CHAPTER 5 – Padmé-Anakin-Naboo

Jaina, just recently out of the bacta tank, perched on the edge of the bunk in the medward.  To her right temple, the medical droid finished attaching a device used to stimulate healing of the brain after an injury.  The droid then pointed out her lightsaber and the datacard that was resting on the table beside the bunk.  Jaina slipped the card into a datapad the droid provided. She smiled upon realizing it was a message from Jag.


Dear Jaina,

I knew you would want your lightsaber.  I also started the incident report for you.  This datacard contains all the supporting data, including my flight record and Twin Suns Two's flight record.  All you have to do is make the necessary additions before filing it.

I thought you should know that my father is here on Mon Calamari as an ambassador from the Chiss Council.  It looks like the Defense Force may get the assistance they so desperately need to end this war.

I am not sure when I will be able to see you.  General Antilles has generously assigned me double command duty for the week in light of my rash actions on your behalf - a small price to pay for what transpired today.

It seems my uncle knows our secret.  He expressed concerns about our relationship, and I explained our desire to keep it private.  He appeared satisfied with that arrangement.  I did not want you caught unaware if he spoke to you.

You are in my thoughts always.  I look forward to when we can have a moment alone, sooner rather than later.  I really wrote this note to give me an excuse to tell you I love you.  So there it is.

I love you Jaina Solo.

You are in my heart always,

Jagged


Jaina smiled as she reread the note.  It amazed her that deep inside Colonel Jagged Fel existed a man so different from the image he projected to the world, that some of her initial impressions were farthest from the truth, and that this was the man she had grown to love.

"It must be good reading." Jaina Solo looked up at her mother, who was flanked by her twin, and let her grin expand even more.  Jaina quickly deleted the message before setting the datapad down on the table.

"I was just pleased that Colonel Fel wrote my report," Jaina offered.  "I'm glad you came. I wanted to talk to you."

"Jacen said he was coming down to help you with the healing trance, so I decided to join him.  Yesterday I sensed there was something you wanted to tell me."

Jaina patted the vacant space next to her on the bed.  "I think you are going to need to sit for this."

The excitement spun off Jaina as if it were waves in the sea. Jacen pulled a chair over to sit in front of the two women, warily glancing from his sister to his mother. Jaina adjusted her position to face Leia, bringing one leg up in front of her, then took her mother's hands in hers.

"When I crashed I was unconscious for awhile.  I had a vision while I was out.  The vision was so real; it was not like a dream.  I could feel things and touch things.  I could touch her."

"Who did you see?"

"I saw Anakin Skywalker's wife.  I saw Grandmother."

Princess Leia Organa Solo, the trained diplomat, could not keep the look of disbelief off her face, nor could she find words to voice her reaction.  She heard what her daughter had said and knew the truth behind the words.  The Force told her so.

"Did you hear me, Mom?  I saw your mother."

Jacen reached forward and touched both women's hands.  "I think she heard you.  She just needs a minute to process it."  Tears welled in Leia's eyes.  "It's all right, Mom.  Take a minute."

Both children waited silently for their mother to compose herself.  Leia took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.  "Did she speak to you?"  Her voice cracked with emotion.

"Yes, some of the vision is blurred, probably from the concussion, but I remember pieces, most importantly, her name - Padmé.  Isn't it beautiful?"

"Padmé." The word fell from Leia's lips like a beautiful song, a name that had been stolen from her long ago.

"It's not that I don't believe you, but how is it that she would come to you after all this time?  Why now?" Jacen pondered.

Jaina turned to her twin, always the analytical one, wanting to know all the how's and why's of the Force.  "Because I crashed on her home planet, Naboo.  Something must have happened to the planet long ago.  I couldn't detect advanced life of any kind."  Jaina turned back to her mother.  "She wanted me to tell you that she was proud of you and that she loves you.  She was so beautiful.  I wish you could have seen her."

Leia was so overcome with emotion, she began to cry uncontrollably.  Jaina reached forward and folded her mother in her arms.  Han Solo walked in the room and saw his wife leaning against Jaina, her body wracking in sobs.  He rushed to his wife and knelt beside her, looking to his son for answers.

"Don't worry, Dad.  These are happy tears."

Han's body relaxed as his mind stopped spinning with terrible thoughts that had been planted there by the sight of his distraught wife.  Leia pulled herself away from Jaina and took her husband's hand, tears still streaming down her face.  The former smuggler reached out with his free hand to brush the tears from her cheeks. Leia smiled at him, and he smiled back.

