Return to Naboo Part 2
Summary: This a post-ROTJ AU. Anakin has survived the battle of Endor and been healed so he no longer needs any armor or life support. He has been forgiven by Luke and his friends. The Alliance and Empire are at peace and have formed the New Republic. Anakin, his children, and Han have come to the planet Naboo so the twins can learn about their mother, but their vacation will take unexpected turns when they meet a mysterious enemy. The time is several months after ROTJ. I should have explained this in the original summary. My only excuse is I had done a lot of typing and by the time I sent the first post in, my brain was kind of loopy. Sorry.
Rating: G or PG
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars and I am not getting any money, etc.
The night sky of Naboo was dark and chilly, but below Theed Palace was lit and glowing brightly like a warm jewel. The water from an outside fountain sparkled and splashed as landspeeders carrying guests glided to and fro in front of the palace entrance.
Inside guests ranging from high-ranking government officials to famous artists and musicians mingled in the Grand Hall and waited for Naboo's most renowned visitors.
A protocol droid stepped into an archway leading to the foyer and announced, "Honored guests, I present King Tripday of Naboo, Vice- Chancellor of the New Republic Leia Organa Skywalker, General Han Solo, and Jedi Knights Anakin and Luke Skywalker."
King Tripday escorted Leia into the Hall, followed closely by Han, Anakin, and Luke. They had all dressed up for the occasion. Leia wore silky, pale blue gown. She had pinned her hair back on the sides with silver combs and let long curls fall down her back. Han had changed from his New Republic uniform into a white shirt and black pants. Instead of the customary Jedi attire, Luke wore a dark green tunic and matching pants and Anakin wore a similar maroon outfit.
Polite applause greeted them, and as the king headed off into the crowd, a handsome, dark-skinned man came towards them. He was an older man with silver hair and a face lined with wrinkles, but his eyes were sharp and his step was brisk.
"Master Anakin, you may not know me, but I remember you from years ago," he began.
Anakin smiled and held out his hand. "Of course I remember you, Captain Panaka. It's wonderful to see you again." He turned to his children and Han. "This is Captain Reth Panaka. He was head of security for your mother for many years. Captain, I'd like to introduce my children, Leia and Luke, and our good friend, Han Solo."
They all shook hands, and Captain Panaka said, "It's a pleasure to meet Padame's children. You too, of course, General Solo." He looked back at Luke and Leia. "Your mother was a good person and a good friend. She truly cared for the people of Naboo and risked her life more than once to help them. It was an honor to serve her."
Both twins smiled at him. Learning about their mother was filling a deep-seated need in them. Leia had only a few confused memories of her while Luke remembered nothing at all. Anakin had told them a great deal about her in the time they had been together, but Luke and Leia couldn't hear enough.
"You may have met my son Mak today. He serves as head of palace security now," the captain continued. "Following in my footsteps." He nodded at Anakin. "Just as your son has followed in yours."
"You must be very proud of him, as I am of mine," Anakin gave Luke a gentle smile. "Though it might be more accurate to say that I'm following in Luke's footsteps."
Panaka looked slightly confused, but Leia said, "Is there anything else you can tell us about our mother, Captain? You see, Luke and I don't remember her and we're eager to learn all we can."
"Well, there was one time when Padme and the handmaidens went riding alone. I wanted to send some guards along, but Padme insisted that they would be fine alone. Well, as soon as they set out, the worst thunderstorm in Theed history struck. Of course the gualamas panicked and took off at a dead run into the woods. By the time they stopped, it was-"
But Captain Panaka would have to finish that story another time because just then a tall, salmon-colored being with floppy ears approached. Unfortunately, as he came near he tripped on the hem of his long dark robe and fell against a serving droid carrying a tray of drinks. The drinks spilled, the creature slipped, and bumped into Captain Panaka and Leia. Han was close enough to grab Leia's arm and steady her, but Panaka fell. When he got up, there were dark juice stains on his clothes.
"Jar Jar, you clumsy oaf," he said in annoyance. He bowed to the Skywalker-Solo group. "I'm sorry, but it seems I must change before dinner. Perhaps we can continue our discussion another time. Just speak with Mak and he can arrange a visit. Again, I'm very happy to meet you all."
As Panaka left, Anakin turned to the dismayed gungan, laughed, and patted him on the back. "Well, old friend, you haven't changed a bit, have you?"
"Oh, but mesa has, mesa has," Jar Jar exclaimed. "Mesa now work for the boss of Otoh Gunga and hardly ever has accidents anymore. Not so many, anyway." He beamed at them all and proceeded to give everyone a hug, chattering away as he did so.
