Transition

Where were you when…

…Alderaan was destroyed?

…the first Death Star exploded?

…the Emperor died?

…the peace treaty was signed?

Everyone, at sometime or another asks a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, a stranger in a tapcafe on a lonely night, these questions. It is a ritual, a way of bonding—reaching common ground.

Memories of war, of the steps towards victory (or for others, defeat) were of late memories belonging to my parent's generation.

Anyone who had lived through the Rebellion owned those memories, happy to know that they had passed on a better world to their loved ones.

That was their story, and even though many of us had fought in that war near the end, perhaps, in some ways the fight against the Vong, was our war…our fight for identity, survival and spirit.

So the children of an invaded galaxy now will ask each other the same question, but with different predicates.

Where were you when…

...you fought your first Vong?

…when you heard of Anakin Solo's death,

…when you heard of Jacen Solo's survival?

…when Coruscant fell?

But inevitably, conversation will turn to the beginning, to where this narration begins…to when Leia Organa Solo announced to the galaxy…that change was coming.

xxxxxxxxx

High above the senate floors the holonet media booth was designed to serve both as a monitor on the senate at large, but also as a direct connection to the official briefing room of the Chief of State. At any moment, or rather, particularly at this moment, if one were to stand, as Jianni Ravignon stood, in the center of the roomthe right glasteel panes would reveal a myriad of Senators gathered in the chambers, watching the giant holo panels for an impending announcement. On the other hand, if the backup holonet news reporter glanced to her left she would see the press briefing room with a parallel grouping of consoles to control the cameras and technical devices set up for the President's sole use.

Slowly the screen in the senate media booth matched the view through the glass of an empty podium in the press room and Jianni, stuck with the mundane job of ensuring that the Chief of State's speech was transmitted across the planet, and consequently the galaxy, was bored to tears.

Today was the day that the election season began, where senators jockeyed for the impossible.

Leia Organa Solo's Re-re-election had begun.

Everyone knows what she's going to say. This isn't news…just more of the same.

Sighing she turned towards the monitor and brought up the clarity levels, adjusting for the new lights in the chambers. Continuing her work, she glanced over her script, realizing that there wasn't a text for the prompter.

How odd…

The door at the end of the room swung open, and Jianni greeted the other back up reporter assigned to what the primetime newscasters dubbed "the dead beat."

Her counter part grunted, then with a level of curiosity muttered "Her family is outside, in the hall."

"They are a very close family."

He sniffed, "Even the Skywalkers."

Jianni's eyebrows raised, and glanced at the screen as the Chief of State made her way to the front while Han Solo, the three children, Master Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker unobtrusively took seats in the back, behind the other reporters.

As much as she hated this job, being here, instead of reporting on something worthwhile, Jianni could not help but be in awe of Leia Organa Solo. How is she always so composed?

Behind her, her co-worker was prattling on as he set up the feed to the chambers. "I've aimed cameras in the chambers on the Bothan delegation, along with on some of her key supporters."

Jianni, leaned forward, and pursed her lips…and blinked as the red light indicating that the Chief of State was standing by lit up next to her right hand. "Ready?"

"Ready"

"Cue imaging…" The seal of the New Republic flashed onto the holo feed in the Senate chambers.

"Cue Audio…" Jianni leaned forward in her chair towards the microphone, and mechanically announced, "And now, Chief of State Leia Organa Solo…" The applause, piped in from the Senate to the briefing room and across the galaxy was simultaneously deafening and supportive.

"Fade in"

xxxxxx

In the brief moments between her steady hand tapping the button to the media center, and the tender thumping of her heart against her chest, Leia finally admitted that she was nervous. It wasn't the decision, no, no..that she was sure of, as sure as she was of marrying Han so long ago. She was nervous of taking this big step forward, of change, of—the blinking light on the podium winked out before returning, burning steady and sure. At that moment, Leia lifted her head to look at the camera, meeting Han's supporting gaze for an imperceptible instance before exhaling, releasing the tension that had resided within her being for her entire life. Quite simply, it was time.

xxxx

Keladry Stanton sat up with a start, struggling for a few moments to figure out where she was. Wiping a hand across her bleary eyes she took in her surroundings, giving herself an internal shake. Coruscant You're on Coruscant.

