"And Lord Vader continues to bring prosperity to the galaxy . . . but in a far different way than he used to." The reporter chuckled. "One would never have expected, the - well, to put it mildly - feared commander of the Empire to pick up ties with the Rebel Alliance and support democracy. For decades he was known for his, uhhh . . . " He broke off, glancing around nervously as if he thought Vader would appear out of nowhere and catch him in one of his infamous Force chokes for daring to insult him. Someone cleared their throat, and he sat up erectly, coughing with an embarassed smile. "Yes, well, for decades Lord Vader was known for his ruthless behavior, his life goal to hunt down and kill the remaining Jedi in the galaxy, as well as anyone who dared threaten the power of the Empire. The fate of the galaxy seemed a dire one indeed, the Rebel Alliance slowly but surely faltering before his unsurpassed power. Yet the winds have most certainly changed, and over a year after Lord Vader disbanded the Empire, bringing back the age old Galactic Senate and restoring freedom to the galaxy, he has proved his goodness once again, offering his superior commanding tactics and own combat skills in the fight against General Lucas and the rest of the Imperials still resistant against the Senate and determined to bring back the Empire. This past year has certainly seen a shocking turn of events, but some very promising ones. With the help of Lord Vader, the Army of the Republic (once the Rebel Alliance) has succeeded in pushing the Imperials - their numbers fortunately being a minimal threat due to his successful attack on Kamino months ago - back to the Outer Rim."

Anakin appeared on the screen, speaking with a wisdom and natural confidence that reflected his former Jedi Master. "Yes, well, once a new Supreme Chancellor has been elected, I'm hoping we can find some sort of diplomatic solution to this mess, but until then, the people of the galaxy should be safe from the threat. We are doing our best to take into account the safety of every people and species, and have done our best to push the Imperials back into areas mostly devoid of life."

The screen switched back to the reporter. " . . . well, think we can all agree that Lord Vader is no longer a merciless villain, but the Hero with No Fear he was known as so long ago . . . "

"What's so darn interesting about the HoloNews, Luke?" a voice teased.

Luke turned around swiftly, seeing Leia in the doorway with her arms crossed, a gleam in her brown eyes. He colored.

She walked over, flouncing down on the couch beside him. "It's not like Dad doesn't give us daily updates, what with Mom freaking out about his safety." Leia rolled her eyes, laughing. "I swear, those two . . . "

Luke flicked the screen off sheepishly. "I don't know, it's just crazy, just how much has happened in the last year, how much has changed . . . " His voice trailed off. "I remember when Uncle and Aunt used to rave about Darth Vader and his cruelty. We were always hiding out, afraid we would be the next to be killed or taken as slaves, that our crops would be stolen by stormtroopers . . . " He laughed lightly. "And now, Darth Vader is our father, and he's the kind of father I always wanted . . . and the galaxy is free and at peace again."

Leia's gaze softened. "I know what you mean." She tugged at the blanket beneath her, ruminating in her our thoughts. "Bail and Breha were similar. And now, well, they're such good friends with our father you would never even have known any deep animosity ever existed between them." She shook her head. "Thank the Force you and Mom were always right about-"

She jumped as arms wrapped around her, holding her prisoner as a familiar voice sounded teasingly from above. "Why so serious, sweetheart? Nothing in the galaxy right now could be bad enough to warrant that tone of voice-" His voice soured slightly. "Except for me having to live under the same roof as your father."

Leia laughed, smacking Han playfully across the chest. "Oh come on, Han, he's not that bad, he just needs some warming up to-"

"Who?"

Anakin strode into the room, one eyebrow raised. Luke coughed out a laugh, turning away from the scene and pretending to be very interested in the design of the carpet. There was no way their father hadn't heard every single line of that conversation.

