A/N: I have yet to read "Rebel Dream" but in any case this story is
basically an alternate universe type fic. I'm trying to incorporate some
of the things from the books that I can…also, I've been told Anakin needs
to pull his weight. This reminded me that I need a conflict on Naboo.
I've got part of one, but I need ideas. Anyone with thoughts please put
them in your review. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Not mine, not mine, not mine.
Tahiri sat impatiently at the head of the table in the conference room. Mara put her hand on her apprentice's shoulder, marveling at Tahiri's sudden brightness in the Force. Emotions contained for years rushed forth, but the girl hardly seemed aware of her presence. She was focused on finding Anakin. Mara glanced over. Jaina, Jacen, Zekk, and Lowbacca were all standing on the wall, slightly towards the back of the room. Tenel Ka was missing, and Mara knew it bothered Jacen, but she was Queen Mother of the Hapan Consortium now. Han and Leia stood near their children. Luke, holding Ben, was making his way up to the front of the room. Kyp Durron kept a watchful eye on Jaina, his apprentice. Mara had slowly come to accept this fact, especially after taking Tahiri on. Corran Horn stood with his two children in tow. Even Ganner and Alema were in the room, watching, waiting.
Something stirred in Mara's mind, and she looked to the door at the back of the room. To her surprise, Jagged Fel had slipped in on the group, along with Shawnkyr. The pair had elected to stay with the Jedi while the rest of the Chiss reported back to General Fel. Mara suspected Jaina, directly or without any realization, had some part in this. In any case, Zekk's arm now rested comfortably around Jaina's shoulders, and there was a bit of a grin on her face.
Luke cleared his throat. Mara snapped back to the present and glanced over at her husband, still holding Ben. Luke sent her a look implying her wanted her to take the squirming two-year-old. Mara smiled sweetly and shook her head. He rolled his eyes and addressed the crowd. "Well, I'm sure everyone knows why we're here."
"No," called Corran's daughter, Jysella.
"Anakin's alive," Tahiri blurted. A murmur ran through the group.
"Is that what that was?" Kyp asked.
"Probably," Mara replied. "Tahiri talked to him."
"My baby is growing up," Leia muttered, meant for Han's ears alone. He grinned and kissed her cheek, muttering a reply that earned a sharp look.
"Yes," Tahiri clarified. "We have to go find the planet he's on; or, if you rather, find him."
"So," said Luke, "although this probably should be the decision of the Council, I'm asking who wants to volunteer to go."
"Not everyone can," Mara added.
Jaina and Jacen glanced at the others in their group. "We're in."
"I'll go," said Kyp.
"I'm going," Tahiri said firmly.
"We'll stay," said Leia, a wistful look in her and Han's eyes. "You don't need everybody."
Luke and Mara also exchanged a look. Mara felt Luke's resignation. "I'll go," said Mara.
A throat cleared at the back of the room. "Shawnkyr and I volunteer to pilot this mission."
Jaina and Zekk sent momentary glares towards the back of the room for very different reasons. Mara shook her head mentally and leaned over to mutter at her husband, "Let 'em go."
"It's your call," Luke murmured back. "You're in charge."
"All right," Mara said, louder. "I think we've got our team, if that's good with everyone." Consent ran through the room. "All right. I'm in charge. Everyone who's going needs to stay behind; everyone else is dismissed."
The Jedi went off to practice. They still fought the Yuuzhan Vong, of course, but since the "New Republic" refused to help them their efforts were slightly diminished. Jaina was still known as "Yun-Harla's maiden" to most of the Yuuzhan Vong's underlings, and Anakin was still viewed as a savior. There were a few defectors, scattered around the Jedi compound. All were Shamed Ones looking for freedom.
Mara sat next to Tahiri and indicated that everyone else should sit. This they did, with some groaning. "All right. Any idea where to start?"
"If we had a star chart, yes," said Jag.
This earned another glare from Jaina, which he apparently didn't notice. "Well," said Jacen, "I can try to find him if I meditate."
"Can you get a brief idea here, now?" Mara asked her nephew.
He shrugged. "I can try. Tahiri?"
The blonde girl obediently closed her eyes. Jacen rested one hand on her knee, searching to deepen the connection. The rest of the group sat expectantly, although Jag looked intrigued and Shawnkyr bored.
After a moment Jacen opened his eyes and shook his head. "There's a wall. I can't get a distinct fix. I mean, I can tell that I'd know if we were heading in the right direction but that's it."
"Hello," a disembodied voice said. Everyone jumped, hands going instinctively to absent weapons. "I see you've found our wall. Enjoy yourself, trying to find us. You will be congratulated when you succeed."
"What have you done with Anakin?" Tahiri demanded.
"He's asleep right now," the voice said. "And he'll wake in the morning, don't worry. Oh, dear, good-bye."
"Wait!" Mara called, but the voice didn't reply. She sighed and glanced around at her group. All of them shrugged with varying degrees of bafflement. "Well, I guess we should get ready to go. Colonel, I suggest you and Shawnkyr prepare a ship big enough for everyone. Everyone else pack. Lightsabers, utility belts, blasters, two jumpsuits, an extra Jedi jumpsuit and robe, and anything extra."
A nod of consensus came from everyone, and the group slowly dissipated, leaving only Kyp and Mara. They regard each other for a long moment. Mara felt his probe, gentle though it was, and firmly blocked him. He grinned slowly with a nod.
"So, we're in charge?" he said.
"I'm in charge. You're helping."
"Right. But my apprentice is going, and I will support her."
"And I mine."
Kyp nodded and extended his hand. Mara grabbed it and shook. Without another word they left.
