Author's Note:

Star Wars belongs to Lucasfilm/Disney. I make no profit from this story other than personal satisfaction.

The only political parties and events represented in this story are between the Empire and the Alliance.

Any other similarities linking this story to any current events on our world are what you choose to see. I did not knowingly or willingly put in a political bent either way in this story, but only used events as were appropriate to the conflict in the story.

Let's all let Star Wars be Star Wars. It's not fun when people insert their political agendas into it.


"Queen Setalla, Representative Pooja and our emissaries from the Alliance have arrived," announced Captain Nuwaad, his eyes sweeping alertly around the room.

Luke blinked a moment to adjust to the brilliant sunlight flooding the expansive arched windows circling the curved wall of the Queen's Council chamber.

Her seat, a richly appointed throne, in effect if not intent, was located behind a small raised desk on which a small stack of papers and ornate scrivener tubes lay neatly arranged. On either side of the queen, in richly padded chairs, sat her handmaids, backs straight and eyes seemingly averted. Luke could see that they were just as alert as Captain Nuwaad remained, both at their posts, both guards and handmaids protecting their queen after their own fashion.

The Queen nodded, but, Luke noted, that a person didn't have to be a Jedi to feel the tension in the room. Around the chamber circled chairs of the same line and similar pattern to those the handmaids sat upon. The Representatives of the 15 districts of Naboo sat within the ring, only Pooja, Representative of the Midlands, stood.

The Queen waved her to a seat at her right. The Captain motioned for Luke, Leia, and Han to sit in the three seats opposite the queen. That was everyone, or so Luke thought. A chair was brought in, a match for the one the delegates occupied.

Representative Sian Baemek smirked as a guard placed it in a gap next to him. Reaching into his coat pocket, the still smirking Representative placed the a palm sized silver disc onto the seat and activated it. A symbol appeared mid air showing a connection being made.

"An interesting choice of dress," Sian shot toward Pooja, turning his eyes away from the technology he'd just engaged as though entirely irrelevant. "But poorly chosen. When our beloved Queen Amidala wore a similar dress, she saw a danger to our people. She determined to defeat unwelcome off-worlders thus saving our people and way of life; you bring dangerous off-worlders, urging us to embrace that which will destroy us all."

"I wear this in honor of one who lived a life committed to the principles of justice and democracy. A core value we have seen eroded with each new Imperial regulation and restriction."

"Perhaps it's second nature for you to seek to impress voters with your linage rather than reason and effective solutions. Wrapping yourself in the tattered remnants of your esteemed aunt's greatness has brought you far."

A stunned silence settled on the group. But a moment later Sian broke the silence by adding, his voice bored, "Some of us actually had to earn our votes on merit."

"Representative Baemek, you go too far," the Queen intervened, her voice stern.

"If I may answer his charge, your highness?" Pooja requested.

For a moment, her brow furrowed, the Queen thought. A moment later she nodded at Pooja.

"As the Council knows, I have never, before this session, invoked the memory of Padme Naberrie Amidala," Pooja said, the word Naberrie spoken with emphasis as she looked into Sian Beamek's eyes. "The only commonality I have shared with her both here, and as I sought votes among my people, and the people of this world, are the ideals that our family has held dear from the founding of our world: freedom, justice, and compassion."

"But those ideals are not limited to the Naberries, they are in the hearts of all who, by their vote, entrusted me to this position of leadership." Pooja looked around the room catching the eyes of each of her fellow Representatives and finally that of the Queen herself.

"Now I do remind you that I am the niece of Queen Amidala and then later Senator Amidala and whether by blood or example, I assure you I have her unflinching resolve to do whatever is needed for the sake of our people. Those in this room would do well to remember that." She looked around the room and added, as though an afterthought, "but if blood alone had such power, you would do well to be concerned, very concerned."

Luke and Leia glanced at each other from the corner of their eyes.

"Representative Naberrie," Sian said, glancing toward the site of her blaster wound. "Then perhaps you should be more careful with that powerful bloodline of yours seeing as you are the only one of you kindred actively seeking to," He paused, as if seeking to recall her words. "Protect and serve our people."

"You assume too much," Pooja said, her voice steel. She added more evenly, as though an afterthought. "There are many ways to serve and protect."

"Indeed," interjected the Queen, "And today we serve by hearing from our ambassadors from the Alliance," The queen nodded toward Luke, Leia, and Han, "As well as," she added with a wave toward the holographic form solidifying from static, "Our Regional Governor's System Liason, Peluch C'nnem.

