I DO NOT OWN STARWARS IT IS PROPERTY OF LUCAS FILM AND DISNEY
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AN: Special thanks to B-Kira, zade12, JimmyHall24, Jadaerys, riml, Guest, ThunderSphinx, for reviewing
AN: I used some the Great ReSynchronization and the rebellion general I used the information from Wookieepidia for information about these events.
AN: I am overwhelmed with the amount of people like my story! Thank you so much reading my story it keeps me writing!
15 BBY
It was a beautiful cloudless day on the Varykino estate. The Naberrie's gathered in the dining room. It was decorated in metallic spirals, glitter and different decorations for a life day party. Jobal was in the kitchen prepare the cake for the little party the family made up for the youngest Naberrie.
Padmé was starting to catch some heat from Empire. Somehow her name was leaked to the Empire. On top of that Ahsoka alerted her and Bail about what happened in the mountains.
The Togruta female being the vigilant being that she is, had started to notice the different patrols that the Stormtroopers were running. Near the Palace, and the in mountains. She managed to capture the speeder that was tailing her into the mountains while wearing her brown cloak.
The ex-Padawan was able to interrogate the pilot and agent on board.
They both were both Darth Vader's agents. The two were searching for a disturbance of sorts. Something on Alderaan the Sith Lord wants.
After she extracted that information she wiped their minds, she took the speeder with them in it and dumped it in a secluded part of the capital.
Ahsoka fears now that Vader suspects that there is something on the planet like a Jedi or a force sensitive. She knew Darth Vader could not come after them on Alderaan with the crafted image that Empire must maintain.
Bail and Padmé had told her of the previous incident when Vader had arrived on the planet. It kept the prince on edge when he was near the Sith Lord ever since.
So Padmé and Ahsoka felt that Leia would be safer away from Alderaan for a while….
Padmé was growing a little fearful when one of the rebellion spies reported that they have heard her name in passing, the one she goes by now. Bail had a record made of her with a fake picture of someone who was long deceased. She hopes that it will be enough for her to stay hidden.
She knew Alderaan would be the first place they would look for her. So, the Nubian woman decided she needed to step back from the main rebellion for a while. She also thought it would be good for her and Leia to stay away from Alderaan until things cooled off.
So, for the past two months all three of them, with their droids have been living on Naboo on Varykino estate.
Padmé thought it was dangerous being there because of the ties she has there along with Emperor. Not forgetting the never-ending threat of Darth Vader.
But was reassured by Obi-Wan Bail and Ahsoka that being with her family was safest for her and Leia. Varykino was also secluded enough in lake country. The Stormtroopers hardly left Theed.
Padmé hated being just restricted to the house. Not being able to show her daughter her homeworld. The beautiful structures, the marketplace. Her legacy to the people of Naboo.
The former senator though managed to keep busy helping the rebellion from her office in the estate. This break meant she got to see her nieces, her sister, and parents a lot more. She was also able to enjoy the things in little ways about her homeworld that she missed so much.
Ahsoka took to the natural environment well too. It was a little easier to blend in with the Gungans on the planet. It was amazing for her to see such a paradise. She had one mission here but never got to fully enjoy being around such a natural wonder.
Leia, though she loved the sunshine and livelihood of the planet, she was incredibly lonely. She missed Winter, Bail, and Breha terribly. The little girl also missed Alderaan's landscapes and trips up to the mountain cottage. The snowcapped mountains and overall mystic of it.
The Alderaanian princess, with all this time, was starting her education. Learning her numbers colors, the basics of reading and arithmetic. She had an education with Threepio, holovids and her mother would teach her. Artoo was teaching the little girl binary too.
In her time alone she started holding meetings with her stuffed animals. Talking to them, arranging them, or using the force on them. Just minor pushes her and there.
Leia would pretend that the stuffed animals were the Senate.
She took an instant shine when she first saw some of her mother's speeches, her father's speeches, her grandfather's work and the way the chancellor would address the whole Senate. So much so she started to act them on her own. It warmed her mother's heart to see her daughter starting to admire her work.
Ahsoka was starting teaching Leia with basic mediations to help her control the force around. Leia was growing stronger every day, and her determination has managed to show through.
Today, Leia and her family celebrated her life day near the lake. Then the entire family left it early to have a nice dinner for Leia. Padmé was all smiles most of the day, but everyone knew why she was sad. Her mother, sister, and father knew why Padmé is feeling even more despair.
