PART 1

PART 2

CHAPTER 4

"I can't believe it! You mean…I'm gonna be an Uncle too?" Han asked, slugging Luke on the shoulder. "You stud you." He grinned. Luke grinned back at him, while they all bunched around Mara, a thousand questions soaring at her from seeming all angles. While they were all busy, Aleese turned back into her ship, locked the door, and started the pre-flight sequence. Getting ready to flee, to escape the spot light that she knew this family had to be in. Just as she was about to pull the lever, suddenly the ship powered down. Hitting the bulkhead, she muttered to herself what a piece of junk this ship was. Suddenly, she heard a knocking on the back door, and heard it open. Turning to face the intruder, she prepared her blaster.

"You're on my Ship." She told him. He nodded. "Please, get off. I need to leave."

"I won't stop you, but I do want to talk to you. You have an extraordinary talent. I want to help you develop it."

"Mister Skywalker. I don't want to do anything but be a waitress. Unknown, and not understood. I don't want the spotlight." She told him, and attempted to lead him off her ship.

"I understand that. I really do. What I meant was…you have great potential to be a Jedi. You caught our baby…before any of the other Jedi did, and you are untrained. I think you could be a great Jedi." He said, as she stood up. She looked at him and shook her head slightly.

"Master? What if…I helped train her in the ways of the Jedi?" Jacen piped up from the background. Turning to face him, Skywalker raised an eyebrow.

"Jacen. You know I trust you, but, after all the problems that you've had recently concerning the Jedi, are you sure that you're ready?"

"What if I helped? I mean, we don't have to actually formally train her. I mean, its hard cause of the Vong, but, what if we taught her enough to protect herself, and you know, the basics, then a Master could train her, and she'd at least be protected for the moment." Anakin stated, coming up behind Jacen.

Luke opened and closed his mouth, then looked at Aleese. "Ultimately, the choice is yours. The boys have a point. It'd be better for you to know the basics now to defend yourself, than to be forced to wait while we could find you a Master. But, you'd also be their first Apprentice. I know I had a bumpy ride with mine."

Aleese looked back and forth between the brothers. Jacen's eyes seemed to pierce hers with a look of intensity, and Anakin stared at her with enthusiasm. "I don't know Master Skywalker. I don't know if this is the right place for me. I'm sort of on a journey of…um…finding myself," Aleese admitted.

Master Skywalker nodded, and Jacen's eyes filled with understanding. She turned and looked at him, and he smiled slightly. "What are you running from Aleese?" Master Skywalker asked.

"Something you wouldn't understand, and that I don't want to go into." She said, stiffening her back, thoughts of her past swelling in her mind. "I'm not safe to be around people when I don't know who I am."

"Let the Jedi help you Aleese. Show you a path that you could follow." Anakin pleaded.

"The Jedi will be here for you, when you are ready." Master Skywalker said, then turned and guided his nephews towards the door. Just as they reached it, Aleese suddenly called out to them.

"Jacen? Would you and Anakin be willing to put up with a headstrong sewer rat?"

"Most definitely." He said, turning around and smiling dazzlingly at her.

CHAPTER 5

"Master, she's by far one of the most…talented students the Academy has seen. She's mastered Levitation, she has easily managed to go into trances, and amplify her senses. She even beat Anakin and me, together, at a lightsaber duel. She clearly demonstrates all the appropriate behaviors and ideals that a Jedi should hold, and…if I can be honest, she looks great in those jumpsuits Mara gave her." Jacen grinned, as he and Luke watched Aleese meditate atop the Great Temple. "Master, she didn't need any teaching really. She knew how to do everything after we showed her once or twice. I'm not saying that she's perfect, but, she's beyond anything that Anakin and I could help with. I mean, I thought this would be more like…a bit of preaching, and helping with moving the rocks. She's a quick learner."

"I've noticed. I've seen you guys. You seem to be more frustrated than her, trying to think up new things to show her," Luke grinned, and smiled up at her, once she noticed them down there watching her. Standing up, she dived from the temple. Luke heard Jacen take in a small gasp, and struggle to avoid levitating her down. Looking to him, he smiled as well. His apprentice had learned much about himself and the force, while helping Aleese. He felt pride flow through his body at his nephews achievements. There was a small thud as Aleese's feet hit the ground, but not as loud as one would expect to hear from someone falling from such a height. Smiling, he turned to her.

"I've heard many good things about your training Aleese. You're testing your Masters well, from what I hear." He said. She nodded, and smiled at Jacen. Suddenly, Luke's comlink went off. He turned to look at it, then looked back at the two. "Well, it appears that the Temple has heard from Nichos and Fait again. Apparently, things went well."

