One Week Later

Tython

The first Jedi Temple had been abandoned for quite some time, but it was in good enough shape that the Alliance had been able to turn it into a war room, living quarters, and a place of refuge. All of the crafts had been stored in the area normally used for training and planning was now underway to pay a visit to Naboo.

"...Senator Calrissian informed me that the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia Organa-Solo, attacked the Imperial Prison Planet Dalen Tacho," Derrick spoke in a formal voice. "The Empire will investigate this matter, but Senator Calrissian informed me that the Rebel Alliance stole technologies and weapons from Bespin prior to launching their attack. The Rebels are reckless criminal. From this day forth, these pathetic criminals are not allowed in the Naboo system or anywhere near the planet," Derrick spoke in a firm voice. "They are not to be trusted nor should you believe in their mandate…"

Mon Monthma ended the replay and gazed at the group of Rebels, which included Leia, Wedge, Lor San Tekka, Sabe, and the others who had survived the Battle of Endor and subsequent conflicts, "Derrick Lars is a Force-sensitive who was forced into the office of King by the Emperor," she explained coldly. "He must be handled."

"The King always has bodyguards," Sabe spoke up. "I remember being one for Padme Amidala and if he has the Force, he might be able to foresee us coming."

Leia sighed, "If we threaten to take his son or the mother of his son, Derrick will submit to us," she replied in a formal voice. "Those two are very dear to him."

"The child has the Force and since Luke failed in bringing him into the role of a Jedi, we must," Lor San Tekka spoke up. "Perhaps we can get Obi-Wan Kenobi to help."

Mon Monthma looked amused, "Perhaps without Skywalker dragging him down, Kenobi will resume his role as a Jedi Master," she replied in a delighted voice.

"So it's agreed, then?" Sabe spoke up. "We strike Naboo immediately?"

Lor San Tekka nodded, "We must," he replied quietly. "Before it is too late."

"Get to your ships," Leia spoke firmly, her heart heavy as she spoke. "It's time."


Naboo

Obi-Wan Kenobi felt uneasy as he entered the palace's throne room and found Derrick sitting on the throne wearing a battle tunic while Captain Radon and several other young men stood alongside the throne. All of them were dressed in identical clothing with scarves and hoods concealing their identity; they all looked like they could be Derrick. It was a strategy Obi-Wan remembered from the days of Queen Amidala.

"Kenobi, you must take Amythest and Kieran and leave this place while the weather works in your favor," Derrick spoke in a serious voice. "You can take Sola and Pooja if you wish, but I have already ordered Doctor Dameron to pack medical supplies…"

Obi-Wan frowned, "Senator Calrissian will take you all somewhere safe on one of the cruisers," Derrick spoke in a quiet voice. "I also wish for you to take my parents…"

"I told you we're not going!" Owen snapped firmly as he suddenly came into view.

Derrick scowled and scoffed, "You and Mother are going," he replied firmly.

"You want to send everyone off so you can die alone!" Owen snapped angrily.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock and Derrick sighed, "Then my penance will be complete," Derrick spoke quietly. "The Emperor could not talk me out of it, so…"

Owen swore loudly and stormed out of view, "The Rebels are coming soon and I will not risk my child or Amythest for of self-protection," Derrick spoke quietly, giving Obi-Wan a look as he stood up. "I will also be encouraging residents to fight or flee."

"And where do you want us to go?" Obi-Wan asked quizzically.

Derrick sighed, "The Senator has spoken to his contacts and things have been arranged," he replied in a commanding voice. "That is all you need to know."

"Have you told Amythest about this plan?" Obi-Wan asked in a concerned voice.

Derrick exhaled sharply, "I spoke with her earlier this morning and I know she's upset, but I have no time to deal with it," he replied coldly. "Will you go quietly or not?"

"I think you're being foolish," Obi-Wan replied firmly. "You can ask for help…"

Derrick scoffed, "You are brave, Kenobi, but you are just one Jedi," he replied in a firm voice. "Once Naboo was at peace, the Emperor decided that there was no need for Stormtroopers here any longer because I could be trusted to govern…"

"Can you not call for help from the Empire?" Obi-Wan asked quizzically.

Derrick shook his head, "I do not wish to start another war on Naboo and risk the lives of innocent civilians," he replied firmly. "If I give myself over, there won't be a war and I'll probably end up being killed. However, it is a small price to pay…"

"I assume you mean to fight or at least defend the civilians judging by how you and your bodyguards are dressed," Obi-Wan observed. "Reminds me of old times."

