Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars. They belong to Disney/Lucasfilm. I make no money from these stories.

I am writing these stories because I needed to see Luke, Leia, and Han progress in their character development to greater heights not devolve the way I felt most official extensions over the years have done, especially the latest iterations. Not. A. Fan.

I also needed a Star Wars story linked back to mythic themes and archetypical underpinnings in a cohesive way. I don't know how well I'll hit that mark, but I'm going to try.


Graceful arching alcoves soared above Pooja Naberrie and her guests, and striking statues of contrasting marble sat within, showcasing men and women at their most beautiful and powerful. Luke and Han's boots clicked on the elaborate swirls of blue and gold tiles that gleamed in the light of the windows. Windows, taller than the Imperial Walkers had been on Endor, but as elegant and beautiful as the walkers had been awkward and imposing, looked out on the city below.

Cobbled streets threaded between riotously blooming squares of color that thrived in landscaped works of living art, and elegant stone structures of the same warm stone and green metal domed roofs as the palace.

"Your world is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been," Luke commented. "And your capitol is…" Luke trailed off as he gazed out the window, "breathtaking."

"Thank you Master Jedi," Pooja said with a smile. .

"Just Luke, please," Luke requested. "Unless, for reasons of diplomacy, titles are necessary."

Pooja's surprise lit her eyes for a moment before Leia explained. "Luke isn't big on formality. He's never worn his rank comfortably even when it was simply that of Commander in the Alliance." She looked over to Han, "The General is much the same, and in as much as you are to be our hostess when not in formal settings, Pooja, I think we'd like to be on a name only basis, my friend."

"Then Luke it will be," Pooja said with a bright smile which Luke returned, as they reached the entrance to a semicircle of medical alcoves.

"We will leave you here," Guard Sufano, said with a bow to the party. In unison, both guards turned and continued down the hall.

Luke, Leia, and Han were met by an oddity; an actual human medic, flanked with a pair of med droids. "Council Representative Pooja, we were most distressed to hear of the attack in the main hangar." Pooja looked to see the many privacy screens engaged over the alcoves. "The wounded?" she asked.

"Yes." At her worried expression, Healer Yanu continued, "All are in stable condition and will heal with rest and treatment."

"And Representative Restao?"

The doctor turned appreciative gazes on Leia and Han. "Your companions, very well may have saved his life with their quick treatment. And I am confident the damage they helped to avoid will mean that I will not only able to see him fully healed, but he will be able to sit long enough for his support to proceed with the global referendum on our future alliances."

"I'm so glad he will be well," Pooja said, relief in her voice.

"You were the last of the injured I was told to expect. Come, Lady Naberrie, let us see to your arm."

"3D4 will lead the rest of you to a nearby alcoves with freshers and medical wraps until the replacement garments I am informed are coming can arrive."

"Thank you," Leia said as the three headed for the promised refreshment with visible relief on her face.


Luke moaned softly as the warm water trickled down his shoulders. "A full water shower?" he muttered softly, leaning his head back to rinse his hair of the cleanser left for him. "I love this planet."

Luke supposed on a world such as this, with an abundance of rivers, lakes, and oceans, a water based shower really wasn't a decadent as it felt to him now, but after the majority of his life spent using sonic showers, chemical rinses, and other low moisture cleaning methods, the feeling of warm, clean water flowing around him made him feel like a prince rather than a Jedi.

He chuckled, remembering Leia's reaction to discovering the exact configuration of the fresher's cleaning capabilities. She lit up and barely contained a squeal of delight. Luke had once teased her when she said she missed real water-based cleansing units as the sign of a pampered princess. Now, though, he understood. He sighed happily as he let the water flow over him, feeling his muscles unknot as he leaned against the cool gray stone wall. He really, really could get used to this.


Scrubbing her long hair with her towel, Leia exited the fresher into her healing alcove. She noticed that while the privacy screening was still in place, the healing droid that had shown her to her unit had gone. She cinched the belt of her healing wrap around her waist and folded the too long sleeves up a few turns so her hands were free of the wide armed garment.