"Mesa so happy to hear yousa coming. Mesa been wanting to see Padme's little ones for years now." He turned to Leia. "Yousa so beautiful, just like your mother. A good leader, too." He looked at Luke. "Ah, Padme would be so proud of yousa, saving Ani like yousa did. She would have been so happy." Finally he turned to Han. "Even on Naboo, wesa hear about yousa. Yousa are good friend to Padme's family. Mesa thinks she would have liked yousa lots."
Han looked both pleased and embarrassed. He wasn't used to such exuberant greetings from someone he didn't even know, but Jar Jar's words had touched him. "Thanks," he finally said.
Leia began talking with Jar Jar about his city, Otoh Gunga, and the gungan people. Luke watched them in silence until something Jar Jar had said suddenly clicked in his brain, and he looked at the gungan in astonishment. When there was a break in the conversation, he spoke up, "Excuse me, Jar Jar, but did you say that you'd been wanting to meet us for years? You knew about us?"
The gungan nodded, looking sad. "Yes. Obi-Wan, the handmaidens, and mesa helped Padme escape Palpatine when she was expecting yousa. Mesa never say anything to anyone. Mesa know it's an important secret. But mesa always wondered about yousa."
A solemn silence descended on the group as they all considered the bravery and sacrifices that had kept the twins safe for so many years. Anakin felt a tight pain in his chest as he thought of all the suffering he had caused. There was no way of knowing exactly how things would have been different if he had never turned to the dark side, but at least Padme would not have had to suffer alone. The twins would not have been separated and raised apart from their parents. He took a deep breath to steady himself.
Jar Jar shook himself out of his reverie. "Yousa must come to Otoh Gunga. Wesa would be so happy if yousa come to visit. Let mesa introduce yousa to Boss Lurni Pagh."
He led them to another gungan, of a more reddish tint than Jar Jar. Boss Pagh repeated the invitation to come to Otoh Gunga, which they readily accepted. After making plans to visit the underwater gungan capital in a couple of weeks, Jar Jar and Boss Pagh entertained them with the story of how Padme had persuaded the gungans and the Naboo people to join forces against the Trade Federation so long ago.
Luke and Leia listened intently. They had heard the main points of the story from Anakin already, but they had been so busy with more immediate concerns that this was the first time they heard the details.
"Sounds like your mom was a pretty good diplomat," Han wrapped an arm around Leia's waist, drawing her near. "Just like you."
She gave him a tremulous smile, enormously pleased at having something in common with her mother.
Luke stepped closer to Anakin, looking concerned. He had sensed his father's pain earlier and wanted to comfort him. Anakin's sense of remorse sometimes threatened to overwhelm him, but he had done so much good already. It was doubtful that peace could have been established so quickly without him. He had worked tirelessly as a liasian between the Rebel Alliance and Empire. He had been the one to convince the moffs and regional governors to agree to the peace treaty. That alone had saved millions of lives. Luke reached over to take his father's hand.
Anakin squeezed Luke's fingers. Such a good boy! He was so much like his mother.
"Yes," he spoke aloud. "Luke and Leia are both like Padme. Leia looks very much like her and has inherited her political skills. Luke is very understanding and compassionate like his mother."
A gong chimed, announcing dinner. Zel Miret appeared out of the crowd in front of them. "If you'll come with me, please, you're seated at the head table with the king." He nodded to the gungans and led them away. They all enjoyed the dinner more than they had supposed they would. The food was delicious-roasted shaak, miki soup, hot bread, and some sort of sweet, tangy fruit drenched in a cream sauce for dessert. King Tripday did most of the talking so everyone else could relax and think their own thoughts. For about an hour afterward they continued to mingle with the guests. Then people began drifting out.
Miret again seemed to appear out of nowhere. "We're ending the evening early so you can have some time to yourselves. I just wanted to let you know I've arranged a visit to the Royal Museum tomorrow afternoon."
As they headed back to their rooms, Han took Leia's hand. "You tired?"
"Not anymore." She replied. "Why?"
"Oh, I just wondered if you felt like taking a walk around those gardens Miret showed us today."
She smiled. "Let's go."
The gardens were beautiful. Bright moonlight shone upon the paved walkways and carefully cultivated flowerbeds. Han and Leia held hands and walked silently along the garden path. For a while the only sounds were the click of their shoes on the pavement, the soft chirp of night insects, and the gurgle of a fountain. The Naboo seemed fond of fountains. At least, Han had seen several around the palace that day. He looked over at Leia. She was so lovely. Moonlight and shadows played over her hair as she tilted her face to the stars.
