Okay, this is it. The end, the final chapter. /sniffs/ I'm so sorry to leave you all. I'll be back soon, with any luck, and post a sequal to my fic "History's Keeper" Tha't s what I'm working on now, anyway.
REV042175: I say this a lot, but sometimes it's the best thing to say. Thank you. (I'm trying to take Kazzy's advice and not admit that I didn't mean that at all...) ;-)
Fred has really been working me overtime. I think Mike's muse has had a bad influence on him. (we've discovered they have been hanging out together) He keeps feeding me things like that when all I want to do is write fluffy mushy stuff. Still, he did make me finish this so...
Kazzy: C'mon! You know me better than that by now, I like happy endings. :-)
I never liked how the EU down played Luke and Leia's relationship either. I'm just going to assume that all the stuff I would expect was off-scene. I am going to give the authors the benefit of a doubt and assume there just weren't enough pages in the books. :-)
And don't worry, that wasn't he big meeting,I couldn't resist, though, since you all asked for it so many times... :-)
Mike: You flatter me all the time, it's really good for my ego but none of my hats fit anymore... :-) Seriously, though, I'm glad you liked it. It's a fine line between touching and corny and I like to flirt with that line whenever possible. :-)
Actually, I was referring to ROTJ itself. When Han was frozen in carbonite and Luke, Leia, Lando, and Chewie went to rescue him. When Leia wore the metal bikini? I thought that would remind you... :-) I never read Tatooine Ghost, though I hope to one day.
vrai-rose: Actually, I've been reading your fic too, but haven't reviewed. Sorry, here, as well. I would say that authors tend to be lurkers, but I guess it's just you and me. Most of my other reviewers are authors. ;-) Oh, well. I'll review if you do. :-) And Thanks!
Thank you, for the praise. Actually, I do have a brother like that. We are very close as far as age goes and he's been my best friend practically my whole life. I drew on his personality a lot for this story.
yeah, after all Han's rushing, he needed a big moment. Glad you liked it!
Shinigami: Scarily enough, I understood that, though I would be more frightened of Han. Vader's gone for good. :-) Here's the conclusion.
Author's Note: Kudos, again, goes to REV042175, who not only beta-ed this chapter, but provided two of the best lines in here. Also, he's pointed out to me that a tissue warning should go on this one. So here it is, you have been warned...
Sorrow Multiplied
Chapter 15
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Padmè darted behind a small speeder, ducking to avoid being seen. A feeling of deja vu fell over her and she sighed to herself even as she peeked back over the speeder. He was looking her way but not yet directly at her. Despite her caution, Luke began walking toward her hiding place. Desperate, she started crawling toward the edge of the speeder. It was only a couple of feet more the side of the building, from there she should be able to out run the seven-year old.
She peeked out again and saw only the back of the boy's head. Within seconds she was safely out of sight, running through the alleyways. Daring to try again, she paralleled Beru's path and peeked through the marketplace at the pair.
Luke was obediently trailing his aunt, though his attention was everywhere else. While the woman was busy picking out items for purchase, Luke examined everything in sight. He took the time out to admire a new model of speeder, then picked up some metallic object off the ground. Beru called to him and he dashed ahead to catch her.
Padmè tugged at her dark brown cloak. The material had probably just saved her son's life. Obi-Wan had impressed on her what the consequences could be if he recognized her. There was no doubt in her mind that he would recognize her. She hadn't yet told the boy's guardians or Obi-Wan that she was even on planet. A third party had actually hired her to ship a load of fine silk here, why she couldn't imagine. Whatever the reason, it was not her business to ask questions. Eager to visit the planet again, she had taken the job far too quickly and for far too little money. Leaving the docking bays, she had spotted her son and his aunt walking through town and impulsively followed them.
Not wanting to seem suspicious to outsiders, she absently paid an old woman for some fruit. The attempt to blend was in vain because she never took her eyes off little Luke.
"Cute kid." The woman remarked.
"What?" Not her most eloquent statement, but served its purpose.
The woman smiled. "I said 'Cute kid.' I was referring to the Lars' boy."
Padmè tried to conjure a smile, but the attempt was half-hearted at best and only resulted in a brief twitch of her lips. "He is... Interesting." She was trying to be non-committal.
Deciding that this conversation could go nowhere good, Padmè left the woman's stall quickly and tried to disappear into the crowd. She failed. So hasty was her retreat that she literally bumped into Beru Lars, who was making her way through the crowd in the opposite direction.