Derrick nodded and stood up, "You are to gather your things and meet Senator Calrissian in the main hangar in two hours," he replied firmly. "I hope that will…"

"And if I refuse to leave?" Obi-Wan interrupted. "What you are doing is foolish."

Derrick sighed heavily, "Do not make me order my guards to escort you to get your things and then to the hangar," he replied firmly. "I'm aware of what the Rebels want and I know what they'll do if I don't comply. I've come to accept my fate, Kenobi."

It was then that Obi-Wan sensed an intense sadness coming from Derrick, "Call your guards," he said in a calm voice. "It would not be right of me to let you do this."

"Kenobi, I tasked you with protecting Amythest, my son, and my parents," Derrick hissed in a cold voice. "Amythest has the Force, but she needs to use it to protect my son and the child inside her. She needs someone who can watch over all of them."

Obi-Wan frowned, "After I'm gone, make sure she gets back to Luke," Derrick spoke in a firm voice, his expression resigned as he sat down. "They are married…"

"Are you going to say goodbye to Kieran?" Obi-Wan asked in a quiet voice.

Derrick sighed, "He knows I'm leaving," he replied softly. "He is sad."

Instead of leaving, however, Obi-Wan remained where he was and Derrick made no move to dismiss him; he sensed that the Jedi Master wouldn't go even if ordered.


"Delivery for Sola Naberrie," a droid announced as Sola opened the front door and found a delivery droid standing on the stoop holding a container. "Are you Sola?"

Sola, who had been packing things for herself and Obi-Wan, nodded and accepted the box, "The delivery has been paid for by the sender," the droid quickly said.

Nodding, Sola watched the droid leave and took the box into the house just in time to see Pooja help Amythest into the living room while Kieran crawled on the carpet. A bag hung over Amythest's shoulder, but she carried nothing else and wore clothes that didn't look comfortable or nice. Sola silently looked at the box and gasped quietly.

On the box was a note from Anakin and Sola quietly removed it, putting it in her pocket to read later before carrying the box into the living room, "We received a delivery," Sola spoke in a kind voice. "I know we're in a hurry, but…"

Unable to resist, Sola set the box on the table and gasped when she opened it; the outfits that Padme used to wear as Queen and Senator were neatly folded inside.

"Padme's clothes," Sola breathed, unable to resist crying. "Anakin sent these?!"

Pooja looked enamored at the clothes, but Amythest focused her attention on Kieran because he mattered more to her than nice clothes. Sola and Pooja studied the clothes; they knew Anakin had kept them, but he must have wanted them to be used again.

"This might fit you, Amythest," Pooja spoke up as she pulled a blue-gray dress out of the box and held it up. "It has long sleeves and would keep both of you warm."

Amythest paused, "Padme…was your sister?" she asked, gazing at Sola. "I can't…"

Sola sighed as she took the dress from Pooja and held it up to Amythest, "Several of these outfits would help you through your pregnancy and Padme would be very happy that her clothes were being used. Anakin sent them…he must have known.."

Amythest aceepted the dress and allowed Pooja to help her to the bedroom to put it on while Sola stayed with Kieran. Sola quietly proceeded to open the bags she and Pooja had prepared and carefully stored Padme's outfits among them so that Amythest would have things to wear wherever they went. Kieran also needed clothes…

A knock sounded at the door and Sola picked Kieran up off the floor before answering it, relieved to see that Dr. Dameron was there with an emergency pack on hand, "I sent Aaden and Mara ahead with my supplies," Dr. Dameron spoke quietly. "I thought I'd walk with you for safety and to make sure Amythest and her children are alright."

Sola nodded and sighed as Amythest came into view wearing the outfit with Pooja at her side, "You look very tired," Dr. Dameron spoke softly, gazing at Amythest sadly.

Amythest nodded, but said nothing. Since Sola was carrying Kieran, Dr. Dameron and Pooja gathered the bags and carried them, keeping silent as they walked through the back streets to the palace. They reached the passage to the hangar without incident.

"Obi-Wan was supposed to meet us here," Sola spoke quietly, deeply worried.

Dr. Dameron sighed, "Let's load the cruiser and then we can worry about Obi-Wan," he replied in a patient voice, knowing that Obi-Wan was doing what was right.

