Epilogue: Pt 2

From a balcony high above the proceedings, Paul watched as the foursome proudly ascended the stone staircase to the Princess, dressed all in white. As they did, Captain Picard, and the Romulan stepped to up to the landing, and walked behind the Princess, their part of the ceremony apparently complete. When the honorees reached the final step, three of the four stopped. For some reason unknown to Paul, the tall Wookie held a step back. An older man with a full white beard and wearing a light tan overcoat approached the Princess. The man carefully handed the Princess a golden medal with a brown band, identical to those worn now by captain Picard and the Romulan Commander. Starting with Paul's friend, Data, then moving down the line, the princess gently placed a medallion over each of the three men standing before her. The young royal's movements where heavily practiced and ritualized, and carried out with a grace few others could have matched. After each presentation, the princess bowed slightly, and gave the recipient a small respectful smile. But when it was Captain Solo's turn, the princess lingered a moment, and gave the rouge captain of the Millennium Falcon an obvious look of affection, one that Paul could spot easily, even from his elevated position.

And when the princess finished placing the medallion over Commander Skywalker's head, a small white robot, about the size and shape of a metal trashcan with two legs, blurted out a loud and rather annoying series of synthesized tones and beeps, while at the same time, rocking and bouncing from side to side on its two legs. Data, who was examining his new medal with all the wonder and curiosity of a child, looked up, and gave the small robot a questioning look, as did everyone else on the stone stage. After a moment, a golden, humanoid robot, placed a metal hand on the silver dome of small jittery droid, calming the thing with his touch alone, and ending the disruption. The Princess smiled widely, as did Commander Skywalker. Even Han found the exchange entertaining. Data, clearly not understanding as to what was so amusing, twitched his head several times from side to side, then returned his attention to his medal.

When the presentation part of the ceremony had been completed, the four honorees turned to face the audience. When they did, the entire crowd erupted in a roar of applause. The outcry of admiration was nearly enough to drown out the booming sounds of the horns as they sounded a song of victory. It was truly a remarkable sight.

As he watched, Paul thought on the vision he'd had while in his fifteen-hundred year-long trance. He hadn't seen anything specific, it was more a feeling, an understanding of how things were meant to be. Truth. The very truth he saw unfolding before him now.

With the defection of Skywalker and his Imperial officers to the Rebel Alliance, and the cooperation between Romulan and Federation sides, Paul could see the very possible, and very near end to the Galactic Empire, especially under the tutelage of the human citizens of the Federation and their evolved sense of morality, and advanced understanding of diplomacy and cooperation. But Paul knew this journey would not be easy for them.

It was for this reason alone, why he was with them at this very moment. Why he had chosen not to participate in their ceremony. He selfishly wanted to, to be a part of their society. But he knew that would be a mistake. For that possible future he saw in his vision to thrive and blossom, these people had to see themselves not as many, but as one. One people fighting for a common cause. That their victory was just that…theirs, and theirs alone. His presence would only serve to distract them from that truth, possibly even serve as a catalyst for many within their ranks to form their own truth. One that would allow them to fall back on what they were most comfortable with, a familiar enemy. Paul knew, he was not yet ready to join them. He knew he was right. And that brought him comfort.

In the shadows, hidden from the world, Paul leaned over the balcony far above the proceedings. His prescient visions had left him. What lie beyond the next dune of time, was invisible to him now. And he preferred it that way. He stood, turned his back to the grand assembly chamber, and walked to the opposite side of the balcony, through a small opening that led to a secluded terrace that looked out on the heavily forested canopy of the lands that surrounded the ancient temple. Paul basked in the glory of the morning sunlight as he looked out on the smoky horizon. One day he would join this new world. But that day was not yet here. Calmness settled within him as he was finally able to relax, and reminisce on the wonders he had witnessed…And what was yet to come…

… He couldn't wait to find out…

End: The Scattering