The holographic image of Peluch C'nnem solidified, his modified Imperial uniform a stark contrast to the color and life displayed on the others assembled. Luke felt anger spike in Leia, but when he looked over at her, concerned, Leia's outward expression was placid and serene.

"So glad to be invited to your treason planning session," Liaison C'nnem began.

"We have made no decisions as to where our allegiances lie as a people. Your accusation of treason is premature, Advisor C'nnem."

"Even hosting those criminals," he said, waving his arm toward Luke Leia and Han, "is treason. Discussion of breaking away from your rightful rulers is treason. Even thinking of such things is treason."

"So we are now condemned for our very thoughts?" The Queen asked appalled.

"If they lead to disloyalty in your actions," The projected image of the Advisor stood the projector able to give his recording the ability to walk to and turn facing Leia and Pooja.

"My, my," Advisor Peluch began, staring down at Leia, "and to think all those years ago when the three of us served together on the Senate, you, Princess," the Imperial sneered the her title, "were the least loyal, betraying us all."

Leia rose to her feet maintaining an outward calm that hid the rage blazing within her. A rage that did manage to emerge in the cold edge to her voice. "You speak of disloyalty when, even then, the Empire was betraying, using, its loyal citizens in pursuit of greater power and control. All in this room know of the tragedy that the Gungans suffered at Imperial hands."

"You speak of the unfortunate events that befell Senator Binks?" Advisor Peluch C'nnem asked, as though Leia's accusation was a reading of today's weather. He waved his hand dismissively, and added. "It was tragic, indeed, that he wandered into the pathogen lab soon after its addition to the hall of government, and a true shame that in our efforts to cure him of the illnesses, he inadvertently became a carrier for the plague that decimated his people. It was not intent of the Empire, I assure you, and we produced an antidote with all due haste."

"And in that time ripped asunder the newly formed trust and cooperation between the majority of the Gungans and the Naboo. Only a tiny portion of those proud sentients dwell among humans and influence the greater world they share. The larger part of those remaining have withdrawn, with a caution I believe fully warranted, from the easy reach of a government that would use them to test and perfect a plague unleashed on countless aquatic dwelling lifeforms like the Mon Calamari."

"Spinning conspiracy theories and spreading falsehoods does not suit one of your intellect, Princess."

"We captured your own scientist admitting to the actions on a holocron and transmitted it to all nearby systems."

"A hoax," Peluch C'nnem, smirking and turning away from Leia so his holographic image faced the Queen. "As I am sure the Queen was wise enough to see through along with the rest of the galaxy."

"The rest of the galaxy has the technology and understanding to detect counterfeit recordings. They did not speak out lest the Empire use them as their next test subjects."

"Like Alderaan?" Peluch asked, eyebrow raised as his image turned again to face Leia. All around the room gasped as Leia stiffened. "I assured you that was no experiment. A traitorous world with a traitorous King and a traitorous Princess met a traitorous end."

Han lurched forward. Luke clamped a hand on his arm, shaking his head.

Rage clawed through Leia causing her mask of regal disdain to crack, for just a moment her anger flooded her features. A moment of thick silence passed as Leia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Luke leaned forward now, in interest as much as concern, as he felt Leia using the the Force to release her anger and draw it away from her. He felt the calm and peace flood her as the Force pushed out the final dark tendrils of rage.

It took only a moment, but when she opened her eyes, Luke felt a power and control in her that thrilled him. He smiled triumphantly, drawing a strange look from Pooja, the only other person not fixed on the drama in the center of the assembly.

Mistaking her silence for defeat, Luke thought, hiding his smile by leaning forward onto clasped hands, Peluch C'nnem spoke again. "It is good to see that you have learned much of Naboo history and tradition. Your dress carries all the symbolism of of a Nubian regency garment. Alderanian whites surrounded by streams of blue. What is it called, Princess, Tears of Alderaan?"

Silence fell on the assembly, before Leia serenely raised her head and said, "It is good to find you are not as much the oblivious fool as you once were. I do carry always the tears of Alderaan with me in my heart," Advisor C'nnem," And in honor of the traditions of the Naboo my dress and adornments memorialize the tears of my beloved Alderaan." Leia's serene tone was unnerving after the tension moment's before. "I also wear them as a warning," she turned and walked slowly around the assembly, meeting each delegate's eyes even as the Imperial turned his holoprojection to track her progress.

"I was assured by Grand Moff Tarkin that if I gave him another target, a military target, he would spare my world. I told him of Dantooine, a former base, in the hopes to stall him."