Sliding into her slippers, she padded into the hallway left on to check on Pooja.

"Hey, Gorgeous," Han said, walking up beside her, and wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Hi, Scruffy," she teased back as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

"I'm not," he began.

Leia pointed at a reflective supply cabinet, and he stopped, finger combing through his hair now sticking up at odd angles. "Always does that when I get it wet," Han sighed.

"I take back every stupid remark I ever made about your wanting a real water shower," Luke said, walking toward them still rubbing his hair dry with a towel, and dressed in a similar healing wrap. "That," he said, pointing back toward the nearest fresher. "Was amazing."

Leia chuckled. "I told you."

Leia peeked around the screen where Pooja was already mid conversation, "Mother, I promise I'm fine." Seeing Leia, Pooja waved her into the room. Luke and Han trailed in behind and they stood together out of the recording range of the mobile transmitter droid floating before Pooja.

"I heard of the attack, Pooja, and that's a healing droid next to you. There is a bandage on your arm!"

"It was a minor injury, and it couldn't be helped."

Luke shot Leia a worried look.

"You promised to take better care of yourself than…,'" her voice broke. Then she added in a hoarse voice, "You promised to stay safe."

"I'm in the best hands. We are the only world facing this decision that has the benefit of a Jedi, and mother I feel we will all be fine with him here with us."

Leia looked to Pooja, a question in her eyes, Pooja nodded, a grateful smile just turning up the corners of her lips.

Leia moved over to Pooja's bedside and sat beside her.

Leia was struck by the sense that she knew this woman. She shook her head slightly. She'd probably seen a holo of the woman during her time in the Imperial Senate. Stars knew she and Pooja spent enough time at each other's apartments working though the night on legislation.

"Mother, may I present Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan," Pooja said as she wrapped an arm around Leia's shoulder and squeezed her in a one armed hug, "My good friend."

"Princess, the woman began with a kind smile.

"Leia, please," she interjected. "Pooja has always been a good friend to me. I would hope the same friendship could extend to her family."

She smiled, "Then you must call me Sola."

"Nice name," Han whispered to Luke who chuckled quietly.

Pooja chuckled as Leia rolled her eyes.

"I feel as if I'm missing something here," Sola smiled.

Han strode forward and leaned into the edge of the transmission field.

"Han Solo," he said with a wave, emphasizing his last name with a wink.

Sola chuckled.

Luke walked over to the less cluttered side of the alcove and leaned into recording range. "Hello, I'm Luke Skywalker."

Sola's mouth dropped open for just a moment; then she smiled. "You remind me very much of another Jedi, Anakin Skywalker, who served as protector for my sister Padme during a dangerous time in her service in the Senate. Would you be any relation?"

"My father," Luke said with a smile. Noticing Leia stiffen from the corner of his eye, he added, "But I'm afraid I know very little of the man you knew. I was raised by an aunt and uncle on Tatooine. Given the Imperial actions toward all Jedi, they must have thought it best for me to know little of him."

"You look like him. Not exactly," she said, examining him, "But enough that I could tell." She shook her head. "I understand your quick actions in the hangar saved the entire delegation. Master Jedi, that is the second time I owe the life of one I love to a Jedi named Skywalker."

"Please, just call me Luke," Luke requested.

"Of course, Luke. Please," she waved her hand toward all crouched near Pooja's bedside. "You must allow me to do something to show my gratitude. I know," She said with a smile, "When is the last time you've had a home cooked meal?"

"You musn't feel obligated," began Leia.

"There is no obligation," Sola said kindly.

"Something other than ration bars and reconstituted protein paste would be nice," Han said. "Your vote, Kid?"

"Seconded," Luke said, his voice teasing. He winked at Leia and Pooja who chuckled.

"Then it's decided," Sola said, her smile wide. "I know where you'll be when you've dismissed. Ensure I can pass the security I know you have already arranged, and I'll be away and creating a full reunion feast." She turned to Luke and smiled. "It's a way to celebrate a family's return here on Naboo. You have ensured my Pooja can return to us, and we welcome back the son of the one who did the same service for my sister."

