Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait… I've been sorting out problems with 24.

Another Route

Part 21

"Mother?" Leia asked cautiously as she stepped inside Amidala's room, hearing the sounds of weeping within it.

"Leia?" Padmé's choked voice asked. "Is that you?"

Leia stepped forward swiftly and saw her mother sitting on her cot, a strange piece of carved wood in her hands. Her face was tear-streaked and eyes swollen. Biting her lip, Leia sat beside her mother and took the woman in her arms. "What is it, Mother?" she asked gently. She didn't need to ask—Vader, or Anakin—whatever he was calling himself—had done something.

"My beautiful girl," Padmé whispered. "I love you, my darling girl, I love you so much."

"I love you too, Mother," said Leia, concerned. "Please tell me what happened."

"I can't bear it, Leia," Padmé whispered. "I can't bear to know that my Anakin was Vader. That he did all of those things."

Leia tensed. How could she presume to comfort her mother when she tried to push the thought of him—her father—as far out of her mind as possible? "I don't have an answer, Mother," she said at last. "I'm sorry."

"Is it wrong to love him still?" Padmé asked, separating herself from her daughter and looking in her eyes. "Is it horrible of me?"

"No…" Leia responded slowly. "Forgiveness is never a bad thing."

Padmé hung her head. "But I haven't forgiven him, Leia. Everything he did—all those murders—what he did to you—"

A flash of understanding hit Leia. "You cannot forgive him for that," she said firmly. "Those are not offenses against you, Mother. You can only forgive him for what he did to you personally." She swallowed. "The same way that only I can forgive him for what he did to me."

"You mean… You have?" Padmé asked, her eyes shining in hope.

Leia turned away, biting her lip, and felt her mother sag in her arms. "I'm not ready to," she said finally. "But him—you've known him for a lot longer," she said lamely. "That's all I can say."

"My darling child," Padmé said again. She wiped her eyes quickly. "I've been crying like a lovesick girl," she said with a watery smile. "And at my age."

"This… This has been a shock for all of us," said Leia stiffly. "It will take us time."

Padmé sighed. "I'm sorry, Leia, that I didn't tell you about Luke. Or Ani."

"I understand why," Leia told her. "I'm not angry."

"Thank you," said Padmé quietly.

"Maybe you should get some rest," Leia offered. "I can make sure that no one disturbs you."

"No," her mother said. "I'm not tired in the least. I'm going back to Ani's room," she said firmly.

"Mother, you've hardly left his side—"

"He's my husband, Leia," Padmé said pointedly. "I want to be near him." She peered more closely at her daughter. "And why don't you go and spend some time with that smuggler of yours?" she teased.

Leia flushed. "Han isn't a smuggler any more—"

Padmé laughed. "I'd imagine that he would be happy to listen to you," she suggested. "Talk to him. He can help. He's a good man."

"Oh?" Leia asked with a smile on her face.

"I trust your father and brother's judgement," Padmé laughed, and froze. "Well, your father's judgement of Han, at least." Leia was still uncomfortable with the mention of Anakin, and Padmé could tell. "Just go on, Leia," she said to her daughter gently.

Leia looked at her for a long moment before finally nodding. "All right," she said, standing and extending a hand to her mother, who took it and stood. "I'll see you in a while," Leia promised, turning and leaving the room just as Terzé—no longer clothed in armor, but wearing the standard Rebel fatigues—stepped inside.

"My lady," he greeted her. "I've done the usual security checks, and everything has been—"e stopped at Padmé's raised hand. "What is it, my lady?"

"I want you to be an eighteen-year-old young man," said Padmé quietly, striding over to him and placing her hand on his cheek. "I have taken your life and used you selfishly, Terzé."

He shook his head emphatically. "No, my lady, not at all. It has always been an honor and a pleasure serving you."

She smiled kindly at him. "You are a good man, Terzé," she said to him. "Your mother would be so proud of who you have become. But I want you to be a young, carefree Rebel pilot who dreams of his love and is free of worries."