Leia's eyes lost focus for a moment as she almost heard his words replay in her mind. "He told Lord Vader that I could be reasoned with in one breath. In his next breath he ordered the Imperials to fire at will."

"When I shouted that he couldn't do this. He told me I was to trusting. Dantooine was too remote for an adequate demonstration."

For a moment there was silence. "The Empire doesn't need a reason; it does as it pleases. Do you really think the empire will forgive you? Do you think they require a reason to attack you? Alderaan waited too late to fight back, but there's still time for Naboo."

"The Empire values loyalty and has no desire to punish systems whipped up by the ravings of revolutionaries. Indeed, I think you should conduct your vote. Queen Setalla," he said his image walking back and returning to his seat. "I can provide written assurances we will not hold such a vote against your people."

"Should a wise decision rise from your people, we will convene a committee to address all concerns of the Naboo, so our continued provision of peace and safety can not only remain, but also be improved upon. If a poor choice arises, you will be drawn into a war."

"A vote at the end of a blaster is not a true vote, Advisor Peluch C'nnem," said Queen Setalla.

"It doesn't matter," Leia said, "The war is already in motion. We in the Alliance have destroyed two Death Stars, and have seen the death of the Emperor and Lord Vader. You have no true leaders left. I hope the violence never comes to this world. But you should know the Alliance will spread and grow, and we will fight whoever stands in our way, and protect those who stand with us."

"You overestimate the impact of your perceived victories," Peluch said.

"Does she?" Luke asked as Leia too moved to take her seat beside him. "Destroyers have been mutinied, and defectors from many of your fleet now are being painted with the red Alliance Starbird. And many more have left you to take no side. Your leadership squabbles among themselves. Would you even have the resources to spend to keep the Naboo under your rule? True, it is symbolically important, but, from a military vantage, it is not one of the strategically important systems to hold."

"And where, wise Jedi," spat Peluch, "Did you hear such nonsense. Your informants are lying to you, or is lying a required skill for all rebel scum such as yourself."

"My informant is the Force," Luke said, looking calmly toward the holographic form an then turning to address the Queen. "As you've been sitting here, I've been reaching out to the Force, and it has given me knowledge just as it has given such knowledge to a thousand generations of Jedi before me. I assure you the Force does not lie,"

"You'll listen to the ravings of that self styled Jedi?" Peluch began.

"Enough," demanded the Queen. "I believe we have everything we need. The delegates will be dismissed while we make our decisions. No further debate from our world's representatives will be needed," she glared from Sian to Pooja, "Or tolerated."

Pooja nodded, as did Sian, but unlike Pooja, he did not hide his glare.

Leia, Luke and Han stood as a pair of guards strode to either side of their seats.

Imperial Advisor Peluch C'nnem stood and bowed at the waist a moment after Luke and Han had begun their own bows. Then, upon standing, his communication ended causing his image to fade into nothing.

"If only it were that easy to to be rid of the slime," muttered Leia so softly that only Luke and Han heard her.

Han grinned and offered her his arm, which she took with a nod.

"This way," said bronze faced female Leiutentent.

Following a few steps behind the the Jedi, the General and the Princess left the room.


The click of the wide doors sounded only a moment before Han swept Leia into a hug. "Are you alright, Sweetheart?"

Leia leaned into his embrace, "I'm fine. She pulled back to look into his eyes. He's not the first Imperial to throw Alderaan in my face, and I'm sure he won't be the last."

"You did really well, Luke said, laying a hand on her shoulder. "The way you dealt with," he gave her a meaningful look, then added, "everything."

"Makes you glad she's on our side." Han said, then glanced back toward the door, "Pooja too."

Luke nodded. The Jedi then turned toward the nearest window and for a while stood staring out at Theed's streets now filling with locals to take part in the afternoon's activities. He took a deep breath and felt a meditative trance fall around and then flow through him. He welcomed it.

As if from a distance, he was aware of Leia's slow pacing behind him. His mind was at peace as he reached out for any knowledge or warning the Force could give him.
His eyes drifted open, a sandstorm forming in front in front of the window, not behind it. He closed his eyes, and the storm became clearer. A vision? The sands cleared, and for a moment a dunes under Tatooine's suns were visible, quiet. An explosion erupted from behind those dunes,sending sand, fire and, was that blood? Luke focused more intently, but sand rained down from above instantly forming Bantha sized dunes of unnaturally rust colored sand.

Luke breathed deeply and reached further into the Force when a charred hand shot out of the sand, clawing toward the twin suns. Tiny rips and tears snaked between blistered flesh, and a hoarse scream shook Luke to his core.

Luke jerked back.

"Luke, what is it?" asked Leia.

