Many thanks to all of you who are reading or reviewing. I truly appreciate it. Hope you all enjoy this next installment!

Sexyredhead: Glad to know you are enjoying. I have to admit I enjoy writing the evil clifee's. Thanks for reading!

Emerald Green Queen: Happy to hear you like the interactions. Since the character's ages are so different from canon, had to use a lot of imagination to fill in the gaps. Oh ye of little faith about Anakin's intentions although I'm sure we will learn soon what he truly wants. And yes Piett is being a bit naive but Anakin has not given him reason to be any other way. The relationship between Sabe and Padme remains strong and is the solid bedrock of the story. It is probably the one thing that Sabe is sure of. As for Padme herself and Anakin's influence on her, you've picked upon an interesting point, to which I can only respond for now to keep reading to see what is truly going through her mind. Definitely an interesting point. Glad you liked the Owen/Anakin face off. I would imagine had that actually taken place it wouldn't have been too pleasant. Hopefully I still have a few surprises left for you ;). Thanks for reading!

Sweet Christabel: grins Glad you like the suspense. More coming soon! Thanks for reading!

Anon: Thanks so much. Hope you continue to enjoy!

Without conscious thought, Sabé returned to the homestead. Her heart raced while the fears of what she would discover ran rampant through her mind. Sabé wanted to kick herself for leaving the two feuding couples alone. And now she may be too late. Coming down the main staircase, she saw the eating area was in complete disarray, the table and chairs were tossed about.

Sabé gasped when she observed that a small fire was raging in the corner and upon closer inspection two bodies were at the center. On the floor, next the fire laid Owen's long rifle along with a tattered piece of Beru's cloak. Sabé then darted her eyes about to discern her friend's fate when she heard Padmé scream:

"Come here, Luke!"

Her shout was followed by the loud sobs of a child. Quickly, Sabé moved into the homestead and found what appeared to be Luke's room. Both Anakin and Padmé were on their knees trying to coax him out from under his bed. Meanwhile, he wailed inconsolably for his Aunt and Uncle.

"We've got to get out of here!" Sabé sharply insisted.

Anakin shot her a menacing glare before returning his attention to the bed. "We're trying."

"Can't you use your powers or something?"

Anakin sighed. "Luke already has strong resistance to any Force persuasion."

Noticing that Padmé appeared too frenzied to sooth her weeping child, Sabé pushed past them both, quickly settling on her knees. "Allow me."

Anakin backed away, although Padmé remained entrenched where she sat. Adjusting to the darkness of the room, which was rapidly filling with smoke, Sabé smiled at Luke while she calmed herself. "Hello, young Luke. My name is Sabé. How old are you?" He glared at her suspiciously before he held up nine fingers. "Wow, you're getting to be pretty old." She flicked her fingers at him several times and grimaced. "I don't have enough fingers to show you how old I am, but I am definitely much older than you."

Luke giggled despite his tears. "You don't look that old."

Sabé grinned. "You are too kind, sir." Sensing that the Skywalkers' anxieties were growing as the smoke became thicker, Sabé said, "You know…I have a little daughter that would love to meet you."

"Really?"

"Absolutely," she answered quickly. "In fact she's on our starship right now."

"You came in a starship?" Luke asked, completely astonished and impressed.

Sabé nodded. "We all did." She paused briefly. "Luke, I know you are scared and lots of strange things are happening, but we need to get out of here or else this smoke is going to hurt all of us."

At that same moment, he was attacked by a long coughing fit, which caused Padmé to gasp in terror. Sabé turned her head to offer her a reassuring smile before refocusing on Luke. "Come with me, Luke. We aren't leaving without you."

Inching himself timidly towards her, Luke remained unsure about leaving his hiding spot. Another bout of choking though quickly convinced him that the woman's arms were a better refuge. With one move, Luke launched himself at Sabé, smothering his face into her shoulder. When she stood to leave, the child clasped tightly to her body,Sabé observed a strange glare radiating from Padmé. She was about to question her when Anakin grabbed them both. "We have to get out of here now!"