Terzé looked confused. "My lady… I don't understand…"

"I am releasing you from your duties, Terzé," said Amidala formally. "You have served me long and honorably, and for that I am eternally grateful. But the time has come for you to take charge of your life."

Terzé looked at her silently for a moment. "Do not ever hesitate to ask me to do anything, however large or however trivial," he said at last. "I will forever be at your service, my lady."

"I know, my friend," said Padmé with a small smile. "And I yours." She moved forward and embraced the young man. "Thank you for everything you have done, Terzé."

"Thank you, my lady," he replied, stepping back from her. "Master Skywalker is waiting," he said with a smile.

"Do you feel all right, Father?" Luke asked as they returned to his room.

Anakin glanced up. "I'm fine, Luke," he replied. "But that that incident occurred is another reason that I need to get to Bain. If I am so easily incapacitated—"

"I know," Luke interjected. "I just don't think that anyone wants to see you in that suit," he admitted. "Including me."

Anakin sighed. "I understand. I hate it as much as you do, Luke, but I can't do anything to change it."

"You've tried healing with the Force, Father?" Luke asked earnestly.

"Of course. Nothing works," Anakin said. "The Force doesn't re-grow lost limbs, Luke, and apparently not lung tissue, either."

"There has to be an answer," Luke said, frowning, as they stepped inside the room.

"There is. But Master Windu has decided to withhold it," said Anakin, carefully keeping his bitterness from his tone.

"I made the arrangements to take the Rescuer back to Bain," Luke told his father after a moment. "And after that, we'll go to Dagobah."

"Dagobah?"

"Yes," said Luke with a small smile. "That is where Master Yoda lives. Where I trained, for a little while."

"Yoda is the last person I want to see," Anakin said darkly. "And I'm sure he feels the same way."

"Father," Luke said reproachfully. "Your trial—"

"I know, I know. But Yoda has never liked me," Anakin admitted. "He refused to allow me into the Order until he decided I was too dangerous to remain untrained." He eyes darkened momentarily. "He always made me feel inadequate. I was, of course, but…"

"Stop it," Luke said firmly. "I don't want to hear it. You have to forgive yourself sooner or later, Father, and right now the Rebellion and your family needs you to stop wallowing in guilt." Anakin stared at his son in surprise and Luke continued. "I've forgiven myself for killing Dase," he said. "It was difficult, but not impossible. If you can renounce the Dark Side, Father, you can forgive yourself."

Anakin stayed silent, pondering Luke's words. "You're right, of course," he said finally, sitting back down on his bed. "But it is more difficult than it sounds, Luke. You killed one person. I have killed…" he shuddered. "Thousands."

Luke shook his head sadly and sat by his father. "I'm more a murderer than you, Father," he said quietly. "Remember the Death Star?" Anakin froze. "It took me a long time to get past my guilt," Luke said softly. "Especially since I used the Dark Side at the time. I was angry at you."

Neither said anything for a few long moments. "I am sorry for killing your friend," Anakin said finally.

"He was a Rebel pilot," said Luke. "He knew what he was getting into."

"Still…"

"I forgive you," said Luke gently. "We will be leaving tomorrow morning. You have a hearing with the High Command this afternoon. I think you should rest until then. I'll wake you up."

Sighing, Anakin climbed back into his bed. "Thank you, Luke," he said a moment later.

"You're welcome, Father."

He was burning burning the flames they were eating him they were melting the leather the metal on his belt it hurt he was screaming he couldn't feel his legs they were gone they hurt he hurt the fire it was on his face he couldn't see he couldn't breathe his lungs were on fire burning a fire in his lungs he was choking gasping screaming in his ears could only hear the flames they were in his hair he was grabbing the sand it was hot trying to get away from the lava the fire just hold on if he could hold on it would stop he was screaming but he didn't have any air he was suffocating he couldn't breathe his lungs were burning he couldn't breathe he couldn't breathe he couldn't breathe

"ANI! Ani, wake up, wake up!" a hysterical voice roused him, brought him back from the pain.