The next day they stood in the docking bay. Leia, Han, Luke, and Ben had come to see them off. Everything had been packed aboard the ship, christened the Trickster's Voyage by Jaina. With a grin and a nod Mara and Han said their goodbyes to each other. She hugged Leia and came to the end of the line, her husband and then her son. Smiling, she crouched and kissed Ben on the cheek.
"Mama go bye?" Ben inquired, his blue eyes poring into her.
She smiled again and ruffled his red-gold hair. "Yep, Mama go bye. Mama come back soon." She stood and stared at Luke for a moment. His ice-blue eyes considered her, and then he pulled her close and kissed her. When they broke apart she whispered, "Take care of him."
"You better be back before he's trained," Luke replied teasingly. "There is no way you're saddling me with diaper duty for that long."
She grinned and kissed his cheek. "Now that you mention it…"
He shook his head mockingly. "Take care."
"I will. Don't worry." With one more kiss Mara finished her goodbye, then waited for everyone else to finish. Leia hugged the twins one more time, while Han lectured Lowbacca and Zekk on watching after his children. When they were done, she led them onto the ship, and then into the cockpit.
Jag glanced back at them. He and Shawnkyr were strapped in the pilot and copilot seats. "Jacen, which one of these seems best?"
He indicated a screen showing a list of coordinates. Jacen studied them, then closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he pointed to the middle set. "This way."
"All right. Everyone, our first stop is Bastion. Please fasten your crash webbings." With that Jag shooed everyone out of the cockpit. They entered the lounge and sat in the seats. Mara glanced out the window. Luke had picked up Ben and was waving his hand. Beaming, she gave a tiny wave in return. Then she felt the rumble of the engines; in a moment, all she saw out the window was the starry blackness of space. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. They were off.
***
When Anakin awoke, it was to find Jennique sitting at the foot of his bed, scrutinizing him with half-closed eyes. Glowering, he sat up and announced, "I'm awake now, stop messing in my mind."
Offended, Jennique opened her eyes and said, "I wasn't messing in your mind, with your mind, or anything like that. I was meditating."
"Sure you were," Anakin grunted, throwing off the heavy sheets and then shivering. "It's as cold as death in here."
"You would know," she replied calmly. "I'm sorry. I can get the heat turned up."
"Please," he said. "Do you not have climate-controlled rooms?"
"Yes," she said.
"Then why—?" One look at her face stopped him. "All right. Show me what I can wear."
She got up and walked over to the wardrobe. She pointed to areas while she talked. "Here are you pajamas. This is where we'll put your Jedi robes, once we make you some. Here's where regular jumpsuits are; here's anything miscellaneous."
"Thank you," he said.
"Breakfast is in thirty minutes," she replied. "Be there." With that she whirled around and stalked out of the room.
Stumbling, Anakin got out of bed and wandered over the wardrobe. He picked out a jumpsuit, then showered in the refresher. He got dressed, then realized he hadn't turned on the lights.
"Lights?" he called uncertainly. There was a faint tingle in the room, begging him to find the switch. Sighing, he closed his eyes and started searching through the walls with his mind, until he found a toggle to turn on the lights. They popped on automatically after that. With a sigh and a shake of his head he examined his room. Nothing spectacular popped out at him. There was little more to it than he had already found. With another sigh and a glance at the chrono, he realized he still had twenty minutes to waste before breakfast. He toyed around with the idea of talking to Tahiri, but decided that he would do better to explore the palace he was living in.
He left his room, beginning with the hall that led to the main corridor. The walls were white marble and the floors were green. He reached the door and it slid open. The main corridor had white marble floors and polished stone walls. A few windows dotted the way, but they were large and spectacular. Anakin stopped and stared for a moment, trying to remember where the dining hall was. Turning left, he followed the hall until it branched and became less spectacular. Both halls proved to be dead ends. He performed an about face and retraced his steps. He kept walking straight, ignoring two other main halls that beckoned invitingly. He found a large, sweeping staircase and followed it to a pair of doors that obviously went outside.
On his way to find a turbolift he met Tish (or was it Cass?). "Hi, Anakin!" she said brightly.
"Hello," he replied.
"Where're you going?" she asked in a sing-song tone.
"I'm looking for the dining hall."
"Which one?"
"I don't know! The one where I'm supposed to be eating breakfast."
"Oh, that one." The girl (whoever she was) nodded knowingly. "It all depends on whether you're eating with the Queen or not."
"I don't know. Jennique just said breakfast was in thirty minutes. I'm going to be late as it is." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
The girl observed him, then said, "You're obviously not eating with the Queen, not if you're in that condition. Come on, you must be eating with us."
"Us?" Anakin inquired, but she didn't respond. Instead, she grabbed his hand and led him through many halls. Finally he asked, "How many stories is this place?"
"Several," she replied, not looking at him. "But the top floors were for now-nonexistent offices. People only go up there if they're looking for privacy. We mainly use the bottom three floors. The Private Throne Room is on floor three, staterooms cover most of floor two, and floor one is THE Throne Room, where the public can come. Oh, yeah, we live on the third floor, too."
"We?" he demanded, but she chose not to reply. Instead she led him up a flight of stairs.
"Oh, yeah, there are a bunch of courtyards and stuff scattered all throughout this city, and the palace," she continued. "Lots of places to get lost. But it's really nice."
"Uh-huh."
"Here we are." She pushed open the door, still dragging him in. Several children, ranging from about two to about thirteen, were gathered around a large table. Anakin's guide's twin had saved a seat for her sister. Two adults sat at the head of the table, maintaining an eye over the children. After a moment Anakin realized that all the children had on some form of a Jedi tunic. The girl released his hand and snuck over to her seat, leaving him standing quite alone. A few of the children noticed him, and before long they were all staring at him. It was then the adults looked up.
