Hello my wonderful readers! I AM SO EXCITED TO PREMIERE THIS CHAPTER TO YOU! I hope you all like it!

Also, thank you Starsfan for catching a couple of my mistakes and letting me know. I appreciate the help!

Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. The following work is not intended to add to, promote or distort this series. This is a work of fanfiction, and the author does not profit in posting. This is simply a writing exercise written for fun.

It was nearly four hours until they arrived on Coruscant, and she could sense how that grated on her secret husband. While Clovis napped calmly on one of the passenger chairs, Padme decided to again seek Anakin out. Five hours ago, he'd ventured back into the bowels of the ship to find his resolve once more.

Padme noticed that he was struggling to allow Clovis to even sit next to her, much less speak to her. She'd gotten an idea in her mind that, perhaps, his delusions were a result of their long partings. We only see each other once a month, she reminded herself, if we are lucky... I can understand that insecurity. And she really could. Part of the reason she hated the HoloNews was because of how they portrayed Anakin as a hero and, because of this, members of almost every sentient race that crossed crossed his path attempted to steer him away from his Jedi oath. When she was witness to this callow behavior, she too seethed, as Anakin was anything if not polite. But, instead of being upset about her insecurity, Anakin merely teased her for it. Sadly, this calmness did not go both ways.

So, using her own instincts, which Anakin claimed rivaled many Jedi, Padme followed her heart and found her husband hiding in the same trap door that Threepio had fallen into earlier that day. She smiled at the sight of him, covered in oil and grime, grumbling to himself in Huttese. And, without warning, she jumped down the hole herself, knowing Anakin would sense her enough to catch her.

"P-Padme?" Anakin stuttered, hoping she hadn't heard the long string of curses he'd spat out just a moment ago, "What are you doing here?"

She chuckled a moment, leaning forward in his arms to kiss his grime covered cheek, "Well... Rush is taking a nap, and we hardly ever see each other... so..." She raised her brows at him, her smile wide and mischievous. As he stared at her and marveled, she leaned forward and kissed him once more. Then again, and again until he started laughing.

"You surprise me sometimes." He informed her as he sat back on the crate he was using as a stool, "One moment you're all business and the next-"

"-Just shut up and kiss me already." She ordered him, bringing a wholehearted laugh out of Anakin. Pulling her closer to himself, he obeyed with a grin, making her laugh at how boyish he looked. He even waved his hand off to the side, using the Force to close the hatch door.

"As you wish." He suddenly added, his typical half grin on his face, "M'lady."

It wasn't often that they had a chance to be playful, and so they wasted no time in enjoying their temporary privacy. But, even as they quietly enjoyed one another's company inside the small hatch, a figure stood ominously above it, listening for signs of life. His shadow did not move, nor did he blink as he heard the quiet laughter from below, and, at last, he let out a sigh.

"Its about time those two figure it out." Threepio decided as he turned and walked away, looking for Artoo as he did. He knew his next mission was to check on Senator Clovis, but he hadn't realized the former-senator had followed him this far. And that the man had a devilish smirk on his face as he too turned about.

Revenge was apparently on his mind.

If Darth Vader had ever used his respirator to its maximum decibel, Bail Organa learned to reach past it. After the attack on his recovery room, where it became apparent that Queen Julia hadn't sent true Dagoyan Masters to him, but rather Jedi, he became rather... perturbed.

Drawing a deep breath in once again as he chewed out the queen, Bail added even more of his opinion into the mix, "I would rather you better appraise me of your help." He told her outright, "I don't mind having Jedi watch over me, but it is nice to know what they are. I assumed they were a couple of sages, not warriors."

Luke and Leia watched the scene with regret, both standing at attention while Kenobi and Potkin watched them curiously from the other side of Bail. Queen Julia had taken her own deep breath, and was now forming her retort to Organa's outrage, "Would it really have mattered who I sent to look after you?!" She told him sternly, "The point was to protect you, and they did. Another assailant attacked you-"

"-And I am grateful for that!" Bail inserted quickly, "But that does not excuse withholding who is protecting me... Master Kenobi did research and Jacen and Jaina Darklighter aren't even registered to Bardotta! They seemingly don't exist at all!" Luke glanced down at his feet and took a deep breath.

