Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 2! Thanks for all the great reviews. This vignette takes place eight months after New Arrival. I'll let the story tell everything else. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Taking Chances: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 2/?
Leia sipped at her drink, as she watched Mara with Tek on the dance floor. Calin's club at the resort kept the alcohol out of reach for those who were too young, but for those old enough like them, it was legal and Mara had been downing heavily since they arrived. Leia was drinking too, Shurra twists and was limiting herself. She was mostly done with school, as her graduation ceremony was in just a few days. But she still had a lot of important things to tend to in the coming days. She had learned quickly that a hangover made it impossible to concentrate on anything the next day. It was lost on her how Mara managed to attend her own classes the day after much less training. Light saber training with Mace Windu was not for slouches.
"Well, well, should have known I might run into you here," Han said, as he waltzed in with his Wookie friend behind him. Leia eyed the handsome smuggler with an attempted look of disdain. She shrugged.
"Funny, I'd say the opposite of you. No one has seen or heard from you in months," she challenged. He smirked.
"I've been working, but you wouldn't know much about that, would you princess?" he challenged back. Leia's stormy gaze met his.
"I'll have you know that I know plenty about hard work, albeit probably in a different way than you. And for the umpteenth time, I'm not a princess," she spat, as she finished her drink. He chuckled.
"You kind of are. I mean, isn't your mom like honorary Queen or something and your dad, well he grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth being the grandson of the Great Count Dooku. Your family might as well be royalty," Han responded with a slight bitterness.
"And am I supposed care what you think, scoundrel?" Leia hissed, as she stared him down. He smirked.
"No, but the problem is that you do. You care way too much," Han retorted, as he gazed down at her.
"Oh and I suppose that you're enlightened enough that you don't give a damn about anything or anyone other than yourself of course," Leia spat back. He snorted in amusement.
"Anyone ever told you that sharp tongue is going to get you into trouble someday?" he questioned. She smirked coyly.
"Plenty…but I'm a Skywalker. I can't help it," Leia answered.
"Maybe you need someone to teach you a lesson," Han challenged.
"And I suppose you think that you're just the person for that?" she shot back. He smirked and took her by surprise when his hand moved to the small of her back and his lips were suddenly on hers. Her eyes went wide at first, before she started to kiss him back. She quickly realized exactly what was happening and pushed him away.
"What are you doing?" she demanded. He smirked.
"Giving you what you really want," he responded smugly. Leia glared at him defiantly.
"Is that what you think? That you're so charming that I'll just fall at your feet like some bimbo?" Leia fired back. Han chuckled.
"No…you'll be a challenge," he replied. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.
"I'll have you know that I'm not even interested in you. I date nice men," Leia retorted. Han chuckled.
"Like the nice "man" you dated who cheated on you, because he was a weak, sniveling little coward?" Han shot back and caught her hand, as she brought it up to smack him.
"Face it princess, when this happens," Han said, indicating the two of them.
"You'll want it as badly as I do," Han continued.
"I am not another conquest of yours and I will not be just another notch on your bedpost," Leia said with fire in her eyes.
"I think you'll take what you can get," he retorted smugly.
"I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain," Leia said, as she stormed off. Chewie chuckled and Han glanced at him.
"Laugh it up, fuzz ball," Han quipped, as he watched her go. She was definitely different than other girls.
"You're here two minutes and you've pissed her off already," Lando mused, as he approached his best friend. Han shrugged.
"It's not my fault she's an uptight, spoiled little princess," Han grumbled. Lando laughed.
"I think you know there's more to her than that, just like she knows you're not as rough as you try to come off," Lando responded, as he patted Chewie on the arm.
"How you doing, Chewbacca?" Lando asked. Chewie rawled with a friendly greeting.
"Whatever, she's a waste of my time anyway. I need to hit the tables," Han spouted, as he stalked off.
"Who do you owe money this time?" Lando questioned. Han pointed his finger at his friend.
"None of your business," Han replied.
"That bad, huh? How much do you need?" Lando asked.
"Forget it, I'm not taking your money again," Han replied, as he headed for the casino. Lando sighed.
"Suppose you won't tell me either?" Lando asked Chewie. The Wookie rawled regrettably. He would have liked to, but Han swore him to secrecy. Lando sighed.
