"Who's ready to party!" Anakin's voice could be heard clearly throughout the apartment. Padme sighed. She would hazard a guess that his voice could be heard throughout the building. There would probably be a complaint from old Mrs Sims later today. She briefly wondered if it'd be a note posted under the door, or if the crotchety old twi'lek would try and catch her in the halls again. There was the stomping of tiny booted feet on the floor and she winced. It was definitely a catch in the halls issue now. The twins burst into the room, a gaggle of flying legs and arms. Anakin was close on their heels, hair a curly tangled mess, eyes alight with joy. Padme smiled and leant against the bench top, holding her caff more firmly as her husband chased the twins around the kitchen. He paused as he reached her, his good arm brushing across her waist, tracing softly the swell of her belly.

"Come join us?" he asked breathlessly. She shook her head.

"I think Doctor Rygwys forbade me from running anywhere." Her own hand slid down to rest on his and there was a firm kick from the baby inside. Anakin's face lit up and he dropped to his knees, both hands now on either side of her belly.

"Good morning my little-" he started. Padme scowled.

"Don't you dare give it away. I don't want to know this baby's gender until it's born," she scolded. "I know you and Obi-wan and Ahsoka know, but I would like it to remain a surprise."

Anakin grinned at her in the way that she found both infuriating and adorable.

"As you wish, my love." He bopped her on the belly with the tip of his nose, "Good morning my little one. I can't wait for you to join us."

"They'll join us soon enough, Ani," Padme said, running her fingers through his curls, trying to straighten and untangle them with her free hand. "Give them time. Not everything has to be in such a rush."

He stood and kissed her on the head. Then turned to where the twins were waiting patiently, each one hiding behind a table leg.

"Who's ready for their birthday party?" he asked, lunging towards them.

"We are!" the twins squealed.

"That's good! Because I'm a very hungry Jedi and I only eat birthday girls and boys!" Anakin took a giant step towards the end of the table where Luke was hiding. The little boy screamed, a far higher pitched sound than Padme would like so early in the morning and leapt towards his sister. The boy collided with the table, which wobbled alarmingly. Padme watched in horror as the almost empty milk jug, a remnant from breakfast, wobbled and then fell off the table. Padme started towards it, but her husband's hand shot out and she imagined the Force curling around the jug, bringing it to a stop just millimeters from the floor. He might have saved the crockery, but the milk sloshed out and over the sides, and all over her.

"Oopsie," Luke muttered, covering his eyes with his hands. Padme made a face as she looked down at her now wet clothes. She pulled her tunic top away from her body, glad that she wasn't wearing one of the more elaborate gowns that had been her mainstay when she'd been Queen.

"It's alright Lukie," Anakin said as the boy's bottom lip began to tremble. Padme plastered a bright smile on her face.

"How about mummy goes to get changed and Daddy, Luke and Leilei clean up the kitchen?" she offered.

"How long have we got?" Anakin asked as the twins ran off to the cupboards to look for cleaning supplies.

"The place expects us there by ten," Padme said and then gave him what she hoped was a suspicious look. "Why?"

"Well, if we've got a bit of time..." He ran his hand down her arm and raised his eyebrows slightly. Even though his touch made her whole body tingle, Padme shook her head. "You said you'd clean the kitchen, remember? I don't think either of them are going to let you foist that job onto the nanny droid." Anakin grinned at her and gave a little shrug. Padme snorted. "Maybe later though."

He smiled at her in a way that made her heart pound in her chest and ran one hand through his loose, sandy curls. They both turned at a thump from the kitchen. Luke was holding one end of the kitchen towel. The thicker end was rolling away from him, across the tiled floor.

"I'm on it," Anakin said before she could open her mouth. Padme turned and speedily made her way from the kitchen before another disaster could strike.