The whole time he'd been subtly trying to calm Organa, but he was growing more exhausted with the effort. Truthfully, he couldn't stop his legs from trembling slightly in attempting to stand at attention.

He needs to stop. Luke told Leia, taking a deep breath, I can't clear his memories of us if he's locked into a fight like this.

Leia took a step forward, "Senator Organa." She started with her most authoritative tone, "We do apologize for not informing you of our talents... but we are honorary civilians of Bardotta as well as Dagoyan inductees, we just cannot register with either groups because of our other affiliations." He stopped and turned to her, Kenobi doing the same.

"And what are these other affiliations?" he demanded, his voice so Vader-like that Leia felt her own heart tearing up.

It was to her good fortune that Luke intervened.

"Most nefarious affiliations, sir." He informed the man, "Our lives have not been easy, and survival has led us down many unfortunate paths. Surely, you understand that." He paused, as if for effect as he put his heart into his blue eyes, "Queen Julia saved us, sir. We owe her everything, which is why we are here to protect you."

Whether by Luke's mind trick or by his convincing act, Bail Organa's eyes softened. "I... I understand." That brought a smile to both 'Darklighter's' faces.

Luke and Leia bowed, with Leia acting as spokesperson. "We thank you senator."

They then turned to Kenobi and Potkin, both of whom seemed less than convinced. But Kenobi was the one to step forward, "So long as the Senator is all right with this arrangement, we have no more reason to be here." He then added, staring at Luke most intently, "Knowing you two are trained as Jedi, it is not necessary for us to remain, and we can continue our investigation with eased minds."

Potkin also stepped forward, "We thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Darklighter."

Sensing this conversation was not quite over with them, Luke and Leia bowed and thanked the Force for the intercession. They really needed it.

As they watched the two of them leaved, Leia turned her eyes towards her brother, That assassin was not after my father... they were after Potkin.

So now we know they've done their research, Luke realized with a sigh, watching as Bail and Julia continued to discuss these arrangements. It sounded as though Luke and Leia were to remain with him longer, which had Luke worried. To protect his sister, he had purposely left out that Bail was her adoptive father. Julia was merely relying on her trust in him that Bail was significant. And, truthfully, he was. At least,as a Jedi, she has a chance against these warriors... Sadly, we cannot afford to protect her and still attempt to find our mother.

Agreed. Leia nodded subtly, And we need to find her fast.

Luke gulped, knowing Leia would not like his next suggestion, We need to find father fast. He's our only clue.

There was silence as his sister processed that, likely thinking to herself in Corellian and Huttese while purposely shutting Luke out to spare his feelings. I was afraid you'd say that, she later admitted.

This building they found was a relatively easy one to access. With the wars going on, so many representatives were in and out of their Coruscanti residences, that finding a suitable home to invade was a matter of inquiry and not research. Pestilis rather liked this home, what with its dark walls and bright red carpeting. Even the wood of the kitchen had the feel of blood about it, and blood red was her favorite color. It was the color of her lightsaber.

But even the pleasing aesthetics could not undue her building temper.

Pestilis sighed as she heard from her protege the outcomes of their first attempt at killing off a candidate, and she found herself less than amused. With a thin line twisting into a frown on her face, she attempted to keep her anger inside of herself. And attempted was the key word.

"They literally ripped through time this morning!" She shouted at the insufferable fools before her, "You should have been able to at least kill the whore!" Devaro swallowed his comment; since meeting Pestilis, he found that he detested most her signifier for female Jedi. Even his beloved mother had been labeled 'whore' by the old crone.

"Skywalker was drained," he informed his undesired master with a frown, "But he seemed to be drawing on more power as I fought him, as though his body were the issue, not his connection with the Force."

"And Potkin was assisting Organa, who seemed as strong as when we last fought." Anhilis added bitterly, "Are you sure the device drains one as much as you claim? They seem only moderately affected by it, and it hasn't even been thirty-eight hours yet."

Pestilis frowned as a great fog enveloped her, filled with fire and hate that burned like molt. You needn't be surprised... These Skywalkers are a significant pair. Came an echoing voice from around them. Suddenly, the fog began twisting into a whirl wind, forming first a being comprised of ash and fire. And then, the blaze cooled, revealing a pale, ghostly man with a thin, twisted mustache and dark, curly hair.