"Just keep an eye on the Nerf, will you?" Lando asked. Chewie nodded and followed his stubborn human friend.
Luke finished feeding Hunter his cereal the next morning and he banged his hands on his tray, intent on making sure everyone knew of his presence.
"All right, you can have your berries now," Luke chuckled.
"Bewies…" Hunter cooed, as Luke put a handful of the small blue berries on his tray. With chubby hands, he picked one up and put it in his mouth, gummy the sweet fruit. Luke smiled and kissed his head, as his family filed into the kitchen. Hunter looked around excitedly, as the presences of his three aunts, his uncle, and his grandparents surrounded him. After the usual doting on their youngest family member, they sat down for breakfast like most mornings. Conversations wafted around the table and Padme wore a wistful smile, knowing that one day her babies would have their own homes and mornings like these would be fewer and far between. But Luke had assured her that he was in no hurry to move out with the baby and would be home as long as they let him. If she did decide to run for Chancellor and Leia replaced her, she would have her own place, albeit in the same building. She was glad her youngest three still likely had a few years left at home too, but Anakin often assured her that they would always be the tightknit, close family they had always been. She set the finished plate of cloudberry pancakes on the table, while Kimberly had the large bowl containing scrambled Gondark eggs and Leia finished with a platter of various cooked breakfasts meats. Feeding this brood, especially the three males, was a feat in of itself. Anakin's appetite had shrunk slightly over the years, but Luke and Jayden ate like they had hollow legs and even little Hunter was showing that he had inherited the Skywalker appetite.
As they finished, Riley and Jobal came in to take Hunter for the day. Luke was in the process of trying to clean him up, but he was more interested in sloshing the smashed berries around his tray. Riley chuckled and Hunter grinned, as he slapped his hands in the mess.
"Don't laugh at him grandpa. He just does it more when we laugh and think it's cute," Luke chided, as took away the tray and Jobal snapped him out of his highchair seat.
"It's pretty cute, that's for sure," Riley said, tickling the baby's tummy and eliciting a happy giggle. Padme kissed the baby's head, as Riley and Jobal headed out to the veranda where their speeder was parked. Both great Grandparents were excited, as they were taking Hunter to the Galactic zoo and then to Dex's for lunch.
"See you tonight sweetness," Riley called, as he kissed his daughter's cheek, while Jobal put Hunter in his speeder seat. With that, the Skywalkers continued their morning, which saw Padme and Leia leaving for the Senate building and the rest for the Temple.
"You know that she would be perfectly safe, especially with her own handpicked security detail," Duchess Satine's hologram said, as she met with Bail Organa in his office. The Senator of Alderaan sighed deeply.
"You know that I trust you implicitly, Duchess. It's the unrest of some of your more radical citizens that concern me. Though I do understand your desire to improve Mandalore's tarnished image in the galaxy," Bail responded.
"I don't want you to think that I'm trying to use Natalie. I just feel that her seeing a different side of the world of her origin would be beneficial to her and to the real people of Mandalore. When people think of my world, they think Jango Fett and his son, along with their followers. I want them to see differently. Your daughter is among the leaders of the next generation. I just feel it is an incredible opportunity for both sides," Satine said, pleading her case. Bail sighed.
"I agree with you and I know Natalie is ready to begin learning the art of diplomacy. I will discuss it with her and assure proper Jedi protection can be provided. I'll contact you when I know the date of her departure," Bail relented. Satine smiled.
"Thank you Senator Organa. And I'm sure Natalie won't have any issues with getting Jedi protection. Young Jayden Skywalker seems to have her best interest in mind," Satine mentioned. Bail nodded.
"Yes, I have no doubts in his abilities. I will discuss this with Anakin and Padme this evening," Bail replied. Satine nodded.
"I look forward to hearing from you soon and meeting your daughter. Have a good evening, Senator," Satine said, as her hologram faded. Bail sighed and continued with his day. He would discuss everything regarding the meeting he had just had with his family and then the Skywalkers later that night.
Padme sat at her desk in her office that afternoon and was waiting for the comm to chime. Sabe was in a meeting, but would return her call very soon, she was sure. She had sent Leia on an errand, deciding to tell her daughter about the opportunity she would soon have to run for Senator when she returned. Despite her young age and relative inexperience, Padme was positive that if Leia did run that she would win. She was driven and a gifted litigator, graduating at the top of her class, two years early no less. Anakin was fond of telling her that her years of arguing with her brothers and sisters made her exceptional at arguing, making politics perfect for her. His running joke always made them both smile. The comm chimed and Padme answered, as Sabe's hologram appeared.