Both women followed closely while he cut through the fallen support beams with his lightsaber to clear their path. Anakin then summoned the Force to push aside the remaining burning objects allowing them to dash out to the courtyard and into the ship. Within seconds, the shuttle lurched upward into the smoke filled sky. Sabé, who had been clutching Luke since their escape, looked down to see him sound asleep with his face stained with tears. While wiping them gently away, she looked up to see Padmé once again glaring at her.

"Something disturbing you?" Sabé whispered.

As if coming out of a daze, Padmé blinked several times. "I'm sorry. I was just…lost in thought." Her attention suddenly shifted towards the sleeping boy. "Can I?" she tentatively asked, holding out her arms."

Sabé offered her a smile. "Of course. He is your son."

Padmé stood and Sabé handed Luke over to her, instantaneously brightening her features. She nestled the boy tightly as she returned to her seat, humming an old lullaby. "Thank you, my friend. Thank you for helping retrieve our boy. We will be forever in your debt."

Still concerned, Sabé asked, "What happened in the homestead?"

Padmé pressed her lips together. "I don't want to wake him up. Talk to Anakin about it if you wish," she suggested, never taking her eyes off of Luke."

Sabé nodded and walked into the cockpit, which was dark except for the control lights. Anakin was slouched in the pilot's chair and was staring out the window. "Am I disturbing you?"

"Not at all," he responded without looking at her. "How are Padmé and Luke doing?"

"They're fine," Sabé answered with a hint of a smile. "Luke fell asleep and Padmé is taking care of him."

"Good," Anakin answered. "They've been separated for far too long."

"Don't you want to be with them?" She curiously asked.

He shook his head. "We will have time for our reunion later. For the moment, I sense that Padmé needed to be with Luke on her own.'

"I think I understand," Sabé answered, taking the co-pilot's chair. Taking a deep breath, she inquired, "What happened back at the Lars' home?"

Anakin sighed deeply as he turned to look at her. "A terrible accident."

"Accident?" She repeated in disbelief.

"Padmé and I were about to head upstairs when she made one more plea to Owen who didn't take too kindly to it. He pointed his blaster at her and I instinctually used the Force to pry it away from him." His features darkened before he continued. "But something happened and it went off and…they both were hit."

"Is that what started the fire?"

Anakin nodded. "I tried to save them, but their wounds were too severe. Then Padmé panicked when she couldn't find Luke." He looked her squarely in the eye to add, "While we didn't agree on anything, I know my mother loved Owen like a son and I did not wish any harm on either him or his wife."

"Despite them not wanting to give up Luke?" Sabé questioned with an eyebrow raised.

He shrugged and looked away. "I've seen and done many terrible things since my days as a Jedi. Still, I do know good people when I encounter them and what happened to Owen and his wife was a tragedy." Anakin turned back to look at Sabé, a hint of a smile crossed his features. "But life always presses forward, doesn't it?"

She sat motionless, trying to read any hint of deception in either his face or in his voice. Though none existed, but Sabé couldn't suppress her instinct that Anakin was lying. Still, his regret did seem to be genuine and his brooding mood did fit. A sigh escaped her lips as she concluded that the more she tried to understand Anakin, the less she actually knew. Perhaps that was the way he wanted things. The misfortunate events seemed too convenient to be mere chance, but for the time being, she would let it rest. Anakin was right. There were far greater concerns at the moment to be worried about.

Lord Vader's shuttle arrived several minutes later in the Executor's main docking bayBoth Anakin and Sabé stood protectively next to Padmé who was carrying the still sleeping Luke in her arms. The group was about to make their way to the Skywalkers' quarters when Anakin was nearly tackled by his weeping daughter.

"What's wrong, Princess?" He worriedly asked, scooping her up into his arms.

Wiping furiously at her tears, Leia answered, "Uncle Bail…Aunt Breha…They're dead."

"What?" He asked, looking about angrily as he continued, "Who told you this?"

Still sobbing, Leia answered, "You and Mother got a message over the holoviewer. Since I knew how to save messages, I told Threepio to let me take it."

"I see," Anakin muttered, knowing he would have to have a…discussion with his protocol droid later. He then looked over to see both Padmé and Sabé standing in shock. Padmé though was the first to break her silence. "I think it is safe to say that Palpatine knows about our plans."

"How can you be so sure that it was him?" Sabé interjected.