There was a little time in between clearing the table that Padmé took a break from the party. She knew that Leia was being doted on by her cousins, grandfather, and uncle.
The former queen just needed a minute to breathe.
This day is just a reminder of what could have been for Padmé and her family.
Padmé walked silently to the same balcony that held so many memories.
With the sun setting over the horizon, she reflected where her life is now. How it was a joy to see her daughter grow, as she grew taller this year. Seeing her start her education, her milestones and the mannerism she is developing.
Padmé is grateful to be alive too. To continue her work in the shadow of the Empire. To be with her family, her daughter, and her friends. To live for the people of the galaxy who need her to fight.
She then thought about how close she came from leaving everything she loved.
Padmé closed her eyes.
But a part of her longs to see her son. Luke. Growing along with his sister, maybe with Anakin's eyes, his hair, and his beautiful smile.
Still trying to construct that face from the brief time she saw him.
The two of them would fight or cause destruction, they would laugh, they would be together…. have a bond that she would never understand. A mix of her and Anakin, the good and the bad.
She longs to have her husband with her too. Anakin. Having him show how much he loves her. Giving her that loving smile that always lit up the galaxy around him. Holding her to shut out the rest of the galaxy.
He would be doting on both their children. Holding them as climb all over him. Smiling and laughing along with them. He would be there for their life day, millstones and all those important moments. Giving them love and care.
Their son and daughter.
But that is not her life now. Her son is gone and so her husband. Causalities of a tyrant and his quest for never-ending power.
Her life now is just a never-ending fight, coupled with pain and anguish. Full of the never-ending longing of what could have been.
Still looking one the vast ocean, Ahsoka found Padmé. The force sensitive being felt the melancholy rolling off her friend in waves. Ahsoka knew why.
Anakin
It was another year he was gone, another year of him not seeing Leia.
Ahsoka thought Padmé was thinking about that awful time shortly before Leia was born. She knows how Padmé still blames herself for all that went wrong.
The sadness for Padmé always seemed to spike around this time. Leia's life day, and her wedding anniversary. Ahsoka had also noticed there was always this deep sense of longing that was even more pronounced today.
"Padmé…" This caused the Nubian to break her concentration on the endless ocean. She turned around to the woman who has been one of her biggest supporters over the last two years.
"Your mother is ready to serve the cake…and Leia is getting a little…impatient." She added with a little chuckle at the end.
"We better not keep the Princess waiting," Padmé said with a light chuckle and smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. Ahsoka resisted the urge to say something.
The two women made their way to the dining room in silence.
Ahsoka went into the dining room to be with the rest of the Naberrie's, while Padmé stayed back to shut off the lights. The family included Darred, Ryoo, Pooja, Sola, and Ruwee. The whole family had welcomed the Togruta with open arms when she first arrived at the estate.
The lights had shut off in the in the dining room, then a medium-sized cake with four candles in the middle that were lit was brought in Jobal. It was decorated with yellow and pink icing and had some colored flowers iced on to it.
Padmé started singing the traditional Naboo life day song as it was placed in front of Leia. Then the rest of the family joined in the song.
Leia had the biggest smile and felt the love and care of all the people in this room. When the song ended, she blew out the candles. Leia made a wish in her heart.
For her mother to be happy.
Leia is starting to become attuned to her mother's emotions. She felt this great sadness coming from her, especially on this day. One day she hoped that her mother would be truly happy.
o-o-o
Once the cake was eaten and more love was shared, everyone went to bed.
Padmé quickly became restless so she got up in her nightgown, threw a robe on and made her way to her study.
In that room, she looked inside one of the dressers in the deepest corners of drawers that was covered by other miniscle trinkets.
It was a steel box, it contained her most treasured objects.
She punched the code that was on the top of the box. The first thing she saw was a gift from a lifetime ago from a kind little boy, one who she always had remembered even after all those years. She caressed the grooves of the handmade pendant.
The Japor Snippet.
It was something the little boy told her will always bring her good fortune. The same boy who told one day she was going to be his wife…
She moved on to the next object. As a tear streaked down her face.
It was darker blond hair, twisted up in a long braid. The braid was soft, thin, and had beads that were worked into the hair. It was just hair to most, but to her, it was one of the few things her husband ever had.
His Padawan braid.
He gave this to her, his journey through his Jedi training. It was something he worked very hard for and gave it to her as token as his love. Because he could not give her a ring.
Finally, to the two pieces of paper that she picked up. The two greatest gifts her husband ever gave her. The first one.