Padmè had not spoken to the woman since before they had become in-laws, but Beru could not help recognizing her. Thankfully, Luke was currently examining an odd looking droid and did not notice the women exchange fearful glances.
Recognizing an opportunity she would never have again, Padmè paused, gripped the woman in a tight hug, and mouthed the words "thank you." She then fled the marketplace as quickly as possible.
As the former Queen glanced back over her shoulder, hoping for one more glimpse, she spotted someone else she desperately wanted to talk to. He spotted her as well and joined her in the shaded alley.
"You were not supposed to return for some time, milady." The Jedi spoke softly.
She bowed her head in sorrow. "This was an unscheduled trip. It shall be my last, I'm afraid."
He nodded sadly. "I thought that may be the case. I told you this would be risky."
"You don't understand!" She cried forcefully. Glancing around suspiciously, she quieted her voice. "I should not have returned. He knew I was here, in the marketplace. He came looking for me." Her chin trembled and she took a halting breath. "You were right; I can see it in him. I cannot return, for any reason. Nor- Nor may I ship to Alderaan."
The last sentence was spoken with a strength she didn't feel, the impersonal words belied how hurtful the comment was. The Jedi understood what she could not bring herself to say.
"Your children are very bright. We knew that already." His voice was kind, gentle and caring. His hand on her arm a welcome comfort. "Still, I wish it weren't so."
She giggled slightly hysterically. "As do I, as do I." The tear that threatened to drop from her eye stayed put, clouding her vision.
In an unexpected gesture, the Jedi wrapped his arms around her deceptively slight frame, her hood falling back as her pulled her close to him. Her hair smelled only of soap and sand. Obi-Wan couldn't help wondering how something so horrible could happen to someone so kind. This woman had never thought to harm anyone, she had spent her life trying to help anyone and everyone. Right now, despite being well past thirty years old, she seemed as vulnerable as a child.
"What cruel masters the fates are." She said, echoing his thoughts.
"You will be with them again one day."
His hopeful words were said with such conviction that they heartened her considerably. Just this one time she allowed herself to hope that wishing would make it so. That wanting something badly enough would create a way to make it happen.
"You will be with them again one day."
Luke sat at his mother's bedside, holding her hand in his despite the fact that she was unconscious. He'd finally convinced Leia to get some rest when the woman had come out of the bacta tank an hour ago.
He watched her chest rise and fall slowly. Her hospital shift covered her damaged shouldermaking it easier to imagine she had never been hurt.
"I didn't know it, Mom, but I missed you. All those years when I never thought about you, I missed you." His voice was husky with emotion that he wouldn't show around Leia. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you now. You have to be alright because we both need you for a while yet."
"Your mother will be fine, she's a fighter."
The Jedi looked up quickly, but did not see the source of the voice.
"Ben?"
A warm chuckle echoed through the room as a form began to materialize on the other side of the hospital bed. "Not quite, son. If only I were that wise."
"Father?"
The man smiled and nodded. "I just thought I'd check in on your mother." He took her other hand and gazed down at her fondly. With one hand he brushed a lock of damp hair behind her ear. "My angel."
Luke just stared as his father straightened and walked around the bed. The older man ruffled his son's hair playfully, then laid one hand on the boy's shoulder. "Don't worry, Luke. She will be just fine. You have a good many years left with your mother."
"It was you, wasn't it? You tricked the Governors." It wasn't a question.
Anakin sighed, "Not exactly. I just cleared their minds a bit, let them think without fear. So many were just afraid."
Luke looked up at him, a child once again, but a wiser one than he might have been years ago. "How? And is that right? Should you do things like that? And, for that matter, how are you here, now?" He gripped the man's arm fiercely.
"Last question first, I'm using you, your mother and your sister. I'm connected to you all, that's why I can be here, though it's difficult. I'm not sure I understand it all that well myself. I never payed that much attention to the more mystical parts of this, I'm afraid. I worried more about what I could do, not how. As for the Governors, I probably shouldn't have. However, it was only a mild form of mind trick, not the dark side."
He reached out and touched Padmè's injured shoulder lightly. "I didn't know what they were afraid of. If I had, I would have caught this before it happened. Lisk seemed to be honest, I suppose they all do at first." He chuckled at the irony. "I guess I never have been good with politicians"
The pain there was almost palpable, but he didn't say more. After another moment, There was a clatter of metallic items hitting the floor and a loud "Exsqueeze me!"
Shortly, Jar Jar Binks backed into the room, still apologizing to whomever he had bumped into. The Gungan turned around quickly and froze in place, staring speechlessly at a rapidly vanishing form standing next to the bed.