He sighed deeply. "Who else could it have been, Your Honor?" Sabé remained silent while she focused her attention towards the ground. Meanwhile, Anakin said to Padmé, "This turn of events is unfortunate."

"Quite so," Padmé dryly stated. "It could cause the Rebels to withdraw their support."

"I thought Senator Mothma was their leader?" Sabé questioned.

Anakin snidely grinned. "She is part of their leadership, but Organa was their center. However, this could work to our advantage."

Husband and wife stared at one another for a brief moment before a sly smiled eclipsed her face. "I think I understand."

"Let's get the twins back to our quarters," Anakin said with a growing grin. "Then we shall see to our preparations."

After Sabé had departed for her quarters leaving the Skywalker family alone, Leia stared at the sleeping boy in his mother's arms. Padmé caught her gaze and flashed a smile when Leia asked, "Is that him?"

"Yes, dear, but he's worn out from the trip."

Leia forced a smile as she reached out from her father's arms to touch Luke on his head.

Padmé and Anakin grinned at one another as they realized that they were all together for the first time in years. Only one more obstacle remained in their way of living with one another in peace.

Sitting by her sleeping son, Padmé studied him, imagining the things they would finally be able to do together. She had waited years for this moment that she didn't want to waste another second. Yet she knew that her boy had been through much in the past few hours and she didn't want to begin their relationship on the wrong foot. Padmé's attention was so fixated on Luke that she was startled by Leia's entrance.

"How's he doing?"

Padmé sighed and whispered. "He's still asleep. I wish he would wake up."

Leia turned from her mother to the sleeping boy. His hair and especially his eyes were the same as her father's; but, his face resembled that of her mother. Like Leia herself, Luke was the perfect blending of their parents. Perhaps in time they would get along and by then her mother would not pay as much attention to him. After all, for years it had only been the two of them with occasional visits from her father so Leia couldn't fathom why this boy held her mother's fascination so greatly.

"I'm sure he will soon, unless he's sick or something."

Padmé gave her a hard stare while her face contorted with worry. "He seemed well earlier. Perhaps I will take him to sickbay once he wakes. He has been living out in the desert for years."

"Can we go for a walk around the ship, Mommy?" Leia anxiously asked. "He could sleep the rest of the day and I'm bored."

"Why don't you go find your Father? I don't want to leave Luke alone. He would be terrified to wake up alone and in a strange place."

Leia huffed. "Fine," she said as she stormed off. Padmé, who was oblivious to her daughter's frustration, returned her gaze towards Luke only to find that the boy was awake and quietly staring at her.

"Hello there," she softly said.

Luke blinked, then wearily rubbed his eyes. "Hi."

"Did you sleep well?"

"Where am I? What happened to Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru?"

Padmé sighed, unsure of how to respond. She knew if she told him the truth that it would be even longer before they could get to know one another. Luke appeared to be the compassionate sort and for him to learn of their deaths at this moment would tear him apart. So as any good politician would do, she bent the truth.

"They are back on Tatooine," she finally responded.

"Where am I?" he quickly asked.

"You are onboard our ship."

Tilting his head slightly, he queried, "Why am I here?"

Padmé offered him a smile of comfort. "Did your Aunt and Uncle ever tell you about your parents?

Luke hesitatively nodded. "They told me that my father was a navigator on a spice trader and his ship was destroyed during the Clone Wars."

"And your mother?"

"They said they only met her once and that she was very beautiful and kind. She died while having me," he said, his frown growing.

Padmé knew that it was now or never. There would be no easy way to broach the subject. "Luke…I am your mother." Luke's blue eyes seemed to bulge out of their sockets as she added, "And the man who was with me …he is your Father."

"But they told me my parents died. Why would Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen lie?" He asked, tears building in his eyes.

Padmé shook her head and moved over to sit at the edge of his bunk. "No honey, they didn't lie to you," she assured him. "They just didn't know what really happened to us."