Luke Ruwee Skywalker
Born: 16:5:24, Polis Massa
Time: 0406
Weight: 3.40 Kg.
Height: .48 M.
Mother: Padmé Amidala Naberrie-Skywalker
Father: Anakin Skywalker
And the second…
Leia Shmi Skywalker
Born: 16:5:24, Polis Massa
Time: 0419
Weight: 3.03 Kg.
Height: .43 M.
Mother: Padmé Amidala Naberrie-Skywalker
Father: Anakin Skywalker
Another tear fell down her cheek.
Bail, with all the chaos going on after the delivery of her children, had managed to print out each birth certificate. He then destroyed the records, the video in her room and shut off the security cameras for the next in her wing.
The Alderaanian prince gave them to Padmé when she arrived at the Palace. She put each certificate in the steel box that had Anakin's Padawan braid, the holovid of her wedding, and her Japor Snippet.
Padmé was happy that her children at least had proof of their existence in this world. Even it was a piece of paper.
When she got the news of Luke's and Anakin's death, she had Luke's birth certificate laminated. Then Padmé moved the box where she knew she could keep it safe. Where she also wouldn't be tempted, to hold these objects for hours and cry.
Padmé had held these objects and cried when she came to visit Varykino. This is though, the first time she had done this on their life day.
It was proof that he was real. Her son. Even if he was gone now.
She was lost in a sea of despair with his birth certificate for another few minutes. Till her sister coming in broke her out of her misery.
Sola walked in, to the sight of her sister in pain. It broke every part her to see her like this. Her older sister knew this was going to be hard for her, she could only imagine that kind of pain.
Ruwee was not far behind when he followed his oldest daughter to see Padmé. At times like this, he regrets pushing his daughter going into politics at such a young age. To fight for so long, to have the only things you truly care about cruelly ripped from you.
He thought this when he followed her casket down the street of Theed. Along with that empty void that was his daughter, and the other grandchild he never got to meet. But the feeling was worse seeing his daughter now. Now she must experience this kind of pain, losing one of her children along with her husband.
"Padmé..." Sola softly says to bring her sister out her dreariness.
Padmé looked up at her two-family members who caught her in the study. She could not hide her tears so she placed the box down on her desk, and jumped into the arms of her sister and father.
The former senator stayed that way for the next ten minutes, sobbing into their arms.
She finally calmed down enough to move to one of the few sofa chairs that were in the study. Both her father and sister moved two chairs to face Padmé.
Wiping her tears, she handed the piece of paper in her hand to her sister. Sola's face instantly fell when she saw what it was. She passed over to her father who had the same look of sorrow cross his face.
"…I gave him that name because he was going be my light in this dark galaxy." A stray tear went down her face. "… then she came out close behind…I gave her the name Leia…she was a warrior coming out of me… and I know she is going to be a warrior in this galaxy…" she walked over slowly and handed Sola Leia's certificate.
"… Anakin's mother died so I thought I would honor her memory that way…" she returned to her seat. She looked up again at her father smiling at Luke's certificate "… I knew that he would be the only grandson so…" She let a sigh "… I wanted to have a part of you with my son…"
Her lips started to form into a smile. The former senator looked at her sister, her father; she looked less sad, the best she had all day. "… when I told Anakin, I was pregnant… he was happy… the happiest I have seen him in a long time…" She saw her sister's smile, contrasted to her father who's face hardened as heard Anakin's name.
"… I ordered the medi-droid not tell me the gender… so when either of them started kicking…I would say he was kicking…" she finished a little chuckle. "…one day Anakin felt them kick…I insisted it was a boy… he was insisting our child was a girl…" a small tear fell down her cheek "… I can see now, that we were both right…" Padmé gave another smile to this fond memory.
"…Did you think he was ready." Ruwee asked it has been something that has been bothering him for a while. He never understood why his daughter kept her marriage and pregnancy a secret. Why he never had that one on one with Anakin. He trusts his daughters' judgment and he knows that she is a strong woman.
But he did not trust Anakin, he did not know him. Anakin lied to him too when he first met him. Ruwee saw it, he saw the eyes he held for her at the table that day at lunch.
There is a part of Padmé's father that is angry that he left her behind with all this pain.
Alone.
"Ready for what dad?" Padmé said a bit crossly she knew from that tone what he was insinuating.
"Fatherhood, marriage, to give up his life as a Jedi." Padmé looked offended by what her father was insinuating.
"Padmé I don't want to fight….it's just I wanted to know…" Padmé's face started to soften at his words. This has been something she has wrestled with since she had married Anakin. She only sees now how different everything could have been.