She and her mother had arrived the night before from Mon Calamari. Her posting there had ended, and the NREMAT bureaucracy decided she would be better utilized in the core. Kel had been hesitant to leave her mother again, and managed to scrounge up the credits to get her transferred with her. Not that it would matter. Her mother noticed nothing, heard nothing- just slept, the beeping of her monitor the only sign of life.

"Excuse me, I didn't realize anyone was in here."

Keladry broke out of her reverie and noticed the man standing at the entrance to the room. Giving a non-committal shrug she stifled a yawn, then grimaced, "Sorry, I was told that it was ok if I stayed here for the night."

Chagrined, he tilted his head in apology. "I should apologize for waking you. I suppose you were the reason that the lounge was closed all day."

Again Keladry winced, "I must have been more tired than I thought."

"Our bodies know what's best." His eyes, a dark mocha, flickered behind Keladry towards the far side of the room, before he gestured with an arm towards the holo unit.

"Would it be alright if I…" he looked at his feet, abashed, "I wanted to hear the Chief of State's speech, and all the other lounges are being used by others."

Her eyes followed his to the muted set, and watched as the New Republic seal was replaced by President Organa Solo. She nodded her consent. "What's going on?"

"Its election time again."

"Oh." They were silent as the President's commanding voice filled the room, strong yet comforting, soft yet noticeable.

"Over twenty-five years ago I arrived on Coruscant as a member of the Imperial Senate. Only eighteen, I was one of many disillusioned with the Emperor and the government that we were supposed to support.

Since that day, so much has happened…

And with hesitant steps we moved forward." Something about the way she was standing cued Keladry into listening carefully. Despite her words, the President's stoic manner was stiffer than usual, and something in her eyes…

xxxxxx

"After Alderaan, the Rebellion became my life. Watching everyone, everything disappear before my eyes, broke my heart but left me determined not to let that tragedy repeat itself. So I fought, stood my ground, and watched as the first Death Star was destroyed, longing for my family, and my friends who perished in the fight against that mechanical menace."

Since that day, so much has happened.

And grief stricken, I moved forward."

Tristan turned away from the gleaming lights and rows of speeders and traffic to the living room he shared with Nestor. For a moment he took in the small woman's features, seeing his pain reflected in hers. The pain never goes away. His chest tightened, and he exhaled, forcing his heart to slow down. Meeting Nestor's eyes for the barest of seconds, he sat.

Neither does the anger.

xxxx

"At Endor, battle weary, and with confidence, I knew we could win this fight. For while the Empire could kill us, they could never take our spirit. In his arrogance the Emperor believed that we were weak, when together we wielded a fire whose light would ensure our survival against the funneling darkness. His death, was the victory we needed, proudly ushering in the era of the NewRepublic."

Anakin sat next to his brother, still frustrated with their talk this afternoon. His Uncle, Master Skywalker, to whom both he and Jace were apprenticed, had told them today about his ideas about reestablishing the Jedi Council. At the time, Jacen had been quiet, but later…Anakin was sure that the Force was meant to be a tool and that the Jedi Knights had a responsibility to safeguard it, but he just couldn't articulate it when talking to Jacen. After the Shadow Academy and Ryloth, especially after the problems with the Black Sun; Jacen had begun to believe that the structure of the order was at fault. Too many rules, too many limitations—the young Jedi Knights had accomplished so much without the permission of a council or the New Republic government…. His thoughts dispersed when, on the other side of him, Jaina gave him a Force nudge, reminding him to pay attention.

xxxx

"We have fought many more battles since then, under the leadership and grace of Mon Mothma, and each fight demonstrated that the NewRepublic working together, can never falter. We have seen my brother, Luke Skywalker, rebuild the Jedi Knights, revealing the failure of Darth Vader and the Emperor's attempts at eliminating their existence. Rather, the honor and valor of the fallen, including my birth father, Anakin Skywalker, show that redemption and healing is possible."

Luke reached out to his sister, knowing just how hard it had been for her to reconcile her feelings for their father. He felt a hand slip next to him and squeeze lightly, supporting. Glancing down at Mara's intertwined fingers he tightened his grip, happy that she was up and about. The last month she had been dealing with a particularly virulent strain of the Corellian Flu, and today she had finally felt well enough to finally leave the apartment.

Leia's words echoed what was in his heart.

