A/N: I thought I was done with the chapter; however, the inspiration for Nanette agreed with her portrayal, but she said my facts about labor and babies born at 36 weeks were completely off base, contradicting my research. As she just had a baby in real life, I'm not going to fight her. I sent the chapter back for an approval of the changes, but I never got said approval. If what I have said is totally off base, I apologize. I made many of the changes she requested, but I kept some of the things from my research. If you would like links from my research, I will be more than happy to send them in a PM per request. If anyone can give me a detailed account of their childbirth experience or are a labor and delivery nurse/OBGYN/Midwife, I'm more than happy to listen to make written accounts as accurate as possible going forward. Many blessings. -M

The morning after the dinner, I turned on the Holonet and brewed caf. I wanted my stimulant and I wanted it now.

As the hot beverage finally finished, I poured a slightly over zealous amount into a large, insulated tumbler and doctored it to hide the bitter taste

Just as I put the cup to my lips the entertainment segment of the news began, the hosts of the program rehashing the dinner the night before. They began going over the best dressed, which led with Rhoda, of course. They went on down the list, and then I popped up.

I nearly choked.

They called me almost unrecognizable, but they didn't stop there.

"Speaking to the young Jedi was off limits as she is still under the Skywalker roof, so we asked Rhoda about the ensemble to try and gain some insight."

"Moonglider? I dressed her myself. My design, my makeup, and my crew. Who says I can't try something new, like maternity? I am Rhoda and I can do what I want."

I quickly shut off the program and returned to my room. /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

In the weeks following the dinner, I became eighteen (seventeen is the age of majority, but for some reason, the senate decided that apartments would be given at eighteen), moved into my own apartments, purchased some baby clothing, crib, toys, (pardon the term) a floor prison, changing table/bureau, and I had gotten everything put away and clean.

I worked on research at the kitchen table, since I always felt alone in the den. I hated that feeling.

I had to have special lights installed that would flash if the doorbell rang.

Thankfully, that renovation was paid for by the senate, since I was deaf.

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The rest of the pregnancy was rather uneventful.

All I did was work on the history project Luke assigned.

I had regular appointments with a midwife and someone else always went with me. Nettie came the most often, and agreed to be my labor coach when Jun vehemently declined the position.

"Besides, I doubt he'd be much comfort. 'What do you want me to do about your pain, Asenath?' 'It can't be all that bad, Asenath.' 'Why did you make me do this, Asenath?' 'I bet all these people think I'm the baby daddy, Asenath.' I really don't think you need that going on for hours, do you?"

Of course, Nanette was right. She usually was about this sort of thing.

I suffered two major bouts of false labor, and both of those nights, Jun or Nanette came and stayed to make sure it wasn't the real deal, and if it was, that I wasn't alone.

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(Since, admittedly, nothing exciting happened, let's skip ahead to thirty days before my scheduled due date).

I overslept (by my standards), but managed to get out of bed and get dressed.

My uniform hadn't been worn in months.

I put on a simple, grey, soft maxi-dress. I wrapped a tartan scarf around my neck. Thankfully, my boots still fit, so I put those on.

I ate some toast, eggs, and fruit before I handled my hair.

I braided it so it was well out of the way, and I could sort through a new box of papers and data chips that Luke had dropped off.

I worked on the box for three hours. I ate some noodles and meat for lunch before selecting a pile of data chips to upload to my data pad.

Around three, I decided to take a short break.

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The break turned into a nap, because a wave of pain woke me..

Shaken, I wrote it off as hunger- it had been five hours since lunch.

I adjusted my position on the sofa and closed my eyes again.

After twenty minutes, a second wave of pain rolled in. This time, I convinced myself it was nerves. After all, the baby would be here in a few weeks, and it was my first baby.

Twenty minutes later, a third wave hit, and I was fresh out of excuses.

This isn't right. It can't be. Not now. Thirty days early is too many. She said more than 21 days...go to a clinic with a NICU.