"Good afternoon, Governor Valerte," Padme said formally, though she wore a smile for her longtime friend.
"Good afternoon, Senator Skywalker," she replied, also grinning.
"How are things at home?" Padme asked.
"Not much new really, though I hear your family's new endeavor with the Angel Center is quite a success," Sabe mentioned.
"I'm just glad that my grandparent's mansion is finally being put to good use. I'm calling to talk to you about something very important though," Padme began. Sabe nodded.
"Well, then don't keep me in suspense," Sabe responded.
"I've decided to run for Chancellor," Padme announced. Sabe smiled.
"Well, it's about time!" Sabe exclaimed. Padme shook her head.
"I should have known that it wouldn't surprise you, but make sure you keep it to yourself for now. I haven't made any announcements. I do, however, have a job offer for you," Padme said.
"I knew it, you just can't get along without me any longer," Sabe joked.
"You're right…at least you will be if I'm elected, because I can't think of anyone that would make a better Vice Chair," Padme said.
"Padme…I would be honored," Sabe said, shock registering on her features.
"I…don't know what to say…" Sabe uttered.
"You? Speechless? I never thought I would see the day," Padme teased.
"Very funny, but this is amazing! I accept!" Sabe said.
"Well, I have to win first," Padme replied.
"Oh please, if you don't win then it would be a travesty. You are by far the best candidate and everyone will know it, at least everyone that has the Republic's best interest at heart, that is," Sabe refuted.
"Thank you. I'll be making the announcement soon and then it will be time to campaign I guess," Padme said.
"You'll do great. You have one hell of a support system, after all," Sabe reminded. Padme smiled.
"I know…I couldn't do any of this without my family. Leia will be back soon and I have to talk to her about running for Senator. I think she's ready, but I want to make sure she doesn't feel like she has to if she's not," Padme mentioned. Sabe nodded.
"Knowing our Leia like I think I do, she'll be ready to jump in with both feet," Sabe replied. Padme smiled and nodded.
"Well, I have a desk load of work waiting for me, so I should go. I'll see you in a few days for Leia's graduation," Sabe replied.
"Bye Sabe," Padme said, as the hologram disappeared just as Leia returned.
"Was that Aunt Sabe?" Leia asked. Padme nodded.
"It was and now that I've talked to her, I have something to talk to you about," Padme said. Leia sat down across from her mother.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Well, I've decided to run for Chancellor," Padme stated. Leia's eyes widened.
"Wow…Mom, that's great! You'll be an amazing Chancellor," Leia exclaimed.
"Well, I have to win first," Padme reminded her.
"I love you for your modesty, Mom, but I think we both know that you're going to win. There's no one better for the job," Leia replied with a warm smile.
"Thank you sweetheart, but that means my seat in the Senate will be open," Padme stated.
"I'm sure Pooja will throw her support behind the right person, even if her final term will be ending with the next election," Leia replied. Padme smiled.
"I'm sure she will, because we both agree that you're our choice," Padme said, watching Leia's eyes widen again.
"Me? But…I am only going to graduate in a week. Won't the people want someone with more experience?" Leia asked.
"The people want someone they know is going to fight for them, not some career politician that has their own agenda in mind. It will be an interesting campaign and there will be those running against you. The first thing they'll attack you for is your inexperience and your age. But you're my daughter and you know what it is right. Ultimately, the people that have Naboo's best interest at heart will see that and you'll become their choice," Padme explained. Leia nodded, humbled by her mother's obvious faith in her.
"But I want to make sure it's what you want. If you don't think you're ready for this, then I completely understand," Padme added.
"No…I want to do this. Naboo's had your leadership for so long and they deserve someone that will try their best to follow your example. They deserve that and I think I'm ready," Leia responded. Padme got up and hugged her daughter.
"You are. My baby girl is all grown up," Padme said wistfully.
"Mom…" Leia complained.
"You think I'm bad, your father is going to be a mess at your graduation. He's been going on and on about how he's afraid his little princess isn't going to need him anymore," Padme said.