An oxygen mask was over his mouth and air was forced into his lungs. Anakin opened his eyes, nauseated, pale, and sweaty. "Padmé?" he rasped, looking around wildly. He fought the urge to vomit and flung his arm out, searching for his wife.

He dimly registered a warm hand on his mechanical one. "Ani, what happened? What were you dreaming?"

He turned his head to see Padmé holding his hand to her cheek, her cheeks tearstained. "Father, are you all right?" he heard Luke's voice, full of concern.

He hadn't had that dream in seventeen years.

That dream was why he had stopped sleeping, why he had resorted to his meditation pod instead of the horrors of the night.

He shuddered violently and retched, but nothing came up. "Ani, please…" Padmé begged him. "What was it?"

"I don't want to talk about it," he whispered, concentrating on breathing. "Please don't ask."

Padmé said nothing for a few moments. "I won't," she told him gently. "I won't ask if it's painful for you."

"Padmé…" Anakin began, confused. "I thought… I thought you were angry with me," he said lamely.

She smiled tearfully at him. "Angry, yes. But that doesn't stop me from loving you, Anakin. Or staying at your side."

Anakin felt a rush of relief. He could do anything—he could handle any pain—if she was with him. "Thank you," he told her.

"You have your hearing in a few moments, my love," she told him. "We need to get down to the audience chamber."

Anakin sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He still felt weak, but his nausea had faded somewhat. "Let's go, then," he said, pretending to be light-hearted. In reality, this trial was almost as bad as the Jedi Council's.

"Are you sure you don't need to rest for a few more moments?" Padmé asked worriedly. "We don't have to be there right away. We can explain what the problem was to the High Command—"

"Tell them that we're late because Darth Vader had a nightmare?" Anakin asked dryly. "That'll go over well."

"Oh, stop it, Ani," Padmé told him. She frowned. "You know that you can tell me anything, right?"

"I know," Anakin said quietly, subdued. "I love you, Padmé."

"I love you too, my Jedi protector," she teased.

"I will always protect you," he said fiercely. "I'll never let anything happen to you."

"Anakin," she said gently. "You must learn to let me go," she said. "If you do not, then you are merely repeating history."

He stared at her, mouth open. "Padmé… I…"

"Shh," she said comfortingly. "Let's go." She took his arm and linked it with hers. "If you're all right, we shouldn't keep them waiting. Especially since I still have to pack for Bain."

"You're coming with me?" he said in surprise.

"Of course. Luke and I are both coming. I wanted Leia to come as well, but she has pressing duties with the Alliance," said Padmé off-handedly. "And I want to see this little world of yours."

He smiled slightly. "I never used it much."

"Luke told me that you two went there once," Padmé prompted.

"Yes. We stayed for about 3 weeks," Anakin remembered. "It was a nice reprieve from duties."

"Who will command the Imperial Navy now that you're no longer there?" Padmé asked.

"Has anything been said about my disappearance?" he inquired. "Has the Emperor made a statement?"

"No," said Padmé. "I've been watching the news. No mention at all, just to say that the Executor is off-duty for the moment."

"Then he's waiting for me to return," said Anakin disgustedly. "Or looking for another way to get Luke."

"Ani… Don't let him…" Padmé gasped. "I'll die—if he gets Luke—"

"I will not let that happen," said Anakin tightly. "Do not worry."

She breathed a sigh of relief. "I couldn't bear it… to lose the two men I love most to that monster…"

Anakin flinched but she said nothing. "Will you enter the room with me?" he asked.

She smiled at his nervousness. "Yes. But as Padmé Naberrie, not Lady Amidala."

"Do they know that you're my wife?"

"I expect that Mothma told them," Padmé replied. "Go on," she told him once he stopped at the proper door.

"Very well," Anakin replied, pulling a cool mask over his features, making them as unreadable as if he still wore a durasteel mask. Padmé released his arm and stepped slightly away from him. He straightened and with a wave of his hand, the door slid open and he stepped forward, Padmé following him to his left.

