Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars; Disney/Lucasfilm does, and I'm grateful to play, unpaid, in their sandbox.

And don't panic! I promise this Jar Jar scene is a one time thing. I don't foresee him being in any future stories.


"Oh my goodness, I don't like this at all," wailed Threepio as he spun through the deep Noobian oceans on the end of the tow cable linking him to Artoo.

Luke and Leia sped through the ocean currents as each held to Artoo's front leg. His rear two legs blasted against the waters, slicing a path through the ocean's currents.

Leia caught Luke's eye and nodded toward a light in the distance.

Water muffled Artoo's beeps and trills, but not enough to keep Luke and Leia from hearing the excited tone in his communications.

"Artoo says he's found a safe place for us to shelter and perhaps get a transport back to the surface."

"Oh my! Look out behind you!" shouted Threepio. A pair of fish, this time only the size of speeders, raced toward them jaws open and ready to swallow them whole.

Artoo squealed in terror. Luke swept one hand toward the nearest fish and Force shoved it into the it's companion's open mouth.

Blood flowed from the fresh cuts and soon a frenzy of smaller fish raced to blood and began to attack, tearing both of the much larger fish apart in front of Luke and Leia's horrified eyes.

Artoo's urgent trill pulled their attention forward just before they shot through a golden force field, tugging Luke and Leia behind him. The tingle of the field surprised the twins so much they lost their grip on Artoo and rolled on to the smooth dry surface of this strange undersea shelter.

Artoo dropped to the floor on his front panels and slid for several meters dragging a waling Treepio behind him.

Muttering in a strange language surrounded them as Luke pushed up from the cool stone he'd landed on as Leia scrambled up on her knees.

Several Gungan soldiers approached with energy spears sparking in their fists.

What had started as a gentle sounding speech became harsh and strained as Luke and Leia stood facing the angry Gungans.

"Oh my head," groaned Threepio, as he sat up.

"We mean you no harm," Luke assured the Gungans.

More angry words and spears waving even closer to Luke and Leia forced him to step back, his hands raised.

"I am afraid they do not return the sentiment," Threepio explained.

"Tell them," began Luke.

An angry Gungan strode forward and pointed his sparking spear less than a finger length from Luke's face and shouted at him.

"He says he understands your crude speech but will not sully himself to use it. He hears your promise not to harm him, and he thinks it's funny. Though I must admit, Master Luke, he doesn't seem very amused to me."

A few more angry words later and several more Gungans circled around the Luke and Leia.

"Oh my, that does seem rather excessive. One would be long dead before that sentence could be brought to completion. It would be rather messy don't you think?"

The Gungan stroked his fleshy whiskers and grinned menacingly.

"Oh my," Threepio said.

"What did he say?" whispered Luke, grabbing Leia's hand and pulling her closer to his side.

"I'm afraid you're to be executed."

"Again?" muttered Leia, eyes darting around her.

"It is getting a bit old, isn't it," Luke joked, his eyes circling the room, looking for a way out.

A raspy voice echoed out across the open expanse followed by the sound of a shuffling walk and a tapping of a cane.

A sentence in the same gentle sounding language, but with the same angry edge to it stopped the movement of their would be executioners.

"Oh my, Master Luke, the esteemed elder wishes to know who you are and how you bested the Serven fish?"

Luke looked in the eyes of the bent creature an answered. "I am Master Jedi Luke Skywalker. I used the Force to push the one fish into the mouth of the other. I didn't realize the blood would attract the other fish."

"Skywalker?" asked the Gungan, looking at Luke intently. The Gungan spoke once more and the Gungan warriors placed fists over their heart nodded and walked away.

The older Gungan shuffled forward, his sagging eyes locked on Luke. "Yousa come with me."

Luke and Leia followed behind the Gungan. Running her hand down her torn and bedraggled dress, Leia whispered to Luke. "At least it's dry."

Artoo now upright and rolling beside them chose that exact moment to sputter and expel water and clumps of seaweed along Leia and Luke's feet and lower legs.'

"And now I am officially a complete mess."

Luke chuckled softly as they slowly followed the Gungan up a curving set of steps to a tear drop shaped archway.

Upon the entry of the last visitor, Threepio, the Gungan waved his hand over a jeweled panel and the clear walls of the chamber within a chamber changed to solid white.

Shuffling over to a chair, the Gungan groaned, leaning on his staff, he lowered himself to a chair.

"Yousa sit now and wesa talk."

Luke and Leia sat on the cushioned stools surrounding a low table.

As they settled, Artoo, his warbles and trills both questioning and sad, rolled up to the Gungan's side.

"I beg your pardon, Threepio began, but my counterpart R2D2 wishes to know if you are Senator Binks?"

"Boyos?" asked the withered Gungan elder, his trembling hand, running over the smooth sliver dome.

He turned up to look at Luke and Leia. "How did yousa end up with the droid Senator Amidala be giving to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker?"

Luke turned to look at Leia a question in his eyes. Leia knew what he was asking. She nodded to him, her instincts telling her, that they should be open with this Gungan.