"Yeah, Kid, you look like you've seen a ghost."

"A vision. Powerful one, but I'm not sure if it was something literal happening or if it represented some danger we are going to face."

"Well that's helpful," Han grumped.

"Tell me about it," Luke agreed with a sigh. "I,"

Luke began but was interrupted when Pooja, a smile lighting her face, rushed out of the door.

Leia smiled and hugged her friend. "I take it we have the vote."

"Yes. Leia, your handling of Peluch C'nnem's vile attack was amazing! I think it may have been the deciding factor for several Council Representatives."

"I wouldn't put it all with Leia," Luke said as he strolled beside Pooja. "She was amazing, but you were pretty impressive yourself."

Pooja smiled. "We all must do our part, I suppose. Leading them back into the queen's council chamber, Pooja explained. "The Queen wishes to speak with you before we go."

The Queen was surrounded only by a pair of handmaids and her Captain. "I wish to apologize, Princess Leia for the behavior, and disgusting attack of Imperial Adviser C'nnem."

Leia shook her head and raised one hand. "Please, don't, your Highness, in his desire to harm me, he empowered me with a symbol I shall cherish and wear with pride."

The queen nodded. "The council has allowed Adviser Peluch C'nnem time to draft his formal assurances of peace and forgiveness, he wishes to present them at each of the three traditional debates held before a planetary vote of such import can proceed. The Alliance will be given an opportunity to speak at each of these debates as well."

Leia nodded, a look of determination in her eyes.

"That will give us time to perfect your makeup and add symbolic little touches to your gown and head piece Leia."

"That is an excellent suggestion," Leia agreed.

"We have your transport to your family's Varykino estate prepared. Your droids and your luggage have been retrieved and loaded as well."

"My Queen, I have a request."

"Of course, Representative Naberrie."

"I fear for the safety of my family. With the perpetrator of our hangar attack still unknown, and the impending arrival of Imperials, I ask if there is any way they can all be transported to the our estate as security measures have already been implemented there. I would rest easier if I knew they were protected."

"It is no problem to do this for you, but your guests?" she turned to the Alliance delegation.

"We would be honored to spend time with the Naberrie family," Leia said, smiling at the thought that she would be soon meeting family, true family once more.

"The estate is spacious and well equipped for a crowd such as this." Pooja said, a quick meaning filled glance catching Luke and Leia's eyes. "My grandfather, Ruwee, designed it in the hopes it would be filled with his grandchildren and great grand children."

"It would make me more at ease as well," Luke said, projecting a calm he did not feel. "If I knew her family was safe from threat."

"Then it will be done." The queen said.

"You three head out the door to your right, and I'll be just behind you."

As the door was closed behind them, they heard Pooja say, "I have but one more request."


Luke gaped at the hallway in front of them. Where the windows up until this moment had been clear and uniform these walls contained windows of stained glass all unique in size and color.

Brilliant shards of light spread across the path forward like a river of confetti.

"And I keep thinking this place can't get any more fancy," observed Han.

A door clicked behind them and Pooja rushed up beside them. "All details are ready and being taken care of."

Seeing the look on their faces, Pooja chuckled. "The Hall of Regents is one of the most beautiful places in the palace."

Leia shook her head as if to focus her thoughts. "It is a wonder." Then more softly she added. "I don't suppose your aunt is here?"

"Yes," she said, a soft smile forming. "Follow me."


Luke and Leia stood under the shower of reds and golds that shown through the image of Queen Amidala, wearing the gown that so obviously was the inspiration for the dress Pooja now wore.

She was looking out a window in her prism like portrait at an oncoming army.

"This was the moment she became more than just another in a line of elected Monarchs. This moment was when she, with the help of a pair of Jedi," she looked back toward Luke and saw him staring, his eyes oddly bright, "would start her journey to save our world and build a peace with the Gungans."

Pooja took Luke's hand, and he squeezed hers back gently.

They turned and continued walking down the hall.

"What did you have done with the droids, anyway?" Han said, breaking the silence that had fallen on the group.

"If they were human, I'd call it a spa day," Luke chuckled at Pooja's explanation. "I arranged every possible maintenance and service I could for them. We even found some parts on your Artoo unit that were no longer protected by warranty, and had them replaced." She glanced her companions, "I thought with the lives you three live, they could use a little pampering."

Luke chuckled. "And all the help they can get," he agreed.

"You spoil them, you have to deal with them." Han warned amiably.

All laughed as they turned away from the vibrant hall of regents and into a hangar bay filled with sleek Nubian transports.