"I just wanted to know who he was… the man the captured my daughters' heart." He looked at his daughter a sorrowful look.
"I would have been relived…" surprise flashed across Padmé's face at her father's words. "…although a life of a Jedi left no room for being married, I always feared that you would end up with a politician… and I know how dangerous they are…" Padmé face still looked over in shock.
Ruwee continued."… From the very brief time I met, he seemed like a nice young man… strong, and protective…" Padmé's face started to form into a smile.
"I know you told us why you married him… but what surprised me is that you did after so little time… how long…a week?" Padmé never told her parents what she went through during that time of the Trade Federation crises. Or about the little boy and his mother who helped them.
"I knew him long before then…" Padmé started then told her father and sister about their first meeting seventeen years ago.
Ruwee and Sola took in the tale with smiles.
But it broke their hearts a little that Anakin was not here with them to share it with them.
"Although I am not happy with what you two did…I can't deny that he gave you the two greatest gifts of all…" he said with a sad smile.
"They are the best gifts he has ever given me, and we treasured every moment they were together." Padmé continued to converse with her sister till the late hour caught up with her father and sister.
Feeling emotionally drained from all the excitement and grief Padmé took both certificates a placed them in the box. Still looking at her son's birth certificate she picked it up again. She gave another longing look, put her lips up to where his name was and gave it a light kiss.
"Happy Life day Luke." She caressed his name on last time and put back in the box among the other treasures. She locked the box again and put it back deep in the dresser again.
Padmé walked to the room of her sleeping daughter. She went to her bedside looked at her daughter, kneeled kissed her forehead, and whispered: "Happy Life day Leia."
o-o-o
A month passed and bought a normal routine for Leia on Naboo. Some days she would spend in the study with her mother, other days she spends with Ahsoka doing her Jedi lessons.
Leia though did like to cause mischief.
She would use the force to move objects out the staff's reach. Taking her mother's papers and holo's. Even taking some of Ahsoka's meditation crystals.
Of course, this answered with punishments. Leia would moan and groan but she would take her punishment and tried not to let happen again.
But one day she went too far with one of her stunts. Leia switches one of her mother's datapads that had contained the plans for a new rebel base that Padmé was directly involved in, with one of Leia's educational databases.
Padmé started panicking because these were the specs for her next mission. It was something she fought to get moving since she started with the rebellion and it was finally coming together. The messenger for those plans took longer to deliver them, then both she and Bail anticipated.
The former senator had it on her desk and was ready to look at them. The datapad at first glance was just like any she had seen. She pushed the button and was confused by what she saw.
She started to panic because she thought lost the blueprints for the base. Padmé like a mad woman started searching through all the different datapads and files in her study. Until she heard the high pitch of Leia's favorite Ewok coming from the device.
Relief filled the former senator, she knew what datapad was. But then she was immediately filled with anger. She knew the games her daughter likes to
Of course, I would spawn a daughter who is as reckless as her father!
Thought Padmé as she made her way to find her daughter that day.
The rebel leader caught her daughter with the datapad in her hand. The normally collected and calm senator was ashamed that her temper was as if she was facing Darth Vader himself. She didn't lay a hand on Leia, but the Princess was crying and regretful afterward.
Padmé said she was sorry too. She knows that she misses her family and Alderaan. The former senator explained why to her daughter why she is working tirelessly to end this struggle.
While Padmé was understanding with her antics she could not let this go unpunished. So, Leia was earned a week in her room and no dessert.
Leia was slowly mastering her meditations, used the time to immerse herself into the force. By the end of the week, Leia reached out further into the force than she ever attempted before.
She was so deep she felt her body leave her room. When she opened her eyes, she fell flat on her bottom in a black carpeted room.
Leia a little confused and scared, looked around and took in the room that she was in. She started panicking a little bit.
It was a little dark, black carpeted, with the black bed. The room had Starfighter wallpaper and it was big, like hers.
The room also had toys scattered across the floor. Toy Starfighters, mechanics prices, some chrome cylinder, and two dolls. Dolls that she would play with.
Leia went over to the dolls to examine and even play with them.
"Hey!" Said a voice that was trying to be commanding but still was a little child's voice.
Leia spun around in her bright yellow dress, it caused her to swing the single braid down her back like a whip. To face the sound of the voice.
In front, she was a little boy who looks about her age. He was in a black flight suit, he had a blonde mop of hair, blue eyes and had an air of command that he was trying to covey.
