The atmosphere on the bridge of the Endeavour is in stark contrast to the mood that one usually finds on the bridge of a star destroyer. Normally the officers and men are divided by an invisible and yet clearly delineated line of protocol; neither side feeling it appropriate to fraternize with the other. Yet here that protocol is relaxed, and the mood is one of camaraderie that reminds of my days serving along side my fellow Jedi during the Clone Wars. This feels right, I decide. This feels good. I turn to look at Padmé, and sense that she feels it too. She smiles at me as I take her hand, no longer afraid to hide my affection for her, no longer needing to.
"Gentlemen," announces Piett as he reaches the front of the bridge. "I am happy to tell you that we have with us one of the greatest heroes of the generation: Anakin Skywalker."
To my amazement, and embarrassment, the men burst into applause at this announcement. Obviously my name is still well known throughout the galaxy to have caused such a reaction.
"We are indeed fortunate to have him with us," continues Piett. "For he adds his strength, his experience and expertise, and most important of all, his determination to crush the Empire to our own. Along with his family and their allies in the Rebel Alliance, we shall see peace and justice restored to the galaxy, and eradicate the stench of Palpatine from every corner of it!"
More applause, and this time, Padmé and I join in. The mood is infectious, exciting, and buoys my spirits. With this group of freedom fighters joined to the rebel Alliance, how can we fail?
"Do you wish to add anything,
Anakin?" Piett asks me.
"Only this," I say, stepping
forward. I look at the faces of the men and women who watch me
expectantly. I see in their eyes the same excitement, the same zeal
and fervor that have enabled the Alliance to hand defeat to the
Empire time and time again over the past decade. I see something
else in their eyes; awe, respect, hero worship. They are looking to
me to lead them, to be the Hero With no Fear once again.
"My friends," I say at last, addressing the assembly. "Those who know me well would tell you that for me actions speak louder than words; but I felt I should say something to you all to mark this occasion. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning for the galaxy. Each of us here in this room has felt the iron grip of imperial tyranny; some of us have been personally responsible for it. I swear to you that those days are over. I promise you that together with the Alliance who has spent the past 2 decades fighting the Empire, we shall put an end to the oppression that has wrought such destruction and despair from the beings of this galaxy. We will create a New Republic, one founded on the principles of justice and equality, where every being is valued, where every being is safe and secure. We have a long way to go, but I'm confident that if we stick to our goal, we shall reach it."
Everyone applauds and cheers as I finish my impromptu speech. I look down at Padmé who gazes up at me with adoration and pride. Right now I feel like I could take on the whole empire myself…
It has been a long day, and the adrenaline rush that has accompanied it has begun to fade. I can see that Padmé is just as exhausted as I am, for neither of us has slept in the past 24 hours. Piett has just finished giving us a tour of the ship, when he reaches the quarters that have been assigned to us.
"I left this for the last," he explains. "For I can see that you both are in need of some sleep. No doubt the past few days have been very taxing for both of you."
"You could say that," I agree. "I'm not as young as I used to be."
Piett laughs. "Well, none of us are, Anakin. But I must say, now that I see what you look like without the mask that you are far younger than I would have ever guessed. May I ask how old you are?"
"I'm …" I stop for a moment, as I realize that today is my birthday. "I'm 45. Today is my 45th birthday as a matter of fact."
"That's right!" Padmé pipes up. "It is! I remembered earlier, but things sort of got crazy and it left my mind. Happy birthday, Ani," she says, reaching up and giving me a kiss on the cheek.
"Yes, happy birthday," Piett replies. "And many many more."
"Yes, let us hope so," I reply. "Thank you, Firmus. Thank you for being the man I always remembered you to be. Your loyalty and friendship have always meant a great deal to me, even if I never expressed those feelings."
He raises an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, I caught hints of them now and again," he replies. "You would confide in me every so often, though I sensed that you almost immediately regretted it."
I smile. "No doubt I did. I wasn't exactly the easiest person to get along with."
Piett shakes his head. "No, you weren't," he agrees. "But I somehow knew that deep within you was a good man. When you told me about your son, about your wife; I realized that I didn't really know Darth Vader at all. No one did, though, did they?"
"No," I reply. "I'm not even sure I did completely." I look down at Padmé who is doing her best to stifle a yawn. "Well, time for rest. Good night, Firmus."
"Good night, Anakin," he replies. "Good night Lady Padmé. Sleep well."