"So much has happened…

And with increasing confidence we moved forward. "

xxxxxxxx

"I was elected to this position over twelve years ago, and at the time, I was unwilling to recognize that with each round of the clock, the galaxy was changing, I was changing. Suddenly I was your President, a sister, a wife, and the mother of three— old enemies were slowly becoming colleagues. One of the greatest moments of my life was watching Ponc Gavrisom sign the peace treaty with Admiral Pelleaon finally ending a conflict that had killed so many, on both sides, but had been fundamentally a battle between members of the same galactic family.

After the destruction of the senate and battle on Almania, I understood that only together could we survive. Cooperation, coexistence, and communication would ensure a lasting peace. We learned that we are all beings living in the same spiral, and that every Mon Calamari, Bith, Vortex, Wookie, Bothan, Human, Ithorian, Duro, no matter what affiliation have the individual responsibility to take care of each other, or the peace that we have struggled so long and so hard to sustain shall fall apart. "

"She's really pulling out the big guns isn't she?" muttered Aseneth before he mockingly lifted his glass to the Chief of State. "It's the two punch politician trick. First remind everyone of what you've done for them, then show how you can continue to do the job. It is such a farce. She really is the Empress for life."

Next to him, in the dim tapcafe on Thyferra, Illghazi and Natir grimaced. "She has done a lot for the galaxy."

His girlfriend, Minali elbowed him. "Yea, play nice. It's not as if you have not done a few skeezy politician-like tricks in your day. Should I remind you of that real estate deal in the third sector?" She lifted an eyebrow, when he didn't answer. "That's what I thought."

Behind them, quietly, Dr. Ignace smiled softly. "Isn't Kel on Coruscant now?"

Natir twisted slightly, "I think so, last I hear she was being transferred."

Tilting his head he raised his eyebrows curiously. "It's closer than Mon Cal. What do you guys say…"

Aseneth shushed them. "Shh. She's still talking!" Next to him Minali giggled before meeting her friends eyes with her vote, giving them her affirmation.

Leaning on her husband Natir sighed. Soon, she'd be seeing her best friend again.

xxxxx

"Despite our pasts, we have been presented with the responsibility of making this galaxy strong for our children. Whatever mistakes we may have made along the way, time will continue to march on, facing forward neutral to life and death. "

On Tatooine, absently listening to the speech as she stood at the mail window, the nurse fiddled with the holodiscs, wondering whether the additional encoded message was necessary. This was a big step for her, admitting her feelings without knowing what would come next. Without being able to see his reaction. She heard Leia Organa Solo's words and made a decision. Time would keep moving, and would leave her behind. Feeling good, she handed the droid the discs and went back to work, her head held high.

xxxx

"And so, as our galaxy spins on, I have come to an important decision about my future, that irregardless of my intentions shall affect the outcome of these elections. Let it be known that this decision was made over a year ago after careful consultation with my family and advisors. It was not a decision taken lightly."

But my decision was. He had followed her across the galaxy. From Tatooine, to Mon Cal. But he was tired of waiting. Today he had made a statement. Today, she would know he meant business. Dr. Keladry Stanton would know that he loved her. He hated loving her. He hated her. And her actions had pushed him too far. It was time for death, then he would feel better.

For a time.

xx

"Let it be known that this decision was made over a year ago after careful consultation with my family and advisors. It was not a decision taken lightly."

And here I am. At the crossroads…Leia straightened her shoulders, swallowed, took a short breath…and then…she told them…

"I have decided to not run for reelection."

xxxxxx

In the booth above, it was like a thunder clap, and Jianni turned around to stare at her fellow broadcaster her mouth open slightly. She could tell he was just as stunned, as the camera quickly swung over to capture Borsk Fey'lya's face. For a brief flicker the Bothan's eyes widened with shock, before changing to one of triumph.

xxxxxxxxx

"The people of the New Republic need to understand that in these twelve years, you have given me more reasons to be proud of being your leader than I can possibly count. You've have made me stronger and taught me lessons of the heart, mind and soul that I shall never forget. But it is time, and I hope that the citizens who fear change will understand that I am not abandoning them. Even though I will no longer lead this Republic, I shall remain forever in its debt, ready to help, ready to serve and always ready to talk. "

Nom Anor finished writing his instructions to the Red Knights, before the infidel woman's words permeated his brain. His lips slowly twisted up into a not often smile, filled with malice and smug satisfaction.

Leia Organa Solo had just, unknowingly, handed him the galaxy.

xxxxxxxxxx

"So much will change,

But hand in hand we can face the future, and move forward."