Meetings were held in the ambassadors' absence and decisions were made. For the moment, though, there wasn't much to be done. Those who were interested in holding official positions had to announce their candidacy and file the appropriate documents for the upcoming elections. The public's response was unanimous, they were all tired of living in seclusion. Most of the population hadn't even been born or had been too young to understand, when Palpatine came into power. Twenty years later, they were ready to move on.
The elections were slated to take place in one year's time. In the meantime, a temporary government would work to recover and rebuild what was left of the planet's old system.
For three days Padmè was aware of none of this. She slept peacefully, recovering from her trauma. Her children caught up with the news frequently, but did not participate in the reconstruction. Rather, they fretted, worried, and reminisced. The time was not put to waste in the slightest, despite the fact that most of it was spent sitting in a hospital room.
Han Solo spent his fair share of time sitting at Padmè's bedside as well, mostly with Leia. The Princess worried constantly and Han tried to be there whenever Luke wasn't.
He couldn't help thinking about the woman as he watched her sleep. There was little about her that seemed impressive just now, yet she had been through so much. They would never make a holo film with so many obstacles in it, it would just be unbelievable. Still, she had persevered. Despite everything, she had lived and she had never lost hope.
Having recently relearned how to have faith, he understood better than most how difficult that must have been for her. Until he'd met Leia and joined the Rebellion, Han had thought himself beyond believing in silly dreams. Some things were impossible and he took that fact at face value. Now, having finally won that impossible war, he believed again. He believed anything was possible.
One night, he stopped by late to find Leia sleeping in a chair next to the bed. She was sitting mostly upright, but with her head resting on the side of the bed on her crossed arms. Asleep, she looked more vulnerable than he'd ever seen her and he could not find the strength to wake her.
A princess by birth and by adoption, and he was sure he was in love with her. The smuggler and the princess, it would at least make for interesting news-bytes. That was, of course, assuming she said yes. He hoped she wouldn't laugh at him.
He was pacing the room alone when Padmè woke up. Luke and Leia had both gone to breakfast at his insistence. He didn't notice at first, he was worrying about Leia and if he even dared to ask her when she yawned slowly. He froze in place as if he'd been caught doing something wrong, then rushed to her side. "You're awake!" He turned toward the door, "I'll get a doctor!"
Han called down the corridor, then ducked back in the room. "Are you okay? How do you feel?"
She smiled, though it was a strained expression. "Like I've been shot by a high-powered blaster, but otherwise fine."
Han looked back at the door nervously, thankful when the doctor came rushing in. Suddenly remembering why he was there, he pulled out his com-link and called Luke.
"Hey kid, she's up." He said when the Jedi answered. He heard something clatter to the floor, then the link clicked off. The old smuggler smiled to himself, then pocketed the device. He would bet both of them would be here any moment now.
The temporary government needed a leader and as soon as news spread that she was awake, a young man came to see Padmè.
He bowed when he entered the room and stammered nervously when he spoke. "Hello Madam. I'm Jekob Nero, I'm a member of the committee responsible for selecting the interim leaders... You see, the elections aren't for another year..."
He broke off, unsure if he was repeating knowledge she already knew and worried she didn't like the idea. Padmè recognized his hesitance and decided not to make him work it out himself.
"Yes, go on. What did you need to see me about?" She smiled gently and he relaxed.
"Well, we are in need of a leader, a temporary monarch, if you will. He or she would take on the full responsibilities of the position until elections are held in a years time. This person would, of course, select their own cabinet of advisors. It's not an enviable position right now, of this we are aware. There is much work to do and we still need to work towards admittance into the New Republic. We, the committee, I mean, well, we were hoping that you would accept that position."
The man finished in a rush. The request was not unexpected and she sighed at the thought. She would refuse another term as leader; it was against their law. But a temporary position... They needed someone strong. "Someone wise," came the echo of a whisper. She didn't think she was either anymore. "I think the Naboo need you..."
"I must consider this request." She told him.
He nodded. "I understand, please contact me when you have reached a decision." His retreat was hasty and she wondered what she had done to make anyone so fearful of her. The thought made her grin. Well, coming back from the dead had certainly helped toward that end.
She rarely spent any time alone during the week she stayed in the hospital. One or both of her children were by her side constantly. The doctors told her that she nearly died. If the blaster shot had been fired from a few feet closer it would have penetrated deep enough to obliterate her heart, killing her instantly. As it was, the organ had been severely damaged. Fragments of her ribs, which were all that remained on one side, had been pushed deep into her right lung and the resultant cauterization was what had kept her from bleeding to death in seconds. All things considered, she wasn't surprised they didn't want to leave her side.