"I think we should let Jaina get into her healing trance.  We can talk back in the room," Leia told her husband as she stood, the composure of the princess coming back.  Leia patted Jaina on the shoulder.  "Get some rest, honey.  I'll talk to your Uncle Luke.  Maybe he can work with you to enhance your memory after you are better.  And Jacen, take care of your sister."

Leia kissed Jaina on the forehead and did the same to Jacen.  Then Han came over and kissed Jaina, too.  He reached across, mussed Jacen's hair and followed his wife out of the room.

"Do you think she is all right?" Jaina asked her brother, watching her parents leave.

"I think it was a lot for her to absorb.  Her mother has been a big hole in her life up until today."  Jacen was always good at understanding what drove people or influenced their actions.  "But now let's take care of you."

Jaina was suddenly tired, the excitement of the moment had passed, and her physical state was catching up to her.  The bacta had healed most of her, but there was still the part that only the Force could heal.  She leaned back on the medbunk and closed her eyes.  "Thanks Jacen, for the help."

"Not a problem."  He took her hand in his and reached into that place where their special twin bond existed.  A few minutes later he placed Jaina's hand on her chest, the rise and fall barely detectable.

**********

The door comm chimed to the Skywalker apartment.  Jaina did not expect an answer back, but rather felt the familiar touch of her aunt's presence welcoming her inside.  The door slid open, and Jaina stepped through.  She crossed the room to where Mara Jade Skywalker stood with open arms.

"I am glad to see you are in one piece, young lady.  I understand you had some excitement while we were gone."  Mara wrapped her arms around her niece, squeezing with all the intensity she attacked everything in life.  Mara probed Jaina's presence in the Force, making sure that the injuries were truly mended.  Jaina sensed her aunt's concern and backed away to look her in the eyes.

"I am good as new. How's Ben?" Jaina used the subject of her cousin to dispel the concern.

Mara made a face at Jaina that told the younger woman she knew otherwise.  "He is so big and handsome, but that is not what I am concerned about at this particular time.  This is your Aunt Mara you are talking to, remember?"

Jaina conceded.  "Almost good as new.  A couple more healing trances, and I should be fine.  I need the practice anyway.  Never was very good at them."

Mara pressed the matter, not satisfied with letting Jaina off that easily.  "Your brother said you came out of the healing trance early.  Do you think that was wise?"

"I really needed to see Uncle Luke.  It's important to him and Mom."

"Yes, it is, but not at your health's expense.  Don't push too hard."

Jaina rolled her eyes at her aunt.  Mara knew that Jaina was not unlike herself and would push until the bottom fell out.  Nevertheless, she decided to desist pressing the issue.  "I have not seen either your mom or Luke this excited in a long time.  Speaking of."

Both women faced the door, sensing the approach of the Skywalker twins.  They entered the room, and Jaina was overcome by the emotions rolling off her usually reserved uncle.

"See what I mean?" Mara tossed a mischievous grin at Jaina.

Luke smiled at his wife and niece, wondering what secret they hid.  "Jaina, I was so excited to hear your news."

Mara chuckled, and Jaina laughed out loud. "I can tell."

"Do you remember anymore, sweetheart?" Leia asked her daughter as she pecked a kiss to an offered cheek.

"No, nothing more than yesterday."  Disappointment tainted Jaina's voice.

"Mara and I were thinking about trying to help you work on some memory enhancement techniques," Luke offered.

"Let's do it then."

Leia frowned at her overeager daughter, reflecting Mara's feelings outwardly.  "Honey, don't you think you should get some rest first."

"I wish everyone would stop babying me.  I appreciate the concern, but like I told Mara, I feel fine. I really need to do this."

Luke, sensing that Leia was still going to protest, interjected, "She should be fine. I will stop if I sense any undue stress to Jaina during the session."

"Oh no, Farmboy," Mara cracked at her husband.  "You're not doing this with Jaina."

"This is my mother you're talking about, Mara.  And I'm better at the technique."

"Think highly of yourself, do you?"

"Humility is the way of the Jedi," he quipped back at his wife.

"You really have too much invested in this emotionally to be at your best.  I think Jaina would benefit from my unattached perspective in this case.  Besides, being her former Master, I know her strengths and weaknesses better than you, or anyone else, for that matter."

Luke dropped his shoulders, conceding his wife's point.  "As always, you are correct."

"Glad to see you have come to recognize that."

"Why don't you two work in the bedroom.  We will be waiting anxiously out here."

Mara motioned for Jaina to follow her into the bedroom.  "Skywalker, work on containing those emotions.  We don't need any distractions."

**********

Yoog Skell entered the chambers of the Supreme Overlord, bearing news for his master.  He did not fear death. Yoog Skell was sure his life would end today.  Lord Shimrra would surely kill him for the failings of his clan.  Yoog Skell bowed before the throne.