"Cass?" the woman said. Anakin suddenly realized that they were both about his own age.
"He didn't know where to go, and I know none of the girls would let him eat with the Queen looking like that, so I brought him here," the girl replied. "Besides, didn't someone say something about—"
A Look silenced her. The woman smiled at Anakin. "Hello. Please, come sit." She gestured to a seat next to her, which Anakin wandered up to and sat in. A bowl of what seemed to be porridge floated over to gently settle in front of him. Slightly suspicious, he picked up his spoon and poked at it.
"It's not toxic," said the man next to him. "I keep telling them to feed the kids something more nutritious, but—"
"—This is made to be incredibly nutritious," the woman said, cutting him off. With a smile she turned to Anakin. "Hi. I'm Michelle, one of the Masters."
"I'm Tadd," the guy added. "Nice to see some life in that body."
"What?" Anakin demanded, eyeing Tadd with some degree of distrust.
"I had to help get your body back so she," here he nodded at Michelle, "could bring you back."
Anakin stretched out with the Force, testing each of them. They proved to be incredibly strong. "I thought I recognized you," he said to Michelle.
She smiled, her blood-red hair bobbing at her shoulders. "It's all relative. What are you doing today?"
Anakin shrugged. "I don't know. Explore."
"If you'd like, you can stay with the trainees," said Tadd, gesturing to the kids.
Anakin laughed slightly. "Thanks, but I'm no teacher."
"Who said you would be teaching?" Michelle retorted, a sparkle in her eye.
The next three hours saw Anakin running through basic lightsaber training techniques using a staff. He fenced with the older kids, who were all amazingly strong, almost as good as he was. One of them actually beat him, a girl named Padma. Her brown hair was in a high ponytail save for a tight brain that hung down her shoulder. When she finally beat him, Michelle called for lunch time.
Anakin fell into step with his victorious foe, only to find that the bright- eyed girl wasn't very interested in gloating. Instead she waited for him to speak.
"Hey, you're good," he said finally.
She smiled at him. "I've been trained by the best available."
"How old are you?"
"Fifteen. After lunch I go and study with my Master, Allé. She's a sweetheart."
"Oh. That Queen's Own girl?" said Anakin.
Padma eyed him. "She is one of the Queen's handmaidens, if that's what you mean. Not that that really matters."
Anakin stared. "It doesn't?"
She shook her head. "The Queen is a sort of planetary governor, but even now there are only two real cities left on Naboo."
"The Empire did that much damage?" he said wonderingly.
She nodded. "In more ways than one."
He sat next to her at lunch and slowly she opened up. "So, they really brought you back from the dead?"
"Yep," he replied. "Amazing, isn't it?"
"The theory was quite plausible."
"In theory."
She giggled. "In theory."
"So, who's left after lunch?"
"The little kids. Thirteen and under." She sighed. "There aren't enough Masters to go around sometimes. Of course, this structure has only been in place since about ten years after the defeat of the Empire."
"Who ruled after the Empire left?"
Padma gave him a look that suggested he was crazy. "The Empire didn't exactly leave. It got to where they were forced out, but they destroyed everything they could except for Theed and one of the mountain cities. Anyway, after they finally left, a council ruled until the Queen was old enough to rule."
"Why? Was she the only person for the job?" Anakin asked. This planet had a complex history, and it was obvious the girl wasn't telling him everything.
"You could say that," she replied, shrugging. "It's…hard to explain…"
"With the limitations they've put on you?" he probed, nudging her in the Force.
She pushed back admirably. "You'll just have to ask the Queen about that."
Tadd stood up from his place at the head of the table. "Lunch is over, trainees. All Padawans please report to your Masters. Kids, go with Michelle. Anakin, please come here."
"Good-bye," Anakin called to Padma. She waved in response before going out the door. He wandered over to Tadd and raised his eyebrows.
Tadd sighed as he turned to face Anakin. "The Queen's mother wants an audience with you. Challie will take you. Anakin," he leaned forward, "don't let her talk you into believing anything bad about the Queen."
"What?"
"The two are on…rocky terms…" Tadd trailed off as a pretty girl Anakin recognized as one of the handmaidens approached. She smiled at Tadd and he returned it, then she turned to Anakin with it still affixed to her face, although her eyes were busy scrutinizing him.
"Hello, Anakin. Will you please follow me?"
"Do I have a choice?" he replied with a grin, falling in step next to her as they left the room and started down the hall.
"You could spend your whole stay here without seeing her, if she chose to ignore you." Challie sighed as they stopped in front of a door. "She's meeting you on this terrace, so she should be right out there. Enjoy yourself."
"Thanks," said Anakin, pushing open the door. She departed as he made his way down the stone path, glancing at the flowers with slight interest.
A tall blonde woman stood in the shade of a grove of trees, a stone bench behind her. She wore a long lavender dress that rustled slightly in the faint breeze. Upon hearing Anakin's footsteps she turned, and with a start he realize she was about as old as his mother.
"You would be Anakin," she said in a smooth, diplomatically friendly voice.
"Yes ma'am," he replied. "Your Highness."
"No," she said, "I'm not the queen."
"But you're her mother, so I—"
"No, no, I've never ruled." She laughed slightly and he felt the bitterness radiating off her. "That was left for my daughter. I'm sure you've heard about how wonderful she is."
"Not really." Anakin shrugged. "I have yet to meet her."
"Really? I'm surprised. I would think she, of all people, would want to meet someone like you."
"What's so interesting about me?"
She stared at him for a moment. "The same thing that I find quite interesting about you, young man."
