Chapter 7: Old Friendships & Escaping?
Flashback - Shortly before the Battle of Yavin
They could hear the sound of blaster fire echoing through the ship getting closer towards the escape pods. Time was running out as Padme held back tears as she knelt down to her little seven year old daughter Keely who was standing beside R2.
"Mommy, I want to stay with you" she softly sobs as Padme gives her one last hug. "I need you to be brave for mommy and Leia Keely" she tells her placing one hand on R2. "I want you to go with R2 and 3PO and find your uncle Ben. He'll take you to your father" she tells her "We will be reunited again soon" she promises as Keely throws her arms around Padme as Leia kneels down to hug her mother and sister.
"They're getting closer" Leia then warns as Padme wipes the tears from her eyes just as 3PO catches up to them. "Oh I'm going to regret this" 3PO mutters as Padme looks at her daughter. "Stay with R2 and 3PO, Tatooine is not a friendly planet. R2 has been given the last known location of where Obi Wan was" she informs her. Keely nods "I'll be a hero like you and daddy" she sniffs before Padme and Leia then watched R2 roll into the escape pod followed by Keely and 3PO.
The escape pod then jettisoned from it's pod towards the planet of Tatooine. Leia placed a hand on her mother's shoulder "Dad will find her mom" she assures her just as they heard footsteps coming towards them forcing them to hide as the storm troopers continued to storm the ship.
End of flashback
Keely's eyes blink open as she remembered that day - the fear and sadness she felt as she boarded the escape pod however it all worked out because she had found uncle Obi Wan shortly before Anakin and Luke found them.
Now, she felt that same fear and sadness throughout their cell, as well as pain, fear and anger? Keely sits up and looks over at her parents who were in each other's embrace. Luke was sitting beside Henry as Lando paced up and the down the cell for what seemed like the 50th time since they had been locked up, muttering to himself.
"I can't believe it" Henry spoke looking around at his family and Lando. "Han knows the leader of the Crimson Dawn. I could sense it" he admits adding "Would have been nice if he could have warned us" he mutters as Lando spoke up. "He didn't know she was still" he replies seeing Anakin, Padme, Luke, Keely and Henry all look over at him. Lando goes on "Han and I haven't seen Qi'ra in years" he explains "We had one mission together and when things became too much I left them to finish their business alone. Next time I saw Han he stole my falcon from me" he admits as Luke smirks looking up at him "Still bitter there?" He asks just as they heard Anakin speak up
"I don't trust her. She tried to get me to join the Crimson Dawn in an effort to save me from Thrawn" he reveals adding "She worked for Darth Maul and instead of letting the Crimson Dawn die after Obi Wan killed him, she assumed leadership and has been letting the Crimson Dawn carry out its business" he explains "She cares only for the Crimson Dawn now. Han won't be able to persuade her easily" he warns them right at the moment they hear the cell door open and in stepped two guards carrying two electro staffs followed by a burly, tall third figure. He looks around at all of them before he sees Keely and moves over towards her.
"The mistress wants to see you" he tells her as Henry and Luke are quick to their feet moving towards him standing in front of their sister. "She's not going anywhere with you" Henry scoffs just as Padme was helping Anakin to his feet. The man was unfazed by Henry's reply and instead turns to the guard on his left giving him a nod before the guard aimed his electro staff towards Henry and jabbed him right in the stomach sending what seemed like a thousand jolts of electricity into his body causing him to fall to his knees crying out. Luke was quick to his brother's side and didn't see the man reach for Keely's arm till she lets out a frightened scream
"Keely!" Luke hears his parents cry out as he turns around to see the man tighten his grip on Keely's arm seeing her attempting to remain strong but sensing her fear as Anakin steadies himself "You're not taking my daughter anywhere" he tells him. He raises a shaking hand towards them bot not before the second guard jabbed his electro staff into Anakin's side causing him to cry out
"Dad!" Luke, Keely and Henry cried as Padme was instantly by his side "Anakin!" She cried as his knees collapsed from the pain right before the guard pulled a terrified Keely from the cell followed by the two guards closing the door behind them. Lando looks down at Anakin, Padme, Luke and Henry before he hears Padme then asks "What does Qi'ra want with our daughter?" She asks fear in her voice as Anakin looks up at his wife, "I don't know but if she harms her, friend of Han's or not, I'll kill her" he warns as Padme is silent looking over at her sons. Anakin had overcome the dark side in the past shortly before Luke and Leia were born but Padme knew that Anakin would do anything to keep his family together. Padme only hoped this rescue wouldn't be a complete failure.