"Don't touch those doll they aren't yours!" Said the boy. She felt the anger starting to roll of the boy.
This triggered Leia. She didn't know where she was, and she was confused. So, that infamous temper of hers started to flare.
The dolls were the only things that were making her feel safe. Now she had enough of what this boy was insinuating.
"I wasn't going to touch them! Why do have them any way you're a boy!" Leia ran straight toward the boy and tackled him. After a couple of minutes of a scuffle between the two, Leia had had him pinned.
The boy didn't fight back and tried to reason with her. "Why you pushing me!" He shouted. "Those my sister's dolls. Daddy says don't let strangers touch them!" The little boy was starting to get angry too.
Leia with her senses coming back to her, she let the boy go.
"I'm sorry. Don't know where I am. I saw the dollies and thought they will help me get home…" Leia said in a panicked voice.
The rest of the anger disappearing from the little boy he saw and felt Leia's fear. "It s'okay. If you want to know where you are you're in my room." Leia perked up at this.
"Your room?" said the Princess, followed by a weird look. She knew what was on his comforter. It was something her mom, dad, other mom, and aunt Ahsoka said was the brand of the Empire.
"Yeah, when I am not on my daddy's ship with my sister." He felt her relax a little. "How you're here?" he then asked.
Leia was a little wary. Ahsoka and her mom told her not to reach out to anyone. That there are bad people who want to use her special gift. Especially the people with that symbol.
But on the other hand, both her mothers' and father taught her to be kind and care for others. Also, it is important to give everyone a chance, no matter who they are.
Leia still reluctant, moved closer to the boy in front of her. The little boy started studying the girl in front of him.
"I was in my room, I reacheded out in the force and I'm here." She left out how lonely and desperate she was to be around a friend.
The boy gave her an astonished look. "I did the same thing, I come here to be lone. I got in trouble and groundeded. I come here smotime when that happen." Leia listened him intently finding out about him before she said something about herself.
"Are you some sort of space pilot?" Leia asked. She noticed his suit, wallpaper, and the toys. She always this blunt about things sometimes.
He lightly chuckled. It made Leia smile.
"That's what my daddy calls me." he said with a smile.
"My daddy calls me a princess." Feeling more comfortable as she spent more time she spent with him. The boy gave a light chuckle to that as well. "What so funny?" she asked with a smile.
"Because you look like one, my daddy told me about them." The little boy felt the princess lighten up at this. "Do you want to play with me. We can use my toys." He gave her a smile.
"I thought was not allowed to touch them." She said condescendingly.
"Yes, but you're not a stranger no more." The blonde boy countered.
Leia thought about it, she did have a few hours till her mom came to her room. She also knew Ahsoka was off somewhere in the meadow. This little boy didn't give off any cold feelings he was just as bright as Ahsoka and Obi-Wan.
"Ok." Said Leia with a big smile.
Hours had passed and Leia was surprisingly having fun with the Starfighters. They would work together and make different flight patterns.
In the middle of a Starfighter motion, Leia heard her mother call her. Not knowing what to do she dropped the toy and vanished.
The little boy was focused on the motion of the Starfighters. He turned his head to say something to her and then noticed she was gone.
Leia woke up on the floor of her room. Her dress was pooled around her and her hair was lose up top.
"Leia!" She heard her mother and snapped out her fog.
"Yes!" she shouted then heard her mother open the door. Padmé gave her daughter a big smile and made her way to give her a hug. Leia tried get her mom to pick her up, but was rebuffed by her mother and she started to frown.
"Leia, I can't pick you up anymore you are getting so big." She said as she gently grasped Leia's chin. Leia still had a sour look from what she told her.
"Come Leia, dinner is ready." Leia's smile widened at the prospect of food. She was happy to see her mother and they had a nice dinner. But the princess never told her about the new friend that she made that day.
o-o-o
Another couple of weeks passed by and Padmé was becoming anxious. She was getting things set to leave for Dantooine. The former senator had helped rebel leader Garm Bel Iblis coordinate and gather all the necessary resources to make this base possible. They never met face to face and he was not aware of her true identity.
Bail and Mon had worked hard to keep her hidden. When she was present for meetings her identity was counseled and she was always shown over a hologram She wears a cloak with her hood pulled over, and a scarf covering her face, leaving only her eyes visible. That is how she planned the beginning stages of this base with Garm.
Now she has a two-week trip to the Outer Rim planet to start breaking ground for the base. That meant Padmé would have to be away from Leia for that long for the first time in her young daughter's life. The rebel leader was leaving her in the care of Ahsoka and Obi-Wan.