Luke looked at her, unsure of what to believe. While he had always trusted his guardians, deep within himself he knew that they had harbored some secret about his past. This feeling was confirmed every time he brought up the subject, since either Aunt Beru would cry or Uncle Owen would get angry. And then there was the feeling of familiarity he had experienced earlier. While he did find this woman to be both caring and beautiful, he couldn't help but feel strongly bonded to the man. They had the same eyes, the same hair. Luke turned to the woman to study her features. In that moment he saw his own face in hers and he felt a sense of warmth from her that he never before experienced. Somehow he knew that she was telling him the truth.

"Then how did I end up with my Aunt and Uncle? Why wasn't I with you…or my Father?"

"That is a very long story," Padmé said with a tiny laugh. "But believe me when I tell you that we have been searching for you since your birth."

"You…lost me?" Luke incredulously asked.

She shook her head. "You were stolen from us, baby."

Luke once again fell silent as he considered her words. As before, they felt right and the more he listened to her soothing voice, the more peaceful he felt. "So that's why Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen are back on Tatooine…they gave me back to you?"

Tears of joy started to stream down Padmé's face as she smiled. "Yes, Luke. You are back where you belong."

His heart now thundering within his chest, Luke sat up and gave her a crushing hug. "Mother!"

"Oh, my boy," she muttered, continuing to sob. "How I've missed you."

"I missed you too, Mother," he answered, slightly withdrawing to look at her. "And my Father as well. When can I see him?"

"Soon, baby soon. For now, let's just enjoy it being just the two of us."

Luke smiled. "Anything for you, Mother."

Lord Vader anxiously paced about the holoviewer in his private study. It had been nearly seven hours since he sent the request signal to speak the Alliance leaders, but they had yet to reply. He was becoming increasingly concerned that the Organas' deaths may have broken their resolve. Lost in his brooding, he didn't sense Leia creep into the room to watch him until he felt a sudden surge in her emotions.

"Something troubles you, Princess." He observed, turning around to face her.

Leia forced a half smile before her frown returned. "Mommy hasn't said much of anything to me since you brought Luke back."

Anakin softly smiled and knelt to embrace her. "Don't let that disturb you, little angel. She's been through a lot so we need to be extra patient with her until everything settles down."

"She's ignoring you too, Daddy."

He chuckled at her rapier insight. She was indeed too much like him and he didn't know if that was good or not. Smiling in reassurance, Anakin answered, "Sometimes the people we love do things that aren't supposed to hurt us, but they do. It doesn't mean that we will love them any less, rather we have to be strong for them until they realize their faults."

Leia's face scrunched while she considered his insight. She then looked up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I don't ever want to do anything to hurt you, Daddy. It would break my heart to know that I made you sad."

"Somehow I don't think that will ever happen, love." He muttered, squeezing her affectionately.

As she withdrew to look him in the face, Leia cocked her head to one side. "Something else is bothering you."

Anakin nodded. "I fear that our plans may have been in vain now that your Uncle and Aunt are…gone."

"I miss them," she mournfully whispered.

"I know you do," he said with a sad smile. "As soon as everything is finished, we will all go back to Alderaan to honor their memories."

Before Leia could respond, the holoviewer came to life. A ghostly blue image furiously flickered as it attempted to clear. Anakin flashed a quick grin at his daughter. "We shall continue our talk later. Please go check on your Mother and Brother."

She quickly kissed his cheek as he placed her on her feet. She was gone by the time the miniaturized images of Mon Mothma and General Rieekan appeared before him.

"Master Skywalker. Our apologies for the delay in response but we were in a quadrant of space where we couldn't send a secure broadcast."

"I understand, Senator." Anakin answered, folding his arms securely. "What is your status?"

"We have amassed three troop divisions and thirty bulk cruisers to assist your fleet," General Rieekan replied.

"What is your fleet's current position?"

"Two point five parsecs from Dantooine."

Anakin rubbed his chin and quickly thought. "How long would it take for you to mobilize them?"

Rieekan grinned. "Give us the word, sir and we could be ready within one standard day."

"Begin your preparations. We will commence our attack on Coruscant in twenty seven hours."

Mon Mothma turned her worried expression from the General back to Anakin. "But Master Skywalker, you have yet to tell us your final tally of supporters that you have brought into our cause."

Anakin smirked. "I am the commander of the Empire's forces, Senator. They will follow wherever I lead."

"Yes that it is all well and good, but we need to know whether this battle can be won."