Carefully he eased back, away from that molten stare. Her honey eyes poured through him like hot lead. "What, that I've been dead?" He shrugged uncomfortably. "Well, I suppose that's interesting."
"Oh, but it is. It's very unfortunate that they only brought you back to serve the queen. You were only allowed to contact your friends to let them know you're alive, you know."
"What makes you say that?"
She laughed, probably at what she assumed to be his naïveté. "There is no way your friends can make it across the galaxy when the Vong control over half of it."
"Over half the galaxy?" Anakin demanded. "Oh…"
She smiled sadly. "I'm afraid so. And since they'll never let you go, you'll never get the chance to meet them anywhere."
"Are you saying I'll never see them again?"
"Most probably…" She smiled and leaned forward, and Anakin decided that she looked like a viper. In a whisper she added, "I might be able to help, perhaps…"
"Vivien," said a sharp voice. "That is enough."
The woman straightened and turned to glare at the intruder. "Have I lost my privacy too?"
Anakin didn't turn to look as the speaker replied, "The throne you so covet would never have been handed to you."
"When it was mine from birth? I'm afraid you underestimate me, dear." Vivien tossed her hair over one shoulder. "Go ahead, take this boy and corrupt him." Glancing at him, she muttered, "Don't forget—"
"Goodbye," the voice cut in sternly. Vivien sent the speaker a venomous look and stalked off. The person sighed. "Oh, Anakin, go ahead, sit."
The speaker had a pretty voice, when it wasn't disciplining. He slowly turned and sat on the seat, and got a good look at the speaker. Her face was covered in white paint, with two red dots adorning the expressionless countenance. Her top lip was red and the bottom white but split by a red mark. She wore a lightweight white dress that hung loosely yet clung to her slender frame. Diamonds sparkled in her dark hair that had been twisted up somehow behind her head, secured with a woven wreath of silver- and-diamond "flowers." A green jewel on a silver chain hung on her forehead.
"Are you the Queen?" Anakin felt foolish for asking, since it was obvious, but he figured there had to be some sort of formality involved.
She arched an eyebrow. "I am."
"Ah. Um…why does your mother hate you?"
The queen shrugged. "She's jealous of my position, but I would gladly hand it to her if I trusted her. Since she is the daughter of the Senator's handmaiden, and I am the granddaughter, she believes she is entitled to the throne. Back in the days when it was a democracy, and the rulers were elected, I doubt they would have picked her, and now…" She sighed wearily, seeming older than her features implied. "Now they have made it a hereditary office, and so my eldest—if I ever have children—will rule."
"Ah."
She glanced at him. "You don't understand."
"No."
"Come." She beckoned, and he stood and followed her back into the palace. They went up past the third floor, then the fourth.
"Highness?" Anakin questioned. "Where are we going?"
"Some place no one goes," she replied. "No one goes up here unless they are seeking privacy." With an ironic grin she added, "My mother's rooms are up here."
"I'm not surprised." He fell silent and allowed her to guide him up to what must have been the top floor of the palace. She turned a corner and stopped in front of a plain-looking door.
"I am about to show you an example of what the Emperor did to Naboo," she said softly. "Wait—in due time it will become clear to you."
She stepped up to the door, which slid open at a gesture of her hand. Anakin followed her inside the room and gasped. The whole ceiling was thin transparisteel, and probably could open to the sky. The sun sparkled on the floor, marble inlaid with gold and jewels. The whole room shone with a blinding beauty.
The queen stood silently for a moment. Finally, she said, "This was an observatory before he came. People could come in here with mattresses, anything, and stare at the sky. It was a very public place, yet provided privacy not found in most places.
"Then," she continued, "the Emperor declared himself as such. He came here and decided that this would be his own observatory, for his use. If anyone came in here it would be to see the Emperor, whether in person or in holo."
She stepped towards the other end of the room and immediately a holo popped out of the ground. It was a man, balding, wearing a crown. "I am the Emperor Palpatine, ruler of the galaxy, and this is my observatory. Beware, enemies of the Empire, for you will be crushed."
As she continued, different warnings appeared, all in varying stages in the Emperor's life. Anakin shivered, watching her stop, gaze at each message, then continue. She had nearly reached the end when she turned and came back.
Quietly she added, "If the Emperor was here, those served a purpose. When each holo came up, the visitor had to show an ID pass. It was specially made, sealed with the Emperor's thumbprint, and could only be given out by a member of the Royal Guard or other high official of the Empire. If they failed to show the pass, some sort of nasty surprise would get you. At the end of the hall is his throne. If he wasn't here, you still had to have received a card, otherwise the holo security wouldn't recognize you and would kill you. We have long since disabled all the traps, so people might come here, but most have heard of this room and dislike to come." She sighed and looked towards the end of the hall, which was several meters away, as though trying to fully see the barely visible throne. "Very few people come any more."
Anakin glanced at the floor and realized that the jewels formed the Imperial symbol. He shivered, feeling the dark touches all throughout the room. "I don't blame them."
She studied him for a moment, then sighed and started to leave. Anakin ran to catch up, hoping she would continue to explain, but she didn't. Instead she stopped on the third floor, in front of a door, and said, "This is where we part company, for today. I shall see you tomorrow, perhaps, or maybe later."
"All right." Hesitantly, he added, "What's your name? Or would you rather me call you 'Highness'?"
She smiled. "I am Queen Amidala Renétia of the planet of Naboo, Anakin Solo. Most call me Amidala."
"Good day, then, Amidala." He bowed shortly, and she smiled slightly before disappearing behind the door. With a grin he started back downstairs in hopes of finding his stateroom. He had found out who that dark haired girl really was, learned her name, and gotten a promise of further audience from her. What could be better?