She pulled the tunic over her head and dropped it neatly in the laundry basket. She opened her cupboard and surveyed the racks of clothes. They were a lot duller than the clothes that she had worn when she was Queen, but they were also a lot less work. She'd spent hours getting ready, if she spent that length of time now the house would be destroyed by the time she was done. Giant frills and intricate ruffles did not mix with finger paint and biscuit crumbs. It wasn't that she didn't still have nice, intricate dresses - as Naboo's elected Senator it was her job to look the part. It was just that wearing them around the twins was a recipe for ruined cloth and large cleaning bills. She selected a slightly fancier tunic, just in case there were paparazzi at the centre. There shouldn't be, but the public's fascination with the Jedi's sudden and seemingly surprising change in direction after Palpatine's aborted bid for power, seemed to know no-bounds. She sighed, shaking her head. Inside the baby stretched, kicking her ribs and pushing what she could imagine was its hand somewhere equally uncomfortable. She rubbed her belly reflectively. Now was not the time for trying to understand the politics of the last six months, let alone the last three years. She gave herself one last cursory glance in the mirror, checking for anything out of place. Outside she could hear the twins giggling and silence from her beloved. Not only did the lack of noise spell mischief, it also did not bode well when it came to having more corridor conversations with old Mrs Sims.

Padme stepped out of the transport and onto the brightly tiled entrance to the Coruscant Play Barn. Above the clashing coloured entrance a hologram of giant, rainbow haired Lothcat grinned at them. Padme smoothed down her tunic, a nervous gesture that she'd picked up during her time in the Senate. She couldn't quite identify what she was nervous about, this was a children's party after all, what could possibly go wrong?

Anakin was ushering the children into the place as Padme helped Sabé with the collection of cakes, snacks and obligatory party bags. Part of her was relieved that there were no paparazzi around, part of her was slightly annoyed that they had somehow managed to avoid the eagle eye of the press. For once she wanted the story to be about the Jedi doing something banal and normal, not about intrigue, political gaffes or love affairs.

"I can call them if you like," Sabé said grinning, guessing her thoughts. Padme shook her head.

"I think Anakin, the twins and a bunch of Jedi should be enough stress for today. Knowing my luck, if the paparazzi were here the only thing they'd snap is Anakin or one of the other Jedi making a fool of themselves."

"I suppose, that wouldn't take much effort to get a picture of," Sabé mused as she hoisted the last box up and gently pushed the door closed. Padme shot her a look and then grinned.

"Don't get too comfortable there. I do believe Sergeant Tonra is on leave at the moment, and I may have slipped him an invitation."

Padme grinned harder as her friend blushed.

The noise as they entered was almost overwhelming. Padme blinked rapidly as her ears got used to it. Ahead of them Obi-wan was talking to the ladies at the counter, leaning over and flirting in the way that he would strenuously deny if anyone ever said anything. Beside her Sabé laughed. "I wonder if he's managed to get us an upgrade without realising."

Padme smiled as she negotiated the tables to find their places. She didn't need the sign that had been so helpfully placed over the area as "Skywalker Party". The Troopers made it painfully obvious where they had been seated. There were even a couple of rather nervous looking parents from the twin's playgroup hanging around the edges.

As they came closer the troopers rose as one and, led by Rex, made their way towards them. Padme smiled as packages were taken from her and Sabé 's arms. Sabé hustled off to direct where to hang the streamers and balloons and the best placement for the mounds of food.

Padme watched them for a bit, rubbing the edge of her belly as the troopers, former troopers she reminded herself, swung into action. Even though the troopers were now out of uniform, they still couldn't shake their training. She wondered when they would be truly at ease with their place in the new Republic.

Rex hung back offering his arm to her as they continued to make their way to their section that she had booked.

"I'm glad to see you and the General happy," the clone said quietly.

Padme smiled at him. "Only because of you Rex. Without the support of the 501st I do not think we would have survived, let alone the rest of the republic.

"Glad to be of assistance my Lady," Rex said quietly.

"There you are!" The voice rose over the crowd. Rex's head snapped towards where the sound was coming from and Padme winced at his reaction. She would need to talk to the Senate again about the funding for mind-healers for the troopers. They had done so much to bring peace to the galaxy that it was unfair to leave them unprotected now that the war was over. She patted Rex's arm with her free hand.

"It's just Yarema," she said quietly, "she's a bit much but I think you'll grow to like her."

Padme turned, plastering a smile on her face. Yarema d'al Dumar was making her way towards them, one cubling held on her hip, the rest of her ever growing brood spread out behind them. She was one of the mothers from the group that Padme had joined when the twins were born.

Yarema was Askajian and it seemed to Padme that her people believed that everyone loved children and would want as many as possible. She marched up to Padme, and thrust her youngest one towards a rather taken aback Rex.

"Here, hold this. I need to see if the squishling is alright."

