One Week Later

Bespin

Cloud City looked lifeless, but Han knew that Lando had to be there simply because he had returned there after the celebrations on Endor. Chewie sat in the co-pilot's seat, as he had for the last few days while the Falcon had taken an indirect, discreet route from Naboo to what they once knew.

Leia was in the back feeding and putting Jacen and Jaina to bed in cribs that Threepio had made with spare parts around the ship. All they had were the supplies they had salvaged from Andrina; they hadn't trusted Derrick to give them anything but a jail cell on Naboo because Leia had hit Amythest.

"Unidentified vessel, what is your intent?" a voice suddenly blared over the comms system.

Han pressed a few buttons, "I'm Han Solo of the Millennium Falcon," he replied anxiously.

Whispers suddenly flooded the comms, "It's Solo!" a voice said anxiously. "Let him in!"

"You are cleared for landing on Platform Four," another voice said. "Welcome back!"

Deeply confused, Han and Chewie quickly flew to the appropriate platform and quickly landed, "Leia, something weird is going on," Han said as he shut the power down. "They almost seemed happy…"

As Han opened the ramp, the bay doors opened and several people came flooding out to the ship; among them was an anxious looking Wedge Antilles and a dark-haired woman dressed in combat gear, "General Solo, Princess Leia," Wedge spoke anxiously. "You and Luke finally…"

"Luke isn't here," Leia interrupted anxiously. "We desperately need help. Is Lando here?"

Wedge nodded, "General Calrissian is in his office," he replied anxiously. "This is…"

"Antilles, we're fighting a war," the woman interrupted. "Introductions can be done over food and drink later on. Queen Amidala's daughter should not be kept from comfort and rest…"

Leia frowned, "Padme Amidala?" she asked in a suspicious voice. "She was Darth Vader…"

The group gasped in unison and the woman sighed, "So that's what Palpatine did to her after she went to Mustafar to negotiate," she muttered softly. "My dear, I knew your mother as Padme Amidala and only later, did I learn of her marriage to Anakin Skywalker and the birth of you and your brother…"

"Lando's got a big mouth," Han grumbled, concerned as to who this woman was. "Who are you?"

The woman sighed, "My name is Sabe," she replied softly. "I was a handmaiden for Queen Amidala and I went into hiding for many years, but I do wish to help our imprisoned Rebel Leaders be free."

"Mon Monthma had planned for Luke to marry and use his bride and any of their children as bargaining chips should there ever be trouble, but Luke is missing," Leia explained anxiously. "His bride is a traitor and tried to force us to Naboo. Obi-Wan Kenobi was injured and we were forced to leave without him so we could find help. Luke's bride is the sister of Emperor Andris Jinn."

Gasps echoed through the crowd, "Jinn?" Sabe asked softly. "As in Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn?"

"The Emperor is the descendant of a Jedi Master?" Leia asked in a stunned, angry voice.

Sabe nodded as a cry filled the air, "Oh, Jacen and Jaina are awake," Han groaned.

Wedge suddenly looked nervous, "Let's continue this conversation inside," he spoke anxiously.

Coruscant

Nausea filled Luke's body as he slowly sat up in bed and looked around at the dark infirmary; there was a chronometer above the nearest door that told him it was early morning. A quick look at his body told him that he had suffered bad burns from the explosion on the ship and his breathing was weak.

Dizziness joined the feelings of nausea as Luke slowly got out of bed and followed the feelings that were telling him that his father was nearby. To Luke's shock, Anakin was unconscious in a bacta tank and the readings were weak. Father, can you hear me? Luke asked as he reached out with the Force.

Luke…what did you do on Andrina? Anakin's voice echoed through Luke's mind.

Luke sighed heavily; he had been so desperate to rebuild the Jedi Order with Amythest's and Leia's children that he had pushed both of them away emotionally. Once Artoo had shared Mon Monthma's message with him, Luke knew that he had been manipulated into doing the Rebellion's bidding and that the Rebellion had been attempting to control the Jedi. That was why he had fled with only his father.

I sense your thoughts, my son. Anakin spoke weakly as Luke felt pain emanating from his father.