A/N: Don't worry; this is still an A/T fic! He is NOT going to fall in love with Amidala-well, not exactly…oh, well. You'll just have to review a lot so I'll post more explanations! *Review, review, review!*
Disclaimer: Not mine, not mine, not mine.
Tahiri sat impatiently at the head of the table in the conference room. Mara put her hand on her apprentice's shoulder, marveling at Tahiri's sudden brightness in the Force. Emotions contained for years rushed forth, but the girl hardly seemed aware of her presence. She was focused on finding Anakin. Mara glanced over. Jaina, Jacen, Zekk, and Lowbacca were all standing on the wall, slightly towards the back of the room. Tenel Ka was missing, and Mara knew it bothered Jacen, but she was Queen Mother of the Hapan Consortium now. Han and Leia stood near their children. Luke, holding Ben, was making his way up to the front of the room. Kyp Durron kept a watchful eye on Jaina, his apprentice. Mara had slowly come to accept this fact, especially after taking Tahiri on. Corran Horn stood with his two children in tow. Even Ganner and Alema were in the room, watching, waiting.
Something stirred in Mara's mind, and she looked to the door at the back of the room. To her surprise, Jagged Fel had slipped in on the group, along with Shawnkyr. The pair had elected to stay with the Jedi while the rest of the Chiss reported back to General Fel. Mara suspected Jaina, directly or without any realization, had some part in this. In any case, Zekk's arm now rested comfortably around Jaina's shoulders, and there was a bit of a grin on her face.
Luke cleared his throat. Mara snapped back to the present and glanced over at her husband, still holding Ben. Luke sent her a look implying her wanted her to take the squirming two-year-old. Mara smiled sweetly and shook her head. He rolled his eyes and addressed the crowd. "Well, I'm sure everyone knows why we're here."
"No," called Corran's daughter, Jysella.
"Anakin's alive," Tahiri blurted. A murmur ran through the group.
"Is that what that was?" Kyp asked.
"Probably," Mara replied. "Tahiri talked to him."
"My baby is growing up," Leia muttered, meant for Han's ears alone. He grinned and kissed her cheek, muttering a reply that earned a sharp look.
"Yes," Tahiri clarified. "We have to go find the planet he's on; or, if you rather, find him."
"So," said Luke, "although this probably should be the decision of the Council, I'm asking who wants to volunteer to go."
"Not everyone can," Mara added.
Jaina and Jacen glanced at the others in their group. "We're in."
"I'll go," said Kyp.
"I'm going," Tahiri said firmly.
"We'll stay," said Leia, a wistful look in her and Han's eyes. "You don't need everybody."
Luke and Mara also exchanged a look. Mara felt Luke's resignation. "I'll go," said Mara.
A throat cleared at the back of the room. "Shawnkyr and I volunteer to pilot this mission."
Jaina and Zekk sent momentary glares towards the back of the room for very different reasons. Mara shook her head mentally and leaned over to mutter at her husband, "Let 'em go."
"It's your call," Luke murmured back. "You're in charge."
"All right," Mara said, louder. "I think we've got our team, if that's good with everyone." Consent ran through the room. "All right. I'm in charge. Everyone who's going needs to stay behind; everyone else is dismissed."
The Jedi went off to practice. They still fought the Yuuzhan Vong, of course, but since the "New Republic" refused to help them their efforts were slightly diminished. Jaina was still known as "Yun-Harla's maiden" to most of the Yuuzhan Vong's underlings, and Anakin was still viewed as a savior. There were a few defectors, scattered around the Jedi compound. All were Shamed Ones looking for freedom.
Mara sat next to Tahiri and indicated that everyone else should sit. This they did, with some groaning. "All right. Any idea where to start?"
"If we had a star chart, yes," said Jag.
This earned another glare from Jaina, which he apparently didn't notice. "Well," said Jacen, "I can try to find him if I meditate."
"Can you get a brief idea here, now?" Mara asked her nephew.
He shrugged. "I can try. Tahiri?"
The blonde girl obediently closed her eyes. Jacen rested one hand on her knee, searching to deepen the connection. The rest of the group sat expectantly, although Jag looked intrigued and Shawnkyr bored.
After a moment Jacen opened his eyes and shook his head. "There's a wall. I can't get a distinct fix. I mean, I can tell that I'd know if we were heading in the right direction but that's it."
"Hello," a disembodied voice said. Everyone jumped, hands going instinctively to absent weapons. "I see you've found our wall. Enjoy yourself, trying to find us. You will be congratulated when you succeed."
"What have you done with Anakin?" Tahiri demanded.
"He's asleep right now," the voice said. "And he'll wake in the morning, don't worry. Oh, dear, good-bye."
"Wait!" Mara called, but the voice didn't reply. She sighed and glanced around at her group. All of them shrugged with varying degrees of bafflement. "Well, I guess we should get ready to go. Colonel, I suggest you and Shawnkyr prepare a ship big enough for everyone. Everyone else pack. Lightsabers, utility belts, blasters, two jumpsuits, an extra Jedi jumpsuit and robe, and anything extra."
A nod of consensus came from everyone, and the group slowly dissipated, leaving only Kyp and Mara. They regard each other for a long moment. Mara felt his probe, gentle though it was, and firmly blocked him. He grinned slowly with a nod.
"So, we're in charge?" he said.
"I'm in charge. You're helping."
"Right. But my apprentice is going, and I will support her."
"And I mine."
Kyp nodded and extended his hand. Mara grabbed it and shook. Without another word they left.
The next day they stood in the docking bay. Leia, Han, Luke, and Ben had come to see them off. Everything had been packed aboard the ship, christened the Trickster's Voyage by Jaina. With a grin and a nod Mara and Han said their goodbyes to each other. She hugged Leia and came to the end of the line, her husband and then her son. Smiling, she crouched and kissed Ben on the cheek.