Padme laughed as Yarema dumped the baby into Rex's arms. She bent over Padme's belly and patted it, cooing nonsense words about it being a good baby and not giving its mama any trouble.

Padme ignored her, she was used to Yarema's forwardness by now and instead watched delightedly as Rex and the baby stared at each other for a second. The baby reached out and grabbed one of Rex's fingers and before he could pull it away, it had jammed the finger in its mouth where it sucked on it with a contented smile. The trooper tried to free his finger, but the baby just tightened its grasp and smiled at him toothlessly.

"Uh, ma'am, I think your baby might be hungry?" Rex ventured. Yarema straightened and smiled at him.

"No, he's teething and he thinks your fingers are pretty tasty. As long as he doesn't bite you, you'll be right. Seems like he's taken quite a shine to you. If you don't mind holding him I'll make sure the other kids are off and ready to play."

The Askajian turned before Rex could reply, ushering her children towards the playground and giving firm instructions about what their expected behaviour was in a voice that was clear even above the din.

Padme turned back to Rex.

"I can take him if you like," she offered. Rex shook his head, an odd look on his face. The baby grinned again and Padme watched the trooper return it, making a silly face that set the baby laughing. He looked up suddenly aware that Padme had spoken and blushed furiously.

"I think I'll be okay. You get the party set up. I'll stay with the little tacker."

Padme nodded. "Yell, if you need help."

The trooper nodded again and then went back to making faces at the baby.

Padme smiled and waddled over to where the other children were playing in the ball pit.

Anakin was leaning against the padded side, his damp, tangled hair betraying the fact that he had been chasing the kids through the playground. There was a squeal of laughter from the twins as they threw balls, making faces at each other when they thought no one else was looking. A small smile tugged at her lips.

She slid her hands around his waist and he glanced down at her.

"Who else is coming to the twin's birthday?" he asked. Padme frowned slightly. Had Anakin forgotten? She knew he had been busy at the Temple, but he had been supposed to be involved in at least a little of the planning.

She pushed the tiny wave of irritation away and shrugged lightly. "Some more of the Jedi should be here soon. I hope they are coming at least."

He nodded and leaned down to give her a quick kiss before turning back to watch the children.

Three of the troopers came tumbling down the nearest slide, laughing as they did so. Some of the children watched them warily but the twins were unfazed. They'd grown up with the troopers being around for the first three years of their lives. It had once made Padme nervous. Having an entire unit around them all the time, just spoke of the danger they'd all been in since Palpatine's attempt at taking power had backfired.

She loved her husband dearly, but there was just so much danger surrounding him when it came to his place in the New Republic. Not that she could talk though, her initial support of Palpatine had almost brought her underdone. Padme still felt silly that she'd ever been fooled by him, despite Obi-wan's assurance that there weren't many that could see through the machinations of a Sith Lord. She'd been glad they'd been able to hush it up as a sudden break with reality, rather than what he had really been - the power struggle of an evil Sith.

The Republic was still fragmented though, the scars of the Clone Wars ran deep. The Jedi and their place within the New Republic was a cause of much anguish. Some blamed them for starting the wars, some hailed them as heroes - and Anakin stood amongst it all.

He had saved the Republic, but his heroism was something that no-one would ever know. The general populace would be kept ignorant of how he had stood up to the Council and made them listen to him. Of the withdrawal of key Jedi Masters on the battlefield. Of the healers closer look at the Clone technology. Of the months of quiet, careful planning that had almost been foiled by Order 66 and Palpatine's thirst for power. Just as no-one would know of Master Windu's sacrifice, nor the sacrifice of Masters Kolar and Tinn. They wouldn't ever see how much it had cost the Troopers, or how close she had come to losing her one true love.

She felt Anakin's eyes on her and looked up to see him frowning at her, his eyebrows knitted in consternation.

"I can feel your sorrow through the Force, my love," he said quietly, "but this is supposed to be a happy day."

"I was thinking of all the people I wish we could celebrate it with," Padme said quietly.

"I know," he said, reaching up to tuck a piece of hair back behind her ear, "but this is our future. We are safe and protected."

He leant down and kissed her gently and Padme breathed out slowly, letting her body relax against his.