"Nice," Luke said, with a whistle.

"Yeah, but can they make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs?" Han asked.

"What?" began Pooja.

"You don't want to know," Leia assured her.

The entry hatch lowered and all traveled up to be greeted by a gleaming C3PO and shining astromech.

"Oh my, Representative Naberrie, I cannot thank you enough for the full maintenance, cleaning, and systems update you have provided for us."

Pooja nodded and stood to the side with the droids as her guest walked up the ramp.

"Looking good, you two," Luke commented as he activated the control to raise the ramp.

"We are feeling in optimal condition," Threepio preened as Artoo chirped happily. "Artoo agrees as well."

"Good, cause I need you to do a full bug scan on this ship." Artoo plugged into the nearest data port and began searching the ships systems.

Han walked up to the front and had a conversation with the pilot. A few moment later Han and the pilot approached the others.

"Representative Naberrie, General Solo would like to pilot the transport to Varykino. The flight plans are already in the computer."

"I think that would be for the best." Pooja nodded. "I'm sure someone with General Solo's experience can pilot us to our location."

"Very well."

Luke stood in the center of the main compartment and closed his eyes. Behind him, he heard the pilot exit, and the ramp once again lift and seal. He felt the engines rumble to life, and heard Leia head to the nearby seating nook.

"Found you," he said and tugged a tiny disc from it's hiding place within the crease of his luggage. "It floated before him landing gently in the palm of his hand. He lit his saber, tossed the listening disc into the air and destroyed it with one swipe.

Luke deactivated the saber and clipped it to his belt dropping heavily into his seat across from Leia and Pooja.

"Bit of a showoff aren't we?" Leia teased.

Pooja chuckled.

"After that council session I needed to slice something apart. And the disc had it coming." Luke added with a wink.

A few trills sounded as the craft lifted from the hanger and began it's acceleration gracefully up and into the clear blue afternoon.

"Artoo says that the ship's computers are clear of any listening programming, and that he can detect no other surveillance through his scanning other than the disc you disposed of, Master Luke."

"Good," Luke said.

He turned to Pooja. "Leia and I have questions, and I know you have your own as well. At least for now, I'm fairly certain that no one is listening."

"What's your artoo unit's number?"

Luke and Leia both wore surprised expressions. "With all we've learned you want to know my artoo unit's number?" Luke finally asked.

"R2D2?" Pooja asked directly to the droid.

Artoo warbled and trilled.

"How would you know she's grown into a lovely young woman, Artoo? You just met her today." Threepio said, sounding perplexed.

A few more trills and Threepio asked affronted, "What do you mean we were the property of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker?"

"Did I just hear what I thought I heard?" called Han from the open cockpit.

"I'm sure he's mistaken, General Solo, our first master was Captain Antilles of Alderaan."

A few trills and whistles later, Threepio protested, "A memory wipe, I don't recall."

A spate of angry sounding trills and whistles interrupted Threepio.

"Yes, I do realize I would not remember having a memory wipe, and such insults are beneath even a droid of your runty stature."

Artoo blew a raspberry.

"Skywalker?" Pooja asked. "They were married? But I thought it was forbidden for Jedi to marry."

"Wait, wait, wait," Luke said moving to kneel so he was eye to sensor lens with R2. "You knew about my parents, about me, about Leia, about the Jedi, about what happened to my father? All! This! Time!"

Artoo gave a nervous affirmative trill and rolled away from Luke trilling and beeping frantically.

"Oh, do calm down Artoo, I'm sure Master Luke is not going to smash you into a pile of scrap."

"I'm seriously debating it at the moment," Luke muttered, holding up his mechanical hand and popping open the access panel for emphasis. "Ya think you might have warned me?"

Artoo trilled a desperate sentence once more.

"Artoo apologizes most profusely, and," Threepio began.

Luke shook his head. "It's okay. I forgive you, Buddy. It's just that a little insight every now and again would have been nice."

Artoo rolled forward, his warbling sounding sad and apologetic.

"Artoo says that he wanted to make sure no one ever had a reason to be concerned enough about what he knew to erase his memory. He felt he could best look after Mistress Padme's and Master Anakin's children with his knowledge in tact."

"You were looking out for us?" asked Leia. "That's why you found me when we were about to be boarded over Tatooine, and went to get Obi Wan Kenobi."

Artoo chirped and beeped.

"Artoo says that he was only ever able to look after you from afar while on Captain Antilles ship, but he knew Obi Wan was once a powerful Jedi, and he hoped, since Obi Wan had your brother in his care when you were separated that Luke would be old enough and able to help as well."

