DISCLAIMER: Star Wars belongs to Lucas, not me. The handmaiden Katri, her husband Derin and their daughter Arianna belong to my friend Beth. The ideas in this part of the story belong to me - they're going to be AU when the real Episode 3 come out. The quote at the end of this chapter actually was said by Amelia Earhart.
Obi-Wan walked into the room where the six women waited, some with their husbands and families. "What's going to happen?" He took a big breath and looked at the former handmaidens. "You six are to be split up and hidden on different planets. Padme will be coming with me to Tatooine after she has her twins and one of them will have to go with one of you." "Maybe they can go with Yane and Bail," Sabe said speaking up. It had been discovered, unfortunately, that Yane could not have children. A family problem, Yane had said. Her great aunt was not able to have children either. The couple looked at each other and then over to Padme. "I'd be honored to have you take care of them." All of a sudden, she let out a yell. A puddle of water had mysteriously appeared at her feet, and they all knew what was going on. "It's time!!"
Padme had her twins a few hours later - it was actually a speedy delivery compared to other ones which I had witnessed. She named her son Luke and, being that Yane and Bail were the new parents of the other twin (a girl), they named her Leia. With that done, we knew that it was time for us all to say our final good-byes and leave. I stayed to help Padme get her health back and get things settled around Naboo before I would leave.
What happened to everyone? Well, I'm just going to put what I know, starting with the 'chain of command' of the handmaidens:
Rabe went back to Coruscant to continue serving under Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. I received a letter from her a few weeks ago that she suspected something was amiss with him. I haven't heard from her since.
Eirtae left for Eichbaum to pursue her role as the Nubian Ambassador. Queen Mei'inda ordered her that if the Empire took hold of the Republic she was to destroy any and all artifacts of her Nubian heritage and live out the rest of her life as a citizen of Eichbaum.
Sache gave up her position as the security handmaiden in the Queen's court. On orders, she retreated to Coruscant and stayed well hidden.
Yane and Bail went back to Alderaan with Leia. I heard that she was named the Minister of Education and became a powerful figure when he was named the Viceroy of Alderaan. Last I heard of her she was really happy.
Padme and Obi-Wan left for Tatooine a couple of days ago with Luke. I heard from her that they were going to hide him with a family her and Ani had met awhile back before the Clone Wars: Owen Lars and Beru Whitesun.
My dear friend Katri and her husband Derin are expecting their own child, a little girl (or so they claim . . .). She has told me that if indeed it is a girl what they're going to name her: Arianna Sabe. It is a great honor and I wish them *all* the best of luck in the future.
Well, my story has now come to a close . . . or has it just begun? I have learned from my husband that the Force chooses what will become of us. I have chosen to go live on Ansion in the city of Cuipernaum. I don't know if I am going to stay there or not, but I will inform my two closest friends if I move. It is doubtful that I will ever see them again, which does put a lot of strain in my life.
Over the past 20+ years Padme, Rabe, Eirtae, Sache, Yane, and I have stayed really close. We have gone through a lot of things - the Clone Wars, the fall of the Republic, not to mention serving under Queen Amidala, and we have all survived it. Obi-Wan . . . well, I don't really know *what* to say. He's been there with me ever since the Trade Federation Invasion. It is going to feel awkward not having him around to talk to, help, or just even be with. He's not even going to be around for the birth of our child . . .
Luke, Leia, even though you weren't my kids I still feel like you are. If you remember back towards the beginning of my story, I actually *was* your mother for a short time while her and I switched the sovereignship. If either of you ever find these books, I just want you to know that your parents (yes, including Anakin before he became Darth Vader) were great people and I highly respected them both. Be proud that they were who they were. Now, I must end this because the last book is running out. These books are going to be left to Katri to keep safe. I am going to leave you two with a quote, told to me by my dear friend Sache which I think is suited for this occasion. Good-bye, and Godspeed.
"Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace."
