proven right.'
Several hours later, Lara stood next to several storm troopers who were accompanying her to Lord Vader's shuttle. From there they would travel to the Death Star to meet up with the Emperor who was traveling there as well. Lara prayed in her mind that she could live up to the example that her mother set in Coruscant. She tried mediating before reaching the shuttle trying to relax and not let her skills with the Force be too evident while she was near Vader.
"Lady Lara," a clone said to her, "we have arrived at Lord Vader's shuttle."
"Thank you." She said as she stepped from the transport onto the launching pad. She saw him standing there awaiting her arrival. She stood before him and curtsied, "My Lord Vader, I apologize for the wait. I would have been better prepared if I had previous knowledge of my appointment."
"Understood, Lady Naberrie. We are behind in our departure. And as the Queen remarked, The Emperor does not like to be kept waiting." Vader said looking down to her.
"Very good, Milord." She answered as she turned to enter the shuttle. Dread filled her as she felt the dark presences surround her.