"Let's just say, Senator that the Emperor will find himself badly outnumbered," Anakin boasted. "And those that dare to oppose us will be crushed as well."

She sighed and shrugged in defeat. "Very well. We shall see you on Coruscant tomorrow, Force willing."

Anakin wryly grinned. "Yes, may the Force be with us all."

They nodded in unison as their images disappeared. Meanwhile, Padmé who was standing silent in the shadows looked in anticipation at her husband. "Is everything ready?"

He curtly nodded. "All is going according to plan. The attack is set."

Padmé calmly walked to his side and he then wrapped her in his arms. "We are just about to gain everything we've ever wanted," he proclaimed.

She briefly smiled before a look of concern filled her face. "Anakin, we must get the children off the ship."

"I've already thought of that, Milady." He teased. "In four hours we will approach the Corellian sector where two brigades of my finest and my most loyal Noghri bodyguards will stand watch over you and the children."

"Me?" Padmé said in surprise. "I am going with you to Coruscant."

Anakin noticeably tensed and shook his head. "Even though the Executor is well armored, I won't risk you being harmed."

"You cannot deny me the opportunity to watch you rid the universe of the man who nearly destroyed our family!" Padmé angrily retorted. "I want to see his face when he realizes that I survived these years despite his treacherous omniscience!" She clenched her jaw as she declared, "I want to see him pay for what he has done!"

"And he shall," Anakin answered, drawing up her fisted hands to kiss them.

"Grant me this one request…please, Ani."

Shaking his head amusedly, Anakin snorted as he again wrapped her in his arms. "You know I can deny you nothing." He paused to take a deep breath. "Very well. Although I do have a condition of my own."

"Name it."

"Before we enter the system, you and Sabé will take a shuttle down to the surface. We need her to declare Palpatine an outlaw before we can strike. That way none of his lackeys can claim control once I've….eliminated him," Anakin menacingly said.

"Consider it done," Padmé gleefully answered.

"Are you certain she will do it?"

Padmé snorted. "Sabé will do whatever I ask. You have nothing to fear from her."

"Well, you always did have a way with words, my love," he responded with a slanted grin.

Sabé sat fretfully in the pilot's chair as she and Padmé flew over the governmental complex. She had only been away from Imperial City for a few short days and yet everything seemed smaller in a way, more distant. The events on Mustafar and then Tatooine were still troubling her when the Skywalkers requested that she finally exercise her powers as the Grand Inquistor. Sabé felt guilty at the thought that she had nearly forgotten about the inquest to solve her fellow handmaidens' murders. Then again finding Padmé alive and learning Vader's true identity had completely unraveled her to point that the whole galaxy no longer made sense.

And then there was her dream about Obi-Wan and his dire prediction. While she was a relatively important and respected figure, Sabé couldn't fathom how she alone could dictate the future. No one was that powerful. Perhaps Obi-Wan was still being his overly dramatic self. Even death hadn't seemed to change that. Still, she couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom. Sabé was comforted though that the Sienna was safely away from this place with Luke and Leia. But that knowledge did not temper her fear for her husband whose ship would be leading the main assault. They were so close to having all their dreams come true, but it now teetered dangerously on the edge of losing everything.

"Are we going to land or keep flying, Sabé?"

She shook her head as she realized that they had arrived at their destination. Sabé quickly engaged the landing cycle and to her relief, both her trusted handmaidens and her personal guards were diligently waiting for them. As they reached the bottom of the loading ramp, the party that had been diligently expecting their arrival immediately fell to their knees upon seeing Padmé. They shared quick glances before Padmé raised her hands. "Please, none of that."

"But Your Highness…"

Elermaé was about to further protest when Padmé gently grabbed her arm. "I appreciate your support, but right now the Inquistor needs our help."

Sabé flashed an uneasy smile at Padmé, unaccustomed to being her superior. "Right. We must get to my office so I can make the announcement."

Elermaé bowed. "We have your personal speeder ready to go."