Han watched from his place at the back of the room but close to where Qi'ra sat as Thrawn stood with his arms clasped behind his back. His red eyes glared over as the man dragged Keely into the room. The two guards took their places near the entrance as he continues to drag her till they were meters before Qi'ra where he released his grip on her arm throwing her down in front of her.
"Keely Skywalker, daughter of Anakin Skywalker, force user and a hero of the Rebellion" she spoke as Keely scoffs "If by hero you mean someone who barely saw any action because she was too young" she corrects her adding "My family helped destroyed the Empire" she says glaring over at Thrawn. "I thought Ezra would have killed you" she scoffs hearing him laugh as he moves over towards her "Still the same sharp brat from all those years ago" he mocked lifting her chin up so that she was looking into his red eyes. He takes out a small dagger he had behind his back, holding it against her face. "Nothing would give me great pleasure then to kill you right now" he tells her. Han then steps forward, one hand on his blaster holster till he realised he didn't have his blaster with him.
He looks up at Qi'ra who then stood up. "There will be no killing here Thrawn" she warns him moving towards them. "Killing a Skywalker would have the New Republic ensure we are taken down for good which is not what I want" she says as Keely shifts with her cuffed hands so she looks over at her "Then what do you want with me?" She asks her, her anger starting to rise. For Han, she was reminding him of Leia and Anakin, Keely definitely had developed the Skywalker temper flare as had Leia from Anakin.
Qi'ra stood over her. "Thrawn says that if we let you and your family go, you'll come back with your New Republic soldiers and take us all out" she says adding "However Han says that none of you knew about the Crimson Dawn till Thrawn captured your father, is this true?" She asks.
Keely blinks surprised by the question fighting the urge to roll her eyes. "You should listen to Han and not the blue creep" she spat "We knew nothing about the Crimson Dawn and if you form an alliance with him and he threatens to take our father away, then you will see why you shouldn't mess with our family" she warns. Qi'ra looks over at Han who gives her a look of I told you so referring to his last conversation with her.
Thrawn scoffs "She's lying. I've was hunted for years by the Rebellion. You need to show the crime syndicates just how powerful the Crimson Dawn is by killing a well known heroic family" he explains as Han steps forward. "Qi'ra you can't listen to this creep. I've known the Skywalkers for many years. They helped destroy the Empire and while they may be helping to rebuild the New Republic and train new Jedi, as long as the Crimson Dawn stays away from the New Republic you can continue your business" he states as Keely scoffs glaring back at her
"And one day there will be no more Crimson Dawn. It should have died with Maul. Obi Wan did the galaxy a favour killing him" she says as Thrawn shakes his head "The child makes a mockery of you Qi'ra" he warns "You need to make an example of her" he warns. Keely is silent as she then feels compassion for her sensing that she was not listening to Thrawn
Qi'ra looks down at Keely "I was thinking of offering you a chance to join the Crimson Dawn, a chance to save your family" she suggests as Keely shakes her head "I'll never betray my family" she replies right before she suddenly felt her cuffs activate sending an electrical charge through her body causing her to cry out in pain….
Whilst at the same time, inside their cell…
Anakin's eyes snapped open "Keely!" He cried attempting to sit up as Padme was quick to stop him "Anakin, what's wrong?" She asks as he still attempts to stand "It's Keely. I can sense her in pain" he says. Padme gasps as he looks over at Luke and Henry "We're getting out of here" he tells them before he moves towards the cell door seeing two guards at the entrance. Luke and Henry moved alongside their father watching as he closed his eyes and started to use the force on one of the guards lifting him up into the air.
"Hey, what the—-?" His companion cried as Luke was able to help his father by using the force on the second guard sending him into the wall knocking him out as Anakin was able to pull the first guard towards their cell. Henry then waves a hand "We are no longer your prisoners. You will open the cell door and release us" he says. The man struggles "You are no longer our prisoners. I will open the cell door and release you" he says as Anakin drops him to the ground. He scrambles to his feet and opens the cell door before Anakin pulls him into the cell
"You've been very useful" he smirks before he throws him into the back wall of the cell knocking him out just as he, Luke and Henry all sense Keely through the force, in pain. Their eyes widen. "Keely!" They cried as Anakin takes Padme's hand.