Instantly, Pestilis gasped and bowed to her guardian, "Master Demantis!" She cried out, "I thought you would not be able to form in this time."

Demantis smirked, his red eyes glistening in the dark room, "As did I." he admitted as he stepped down to eye the two non-believers in the room, "But it seems that my newly found determination pulled through for once." He stopped and ran a hand down Anhilis's cheek, making her shudder in fear because of his dark, dangerous aura, "These times are far darker than our own, filled with death, chaos, hate, greed and fear... It seems there is so little light, that a well fed, well aged Shaetin such as myself can finally manifest in the light of stars." His eyes then fell on Pestilis with a great grin.

"Now," He began, heading over to sit where she once had, "About these Skywalker twins, I must know more about their current abilities."

Anhilis swallowed and turned to Devaro to begin, which he begrudgingly did, "Skywalker seemed relatively unaffected when it came to fighting, but his senses were greatly dulled, and he was focusing hard to hold an illusion in place around two Jedi. Records indicate that fooling five Jedi is well within his range of abilities."

Demantis smirked and turned his head to the side, revealing a set of teeth so sharp, a Nexu would be jealous. "Considering his heritage, this does not surprise me... nor does it worry me. He is not a Drajdai yet." He then sat forward, "And Organa is far from it, if he has not crossed the threshold."

"Drajdai?" Anhilis inquired, having never heard the term before. Demantis turned to her, a wicked grin on his face.

"The only thing that can face a healthy specimen such as myself." He informed the woman, "And that is all you need know for now."

The two apprentices nodded and returned their gaze to the ground. Pestilis smiled at their good behavior, pleased that they were showing her master respect. "What would you have us do next, my master?"

Demantis turned to her and grinned, "First, we must eliminate as many candidates as possible. If we are unable to do this within the next month, we need to confuse these twins..." His eyes then turned to Anhilis. "Gather the Betrigist... That should suffice if we become so desperate."

Pestilis smirked, glad that she hid the device so well before traveling through time. That was before she took her master's intentions into account, "But isn't anymore interference dangerous? We do not know the full impact of our actions inside the paradox. I think toying with time too much could be... detrimental."

Demantis frowned, "Oh, dear Pestilis... do you doubt me?" She turned her eyes away from him.

"No, master, I do not."

He then grined widely, his sharp canines showing through most of all. "Good... after all, only one Sith ever turned Luke Skywalker even slightly to the dark side. And we may need him here to create chaos. To... darken his soul ever so slightly." The man then turned most stoic as he eyed his subordinates through a blood red gaze, "He must not be made into light."

Following Bail Organa into their next adventure together was a bit of a kill joy. Originally, they'd assisted him home, which led to playful conversation, even as Bail tiptoed around their prior betrayal. Luke had worked his magic, and lessened some of Bail's memories so that he felt he had less to be upset about. And, more importantly, it was likely he'd forget enough about them to not recognize them altogether in the future, which was what they wanted. Especially Leia, who had been very close to her father.

Luke figured erasing Potkin's memories was unnecessary, as they'd never meet and Leia had assured him she was not their mother. He'd argued just as much for Obi-Wan, who would realize all too late who they actually were if he did remember them. They'd likely be mere shadows amongst the many faces he encounters on his adventures. And, in Luke's opinion, Obi-Wan was already suspicious of them enough. He did not need to be tipped off by Luke's presence entering his mind.

Therefore, they were fairly confident in themselves as they followed the slightly spiteful Bail Organa into Chancellor Palpatine's office. Despite orders for bed rest from every second opinion, Organa was not about to lie down while Rush Clovis reentered Coruscant's political arena. Though Leia knew something of the man her father held a grudge against, she didn't understand why he was so determined to confront him.

When the Senate Building came into view of Bail's speeder, the twins felt themselves tighten up on their Force-presences, feeling their energies fall as they realized they'd likely have to play games with the Sith Lord once more. At least we have the wardrobe to look imposing now, Leia pointed out to her brother.

"Yes," Luke replied aloud as he dove the speeder down to enter the surprisingly familiar senate garage, "Thank you Senator for the replacement clothes."

Surprised at the abruptness of Luke's comment, Bail furrowed a brow and replied, "It's my pleasure. You're Jedi, you should look it." Luke smirked a moment, nodding in a agreement. Their clothes were very Jedi-esk. Luke was relieved to receive garb in colors he could agree with. He wore long shirts of black and dark blue, and now had decent set of dark boots to match. His brown leather belt was detailed with darker black leather and a gold clasp.