The speeder ride to Sabé's office was quick and within a few minutes, she was at her desk, going over what she was about to say. Padmé flashed a reassuring smile before the holoviewer came to life, patching her into the Imperial Holonet feed. Unless Palpatine personally severed the connection, Sabé's message would be received throughout the entire Empire. She took a deep breath before she spoke:

"My fellow Imperial citizens, I come to you under the direst of circumstances. As you are aware, several weeks ago I initiated an investigation into the deaths of two galactic citizens. The number of dead unfortunately has grown within that time. During this process, I have found significant evidence that implicates Emperor Palpatine as the culprit behind these heinous deeds. Under the articles of the Imperial Constitution, I am issuing a warrant of arrest for the Emperor and I hereby transfer his power of authority onto his lieutenant, Lord Vader, who will execute the issuance of this decree. Citizens, I know this comes as a great surprise to you all and it may lead to some very dark days, but rest assured, we will survive this test. I bid you all good night and may the Force be with us all."

From on board the Executor, Vader grinned as he heard Sabé's message.

It is time.

Turning to Captain Piett, he ordered, "Give the fleet the go code."

From every corner of space, dozens upon dozens of star destroyers, bulk cruisers, capital ships and their supporting one man fighters appeared over Coruscant. As expected, ships loyal to Palpatine were already in orbit of the planet, waiting for their arrival. Vader had known that the Emperor had sensed the imminent attack and prepared his best response accordingly.

It would not be enough to stop him.

"My Lord, there is an incoming message from Moff Tarkin."

"Put it through."

Tarkin appeared before Vader and Piett, offering an arrogant bow. "Lord Vader, the Emperor has decreed that you and the Grand Inquisitor are guilty of sedition. You both are to be arrested immediately. Surrender your ships and your troops will be spared."

Vader grinned. "And if we refuse?"

"Then we shall destroy you."

"Tarkin you are aware that we have you at a significant disadvantage. My fleet outnumbers yours ten to one."

"Sheer numbers does not guarantee victory, Lord Vader. Even you are aware of that."

Vader snorted. "Then shall we put that theory to the test?"

"I will enjoy blasting you from the stars, slave scum."

"And I shall laugh over your corpse," Vader retorted as Tarkin's image disappeared. Turning to Piett, he ordered, "Signal the Alliance ships. Tell them to commence their run."

Piett looked at him in confusion. "But sir, I thought they were only going to lend support, not lead the battle."

"Do as I command, Captain."

Thomas reluctantly obeyed. "General Rieekan. You may commence your run."

"Very well, sir. Make sure you have our backs."

"We will be right with you, my friend." Before he could say more, Vader waved his hand to deactivate the com. "Sir?"

"Signal our fleet to hold their distance. I don't want them engaging Tarkin until the Alliance has worn them down."

"My Lord, the Rebels' ships are inferior and cannot stand against Moff Tarkin. He will blast them to oblivion."

Vader remained silent as he gazed out the forward viewport. He whispered, "Soon my Queen, I shall gaze upon your beautiful form sitting on the Imperial throne where it has always belonged."

"My Lord," Piett desperately called out, "you must order our ships to attack. The Alliance fleet is being pummeled."

"And why would I wish to do that, Captain?"

Thomas took several steps back. "Your deal with Rebels or don't you remember? You were to restore the Republic and democracy!"

An evil smirk filled Vader's face as he extended his arm. Thomas suddenly felt air being forced out of his lungs while his airway constricted. Futilely grasping at his throat, he fell to his knees.

Vader smiled and knelt to face him. "You were naïve to think that once I had the entire galaxy in my grasp, I would hand it over those who corrupted it in the first place." Standing up with his eyes now burning yellow, Vader muttered. "Fool. And now…you will die." He twisted his wrist slightly which was all it took to seize the remaining life out of Piett's body. Turning around, he ordered, "Captain Ozzel."

"Yes, my Lord?"

"You are in command now. As soon as the Rebel ships are destroyed, order our fleet to attack."

Kendall curtly nodded. "With pleasure, my Lord."

Vader then activated the com. "Colonel Veers."

"Yes, my Lord?"

"Prepare all troops for a ground assault and have my fighter prepared. I will lead the attack on the Imperial Palace myself."

"Very good, my Lord."

Vader closed the channel and returned to stare out the viewport. My Queen, I will soon hand you the keys to our kingdom which we shall rule as one family.

TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are always welcomed!