"I'll always need you and Daddy, that's never going to change," Leia promised, as she hugged her mother again.
"Well, I guess all there is to do now is make an appointment with Steph and Ethan to do the formal interview," Padme said, as she sat down at her desk again.
"We should invite them over for dinner. It will be a good excuse to see their new baby," Leia suggested. Padme's face lit up.
"You're right. I think I'll do just that," Padme replied, as she made the call.
"She's precious you two and Trina is beautiful name," Padme said, as she cradled the baby girl that evening after dinner.
"It's short for Trinity. We decided on Trinity, because when we learned to love, thanks to your example and guidance, it also brought us hope for the future and that gave us faith in our love. She's a Trinity of all three of those so it just seemed like the perfect name," Ethan said, practically bursting at the seams with love for his little family. Steph clutched his hand and they watched, as Hunter, busy as ever, use the caf table to pull himself up into a standing position again.
"I can't believe how big he's gotten and trying to walk already?" Steph asked. Padme giggled.
"That's the Skywalker in him. He's impatient and he's always on the move, as Obi-Wan likes to say," Padme teased, playfully nudging her husband.
"Obi-Wan thinks he's so funny, but we all know it's because Hunter is just another prodigy," Anakin said proudly, as his grandson promptly fell on his rear. Starting to get mad, Luke tried to pick him up, but his son pushed his father's hand away.
"And he has a stubborn streak a mile long," Luke said, shaking his head. Leia chuckled and held her arms out and Hunter allowed her to pick him up. She laughed and kissed his head.
"No, he just wants his Aunt Leia, don't you sweetie," she cooed.
"Baby?" Hunter asked, pointing his chubby finger at the bundle in Padme's arms.
"That's right sweetheart," Padme cooed, as Leia let him gaze down at the tiny baby girl.
"Baby…" Hunter cooed in fasciation, his blue eyes fixated on her. Anakin and Padme exchanged a quick glance. They had seen that look before and weren't surprised when the small girl noticed Hunter's stare.
"Wow…look at them interact," Ethan said in amazement. Anakin and Padme were quiet, deciding they would keep silent about the interaction and not mention that they had seen the same thing occur between Jayden and Natalie seventeen years ago, but they shared a knowing smile.
"So you said that you something to tell us?" Steph asked.
"Yes, we have another exclusive for you," Padme replied. Ethan smiled and shook his head.
"You spoil us, you know. Our colleagues are insanely jealous that you'll only talk to us," Ethan mentioned.
"Well, that's because we trust both of you to get it right. There are others out there that might embellish the truth to make a name for themselves," Anakin replied.
"Well, I used to be one of those kind of reporters, but I'm glad that I had you two to teach me the value of doing the right thing and that it will pay off in the end," Steph mentioned.
"So what's the big announcement?" Ethan asked.
"Well, there's two actually. I've decided to run for Chancellor and Leia will campaign for my seat in the Senate," Padme announced. Steph gasped and Ethan's eyes widened.
"This is the scoop of the decade! Get the holocam Eth, we're about to show Timothy Eckhart that the scoop with the Senator of Ryloth that he's been bragging about getting is nothing compared to this," Steph said, getting excited. Ethan did so, shaking his head at his wife's antics.
"You ready for this?" Anakin asked his wife, knowing the media would be swarming once the interview aired. She took a deep breath and nodded.
"As I'll ever be," Padme replied. He smiled and kissed her cheek.
"You'll be great. The people deserve a leader like you," he told her, as Ethan and Steph readied for her announcement.
"Call," Han said, as he revealed his hand to his opponent. The others had bowed out and he was up by over a thousand credits. The table of onlookers whistled, as they saw his very good hand. With a smug smirk, Han began reaching for the chips, but the other, aging man stopped him.
"Not so fast, hot shot," he said, revealing his rarely seen, winning hand. The table erupted in disbelief, as the man scooped all the credits, including all of Han's to him. That was it. He was broke again and that meant he was in huge trouble. He ran a hand through his hair and left the casino. He had no idea what he was going to do, but the guy he had been smuggling for had been involved with Jabba the Hutt. He double crossed him and ended up as Rancor food. Now the money Han had owed his former boss was now owed to Jabba. And the Hutts were not beings you wanted to owe money too. He had to come up with a way to pay or he would be Rancor food too…