"The same Nichos Fait that the children keep talking about? Isn't he Jedi from the old Order or something? I've heard marvelous things." Aleese said, looking at him.

"They are incredible Jedi. Unfortunately though, I must be going to the Holocom to talk to them. It appears that they have much to report. If you'll excuse me." Master Skywalker said, nodding, then turning and heading into the Temple. Aleese turned and looked a Jacen, who was gazing at her face.

"Jacen? Is something the matter?" She asked him, as his gaze didn't move. Startled, he looked into her eyes.

"No, nothing. I want to show you something." He said, taking her hand in his, and guiding her through the forest. After a long walk, the two arrived at a majestic waterfall. Aleese's eyes danced, and a smile played over her features. Just as suddenly as the smile appeared, it was erased by memories of pictures on a mantle. Closing her eyes, she tried to force the thoughts out of her head. "Aleese, what's wrong?"

"Just a memory Jacen. Nothing you need to worry about." She said, opening her eyes, and turning to him. He frowned slightly and she smiled back. Turning her head to look at the waterfall, she gazed at the beauty of the Force and Nature.

"I thought you would like this. It's by far one of the most unique spots on the planet. I don't think anyone else knows about it." He said, following her gaze.

"It's certainly beautiful." She admitted, looking at the small animals and flora around the fall.

"There is only one thing on this planet that I'm sure rivals its beauty." He said, gazing at her. Feeling his eyes on her face, she turned and looked at him.

"And what's that?" She asked quietly, almost a whisper.

"You." He said, in the same hushed tone. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turned her gently and cupped her face. Then, ever so slowly, he placed his lips over hers, catching them in a soft, loving kiss. What seemed only moments later, he gently broke the kiss and gazed at her. Looking at him slightly startled, she grinned and blushed. Smiling back, he ducked in to kiss her again, pulling her closer, and holding her tight.

"I hate to interrupt, but you two need to get back to the temple," Anakin called out to the two, interrupting their moment. Staring at him out of surprise, both blushed, but Jacen didn't move his arms from holding her close. Turning on heel, he left the two, and headed back to the temple.

"Aleese, I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have done that, I couldn't help myself." Jacen said, keeping her close, but looking down at her with embarrassment.

"Don't be Jacen, please. I'm glad you couldn't help yourself." She smiled and hugged him, resting her head against his chest. Holding her close and resting her head on his, he closed his eyes. "We should go back to the temple." She muttered.

"I know." He said, unmoving. Slowly, he guided her to the edge of the forest, and arm in arm, they headed back to the Temple.

CHAPTER 6

"Knights, Masters, and Apprentices. I come before you with urgent information." Master Skywalker said before the group of Jedi before him. Aleese and Jacen stood in the background, arm in arm, Anakin beside them. The youngest children were in the front, sitting patiently with Tionne and Streen just behind them. The Jedi Knights, who were recalled back to the Temple, stood behind them, or on the sides. Jaina wasn't there, neither was a few of the Knights still out on missions. As an add-on to the group, Corran Horn stood in the doorway at the back. Seemingly invisible, his eyes were dark, and his demeanor made him look as though he was ready to leave at any moment. A silent strength flowed through him. "Grave news has come to me. Something that we should have been apprised of before this possible tragedy.

"The Vong have decided to attempt a peace with the Republic. On a single condition though. One that affects us greatly. The Vong will only create peace, at the expense of our extinction. They have put bounties upon each and every Jedi, no matter what their level of learning is. There were some more specifics to their demands. They demanded that every Jedi be to be brought before them to be killed and, especially Jacen Solo to be brought before their leader. Apparently, the War Master wants to kill him personally." He said, taking a deep breath. The smallest children had tears welling up in their eyes, and some of the Jedi gasped. Aleese looked at Jacen, who's face had gone ghostly white. Corran and Anakin moved in to help him if he needed it. His eyes glazed over and his arm tightened around Aleese's waist. Corran and Anakin asked if he was all right, but he remained silent and still. Aleese leaned her head against his shoulder and gave off waves of love and hope to him. His eyes shifted to look at her, but they looked haunted and distant.

"The Republic wouldn't let them do that." Ganner stated.

"The Republic has turned its back on us Ganner. Face it, they want us gone." Kyp opposed him. "We're on our own."