"Rise, Yoog Skell.  You bring word of the infidel's capture, I presume."

"Lord Shimrra, I must report that the infidel Jeedai Jaina Solo evaded our capture.  The female twin destroyed all but two of our mine patrol coralskippers before her ship was forced to land on the planet.  Her craft was destroyed, but there was no sign of her on the planet.  The remains of two warriors that the infidel defeated were found."

"I become weary of the failings of your clan to capture one small human girl who mocks our gods.  She must be made to pay for her blasphemy, or your clan will pay for your failings."  Lord Shimrra rose out of his seat, his voice rising with him.  "There are whispers among our people that there is truth to the girl's claim, that the Jeedai Jaina Solo is the embodiment of the goddess, Yun Harla.  Every time she evades our capture or performs another feat against our forces these whispers grow louder."

"Yes, I have heard these rumors."

"The human infidel must be stopped.  It is time to declare a Yun'chavral against the girl twin.  Her time to die has come.  Let it be known, there will be a great reward for the warrior and his clan who brings the Solo girl to Yuuzhan'tar and allows me the pleasure of carving out the blasphemous tongue from her mouth."

"It will be done."  Yoog Skell paused; grateful he would live to see another day.  "There is additional news from Mon Calamari, Master."

The Supreme Overlord returned to his throne and motioned for Yoog Skell to continue.

"It appears that the New Republic, or Galactic Alliance as they call themselves now, found a new ally in the Chiss, a formidable race of warriors from the farthest edges of the galaxy.  The Chiss are negotiating a pact with the new government at Mon Calamari as we speak."

"I have heard of these Chiss.  There could be serious repercussions if they enter this battle. Our forces still need time to rebuild.  The new implants have not been placed in enough slaves to make up for the significant loses at Ebaq.  I suggest, Yoog Skell, you devise a way to make the Chiss understand their decision to ally with the Galactic Alliance was a grievous mistake, and at the first possible opportunity that presents itself."

**********

Mara sat cross-legged on the bed, shoulder to shoulder with Jaina, who sat in the same fashion, facing the other direction.  They were holding each other's hand. Jaina's rhythmical breathing mirrored her aunt's long, slow, controlled breaths.  The Jedi Master was duly impressed with the sense of focus she perceived from her former apprentice.

Mara guided Jaina through the workings of her mind, until the foggy memories of the vision appeared.  Mara then became a spectator to the events unfolding in their collective consciousness.  The images she received were Jaina's mind attempting to reconstruct the vision.

Jaina walked down a wide hallway lined with tall windows, bright sunlight flowing through them.  A line of waterfalls were visible out the windows.  Jaina reached the end of the hallway and pushed on the double doors before her, stepping into a large room.  Jaina recognized the room.  A bed covered in the finest linens.  Ornate wood furniture along the walls.  The curtains flowing in the breeze around the open window.  In front of the window stood Jaina's grandmother, her hair waving in the gentle wind.

"Hello, Jaina."

"Hello, Grandmother."

"Did you forget something?"

"Yes, can you remind me?"

"Yes, listen carefully.  You will carry the galaxy and the Jedi into the future.  Do you remember?"

"That is my destiny."

"Your time in the shadow is over."

"For I have love."

"You are part Anakin Skywalker, so, too, you are part of me."

"I will walk in your footsteps."

"And you will have love."

"For in my strength lies the end of the suffering."

Padmé reached forward and embraced Jaina.

"You were right. He came," she whispered in Padmé's ear.  Jaina stepped away from her grandmother.  "I told Mother and Uncle Luke that you love them and that you are so very proud of them."

"Tell them the truth has always been with them."  Padmé stood on her tiptoes and kissed Jaina's forehead.

A blinding light filled the room.  Padmé smiled at Jaina through the light, and then leaned over.  Jaina's eyes followed her.  Next to her grandmother rested a droid.  Padmé placed a chip in one of its data receivers.  The blinding light grew stronger and Jaina blinked.

When she opened her eyes, Padmé's lips were touching Jaina's forehead again.  Jaina was falling backwards.  Her grandmother's voice filled the room.  "The truth is in me…"

Mara snapped awake from her trance.  Her niece had fallen back onto the bed still in the trance. Mara sent a mental summons to Luke.  He entered the room silently and gazed upon his niece. He looked questioningly at his wife.  "Is she all right?"

"I think so.  I was thrown out of the trance at the end.  I have never experienced anything like that before."  Luke sat down on the bed and started to reach for his niece.  Mara stopped him with a touch.  "Give her a minute."

Luke put his hand back down.