Conversely, Leia wore all whites and cremes, her usual colors. But Bail's attendant picked out reddish brown slacks and a matching belt with a silver clasp to give her a more Jedi appearance. She shocked her brother by choosing to keep her dark hair down and curling, something she didn't do normally when visiting with senate affairs.

It took hardly a minute for Luke to park the speeder and await Bail's royal guard to follow suite. Moments later, the pack of eight were ambling through the halls, following Bail's floating chair towards the lion's den.

They both gulped as they entered his rustic colored chamber, filled with windows that had, perhaps, the best view in all of Coruscant. He was clearly a very neat man, as DataPads were carefully placed on steel shelves and decorations of art from various, grateful cultures littered his open spaces. Even the carpet was unusually calming. Considering the man, Leia grumbled internally, sensing her brother's subtle laugh.

And, as if on cue, Palpatine was up and at Leia's side like glue, making her extremely self conscious. She turned to her brother with pleading eyes as Palpatine eyed her more desirable features. Luke did his best not to allow any anger to enter his heart.

"Mr. and Mrs. Darklighter!" The man greeted merrily, "So good to see you again... I hear there was an incident at the hospital?" Both Luke and Leia stalled, turning to Organa with raised brows as if indicating he should answer the question.

And, fortunately, Organa took the hint. "Yes, two dark-Jedi attacked my room, and the Darklighters and Knight Potkin made quick work of the incident."

"Ah, Knight Potkin." Palpatine echoed, "And extraordinary knight, if I do say so myself." Bail agreed whole-heartedly, but also noticed that Palpatine was doing anything but looking his way, his eyes so locked on Jaina Darklighter, that it was borderline indecent.

And, apparently, he wasn't the only one, as Master Yoda soon approached. "Mr. and Mrs. Darklighter." he greeted in his unusual way, "Strange, it is, to see that the mysterious guests in our temple, also Senator Organa's protectors are." Luke and Leia nodded, with Luke still trying his best not to connect with his former master. The night before, upon seeing Obi-Wan's gaze, Luke felt that bonded pull and knew that Kenobi had been made suspicious of him as well because of it. He didn't need wise Yoda doing the same.

"Queen Julia is most interested in your temple." Leia answered for him, just as the dark-skinned Master that had accompanied Yoda before approached. His presence was strong, intense even, and Leia immediately recognized him as the Force-presence that she'd reached out to when they first arrived in the past. Knowing this, Leia retracted her own signature further.

"I am most glad to hear that." He informed her, "I am Mace Windu... It is truly unfortunate that our alliance with the Dogoyan has dwindled so much in recent years. My hope is to rectify that as soon as an opportunity presents itself." Luke and Leia turned to the man and smiled at him gratefully. His warmth was welcome, though Luke was fairly certain Windu had a reputation for being more cold than warm.

"Queen Julia is a wise woman." Luke informed him, "I do not doubt that she would at least hear out your wish of friendship."

Windu smiled widely, "I am pleased to hear this. Queen Julia is most benevolent." Luke and Leia nodded to him as Master Yoda stepped back. It didn't take long for either twin to sense why. A massive, conflicted Force signature was approaching. Vader, Leia thought with a grimace.

Though she had not realized she was sensing her biological father in the past, Leia had known and felt his presence many times and knew that the large persona she felt was none other than Vader. Luke could only smile at the light his father's former life had carried, even if he could detect flakes of darkness within him. And he wondered if anyone else could too. His eyes immediately fell to Palpatine in contemplating this.

"Arrived, Knight Skywalker has." He informed them, "Aid him in escorting Clovis, I will."

Palpatine suddenly frowned, "Then at least take my guard with you... I sense, carries valuable information, he does, and too careful, one cannot be." Yoda turned and smiled.

"After the events of this week, more comfortable am I in leaving your guard here, Chancellor."

Palpatine shrugged and shook his head, "Nonsense, my friend. We've many Jedi here in this room. The guard his hardly necessary now." Knowing better than to argue further, Yoda nodded his head and conceded, turning to the blue guards with a slight, forced smirk.