Nodding slightly, Luke waited for the discontented murmurs to pass. "Jedi. I realize that this is far worse than the Jedi Purge. While that was the effect of our natural enemies, this could lead the betrayal by those we protect. Most people know of our Academy, which for safety reasons, I am ordering an immediate retreat from the Praxeum to Endor. We will form a temporary academy there. I've called in Han Solo to take us to Endor in the Falcon, and there we will figure out what to do. Before us lies the possibility to forge a peace with our aggressors, at the expense of our own lives. We have to decide whether this is just their way of getting rid of us to get to the Republic, or are being honest. No matter what, the fate of the galaxy lies on our shoulders. With these thoughts, I bid you now to go back your belongings and get ready to head to Endor. Leia and Jaina will be meeting us there, as well as Nichos Cloudkicker and Fait Waverunner, our newest Knights. Please, go in peace and hurry. May the Force be with you." He said, standing back and watching the crowd stand up, and the murmurs of worry flow into his ears. Sitting down slightly, he felt the world fall upon his shoulders, and looked up to Mara for support. She smiled slightly.

"Don't worry Skywalker. You'll see." She said, her eyes betraying fear. Fear for him, herself, and for their young son.

CHAPTER 7

Aleese helped Jacen to his room, where she started packing his meager belongings. Folding them into piles and stuffing them into the bag, she tried to keep herself busy. He kept silent, sitting on the bed, deep in contemplation.

"Jacen, please, say something. I'm worried." She asked him. He shifted his gaze to look at her. "I have your bag ready. All but my robe is on the Hope. I can help take people on it, though, not many."

"Aleese, we need to hide you. They don't know about you yet, we can save you." He said, standing up as if suddenly frantic. "We need to save you."

"Jacen, whatever happens to you and Anakin, I will be standing right beside you." She said, taking his hands and kissing him lightly. "Come, we have to get the kids onto the shuttles and get them safe. They are our future."

"You are my future." Jacen muttered, hugging her fiercely.

"Master, I have room for 10 or 12 on the Hope, and I'd be willing to take anyone. If you'd like, I could take the last people to leave." Aleese said, her cloak folded of her hand, Jacen following just behind her.

"Good, we'll get as many people onto the Falcon and Shadow as we can fit, then anyone else will have to fit in the Hope." He said, directing Tionne and several Jedi to the Falcon. "Thank you Aleese. Get Jacen and Anakin into your ship, and try to accommodate anyone who comes to your door. Mara and I will be on the Shadow, Han and Droma on the Falcon. You have two of the best Jedi pilots with you, I have no doubts you wont be beating us there." He grinned and nodded, moving to help more children onto the Falcon.

Aleese grabbed Jacen's arm, and moved to sit him down behind the pilot's seat, and directed Anakin to get into the co-pilots and get the ship prepped. She told him of all the stutters and dips a Hapan Ship would have. He nodded and sat down, she exited and started directing people onto the ship, as she saw the Falcon take off. Master Skywalker emerged from the Temple, nodded and gave the signal for Aleese that no one was left. She nodded back and the two headed back to their respective shuttles. She started to take off when she noticed the Shadow hadn't taken off yet. Looking in their screen, she saw Skywalker look at the Temple like loosing a friend of sorts. Clicking on the Comm, she told the Shadow "Lets go forge some new trails Master Skywalker, and hit the road." She grinned. She could hear Mara's faint laughter and her 10-4. The Shadow took off, and soon, the New Hope followed.

Once the ship was in Hyperspace, Aleese turned to look at Anakin and Jacen. Jacen was in a trance, likely deep in thought, and Anakin was smiling back at her. She smiled back at him. "Things will be alright you know." Aleese told him. He nodded and grinned slightly.

"You make Jacen happier than he's been in a long time Aleese. He knows that he belongs with you. We were both lucky you came along. You have been a wonderful apprentice, and neither of us could be prouder of you." He said with maturity that she didn't expect.

She smiled brightly, and put a hand on his arm. "You were a good Master. I owe everything to you. If not for you and your father, I would still be a waitress in that crummy restaurant."

"I'm glad you're not Aleese. I have a feeling that you are more important than any of us really realize."

The Hapan's Shuttle was the second to arrive at Endor, a close second to the Shadow. Heading into the atmosphere, they caught the glint of two bright lightsabers on a small patch of grassland.

"That must be Nichos and Fait." Anakin commented.

"Nichos Fait is two people? From what I heard, they were a single person." She commented confused, still heading down.

"Oh yeah. And look, there's Jaina." He said. Gently landing the ship, to avoid bumping around the Jedi in the back, she told them all over the intercom that they had arrived and that they could get off. Last two to get off the ship, just behind Anakin, Aleese and Jacen looked around and Jacen let out a small sigh. Somewhere in the background they heard a metallic "Dear, oh dear." Followed quickly by a "bleep blop".