To all appearances, he was supremely self-confident and carried himself just in the way that they were all accustomed to seeing, despite the oxygen case that he carried. "Darth Vader," a cold voice rang out.

Anakin stopped in the center and clasped his hands behind his back, making eye contact with Mon Mothma, who had spoken. He gave a short bow. "Lady Mothma," he replied, calling on the Force to project his voice and remove some of the hoarseness.

"Also known as Anakin Skywalker," she continued. "You are here to be judged fit or unfit to join the Rebel Alliance. If found unfit, you are to remove yourself from this base immediately with a contingent of guards under the code of honor not to reveal any knowledge that you have learned here. Do you understand?"

"I do," Anakin replied coolly.

"You hereby swear to speak only in truths and to answer any question we ask?"

"Any question within reasonable limits," he replied. "I reserve the right to withhold personal information."

"Did you give that right to your prisoners, Vader?" someone hissed. Anakin made no move that indicated that he heard. Padmé stepped back into the shadows to observe, her face drawn now that she no longer put on a supportive face for her husband.

"State your full rank and titles, Lord Vader," Mothma commanded.

"Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith. Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military. Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, Member of the Jedi Council. Colonel in the Army of the Republic," he responded swiftly. "Former Apprentice to Darth Sidious, also known as the Emperor Palpatine. Former Supreme Councilor to aforesaid Emperor."

"Please give a brief description of your duty as the Commander of the Military."

"I made all major decisions on the placement of ships, the deployment of ships, and I directed all major military operations. I was also the commander of the Intelligence network and it was often my duty to personally oversee the interrogations of high-profile prisoners."

"Such as?" someone asked coldly.

"Captain Wedge Antilles," he began. "Brose Va'ara. General Ki'ith Riskel. Princess Leia Organa." His eyes roved the crowd and settled on his newfound daughter, who flinched as her name had been called.

"And do Brose Va'ara and General Riskel still live?" Admiral Ackbar inquired.

"Unfortunately, no. They were executed for treason," Anakin replied, carefully keeping his emotion from his voice.

Someone in the room let out a heavy sigh, while another shouted, "Murderer!"

"That's enough," Mothma said sharply. "We are not here to discuss Colonel Skywalker's past actions. We are here to discuss whether he shall become a member of the Rebel Alliance."

"You're going to let Darth Vader into the Alliance? Are you mad?" someone called out.

"Colonel Skywalker was tortured by the Emperor," said Mothma quietly. "He has as much cause as anyone to seek revenge."

"It is not revenge that I am looking for, Lady Mothma," said Anakin quietly. "I have a duty as a Jedi Knight to the people of the Galaxy. A duty that I have forgotten for the past eighteen years—one that requires me to do all in my power to restore freedom. I hold myself to that cause."

"He also has a duty as the Chosen One," said Padmé boldly, walking from the shadows. "Anakin Skywalker is the man prophesied to destroy the Sith. He can only do so if he has an organization backing him."

"Destroy the Sith?" someone called out incredulously. "He is a Sith! You heard him, just now—'Dark Lord of the Sith!'"

"A prophesy?" General Madine asked warily.

"Explain, Colonel," said Mothma wearily. "What prophesy are you talking about?"

Anakin bit his lip slightly—that was a topic he wished to forget. "At the end of the Sith Wars," he began. "There was a powerful Jedi Master who, in his dying moments, had a vision. This vision was recorded and shared by several other Jedi, and foretells of a man born of a woman and of the Force—the so-called 'Son of the Suns.' His purpose in life would be to destroy the Sith forever and to thereby reinstate balance to the Force."

There was silence for a few moments. "And you believe that you're this 'son of the suns?'" Admiral Ackbar asked disbelief. "What is there that proves it?"

"He had no father," Padmé stepped in, sensing her husband's discomfort. "And he was born as a slave on Tatooine, a planet in a binary system."

"So a man ran out on his mother," said someone else caustically. "That doesn't prove anything, Lady Amidala."

"A slave?" someone else asked in surprise.