Luke turned to Leia, who seemed to be sweating from uncertainty. It was clear that Palpatine's gaze was making her wish she could crawl out of her skin. "Jaina," he suggested as she attempted to not be bothered by the Chancellor's obvious leering, "Perhaps you too can assist Master Yoda." Delighted at the escape presented to her, Leia leaned forward and kissed her brother's cheek thankfully before dashing off, adding her excited goodbyes to all those in their circle.

Turning back away from her, Luke smiled at the Chancellor and Master Windu as though he were the luckiest man alive. He needed to sell his role, after all.

Windu frowned slightly, "Tell me, Mr. Darklighter-"

"-Please," Luke interceded, "Call me Jacen."

"Jacen." Windu corrected with less of a frown, "How did you come by Jedi training, when you clearly do not follow our code?" Poised with an answer to this question, Luke smiled.

"Master Altis never seemed to have a problem with my loving Jaina." He replied with a sure smile, making Windu nod in understanding.

"Many Jedi do not agree with Master Altis-"

"-With all due respect," Luke added quickly, "many Jedi do not agree with the high council either." Palpatine was watching this exchange with a slight grin, amazed with the similarities he was seeing between Darklighter and Skywalker. His disenchanting Mace Windu was apparently one of those commonalities.

Windu took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face, "Very true." he realized, "But I am surprised that you have not assisted us with the war effort. Most of Master Altis's Jedi have."

Luke swallowed, not expecting that retort, "He isn't so fond of me... anymore." He turned his eyes away from the man, trying to figure on a decent story. Normally Leia was the one good at those. Sensing a touchy topic, Windu backed off and let the theme die, even as he sensed the Chancellor grow more intrigued by that answer.

Suddenly concerned that he could not pull this off alone, Luke found himself wishing his sister was at his side.

Flying into Coruscant, Anakin was relieved. Though he was still most reassured of his wife's love for him, he had no love for her former beau and was thrilled at the prospect of dumping him somewhere. It turned out that Padme, as devilish as she could be, had possibly, potentially, likely gave the former-senator a sleeping drought that left them alone for a good two hours or so. The uh, details were still in the wind. But that was a kind reprieve on her part, as they were in desperate need of some time together. His mind was already planning ahead at the prospect of having even more alone time with her later that evening.

He knew he had about two days home before he was schlepped off somewhere else. The council didn't like tiring out their Jedi too much.

Landing on the platform was supposed to be a case of drop the jerk-ass off and leave. That is exactly how Anakin's mind had planned it, and he was determined to see it through. Until, that is, Master Yoda and a squad of blue guards arrived. The three of them were hardly down the ramp when it became apparent that this was more than Anakin wanted it to be.

And though they had been greeted most kindly by the old sage, Anakin had this foreboding feeling about him. "Master Yoda," Anakin staggered a moment, "I wasn't aware we required an escort." Yoda nodded and motioned towards the blue guards.

"Insist this, the chancellor did." He informed his protegee, "Very interested, he is, in what Senator Clovis has to say." His old eyes then darted towards Clovis, "Many questions about you, there are. Intrigued, we are, of your return." Clovis nodded to the old master, and was about to say something when someone else caught his eye.

Clad in brown and a white short dress was the most beautiful warrior he'd ever seen. In many ways, she reminded him of Padme, but more petite and doll-like. She stood stoically, her brown eyes in their direction with a look of absolute shock. But her disposition did little to take from her radiance.

"I... thank you Master Yoda." He attempted through his drooling, trying to remind himself that there was only one woman for him. "And... if you don't mind my asking, w-who is your company?"

All eyes soon turned to the doll standing beside the small green creature, but her eyes never left their target. And it was very apparent that she was staring, almost lost, at Padme Amidala. Yoda also noticed this, as he shrugged an ear before replying, "This is Mrs. Jaina Darklighter. She is currently serving as Senator Organa's body guard, per request of Queen Julia."

Anakin raised a brow, and stepped forward, "Senator Organa?-"

"-attacked by an unknown assailant, he was." Yoda cut him off with the wave of his hand, "Instrumental, Mrs. Darklighter and her husband were in protecting him last night and well trained Force users are they." Unwittingly, Anakin's eyes turned back to Padme for a split second. She looked absolutely downtrodden that one of her best friends was in danger. Anakin offered her sympathy through his eyes before finding Master Yoda once more. The old sage also took note of this uncharacteristic glance with a raised brow. Then he turned and meandered away.

