Epilogue

"Time is mysterious in its benevolence. It gives back what it takes away, once we have come to truly appreciate that which had been lost."

--Padmé Amidala of Naboo, on the first anniversary of Naboo's Liberation

"Such celebrations on Naboo had not been seen since the ousting of the Trade Federation, after the death of the Emperor. The Gungans, who had lived in virtual hiding on our world with the help of many well-meaning Naboovians, came once more to Theed to join us in our jubilation. Our freedom had been restored."

--From the writings of Pooja Lydonia

Imperial Center did not look very different from the images in her memories. The congested, depressing atmosphere was the same along with the colorless, and yet strangely compelling, landscape.

When she had left this place and had witnessed her friend sacrifice his life for her, she had secretly thought she would never find the strength to return. Not without reopening a wound that would probably never truly heal.

And yet here she was, sitting on a transport going through sensor images that had just been sent to her from the cockpit. Not for the first time, Pooja wondered what she was doing here. She had formally left politics nearly six years ago. After working tirelessly in the wake of Alderaan's destruction and all that it had brought her, she had felt it was time to change her focus.

The Queen had instituted one of her ideas of rebelling almost immediately after hearing of the Rebel Alliance's great victory by destroying the Death Star. Inviting the survivors of Alderaan to take up residence on Naboo not only brought out overwhelming support from the people, but was lauded and imitated by many other worlds nearby. The loosening of Naboo's immigration laws did cause many headaches within the Imperial bureaucracy, earning them no shortage of small harassments, such as a shortage of refugee credits guaranteed for Imperial citizens who had been displaced. Still, they managed.

And it hadn't been long after that she had discovered Leia Organa had not been murdered under mysterious circumstances, but was in fact a high-ranked member of the Rebel Alliance. She had been in the custody of the Imperial Navy, but had managed to escape, only to assist in the destruction of the Death Star. Pooja's jubilation had known no bounds when she had heard. Bail and Breha's daughter was still alive.

One aspect of bringing in the Alderaani refugees included finding homes for the many orphans. Many of them were children who had been at off-world schools and were quite traumatized at the loss of parents, siblings, and other extended family members.

Families from all districts came forward, willing to take in the children and even donate land for homes for families that were still intact. But even with this outpouring of good will there was still a shortage of homes. Finally, after much convincing, Pooja had managed to talk her mother and Mydrin's parents into taking a few of the children. Her mother took a young girl by the name of Salia, while Dale and Vala took in two brothers, Dyllin and Hamlin.

Pooja herself also agreed to take in two orphaned children as well. Those in charge had assigned her a fourteen-year-old girl named Altaira and a ten-year-old boy by the name of Bren. Both had been children of two wealthy families that sought to give them the best education money could buy, landing them both in a lucrative school on Chandrilla.

Within a few months, Pooja had come to see that working full time in politics while attempting to care for two troubled children at the same time was not going to work. And she had grown far too attached to them to let them go.

Altaira, once Pooja was able to see beneath the many layers of grief, was a very sweet girl with a talent for art. Bren, however, was more of a challenge. For weeks, the boy remained silent and withdrawn. At night, however, Pooja would hear the soft sound of weeping coming from his room. Yet, whenever she would try to comfort him, he would wrench himself away from her and shift to the far side of the bed. But slowly, over the months, Bren seemed to be accustoming himself to Altaira's empathetic presence, and to a lesser extent, Pooja herself. But with her busy schedule, it was extremely difficult to give him the attention he deserved.

After much debate, Pooja decided to step down from active service. Taking the credits from her pension, Pooja had the old Naberrie home in the Lake District, Varykino, reopened and made fit for habitation. Once she settled herself, Bren, and Altaira into the house and area, all three of their spirits buoyed quickly. Altaira took to walking into the fields, her sketchbook and pencils in hand and a peaceful look on her pretty face.

Bren, surprisingly, stuck close to the house. He seemed content to wander the large building, as well as the various terraces and nearby gardens. He also appeared to gravitate closer and closer to wherever Pooja happened to be on any particular day. Hoping for the best, she waited for him to come to her.

It took nearly a year, but he finally did. Bren slowly began to ask her questions about the house, her family, and their history. He became even more interested when Pooja mentioned in passing how her Aunt Padmé had once hid there under the protection of a Jedi. He then quietly told her that he recalled his parents mentioning that Viceroy and Queen Organa had both been friends to Padmé Amidala.

She sighed, closing her eyes briefly. Those happy years were surrounded by a bubble in her mind. The memories were so vivid that she could almost believe that she was back at home at Varykino with Altaira and Bren chattering away at her. But she knew it wasn't true. Altaira and Bren were both back on Naboo, studying diligently for their exams at the Royal Academy. Her surrogate children were grown now.

Her time away from politics had been good for her, of that Pooja had no doubt. But that did not mean that she had remained ignorant of the events unfolding beyond Naboo. For instance, she received regular letters from Theed, from a seemingly anonymous source, containing different pieces of intelligence and news. Pooja had her suspicions as to who had been sending them to her.