"Mama go bye?" Ben inquired, his blue eyes poring into her.
She smiled again and ruffled his red-gold hair. "Yep, Mama go bye. Mama come back soon." She stood and stared at Luke for a moment. His ice-blue eyes considered her, and then he pulled her close and kissed her. When they broke apart she whispered, "Take care of him."
"You better be back before he's trained," Luke replied teasingly. "There is no way you're saddling me with diaper duty for that long."
She grinned and kissed his cheek. "Now that you mention it…"
He shook his head mockingly. "Take care."
"I will. Don't worry." With one more kiss Mara finished her goodbye, then waited for everyone else to finish. Leia hugged the twins one more time, while Han lectured Lowbacca and Zekk on watching after his children. When they were done, she led them onto the ship, and then into the cockpit.
Jag glanced back at them. He and Shawnkyr were strapped in the pilot and copilot seats. "Jacen, which one of these seems best?"
He indicated a screen showing a list of coordinates. Jacen studied them, then closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he pointed to the middle set. "This way."
"All right. Everyone, our first stop is Bastion. Please fasten your crash webbings." With that Jag shooed everyone out of the cockpit. They entered the lounge and sat in the seats. Mara glanced out the window. Luke had picked up Ben and was waving his hand. Beaming, she gave a tiny wave in return. Then she felt the rumble of the engines; in a moment, all she saw out the window was the starry blackness of space. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. They were off.
***
When Anakin awoke, it was to find Jennique sitting at the foot of his bed, scrutinizing him with half-closed eyes. Glowering, he sat up and announced, "I'm awake now, stop messing in my mind."
Offended, Jennique opened her eyes and said, "I wasn't messing in your mind, with your mind, or anything like that. I was meditating."
"Sure you were," Anakin grunted, throwing off the heavy sheets and then shivering. "It's as cold as death in here."
"You would know," she replied calmly. "I'm sorry. I can get the heat turned up."
"Please," he said. "Do you not have climate-controlled rooms?"
"Yes," she said.
"Then why—?" One look at her face stopped him. "All right. Show me what I can wear."
She got up and walked over to the wardrobe. She pointed to areas while she talked. "Here are you pajamas. This is where we'll put your Jedi robes, once we make you some. Here's where regular jumpsuits are; here's anything miscellaneous."
"Thank you," he said.
"Breakfast is in thirty minutes," she replied. "Be there." With that she whirled around and stalked out of the room.
Stumbling, Anakin got out of bed and wandered over the wardrobe. He picked out a jumpsuit, then showered in the refresher. He got dressed, then realized he hadn't turned on the lights.
"Lights?" he called uncertainly. There was a faint tingle in the room, begging him to find the switch. Sighing, he closed his eyes and started searching through the walls with his mind, until he found a toggle to turn on the lights. They popped on automatically after that. With a sigh and a shake of his head he examined his room. Nothing spectacular popped out at him. There was little more to it than he had already found. With another sigh and a glance at the chrono, he realized he still had twenty minutes to waste before breakfast. He toyed around with the idea of talking to Tahiri, but decided that he would do better to explore the palace he was living in.
He left his room, beginning with the hall that led to the main corridor. The walls were white marble and the floors were green. He reached the door and it slid open. The main corridor had white marble floors and polished stone walls. A few windows dotted the way, but they were large and spectacular. Anakin stopped and stared for a moment, trying to remember where the dining hall was. Turning left, he followed the hall until it branched and became less spectacular. Both halls proved to be dead ends. He performed an about face and retraced his steps. He kept walking straight, ignoring two other main halls that beckoned invitingly. He found a large, sweeping staircase and followed it to a pair of doors that obviously went outside.
On his way to find a turbolift he met Tish (or was it Cass?). "Hi, Anakin!" she said brightly.
"Hello," he replied.
"Where're you going?" she asked in a sing-song tone.
"I'm looking for the dining hall."
"Which one?"
"I don't know! The one where I'm supposed to be eating breakfast."
"Oh, that one." The girl (whoever she was) nodded knowingly. "It all depends on whether you're eating with the Queen or not."
"I don't know. Jennique just said breakfast was in thirty minutes. I'm going to be late as it is." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
The girl observed him, then said, "You're obviously not eating with the Queen, not if you're in that condition. Come on, you must be eating with us."
"Us?" Anakin inquired, but she didn't respond. Instead, she grabbed his hand and led him through many halls. Finally he asked, "How many stories is this place?"
"Several," she replied, not looking at him. "But the top floors were for now-nonexistent offices. People only go up there if they're looking for privacy. We mainly use the bottom three floors. The Private Throne Room is on floor three, staterooms cover most of floor two, and floor one is THE Throne Room, where the public can come. Oh, yeah, we live on the third floor, too."
"We?" he demanded, but she chose not to reply. Instead she led him up a flight of stairs.
"Oh, yeah, there are a bunch of courtyards and stuff scattered all throughout this city, and the palace," she continued. "Lots of places to get lost. But it's really nice."
"Uh-huh."
"Here we are." She pushed open the door, still dragging him in. Several children, ranging from about two to about thirteen, were gathered around a large table. Anakin's guide's twin had saved a seat for her sister. Two adults sat at the head of the table, maintaining an eye over the children. After a moment Anakin realized that all the children had on some form of a Jedi tunic. The girl released his hand and snuck over to her seat, leaving him standing quite alone. A few of the children noticed him, and before long they were all staring at him. It was then the adults looked up.
"Cass?" the woman said. Anakin suddenly realized that they were both about his own age.