Leia looked torn between pity and laughter as she eyed Han, who has just turned quite pale. He resurfaced immediately, however, a fake and terrible version of his usual cocky grin being forced onto his rugged features. "Um, hello, Mr. A-Skywalker, nice to see you there. Well, we were just talking about, uh-" He straightened up and crossed his arms, in an attempt to mimic Anakin's slightly antagonistic stance. "This, uh, other pilot in the Alliance - er, Army - that is really getting on my nerves . . . "

"Me?" Anakin offered politely. Han colored, wincing as his voice became icy. "Well, I'll have you know that I like you far less than you might like me, nerf herder. I shouldn't let you within a few steps of my daughter, whom, may I add, is far too good for the likes of-"

"Anakin," Padme interrupted, having suddenly appeared from behind him, a disapproving frown on her features. If Anakin hadn't been Force sensitive, with a mind so attuned to his wife's and the bond between them so strong he could sense her every feeling, he might have been tricked by her expert politician face and missed her secret amusement. As it was, the silent mirth rolling off her through the Force broke his annoyance, Anakin inadvertently cracking a smile.

He quickly felt a push on his mind. Dad, Luke complained. Now's not the time! You're ruining the fun!

Be nice, Luke, Leia admonished. Daddy never was a politician. Besides, Han's trying . . .

"Hello?" Han said, totally unaware of the conversation going on around him. "Am I missing something?"

Although not being able to hear the conversation either, Padme was familiar enough with her family to know what was going on. "No, Han, I think my husband was just deciding to go a bit easier on you and Leia." She gave Anakin a pointed look.

He sighed inwardly, giving Han a frosty look. "Well, Mr. Solo, we will see about you, but know that I'm not done-"

He broke off at Han's expression of defiance, the latter - scary as Anakin was - clearly refusing to back down or be bullied into submission. He almost rolled his eyes. Ugh, what is it with this guy?

You know, Leia thought, trying not to laugh at her father's obvious distaste for Han's strong will, he's kinda like you, Daddy. I mean, neither of you back down from threats or allow yourselves to be pushed around . . .

Whatever, Anakin grumbled. Luke, tell your sister that regardless of that one random similarity I'm nothing like-

Well-

Luke, your acting is worse than Dad's, I don't know why you're attacking him about it, stop cracking up-

Well, Dad, let me think, attitude and confident swagger of some kind, check, sense of humor, check, invincible to all women except those that are or look like Padme Amidala, check, terrific pilot, check- heck, you guys even have the same haircut . . .

Anakin flounced down on the lounge chair, kicking his feet onto the ottoman in disgust. "Fine, Solo. I'll give you one chance. You better not blow it."

Han, still clearly disgruntled at the fact that the one person in the galaxy that could face him down in will and intimidation and win was the father of the girl he loved, answered with grudging respect. "Yea, I got it." He turned to Leia. "Want to go somewhere else, Princess?"

"No," Anakin snapped before Leia could even open her mouth. "You'll stay here with the rest of the fam-"

"Go out onto the veranda and get some fresh air, you two," Padme interjected.

Leia smiled, kissing her mother's cheek and turning to exit the room, grabbing Han's hand. The sound of their laughter faded as they made their way towards the balcony.

Only Mom can interrupt Dad in a mood, Luke shook his head, amused, springing up. "Well, now that the show's over, I need some food."

Anakin chuckled. "Like father, like son."

Padme shook her head. "You two and your insatiable appetites . . . "

C3PO's voice could be heard from the kitchen, much alarmed. "Already hungry again, Master Luke? Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I'll whip something up immediately!"

Padme moved to sit by Anakin, laughing softly as his smirk. "C3PO is only too happy to be of use again," he commented, involuntarily inching his body closer to hers to absentmindedly run his fingers through her hair. She giggled lightly, snuggling into him as she breathed in his scent, sighing contentedly. "I can relate." His voice was serious now, full of wonder. "I never thought I could be so happy - with my beautiful children - and now that I'm with you again-"

"You're in agony?" she said, struggling to keep a smile off of her features. He looked down into her brown eyes, sparkling at the joke.

"You're making fun of me!" he complained, elbowing her lightly before grabbing her and pulling her full into his arms, holding her tightly. "More like incandescently happy . . . "

She smiled, her arms tightening around him. "So am I."

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