Though she thinks that was not the best idea.
When Obi-Wan returned from one of his missions, he told Padmé that he had reconnected Satine briefly. He told her that he told the Duchess everything that happen, with her and Anakin.
Then Padmé was surprised at what the Auburn Jedi admitted to her, how he didn't want to leave the duchess. How he selfishly wanted to stay with her. How he just wanted leave all his teachings behind to be with the woman he loved.
Padmé told him that she understood what he was going through. What she went through during Clone Wars with her husband.
She noticed Obi-Wan's face when she brought up Anakin. It was the same flash of pain, followed by anger and guilt. There also something there in his eyes like he is on the verge of telling her something.
Something important.
When she did talk Obi-Wan, she tried to not bring Anakin up. The best that she could. She knew what the Jedi master went through when he saw Anakin slay the younglings. The utter betrayal he felt. Then seeing Anakin slayed in front of him.
But Padmé knew why that was not real reason why he was so broken now.
The former senator saw the news a year ago about Satine. How she was callously killed by Darth Vader. She lost one of her good friends. But what shattered even more when she saw Obi-Wan.
The Jedi was worse than when he saw Anakin die, when he found Luke. He looked more beaten down and broken then he has before.
He collapsed on a Rebel transport and did not regain consciousness till he made it to the cottage on Alderaan. Ahsoka gave him the news shortly after, then he completely broke down. The ever cautious, light hearted Obi-Wan was completely destroyed.
It took him months to come close to being ok. He helped move Leia and Padmé to Naboo. Helped some the Jedi who comed him on his comlink.
This hardened Obi-Wan won't be scene without a flask now.
Padmé losing her friend to that coward had hardened her even more too. Her resolve in destroying the Empire had become stronger.
But she had become more reckless and brazen. She is sure that is how her name was exposed to the Empire.
The former queen found Obi-Wan Kenobi on the balcony staring out on the vast ocean.
"Obi-Wan…" He turned around to face her.
"I have to leave soon and I want to go over a few things for Leia before I go…" she told him her eating schedule, her educational schedule, when she had her Jedi lessons, and the rules she had to follow. She noticed his broken expression that has become a permanent fixture on his face.
Leia finished getting ready for her day in her she went in search of her mother. She knew that she was leaving today and it sadden her a little bit. But was excited to see her uncle.
Leia wore a light green dress and her hair was done up in an elaborate coiffure twin-bun hairstyle that originated from Naboo. Leia with a bit of enthusiasm made her way to the balcony.
Then she saw her mother, she wore a simple purple dress that was completely covered by a rich, olive cloak.( cloaks that have become a permanent fixture in her mother's wardrobe.) Her hair was up in the same hairstyle as her daughter.
"There is my little Ewok…" Padmé gave her a warm smile, and a big hug. She kneeled to be at the same level as her daughter.
"… now I want you to be good for Obi-Wan. I promise you I will be home soon as I can. If you want to talk to me you need to use Obi-Wan's special comlink, ok…" Leia gave her mother a nod. "…I love you Leia." She gave her a big hug that lasted an eternity. Padmé reluctantly pulled apart from her daughter, and she kissed her on her head.
Then she pulled her hood over, and wrapped a matching scarf to completely covered her face, leaving only her eyes visible. She then made her way to the water speeder to took her to Theed with Obi-Wan and Leia watching on.
o-o-o
The rebellion leader boarded a refugee transport to Alderaan. From there the rebels had another transport under the guise as a spice freighter ship to the Outer Rim planet.
It was the early morning on the pleasant world of grasslands, rivers and lakes. Padmé along with some rebellion fighters took the speeder to the caves of the badlands.
Still with her hood up and face covered she made her way to the small hut that she knew housed Garm Bel Iblis.
He was a former senator for Corellia. She never worked with him personally but she knew of distaste for the power the chancellor had, and was even more out spoken against the Empire.
He had he started to publicly speaking out against the emperor. This lead to the murder of his wife and children by Imperial agents three years ago. From then on, the former senator work tirelessly for the rebellion. He was introduced to Ara a year ago by name over a hologram. They both collaborated on the base plans, and ways to band the resistance groups though technology. He has never seen her face.
Garm was a military strategist so she had to adjust her way of thinking make head way with her partner.
Padmé still in her cloak went to the center of the room where he was looking through the copy of blue prints. He looked up and saw the woman he had been collaborating with.