Sola gave Dr. Dameron a look, but she and Pooja focused on loading the cruiser, "They're near," Amythest spoke in a quiet voice, suddenly looking at him fearfully.

"Derrick has laid out what he wishes to happen," Dr. Dameron spoke quietly, giving Amythest a stern look. "I know you want to fight alongside him, but you cannot risk the baby and you know the Rebels would do anything, including harm your baby…"

Amythest sighed heavily, "Go hide on board the cruiser and I will go see what's going on," Dr. Dameron spoke quietly. "I don't ask much of you, but please…"

Sighing, Amythest went into the hangar and joined Sola and Pooja on the cruiser while Dr. Dameron hurried to the throne room. Derrick was seated on his throne while his bodyguards, Obi-Wan, and an apprehensive Owen and Beru stood nearby.

"Ah, Doctor Dameron, please escort my parents to the cruiser and Kenobi will probably follow," Derrick ordered firmly. "Their bags are already on board."

Owen scowled, "Father, this must be done," Derrick replied softly. "Please."

Before Owen could reply, the whine of aircrafts filled the air, "They're here," Obi-Wan spoke anxiously, frowning. "It's time for you to leave…"

"You're not going?" Derrick asked in a shocked voice, giving Obi-Wan a look.

Obi-Wan sighed as he took his lightsaber off his belt, "I am a Jedi and it is my responsibility to do what I feel is right," he replied calmly. "Owen, Beru, go…"

Derrick rose and sighed as he removed his blaster from his royal belt, "We must protect the people of Theed," he spoke in a commanding voice. "The little military that we have should be mobilized in the square by now, so we need to go…"

As Derrick and his bodyguards left, Obi-Wan followed after them to back them up, leaving Dr. Dameron alone in the throne room with an anxious Owen and Beru.


The streets of Theed were deserted, as all civilians were either inside trying to barricade their doors, packing to evacuate, or were preparing weapons to help their king defend the city. Leia was among the first group of Rebels to arrive and she couldn't help but marvel at the hidden beauty. She could reasonably live here.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Sabe asked as she came up beside Leia. "I loved it here and I loved serving Padme, but I will enjoy serving you should our takeover succeed."

Leia frowned, deeply confused, "Serving me?" she asked in a confused voice.

"You're already a princess and Mon Monthma thinks you'd make a wonderful queen and be even more powerful than your mother was when she was Queen of Naboo," Sabe spoke in a kind voice. "We've all agreed that you are suited for it."

Leia was shocked, but prevented from replying because the rest of the Rebels who were storming the city on foot quickly arrived with weapons in hand, "It's too quiet," Wedge commented anxiously. "I wonder if Derrick prepared the Nabooians…"

Doors suddenly burst open and Leia caught sight of Derrick, Obi-Wan, and several military coming into the street as armed civilians emerged from their houses, all of them ready to defend their king even though they didn't have more than household objects to fight with. Derrick froze at the sight of them, clearly stunned.

Obi-Wan silently ignited his lightsaber and Lor San Tekka cringed, "Jedi Master Kenobi, I would have thought you would help us rid the galaxy of the epidemic that the Empire is," Mon Monthma hissed coldly, her eyes wide with shock.

"Please, all of you, return to your homes where it's safe," Derrick called out in a commanding voice, concerned for the citizens. "I do not wish anyone to be harmed."

Nobody retreated, however, and almost immediately, the Rebels found themselves fighting anxious civilians, "Antilles, call for the aerial backup!" Leia commanded.

Panicked screams filled the air as the restocked bomber, Y-wings, and X-wings suddenly came into view not far from the city, "We are quite prepared to destroy what we have to," Mon Monthma spoke firmly. "This planet has been tainted by the Empire and we will not rest until it has been cleansed. Whether that's done through force…"

"You'd destroy innocent civilians to conquer the Empire?" Obi-Wan asked in a suspicious voice as he glared at his former friends. "I don't really believe that…"

One of the X-wings suddenly fired at some trees just outside the city, destroying them almost immediately. Anxious chatter filled the air as the citizens scattered.

Captain Radon stepped in front of Derrick protectively, as did the other bodyguards, and Obi-Wan found himself stepping in front of all of them, "ENOUGH!" Derrick shouted, clearly annoyed by this mess. "Why exactly are you here?"

"To dethrone you," Sabe replied in a cold voice as she aimed her blaster at them.