Swallowing hard, Luke knew that he was now considered a monster and a traitor by everyone around him and that the only thing he could do to redeem himself was to give his life for the one who had raised him amidst difficulty. Mustering all of his energy, Luke placed his hands on the tank and closed his eyes; he would give his energy and life force to his father and silently embrace the afterlife.

Beeping filled the air as the readings on the bacta tank improved and Luke began to feel faint as he felt his father being infused with his life force. It wasn't long before lightheadedness overtook Luke and he collapsed in front of the bacta tank just as Andris, who had sensed a problem, came in with Dr. Tychon.

"What on earth?!" Dr. Jinn asked in a shocked voice, her eyes wide. "What happened?!"

Andris raised an eyebrow, "Luke drained himself stabilizing his father," he spoke softly, surprised that a Jedi would do such a thing for another without expectations. "I admit…this surprises me."

"Anakin's lifesigns are indicating he's well enough to come out of the tank," Dr. Jinn spoke anxiously, quickly checking the readings before turning her attention to Luke. "Attempted suicide?"

Andris paused as he silently probed Luke's thoughts and found that Luke was suffering extreme guilt from allowing himself to be manipulated into doing the Rebellion's dirty work. Dr. Jinn silently took smelling salt vials from her jacket pocket and waved them under Luke's nose to revive him.

Luke's eyes slowly opened and he weakly gazed up at Dr. Tychon and Andris, shaky and weak from doing what he did, "Did I save him?" he asked in a weak voice. "He…he did everything for me."

There was a slight splash as Anakin's eyes suddenly opened and he stared at Andris questioningly, "Help him," Luke spoke weakly, fighting unconsciousness. "Please…he's more important than…"

Dr. Jinn quickly managed to get Anakin out of the tank, dried off, and in a wrap tunic with his prosthetic arm back in its place, "Emperor Andris?" Anakin asked groggily, peering at Andris.

"Come on, Anakin, you need rest," Dr. Jinn spoke gently. "We'll talk about this later…"

Anakin was so weak and groggy that he only managed to stay awake long enough for Dr. Jinn to get him settled in a nearby bed, "Please, kill me if he doesn't make it," Luke spoke in a weak voice.

Dr. Jinn came back over to Luke and helped him up, "You need to go back to bed," she spoke firmly.

"Please, I deserve to die," Luke spoke groggily, shaking from being on his feet. "The Rebellion…it killed me and made me do bad things. I betrayed and hurt those I claimed to love…"

Emperor Andris studied Luke intently, watching as Dr. Jinn helped Luke to a bed close to Anakin's. He could sense that there had been a conflict between Luke and everyone else because of high emotions.

Heavy breathing suddenly filled the air, indicating that Luke had gone back to sleep, but Andris didn't stick around to see for himself. Instead, he retreated to the safety of his office and sat behind his desk, silently staring at Artoo, who had sat in the corner of the office since the Skywalkers arrival.

My sister. Andris thought silently. I feel like she too was abandoned by the Rebellion for doing a will other than what she was told. The Rebellion has become much too demanding…much too free.

Sighing heavily, Emperor Andris found a tablet in his desk and silently began to draft a letter that spoke of the dangers of being involved in the Rebellion and the current fates of all of the Rebel Leaders. Even though Mon Monthma and the other original leaders were all imprisoned either on Dalen Tacho or in his brig, he knew that Leia was out there right now and trying to build the Rebel forces back up.

Naboo

"Mother, you should rest," Pooja spoke in a quiet voice as she came into Obi-Wan's hospital room and saw that her mother had not yet moved from Obi-Wan's bedside as the man slept. "You look tired."

Sola sighed tiredly, "I am in love with Obi-Wan, my dear, and I want him to live," she spoke gently.

Pooja nodded, "King Derrick asked me to help Amythest and Kieran, but Amythest has yet to wake up from her rest," she spoke quietly. "Doctor Dameron says she and the baby are fine, but she is tired…"

"Beru Lars has been very good at looking after Kieran and keeping him close to his mother," Sola spoke quietly, having visited the sleeping Amythest. "The king wishes to meet his son and christen him as crown prince, but he wants Amythest's permission. Kieran looks very much like his father."

Pooja nodded, not yet sure what to make of her unexpected successor because Derrick was careful to shield his emotions when he visited the hospital, "Grandma and Grandpa are happy to be home…"

"That's good," Sola spoke softly. "I…I suppose you told them that the Falcon has gone?"