Luke sat back, crossing his legs in front of him. He turned his wondering look to Leia. Her dumbfounded expression matched his own. She shook her head as Luke ran his hand over his face.

"Artoo?" Luke began, his voice flat. He beeped a yes trill.

"When we have a chance , in private, you are going to plug into a translator and we are going to have a long talk—a very, very long talk, understand?"

Artoo beeped a yes trill once more. The droid followed with a questioning trill.

"Master Luke, Mistress Padme apparently had a recording made of her wedding. She wished it to be shared with the Naberries, when the time was appropriate. He wishes to know if you'll allow it."

"Of course he'll allow it," Pooja said, to Artoo.

Luke exchanged a worried glance with Leia.

"Won't you?" She looked at Luke then Leia. "What's going on?"

"A lot," Leia said, wrapping her arms around herself tightly.

Artoo beeped and trilled once again somehow managing to make his tones soothing.

"Artoo assures you there is nothing of a sensitive nature on that recording."

Luke got up to sit beside Leia on her bench seat, and wrapped an arm around her.

"We don't have to." Luke began

"It's fine, I…" Leia trailed off, closing her eyes.

"What is the matter?" Pooja asked, then added softly. "Cousins?"

Luke half smiled, half grimaced. "I'm sorry, Pooja. It's been so hard for us to process this. We've only known we're siblings for a few weeks."

"I had no idea." Pooja said softy. "You seem so close."

"We are," Leia explained. "From the moment we first met, or I guess were reintroduced to each other, we've been the best of friends. Finding out that we're brother and sister seemed easy to accept. But then the reason we were separated with the whole Force strength running strong in our family, what happened to our Father, how Vader and the Emperor were hunting Luke because he was strong in the Force. And now all of these new revelations? To think that that little droid could have let us in on it all? I guess I worry what else we'll find out when we look at that recording," Leia said.

"We don't have," began Pooja.

"Of course we have to," Leia interrupted kindly. "Our mother," Leia stopped a moment and looked up at Luke, her eyes bright, "Our mother, wanted her family to see it. I guess it can start with us."

Luke hugged Leia to his side. "Play it, Artoo."


The smooth silver boat glided through crystal blue water. Luke gazed over the edge of the gondola slowly sailing toward the ancient stone steps that rose from the water as though a part of the landscape itself. "The water's so clear," he murmured to himself.

"I'm glad you have so many security forces surrounding us." Leia said, looking to a boat, just in the distance, that appeared to carry a vacationing group of students. "And you're sure all of these guests are security?"

"The Queen saw to it personally, and arranged each guard. She cannot say it as clearly as she would like, but she hates the Empire and wants our world to be free of it. But she knows that a decision that would affect everyone on our world so deeply must be approved by the people. She longs to see the Republic restored and is determined to keep the Alliance emissaries safe."

"I know I've said it before," Leia said with a sigh, "But this world is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

"For a galactic traveler such as yourself, my Cousin," Pooja said with an impish grin. "I shall take that as high praise indeed. She grasped Leia's hand gently. "It's your world, Leia, yours and Luke's, you know that right?"

"It's felt like home to me from the moment we arrived," Luke admitted, "But we can't truly call this or any world home for now. Maybe not ever."

At Pooja's disappointed expression, Luke explained.

"I have to rebuild the Jedi. Leia is working to help rebuild the Republic, and closely with the Alderaanian Resettlement Project. We have so much to do." He finished with a sigh.

"I understand," Pooja said with nod. "But know Naboo will always be a haven for you. As long as a Naberrie walks this world."

Luke nodded with a smile and stepped out of the gondola as the docking droids finished securing the craft, and Han moved up behind him, both offering their hands to Leia and Pooja.

Soft whistles and beeps sounded as Artoo and Threepio trundled up to join the rest of the company.

"Something smells incredible," said Han.

"Mother?" Pooja called.

"Pooja," she said, rushing to hug her daughter. "I was so worried." She pulled back and inspected her daughter. "Are you sure?"

"Mother, I'm fine."

Seeing Luke, Leia, and Han standing by the door, Sola rushed up to meet them. "I know I said it before, but I cannot thank you enough for protecting our people, and my daughter, during the attack."

"It is the least we could do," Luke said.

"Mother, we need to sit. There is much to talk about."

"I thought you said everything was fine. You sounded so serious just now, and I received word the rest of the family is arriving within the hour," Sola said, her worry clear in her voice.

"Everything is fine." She assured her mother, looking to Luke and Leia. "Better than fine," Pooja took a breath, her eyes bright, "I had the Queen bring the family here only in part due to a possible threat, the main reason, though I could not tell the Queen, is because I wanted my cousins to meet their family."