A shriek of fear shattered the air, and the two sprang apart. As she looked around wildly for source, she couldn't help but notice that Anakin's hand had gone to where his lightSabé r normally sat - the one she'd made him leave back in the apartment that morning. She glanced at the ball pit where Leia and Luke had been only moments before, but now they were gone. Her breath caught in her throat and she clutched Anakin's arm. There was another shriek. This one accompanied by a long cry of "Dadaaa." Padme's heart lurched. She knew that voice.

"That's Luke," she whispered. Anakin didn't respond. Instead he was off, running quickly between tables. He vaulted one family of twi'leks who were sitting eating lunch at one of the plastic tables that dotted the floor. She was so focused on watching Anakin run that it took her a second to realise that she was now surrounded by the troopers.

"Are you alright, my lady?" Rex was asking, even though he was still nursing the baby in his arms. Cody was next to him, his whole body tensed as if ready for battle.

Padme swallowed hard, trying to work past the lump in her throat. "Yes, I'm fine," she finally managed to say. "It's just Luke, I'm sure he's perfectly fine – Anakin will make sure he's safe!"

As if to confirm this, she saw Anakin returning, a frightened and tearful Luke in his arms. Beside him was a rather indignant Leia, stray wisps of hair floating out of her plaits as she stomped along beside her Father.

"He got stuck at the top of the slide," Anakin said, "and one of the bigger kids tried to push him down."

"I push'ed him instead," Leia said triumphantly. Anakin knelt down beside her, Luke still clutching his shoulder.

"What have we said about using the Force, cherub?" Anakin asked.

Leia's frown only deepened. She folded her arms across her chest and, despite the way her heart still beat hard in her chest, Padme had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing at her daughter's stubborn streak.

"What did we say?" Anakin probed gently.

"Not to. Not without dada, Uncle Obi or Aunty 'shoka." Leia pouted.

"And was Uncle Obi there?" Anakin asked. Leia shook her head.

"So we don't use the Force. Got it?" Anakin straightened, shaking his head.

Padme reached out and wiped the tears from Luke's cheek.

"You okay Luke-y?" she asked. The boy nodded.

"Do you want to come with me down the big slide?" Cody asked, "You can sit on my lap."

He nodded tearfully and slid from Anakin's arms. Leia scowled.

"You can go too," Anakin said, "once you've sat here for two minutes and thought about what you've done."

Leia puffed out her chest and her bottom lip trembled. Padme put her hand on Anakin's chest.

"It's her birthday, Ani. She's also three."

"She has to learn when to use her gift," Anakin said sternly and then softened. He looked down at where Leia was kicking the toe of her shiny, glitter covered shoes against the floor. His shoulders slumped. "Fine. Go with Cody."

The girl brightened and skipped away to follow the trooper as he carried her brother back towards the 'big slide'.

She watched until the trio vanished into the crowd. Around her the other troopers had disappeared, back to their quiet discussions or off to find more trouble on different tides.

Anakin turned around and wrapped an arm around Padme's shoulders.

"I know she needs to know when to use the Force but…" Padme began but Anakin sighed, pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"Sometimes I think she doesn't even realise what she can do. I'm scared she'll hurt herself."

Padme smiled a little.

"Maybe we should get Obi-wan to have more of a hand in her training."

Anakin gave a dry laugh. "That'd be worse. She'll become a politician and a soldier."

Padme smiled and kissed him lightly. "We're going to be late. We should go before we miss them."

Anakin pulled her into another kiss. Padme giggled and pushed away.

"Stop that Ani. You're making me blush. And Luke will hear us if we keep this up."

Anakin rolled his eyes and smirked. He leaned back in and planted a quick kiss on Padme's lips.

"Speaking of our guests. Where is Uncle Obi and the rest of the Jedi?"

Padme looked around frowning. Obi-wan had been there as they'd entered but now he was gone.

"Sabé ?" she called out. Her friend hurried over.

"Do you know where Obi-wan has gone?"

"He said not to bother you," Sabé said, going a deeper shade of red, one arm moving reflexively in front of her body as if to shield herself. "Said something about focusing on the here and now of the twin's birthday."

Anakin's eyes narrowed. "Typical."

"Ani." Padme put her hand on his arm, desperate to get the conversation off Obi Kenobi. But it seemed like her husband was having none of her efforts.

"Did you ask him where he was headed?"