"Come on! Let's go rescue our daughter" he says as they raced from their cell with Lando following close behind them.
Keely breathes heavily once more as Han was by her side to check on her as Thrawn had moved over to speak with Qi'ra. "Perhaps, before you continue with more torturing, can we discuss the possibility of you turning Skywalker and his eldest son over to me. I do know some sympathisers of the Emperor who would love to ensure justice is done to the Emperor's killers" he states as Qi'ra is silent as she looks over at the young girl who was breathing heavily, her body shaking as Han wrapped an arm around her.
"I need to ensure the Crimson Dawn can continue and I'm starting to think that I made an mistake getting into business with you" Han heard Qi'ra say as Thrawn then argues back "You're dooming your organisation by keeping them together. I will ensure your future" he insists as Qi'ra shakes her head folding her arms across her chest. "Then why do I feel like what the girl and Han are telling the truth?" She asks
Thrawn scoffs "Blinded by love. You need to be a leader and make tough choices" he warns her. Thrawn then goes on "If you turn Skywalker and his son over to me, the rest will fall and then the Crimson Dawn can continue their business" he insists. Qi'ra looks back at Han and Keely - she hadn't seen Han in years. They may have both changed and had very different lives but she knew he would never lie to her.
It was then she heard his voice "Qi'ra" he spoke "You and I may have gone our separate ways and our families are different, certainly very different then what we planned" he admits referring to their dreams they had talked about when they were young. Qi'ra could see the sincerity on her old friend's face. "You've known me for years. We grew up together. We planned a future together in which the Crimson Dawn took away" he reminds her "The Skywalkers have made me apart of their family and I'm not going to let you tear them apart" he warns as Thrawn scoffs
"A little late for that" he mutters as Qi'ra is silent, she looks down at the young girl behind Han, still catching her back from another electric shock from the cuffs. She had been so strong over the years, ruling the Crimson Dawn and needed to ensure it remained that way, however they were all startled by the sound of sudden blaster fire heading in their direction.
Whilst, back on Yavin 4, with no idea just what trouble the rest of her family had gotten into, Leia was enjoying her time with her son watching him spending more time with his new friend Rey. He had become quite protective of Rey since Jakku and he couldn't stop telling her all about his family's adventures as well as showing her his force abilities making Leia realise more and more that Ben was showing signs of becoming a powerful Jedi already.
However, as Leia watched Ben and Rey at the entrance to their quarters, she listened to her son telling Rey all about his grandfather. "Grandpa's one of the best pilots in the galaxy but I think my dad will argue that's the better pilot. Dad won't let grandpa fly the falcon and it's funny watching them fight" he admits as Rey listens in awe. "Your family are heroes, I wish I knew my family" she admits as Ben looks over at her placing a hand on her arm. "And we'll help you find them but in the meantime we can be your family" he says seeing her give him a smile before Ben had a thought.
"Mom, can you tell us a story about our family fighting the Empire?" He asks looking over at his mother. Leia smiles before she enters the room "I'm good as good storyteller like grandpa is, are you sure?" She asks her son who eagerly nods "Yes, grandpa said you and grandma are very good fighters too" he says. Leia takes a seat on the edge of the bed as Ben climbs up beside her as she lifts Rey into her lap. "Which story would you like Ben?" She asks
Ben looks up at his mother. "What about being on the first Death Star?" He asks as Leia smiles "When your grandpa and uncle Luke came to rescue grandma and I where I met your father for the first time" she says as Ben looks over at Rey "This will be good" he whispers as Leia began to tell the story….
Flashback - 12 years ago, on board the first Death Star
Anakin shielded Padme behind him as Luke protectively moved in front of his sister as they heard rushing footsteps coming down the hallway with the sound of blaster fire in the distance. It was Han and Chewbacca. Han falls in line beside Luke.
