Luke watched the news report with ever increasing frustration. Weeks after the announcement, the topic was naturally still heavily debated, but the initial furor died down into a variety of camps, formed by the outlook on two major leaders of the former Alliance being the children of a despised war criminal.
Surprising everyone where two groups who came out in heavy favor of Luke and Leia. The first carried Leia's words of "For what crime? Being born?" as a rallying flag. Children of Imperials, of drug lords, of those who willingly helped put Palpatine in power, all trying to lead clean lives for themselves vowed complete support for two people who stood for getting out of the shadow of a parent's crimes.
A second group, not as surprising except for their volume, was those in the adoption or foster care systems, both children and parents. Not to mention the orphanages and institutions who had no support under the Empire now found a voice. Reports showed an increasing number of interested people seeking children to take in, using the Organas and the Lars as an example to see past a child's biological connection and offer a chance for a new life. It was a big boon to a system overtaxed by the large number of war orphans flooding the ranks.
A third group was those who pointed at Amidala's record as Senator and Queen, how she opposed the Trade Federation, and how she fought in the Clone Wars. This group argued that Amidala's history proved that her children inherited more from her than Vader.
Obviously, not all groups supported Leia or Luke, but screamed for their removal from any Republic position they might hold. Mobs formed outside the Alderaani Embassy until Leia, concerned for the staff's safety, moved herself publicly out of it while keeping her temporary location a secret. Some systems preparing to send their Senators decried having "Vader's spawn" in any post, screaming reminders that Palpatine started in the Senate. Worse were those who were equally against Skywalker and Organa, but said nothing. Instead, Leia and Luke knew some worked behind the scenes, preparing plots that would strike far into the future.
But the vast majority of the galaxy just waited, unsure. Waiting to see what he and Leia would do, what actions they were taking, what side of the line they laid on. The scrutiny was difficult, but at least they waited before judging.
Leia's spirit rose with this victory. Added to it was the Republic supporting them, and the Alderaani voted in her favor. She had lived with public scrutiny and scheming enemies her whole life. In that way, nothing changed from before their announcement.
For Luke, however, his spirit sank. No report caught what he continually told them. That Vader had fallen, that Anakin came back. That the two were separate. Of course, he was extremely thankful that he and his sister came through this fire, and his visions of the future held out. That no one, not Leia, not him, and not Mon Mothma who had risked career suicide to support them, fell to a public outcry.
But why couldn't anyone listen to him?
Especially…
He abruptly turned away from the news report, and left the Falcon's common area for the cockpit. Leia stood behind Han's pilot seat. Her head turned as he came up next to her. She was all smiles.
"Look," she said softly.
The blue and white world filling the cockpit's view erased all his sadness.
"Naboo," he whispered.
A chance to learn who their mother was. Find some answers.
Leia put her chin on her folded arms, lying on Solo's headrest. Her dangling fingers brushed his hair, and he glanced up. He caught Luke staring equally hypnotized by Naboo and everything waiting for them.
The familiar lopsided grin split Han's mouth. "It's going to be okay, kid."
Yes, it was.
If you enjoyed this story -- hopefully you did! -- and want to see what happened on Naboo, please read Kerjen's "Homecoming" if you haven't already done so. Warning: it's much longer! -- Kerry