"Is he all right?" Padme almost demanded, following into step as Yoda proceeded back into the building. Her petite frame floated beside the small master, her slightly damp curls falling lower than normal. Try as she might to dry her hair before Clovis had woken up, she just couldn't do so with her mane. She'd felt lucky enough just to get all the oil and grime Anakin had rubbed into her hands, arms and neck off when she washed herself up in the small refresher sink. But these details did not bother her now, nor did she care if anyone noticed.

Bail was on her mind.

"Numerous bacta treatments he has had and assistance breathing he needs." Yoda informed them. "But assured us of a speedy and complete recovery he has." Padme let out a relieved sigh, even as 'Jaina Darklighter' drew near her, staring as though trapped in a trance.

"I suppose I need to stop by the hospital then." Padme mumbled as they neared the doors. The whole while, Clovis could not help but notice that Mrs. Darklighter did not offer anyone but Padme attention. In fact, she also seemed interested to keep her distance from Skywalker. Every time he stepped closer to her, or closer to Padme, Darklighter stepped away. It was actually fascinating to watch and he wondered if he'd found an ally in disliking the man.

"Present at this meeting, Senator Organa is." Yoda informed them carefully, "Concerned, he is. Concerned, we all are." And with that, the doors of the Chancellor's office slid open, revealing many different faces Clovis knew from his time working with the senate. It almost feels like ages ago. He realized, relieved to have this chance.

"Rush Clovis!" Palpatine greeted from behind his desk, "Such an honor to have you back with us. Please... Please, come in."

Had Luke not been suppressing his presence, the whole room would have felt his happiness at finally seeing his father when the doors swung open. Since arriving in the past, part of him wanted simply to run up to the man and just... hug him or something. Be his son. Revel in the years he'd been deprived.

Despite knowing better in Palpatine's presence, Luke kept glancing at the man through the corner of his eye, amazed at how much he truly did resemble him. There was hardly a feature unaccounted for on Luke. But what thrilled him most was all the light he felt emanate from Anakin. Yes, there was darkness there, but even Luke had that... all be it he buried it deep and fought to release it. And yet this man was his father, he was real! Not some bedtime story he'd been assuring himself of since a few months after Bespin. Around that time, he realized that his father had actually grieved when Luke fell from the bannister to his supposed death. Around that time, he knew his father loved him in some twisted way. And, around that time, he resolved to save him from the darkness.

But not everyone felt so strongly about him. In fact, as opposed to her predicted gloominess, Leia seemed far more in awe of something else.

What is the matter? Luke asked from his post behind the airchair ridden Senator Organa. Beside him, Leia turned and smiled at her brother.

She's here! She replied as she stood beside Darth Vader with her best poker face. Though she could already sense the darkness inside of him, small and festering, her eyes could not waver from Senator Amidala. And she felt that staring in awe at her was a lot better than shooting daggers through her eyes at the young Vader.

Luke's eyes followed hers to the senator, his brows raised as he appraised her in reality, finding that her pictures did not do her credit. Especially in comparing her to Leia. You're sure?

Leia unwittingly nodded, fighting tears, Her presence feels just as I remember her. Together, Luke and Leia reveled in the shock and glee of, at last, finding their biological mother. Neither could help but stare at her, to drink in her features, her aura, as corrupted with sadness and confusion as it was. Luke marveled at her kindness and beauty, while Leia found herself reliving her precious memories from just after birth. They'd been mere dreams that she'd preserved mysteriously as a child, something Luke suggested she'd done using the Force without realizing it.

Then her eyes turned to Vader, as though finally remembering he was there, and she fought the urge to glare at him. Part of her was certain he was the reason her mother was so tortured inside.

It was hard for her to be angry at the sight of him, as there was very little that didn't remind her of Luke. He was considerably taller and younger, with slightly darker and wilder hair. When she looked just a bit closer, she could see that he had blue eyes like her brother, though his were more ocean colored than icy. What didn't surprise her about him was his all black and brown wardrobe.

Remember, Luke's voice called to her gently, He is as human as we are. Vulnerable to darkness.

Leia hissed, he's teeming with it very deeply. I think only we can really sense it right now.

There was a pause from Luke, who stared at her, forlorn, across the room with his icy blue eyes. But you are just the same at this moment.