Luke started to speak when she took his hand. He turned to look at her as she met the Gungan's eyes and asked, "Are you Senator Binks?"

The Gungan shook his head. "Mesa just Jar Jar Binks now. Thatsa all mesa should ever have been."

"My Fa," Leia stopped herself. "My adoptive Father, Bail Oragana, had many kind things to say about you."

The Gungan smiled sadly. "Hesa was a goodo mano. Mesa sorry about what happened to Alderaan."

Leia nodded. "Thank you for your kind words." She waved to Artoo even more grateful now that she had taken the time to learn all Artoo had told Luke of their family history. "R2D2 was at the medical facility where Padme Amidala Skywalker gave birth to her twins just before she died."

The Gungan straightened up a bit his mouth open in shock. "Skywalker did you spake?" he asked as his astonishment gave way to curiosity.

"My mother and father were married in secret because the Jedi forbade such attachments," Luke explained.

"Mesa remember. Thesa Jedi were goodo but cold and distant. Excepting your father mesa remember. Hesa was a good friend." He stopped a moment and then turned to Leia, "But yousa saying Padme had twins? And yousa tell mesa Bail Organa adopted yousa? Are yousa," he began waving from Luke to Leia.

"Padme's children." Luke affirmed the unasked question. "Leia and I were born, and only a few moments later our mother died.

Bail Organa had sheltered Master Yoda and Obi Wan as well. Since our father was such a powerful Jedi, and the Jedi purges began," Luke explained, "the three of them decided to separate us for our own safety."

"Bail Organa adopted Leia," Luke continued, "and took the droids leaving them on the ship that most often was used to transport Leia too and from the Imperial Senate. When she needed a way to get the stolen Death Star plans to Obi Wan Kenobi, Artoo was there and ready."

Luke chuckled sadly at the memory. "Somehow they ended up with me and I ended up with Obi Wan. Luke smiled at the droid. "He's been watching out for the both of us even since we were born, I guess."

"Even staying hidden down here, wesa hear of yousa two. Sometimes wesa send scouts to mingle with the Gungans still trusting the Naboo. Theysa be telling many stories of yousa. My no be believing them before. Knowing whosa yousa parents are being, my can believe them now."

Luke chuckled ruefully. Leia managed a small sad smile.

"From what little we know they were remarkable people during the time they worked for the Republic with you." Luke said, with a soft sigh.

"Why did yousa come here?" asked Jar Jar.

"We didn't mean to," Luke answered. "We were chasing some Imperial Troopers who'd kidnapped a Naboo Representative and another Imperial Official. I don't know, that other official could have been a rescue attempt."

"We were just about to catch them when we accidentally drove right into a massive sea creature fight," Luke explained, grimacing at the memory. "I'm not sure what happened to them, but our Bongo was damaged and we had to abandon it. Artoo was able to pull us away and guided us here."

"We don't mean any harm," Leia explained, "We only want to get back to the surface, so we can continue the effort to convince the people of Naboo vote to join the Alliance to Restore the Republic."

Jar Jar chuckled mirthlessly. "Voten all bomb bad. Yousa wasten your time."

"How can you say that?" asked Leia sadly. "You were a respected Senator. You worked alongside my mother to try and save the Republic."

"And wesa voted the way wesa was led." Jar Jar said with a sad shake of his head. "Mesa been thinking on these things a longo timeo. When yousa mother was Queen, shesa came to the Senate for help. It was the righto thing to do, but mesa be thinking it was all a setting up. Shesa called for the vote that cast out Valorum and be setting up the path for Palpatine to be voted in. Mesa thinking this was him—his plan. Mesa thinking hesa tricked her."

Jar Jar shook his head. "My know hesa fooled mesa. My called for the emergency powers for the Emperor, and mesa will never forgive mesa for what mesa's voten led to." The Gungan pulled the covering from his head showing two sawed off stumps where his ears should have flowed from his head. "Mesa be knowing when mesa people dying all around me—Mesa knowing it was a trick. Thinking wesa can beat the bomb bad with speaking, and voting, and writing laws. That's why mesa giving mesa ears to the Gods. Mesa listening to the wrongo people. Mesa not listen to the wrongo people any more."

He stood slowly, leaning on his cane.

"My believe yousa story why yousa came here, but not because what yousa saying. Tis because it's something mesa know would be something yousa parents would have been doing. Wesa will get you back to the surface but yousa will be blindfolded so yousa not find yousa way back. My know that nothing like that would stop a Jedi, but mesa people not knowing this."

"The vote is to help tear down the Empire Palpatine built," Leia said before the Gungan could turn away. She stood and walked before him.

"I understand why you feel the way you do. What the Imperial scientists did to you…" Leia, shaking her head sadly, trailed off, a haunted look in her eyes. "The way that disease ravaged your people. I don't blame you for pulling away from anything to do with the Empire, and I think it was wise to hide your people away here while they ruled."

"But I want you to know my brother and I have been fighting to destroy him and erase his legacy from the galaxy. It's never too late to seek to overcome the ruin our mistakes can cause. Never."