"I wonder if Chewie made it to Kashyyk all right," she mused.
"I'm sure he did. He's probably having a ball with his relatives there right now," Han responded.
Leia kept studying the sky. "I'm glad he got the chance to visit them. It must be hard to be away from them for so long."
"Yeah," Han agreed. "I guess it's not always easy to have two families."
"It's better than having none," Leia whispered, her mind going back to the terrifying hours after the destruction of Alderaan, when her adoptive family had been killed and Luke, Han, and Chewbacca had not yet come into her life.
Her father had been there, though. As Darth Vader. For a moment she struggled with old anger and bitterness. She wondered if he had known of their kinship then, if he would have treated her better. She wasn't sure. He hadn't especially merciful to Luke on Bespin.
Han watched emotions play over her face. "Speaking of family, how are you holding up, Sweetheart?"
She looked at him. "What?"
"I mean you've had a lot to deal with lately. Finding out about Luke and your father, then having him show up and be part of our lives now. Not to mention becoming Vice-Chaancellor and having lots of new responsibilities. And now, here we are, learning all about your mother. It's a lot to handle."
She considered. "I'm all right. It is a lot to handle, but at least I know I'm not alone."
Han slipped an arm around her and drew her close. "No, we're not alone anymore."
Luke sighed and rolled over in bed. It was late and his body was tired, but his mind was too restless for sleep. He had tried Jedi calming methods, but they didn't seem to be helping. He could hardly believe he was here, on his mother's home world, with his father, sister, and best friend. If only his mother could be there too, then everything would be perfect. He thought about the lovely young woman in the portrait. She was so bright and alive, with her whole future ahead of her. It should have been a happy one. His throat ached with sudden sadness.
He stood up and reached for his robe. His sleepclothes were a soft, silky material. Comfortable, but not very warm. Tying the belt around his waist, he headed for the living area. He had noticed some books about Naboo history and geography earlier. Perhaps if he read for a while, he would grow sleepy.
He paused in the doorway. A dim light glowed from the living room and Anakin was sitting on the sofa, staring at the portrait. While Luke hesitated, wondering if he should go back to bed and leave his father in privacy, Anakin glanced over and said, "It's all right, son. I'd like some company."
So Luke went to sit beside him. Anakin settled his arm around his son's shoulders and Luke leaned against him, savoring his father's loving presence. The past three months had been the happiest of his life. Anakin was always there, supporting and encouraging him. For most of his life, Luke had felt alone, different and apart from the people he had grown up with. Partly because he was an orphan, without a mother or father. Also, his uncle's moisture farm had been so far from town, it had just contributed to the feelings of isolation. Then he had met Han, Chewie, and Leia, and they had formed their own family. And now, to make it even better, he had his father as well.
He looked at Anakin and saw his solemn expression. Speaking in his mind so as not to awaken the others, he said, Father, I know being here must be very hard for you. I'm sorry.
Anakin shook his head. Don't be. It is hard to be here and remember your mother, but I also feel very close to her here. And I'm glad to see you and Leia learning about her. It wasn't right for you to be denied knowledge of her. I don't regret coming.
I always wondered about her. And you. My aunt and uncle would never tell me much.
Understandably. Anakin replied.
Yes, I understand them much better now. Luke agreed.
Anakin sighed. I'm so sorry, Luke. Besides all the other horrible things I did, I ruined our family. I failed your mother. I failed you and Leia. I wasn't there for you-any of you-when you needed me. I can never change that or make up for it, but from now on I will always take care of you and Leia. I promise.
Father, you were there for me, Luke pointed out. You saved me from Palpatine.
Anakin shook his head. I brought you before Palpatine.
Anakin's sorrow touched Luke's soul as well. Still in the protective circle of his father's arm, he wrapped his own arms around Anakin and sent him an affectionate mental caress.
Tears came to Anakin's eyes. He had never done anything to deserve such a compassionate, forgiving son, but he gave thanks for him daily. He kissed the top of his son's head.
They sat in silence for a while. Then Anakin stirred. It's late. If Miret is going to take us to the museum tomorrow we'd better get some sleep.
They started for their rooms, but then Luke stopped. Father, did you sense any strange feelings from Miret today when we met?
Anakin considered. I felt something, but I chalked it up to his being uncomfortable around me.
I guess that explains it. Good night, Father.
