Darth Vader emerges from a corridor. In unison, thousands of troopers turn and face him. In front of the large assembly area, Darth Sidious sits on a throne. Vader marches past the troopers who all turn to him as he makes his way through the assembly until they are all facing front once more. Vader approaches the steps leading up to Sidious' throne and bows to complete the ceremony. He then reaches into his cloak and produces a new lightsaber which he raises in honor. Sidious smiles.
A small shuttle lands in the swamps of Dagobah. The shuttle door slides open and Yoda surveys the area. He has found his new home.
Obi-Wan approaches the Lars family homestead where Owen and Beru, now married, watch curiously. He hands baby Luke to them and they begin to talk silently.
It's now two years later. Bail, now graying, holds Leia in his arms as he carries her through his palace to a bedroom. Padme lies in bed, wearing a beautiful gown. She is sick, but she still smiles when she sees her daughter.
"The medical droids thought you wouldn't have another episode," he tells her bitterly, "It's been two years since you... were hurt."
"I told you, Bail. When it's my time,... it's my time," she brushes Leia's cheek, "I wish we could have had more time, Leia. I hope one day you'll be reunited with your brother. Then,... perhaps... you will bring back your father."
"Padme," Bail begins, "I know we never had the... relationship I desired, but I want you to know I've always loved you. I will raise your daughter as my own and give her a loving home."
"I know you will... Goodbye, Bail. You were always a great man... And remember, never give up hope," with that, she smiles and life fades from her eyes as they close.
Her funeral procession is held at night on Naboo. Captain Panaka, Jar-Jar Binks, and Boss Nass follow her floating casket alongside her former hand maidens and governors. Bail and Leia are at the front of the procession as they lead the group past a line of mourners. Senator Mon Mothma is also in attendance and hangs her head. The casket lowers into a moseleum where a hologram of Padme shines brightly.
After the funeral, Bail and Mon Mothma meet on a rooftop, both wearing cloaks. Behind Mon Mothma, a Calamari captain named Akbar and an Alderaan captain named Antillies stand. Behind Bail, C-3P0 and R2D2 approach. "We have new allies willing to fight for the Rebellion," Mon Mothma whispers, "This is Captain Akbar and Commander Antillies. We need to find more allies. Commander Antillies has a ship and is willing to help in that regard."
"Good," Bail motions toward the droids behind him, "He can take these two droids. They have served me well and I know they will do the same on board his ship. They will be an asset to the coming missions."
"Missions?," C-3P0 perks up, "What missions?"
R2 beeps and chirps at him.
"Oh dear."
On a Star Destroyer somewhere on the outskirts of the galaxy, Darth Vader folds his arms as he gazes out a window. Tarkin, a newly promoted admiral stands with him. Through the massive window before them, the construction of a Death star begins.
On Tatoonie, Obi-Wan stands in the desert and spots the Lars homestead int he distance. Beru crouches close to the ground and calls out, "Luke?... Luke." Soon, a small boy comes racing out to greet his aunt. Obi-Wan looks down at his hands which holds Anakin's old Jedi lightsaber. He contemplates the saber silently until something catches his eye. He looks to the left and sees a blue translucent figure emerging. The image of Qui-Gon Jinn appears to him and gives him a reassuring smile. He smiles back and turns away to watch the double-suns setting, his mission now clear.
THE END