"Can't get out that way!" Han informs them as Leia scoffs "Looks like you've managed to cut off our only escape route" she observes as Han looks over at her "Maybe you'd like it back in your cell Rebel!" He snaps back just as the blaster fire increased once more forcing them all to scramble. Luke and Han started to fire back whilst Luke protected his sister. Anakin then handed his blaster to Padme as he takes the comm out of the stormtrooper belt on his uniform
"C-3PO!" He speaks into the comm "C-3PO, do you copy!' He calls out as he watches Padme continue to fire more bolts down the hallway. The blaster fire was deafening making it hard for Anakin to hear the droid's responses. "What was that? I didn't copy" he says
At the same time, in the control room, Keely stood beside R2 as 3PO spoke up once more "I said all levels have been alerted to your presence master, all other information on your level is restricted" he informs them right as they heard a knocking on the door. "Open up in there" called out a trooper as Keely hides further behind R2 as 3PO looks worried. "Oh no" he mutters
Whilst back up in the detention corridor, Anakin pockets the comm back looking over at Luke, Leia and Han "There isn't any other way out" he tells them as Padme looks up at her husband "Time for more aggressive negotiations?" She asks as Leia folded her arms "Some rescue!" She scoffs "You didn't even have a plan for getting out" she yells over at Han as he looks over at her annoyed "Ask your father and brother, they're the brains sweetheart!" He argues
It was then at that moment Leia suddenly grabbed her brother's blaster "Mom!" She calls out seeing Padme turn to look over at her, she met her gaze before they both see the grate in between Han and Chewie. They both fire at the grate startling them all "What the hell are you doing!?" Han exclaims as Leia shakes her head "Someone has to save our skins!" She yells moving out into the hallway, she fires several more shots before she makes her way to the grate
"Into the garbage chute fly boy!" She tells Han jumping in. Padme is next, she gives Anakin a quick kiss "She's definitely your daughter" she grins jumping down the chute as Anakin nods to his son to follow before he goes in after Luke. Chewie hesitates giving a small roar "Get in there!" Han snaps "Get in there you big furry oaf, I don't care what you smell!" He argues. Chewie roars once more in defiance before Han kicks in him. Han fires a few more shots before he jumps in. Unfortunately they had all jumped right into a garbage chute!
End of flashback
"A garbage chute mom?" Ben asks as Rey looks up at her silently as Leia laughs "Well, to be honest I didn't quite know what it was, it was a way out and your grandmother and I weren't going to stand around arguing more with your dad, uncle and grandpa" she says as Ben then asks "Dad said you didn't like him much when you first met" he points out as Leia rolls her eyes "Well, that's not quite true. I mostly assumed he only cared for himself. He was frustrating at times and always loved a good fight with me" she tells him as Ben grins "Well, he still blames you for the garbage chute" he says seeing Rey softly giggle.
Ben smirks "I made you laugh" he says placing a hand on her small arm as Leia looks down at her son looking at Rey. Leia tilts her head - there was something there. Ben was becoming more protective of their new companion. She could feel it in the force she may not still quite understand like her father, brothers and sister did but Leia could see her son was forming a new connection with Rey. The question was, what was it leading to?
Keely cried out once more as her cuffs emitted more electric shocks pulsed through her body as Han smirks over at Qi'ra as they see the door to the chamber opening, from the yellow and blue blazes on the other side. "I think your time is up" he smirks as the door continued to burn through. Luke's green blade now joined Anakin's blue and Henry's yellow blaze in burning through the door just as they sensed Keely's cries through the force.
"Keely!" Anakin cried out as minutes later the door had completed burned allowing them all to race into the room at the same time the guards surrounded Qi'ra, Han and Thrawn whilst another guard had grabbed Keely, his blaster pointed at her head. Thrawn smirks "Not another step Skywalker" he warns with a glance over at the guard. "Oh she dies" he warns. Anakin shakes his head looking over at Qi'ra
"I didn't realise the Crimson Dawn was under new leadership" he taunts as Qi'ra shakes her head. "Thrawn does not speak for me. He'll destroy the Crimson Dawn if he kills any one of you" she warns with a glance at Han who gives her a small smile. He was getting through to her just as Henry moved into a defensive stance.
"If I were you, I'd release my sister now" he warns seeing the guard tightening his grip on Keely as she whimpers once more from the shocks of the cuffs as Thrawn smirks moving forward. "I don't think so" he says "She is my leverage and I know that Skywalker will do whatever I ask to protect his brats" he scoffs however it was at that moment there was a sudden blaster bolt. There was a gasp before the guard which had been holding Keely fell back dead, blaster bolt to the forehead.