"He didn't know where to go, and I know none of the girls would let him eat with the Queen looking like that, so I brought him here," the girl replied. "Besides, didn't someone say something about—"
A Look silenced her. The woman smiled at Anakin. "Hello. Please, come sit." She gestured to a seat next to her, which Anakin wandered up to and sat in. A bowl of what seemed to be porridge floated over to gently settle in front of him. Slightly suspicious, he picked up his spoon and poked at it.
"It's not toxic," said the man next to him. "I keep telling them to feed the kids something more nutritious, but—"
"—This is made to be incredibly nutritious," the woman said, cutting him off. With a smile she turned to Anakin. "Hi. I'm Michelle, one of the Masters."
"I'm Tadd," the guy added. "Nice to see some life in that body."
"What?" Anakin demanded, eyeing Tadd with some degree of distrust.
"I had to help get your body back so she," here he nodded at Michelle, "could bring you back."
Anakin stretched out with the Force, testing each of them. They proved to be incredibly strong. "I thought I recognized you," he said to Michelle.
She smiled, her blood-red hair bobbing at her shoulders. "It's all relative. What are you doing today?"
Anakin shrugged. "I don't know. Explore."
"If you'd like, you can stay with the trainees," said Tadd, gesturing to the kids.
Anakin laughed slightly. "Thanks, but I'm no teacher."
"Who said you would be teaching?" Michelle retorted, a sparkle in her eye.
The next three hours saw Anakin running through basic lightsaber training techniques using a staff. He fenced with the older kids, who were all amazingly strong, almost as good as he was. One of them actually beat him, a girl named Padma. Her brown hair was in a high ponytail save for a tight brain that hung down her shoulder. When she finally beat him, Michelle called for lunch time.
Anakin fell into step with his victorious foe, only to find that the bright- eyed girl wasn't very interested in gloating. Instead she waited for him to speak.
"Hey, you're good," he said finally.
She smiled at him. "I've been trained by the best available."
"How old are you?"
"Fifteen. After lunch I go and study with my Master, Allé. She's a sweetheart."
"Oh. That Queen's Own girl?" said Anakin.
Padma eyed him. "She is one of the Queen's handmaidens, if that's what you mean. Not that that really matters."
Anakin stared. "It doesn't?"
She shook her head. "The Queen is a sort of planetary governor, but even now there are only two real cities left on Naboo."
"The Empire did that much damage?" he said wonderingly.
She nodded. "In more ways than one."
He sat next to her at lunch and slowly she opened up. "So, they really brought you back from the dead?"
"Yep," he replied. "Amazing, isn't it?"
"The theory was quite plausible."
"In theory."
She giggled. "In theory."
"So, who's left after lunch?"
"The little kids. Thirteen and under." She sighed. "There aren't enough Masters to go around sometimes. Of course, this structure has only been in place since about ten years after the defeat of the Empire."
"Who ruled after the Empire left?"
Padma gave him a look that suggested he was crazy. "The Empire didn't exactly leave. It got to where they were forced out, but they destroyed everything they could except for Theed and one of the mountain cities. Anyway, after they finally left, a council ruled until the Queen was old enough to rule."
"Why? Was she the only person for the job?" Anakin asked. This planet had a complex history, and it was obvious the girl wasn't telling him everything.
"You could say that," she replied, shrugging. "It's…hard to explain…"
"With the limitations they've put on you?" he probed, nudging her in the Force.
She pushed back admirably. "You'll just have to ask the Queen about that."
Tadd stood up from his place at the head of the table. "Lunch is over, trainees. All Padawans please report to your Masters. Kids, go with Michelle. Anakin, please come here."
"Good-bye," Anakin called to Padma. She waved in response before going out the door. He wandered over to Tadd and raised his eyebrows.
Tadd sighed as he turned to face Anakin. "The Queen's mother wants an audience with you. Challie will take you. Anakin," he leaned forward, "don't let her talk you into believing anything bad about the Queen."
"What?"
"The two are on…rocky terms…" Tadd trailed off as a pretty girl Anakin recognized as one of the handmaidens approached. She smiled at Tadd and he returned it, then she turned to Anakin with it still affixed to her face, although her eyes were busy scrutinizing him.
"Hello, Anakin. Will you please follow me?"
"Do I have a choice?" he replied with a grin, falling in step next to her as they left the room and started down the hall.
"You could spend your whole stay here without seeing her, if she chose to ignore you." Challie sighed as they stopped in front of a door. "She's meeting you on this terrace, so she should be right out there. Enjoy yourself."
"Thanks," said Anakin, pushing open the door. She departed as he made his way down the stone path, glancing at the flowers with slight interest.
A tall blonde woman stood in the shade of a grove of trees, a stone bench behind her. She wore a long lavender dress that rustled slightly in the faint breeze. Upon hearing Anakin's footsteps she turned, and with a start he realize she was about as old as his mother.
"You would be Anakin," she said in a smooth, diplomatically friendly voice.
"Yes ma'am," he replied. "Your Highness."
"No," she said, "I'm not the queen."
"But you're her mother, so I—"
"No, no, I've never ruled." She laughed slightly and he felt the bitterness radiating off her. "That was left for my daughter. I'm sure you've heard about how wonderful she is."
"Not really." Anakin shrugged. "I have yet to meet her."
"Really? I'm surprised. I would think she, of all people, would want to meet someone like you."
"What's so interesting about me?"
She stared at him for a moment. "The same thing that I find quite interesting about you, young man."
Carefully he eased back, away from that molten stare. Her honey eyes poured through him like hot lead. "What, that I've been dead?" He shrugged uncomfortably. "Well, I suppose that's interesting."