Saba shook her head slowly, a slight frown coming to her face. "He said something about a sudden Council meeting."

Padme saw Anakin's eyes narrow and his jaw clench.

"Did you ask what it was about?" he muttered through gritted teeth.

"I didn't think too, sorry," Sabé 's face was now a deep scarlett. Padme put one hand on her husband's arm, feeling the muscles tense under her hand.

"Of course he wouldn't. I might be on the council, but I sometimes don't think they still believe that I'm worthy of being a Master."

Padme sighed. She knew why Anakin was angry, but this didn't bode well for anyone."I'm sure it was just an oversight Anakin."

"The Council doesn't make oversights."

Padme wanted to make some sort of quip about missing a Sith as Chancellor of the Republic, or the Jedi's ready acceptance of a gift of thousands of clone troopers, but she pushed it away. Now was certainly not the time for that. "Maybe it's just as Obi-wan told Sabé and he wanted you to spend the day with your family."

Anakin shook his head. "If it's so important that all the Jedi needed to be there then it was important enough to ask me." He turned, grasping each of her arms with one of his hands. "I see what you are trying to do, Padme, trying to make me feel better. I love you for that. You've always been my rock, but sometimes it's not enough. Despite everything that's happened, I don't know if the Jedi would miss me if I was gone."

Padme looked up into the face of her beloved, anguish clearly written on every line of his face.

"I'd miss you," the voice cut through the moment. Anakin let go of her arms in surprise.

"Snips!"

Ahsoka was standing somewhat awkwardly behind them, holding a package wrapped in blue tissue paper.

"I'm sorry for being late," the twi'lek said quietly, "I was trying to find something to bring the kids. I'm afraid they don't teach you about present buying in the Temple."

Anakin laughed and Padme watched the anger and frustration flow out of him. She felt a momentary twang of jealousy and annoyance; Ahsoka could calm Anakin in a way that she never could. The battles they'd fought together meant that they shared a different relationship to the one between her and her husband. The twi'lek held out the present and gave a small shrug.

"It's not much. I wish I could have-"

"It will be wonderful," Padme said, brushing the irritation away. "I imagine the twins will care more about you being here than the presents."

Ahsoka smiled, blushing slightly and then glanced around. "Speaking of the twins, where are the tiny munchkins?"

"Off with Cody," Anakin said, waving a hand towards the busy playground.

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow. "Are all the troopers here?"

This time it was Anakin's turn to look somewhat embarrassed. "Most of the 501st."

"I insisted on inviting them," Padme said, taking the present, "I figured it'd be good for them to have some fun for once."

"They certainly look like they're having fun," Ahsoka said.

"Go and join them," Padme said, smiling quietly. "Maybe let them know we're having cake and other food in five minutes."

Ahsoka bobbed her head and disappeared into the crowd. Padme turned to Anakin who was watching his former apprentice disappear.

"I think it'll take more than one Jedi to round up the troopers," she said, reaching up to give him a swift kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you in five minutes."

She watched Anakin almost bound away after Ahsoka. It didn't seem to matter how old he got, sometimes the small, forgotten slave boy she'd met so many years ago came through. Padme wondered how much the strict structures of the Temple had added to that feeling of being asked to grow up far too young - the Jedi, from all of her interactions, sometimes struggled with the idea of having fun.

She wandered back to the tables where Sabé and some of the other parents were laying out the food. Rex was still holding Yarema's youngest, now almost asleep in his arms. She touched his shoulder briefly as she passed and was rewarded with a momentary serene smile before he went back to watching his charge.

"I'm sorry if I caused an upset," Sabé said as Padme drew near.

She shrugged. "It was bound to happen. Sometimes I think Anakin struggles between being a father and being a Jedi. Sometimes I think the Jedi struggle between their duties to the Republic and those of being someone's friend."

Sabé raised an eyebrow. "That's far too deep a conversation to be having at a children's birthday party."

Padme laughed. "Maybe something we could discuss after coffee one day then."

"Sounds like a plan. I have a new little place I found called Count's Kafe, you'll like it there."