As Sabe fired off several shots, Derrick broke through the human shield, shoved Captain Radon to the ground, and took two shots in the abdomen, and one in the knee.

The bodyguards turned their weapons on the Rebels as Derrick collapsed at Obi-Wan's feet. Lor San Tekka quickly used the Force to disarm the bodyguards and send them to their knees, unable to move. Obi-Wan glared at the Rebels coldly.

Quickly sealing his lightsaber, Obi-Wan reached out with the Force and used all of his might to create a miniature blizzard. Noise filled the city as people rushed indoors and Obi-Wan took advantage of the distraction to lift Derrick into his arms and run as fast as he could into the palace, unsurprised when Captain Radon and the bodyguards followed. He could hear the Rebels arguing, but ignored them.

The palace hallways were deserted and so Obi-Wan, Captain Radon, and the bodyguards hurried to the hangar, "Doctor Dameron!" Captain Radon called out.

The group quickly boarded and nearly crashed into Dr. Dameron, "His Majesty is hurt bad," Captain Radon spoke anxiously. "He took shots meant for me…"

"Raise the boarding ramp NOW!" Dr. Dameron yelled towards the cockpit.

The hangar doors flew open and Dr. Dameron wasted no time getting Obi-Wan and Derrick to the small medical bay. Captain Radon and the other bodyguards hurried to the common area and found Amythest sitting with Pooja and Kieran near an angry looking Owen and Beru while Sola arranged the small amount of luggage nearby.

"There's been a complication," Captain Radon spoke anxiously. "His Majesty…"

Owen swore and shot to his feet, "Where is Derrick?!" he snapped angrily.

"The medbay," Captain Radon replied. "The Rebels shot and he took it for us…"

The cruiser suddenly rocked, "We're getting fired on!" Aaden's voice yelled.

"I'll handle the weapons and launch the droids!" Mara's voice shouted.

"I may not be able to fight, but I can help in the medbay," Amythest spoke in a firm voice as she stood up and dusted herself off. "Please don't try to stop me."

Captain Radon nodded, but there was a somberness in his eyes as he got up and helped her walk through the ship. In the medbay, Derrick was semi-conscious and whimpering in pain on the medbed with a mere breathing mask over his face while Dr. Dameron worked feverishly to stabilize him and Obi-Wan lingered nearby, trying and failing to calm both with the Force. Derrick's pain was obvious to everyone present.

A pained cry filled the air as Dr. Dameron began cutting Derrick's tunic off and Amythest silently made her way to his bedside, "Shh," she spoke in a gentle voice, gently touching his forehead with her hands and finding it drenched in sweat. "Shh."

Obi-Wan looked astonished as Derrick suddenly quieted, as if lulled into a trance by Amythest's mere touch. Dr. Dameron, however, continued examining Derrick's injuries and was immensely relieved that something managed to calm his patient.

"We've made it into orbit," Aaden's voice called out. "Next stop…Cloud City."


Coruscant

Something is very wrong on Naboo. Emperor Andris realized as he walked down the corridor from his quarters to the war room to get the daily galactic report. For the past several days, he had sensed that the Rebels were planning something to get people to take them seriously; now, with his unease, he assumed they had done it.

Sighing heavily, Andris entered the war room and found everyone working busily at their consoles in silence, "Daily Report," he said in a commanding voice.

The officers gave each other looks and Andris scoffed angrily, "What?!" he snapped.

"A message from a Naboo cruiser was sent to us just before you arrived, sir," one of the officers, who Andris knew to be Jaylo Rikta, spoke anxiously. "It's Priority One."

Frowning, Andris walked over to the console and activated the message himself, "Emperor Andris, this is Captain Radon from the Naboo Royal Security Forces," a voice said in an anxious tone. "Naboo has been attacked by the Rebels and King Derrick was injured in battle. The Rebels are attempting to take control…"

The transmission suddenly ended and Emperor Andris frowned, "Why would the Rebels attack such a weak planet, sir?" another officer named Damon Lore spoke up in a confused voice. "What sort of statement are they going to make by doing that?!"

"See if you can contact that ship," Emperor Andris ordered in an upset voice. "I must know what is going on."


Within the safety of the Imperial Base's medbay, Luke was already awake and quietly doing the physical and mental exercises that Dr. Jinn had allowed him to try in pursuit of healing. His father had reluctantly taken guest quarters on the base so he could be as close as possible; there was no reason for him to stay in the medbay as much as he wanted to. For that, Luke was grateful; he had plenty of time to think by himself.