Lando, Anakin, Luke and Henry all look to see Padme, her brown eyes focused, determined and angry shrug. "No one harms one of my children" she warns as she steps past her husband and sons. "I propose we re negotiate which will ensure we leave here and you can continue to rule this organisation" she says. Han looks back at Qi'ra. "I'd listen to her. She means business" he warns as Qi'ra steps forward
"Very well, what do you propose?" She asks as Padme clears her throat. "I may not agree with what your organisation does however you have not caused my family harm in the past until now. You will release my husband, children and friends, let us leave Nar Shaddaa and you'll never see us again and turn Thrawn over to us" she assures her as Qi'ra tilts her head "And if I refuse?" She asks as Padme fires another shot, this time at Thrawn's shoulder, causing him to cry out. "I'll ensure there will be no more Crimson Dawn left" she warns
Qi'ra looks over at Thrawn, holding his shoulder in pain. Qi'ra takes a deep breath before she looks back at Padme. "It would appear that we have a deal" she says. "Stand down" she ordered her guards watching as Anakin, Padme, Luke and Henry rushed over towards Keely. Henry cut through her cuffs before she threw her arms around her father. "Oh dad, I was so scared. Qi'ra wanted me to join her and Thrawn wanted to take you and Luke away" she cried as he held her close. "It's alright sweet princess, no one's going anywhere" he promises as Padme placed a hand on her back before she takes her daughter in her arms as Anakin turns around moving towards Thrawn.
"Guess you're coming with us" he says as he scoffs "You can lock me up but you'll never be rid of me. You'll never be safe. There are those who wants revenge for you and your son killing the Emperor" he warns as Anakin shrugs "We'll handle them all" he warns. Anakin looks over at Qi'ra. "That goes for the Crimson Dawn as well. Come after my family again and there will be none of you left" he warns however it was at that moment, Thrawn, slightly more stronger than Anakin who was still regaining his strength, manages to free himself from his grip and attempts to flee however he didn't count on Han.
Han, having grabbed a gun's blaster fired directly at Thrawn hitting him straight in the back. He falls forward. "Now it's over" he says with a smirk looking over at Anakin "Sorry, I didn't trust that he would try to come after us again and I was thinking about Leia and Ben as well" he reminds them. Qi'ra remains silent hearing him talk about a new family made her realise he had moved on in a different way.
Luke moved over towards Thrawn kneeling down to his body. "Han's right, he won't be giving us trouble anymore" he says as Qi'ra straightens "You are free to leave" she simply replies turning to leave the room as Han watches her go. "Qi'ra" he calls out moving towards her however Qi'ra kept walking. Han hurries after her leaving everyone remaining in the chamber.
Han hurried after Qi'ra as she made her way down the hallway. "Qi'ra, wait!" He called out as Qi'ra shakes her head "Han, no, you have your family back. You can all leave" she says as he reaches her taking hold of her arm.
"I know" he replies seeing her turn around "Qi'ra, we grew up together, we were going to always be together until that day where our lives changed" he remains her. "I know, you're now leading the Crimson Dawn and I'm known as General Solo who helped destroyed the Empire, but perhaps maybe we could keep in contact?" He asks as Qi'ra smiles
She places a hand on his face "Han, you'll always be my favourite smuggler" she replies "And maybe we'll see each other again one day, but for now, go back to your family" she says leaning in to kiss his cheek before she continues on down the hallway leaving Han shaking his head before he turned back to head towards the chamber once more.
Han found Anakin, Padme, Luke, Keely, Henry and Lando all waiting for him at the entrance to the chamber. Lando looks over at his friend "Did you say your goodbye?" He asks as Han shrugs "Kinda of, but who knows what the future holds" he admits as Anakin, one arm around his daughter's shoulders looking down at her and his sons. "With Thrawn no longer able to come after us again, who knows" he says as Padme slips a hand in Anakin's
"At least we have you back" she says adding "And I know Ben is looking forward to seeing his grandpa again" she smirks, "So, let's not keep him waiting" she adds before they all headed out of the facility back through the dark city back towards the landing platform. Lando then stops
"Well, my ship is this way, so I'll see you around Skywalkers" he grins as Padme moves over to him giving him a hug "Thank you for all your help" she replies. He smiles lifting her hand to kiss it "Any time my lady" he grins. Anakin rolls his eyes "You're very bold Lando" he warns as Lando shrugs "I am who I am" he replies and with that, he headed back towards his ship as the family and Han headed back towards the falcon.