"I will send the codes as soon as I am released by Healer Yanu, Mother," Pooja said with a smile.

"Thank you, Love," Sola said, and then smiled to her companions.

"I expect you all for dinner."

"We're looking forward to it," Luke said with a smile.

"Until then," Sola Naberrie said with a nod, and then the transmission ended.

"So you're the son of the Hero with No Fear?" asked Pooja as the comm droid floated out of the room.

Luke shrugged. "I don't know how accurate that nickname was, but I'm glad he protected your Aunt so well."

Pooja sighed. "He tried."

At their surprised looks, Pooja explained. "Oh he kept her alive during his stint as her Jedi protector, and mostly unharmed, but somehow they ended up on Geonosis."

"Geonosis? As in the first battle of the Clone Wars at Geonois, Geonosis?" Han asked incredulously. "How does a simple protection mission end up at the flash point for an intergalactic war?"

"Aunt Padme always had a way of finding trouble. I'm sure it was your father's presence there that helped her escape that battle alive, but, well, she was alway finding herself in conflicts of every variety." Pooja chuckled without mirth, "Ironic for one so devoted to peace, freedom, and democracy."

"I've found that true devotion to freedom and peace means that you must sometimes fight those who would take it from you," Leia commented. "No matter how much you hate the fight."

"You remind me much of her," Pooja said with a smile at her friend.

Leia smiled sadly. "My father," she saw Luke look at her, and faltered a second. "I was nervous when I was elected to the Imperial Senate at such a young age. He told me of his good friend Senator Padme Amidala of the Naboo, and how at 14 she was elected queen and then later senator. He said it true leaders have freedom and justice in their hearts, and that even other's doubting their youth could not keep such from changing the galaxy for the better."

"Bail Organa was a fine man," Pooja stopped as she saw a dazed expression on Leia's face.

"What is it, Leia?" Luke asked, walking to stand beside her.

She looked up at Luke, her features strained. "He told me I was like her. That I reminded him so much of her. Luke, is that? Do you think that's why we felt drawn here?"

Luke's brow furrowed. "You said you remembered images. You've seen pictures of her in the mission briefs, haven't you?"

"They were official images, yes, and thinking about it now there were similarities, but…"

"Pooja, can you show us an image of your aunt?" Luke asked. "Something unofficial?"

"Of course." She unclipped the silver necklace from her neck. "Mother gave me this," she held the silver pendant in her palm. "To remind me of the proud family tradition of public servants in our family when I was first elected to the senate, and to remind me not to leave our family the way she did." At Luke's questioning gazed, she added, "with so many unanswered questions."

Luke and Leia walked closer as Pooja activated the tiny projector and, a smiling woman with brown ringlets like Pooja's own held two girls, smiles and happiness lighting the rich brown eyes of the woman.

Leia gasped and strode away, covering her face.

Luke rushed to her and pulled into a tight embrace.

"It's her, Luke. It's. I …"

"What is going on?" Pooja asked. Luke had tears gathering in his eyes.

"Think that reunion feast might be more appropriate than your mom had planned," Han muttered. He walked past Luke, placing a hand on Leia's arm as he passed.

She pulled back to look at Han, tears on her face. "I'm going to get Artoo," he explained.

Leia nodded, taking a shaky breath. "Beta Plan?" she asked.

Han nodded.

He peeked around the doorway. "Hey Goldenrod and Squeaky, over here," Han called.

"General Solo, I would really much prefer if you would address myself and my counterpart by our numbers rather than your simplistic nick names. It's not dignified.".

"And that's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for now, a talkative lookout," Han said, pointing to the approaching protocol droid. "Stay just in front of our little alcove and make sure you have a nice, loud, and long conversation with anyone who shows up here."

"But General Solo, I have concerns," Threepio began.

"You don't think you can do it?" Han asked, mock worry in his voice.

"Of course, I can," replied Threepio miffed, "but…"

"That's great," Han said with his classic crooked grin. "Knew I could count on you."

Threepio sputtered indignantly, but Han ignored him to wave Artoo into the room. As soon as the astromech wheeled through the passage, Han closed off the entry and stood in front of the door.

