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AN: Here's chapter 6! Thanks for all the great reviews!
A Matter of Hope
Chapter 6: The Bounty
The Twi'lek reporter prepared herself for the breaking news announcement she was about to make. Ever since the Empire rose from the ashes of the old Republic, the Holonet news had been very controlled. Only biased views that supported the Emperor and his ways were allowed to be broadcast. Anyone speaking against the Empire was always severally reprimanded. There had been a handful of journalists that had been brave enough to use their skills as reporters to speak out against the Empire and for it they lost their lives. Free speech was something that was not tolerated. As the reporter looked over the information, she couldn't help but feel excitement and relief. The death star had been destroyed and by none other than the esteemed Hero with no Fear. He and the rebellion were a constant thorn in the Emperor's side. The announcement she was being forced to make was something she wished she didn't have to do. She would have to condemn Anakin Skywalker's actions against the Empire, when really, she knew that the galaxy would celebrate this as a victory for freedom. But they would celebrate quietly, for the sake of their lives.
For the last few days, the leaders of the rebellion watched the Holonet close for the Emperor's reaction. So far, everything had been very quiet. They had retreated somewhat to lick their wounds. But today, they would see a broadcast that they knew would be directed at them. Destroying the death star had been a great victory indeed, but it would only heighten the war now and it was far from over as long as both the Emperor and his apprentice were alive.
Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Obi-Wan, Sabe, Anakin, Padme, and the other leaders including the Jedi watched as the Twi'lek reporter prepared to issue a statement.
"Fellow citizens of our great Empire, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that a grievous injustice has befallen our great Empire. Yesterday, the Emperor's death star was destroyed. Neither the Emperor or Lady Psion were aboard at the time of the explosion. It has been confirmed by Lady Psion herself that Anakin Skywalker is responsible for the destruction. Lady Psion has placed a bounty on his head. If he is captured alive, she will reward the party with one million credits,"
Padme gasped at that. She had not been expecting that, though she knew she should have.
"Oh Ani," Padme said, her frightened brown eyes searching his own blue ones.
"It'll be all right Padme," he assured her, as he hugged her close.
Darth Psion marched past her master's red guards and into his throne room aboard his star destroyer. She kneeled before him, bowing her head in respect.
"Master," she greeted.
"You have failed me Lady Psion," Sidious snarled.
"I'm deeply sorry my master. But you'll be happy to know that construction on the second death star has already begun," Psion replied.
"There would be no need for a second one if you had not allowed Skywalker to destroy the first one!" Sidious screamed, as he unleashed Force lightning upon her kneeling form. She screamed in agony, as her master administered her punishment.
"Do not fail me again, Lady Psion," Sidious said in a low voice. Psion pulled herself up off the floor and exited her master's chamber.
"A hefty, hefty bounty she has placed on your head Anakin. Back to Andea, you and your family must go for the time being," Yoda said, as they held their latest council meeting.
"I agree Anakin. Have Captain Solo take you and your family home. Then make sure he erases the coordinates from his data banks," Obi-Wan said. Anakin nodded.
"So far, it seems that our base still remains hidden. But I don't know for how much longer," Mace said.
"Find a new location we must now. Master Secura and Master Fisto will leave to begin searching for a suitable, safe planet. Adjourned, this meeting is," Yoda said.
Anakin entered their quarters, only to see his three children already packed and ready.
"Are we finally going home daddy?" Larisa asked, as he hoisted her up.
"We sure are princess," he replied, as he kissed her cheek. He put her down and went into the bedroom, where Padme was packing, a smile on her face.
"I will be so glad to be off this ice ball," she said, as she folded a few garments and put them in her travel case. He leaned against the doorframe and chuckled.
"I think I remember you telling me that this planet wasn't so bad," he replied.
"Well, I was wrong. I can't wait to get home. I miss Mom, dad, and Sola too," she said, as she closed her travel case.
"I miss everything about home too," he said, as he came over and kissed her softly.
"Let's go home baby," she said. He nodded and followed her out.
"I hate goodbyes master," Anakin said, as he and Obi-Wan hugged briefly.
"I know, I do too Anakin. But it's best that we part for now," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin nodded and smiled, as he watched his kids and wife say goodbye to Zach and Sabe.
"I'll talk to you soon Anakin. May the Force be with you," Obi-Wan said.
"May the Force be with you as well master," Anakin replied, as he followed his family up the ramp of the Millennium Falcon. Moments later, the impressive spherical ship took off and exited the atmosphere of Hoth. Han set the coordinates for Andea and took the ship to hyperspace...
Five days later, the Falcon arrived in orbit of Andea. Han flew over Andea city and toward the Skywalker's place where he set the ship down in the field in back. The family unloaded and relaxed, truly glad to be home.
The next morning, Han and Chewy were doing a final check. Anakin came to see Han off. Padme and the children had already said their goodbyes and had gone to see Ruwee, Jobal, and Sola. Anakin handed Han a data chip.
"What's this?" Han asked.
"Take my advice and pay off Jabba what you owe him. Then contact this guy. He's in your line of work, but he's safe to work for. Mention my name, and that I recommended you. He should give you some good work," Anakin said. Han looked truly grateful.
"Thanks," Han replied.
"Your welcome captain. Until we meet again and I know we will," Anakin replied, as he shook Han's hand. Han nodded, as he and Chewy boarded the Millennium Falcon and left Andea. Han, too, had a feeling that he would meet the Skywalkers again someday...
...a shorter chapter than usual, but this is merely a transitional chapter. In chapter 7, six years have passed. The bounty on Anakin's head has increased and the Empire is desperate to capture him, as the rebellion has grown to be too much of threat under the Skywalker family's leadership...
All this and much more, coming soon in chapter 7 of A Matter of Hope...