They all handed up the landing ramp as Han headed towards the cockpit. Padme led Anakin to one of the sleeping bunks as Luke, Keely and Henry all headed to the seated area. "I really didn't think we were going to make it off this city altogether" Henry admits as Luke nods "You did good back there brother" he tells him looking over at Keely "You too Keely" he says "You're both growing strong and living up to our family's legacy" he tells them just as they heard the ship's engines roaring to life before Han begins to lift the ship off heading into the city and into the upper atmosphere and off planet and made the jump to hyperspace back to Yavin 4.
Anakin felt a cold cloth being placed on his forehead as he looks up at his loving wife smiling down at him. He sensed her relief that he was back here with her but also a small amount of fear she held that she could have lost him or any of her children. Anakin slips one hand in hers. "You'll never lose me Padme" he promises as Padme smiles "Reading my mind are you Ani?" She asks as she squeezes his hand before she went on "I can't count the amount of times where I thought I'd never see you again. The last time was when you and Luke went to confront the Emperor on the second death star" she admits as Anakin leans in to give her a soft gentle kiss.
"And I came back to you didn't I?" He asks smirking "Where you certainly had a surprise for me" he admits as Padme blushes remembering that moment on Endor
Flashback - 16 years ago - Fall of the Empire
The celebrations continued long into the night. Leia was cuddled with Han whilst Luke was dancing with his little sister Keely with Lando and Chewie standing nearby with some fellow Rebel pilots. Padme found it now was the perfect time she could reveal to Anakin what she wanted what she had found out right before they left for Endor.
Taking his hand, Padme led Anakin into an empty Ewok hut, the music still playing outside as Padme turns to Anakin, wrapping her arms around him before they shared a passionate kiss together. "Oh Anakin" she gushes "I thought I'd never see you both again" she cried as he held her close. "You kept me going during the fight. It was you I felt through the force, I knew I would make my way back to you" he promises as Padme grins up at him
"That's good because I have something wonderful to tell you" she reveals as Anakin tilts his head looking her, he noticed a twinkle in her eye - something he hadn't seen in her eye since she told him she was pregnant with Luke and Leia and then Keely. "Padme, are you….." He pauses as she takes his hand.
"Ani, I'm pregnant. We're having another baby" she says. Anakin's eyes widen before he lifts her up and spins her around. "Padme, that's wonderful, how long did you know?" He asks as Padme answers him "Right before we left Endor. The medical droid informed me before the briefing and I knew if I told you before, you would have ensured I didn't come on the mission" she says as Anakin nods "That's true" he says as he holds her close, placing a hand on her flat stomach.
"I can't believe we're having another baby" he says "Our family is growing" he adds as Padme smirks "And I think soon we'll also be getting a son in law" she says referring to Han and Leia's new romance as Anakin cringed a little making Padme laugh before they headed back out to re join their family.
End of flashback
"No surprise this time" Padme promises him as she cuddles alongside him "This time, I just want you to hold me, like old times" she says as Anakin wraps an arm around his wife, her head resting against his chest as he pulls her close. After his time as Thrawn's prisoner, it was good to just rest and hopefully this time they'd have a longer time together as a family.
"So, the rescue was a success?" Han hears Leia asks. He was in the cockpit alone and had decided to contact his wife to check in with her and give her an update. Han smirks "I don't mean to brag but your father can thank me for ensuring his rescue was a success" he admits seeing Leia shake her head smirking "Still looking for approval from him are we?" She asks as Han laughs "You would think after all this time, I'd feel comfortable around him but your dad can still intimidate me" he confesses hearing her softly chuckle "He's just protective but I know he likes you" she assures him as Han then decides to change subject
"How's Ben?" He asks hearing her reply "He's looking forward to seeing you all again. He believed that the rescue mission would be a success so he's going to tell you he was right" she says as Han then notices that Leia wanting to say something else "Is everything alright?" He asks as Leia sighs "Ben's forming a close friendship with Rey. It's only been a day and he's helped her adjust to her new surroundings and I'm worried that if we do find her parents, he's going to be crushed to see her go" she admits as Han nods
"He's a charmer like his old man" he comments "And if that happens I'm sure they'll allow for Rey to keep her friendship with Ben" he assures her as Leia sighs "I hope you're right" she says as Han smirks "Trust me" he smirks. Leia smiles "I love you" she says "I know" he grins "See you soon" he replies before he sees her hologram disappear. He checks the nav computer once more before he gets up to find Luke, Keely and Henry.