"Beta. 30." Han instructed.

Artoo beeped what everyone had long since learned was his understood trill, and plugged into the nearest port.

The screens around the small enclosed treatment and the overhead lights flickered.

"What?" Pooja asked, but stopped when Han held up his hand. Artoo whistled once more and disengaged from the port.

"Done?" asked Luke, to the droid, who immediately sounded his affirmative trill.

Pooja stood and walked the short distance to face Luke and Leia. "What is happening?"

"Artoo was erasing the security feeds for the last thirty recording cycles, and looping relevant feedback long enough for us to have a private, albeit short, conversation," Luke explained.

"What is this all about, then?" Pooja demanded.

"When we were born," Luke said, the Jedi were defeated, and Vader had begun his extermination of the few Jedi left."

"We," Pooja asked, looking between Luke and Leia.

"My twin sister and I," Luke said with a nod to Leia, "were separated after our mother died. I have no memories of my mother, but, like me, my sister is strong in the Force, and she maintained images and memories of feelings from her."

Pooja clutched her pendant. "You don't mean? But, no," Pooja said shaking her head quickly. "My Aunt Padme was very pregnant when she was buried. My cousin died within her."

"The Emperor was from Naboo, and I'm sure even if my father was able to hide his relationship to Padme from the Jedi, that the Emperor either knew or would have found out. It wasn't safe for our survival, given our father," Luke cut off his words, struggling to be both truthful yet keep the secret of what had become of his father. He did want not to deal with this truth yet with anyone new.

He searched his feelings once more. This new information was true. He could feel that Padme Amidala was his mother. "Your cousins are here in front of you."

Pooja opened her mouth her speak when Artoo began beeping again.

"That's his countdown," Luke explained." When he stops the security loop will be disengaged. We'll talk again after we're someplace secure."

Pooja nodded, and returned to her bed attempting to look as if she hadn't moved.

For an awkward moment after Artoo's last beep, all stood silently.

Leia, looking almost as if she were completely composed, almost, finally broke the silence.

"Have you heard anything about the time of the meeting's reconvening?"

"Not yet," the queen assured me that she pores over every security measure and is deploying five different security teams along our every possible route to the meeting before it takes place." She finished with a sigh. "That means the day may dwindle into dusk before we meet."

"Most noble handmaids to Queen Setalla," Threepio said his voice volume up at a level that caused everyone in the room to jump. "I must express our deepest gratitude for seeing to my Master's comfort."

Han chuckled. "Did a good job after all." He waved a hand over the panel to open the entrance to the alcove and walked out to meet them.

"Disengage the privacy barrier," Pooja directed, pointing Luke toward the panel just to the left of the one Han had used a moment before.

Luke waved his palm over the small silver square and the view and sound blocking shielding vanished.

"Sorry about that ladies," They looked on to see Han saying, with a hand clasped on Threepio's shoulder. "Poor guy must need maintenance on his voice volume control."

Seeing the privacy shielding disappear, the handmaids both carrying a stack of garment boxes, turned toward Pooja.

"I am sure Queen Setalla would be most eager to see to the needs of your droid, General Solo."

"Perhaps an oil bath and complete systems rejuvenation of all his essential fluids," suggested Pooja, "I'm sure he has gone above and beyond all your needs and richly deserves such care."

"That would be wonderful," Threepio said, surprised.

"Then it shall be done," said the handmaid leading the path.

"Thank you, Entralu." Pooja said.

"It is we who thank you," said her companion. "And handmaid Bavanu sends her personal thanks, and once again asks us to inform you that you would have been a truly fine handmaid if you had accepted our queen's invitation."

Pooja smiled.

"We have replacement garments for the ones soiled and damaged by the attack. The uppermost box in Hanmaid Sana's stack is for Master Jedi Skywalker. "We once were commissioned to make Jedi robes such as this for the burial pyre of Master Jedi Qui Gon Jinn, and a smaller version for a young Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker.

Everyone's eyes focused handmaid Entralu. "We modeled these robes for you based on the records of the specifications we were given for those to construct your replacements."