Anakin's eyes flashed and he tensed at the mention of his mother. Padmé stepped up and put a gentle hand on his forearm. "That is what I thought as well, when I met her," she said gently. "But Shmi Skywalker was a woman of honor. There is also the fact that Anakin had the highest midi-chlorian count in the history of the galaxy."

"Really," said someone dubiously. "Then why hasn't he destroyed the Sith already?"

"I was injured," Anakin said coolly. "Which reduced my power."

"Then how do you expect to defeat the Sith now?" Mothma asked curiously.

"The Force will find a way," said Anakin quietly. "But I am not here to discuss a prophecy. I have resources that I am willing to donate to the Rebellion. You would be a fool to refuse them."

"Such as?" Ackbar asked curiously.

"In addition to my obvious knowledge about the inner workings of the Imperial Military," he began, "I also have a private fleet of highly modified, prototype cruisers, snub fighters, and shuttles, including three prototype Star Destroyers manned by crews loyal to myself."

There was a collective intake of breath around them. "Such an addition to our fleet…" someone began, softening.

"How can you expect us to believe that you have truly renounced the Dark Side, Colonel Skywalker?" A cold voice asked. Anakin closed his eyes briefly, recognizing both his daughter's voice and her Force-signature, which blazed with mistrust and, underneath the surface, disgust and hope. He looked up to see Leia staring at him. "As far as I know, no man or woman who has joined the Sith or become a Dark Jedi has ever returned. You are widely regarded as one of the so-called greatest Siths in history. Why should we believe that you've returned to the Light?"

"Nothing I will say will prove or disprove my loyalty, Princess Leia," Anakin returned calmly. "I do not expect forgiveness nor do I believe that I deserve your trust, inclusion, or loyalty. I am here only to offer my services in the hope that my sincerity is recognized. Should you decide to refuse them, that is, of course, your prerogative. I do not hold any claim to authority as a Jedi Knight in this arena."

"It is my understanding that you underwent a trial officiated by the Jedi Council, Colonel Skywalker," Leia continued ruthlessly. "Please tell the High Command the general consensus of your judges and give a description of the charges held against you."

Anakin bowed his head. She had been there, of course. She knew exactly what to say. "It was not a complete trial, considering that not all of the Council members were present, but—"

"Wait a minute," said someone, confused. "All of the Jedi are dead. How did they give him a trial?"

"Upon death, Jedi become one with the Force," Anakin supplied. "With training, they can learn to manifest themselves in a visible form and retain their personality, memories, and appearances."

"So we could receive council from them?" Mothma asked in surprise.

"I am afraid that only trained Force-sensitives have that ability, Lady Mothma," said Anakin quietly.

"Very well," said someone else. "Answer the Princess's question, Vader."

Anakin mentally sighed. "The charges leveled against me were that of murder, betrayal of the Jedi Order to which I had pledged myself, and betrayal of the Republic."

"How many counts of murder?"

"I don't know," Anakin said, and for the first time in the hearing, his voice went a little softer.

"Give us a rough estimate," someone else asked. "Or is it too many to count?"

"Is this necessary?" Padmé stepped in coldly. "I do not believe that the purpose of this hearing is to judge Colonel Skywalker's past actions, but rather to ascertain his loyalty and trustworthiness to the cause of the Rebel Alliance. As a member of the Jedi Order, The Jedi Council will judge his crimes rightfully and with complete comprehension of them. The High Command, however informed, could not possibly make a righteous and just decision."

"You will forgive us if we find your judgement to be biased, Lady Amidala," said Mothma warningly. "I believe that Princess Leia's question is legitimate. Regardless of his present loyalties, Colonel Skywalker has committed thousands of heinous crimes. If the High Command is to accept him as a member of the Alliance, there remains the issue of integration. There are very few people, if any, who will not resent the idea of working alongside Darth Vader."

"I understand," said Anakin.

"And there remains the issue of your customary clothing," Mothma continued. "I do not believe that it will be appropriate for you to wear—"

"With all due respect, Madam Mothma," said Anakin quietly. "I don't think that anyone hates that suit more than I do.