Both Luke and Leia agreed she should do what made her happiest. If she wanted to take the position as temporary Queen, she should. If she didn't, they would help her get settled where ever she wanted to be.
"Naboo really isn't that far from Coruscant, and it's not like I have any specific reason to be there just now." Luke confessed. "I could stay here for a time, or at least visit frequently. Who knows, if we were both here maybe we could convince Leia to take more time off."
He was wearing the cream-colored tunic and brown pants again. I was simpler than the outfits she had picked out for him, but otherwise very similar to the old Jedi garb. He had left behind the brown cloak, but on him the look worked.
Leia was wearing an outfit that had to be new. The black slacks and red blouse were definitely casual clothes, which she had already admitted to not owning. Her hair was in a single plait that suited her nicely.
"I suppose if getting you out of that black get-up is possible, anything is." She teased him.
Luke just smirked at her and she broke out laughing in response. "I am definitely going to spend more time here, does that make you happy?"
"Yes."
Padmè sighed contentedly. "I can't believe I missed the two of you growing up." Her comment broke the mood and they all calmed. " I'm going to take the job. It's only temporary and I have done it before."
"For what it's worth, I think you're needed here." Han's voice spoke out from the doorway. He crossed the room slowly and Leia thought it was the first time she had seen him visibly nervous. "Luke, Leia, a guy is looking for you. He wants to know more about gaining admission to the New Republic."
They exchanged glances, ready to decline, when their mother spoke up. "Go on you two, I'll be fine here."
They left reluctantly, but Han lingered. He stood at the foot of her bed and looked everywhere but her face.
"What is it, Captain Solo?" She asked curiously. Her experience with the man was limited to a few brief comments, but from Leia's descriptions he was a good man. She had wanted to have a good long conversation with him for some time, but he never seemed to be available.
"I wanted to talk to you Miss- ah, Mrs- Madam-" He broke off and she laughed.
"Padmè will do fine. I'm not sure what titles I would be willing to claim just now." She gestured toward a free chair, sitting up a bit straighter in her bed. "Please, sit. I don't like looking up at people all day, though you would think I would be used to it by now, being so short."
He sat, completely missing her joke. "I don't know what you may have heard about me-"
"I heard you're a smuggler, a scoundrel, and a hero of the rebellion. I don't think much else matters." She smiled as she said it and he seemed to relax.
The smuggler didn't know when he'd been more nervous. "I'll just say this outright. I'm not good with the formal stuff. I know I'm just a smuggler and she's a Princess and there are a million reasons why I shouldn't even ask but I'm in love with your daughter and I want to ask her to marry me."
The question was exactly what she'd expected to hear. She laughed out loud, making the poor man more nervous than ever, but an image came to her head that she knew hadn't come from her own mind. "I've very happy for you both." She managed to gasp out before relaxing back to the bed. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh at you, dear."
"That's good," he said with a grimace.
Padmè carefully cleared the image of Anakin forcing Han to the alter at blaster point from her mind. "I'm afraid I have a twisted sense of humor at times, you'll have to forgive me. I would be honored to have you as a son, Han Solo. You have my blessing, and my husband's, to ask our daughter for her hand in marriage."
Merry laughter echoed through the room and Han jumped. Padmè just smiled at the air around her. "Welcome to the family, dear. Now you had better go ask Leia."
The wedding was held six months later and Naboo threw the happy couple a celebration that would last in memory for years to come. Of course, any event that involved their most beloved ruler was cause for celebration and her children were apparently included in this high esteem. The ceremony was small and the reception even smaller, but a holiday was unofficially declared and parties broke out all over the capitol. Leaders of the New Republic made an unofficial visit, including current Chief of State Mothma.
Security was a nearly impossible affair but was handled smoothly by the new head of Planetary security, Telia Nor Fillia. That position was voted on by the cabinet members and would remain until someone removed her from office; which wasn't likely to happen considering how well she did the job. Kerinè declined the position of Padmè's chief advisor, preferring to take a smaller role with the palace decorating committee. This worked out nicely since the woman possesed a fabulous eye for colors and designs.
Predictably, Padmè was requested to stay on as full time leader but declined the position for the second time. She had more importantly things to do, like spoil the grand-children that, Leia soon announced, would be born six months after the elections.
Sorrow was never far away, threatening to break in on any happy moment. But with her family near, she never lost hope that life would go on. And Padmè Amidala Skywalker was happy.
The end.