Good night, son.
Summary: This a post-ROTJ AU. Anakin has survived the battle of Endor and been healed so he no longer needs any armor or life support. He has been forgiven by Luke and his friends. The Alliance and Empire are at peace and have formed the New Republic. Anakin, his children, and Han have come to the planet Naboo so the twins can learn about their mother, but their vacation will take unexpected turns when they meet a mysterious enemy. The time is several months after ROTJ. I should have explained this in the original summary. My only excuse is I had done a lot of typing and by the time I sent the first post in, my brain was kind of loopy. Sorry.
Rating: G or PG
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars and I am not getting any money, etc.
The night sky of Naboo was dark and chilly, but below Theed Palace was lit and glowing brightly like a warm jewel. The water from an outside fountain sparkled and splashed as landspeeders carrying guests glided to and fro in front of the palace entrance.
Inside guests ranging from high-ranking government officials to famous artists and musicians mingled in the Grand Hall and waited for Naboo's most renowned visitors.
A protocol droid stepped into an archway leading to the foyer and announced, "Honored guests, I present King Tripday of Naboo, Vice- Chancellor of the New Republic Leia Organa Skywalker, General Han Solo, and Jedi Knights Anakin and Luke Skywalker."
King Tripday escorted Leia into the Hall, followed closely by Han, Anakin, and Luke. They had all dressed up for the occasion. Leia wore silky, pale blue gown. She had pinned her hair back on the sides with silver combs and let long curls fall down her back. Han had changed from his New Republic uniform into a white shirt and black pants. Instead of the customary Jedi attire, Luke wore a dark green tunic and matching pants and Anakin wore a similar maroon outfit.
Polite applause greeted them, and as the king headed off into the crowd, a handsome, dark-skinned man came towards them. He was an older man with silver hair and a face lined with wrinkles, but his eyes were sharp and his step was brisk.
"Master Anakin, you may not know me, but I remember you from years ago," he began.
Anakin smiled and held out his hand. "Of course I remember you, Captain Panaka. It's wonderful to see you again." He turned to his children and Han. "This is Captain Reth Panaka. He was head of security for your mother for many years. Captain, I'd like to introduce my children, Leia and Luke, and our good friend, Han Solo."
They all shook hands, and Captain Panaka said, "It's a pleasure to meet Padame's children. You too, of course, General Solo." He looked back at Luke and Leia. "Your mother was a good person and a good friend. She truly cared for the people of Naboo and risked her life more than once to help them. It was an honor to serve her."
Both twins smiled at him. Learning about their mother was filling a deep-seated need in them. Leia had only a few confused memories of her while Luke remembered nothing at all. Anakin had told them a great deal about her in the time they had been together, but Luke and Leia couldn't hear enough.
"You may have met my son Mak today. He serves as head of palace security now," the captain continued. "Following in my footsteps." He nodded at Anakin. "Just as your son has followed in yours."
"You must be very proud of him, as I am of mine," Anakin gave Luke a gentle smile. "Though it might be more accurate to say that I'm following in Luke's footsteps."
Panaka looked slightly confused, but Leia said, "Is there anything else you can tell us about our mother, Captain? You see, Luke and I don't remember her and we're eager to learn all we can."
"Well, there was one time when Padme and the handmaidens went riding alone. I wanted to send some guards along, but Padme insisted that they would be fine alone. Well, as soon as they set out, the worst thunderstorm in Theed history struck. Of course the gualamas panicked and took off at a dead run into the woods. By the time they stopped, it was-"
But Captain Panaka would have to finish that story another time because just then a tall, salmon-colored being with floppy ears approached. Unfortunately, as he came near he tripped on the hem of his long dark robe and fell against a serving droid carrying a tray of drinks. The drinks spilled, the creature slipped, and bumped into Captain Panaka and Leia. Han was close enough to grab Leia's arm and steady her, but Panaka fell. When he got up, there were dark juice stains on his clothes.
"Jar Jar, you clumsy oaf," he said in annoyance. He bowed to the Skywalker-Solo group. "I'm sorry, but it seems I must change before dinner. Perhaps we can continue our discussion another time. Just speak with Mak and he can arrange a visit. Again, I'm very happy to meet you all."
As Panaka left, Anakin turned to the dismayed gungan, laughed, and patted him on the back. "Well, old friend, you haven't changed a bit, have you?"
"Oh, but mesa has, mesa has," Jar Jar exclaimed. "Mesa now work for the boss of Otoh Gunga and hardly ever has accidents anymore. Not so many, anyway." He beamed at them all and proceeded to give everyone a hug, chattering away as he did so.