"It is good finally meet you in person Ms. Curran." he held out an arm for her to shake his hand and she took it.
"It good to finally meet you too senator." She said as he shook his hand.
"Please call me general… that title has brought me nothing but grief, especially since the ascension of the Empire." Garm said in almost a matter of fact tone.
Padmé nodded. Before she left Alderaan, she had a discussion with Bail and Mon about telling the former Corelliain senator about her identity.
All three had fiercely debated for over an hour about the pros and cons. In the end Padmé decided he would know the truth, since he had become an important part of the rebellion.
"General Bel Iblis before we go any further I feel I should let you know my true face." Garm gave her a look. She took off her hood and the scarf covering her face.
Her hair was still up in the space buns, and she had a serious expression on her face.
The rebellion leader had a brief look of shock flash through his face, it settled quickly and his lips curled into a smile.
"Since we started working together, it was hard to reconcile the knowledge that you had with the career that you had before the fall of the republic." He gave a light chuckle. "It was also a little strange that a woman of that stature would keep their identity a secret. I now know why." He said in his thick Corelliain accent.
"I am glad you are not angry and you understand my need for secrecy…" she took a pause. "…I also must still keep appearances, I fear that along with our spies we started placing in the Empire, we have spies among our ranks…" Looking at Garm to see his reaction, she continued. "…I need to keep my identity under wraps, I can't let the Empire knowing who I truly am." She said in a serious voice.
"Of course. I could not let that happen to you. You are one of the most valuable figures in this rebellion." Padmé gave a warm smile to that. There was a short pause and Garm looked at the senator with another expression.
"…I hate to ask but I saw your funeral…I need to know…your child?" she saw it there in his eyes, the hope that somehow that was a lie too.
"My daughter had her fourth life day this year. I have her hidden well." This earned a smile from the hard general.
Padmé heard from Bail about his family. Though his wife was a supporter of the Empire, it was still terrible the way his family had been destroyed.
She knew all too well how cruel they were to her family.
After that they both went on for hours about the sight they were going to break ground and the different workers they were going to get for it.
o-o-o
The base was near the caves that housed the crystals that are used to create lightsabers. They are a natural force shield for the base.
The workers are dedicated to the cause and the former senator could not be happier.
Padmé away from the main construction, sat in the cave and admired the different color crystals that were present around the cave. Covered in a black cloak and scarf closed her eyes.
"When I finished my light saber Obi-Wan said to me 'Anakin this weapon is your life'" the Jedi held up his chrome cylinder, one that showed the skills as a warrior and mechanic.
"This weapon is my life..."
The two of them were in her office in the senate. Anakin was worried for her after the latest threats against the senate and it was the little time they spent together.
He moved it down to put her hand. But she pulled her hand away to attempted to not take it.
"No Anakin I can't…" she said as tried to push his hand away. "A Jedi's lightsaber is…" she felt Anakin take her hand and push the weapon into it.
"Wow…. heavier than I thought." She finished with a light chuckle. It was heavy and in that moment, she was amazed that her husband could gracefully wield it.
She then looked up into her husband's eyes.
"It's yours. Believe me now?"
Padmé opened her eyes. She looked at the lighter blue crystals. She thought back when he gave her his lightsaber for protection that day.
But it also made her think of what her did with that same weapon… shortly before he was killed.
The Jedi, his friends… the younglings.
That was big reason why she had Ahsoka looking after it. It was hard to forgive the atrocities that he had committed. To reconcile the monster, he had become with the man she had married. It also still terrified her to see what evil he truly was capable of.
The Rebel leader still harbored some guilt with what happened. What she should have done.
She was also trying to search for the reason…why? Why slaughter your friends and children? Why did he turn to dark side? There had to be a reason…
Before that thought could spiral any farther, she got up and made her way to the base.
She forced herself to refocus on the base she was trying to get build as quickly as possible.
Padmé Amidala won't allow herself to be weak in front of these Rebel fighters.
She had to be strong…
o-o-o
Obi-Wan had enjoyed the time he was spending with Leia. At first he was at a loss of what to do. Here was this little girl and the only experience he with a youngling was teaching them lightsaber techniques.
So, Leia being the natural leader that she was, lead the auburn Jedi to her room which contained stuffed animals set up an odd manner. She then pulled him to a table that she used as a podium.
He gave the little girl a curious look. He was confused on what to do. Leia read this from the older Jedi. "We are playing senate, I am the representative from Alderaan, and you the chancellor."
He gave her another look, still lost on what to do.