No sooner had they left Nar Shaddaa, Qi'ra wasted no time in ensuring the Crimson Dawn began preparing to leave, however there was just one more thing she needed to take care, something she hoped wouldn't give her anymore trouble. She entered the cantina and made her way over to the hooded figure at the back of the cantina.
"Thrawn is dead" she says as she takes her seat. "He tried escaping Anakin Skywalker and his family and he paid for it with his life after he tried to turn Skywalker and his eldest son over to Empire sympathisers" she replies before she heard the figure speak. "And where is Skywalker now?" They asks as Qi'ra shrugs
"Gone, most likely back to Yavin 4. That's where Thrawn found them. He said there was an Academy there for Jedi" she explains. She notices the figure straightens up a little but remains composed. "Yavin 4 was once home to the Rebellion. I'm surprised they'd chose such a planet to create an Academy" she observes as Qi'ra shrugs "I know not much about the Jedi or Rebellion. I've kept to my own keeping the Crimson Dawn alive" she admits
The figure smirks under their hood "You're lucky you're still breathing after encountering Anakin Skywalker and his family" they warned as Qi'ra lifts her head "I've had years of practice and hard life. The Crimson Dawn has been the only life I've known and let's just say I had someone who vouched for me who still believed I was good" she spoke.
The figure chuckles "There's always someone" she says getting to their feet "Thank you for the information" she replies "It's a shame I arrived a little too late to see Thrawn murdered for myself" they said "I'll see you around" they said as Qi'ra watched them leave. She had no idea that she had just met with the former Jedi known as Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker's former padawan.
There was darkness over the Yavin 4 with the only lights coming from the beacons around the Academy as Han flew the falcon over the trees and towards the hanger bay. The only ones who were awake were Chewie, Leia, Ben and Rey, although she was half asleep on Leia's shoulder quietly watching the ship landing in the hanger. Keely, who was sitting behind Han softly giggles before she spoke
"I can feel Ben's excitement all the way in here. He's going to tackle dad when he sees him" she points out as Luke shakes his head "I think perhaps we should give dad a warning" he says just as Han powered down the ship. "Well, better do it now because we're officially home" he says activating the landing ramp before he gets to his feet. "And I for one am relieved" he admits heading through the ship with Keely and Luke following him to where Henry was with Anakin and Padme.
"You're looking better than when we found you on Nar Shaddaa" Han comments over at Anakin as he smiles down at Padme. "Well, I had a good carer looking after me" he smiles seeing her blush "Ani" she replies before she goes on "Let's not keep them waiting" she says turning to head down the landing ramp as Keely then speaks "Ben's really looking forward to seeing you again dad" she warns as they followed their parents down the landing ramp.
"Grandpa!" They heard Ben cry running towards him just as Han catches him in his arms. "Hey kid, hold on there" he says "You need to take it easy, your grandpa needs to regain his strength back and heal his injuries, age is catching up to him" he teases as Anakin shakes his head rolling his eyes. Ben looks up at his grandpa smiling
"I knew you'd come back I knew it!" He exclaims as Leia moves over towards them. She hands Rey to Keely before she embraces her husband giving him a kiss. "Welcome home" she smiles as Luke looks around "Where are the students?" He asks as Leia smiles "They all called it an early night. They've been working hard either training or repairing the damage done to the Academy during the attack" she explained. Luke looks around the hanger
"Well, it's looking good so far" he observes as Keely then looks down at an almost asleep Rey in her arms. "And how's our new little friend coping?" She asks as Ben looks up at his aunt "I've been helping her settle in. She likes looking at the butterflies in the garden aunt Kee" he tells her as Keely exchanges a glance with Henry, remembering how Ben had snuck off with Rey to find them shortly before the attack.
"It's nice to see you looking after her Ben" Keely says "However, I think she's needing her sleep" she says as Ben then asks "Mom, dad, can I stay with grandma and grandpa tonight please?" He asks as Han looks over at Leia, his arm around her waist as Padme tilts her head "It's alright if you don't want him to" she says as Leia shakes her head. "Just for tonight" she says as Ben smirks before he throws his arms around Anakin.