Sola's eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open as she looked at Luke, Leia and Han.

"What are you?" she finally asked, her voice little more than a whisper as she trailed off tears gathering in her eyes.

"Aunt Padme married Anakin Skywalker. Since he was a powerful Jedi during the time Darth Vader, and the Emperor executed any Jedi they found, Padme's twins," she motioned between Luke and Leia. "Were separated and hidden after Padme died."

Sola was weeping as she rushed to Luke and Leia wrapping an arm around each.

"I'm so happy to meet you," Luke said, hugging his aunt.

Gathering herself, Sola chuckled wetly, pulling back.

Pooja passed her mother a linen napkin, who took it with a grateful smile.

"Look at you, both of you," she said, wonder in her eyes. "I've seen holos. But seeing you, you look so much like them, both of you perfect blending of your father and your," Sola broke off.

"Mother, perhaps we could talk more at the table. You really look like you should sit down. And dinner smells amazing."

Sola gathered herself, and smiled brightly.

"Come," she waved. "We have so much to talk about.


Sola sat at the head of a narrow table with Luke and Leia on either side. Han sat close to Leia and Pooja beside Luke.

"Everything looks so amazing," Luke said, motioning to the spread before them. He added with a smile, "Aunt Sola."

Sola's breath caught for a moment.

"Ow!" Luke complained theatrically. "Why'd you kick me."

"Because if you get Mother all weepy again, Cousin," Pooja said with grin. "We'll never eat and I'm starving."

"Pooja!" Sola chided.

Leia and Han laughed though. Luke stuck his tongue out at her and they both broke into laughter as well.

Sola began laughing as well. "Don't make me separate you two," she teased, to more laughter. Shaking her head, she began passing a dishes around and the meal officially began.

She smiled over at Luke. "I often wondered if maybe, just maybe, you were Padme's, Luke. I knew it was a foolish thought. She was so obviously pregnant at her funeral. But I thought if Padme kept the father of her child as such a great secret, even from us, that maybe she had begun a relationship with Anakin Skywalker."

"I thought it a foolish dream. But I remember when Padme came to Theed just before the Clone Wars began. Anakin Skywaker was her Jedi protector, and they couldn't keep their eyes off each other. It made sense, I thought, that she couldn't tell anyone if the father was a Jedi. It seemed like a silly wishful thinking at the time."

Luke shook his head. "Obi Wan nor Yoda ever said anything about not getting married or having a family as a Jedi. Honestly, I didn't know it was taboo for the Jedi before I arrived here."

"You know, Kid," Han said. "If you're planning to keep this rule in this new Jedi Order you're building, Leia's no longer in consideration, right?"

"That's one rule I don't intend to follow. Don't worry," Luke added with a chuckle.

"Wait?" Pooja asked. "What?"

"Han and I are engaged," Leia explained.

Sola and Pooja squealed in delight. "Please say we'll be invited," Pooja pleaded.

"We were actually planning a simple civil service somewhere after this mission," Leia said, apologetically. "Our lives are so chaotic, we don't have time for an elaborate ceremony."

"We can plan one for you here," Pooja said, leaning across the table.

"Only if you want us to," Sola added.

Leia smiled wistfully. "I told Han it didn't matter where we got married because we couldn't follow Alderaanian traditions that require family participation."

"You'll have it here then. Before you leave? With us?" Pooja pleaded.

"I would love that."

"It looks like we won't have to find ways to keep everyone from going stir crazy on this enforced family vacation now," Sola said, beaming. "With a wedding to plan."

"Please, don't go to too much trouble," Leia said, worry creasing her brow.

"I promise not to do anything you don't want, Leia, and later tonight, I'd like to hear how we can honor Alderaanian traditions."

"I look forward to it," Leia said, and added with a smile. "Aunt Sola."

Sola beamed at Leia and reached to squeeze her hand.

"And after you're married," Pooja began, "Are you going to be a Jedi?"

Leia shook her head. "I don't want to be. Luke respects that. The only reason Han mentioned it was because Luke admitted that his Master Yoda seemed to want me to be trained."

"Grand Master Jedi Yoda wanted you to be trained?" gaped Sola. "I didn't think he was still alive."

"He isn't," Luke informed her regretfully. "He lived long enough to train me, tell me train other Jedi, and then in his final breath let me know I have a Force sensitive sister."

"That was, rather," Sola trailed off, "unconventional."

"Unconventionl, Master Yoda was," Luke said, chuckling to himself.