"Mesa so happy to hear yousa coming. Mesa been wanting to see Padme's little ones for years now." He turned to Leia. "Yousa so beautiful, just like your mother. A good leader, too." He looked at Luke. "Ah, Padme would be so proud of yousa, saving Ani like yousa did. She would have been so happy." Finally he turned to Han. "Even on Naboo, wesa hear about yousa. Yousa are good friend to Padme's family. Mesa thinks she would have liked yousa lots."
Han looked both pleased and embarrassed. He wasn't used to such exuberant greetings from someone he didn't even know, but Jar Jar's words had touched him. "Thanks," he finally said.
Leia began talking with Jar Jar about his city, Otoh Gunga, and the gungan people. Luke watched them in silence until something Jar Jar had said suddenly clicked in his brain, and he looked at the gungan in astonishment. When there was a break in the conversation, he spoke up, "Excuse me, Jar Jar, but did you say that you'd been wanting to meet us for years? You knew about us?"
The gungan nodded, looking sad. "Yes. Obi-Wan, the handmaidens, and mesa helped Padme escape Palpatine when she was expecting yousa. Mesa never say anything to anyone. Mesa know it's an important secret. But mesa always wondered about yousa."
A solemn silence descended on the group as they all considered the bravery and sacrifices that had kept the twins safe for so many years. Anakin felt a tight pain in his chest as he thought of all the suffering he had caused. There was no way of knowing exactly how things would have been different if he had never turned to the dark side, but at least Padme would not have had to suffer alone. The twins would not have been separated and raised apart from their parents. He took a deep breath to steady himself.
Jar Jar shook himself out of his reverie. "Yousa must come to Otoh Gunga. Wesa would be so happy if yousa come to visit. Let mesa introduce yousa to Boss Lurni Pagh."
He led them to another gungan, of a more reddish tint than Jar Jar. Boss Pagh repeated the invitation to come to Otoh Gunga, which they readily accepted. After making plans to visit the underwater gungan capital in a couple of weeks, Jar Jar and Boss Pagh entertained them with the story of how Padme had persuaded the gungans and the Naboo people to join forces against the Trade Federation so long ago.
Luke and Leia listened intently. They had heard the main points of the story from Anakin already, but they had been so busy with more immediate concerns that this was the first time they heard the details.
"Sounds like your mom was a pretty good diplomat," Han wrapped an arm around Leia's waist, drawing her near. "Just like you."
She gave him a tremulous smile, enormously pleased at having something in common with her mother.
Luke stepped closer to Anakin, looking concerned. He had sensed his father's pain earlier and wanted to comfort him. Anakin's sense of remorse sometimes threatened to overwhelm him, but he had done so much good already. It was doubtful that peace could have been established so quickly without him. He had worked tirelessly as a liasian between the Rebel Alliance and Empire. He had been the one to convince the moffs and regional governors to agree to the peace treaty. That alone had saved millions of lives. Luke reached over to take his father's hand.
Anakin squeezed Luke's fingers. Such a good boy! He was so much like his mother.
"Yes," he spoke aloud. "Luke and Leia are both like Padme. Leia looks very much like her and has inherited her political skills. Luke is very understanding and compassionate like his mother."
A gong chimed, announcing dinner. Zel Miret appeared out of the crowd in front of them. "If you'll come with me, please, you're seated at the head table with the king." He nodded to the gungans and led them away. They all enjoyed the dinner more than they had supposed they would. The food was delicious-roasted shaak, miki soup, hot bread, and some sort of sweet, tangy fruit drenched in a cream sauce for dessert. King Tripday did most of the talking so everyone else could relax and think their own thoughts. For about an hour afterward they continued to mingle with the guests. Then people began drifting out.
Miret again seemed to appear out of nowhere. "We're ending the evening early so you can have some time to yourselves. I just wanted to let you know I've arranged a visit to the Royal Museum tomorrow afternoon."
As they headed back to their rooms, Han took Leia's hand. "You tired?"
"Not anymore." She replied. "Why?"
"Oh, I just wondered if you felt like taking a walk around those gardens Miret showed us today."
She smiled. "Let's go."
The gardens were beautiful. Bright moonlight shone upon the paved walkways and carefully cultivated flowerbeds. Han and Leia held hands and walked silently along the garden path. For a while the only sounds were the click of their shoes on the pavement, the soft chirp of night insects, and the gurgle of a fountain. The Naboo seemed fond of fountains. At least, Han had seen several around the palace that day. He looked over at Leia. She was so lovely. Moonlight and shadows played over her hair as she tilted her face to the stars.