My heart pounding, I switched on my comlink and coded Jun.

Jun had decided a couple weeks before, it would be cool to use code names, because we could.

"Kryt Dragon this is Bantha," I said into the comlink.

"This is Kryt Dragon," Jun answered.

"Are you in a position where you can take me to a med center?"

"Sure. Are you okay, Asenath?" Jun asked, a note of worry in his voice.

I decided to answer honestly.

"I don't know. I hope I just need some medication." More like I hope they can stop this labor if that is indeed what is going on.

"I'll be right there. Meet me on the roof?"

"Yes. I'll be there."

"Good. Kryt Dragon out."

I wasn't sure how much he needed to know.

I had anticipated birthing in my apartments with a midwife and Nanette (to try and avoid unnecessary attention), so I was not-as they say- bug out ready.

I quickly dumped my Jedi equipment backpack out on the coffee table and stuffed baby items, two changes of clothes, and personal hygiene items inside.

Just before I made it to my front door, a contraction hit and lingered a tad longer than the others.

This is going to be a long night.

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I met Jun on the roof at his new, blue speeder.

"Could we actually go to the one with the NICU equipment? It's probably best."

Jun eyed me with suspicion and fear as he said, "You're in labor, aren't you?"

"I don't know. These contractions are fuller, stronger, and not sporadic like the false ones."

"The NICU is more than an hour away. Can you make it?"

"I think so. The contractions are twenty minutes apart. I'll reimburse you for the fuel."

I climbed in and Jun took off from the Palace roof. Flawlessly, he merged into the mess of traffic.

Once settled into the traffic pattern, Jun turned on his "music" that I called "crap." I didn't want to tolerate it, so I took off my magnets.

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On the way to the med center, I experienced two more waves of pain 20 minutes apart. Then, the pains increased in intensity and time, only separated by 15 minutes.

Once we arrived, I pulled myself out and grabbed my bag.

Jun tugged my sleeve. That reminded me to put my magnets back on.

"Do you want me to go in with you?"

I read his expression, which said, "If you really want me to I will, but I don't want to. At all."

"Nah, I'll be okay."

"What if you're not in labor or won't take you right away?"

"I'll take a taxi home or hang around here."

"If I don't hear from you?"

"Then I died in the process or was murdered," I said with a sarcastic smile.

Jun looked sick.

"Jun, it means I've been admitted. Just come back tomorrow or something if you haven't heard anything. I'm almost certain this is real labor. DO NOT CALL LUKE SKYWALKER OR THE SOLOS. Mon Mothma is dying, and they are with her...Force love her."

"I'll just come in with you now. I can't let you suffer this alone...er...I'll come in, but not in, in. Yeah?"

"Jun, it's okay. I'll be fine."

Jun looked dejected as I went inside by myself and signed in.

I told the nurse about my due date not being for thirty days and explained the situation with the contractions, describing them as best as I could. She took me back immediately for a pelvic exam.

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I was assigned a room and helped to change into a gown and slippers.

Since I wasn't sure, they wanted to monitor me for quite some time. The fifteen minutes remained the norm, and by the time the doctor first came in, I was two centimeters along.

I was confused and asked her how that could possibly be, as I hadn't noticed anything until earlier that afternoon.

She explained that it was possible that during sleep or other activities that I had some contractions and just didn't notice or mistook the pain for something else.

I told her that I would assume that to be highly unlikely, but she smiled and assured me that it wasn't out of the ordinary.

"These are real contractions you are experiencing. I know this is considered late preterm, but I don't see a benefit of trying to stop them. Honestly, you're close enough and we can help both of you. Many babies born more than 21 days out are okay or just barely need help."

I nodded, and my heart raced with anxiety.

I...well...I knew it was a possibility, I suppose, but I assumed...Jun's gonna kill me, and I can't drag Nanette out this early just to be told to go home. Crap.

To my surprise, she asked me about my pain relief, but I told her that I would be okay. I needed to practice warding it off on my own through the Force.