-Because I am around him!-

-He cannot control you. Luke reminded her as he took a slight step her way, putting a reassuring arm around her, Only you can. Do not blame him for your own darkness. Leia knew his order was final. Worse, she knew he was right. Vader had done such horrible, unforgivable things to them, that she was ready to execute him where he stood. But, deep down, she knew that would only make her just like him.

The last thing she wanted.

"So," Bail's mechanical voice boomed through the room, "Let me get this straight? You show up, claiming of some grand scheme in the Banking Clan and expect us to believe you? A traitor?" Clovis did nothing to defend himself straight away, so Bail continued his reprimand, "Do you think we've forgotten how, while you sat in on our very committees, you were funneling money into the Separatist Foundries that have destroyed our homes!?"

Clovis then decided to step in, "I ask no pardon for my crimes." He sounded sincere, even felt that way to the Jedi in the room, except maybe Luke and Leia. And, of course, Anakin Skywalker. They all were inclined to think the same thing. Snake.

The echo in their minds had all their eyes searching the room in confusion. But, despite this peculiarity in the Force, Clovis continued onward, unabated. "I simply ask for the opportunity to do what is right. The Banking Clan is on the verge of collapse." he then took out a data-transponder and pressed the button, "Someone amongst the highest ranks of the Muuns has been siphoning out credits, leaving the vault empty." As his data showed the statistics and numbers, and Palpatines eyes scanned them too quickly.

He's so behind this! Leia realized with chagrin, That clever, devil of a-

Keep your emotions in check! Luke ordered her from beside her with a voice she'd never heard him use before. Luke's voice was always kind and gentle, never urgent or... angry? We have too many of our kind here. Too many damned good ones too!

-But!-

-If we want to keep everyone safe, we cannot blow our cover! Leia sighed as Palpatine spoke, though what he said, she could not recall.

Padme Amidala, however, could. "I was the one that retrieved the data from the vault."

"And your findings?" Palpatine inquired.

"I believe that Senator Clovis is correct." She told him firmly, her voice never wavering. Leia smiled at her. In her youth, her father had told her stories of this senator, proclaiming her a hero amongst the free nations. He provided her with all sorts of articles and tales, that Leia often believed that Padme Amidala was some sort of hero. Fancied her the Senator Supreme. And Leia wanted nothing more, while growing up, than to be just like her. She's just as I'd imagined! Leia decided with a far off gaze. And now I know she's our mother!

She felt Luke's blue eyes turn towards her in humor. I wonder how they will get together... He smirked, using their bond too look through Leia's eyes at her hero and feel her awe. He knew nothing of this woman outside of the few articles he'd read and he wanted to better understand Leia's delight that this woman was their mother. This was a rare time where that intrusion was welcome. Do you think-

-I don't think so. Leia decided quickly, She's way out of Vader's league and doesn't seem the least bit interested in him. Luke tried not to snort. What?

Luke waited a moment while more deliberations were made by various senators, You act so certain that our father is deplorable. Surely she had to love him at some point.

Personally, Leia snapped at him, I'll wager we're the product of rape. Luke sighed audibly, his eyes never leaving his sister. She turned her's to him and realized she'd crossed the line. She'd hurt her brother very deeply. After all, he loved Vader.

"Senator Amidala." Palpatine suddenly said, "I would like you to work closely with Senator Clovis, here, and oversee the matters involving the Banking Clan." He stood and added, "This matter most distresses me, and I hope that you'll conclude your investigations quickly."

Did you feel it? Leia wondered.

Did I feel it? Luke chided her, Master Yoda felt it. Both of them turned their gaze towards Anakin, who stood with rage manifesting in his eyes. They watched him with worry, Luke's heart filling with compassion as Leia's filled with disdain. He's so afraid. Luke realized, surprising his sister, He's afraid of losing her. I... I think... maybe...

No. Leia decided, Padme Amidala is my hero. I know everything about her. She watched as the groups filed out of the room, Palpatine leading the way with Clovis while Amidala and Skywalker leaned to the back behind Organa and Yoda. There is no way she'd stoop to falling for a monster like Vader. It's against her code.

