05/02-05/2008

In the recovery room five hours later, Anakin opened his eyes to find a new – and improved – reality placed before him. Realistic hands explored his healing face, found his newly-grown hair. For the first time in over 20 years, he wiggled his toes, though he knew they were just as prosthetic as his arms. Breathing on his own was no more familiar, but the independence from the suit was more than welcome. He had barely adjusted to his newfound health when the door to his room opened. He recognized the two young people who entered, but had trouble remembering the woman who followed them. "Luke," he addressed his son, shocked by the sound of his voice.

"Father," Luke replied, "I'm so glad you're okay!"

"So am I," Anakin smiled. "Leia… you're…"

"my sister," Luke finished for his father. Silence.

"You look so much like your mother."

The twins turned their attention to the woman behind them with a smile. With tears in her eyes, the woman, who had removed her nametag, shook her head. "She's got your nose, Ani," she pointed out, stepping forward to take Anakin's hand in her gentle grasp.

Her voice was so familiar, her presence, her touch. It wasn't until he found the long-distended bond still alive, though, that he was able to believe what his heart was telling him. "Padmé?"

Her smile hasn't changed since he had last seen her. How she managed to hide for so many years was beyond him, but that was so typical Padmé. He had felt her Force signature since her alleged death, but dared not defy his master's orders to forget her. Now that the evil Sith Lord was gone, though, Anakin was free again. "I love you," Anakin assured his wife.

"I love you, too, Ani," Padmé reminded her husband. "I never stopped loving you."

After a long moment, the patient spoke again. "I thought—"

"I was dead," Padmé finished. "Most everybody did. Only Obi-wan knew. We feigned my death and I took on a new identity – started over. My life would've imploded had I not. We all would've been exposed."

"Then let it be known," Anakin started, "that Darth Vader is dead as well. From now on, I'll go by… Kendor Nabbo, of Naboo."

"I have a house by the lake," Padmé smiled.

"What about us?" Luke wondered, briefly turning his gaze to Leia.

"Lando offered us some prime real estate," Leia reminded him. "I would hate to turn him down. We can still visit our parents."

"For now," Luke consented. "Eventually, I'd like to start a Jedi academy on Coruscant – maybe have the temple rebuilt."

"The Jedi Order will be eternally indebted to you," Anakin admitted.

Leia, who had been longing to share her plans, took the opportunity to present them. "Once Han and I are married, we'll move into an apartment –"

"Married?" Luke had heard nothing of marriage until then.

"Han proposed on the way here. I love him, so I said yes. I'll continue to work in politics, and Han and Lando are going into business together on Cloud City."

"Soon, the Republic will be restored and there will be peace," Padmé beamed.

Suddenly, explosions from outside drew the group's attention to the window. "Fireworks!" With help from his wife, Anakin tumbled out of bed and worked his way over to the window. With his children on one arm and his wife on the other, the Chosen One joined the rest of the galaxy in blissful celebration.