She had been hesitant to keep accepting the information at first, due to a brief and disturbing encounter. It had been nearly a year and a half after settling in at Varykino. Pooja had stayed up late working on a set of writings when she heard a faint shuffling coming from the terrace outside of her study. Curious, she took a small light out and stepped through the doors.

At first, all she saw and heard was the lake and the nighttime insects. But when she turned to go back inside, what she found in front of her made her drop the light, causing it to shatter on the stone.

Darth Vader.

She didn't move, torn between horror and resignation. Pooja had known there was a possibility that the Emperor might send someone to deal with her in a more definitive manner. In a shaky, resolute voice, she said that if he was going to do his master's bidding and kill her, then she asked of him that her wards be spared.

But the Sith Lord did nothing. For several timeless moments, he only stood there and stared at her. Finally, when Pooja thought she could stand no more of the silence, he spoke.

"Enjoy what you are creating here and pay no mind to what is beyond. Others were denied this, but it has been granted to you. Do not squander it."

And then he was gone.

Though shocked by the encounter and the fact that she was still alive, Pooja did her best to heed the Sith Lord's warning. She stayed out of politics and visited Theed only to see her family.

Four years after they came to Varykino, Altaira chose to enter the Royal Academy, seeking a degree in the arts she loved so much. That left Pooja and Bren at home, though he was spending more and more time working within the Refugee Relief Movement. Pooja found herself mostly on her own.

Then everything changed.

The Emperor and Darth Vader were dead. The Empire was thrown into chaos.

Or rather, she should say, the rest of the Empire was thrown into chaos. Panaka's reputation as an able administrator proved true and there was only a little upset within the Chommell Sector. Because of this, the sector's population was able to watch the happenings outside their bubble of calm with clear minds.

They observed while the Empire's government fractured into different groups, all intent on seizing the reins of power for themselves. They watched as the Rebel Alliance, now styling itself the New Republic, moved carefully and steadily towards Imperial Center, gaining support as they went.

And if those intergalactic events were not exciting enough, there were things changing on Naboo as well. Less than a year after Palpatine's death, Madlyn Kylantha chose to finally step down from the throne. Elections were called for and Pooja decided to visit the capital for the duration. Bren accompanied her as they both planned to visit Altaira at the Academy while they were in the city.

A few days after her arrival, Pooja received an invitation to visit the Queen at the Palace. As Bren was visiting several of his Alderaani friends that were currently in Theed and Altaira was busy with her classes, she accepted readily.

Their meeting was pleasant overall and they spoke lightly of may different subjects. Madlyn asked about Altaira and Bren, as well as the rest of Pooja's family. In return, Pooja offered her felicitations upon hearing of the Queen's recent engagement to one of the leaders of the Alderaan contingent.

After a time, however, Pooja could not help but ask why Madlyn was stepping down. Her popularity was as solid as it ever was and she would not be the first Queen to marry and raise a family while still sitting on the throne, though it had not been done in many years.

Madlyn, who was not wearing the make up of the office, smiled at her and she saw, for the first time in years, just what a toll being Queen in such tense times had done to her friend. Without the trappings of royalty, Pooja could see the faint, premature lines around her eyes, along with the slightly weary stoop in her shoulders.

"My friend," Madlyn said softly, "there comes a time when a person has to step back. I look out there and see that there is a new era is coming. The days of the Empire are waning. Democracy, true democracy, is starting to resurface on an intergalactic scale. Whether or not it is good for Naboo is for the people to decide. But I do know that building a new world, or improving the old one, is something best left for the young."

Pooja supposed that she was right. Within the next year, Naboo elected its first King since the days of Veruna, a thirteen-year-old who had taken the name of Talesin. The collective worlds of the Chommell Sector voted to join the New Republic, and Panaka retired to his home in the Gallo Mountains.

She kept in touch with the former Moff and had been pleased to hear that the New Republic officials were not demanding that he be tried for war crimes like some of the other Governors were, as they so richly deserved. Hugh Panaka had protected the Chommell Sector for over two decades. He was not a monster as several of his colleagues had been.

All that had been absolutely riveting events, but it was not until Bren chose to join Altaira at the Academy to pursue a degree in architecture that things really took a more personal turn.

Almost a month after Bren had left, Pooja received a most surprising visitor.

King Talesin.

After his impromptu arrival, Pooja had found herself sitting in her formal receiving room numbly sipping on a cup of tea, eyeing the young man across from her and silently wondering if she and Madlyn had ever looked that young…

"Lady Lydonia," the young King said stoically, surrounded by his five liegemen, "I thank you for receiving me after only appearing on your doorstep."

She nodded and murmured, "It is an honor, Your Highness."

"I think, in any case, I should be prompt in telling you the reason for this unexpected visit. As I am sure you are aware, Naboo's entrance into the New Republic is all but finalized. All that is now required is that the papers be signed by the leader and Senatorial representative of Naboo, along with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the Senate."

Pooja stared at him, her confusion growing. This was all very fascinating, but what did it have to do ith her?

"In that we will be entering an awkward time in being a part of a massive democracy again, I would prefer to have someone experienced in Senatorial politics representing Naboo until we have someone qualified to take up the position on a permanent basis."