She then asked about what if they needed to perform cesarean. I told her then, I would accept the pain relief meds, but I didn't want any electively- just if I had to.

Apparently, a nurse or someone had already leaked to the press that I was in at the clinic, potentially in labor, and there were cameras outside the building as well as "journalists." Out of pity, I'm sure, the doctor said they would go ahead and admit me, for my safety.

I tried to protest that if it was too soon, I could come back later, and I told her that I could notify my friend, and he could escort me away.

"Miss Moonglider, you are sweet and I appreciate your concern for the decorum and policy of the clinic, but friend or not, I fear for your safety and privacy. We can protect you from them here." She spat them as though it were filthy.

"I appreciate this more than you could ever know, doctor. My friend, he may not be able to stay away. If he comes, please let him in/by. I feel safe with him around."

She nodded.

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By the time I crossed the five minutes apart threshold, I knew I needed more help, and I did not know how to properly use the technique.

Jun must have anticipated as much, and he must have told the doctor or nurse what he had done to try and help me.

I could sense him out in the hallway. I was touched and grateful he was nearby.

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I gripped the bed rail for dear life. It was past midnight, and I'd been at this for nearly seven hours, or at least conscious of my body being at it.

Pain soared through my back, legs, and torso as Nanette arrived.

"Bitch, you thought you could do this without me?" she said.

I knew the "bitch" part was a joke, but she was upset I hadn't told her the minute I knew I was in labor, and it was justified.

"I'm sorry, Nettie. I thought I could do it."

"I should have known. Anyway, Jun is guarding the door."

"I can sense him. He's probably making sure that only the appropriate people can come in," I managed to get out. The pains jumped again, from every five to every three minutes, and Nanette told me to man up.

I could tell she was teasing, but there was a glint of fear behind her eyes.

I tried to stave off the next pain, and failed, and I growled out of both agony and frustration.

Nanette pulled my hands off of the bed rail and took them into her own.

"I'm here for you, Az. I'm here."

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The next time I was checked on, the contractions were two minutes apart, and I was finally making actual progress. My cervix had already dilated to four centimeters. It held there for a few more hours, much to my consternation.

Once I started sweating profusely, I had to remove my magnets and earpieces to avoid electrocution.

Now I couldn't hear anything.

I was barely getting a hold on Force pain management techniques.

I couldn't hear Nanette, but I could feel her holding my hands and stroking my hair. When I dared open my eyes, she was there with an encouraging smile.

For one quick moment, my concentration was broken during a contraction, and I was overcome with a thought that she wouldn't be enough to pull me through, but Jun's voice entered my head.

I am not far away, Asenath. Nanette is there and she will not leave you. You are not alone."

That was a great comfort to me, until a nurse came in with a hook.

From my research, I knew she was going to break my water.

I shook my head.

Nanette looked at me and signed, Az, just let her. It's her job.

I kept shaking my head as the nurse maneuvered me onto my back from my side. She bent my knees but I kept shaking my head.

Just as she reached down, it popped on its own.

I was relieved at that.

The nurse seemed shocked, and she and Nanette exchanged words.

She said that was a fine case of serendipity if she ever saw one.

I was able to crack a genuine smile.

It was one stroke of luck of several during that ordeal.

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Time had no meaning. Progress was slow, and the small victories bore little comfort. As time between pains shortened and their length increased, the longer time seemed to drag.

The waves became constant, and I had taken to gripping Nanette's hands so tightly, my own hurt when I released them. I don't know how her hands didn't break, and she never let on how badly I was hurting her.

Out of seemingly nowhere came a physical feeling of deep pressure down below and mentally, a sudden panic.

The source of the panic was from my baby. Its fright cut me to the core. My mind connected with the baby's through the Force. This feeling was unique, something I had never felt before. Between us, there was an understanding. I realized then that this child was highly sensitive to the Force.

Be strong, love. Everything is going to be alright.