"Thank you. I know they will be excellent."

Luke took the box and stepped back as Sana passed her last garment box to Leia.

"Alas, we have little in the way of your elegant Alderaanian whites, but this seemed lovely blending of Alderaanian styling and Naboo detail."

"That sounds very…" Leia's voice was subdued as took the box. "Appropriate. Thank you."

"This top box I carry is for you, General Solo," We had little in the way of Corillian style clothing, but we tried to get as close to your original garments as possible."

Han nodded, and smile as he took his box.

Handmaid Entralu passed the last box to Pooja. "The queen picked this dress personally for you. If representative Baemek wishes to bring your beloved Aunt's memory into our assembly, he best realize that her strength and her legacy still lives in you and those who love and honor her memory. That is no small thing. He plays a dangerous game to underestimate this, just as the Federation did when they underestimated her."

When the handmaid nodded to the box, Pooja lifted the lid and gasped. "This is.." Her voice caught at the sight of the red dress. It was not exactly the same dress, with it's shimmery gold flowing smoothly to brilliant orange and then deepening as though changing as her eyes traveled the length of the dress she lifted form the box into a fiery crimson. This under dress was different, the sleeves long and fitted ending in crimson points that would point toward each hand like an open glove. It was the over dress, a red heavy woven overlay open wide on either side and plunging deeply to the waist where a belt fastened in a smaller version of the glowing stones that once adorned the gown her aunt wore as she first faced down the Trade Federation.

Several pointed panels of the same woven material fell as if they themselves were waterfalls meant to slide over the under dress to break on the larger glowing stones encircled at the end of each in a arrow of gleaming plush black.

"A statement to all who wished to rob our would of it's freedom to choose it's own destiny. The queen wishes you to wear it and carry the message it brings."

"It will be my great honor," Pooja said, her voice subdued.

Luke and Leia looked to one another. "The vision," she whispered.

Luke nodded.

"We will assist you in dressing in it if you like, Representative Naberrie."

"You have my thanks, but perhaps my good friend Princess Leia, will assist me."

Leia nodded and walked beside her newfound cousin.

"If you have need of anything, you need only ask," Handmaid Sana said, and with a dip of their heads, they turned and left the medical center."

"We'll get dressed here," Leia said. Placing her dress down at the foot of Pooja's bed.
"We'll meet you outside," Han said. Luke nodded to his sister and his cousin and followed Han, waving his hand to restore the privacy shielding on their way out.


Luke lifted the white woven outer robes in his fresher unit with a sigh. He did not regret becoming a Jedi, but he knew so little of them. How could he rebuild them?

"You deserve those, Luke. Just as you deserve the title of Jedi Knight."

"Obi Wan? Why didn't you?"

"Tell you about your mother?" He then pointed to the cameras and placed a ghostly finger over his lips. "The security feeds cannot see or hear me, but they can hear you."

Luke grimaced, but nodded, then shot Obi Wan a questioning look.

"I wasn't sure if knowing about your mother and your connection to this world would impact what you are meant to do here, Luke. I know that whatever reconnection you may make with your mother's family here, however rewarding, is not the sole purpose for your being here."

"I sense, as well as the other Jedi who dwell in the Force as I do, that there is something important that must happen here, something vital to the future of the galaxy as a whole. Just as it was once the place where Palpatine rose to destroy all I sense something rising from that could revive much that was lost."

Luke glanced up at the sensors, then settled for a doubtful glare at Obi Wan.

"I know that's not very helpful, Luke, and I do mean to help you in any way I can, but you must begin your path in the way of the Jedi here. And that means you must fully and completely rely on, draw strength, guidance, and wisdom from the Force."

Luke took a deep breath. He released his irritation and the tendrils of resentment and worry that he felt encroaching on his center.

"You are right," he said. "I will remember."

"The Force will be with you, Luke. As will we who stay and watch. You are not alone."

Luke nodded. Obi Wan faded. Luke chuckled as he realized that Obi Wan must be fond of his younger form now that Luke knew him in it since that was how he appeared to him this second time. He chuckled as he imagined what a young Yoda force spirit would look like.