"Good!" she said. "Then ceasing use will be—"

"Unfortunately," he interrupted her again, "It is a life-support suit," he explained. "It allows me to live without portable oxygen."

Mothma frowned. "Could you not receive cloned lungs, if they're the problem?"

"No," he said uncomfortably.

"Explain."

"I would prefer not to discuss my medical situation, regardless of the level of interest and long-standing speculation that it may have generated," Anakin said coldly. "I reserve the right to personal privacy."

Mothma crossed her arms. "When it influences the ease of your integration if you are to be accepted, Colonel Skywalker, I believe it is important enough to inform us."

"No," Anakin said tightly. "It is my personal business."

"Ani, just tell her," Padmé told him softly, moving forward to touch his arm.

"It is my business," he repeated darkly, sounding for the first time like Vader. Padmé jumped away as though he'd slapped her, and Anakin slumped. "I'm sorry," he told her quietly.

She nodded in wordless acceptance of his apology. "Very well," said Mothma finally. "This hearing is adjourned. Once the High Command has come to a decision, we will inform you," she told Anakin. "Dismissed."

Anakin gave a curt bow and turned, striding out of the hall with his impossible long strides. Once he was outside, he leaned against the wall, and Padmé could tell that he was exhausted. "Are you all right, Ani?" she asked him worriedly.

"I'm fine. Why did you have to bring that stupid prophecy, Padmé?" he asked in a pained voice.

"Anakin, you have avoided that your entire life," she replied firmly, stepping away from him. "You buried it as a padawan, striving for Obi-Wan's approval. You ignored it as a Jedi Knight, and you completely erased it from your memory as a Sith. It is your duty! You must accept it!"

"But I can't do it!" he shouted suddenly, sliding to the floor. "Padmé, I can't!"

She knelt beside him. "Anakin…"

"I threw it away," he spat. "I had the chance already, Padmé. I threw it away." He lifted his arms in disgust and ripped off the gloves. "Look at me! Look!"

She turned her eyes away.

"Did you know that Obi-Wan told Luke that I was 'more machine than man?'" he questioned bitterly. "When Luke ran away to Tatooine, and Obi-Wan found him and tried to convince him that I was unsalvageable. When I found him again—that was all that was in his mind as he looked at me. More machine than man? He's right. I am a monster—even if I hadn't done all of those things. I am practically a droid."

Padmé glared at him suddenly and slapped him. "Stop that!" she told him harshly.

He stared at her in complete surprise as blood trickled down his cheek. Her nail had barely grazed his skin, but with no exposure to anything other than cleaning agents, his skin was fragile.

"Stop beating yourself up in guilt, and stop wallowing in self-pity," she said coldly, standing and holding out her hand for him to stand as well. "Your arms and legs are hardly what makes someone human," she said. "And you're not a monster and certainly not a droid. I won't have you talk this way, Anakin. I refuse."

He nodded his head silently hand took her hand, wincing when his uncovered prosthetic touched her skin. She gave no indication that she noticed and just took a small piece of cloth from her pocket and dabbed his cheek. "I'm sorry for hitting you."

"I've done worse."

She shot a warning glance at him and he sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," she told him next. "I don't need to hear it and I don't want to."

"Padmé…"

"You are the Chosen One, Anakin," she said softly. "Accept it."

He looked at her for a long while and finally nodded.

"Then let's go to your room," she said briskly. "We'll have Two-One Bee look at that cut."

"We have declared you unfit to be a member of the Alliance," said Mothma firmly.

"I understand," Anakin said emotionlessly.

"Please remove yourself from Mustafar base as soon as you are able. We hold you to your oath of confidentiality," she continued. If Mothma noticed his flinch at the name of the planet, she didn't say anything. "Thank you for your interest and support of the Alliance. We hope that there will be no ill will between yourself and the Alliance."

"On the contrary," said Anakin quietly. "I still intend on making my donation of 500 million credits to the Alliance, and I regret that I was unable to give my knowledge to you as well as my private resources."