Her last words rang throughout the lounge, clear, confident and…tinged with a bit of sadness.

Then as her image changed to one of the New Republic seals, and a young inexperienced commentator, did Keladry realize she had stood up.

"Oh, my, stars." She covered her mouth with her hand in consternation and lowered her body back onto the seat.

Next to her, the other occupant in the room sat stunned.

Slowly Keladry looked at him, and for a moment their eyes met both with a level of mutual experience, knowing that they would remember the day forever. She opened her mouth and then closed it, unable to articulate what she was feeling. Was it Anxiety…nervousness…fear? As she tried again, a loud whine pierced the silence, a familiar sound of a patient going into a Code Red. Frozen, rooted to the spot, Kel felt herself sweating as she heard the loud clacking of boots and yells, coming towards the room. Please, no. Please. Both of the occupants jumped as the lounge door slammed open.

Unlike her intense entrance, the nurse's face was kind, placid, and sympathetically sorrowful. "Dr. Stanton, I think you should come with me…"

xxxxxxxxxx

And so…it begins.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N Just so that you have it, b/c I thought it might add to the cadence of the speech...here's the speech w/o the dialogue and thoughts in between.

The Speech

Over twenty-five years ago I arrived on Coruscant as a member of the Imperial Senate. Only eighteen, I was one of many disillusioned with the Emperor and the government that we were supposed to support.

Since that day, so much has happened…
And with hesitant steps we moved forward.

After Alderaan, the Rebellion became my life. Watching everyone, everything disappear before my eyes, broke my heart but left me determined not to let that tragedy repeat itself. So I fought, stood my ground, and watched as the first Death Star was destroyed, longing for my family, and my friends who perished in the fight against that mechanical menace.

Since that day, so much has happened.
And grief stricken, I moved forward.

At Endor, battle weary, and with confidence, I knew we could win this fight. For while the Empire could kill us, they could never take our spirit. In his arrogance the Emperor believed that we were weak, when together we wielded a fire whose light would ensure our survival against the funneling darkness. His death, was the victory we needed, proudly ushering in the era of the New Republic.

We have fought many more battles since then, under the leadership and grace of Mon Mothma, and each fight demonstrated that the New Republic working together, can never falter. We have seen my brother, Luke Skywalker, rebuild the Jedi Knights, revealing the failure of Darth Vader and the Emperor's attempts at eliminating their existence. Rather, the honor and valor of the fallen, including my birth father, Anakin Skywalker, show that redemption and healing is possible.

So much has happened…
And with increasing confidence we moved forward.

I was elected to this position over twelve years ago, and at the time, I was unwilling to recognize that with each round of the clock, the galaxy was changing, I was changing. Suddenly I was your President, a sister, a wife, and the mother of three— old enemies were slowly becoming colleagues. One of the greatest moments of my life was watching Ponc Gavrisom sign the peace treaty with Admiral Pelleaon finally ending a conflict that had killed so many, on both sides, but had been fundamentally a battle between members of the same galactic family.

After the destruction of the senate and battle on Almania, I understood that only together could we survive. Cooperation, coexistence, and communication would ensure a lasting peace. We learned that we are all beings living in the same spiral, and that every Mon Calamari, Bith, Vortex, Wookie, Bothan, Human, Ithorian, Duro, no matter what affiliation have the individual responsibility to take care of each other, or the peace that we have struggled so long and so hard to sustain shall fall apart.

Despite our pasts, we have been presented with the responsibility of making this galaxy strong for our children. Whatever mistakes we may have made along the way, time will continue to march on, facing forward neutral to life and death.

And so, as our galaxy spins on, I have come to an important decision about my future, that irregardless of my intentions shall affect the outcome of these elections. Let it be known that this decision was made over a year ago after careful consultation with my family and advisors. It was not a decision taken lightly.

I have decided to not run for reelection.

The people of the New Republic need to understand that in these twelve years, you have given me more reasons to be proud of being your leader than I can possibly count. You've have made me stronger and taught me lessons of the heart, mind and soul that I shall never forget. But it is time, and I hope that the citizens who fear change will understand that I am not abandoning them. Even though I will no longer lead this Republic, I shall remain forever in its debt, ready to help, ready to serve and always ready to talk.

So much will change,
But hand in hand we can face the future, and move forward.