"Oh, but it is. It's very unfortunate that they only brought you back to serve the queen. You were only allowed to contact your friends to let them know you're alive, you know."
"What makes you say that?"
She laughed, probably at what she assumed to be his naïveté. "There is no way your friends can make it across the galaxy when the Vong control over half of it."
"Over half the galaxy?" Anakin demanded. "Oh…"
She smiled sadly. "I'm afraid so. And since they'll never let you go, you'll never get the chance to meet them anywhere."
"Are you saying I'll never see them again?"
"Most probably…" She smiled and leaned forward, and Anakin decided that she looked like a viper. In a whisper she added, "I might be able to help, perhaps…"
"Vivien," said a sharp voice. "That is enough."
The woman straightened and turned to glare at the intruder. "Have I lost my privacy too?"
Anakin didn't turn to look as the speaker replied, "The throne you so covet would never have been handed to you."
"When it was mine from birth? I'm afraid you underestimate me, dear." Vivien tossed her hair over one shoulder. "Go ahead, take this boy and corrupt him." Glancing at him, she muttered, "Don't forget—"
"Goodbye," the voice cut in sternly. Vivien sent the speaker a venomous look and stalked off. The person sighed. "Oh, Anakin, go ahead, sit."
The speaker had a pretty voice, when it wasn't disciplining. He slowly turned and sat on the seat, and got a good look at the speaker. Her face was covered in white paint, with two red dots adorning the expressionless countenance. Her top lip was red and the bottom white but split by a red mark. She wore a lightweight white dress that hung loosely yet clung to her slender frame. Diamonds sparkled in her dark hair that had been twisted up somehow behind her head, secured with a woven wreath of silver- and-diamond "flowers." A green jewel on a silver chain hung on her forehead.
"Are you the Queen?" Anakin felt foolish for asking, since it was obvious, but he figured there had to be some sort of formality involved.
She arched an eyebrow. "I am."
"Ah. Um…why does your mother hate you?"
The queen shrugged. "She's jealous of my position, but I would gladly hand it to her if I trusted her. Since she is the daughter of the Senator's handmaiden, and I am the granddaughter, she believes she is entitled to the throne. Back in the days when it was a democracy, and the rulers were elected, I doubt they would have picked her, and now…" She sighed wearily, seeming older than her features implied. "Now they have made it a hereditary office, and so my eldest—if I ever have children—will rule."
"Ah."
She glanced at him. "You don't understand."
"No."
"Come." She beckoned, and he stood and followed her back into the palace. They went up past the third floor, then the fourth.
"Highness?" Anakin questioned. "Where are we going?"
"Some place no one goes," she replied. "No one goes up here unless they are seeking privacy." With an ironic grin she added, "My mother's rooms are up here."
"I'm not surprised." He fell silent and allowed her to guide him up to what must have been the top floor of the palace. She turned a corner and stopped in front of a plain-looking door.
"I am about to show you an example of what the Emperor did to Naboo," she said softly. "Wait—in due time it will become clear to you."
She stepped up to the door, which slid open at a gesture of her hand. Anakin followed her inside the room and gasped. The whole ceiling was thin transparisteel, and probably could open to the sky. The sun sparkled on the floor, marble inlaid with gold and jewels. The whole room shone with a blinding beauty.
The queen stood silently for a moment. Finally, she said, "This was an observatory before he came. People could come in here with mattresses, anything, and stare at the sky. It was a very public place, yet provided privacy not found in most places.
"Then," she continued, "the Emperor declared himself as such. He came here and decided that this would be his own observatory, for his use. If anyone came in here it would be to see the Emperor, whether in person or in holo."
She stepped towards the other end of the room and immediately a holo popped out of the ground. It was a man, balding, wearing a crown. "I am the Emperor Palpatine, ruler of the galaxy, and this is my observatory. Beware, enemies of the Empire, for you will be crushed."
As she continued, different warnings appeared, all in varying stages in the Emperor's life. Anakin shivered, watching her stop, gaze at each message, then continue. She had nearly reached the end when she turned and came back.
Quietly she added, "If the Emperor was here, those served a purpose. When each holo came up, the visitor had to show an ID pass. It was specially made, sealed with the Emperor's thumbprint, and could only be given out by a member of the Royal Guard or other high official of the Empire. If they failed to show the pass, some sort of nasty surprise would get you. At the end of the hall is his throne. If he wasn't here, you still had to have received a card, otherwise the holo security wouldn't recognize you and would kill you. We have long since disabled all the traps, so people might come here, but most have heard of this room and dislike to come." She sighed and looked towards the end of the hall, which was several meters away, as though trying to fully see the barely visible throne. "Very few people come any more."
Anakin glanced at the floor and realized that the jewels formed the Imperial symbol. He shivered, feeling the dark touches all throughout the room. "I don't blame them."
She studied him for a moment, then sighed and started to leave. Anakin ran to catch up, hoping she would continue to explain, but she didn't. Instead she stopped on the third floor, in front of a door, and said, "This is where we part company, for today. I shall see you tomorrow, perhaps, or maybe later."
"All right." Hesitantly, he added, "What's your name? Or would you rather me call you 'Highness'?"
She smiled. "I am Queen Amidala Renétia of the planet of Naboo, Anakin Solo. Most call me Amidala."
"Good day, then, Amidala." He bowed shortly, and she smiled slightly before disappearing behind the door. With a grin he started back downstairs in hopes of finding his stateroom. He had found out who that dark haired girl really was, learned her name, and gotten a promise of further audience from her. What could be better?
A/N: Don't worry; this is still an A/T fic! He is NOT going to fall in love with Amidala-well, not exactly…oh, well. You'll just have to review a lot so I'll post more explanations! *Review, review, review!*