"What a day," I say as I enter the room.

Padmé nods in agreement. "One of your more memorable birthdays, I'm sure," she remarks with a smile.

I laugh. "Well, yes, you could say so. You know, I don't remember the last time someone wished me a happy birthday. I wasn't exactly into celebrations when I was Darth Vader."

"No, I'm sure," she replies. "I find it amazing that Piett was able to see the good in you. He must truly be a remarkable man."

"He is," I agree. "One of the best." I rub my eyes tiredly. "You know what I was thinking, Padmé?"

"What's that?" she asks starting to take down her hair.

"We should send word to Luke and Leia," I reply. "Tell them what's happening. They must be worried that we haven't contacted them in a few days."

"Yes, I'm sure they are," she replies thoughtfully. "Ani, do you think we could bring them here? I miss them terribly, and it would be safe now that we are among allies."

I consider her suggestion for a moment. "I miss them too," I tell her. "I don't see why we can't bring them here. Actually, we could use their help with the next stage of our plan."

"And what is the next stage?" she asks.

"Once we rendezvous with the rest of the admirals, I will reveal the last will and testament of Palpatine, and declare myself emperor. While I'm doing that, you and the twins will stay here and coordinate a plan with the rest of the Alliance should there be trouble on board the Intimidator."

Padmé frowns. "I don't like the sound of that," she tells me. "What sort of trouble do you anticipate?"

"In a word, Kastellan," I tell her. "You heard what Piett said. He suspects that I am a fake."

"Yes, but Piett also said he would contact Kastellan and tell I'm that his theory had no basis in fact," she returns.

"Even if he does, that doesn't mean Kastellan will be convinced," I reply. "Men like Kastellan are not easily led, nor easily dissuaded once they have made their mind up about something. I expect trouble from him. The question is what form will it take. If he has support, then there could be serious trouble, and all our efforts to bring peace will be in vain."

"You mean another war?"

I nod. "Yes," I tell her. "Let's hope it doesn't come down to that, but we must be prepared for every possibility. That is why having Luke and Leia on board and involved is a good idea. Why don't you see if you can raise them while I get out of this?"

"Alright," she replies as she walks over to the comm. station. I head for the 'fresher to get changed and shower. But before I get there, the door chime sounds. I walk over to answer it, wondering who it would be at this late hour. I open the door and see Captain Richardson standing there.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, sir," he begins. "I just wanted to bring you this," he continues, handing me a pile of neatly folded clothing. "It's just some trousers and a shirt. I figured you might like some other clothes to wear while you're on board."

I take the clothing from him. "Thank you," I reply. "That was very thoughtful of you."

He shrugs, clasping and unclasping his hands nervously. "It's okay," he replies. "I also wanted to apologize again for my behavior earlier, to you and your wife."

I put up my hand. "There is no need, Richardson," I tell him. "But I appreciate the gesture all the same."

"It is truly an honor to meet you, sir," he says, "And to serve with you. I just wanted to tell you that."

I smile. "Thank you."

"Well, I won't hold you up any longer," he says. "Good night sir."

"Good night."

I re-enter the room and see that Padmé is still in communication with our children. I walk over and stand behind her, and see our son on the screen.

"Hello Luke," I say.

Padmé looks over her shoulder at me with a smile.

"Hey there stranger," Luke replies with a smile. "It's good to see you! Happy birthday."

"Thanks," I reply. "Did your mother tell you what's been happening?"

Luke nods. "Yes, she filled me in. I'll let Leia know as well. She also said you want the two of us to meet you on the Endeavour."

"Yes, we could rendezvous with you at Coruscant before we meet up with the rest of the fleet," I tell him. "We could use your help here, Luke. You and Leia's."

Luke nods. "What about Han? You know how he doesn't like to be left out of things."

I smile. "Yes, only too well. The trouble is, I told the men aboard the Intimidator that I killed him."

Luke frowns. "Oh," he replies. "Well, it's not like they're going to know he's on the Endeavour, or Leia and I for that matter. He's a good man to have in a fight, Dad; that is, if you are expecting one."

"I'm not quite sure what to expect," I tell him. "But it's always good to be prepared for the worst."

Luke nods. "Yes, I agree. I will talk to Leia and Han and contact you. I assume it's okay now to contact you?"

"As long as we're on board the Endeavour, yes," Padmé tells him.

"Okay, I'll get back to you soon," Luke replies. "It's good to see you both. We've missed you lots."

"And we've missed you and Leia lots," I reply with a smile. "Talk to you soon, Luke."

"You bet."

Padmé closes the transmission and turns to me. "Who was at the door?" she asks as she stands up.

"Richardson," I reply. "He came to bring me some clothes, and another apology."

She smiles as she picks up the clothes off the bed. "Well, not exactly your Jedi best, but anything will be an improvement over that."

I look down at myself. "Yes, I couldn't agree more. I guess I'll get out of this now, and will be only too happy to do so."

She laughs. "Yes, I know. Don't be long, Ani," she says, smiling up at me.

"I will move at light speed," I tell her with a grin as I leave her and head for the 'fresher.

The speed of light is approximately 300,000 meters per second. I'm not entirely certain that I moved at precisely that rate, but it was pretty damn fast. I return to the bedroom where Padmé is waiting for me. She is wearing a nightgown made of delightfully diaphanous fabric that leaves very little to the imagination. I move over to her and put my hands on her shoulders.

"You take my breath away," I tell her with a smile.

She smiles back. "I'm glad to hear it," she says. "Now I have an idea about how we can celebrate your birthday. Would you like to hear it?"

I nod. She pulls me down and whispers a wonderfully naughty suggestion into my ear.

"I had no idea senators knew how to do that," I tell her with a grin.

She laughs. "You of all people should know different," she replies as she traces her fingers down the sides of my face. "Now come here and let me give you your birthday gift."

"I'd almost forgotten how much fun birthdays can be," I murmur as she pulls me into her arms.