Anakin slightly grunts from the pain of his remaining injuries causing Ben to pull back "Did I hurt you grandpa?" He asks as Anakin grins before he bends down to lift Ben into his arms "It's alright Ben" he says "Come on, let's all go get some rest" he tells them. Leia, Han, Chewie, Luke, Keely, with Rey and Henry all hung back as they watched their parents exit the hanger with Ben.
"What happened to Thrawn?" Leia asks "Did we arrest him?" She adds as Luke looks over at her "Almost. He attempted to make a last minute escape from dad and well, Han finished him" he reveals as Leia blinks in surprise looking up at her husband who shrugs with a smirk. "He had it coming. He captured and tortured your dad, wanted to hand him and Luke over to Imperial sympathisers and he allowed your sister to be tortured" he revealed seeing Leia gasp before she then asks "And the Crimson Dawn?" She asks as Luke, Keely and Henry all looked to Han as Chewie let out a little growl.
Keely then answered for everyone "Mom ensured that they won't bother us again" she assures her hearing Rey begin to fuss in her arms. "Come on, let's all get some rest" she says before they all headed out of the hanger bay into the Academy. It had been quite the rescue, with a somewhat reunion Han didn't expect but most importantly, they had rescued Anakin and Thrawn was dead.
Ahsoka Tano wasted no more time on Nar Shaddaa now that she had discovered that Thrawn was dead and her former master and best friend was no longer on the planet. Qi'ra had told her he was last seen on Yavin 4 and yet, Ahsoka wan'tquite sure she was ready for a reunion. She hadn't seen her master since Malachor. She had heard he had helped destroyed the Empire and the Emperor himself and deep down, she knew she had avoided a reunion for so long.
Ahsoka reaches her ship before she heard a voice "Do we know where we're going?" They asks as Ahsoka made her way to the cockpit. "Anakin was last on Yavin 4 where there is a new Jedi Academy" she reveals as another voice spoke "There are new Jedi?" They asks as Ahsoka smirks
"We don't have to hide any more Ezra and we won't be alone anymore" she says as Ezra smirks "Least I get to see Anakin and his family again" he admits as Ahsoka takes hold of the controls and flies the ship off the landing platform and out of Nar Shaddaa.
Anakin's dream
Palpatine's laugh filled the chamber as Anakin's grip tightened on his lightsaber. He had hoped to never hear that laugh again as he stood with Luke, Ben and Rey in a dark rocky chamber before he heard Palpatine spoke
"At last, the heir to my throne has come to claim her throne" he spoke as Anakin, Luke and Ben stepped in front of Rey. "You're wrong and this is the last time you threaten my family" Anakin warns him going on "I don't know how you survived the second death star's explosion but this time I'll ensure you have no chance of surviving" he warns as Palpatine laughs once more raising his hands, he sent waves of electricity from his finger tips straight for Anakin and Luke
"Not unless I kill you first" he laughs as Anakin and Luke cry out in pain as Ben feels Rey grip his hand. He looks over at her. "We have to help them!" Ben exclaims as Rey shook her head "How?" She asks just as they heard Anakin cry out "Ben! Rey!" As Palpatine's laughter filled the chamber once more
End of dream
Anakin's eyes snapped open finding himself in their quarters, Padme curled up beside him with Ben sleeping in the middle of them. Anakin slowly sits up breathing heavily as images of his dream flooded his brain as he looks towards the window staring into the dark sky. He didn't want to believe Palpatine could be alive and if he was indeed alive, he was a threaten to his family and an heir? Could he really have an heir? And the connection he was feeling from his grandson and his new friend Rey, what did it all mean?
Anakin got to his feet moving towards the window where he leaned against the side. He had spent years fighting to protect his family. Since the Empire fell, he thought the threatens would weaken and they would have a chance for a normal life but he couldn't ignore these dreams. He looked over at his wife and grandson asleep in the bed. Unfortunately the fighting was not over.
Next time: Anakin with Luke's help begin training Rey along side Ben and discover just how strong the two of them are for children so young as Henry continues to improve his skills whilst Keely forms her own bond with young Rey. Leia and Padme receive word from the New Republic about a small group known as the Resistance and news about a new threat known as the First Order. However it's surprise reunion for Anakin, Luke and Keely that takes them all by surprise!