When I snapped back to, I saw the doctor and an Emdee droid, something I was not expecting.

Now I was scared, and I looked to Nanette, my eyes likely wild with fright. I started shaking.

It's time, Asenath, she signed to me.

"Is something wrong with the baby?!" I asked in an elevated, panicked tone. I couldn't hear myself, but I could feel it in my throat.

Jun's head popped in the doorway, and we briefly made eye contact.

Yes, he signed.

Nanette pulled my face with both hands back, making me look at her.

Focus. Don't worry about the baby. Both of you are in good hands here, Nanette signed to me, and then she put her forehead on mine while the doctor put on gloves.

And I was lucky, lucky, lucky. I only had to push for about thirty minutes.

I saw Nanette frantically talking after the delivery, but the child was immediately taken away.

The doctor stayed with me until the placenta arrived (in one piece, thank goodness) and the fundal massage was complete.

By the way, they call that a massage. It's not. It hurts like nobody's business dropped into the fiery pits of Mustafar.

When she finally left and my scalp was dry enough, Nanette handed me my magnets, receivers, and comlink.

"You've got a little girl," she told me.

"Really?" I asked with a small smile.

"Yes," she replied briskly.

"What's wrong?"

"She was not crying. The doctor tried to stimulate her, but it didn't work. I'm sure she is okay now and they are getting her sorted out. Jun followed the Emdee droid. He hasn't come back yet."

I tried to force myself to ignore what she'd said.

"Nanette, thank you so much for being here."

"You're welcome. Now, call Luke. I know you have to."

She yawned while I looked at the time.

Nine in the morning.

Was I really here at the hospital for so long?

I punched in Luke's code.

"Skywalker here."

"Master, I just had the baby. A girl."

"Are you alright? Is the baby okay?"

"I'm fine. Jun followed the droid that took the baby away immediately. I don't know anything yet, except she did not cry when stimulated."

"I'm glad you are okay, and keep us posted on the baby."

"Yes, sir. How is Mon Mothma faring?"

"Mon Mothma passed away just a few minutes ago. She went peacefully and without pain. She nominated Borsk Fey'lya as her candidate for successor."

Nanette began to cry and my blood froze. I motioned my friend to me.

"I'll pass your news along, Master."

"I'll pass yours on as well. Congratulations on your baby."

"Thank you."

"Skywalker out."

I, too, began to cry and both of us were clinging to each other and were a mess when Jun came back.

"Who died?"

"Mon Mothma. And she endorsed Fey'lya as her successor," I choked out.

Jun went pale. Fey'lya was bad news.

"I'll go tell a nurse. About Mon Mothma, I mean."

"Wait- the baby. How is she?" I choked out.

Jun sighed and ran his fingers through his thick, black hair.

"Jun?" Nanette prodded, giving me a squeeze.

"I'm not going to lie to you. She isn't doing great. She's five pounds, which for her gestation age, is right on target. Respiratory Distress. They've given her some steroids. Her blood oxygen is low, so she's on oxygen, and she might need it for a little while. Her blood sugar was lower than they want to see, but they said that can be rectified. There was a small rupture on her umbilical cord. They think it happened during late stages of labor. They said the least of her problems is she is slightly jaundiced. They said she's lucky. They do have her on a couple of IV drips."

"I don't know what to name her now. I had settled on Syntyche Rose Amie for a girl, but now...it doesn't seem appropriate, and if anything has defined her so far, she's been Lucky, but that is no name for a human."

After a few moments, Jun said with a sassy smile, "I think-."

"No, you don't," Nanette sniffed, "because you'll give that child a name that's a double entendre that Asenath will figure out ten years from now in complete and utter horror. No."

"It has to mean something," I said.

Both of my friends were quiet so I could think.

"Miriam Mothma Moonglider. I know that I said two middle names, but this seems right."

"Write it down, and I'll take it up," Jun said.

I did and fell asleep listening to Nanette rant about Fey'lya.