Before Pooja could reply, Obi-Wan suddenly stirred and opened his eyes, "Naboo?" he breathed, recognizing the view that greeted him, a view that was on the other side of a transparent window.

"Yes," Sola replied softly, sighing when Obi-Wan looked at her. "It's good to have you back."

Obi-Wan sighed heavily, "Sola, what happened?" he spoke weakly. "We were on Andrina…fire…"

"I…Amythest did something that brought us here," Sola explained. "After we left Andrina…."

The Force. Obi-Wan silently realized. Amythest has Force powers beyond even Qui-Gon's.

"Amythest has been asleep since we arrived on Naboo," Pooja spoke quietly, relieved to see her mother's lover awake. "Whatever she did tired her and she's been taking care of her children…"

Obi-Wan frowned, tiredness filling his body as he slowly sat up, "Anakin and Luke…they're not here and we don't know where they are," Sola spoke softly. "And the Falcon…Han and Leia…they left."

Anakin and Luke are together and they are safe for the moment. Obi-Wan silently thought to himself, as he had been able to sense the Skywalkers despite his condition. Wait. The Falcon abandoned us?

"Pooja, dear, would you please go find Doctor Dameron?" Sola asked softly. "About Obi-Wan?"

As Pooja left, Obi-Wan suddenly reached out to Sola and gently pulled her into a kiss, one which Sola allowed and gently returned, "You're very beautiful," Obi-Wan spoke as he pulled away. "Truly."

Sola smiled and gently stroked Obi-Wan's pale face as Pooja came back into the room, "Doctor Dameron is in with Amythest," Pooja explained softly. "She suddenly woke up and is quite weak."

"I would like to speak with her," Obi-Wan spoke softly. "To understand what happened."

Before Sola or Pooja could protest, Obi-Wan slowly managed to get out of bed and used the portable drip-box stand to support his weight, "Please," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I must understand."

Sola silently took hold of Obi-Wan and Pooja walked alongside them as they made their way down the corridor. Through the window, they could see Dr. Dameron helping Amythest sit up in bed.

Sighing, Obi-Wan stepped away from Sola and Pooja and silently entered the room, "Obi-Wan," Dr. Dameron spoke in a concerned voice, gazing at him. "You were just unconscious for a week…"

"How did we end up on Naboo?" Obi-Wan asked softly. "I was told Amythest did it…"

Amythest sighed heavily, "I did," she replied softly. "Luke told me of the Rebellion's plan to use me as a breeder for future Jedi and I couldn't have it," she spoke softly. "Neither could he, so he left…"

Dr. Dameron frowned, "I wanted to come somewhere where I knew my children and I would be safe, but I knew I was alone in that desire when Leia slapped me," Amythest spoke in a tired voice.

Obi-Wan looked disturbed at the revelation that Leia had been angry enough to assault a former slave over being on Naboo, "The Millennium Falcon left a week ago," Dr. Dameron spoke quietly, giving Amythest a look. "Han and Leia, their children, Threepio, and Chewbacca never came to Theed."

Amythest's eyes widened in shock, "By the way, Beru and Owen took Kieran to a park for children not far from here," Dr. Dameron spoke quietly. "And your unborn child is doing quite well…"

"I feel grimy and cold," Amythest spoke softly. "Is there a chance I could wash up somewhere?"

Dr. Dameron nodded, "I can fill one of the maternity baths with water and special medicine that will help you and the baby," he replied gently. "I do, however, want someone helping you with the bath."

"I can do that," Pooja spoke softly, entering the room. "I…I'm happy you're awake."

Amythest eyed Pooja nervously, "I would never ask a queen to help me with that," she replied softly.

"I am a former queen and King Derrick asked for me to help you with your recovery," Pooja replied softly, amused by this sweet young woman's humility. "Really, I do not mind helping you."

Amythest nodded and sighed tiredly, "Jedi Kenobi, if you wish to reconnect with the Skywalkers, I'm sure you can get a ship," she spoke softly. "I know you want to seek rebuilding the Jedi Order…"

"I do not believe that is my place right now," Obi-Wan replied softly, bowing before he left the room with Sola at his side so that Amythest could be given a bath and cleaned up in order to feel better.