Sighing heavily, Luke slowly got out of bed and wandered over to the window that looked out at the cityscape. Even though his simple pajamas and slippers didn't provide much warmth, Luke felt warmed simply by thinking of freedom.

A door opened and closed and Luke sighed, "I need to go," he whispered softly.

Anakin silently walked over to the window, having seen that Luke was not in bed and was instead there, "Morning," he spoke softly. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I need to go," Luke replied in a quiet voice. "Staying here…staying around people and being burdened with grief, anger, and sorrow is absolutely killing me."

Anakin frowned, but said nothing, "Almost everyone I trusted used me for their own gain and broke me," Luke spoke softly. "I couldn't even handle any responsibility…"

"Your marriage and children?" Anakin asked softly. "You can still repair that."

Luke sighed heavily, "I was ordered to protect Amythest so that there would be a new generation of Jedi for me to train," he replied in a somber voice. "Mon Monthma wanted me to head up the new Order alone that would serve only the Rebels."

Deeply overwhelmed, Luke sighed and Anakin helped him sit on the windowseat, "My mind wasn't my own for a long time and I don't think I can fix anything," Luke spoke softly, his expression sorrowful. "I just need to go into exile for a while…"

"I understand how you feel, Luke," Anakin replied softly. "When I was in slavery, the only thing I had was my spirit because everyone took everything else from me. You were taken advantage of and controlled against your will. I get why you're angry."

Luke sighed and Anakin gently pulled him into a hug, "I know I need to talk to Amythest about the baby, but I'm not ready," Luke spoke softly. "I'm not."

"Perhaps writing a letter might be easier," Anakin spoke softly. "You could…"

Luke nodded, "I could do that," he spoke softly. "If I knew where she was…"

Anakin helped Luke up and over to a comms terminal, "Just make a letter and I'll see if I can get it to her somehow," he spoke softly. "Just write how you're feeling."

Sighing, Luke sat and thought for several seconds before beginning to write a letter.


Bespin

"...I got an emergency message from Aaden that they had fled Naboo and were coming here. Naboo was overtaken with very little warning…"

Han groaned weakly and opened his eyes just in time to see Lando nod to a computer screen, "…From what I heard, it was a bad fight," Lando spoke worriedly.

"...Keep me posted. I will decide what to do about Naboo in the coming days…"

Lando turned and frowned when he saw that Han was awake, "You called the Emperor?" Han asked in a groggy voice. "Did you tell him about Leia?"

"Aaden sent him a distress signal after the battle at Naboo earlier," Lando replied in a concerned voice. "You've been out of it for a while, so you don't know…"

Han frowned, "Battle at Naboo?" he asked groggily. "What battle?"

Lando sighed, "The Rebels attacked Naboo with the stuff they stole from me," he replied in a concerned voice. "That's all Aaden managed to send in his message."

"Leia helped attack Naboo?" Han asked in a trembling voice as Dr. Tychon came into view after hearing Han's voice from her temporary office. "What caused her to…?"

Dr. Tychon glared at Lando, "Get out of here and stop upsetting my patient," she said in a firm voice. "From what I hear, you have guests coming you need to prepare for."

Lando scoffed, but left, "How long have I been out of it?" Han asked groggily.

"About a week," Dr. Tychon replied quietly. "You almost died from the intense symptoms, but you're on the mend. You'll have to stay here until you're able to eat, drink, and do other things without help, but you'll have to remain in the city…"

Han sighed, "Jacen and Jaina?" he asked softly. "I hope they're behaving."

"Everyone here is doing what they can in terms of childcare and Lando has spent most nights with them," Dr. Tychon explained softly. "You're on strong antibiotics."

Han coughed, "I don't understand something," he spoke tiredly. "Nobody really checked me out after I was out of that carbon block. We just went to battle…"

Dr. Tychon nodded as she checked Han's vital signs, not wanting to say anything to upset him even though she was angry that the Rebels didn't feel it important to give Han a thorough examination or treatment after he was encased in a carbonite block.

"So now the Empire knows what Leia and the other Rebels have done and they're considered criminals," Han spoke weakly, thinking back on Lando's words. "Ugh.."

Dr. Tychon sighed, "Why don't you get some rest, Han?" she suggested gently.

As much as Han wanted to stay awake, he quickly found himself drifting off again.


Please read and review!