He held the robe up again, smiling this time. If his trek down a Jedi's path here, he'd better dress for the journey.


Leia gasped in delight as she lifted the silken white gown. The beaded detailing at the top of the bodice turned out to be a clever neckline that looked as much like jewelry as an artistic rendering of a waterfall sliding around her shoulders to trickle three inch thick fall of jeweled beads that would end just below her waist.

A similar trail of beads would fall down along her spine.

Leia sighed as the dress slid over her curves soft and silken, and marveled at the cool feel of the fabric and beads as Leia smoothed the dress into place.

Leia slid the silver rimmed armbands carefully into place and adjusted the sheer fabric that flowed between them like a cape above the white silk and under the line of beads. Leia was amazed at the effect. It was as though the waterfall's mist was flowing around her arms.

A head piece of blue beads and silver wire flowed her hands like the water it seemed to represent. "Pooja I have no idea how to put this on."

"There's a trick to those," Pooja said, as she exited the fresher in her beautiful vibrant under dress. "I'll help you."

Leia smiled as she came to her friend. "Perhaps after I help you with this," she said picking up the remaining part of her dress.

Pooja nodded. "I only hope I honor the memory of the one who inspired it."

"You will," Leia said and then whispered too low for all put Pooja to hear, "We both will."


Han adjusted the collar of the black vest he wore with a grimace. A dark vest, pants, and a white top were the only similarities these clothes bore to his normal wardrobe. The vest, however, was crafted from some soft black hide and was fitted enough at the waist to really impress someone like Lando. Han, not so much. It hung just past mid thigh and had a crease in the back that would make reaching for that particular emergency blaster Leia had grabbed earlier awkward.

He smiled at that memory. If she was going to help herself to his emergency blasters, he'd have to find some more interesting places to hide them. Nothing too crazy, he didn't want to go blasting off anything too important, but giving Leia a find the blaster lesson could be fun. He smirked at his reflection as he filed that idea away for later.

He wanted to pull at the high neck of the fitted white shirt. The sleeves billowed a bit much for his taste, but he supposed going back to the Falcon for a comfortable change of clothes wasn't going to happen. So he clasped his blaster belt around the pants that matched his vest. They fit surprisingly well. He did smile when he lifted the boots. "Serillian leather. Nice. Lando would sell his cape collection for a pair of these."


Light glistened off the cascade of beads that trailed in graceful scallops of deepening blue around the wide pile of dark curls nested in a intricate circle of braids.

Leia stood dressed in shining gown of white and crystalline blue.

"You look," Han began. Leia turned and smiled at Han. His breath caught for just a moment before he smirked approvingly. "Like a princess."

Leia grinned back, and nodded at him. "You look pretty impressive yourself."

Han walked up and offered his arm. "Milady," he said.

Luke came out a moment later, and both Leia and Luke grinned at him. "Look at you." Han said. Leia released Han and walked to hug her brother. She pulled back and joked, "Aren't you a little short to be a Jedi Master?"

Luke guffawed. "I wish Master Yoda could hear that."

He looked around to the others but stopped and looked back to Leia, "Where are the droids?"

"Pooja thinks we most likely put them through so much they deserved a little pampering. They'll be delivered to our transport after the initial planning session is complete."

"Can't imagine where she'd get that idea," Luke said, giving a Pooja wink.
She smiled and shook her head at him.

"If what we saw in the hangar bay today is something you run into on a regular basis, it's a miracle those poor droids in once piece."

"My… Well someone I loved dearly once said, 'We should take care of the droids who take such good care of us.'"

There was silence as all there knew exactly who Pooja was referring to, but until they had privacy, discussing her would wait.

Pooja pulled herself together first. "Just as I finished Leia's hair, instruction for our secure route to the Queen's Council Chamber arrived. We will be met by guards shortly."

"Here they are now," Han said once again walking up and offering Leia his arm a second time. She smiled and took it.

Luke approached Pooja and offered his arm. She smiled broadly and took it.

Together they all greeted then followed the guards to the first of many planned exercises in diplomacy.