Mara gathered her thoughts and spoke softly.  " Luke, I think that besides the issue of your mother, the Force is trying to communicate something to Jaina.  I think she has an important role to play."

"You got that from the vision?"

Mara nodded.  "It was like Jaina was meant to speak to your mother, that she had an important message that only she could deliver."

Leia had quietly entered the room as the couple spoke and sat on the bed next to her daughter.  Jaina began to move slowly, dragging her hand to her forehead.  Her brow furrowed for a second, before her eyes shot wide open with discovery.  Jaina sat up abruptly.

"I remember," she exclaimed as she jumped off the bed and sprinted from the room.  The rest followed her into the main living area.  Jaina scanned the room before spinning to face her uncle.  "Where's Artoo?"

The question was unexpected and caught the Jedi Master off-guard.  "Uh, he is in the back room that we use for an office.  I think he's recharging," he added.

Jaina ran to the back of the apartment.  Luke, Leia and Mara exchanged bewildered looks, all sharing in the same confusion.  By the time they arrived in the back room, Jaina was already kneeling in front of the little droid.  He beeped to acknowledge her presence.

"Artoo, run PAN program.  Authorization Padmé-Anakin-Naboo."  Finally able to relax, Jaina sat back on her heels.  Artoo whistled at the young woman and then fell silent.  A few seconds later, the droid's holoprojector activated and Padmé Amidala Skywalker appeared.


My dearest Luke and Leia. I have recorded this history of my life for you in the hope that you will some day know who I was.  I have hidden data in one of my trusted droids that I will send to Alderaan and ask my dear friend Bail Organa to keep with you, Leia.  I can only pray that some day you find this.  Things have become so desperate, but I need for you to understand this had to be.

Your father and I fell in love even though it was forbidden for a Jedi and not acceptable for a Senator.  I was there for the beginning of his turn to the dark side after his mother died.  I married Anakin in secret, believing I could save him, but in the end the secret wound up destroying him.

My pregnancy was certainly unexpected, and I hid it for as long as possible. Anakin believed it was some mysterious workings of the Force; a gift for the future, he said.  I resigned my position as Senator and hid here on Naboo.  Only Anakin knew the truth.  All the while Palpatine was manipulating Anakin to believe he was invincible and could better the galaxy with iron-fisted rule.  I began to fear my own husband and what would happen to my children when the Emperor discovered the truth.  I feared he would turn our children into the terrible thing Anakin had become, a puppet for an evil man.

I turned to my dear friend, Obi-Wan Kenobi, for help.  Obi-wan had no choice but to go to the Jedi Council to provide my protection.  The Council, too, feared what Anakin had become.  The confrontation between the Council and your father over my whereabouts resulted in Palpatine disbanding the Order and declaring all Jedi outlaws to the Republic.

Obi-wan kept me safe and protected, even as Anakin slaughtered Jedi after Jedi to find me.  It was not until later that I understood what had been sacrificed for your safety. Obi-wan was there when you were born.  Anakin never knew there were twins.  Luke, you were taken to Tatooine as soon as you were born.  It breaks my heart that I never knew you.

Leia, you were so small.  I thought I would lose you, but you were a fighter. Dormé took you to Alderaan when you were strong enough.  I fear Anakin will find me soon, but I am happy knowing you are safe.  You must know that you were created with love, not the terrible hate that consumes your father now.  And that it was out of love that I let you go.

I hope your lives are blessed.  I have included all the data I could gather for you.  Remember I will always be with you.


Padmé disappeared and another woman appeared in her place.


I am Dormé, your mother's dear friend.  She has entrusted me with delivery of this droid to Alderaan.  It has become my burden to tell you how your mother died. The Emperor and Darth Vader, formerly Anakin Skywalker, had captured many Jedi and sentenced them to death.  Padmé offered herself in exchange for their lives, unable to bear the burden of so many deaths on her conscious.  She turned herself over to Vader on Naboo.  The Emperor failed to honor the deal and slaughtered the Jedi despite her surrender.  Your mother feared the Emperor would eventually learn the truth about her children.

The first night back with your father, Padmé sacrificed her own life on his lightsaber.  When Vader found your mother dead, he flew into an uncontrollable rage, returning to his capital ship above Naboo.  Once there, he ordered an orbital bombardment of the planet.  The reign of fire lasted for days, destroying the planet completely.  Your mother would never have imagined her death would have pushed Vader to such extremes.

Padmé was not a coward.  I believe, as I am sure she did, it was a necessary sacrifice for the salvation of the galaxy.  I wish you love and happiness in your lives.  Honor your mother; honor her sacrifice; honor the sacrifice of Naboo.


The holoprojector went dark.

**********

END OF CHAPTER 5
TL/jj