They busied themselves for a few minutes; Sabé arranging the last plates of food while Padme tried to get the cake out of its box. It was a huge thing. Neither twin could agree on what they wanted so in the end Anakin had played peacemaker and said they could have one cake each. Luke's was a simple dark blue cake covered with pictures of various spacecraft while Leia had seen a picture of Padme in one of her old outfits as Queen of Naboo. Her cake was a giant dome, iced and decorated to resemble a skirt while a plasti-doll stuck out from the top, similarly decorated. The entire thing looked like a terrifying ballroom dancer dressed by an insane dressmaker who believed that pink, teal and gold were the only acceptable colours. Leia had accidentally seen it that morning when it had been delivered and had almost deafened her family with her screams of delight.

"That is definitely a cake," Yarema said as she cajoled her tribe of children away from the food.

"Leia says it looks like me," Padme said, grimacing, "and I'm not sure whether to take that as an insult or a complement."

"I'm not sure which either," Yarema said, her brows knitting together in consternation, "but either way make sure you light the candles carefully. I don't think Leia will take kindly to her doll going up in flames."

Padme laughed. "Are you speaking from experience?"

Yarema pointed to her second eldest daughter who was eyeing off the tiny cupcakes. "When she was two. Luckily she doesn't remember, but I certainly do."

"I'll keep that in mind," Padme said as she carefully pushed the candles into the base of the cake. She looked around worriedly and saw troopers spilling out of the playground, carrying and chasing kids back towards the table. Anakin was carrying Leia under one arm while Luke sat atop Ahsoka's shoulders, his earlier fear of heights apparently forgotten.

"Are we almost ready?" he asked as he slung a squirming Leia down onto a chair near the cakes. "Just I promised her I'd help her jump really high on the trampoline."

"Dada's going to use the Force," Leia announced triumphantly.

Anakin shrugged. "Seems to be the only good thing I can do today as a Jedi."

Padme sighed. "Please Anakin, I'm sure Obi-wan and the Council had their reasons."

He scowled slightly and opened his mouth, but a sound at the door stopped him. Anakin's frown deeped and he and Ahsoka's heads swung towards where the noise was coming from. Padme cursed her height for a few seconds, unable to see over the crowd, then the troopers parted. Down the aisles came the Jedi, dressed impeccably in their brown and tan robes, each of them juggling arms full of presents. Obi-wan sauntered towards them, his arms full with a gigantic box. Two steps behind him Quinlan Vos was carrying a pile of small packages. The other Jedi Masters filed in behind them and made an awkward ring of slightly puzzled and embarrassed faces. Sabé nudged her arm and pointed to where Kit Fisto was standing, arm muscles straining against the fabric of his tunic.

"Obviously that presents a bit heavy," she whispered.

"Maybe you should help him," Padme whispered back.

"No way. I'm not spoiling the show."

There was a strange and rather strangled pause as the Jedi stood watching them awkwardly. Finally Master Yoda waddled forward, taping his stick on the ground.

"Late we are," he announced. "Buying presents, we were."

"I can see that," Anakin said quietly, but Padme could hear the strangled edge to his voice.

"We didn't know what to get," Quinlan volunteered.

"So we got everything," Obi-wan finished. "I asked the ladies at the front counter what the kids might like." He ran his hand through his hair and Padme realised with a start that he was obviously embarrassed. "When I got here I realised the presents we had weren't really what small children need. I'm sorry, Anakin. We had an emergency meeting and went shopping."

Anakin snorted loudly and Padme realised that he was laughing.

"This was your urgent Council Meeting?" he said, motioning to the array of bags and boxes."

Obi-wan shrugged. "I didn't want you to feel that we had forgotten you, but I also wanted to make the day special."

Anakin opened his mouth, but Padme put her hand on his arm.

"It is special. It's a wonderful gesture and the twins are very spoiled." She turned to where Anakin was standing, blinking in confusion. "I think we should sing and have cake," she prompted quietly. "Then maybe you and the rest of the Council can head back to the playground."

Anakin nodded silently, still obviously bewildered and Padme patted his arm gently. She lit each candle and the crowd of friends, ex-soldiers and Jedi began to sing, hideously out of tune. She looked down at the twins and then up at where Anakin was standing, mutely watching his children - their eyes glittering at the promise of sugar and cake.

"That's love, Anakin, just a Jedi way of showing it," she whispered quietly as the song came to an end. "Make a wish," she prompted. The twins leant forward, eyes closed and blew out the candles. She watched the candles flicker and go out and then looked up to see that every trooper and every Jedi had their eyes closed too.