I hate it when people answer the questions I don't say out loud, she thought bleakly. Madlyn did that. This boy is going to be trouble.

"Your Highness, I have been out of active service for some time -"

"Nonetheless," he interrupted her, "you are one of the most experienced politicians alive on Naboo. You thrived for over a decade in Imperial interplanetary politics." Talesin paused, staring at her gravely. "Milady, I ask that you consider returning to the position of Naboo's Senator…"

She did consider it. She asked the advice of her mother, her sister and brother-in-law, as well as her surrogate children. She asked them all. And each had their own answer. Her mother had said that she should do what made her happy. Ryoo and Mydrin were both of the opinion that there was no one better to represent Naboo's interests in the New Republic Senate. Altaira and Bren said that she had given them both so much already; she should not feel that she had to put her life on hold for them indefinitely.

In the end, Pooja agreed to the King's request, though still with some measure of reluctance. Perhaps she had grown too used to being close to her family and leaving them to dabble in politics no longer appealed to her. Still, Talesin assured her that he would send someone for her to train as her replacement in good time.

And so, here she was.

"Milady?"

Pooja looked up, slightly startled at the interruption. She was no longer used to having handmaidens bustling about around her.

"Yes Rillaé," she replied quietly, straightening in her chair. "What is it?"

"Meliaé and Captain Sines asked me to inform you that we will be landing momentarily. They also received word that Vice-Chancellor Organa will be meeting you upon our arrival."

A huge, delighted grin threatened to burst across her face, but Pooja managed to keep it down to just a faint smile. Nodding silently, she stood and gave herself one last critical glance in a nearby mirror. She wore a simple, pale yellow dress with a white underskirt and stringy, beaded headdress. Her make-up was simple and unassuming as well.

As she stepped out of her quarters and started down the hall, Pooja took notice of both Rillaé and Arliaé taking up positions behind her, more so than she used to. She shook her head inwardly, wondering if she would ever grow used to their presence again.

Upon reaching the airlock, the three women were joined by Meliaé and Captain Crakn Sines. Pooja had been surprised to see Meliaé assigned to her, having lost contact with her after she had departed from politics. Both Amarié and Niaé had married and started families of their own.

The ramp descended slowly and once it was down, Pooja followed in the wake of two security guards who took up positions on both sides of the ramp. Once off the ship, Pooja immediately looked around, taking in her surroundings.

Transports flew by them in chaotic patterns. Building lights winked rapidly in the distance. Leia Organa, surrounded by guards, stood a few yards away, smiling happily in her direction.

Fighting yet another grin of her own, Pooja stepped forward again and hurried towards the other woman. As she came closer, she noted two men, a Wookiee, and two droids standing close to her.

"Senator Lydonia," Leia spoke first, her dark eyes sparkling merrily, "Chancellor Mothma asked that I come to bid you welcome and answer any and all questions you may have."

It is good to see you as well, old friend, Pooja thought silently, joyfully. Aloud, she replied formally, "Thank you, Vice-Chancellor Organa. Such a gesture is much appreciated."

Leia nodded, her braided hair not moving at all as her head moved. She turned slightly, gesturing for her to walk with her towards a waiting transport.

"We have opened up the offices and apartments the Naboo contingent used in the past. I trust this will be acceptable to you," she asked.

"Of course. Thank you." For a brief moment, silence reigned, until Pooja continued in a more quiet tone. "How are you, old friend? It has been a long time."

A tiny laugh escaped from Leia's mouth. "Yes," she said, "yes it has. I am reasonably well. Busy."

"I am glad to hear it. Perhaps, then, you could explain why the gentlemen behind us are watching so closely," she asked, a degree of amusement creeping into her voice. "I am certainly no assassin."

Leia sighed and threw a stern look over her shoulder as they stepped into the transport, followed by the two men in question, their Wookiee companion, Captain Sines, and the handmaidens.

Once they were all seated, Leia responded. "Forgive my fiancé and brother. They tend to be rather overprotective at times."

Bracing herself in her seat as the transport began to move, Pooja raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Fiancé? Brother? I was not aware you had any siblings."

Leia smiled at her, emotions such as sadness creeping over her features. "Much has changed since I last saw you, Pooja. Much indeed," she said quietly.

"Then perhaps we should discuss everything over dinner this evening, if you and your companions are available," Pooja suggested, her curiosity growing as she eyed the two men. "I would be honored to hear of how you found this brother of yours."

The Alderaani Princess nodded warmly. "We would be honored."

END

CAST AND CREDITS

Pooja Lydonia……… Sophie Marceau

Niaé………………… Lori Loughlin

Meliaé………………. Ashley Scott

Amarié……………… Karina Lombard

Welck Peoly…………Shemar Moore

Scrye Pavish…………Robert Wisden

Moff Panaka…………Hugh Quarshie

Queen Kylantha…….. Julia Ormond

Leia Organa………… Carrie Fisher

Emperor Palpatine….. Ian McDiarmid

Writer/Director…………………..AngelQueen

Beta/Creative Consultant………...JediMasterRev