"Did you come here, representing the Alliance, because of your mother?" Sola asked.

"We didn't know about our mother," Luke admitted. "As Pooja said earlier, both Leia and I are extremely strong in the Force. When we were at the planning session for missions we both felt a strong pull to Naboo we couldn't explain." Luke stopped to savor another bite of a steaming dumpling. "This is so good."

Sola beamed at him. "Nubian comfort food. Hopefully, before you three leave we'll stuff you full of every kind of comfort food and local delicacy we can find."

Luke, Leia and Han smiled at that.

"Do you think the Force wanted you to find out about your mother?" Pooja asked, grinning widely.

"No. At least that isn't the main reason. I don't think."

"You're not sure?" asked Pooja surprised. "But you're a Jedi."

Han coughed a bit then laughed. "That's the fun part about traveling with Jedi. Crazy instincts leading you in all kinds of insane directions. Kinda like trying to make a hyperspace leap with half the coordinates you need."

"Yeah, but we alway make it where we need to be," Luke said with a chuckle, then added. "And it's never boring."

"I think knowing our family is an important part as to why we're here. I know there's more to it than that, but I'm sure our being brought together…" Leia shook her head. "I can't explain, really."

"Master Yoda was right. You would make a good Jedi. You sensed that with next to no training," Luke teased.

"And how long have you known it?" Leia teased then took another bite of leafy greens.

"Since the window in the Hall of Regents."

"You sure it wasn't just the window?" Han asked. "Impressed even me."

"Sure I'm sure." Luke said, sipping the wine. "Jedi, remember?"

"Your Mother's window" Sola said sadly, "I still get chills when I think of my baby sister in that situation—of what she accomplished."

She shook her head as she looked from Luke to Leia. "She would marry the Hero with No Fear and produce two children that would shake the galaxy."

"Trust me," Luke said, with a sheepish grin. "It was more like we got caught in a massive quake and managed to survive it than our doing any shaking ourselves."

"And that sounds exactly like something like your Mother would say."

Luke smiled back.

For a few moments everyone simply enjoyed their meal and each other's company. Luke marveled at the sense of family, of home that overwhelmed him. He sent a sense of his affection and happiness to his sister through the Force.

Leia met his eyes with a smile and sent back tendrils of those same feelings back to him.

"Which one is older?" Sola asked, during a lull in the conversation.

Luke and Leia chuckled at that question.

At Pooja and Sola's questioning glance, Han explained. "They've been arguing about that since they've found out about the sibling thing."

"Wouldn't Artoo know?" asked Pooja, leaning forward and placing her chin on her interlaced fingers.

"Your droid?" asked Sola, her eyes wide. "Why would your droid know?"

"Remember when we all teased Aunt Padme that the only boon she requested as her Queen's tribute was R2D2, the little blue and white astromech droid?"

"No," said Sola, gazing wonderingly at the droid in the corner of the room. "You're not telling me that's the same droid."

Queen's tribute?" asked Leia.

"It's traditional to provide a gift to outgoing monarchs. Some choose homes, or small pensions. Others have had donations to their favorite causes be made in their name. Padme surprised everyone by choosing that little droid."

"I know he's saved our necks more than once," Luke said smiling, "and while I'm still annoyed with him for not letting us in on all the personal history he's kept back from Leia and myself before this mission, I know Mother made a fantastic choice with him."

Artoo warbled happily at Luke's praise.

"So who's older, Squeaky?" asked Han.

A few beeps later Threepio translated. "Master Luke by one minute and 42 seconds."

Luke smirked at Leia, "I expect to be called big Brother from now on, little Sister."

Leia rolled her eyes at Luke as everyone around the table chuckled. And for a moment they returned to their meal delighting in the rich, steaming and flavorful feast.

"I don't suppose he can tell us why Padme," Sola began, "No never mind."

"What?" asked Luke, concern lacing his voice.

"Nothing," Sola assured him, smiling kindly and squeezing his hand.

"Look!" Pooja said, as she pointed to a pair of gondola's sliding through the lake toward the estate. "They're here."

"How are we going to break the news to everyone?" Leia asked, her brow furrowed.

Pooja smiled. "I have a plan."


Author's End Note:

Thank you so much to both of my reviewers!

To my reviewer with the comment about Leia's short remark to Luke… Or at least I think that's what you were referring to. Her remark was meant as a joke. It was a joking reference to what she said to him when he came running into her cell on the Death Star and she asked him if he wasn't a little short to be a Storm Trooper.

Anyway, thank you both for taking the time to respond.

LLG