But father wasn't always Vader. You've even said that yourself. Luke reminded her. He watched as everyone filed out, noting how stiffly his father was meandering in the direction of Amidala. And even if she isn't in love with him, Luke realized with a raised brow, this does show how easily Palpatine played with our father's emotions. He knew exactly where to stab him to get that reaction.

Leia had to agree with that remark.

Ever the puppeteer. She realized with a frown, You're right... I'm getting confused... wanting to hate him for so much. He's just one man. One lost and confused man. She went so far as to rub her eyes, trying to push the emotions she was feeling away.

They waited patiently for Amidala and Skywalker to leave, so that they could speak candidly around one another in their usual twin pattern of spoken and unspoken words, but that didn't happen. It seemed that the two forgot that Luke and Leia were there, as once everyone else was out of earshot, they turned and started arguing. Anakin grabbed at Padme's arm and pulled her back.

"What the hell was that about?" He demanded in near fury.

"What was what about?" She replied in clear confusion.

Anakin crossed his arms and stared at her, "Accepting the position? Working with Clovis?"

With brown eyes wide, Padme stepped back and brought her arms out in defense, "Anakin! This is my job! What else was I supposed to do?" Anakin scoffed.

"Uh- say no!" he told her bitterly.

"I can't just say no!" She informed him while stepping forward to eye him sternly, "The chancellor asked me to do this. This is for the good of the republic!"

Waving his arms out to the side, he retorted, "Well, I am asking you not to!" She stared at him incredulously, words failing her as she deliberated what to say next, "And why is everything about Clovis for the good of the republic anyway?"

"I can't believe we are having this conversation." Padme decided, "Every time you do something for the good of the Republic, its celebrations and awe... but with me it's life or death! You can't have that double standard Anakin, no matter what visions you might be having... Our relationship won't survive it!" then suddenly she froze. Her eyes fell on the forms of two young warriors standing by the window in Palpatine's office, staring out the energy panes with the man's arm over the shoulders of his small wife. Did they hear us? She couldn't be certain, the way the man's back was to her. I hope not.

But, knowing there was nothing she could do if they had, she returned to Anakin full force. He too had also stopped, noting the others across the room "Anakin, I am doing this. It is my job and I want to."

"And I demand that you do not."

"Demand!" She almost launched into that one, when suddenly Anakin's eyes darted up. She turned just to find Clovis rounding the corner.

"Coming Padme?" he asked in his debonair tone, his eyes suddenly falling on Anakin. She turned back to the general for a moment, her eyes steeled at his.

"Yes Rush." She told him as she turned about, "I am." When she approached Clovis, he instinctively put his arm around her, his eyes darting back to the very angry Jedi standing in the doorway.

But, even as Anakin watched them walk away, he could do nothing about it. And the frustration was eating away at him. This is her choice. He reminded himself, and it is my job to make sure it doesn't get her killed. Somehow the twins heard that with raised brows and turned toward another. Apart from their bewilderment in hearing their father's internal outbursts, they were overcome with their own reactions to it.

Leia's eyes were watery as she looked into Luke's crystal blue ones. His were certain and there was a smile on his face as he gazed back into her chocolate brown ones, "I think we just answered a big question." He said aloud.

Leia shook her head, refusing to believe that, "We don't know for sure. This could just be a fling or something." Luke eyed her once more, sensing her pain.

"I'm not saying they're married or anything." he pointed out, "But it is nice to know we come from love and not hate or violence." Leia nodded in hearing that, fighting the almost-tears this adventure seemed to enjoy forcing her to shed. She wasn't the type to cry, not once in her life really. She even endured Alderaan's destruction without a singe tear falling, but that didn't mean they hid away from the surface.

That seemed, well, Luke fumbled a moment as he put his comment into carefully arranged words, natural, logical and human. All Leia could do was sigh as her brother kissed her forehead and walked away. He wanted her to digest that on her own.

Author's Note/Commentary: I certainly hope that was as enjoyable for you to read as it was for me to write it!

We are now hitting the point where a lot of my own elements are entering the story. Please, please, please review on what you think of my chapters! I can't stress enough on how much I want to hear from you! There is a lot going on and I'm curious as to what stands out to you, as I am trying to write in lots of surprises and interesting twists. I REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! I find it inspires me to keep writing and I have loved every comment I've received thus far! And many thanks to those who've shared already!

Also, please vote on Shmi's story on my profile page.

Thank you for reading!