"You suppose to make a speech or motion something. You the chancellor!" she finished with an exasperated sigh
A sigh that was reminiscent of Anakin.
"Ok, I think I am ready now." Obi-Wan made a motion to tell Leia needed an earlier bed time. Leia was as graceful and fierce as her mother countered Obi-Wan with some arguable points. She then had one of her stuffed Gungans support her claims.
They both continued their game for a couple of hours till both of their stomachs told them it was time to eat.
Obi-Wan let himself smile for the first time since he got the news about Satine's death.
He mulled over his thoughts as Leia was talking up a storm about all her subjects, what her likes and dislikes. While C-3PO made dinner for the two.
The auburn Jedi felt the pure joy of being around the little girl, who was this incredible bright light.
But it didn't completely draw out the pain he had when he looks at her.
When he sees a lot of her father in her. The Master Jedi saw it briefly when they were playing her senate game, the arguments she had with him. He saw her raw passion for her believes and how far she was willing to go to prove them.
He is still heartbroken when he thinks of her father, and the path he had taken. To see what he has done to the galaxy. Just like the battle on Mustafar Obi-Wan is looking for a glimmer anything close to who his brother use to be.
The former master thoughts stayed with him when he put Leia to sleep.
Obi-Wan knew in the deepest part of his soul, that his next meeting with Darth Vader will be their last.
Not tired yet Obi-Wan went to the balcony that emulated peace. The calm air and vast ocean gave the aging Jedi the atmosphere to mediate.
Something he did not have the fight to do since he loss Satine.
Satine...
It still is painful to think about her. He tried to keep up with the news about Mandalore the best he could. But he constantly had to stay hidden and the move during that time.
One day last year, while he was on a scouting mission for the new base, he felt it in his heart. The absolute terror and aguish in that moment his beloved was slain.
Then he heard what he thought was a little girl scream in terror, followed by her cries.
He felt her pain too.
The Jedi collapsed on the Rebel transport and did not wake up till he reached the mountain cottage on Alderaan.
There Ahsoka showed him news on the HoloNet about Mandalore. It destroyed him to see her dead body displayed like that.
Not becoming of a Jedi, Obi-Wan also felt a spark of anger spawned from vengeance at the person that took her life, and what was left of his…
Darth Vader.
The person who continues to taunt and torture his soul, by mimicking the person who was his brother.
Obi-Wan knew her death was message to him. And it made the pain that much worse.
Like everyone else he has failed.
Closing his eyes, the Jedi settled into an easy mediation, trying to release all his pain into the force.
o-o-o
The two force sensitive beings had bonded over the next week they had together. Leia still had her educational lessons, and Jedi lessons. They both played with numerous amount of games. Dress up, tea parties, dolls and more.
Leia loved playing with her uncle Ben. It was good to be around someone she loved. She missed her daddy and was happy to be with a father figure.
But like her mom, she felt a great sadness coming from him. Leia also thought he wanted to do more boy things. She thought about how much fun she had playing with her friend a short while back.
So, it was a surprise what Leia asked in the middle of a tea party surprised the older Jedi. "Uncle Ben?" his blue-gray eyes peered at her curiously.
"What is it young one?" He asked in a gentle voice.
"I know you not use to girl things…do you want to do something like…I don't know play with boys' stuff…like Starfighters?" This surprised Obi-Wan, he is sure that her mother would not want her flying in those things.
"What do you mean Leia?" Trying to see where this conversation was going. It was concerning the old master a little bit.
"I mean…I wanna be fair…I won't mind if…we play…with toy Starfighters…I had fun with them once..." She said innocently.
Obi-Wan gave the little girl a look of surprise. He was sure that Padmé would not have Starfighter or any toys for little boys. It would be too painful.
"When did you play with these Starfighters?" Obi-Wan asked in a lighter conversational tone.
"I playeded with them with my friend…the space pilot." She said eagerly. "I was in is room and we played with them."
Then Obi-Wan gave a chuckle to that, a space pilot. It was probably just her imagination. She was lonely and her mother did express her worry about it.
"Don't worry little one, I am more than happy to continue this lovely tea party we are having." Obi-Wan reinforced that he was okay with playing along, it dropped Leia talking about her friend.
Her friend that she met though the force.
The little Nubian girl did not realize how important her new friend was to her uncle or her mother.
AN: I do not have a Bata reader but I am always trying to fix my story so as I updated the earlier chapter might change
AN: Review, Review, Review! I want to know what you like about the story!