Ch. 10: Introductions

A/N: Wow. This was incredibly.. interesting to write. My apologies for being late with this chapter. Thanks to my lovely reviewers: ILDV & Wawoot! Now-on with the story!

As suddenly as the wave of black descended over her, it rapidly lifted. To her shock, it revealed a white corridor, much like the inside of her old Nubian Skiff, that fateful one she took to Mustafar..

"Stop it, Padme-those days are long over. Keep your mind on the task at hand." she reminded herself, just beginning to get her bearings.

As she looked about the ship, wondering just where she should start, three women suddenly passed by her-one leading in a flowing white gown and her brown hair pinned up in twin cinnamon buns, with the other two following behind her, robed in gray. Obviously they didn't notice her, unless..

"Well, this will be interesting. I've got to convince my daughter that, not only am I her dead mother, but while I am completely invisible. Wonderful."

Then, noticing that the three were rapidly heading into another portion of the ship, she decided to follow them. Maybe they'd know something...

"Milady, all preparations are set for tomorrow. The attack upon the Imperial base shall happen tomorrow, just as scheduled." one spoke up.

"Also, it seems that your father mentioned that if things do not go as planned, you must take care. Lord Vader himself seems to have just been scheduled by the Emperor to visit this base." the other remarked.

"Ha. A Dark Lord of the Sith? The more the merrier. Did my father say just when he would arrive? We could probably get to the base before him, if we time it perfect."

"No, Milady..."

As they walked through an archway into another large chamber, Padme wondered just who this lady was. She looks so familiar with that expression upon her face, as if she were excited and scared at the same time. It reminded her so much of Anakin just before Geonosis...

".. anyway. Goodnight, Princess Leia. We shall return to the conference room and confer on the final details with Captain Antilles."

"Leia!?" Padme's mind screamed, now certain of what she had initially suspected. First the hairstyle, then that look that was just like Anakin.. This was their daughter-their remarkable daughter. Padme was barely able to stumble into a seat, so as to center herself.

"Nice to see you again after so long, my child.." she whispered to herself.

Suddenly, Leia looked up, as if struck by lightning, and stared right where Padme was sitting. Then, just as sudden, she shook her head and remarked:

"No. It couldn't be. I'm just stressed from the upcoming battle. I'm hallucinating. It isn't possible."

Completely shocked, Padme whispered, both to tell herself and Leia:

"Yes, it is. You know that's it's true. Listen to me, please.."

"Mother.. is it really you?" Leia asked, just as she sat down upon her bed.

Almost tearfully, Padme replied: "Yes, darling. It's so good to see you again after so long. You've grown so.. gorgeous over the years."

Padme pulled her hands up to brush a stray lock of hair out of her eyes, when she noticed her arms.. they were blue. She'd done it!

"Yes! I actually materialized in the Living World! Qui Gon would be so ecstatic that someone managed to-and only after a week of training!"

Then, as she woke up from her thoughts, she looked over at Leia to see her sitting there-with an amazed expression upon her face.

"Mom.. it's really you. You're just as I remember."

As she reached over to embrace her daughter, a completely confused Padme asked: "You remember me? But.. you were just a newborn!"

"I.. don't know how. I just do. You were always so kind, so beautiful.. yet so sad."

"Was I?" she remarked as she gave a tired smile. "I suppose that makes sense.. it was the waning days of democracy then, the rise of Palpatine, the end of the Clone Wars.. not exactly the best year. Well, I take that back-that was the year you were born. That was the happiest moment of my life, when I found out that I was going to be a mother. But, I'm rambling, aren't I?"

With a slight laugh, Leia replied: "Yes, you are. But, how long has it been since you've been able to ramble on to your daughter? Twenty years.."

"I know. It's been entirely too long."

After a pause, Leia stared at Padme with a questioning gaze, and then spoke:

"Mother, I must ask.. why are you here? Aren't you dead?"

"Well.. that's quite a long story. One that I'm afraid I don't quite have the time to tell. But.. Leia. I know you're attacking an Imperial base tomorrow. You must turn back-it will only end in tragedy if you do not."

"Mom, you don't understand. I'm a Rebellion leader-that is the danger I take every single day. We must get the plans to the Death Star.. Agent Katarn is already on the ground, simply waiting for our signal to transfer the data. We have to do this."

"Leia, I can see your mind is already made up on this, but.."

"I'm so sorry Mom, but there is no but. It must be done."

With that, Leia stared at Padme with such a no-nonsense glare that Padme could only sit and think for a minute before replying:

"I see. Then.. I will have to help you the best I can."

"You.. you can stay?"

"Yes. I am here to protect you. This will be more dangerous than you know, with consequences for the entire galaxy. It is imperative that not only do you succeed in getting these plans, but that you get away. Bail is right, you know-Vader must not be allowed to capture you."

"Wait.. how do you know my adoptive father?"

"Bail Organa was an excellent friend in the Senate, back when I was Naboo's Senator. I am not surprised he took you in-he is a kind man. So is Breha, his wife."

"You knew him? Worked with him.. wait. Senator for Naboo! You're Padme Amidala! My mother is the famous Padme Amidala?!'

"Yes.. I am that famous still? Wow. I never dreamed.. "

"Neither did I.. that you are my Mom! Father said I was adopted, but.. I never knew."

"But you do now, darling. Now you know."

As they continued talking well into the night, Leia eventually fell into a dreamless sleep, with her mother watching over her for the first time in many years.

"It is so good to see you again, my wonderful daughter-my Leia."

"Anakin would be so proud."

A/N: My apologies if I got a few details wrong-let me know if I did. Hopefully, the next chapter will be up in two days. The next one will be much easier to write, I believe...

Until then! MTFBWY.