Coruscant

"Emperor Andris, your guest has arrived," Andris heard a Stormtrooper speak formally.

Nodding, Andris looked up from his writings just in time to see an Imperial officer escort an anxious looking Ryoo into his office, "Ah, Miss Naberrie," he spoke calmly. "I've found some of your family."

"Really?" Ryoo asked softly, her eyes wide. "Was it my parents, sister, or grandparents?"

Andris looked amused, "You may or may not have heard that your aunt, Padme Amidala, married Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker in secret long ago and they had twin children not long before Padme's death," he replied, having briefed himself on history through research in the library.

"I vaguely remember my aunt bringing Anakin for a visit, but I was a child then," Ryoo replied.

Andris nodded, "Your uncle, Anakin Skywalker, and his son, Luke, are receiving medical treatment in the infirmary at present," he replied quietly. "A visit from a relative may bring them comfort."

Ryoo sighed, "I heard of them," she replied softly. "Winter said the Skywalkers would kill me."

Swallowing hard, Ryoo silently hugged herself, "I am not going to force you to visit them if you are uncomfortable," Andris spoke gently, sensing her fear. "I just thought I would let you know they are here and invite you to visit them. They are stranded on Coruscant and aren't in any shape to travel."

"Could I see them and learn of them without having to see me first?" Ryoo asked nervously.

Nodding, Andris silently did some typing on his screen and turned it around so Ryoo could see it, "This is a view of the infirmary," Andris explained, pointing at the screen that showed Anakin and Luke both asleep in medical beds while Dr. Jinn and Tychon talked nearby. "The Skywalkers are harmless."

Bespin

"Mon Monthma had programmed a message into Artoo right before Luke and Amythest were married," Leia spoke in an anxious voice as she sat with Lando, Wedge, Sabe, and a few others at a table in the quarters that she, Han, Chewie, and their children had been given. "She wanted the Jedi to continue and wanted Luke and Amythest to serve as parents to the next generation and assist the Rebellion."

Sabe looked thoughtful, "And you said Artoo went after Luke when he caused a firestorm in the forest of Andrina after receiving the orders?" she asked softly. "I remember Artoo from the older days…"

"Artoo has proven himself to be very loyal to Anakin and Luke," Leia explained in a concerned voice.

Sabe nodded, "The droid was with them when they joined the Rebellion," Wedge volunteered anxiously. "I can't believe Luke defied orders and ran from Andrina with only his father…"

"Anakin has always been very impulsive and I worried about his influence over Padme," Sabe spoke quietly. "Obviously, Anakin is still impulsive and has passed his waywardness on to his offspring."

Lando sighed as Han came out of the room where the twins were now resting, "We don't have the Skywalkers, nor do we have Artoo to help us," Leia spoke anxiously. "The Rebel Leaders…"

"They're on a prison planet," Lando spoke up. "The newsfeed reported that Mon on the other Rebel Leaders are imprisoned on a prison planet called Dalen Tacho. It's a rough, high-security place."

Han shrugged, "We've got a good collection of people on this station," he said quietly. "After Darth Vader killed that Jedi and took over the station, I thought Lando would be off gallavanting around the galaxy…"

"Master Mace Windu made a heroic sacrifice," Leia spoke firmly, her expression somber. "He spent many years undercover on Alderaan and died a hero here. We must not let his death be in vain."

Murmurs filled the room as Leia stood up, "We've got to see what resources we can get together and make an attempt to rescue the leaders from Dalen Tacho," she spoke firmly. "Lando, what do…?"

"We have kids now, Leia!" Han argued, scowling at her. "Do you really want to endanger their lives?"

Leia, however, glared right back at Han, but Han silently returned to the room where the twins were resting because he didn't want any part of the plan, "What do we have left over from the Battle of Endor?"

"It's all stashed in storage facilities on this planet," Wedge volunteered. "We have quite a few things."

Leia nodded and looked at Sabe, "We need to see what we have and see if it's enough to attempt a rescue," she spoke anxiously, realizing that she had to take charge. "We cannot allow Emperor Andris and his traitor sister to get away with their behaviour. As for Luke and Anakin…we'll deal with them later."

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