"Well…" Mothma said, dry-mouthed. "We appreciate the donation very much. Thank you for your generosity."

"Ma'am," Anakin said, bowing slightly and turning to leave.

"If I may inquire, Master Jedi," said Mothma. "Where do you plan on going?"

"I plan on temporarily returning to my world," he told her. "I have no plans beyond then."

"I see," she said finally. "Good luck."

"There is no luck," he said with a small smile. "Only the will of the Force. We shall meet again, my lady, and until then, may the Force be with you."

"And with you, Master Jedi," said Mothma quietly as he left the room.

"500 million credits?" someone whispered.

"Solo."

Han whipped around to see Vader—Anakin, he reminded himself harshly—standing, the breather in hand. He looked a lot better than he had before, Han recognized, and seemed to have weird calm about him. "Look," he began nervously. "I didn't ask the kid to stay with me," he began. "He didn't have to be a smuggler—" He broke off as he saw Anakin laughing quietly. "That's not why you're here?"

Anakin shook his head. "No. I am here to thank you for caring for Luke. You have been a good friend to him."

Han grinned uncomfortably. "He took care of me more than I did 'im, actually."

"Regardless. I appreciate your loyalty," he said, his eyes roving past Han to look at the ship. "You're modifying the left sublight engine?" he asked, interested. "I recommend adjusting the bracing and running a direct line to the hyperdrive. Then you could add a second transformer to the other sublight and you'd be able to get more power."

Han stared at him, mouth open, and then grabbed his datapad, jotting down the notes. "Where'd you come up with that?" he asked. "That's brilliant!"

"I have always enjoyed building flying machines," Anakin explained. "I'm sure you could tell when you visited Bain."

"Yeah!" Han exclaimed. "You have an original Naboo cruiser. I've always wanted to check out the shield generators on those—they're supposed to be the best."

"They are," Anakin confirmed. "I used the technology for my personal star destroyers," he explained. "The generators cannot be harmed from an outside attack."

"What about the shields themselves, though?" Han questioned.

"They're a proton force field," Anakin told him. "They repel objects of a certain magnetism. If hit directly, they can destroy the object. It's similar to the technology of a lightsaber."

"Wow," said Han, impressed.

"This is an impressive ship," said Anakin, standing and craning his head to look at the Falcon's underbelly. "Though I'd wager that the wiring is a mess."

"Thanks," said Han, gratified. "It's nice to hear someone actually appreciate her. And yeah, the wiring's a bit screwed," he admitted. "Sometimes I did it, sometimes Chewie did it."

"I see," said Anakin, walking over and inspecting a part. "I have a request of you, Captain Solo," he said formally.

"Yeah?"

"I am leaving the Rescuer here as a token of my goodwill," Anakin said. "I require a ride to Bain."

"And you want me to give it?" Han finished. "Sure. Is Luke coming?"

"Yes. And Lady Amidala."

Han went violently red. "Leia's mother," he said softly. "I forgot. You're, uh, Leia's dad, right?"

"Biologically," Anakin said truthfully. "But I executed her adoptive father, a man named Bail Organa. He was once a friend of mine."

Han winced. "Right. But…uh… I guess I need your permission, if I'm to…" he trailed off, looking at Anakin hopefully.

"If you're to, 'what?'" Anakin asked, amused.

"Well, me and Leia… I've known her for a while…" Han said uncomfortably.

"Are you asking for my permission to court the daughter that you have known longer than I have?" Anakin questioned.

"Well… yeah…" Han mumbled.

"You saved my life, Captain Solo," said Anakin. "I will grant you that privilege. It's the least I can do."

"Great!" said Han, relieved. "And do you think I could have a look at that Naboo shield generator while we're on Bain?"

"I think that I can arrange it."

Sorry for the long wait, everybody... but if you want to know where I am in terms of posting the next chapter, visit my livejournal: http/www.livejournal/users/arzimraphel or my homepage http/ and sorry for the wait, again!

-Ar-Zimraphel