"I wonder if Chewie made it to Kashyyk all right," she mused.
"I'm sure he did. He's probably having a ball with his relatives there right now," Han responded.
Leia kept studying the sky. "I'm glad he got the chance to visit them. It must be hard to be away from them for so long."
"Yeah," Han agreed. "I guess it's not always easy to have two families."
"It's better than having none," Leia whispered, her mind going back to the terrifying hours after the destruction of Alderaan, when her adoptive family had been killed and Luke, Han, and Chewbacca had not yet come into her life.
Her father had been there, though. As Darth Vader. For a moment she struggled with old anger and bitterness. She wondered if he had known of their kinship then, if he would have treated her better. She wasn't sure. He hadn't especially merciful to Luke on Bespin.
Han watched emotions play over her face. "Speaking of family, how are you holding up, Sweetheart?"
She looked at him. "What?"
"I mean you've had a lot to deal with lately. Finding out about Luke and your father, then having him show up and be part of our lives now. Not to mention becoming Vice-Chaancellor and having lots of new responsibilities. And now, here we are, learning all about your mother. It's a lot to handle."
She considered. "I'm all right. It is a lot to handle, but at least I know I'm not alone."
Han slipped an arm around her and drew her close. "No, we're not alone anymore."
Luke sighed and rolled over in bed. It was late and his body was tired, but his mind was too restless for sleep. He had tried Jedi calming methods, but they didn't seem to be helping. He could hardly believe he was here, on his mother's home world, with his father, sister, and best friend. If only his mother could be there too, then everything would be perfect. He thought about the lovely young woman in the portrait. She was so bright and alive, with her whole future ahead of her. It should have been a happy one. His throat ached with sudden sadness.
He stood up and reached for his robe. His sleepclothes were a soft, silky material. Comfortable, but not very warm. Tying the belt around his waist, he headed for the living area. He had noticed some books about Naboo history and geography earlier. Perhaps if he read for a while, he would grow sleepy.
He paused in the doorway. A dim light glowed from the living room and Anakin was sitting on the sofa, staring at the portrait. While Luke hesitated, wondering if he should go back to bed and leave his father in privacy, Anakin glanced over and said, "It's all right, son. I'd like some company."
So Luke went to sit beside him. Anakin settled his arm around his son's shoulders and Luke leaned against him, savoring his father's loving presence. The past three months had been the happiest of his life. Anakin was always there, supporting and encouraging him. For most of his life, Luke had felt alone, different and apart from the people he had grown up with. Partly because he was an orphan, without a mother or father. Also, his uncle's moisture farm had been so far from town, it had just contributed to the feelings of isolation. Then he had met Han, Chewie, and Leia, and they had formed their own family. And now, to make it even better, he had his father as well.
He looked at Anakin and saw his solemn expression. Speaking in his mind so as not to awaken the others, he said, Father, I know being here must be very hard for you. I'm sorry.
Anakin shook his head. Don't be. It is hard to be here and remember your mother, but I also feel very close to her here. And I'm glad to see you and Leia learning about her. It wasn't right for you to be denied knowledge of her. I don't regret coming.
I always wondered about her. And you. My aunt and uncle would never tell me much.
Understandably. Anakin replied.
Yes, I understand them much better now. Luke agreed.
Anakin sighed. I'm so sorry, Luke. Besides all the other horrible things I did, I ruined our family. I failed your mother. I failed you and Leia. I wasn't there for you-any of you-when you needed me. I can never change that or make up for it, but from now on I will always take care of you and Leia. I promise.
Father, you were there for me, Luke pointed out. You saved me from Palpatine.
Anakin shook his head. I brought you before Palpatine.
Anakin's sorrow touched Luke's soul as well. Still in the protective circle of his father's arm, he wrapped his own arms around Anakin and sent him an affectionate mental caress.
Tears came to Anakin's eyes. He had never done anything to deserve such a compassionate, forgiving son, but he gave thanks for him daily. He kissed the top of his son's head.
They sat in silence for a while. Then Anakin stirred. It's late. If Miret is going to take us to the museum tomorrow we'd better get some sleep.
They started for their rooms, but then Luke stopped. Father, did you sense any strange feelings from Miret today when we met?
Anakin considered. I felt something, but I chalked it up to his being uncomfortable around me.
I guess that explains it. Good night, Father.
Good night, son.