Jar Jar, a small smile and a sad look in his eyes, shook his head sadly. "Yousa sound like yousa mother. Shesa was good. Yousa seem good like her, but mesa don't think yousa understand."

Leia shook her head as though to clear it as Luke came to place his hand on her shoulder.

"We thank you for you help, Jar Jar," He reached out. A moment later Jar Jar shook his hand.

"It was nice to meet yousa. Ani and Padme would have been proud of yousa, mesa think."

"Anakin was proud of Luke. He let Luke know before he died." Leia said, her voice strained and weak.

"Leia, what?" Luke asked, pulling away to look his sister in the eye.

"He needs to know, Luke. Everything. I don't understand why," she looked up at him tears, gathering in her eyes, "but I feel it."

He smiled at her. "I feel it, too." He hugged her and whispered , "I'm so proud of you. For facing this. You're being so brave."

He pulled back and turned to see the stunned Gungan frozen and looking back at them.

"Ani was alive? Where was hesa? Whatsa been happening to him?"

"You may want to sit back down," advised Luke.

A moment later all three were sitting within the circle of stools.

"You and our mother weren't the only one the Emperor was leading into ruin. I only ask you hear me out until we're finished," Luke asked.

The Gungan nodded while Leia, trembling, her hands gripping the sides of her stool, surrendered her fears to the will of the Force.


The Bongo exploded on the surface of the water at the outskirts of Theed and once in the rich flow of air began to burn. The troopers tugged their charges from the vessel and threw them to the dock, racing forward to hide in the shadows of a nearby alley.

"Contact the Destroyer," ordered the captain as he held his blaster aimed at his captives.

"The Judgement is out of range," a trooper announced as he deactivated the communicator and placed it back in his belt. "The small transmitter they left in orbit is sending the coordinates to our rendezvous point. It will also be turning on the kill switch for our implants in less than an hour, so if we want to survive, we've got to steal a ship and get off world with these two before those bombs explode."

"Damn that blasted Jedi," cursed the Captain. "Get that human garbage moving. We don't have a lot of time."


"Mesa no be believing it. Itsa not true. Itsa impossible!" Jar Jar said once Luke completed his story."

"That's what I said when I found out," Luke said. "At least, something close to it."

"Yousa father, hesa was a good, good man! My no be thinking he could become Vader. Mesa thinking we all are finished if hesa could become Vader—a good man like hesa was?"

"But don't you see," Leia said. "You said I was good but too young to understand that what I was saying about trying to undo the damage from your past mistakes was impossible. But it's not my experience I'm drawing on to verify my position."

"I know my Fa—" Leia stopped, forced herself to take a breath and then looked into Jar Jar's eyes as she continued. "Father, turned back from the dark side of the Force after over twenty years in it's grip. He turned against the wrong he'd help established and destroyed the Sith. Because he chose not to stay bound by his past mistakes even when everything seemed to say there was nothing he could do to undo the damage he'd caused, he did a great deal," Leia paused, the truth of these words resonating deeply within her.

"He destroyed the Sith, first in himself and then with Palpatine. He saved Luke and in so doing saved the seed of the Jedi. Thanks to what he did, we have a chance to build a future free of Palpatine and what he created. In his final moments, he even managed thank Luke for finding the good in him, granting Luke a sense of comfort in a time of great pain. ."

Jar Jar listened with tears streaming down his face.

"I know there is no way he could atone for what he has done to the galaxy. He can't bring back the lives he took. He can't restore freedom to the civilizations he enslaved. He can't bring back Alderaan," Leia added, her voice soft.

"His crimes and evil were staggering. But, even he could do good by not giving up and by taking steps to change things for the better."

A few moments of silence passed when, without a word, Jar Jar rose and shuffled forward. He moved out of his tear drop shaped door and moved down to the ramp to where the other Gungans dwelled.

Luke and Leia followed behind him as did Threepio and Artoo.

Jar Jar tapped his cane three times and the Gungans milling around the public area turned to listen. Many marked with the scars of the disease that so ravaged their people evident on their skin looked warily at the two humans standing behind him.

"You don't think he's telling them what we just shared?" Leia asked apprehensively, as Jar Jar addressed his people.

"If he is, they are taking it really well," he motioned toward the Gungans standing straighter and looking excited.

"Oh my, master Luke he is telling his people that the Emperor who sent disease on his people is dead and it was in part due to you."

A cheer came rose among the Gungans gathered. Jar Jar continued, "He's informing them that the Alliance to Restore the Republic is seeking to destroy his legacy, and if they do it will be a day of justice for his people."

All of the Gungans were looking excitedly on now as Jar Jar continued. "Oh my, Master Luke, he's telling them they can strike against the Empire today. That there is a vote that will send a message across the galaxy that the Empire will not remain and the Gungan's votes can join with others on the Naboo to say no more Imperial tyranny."

A weak cheer sounded through the chamber as well as some muttering.

Jar Jar raised a hand for attention. Once he had it he spoke. "He is telling them that he knows it's hard to know who to trust. So many lies by so many leaders have been spoken. He wants them to vote against the Empire they know, by its actions, sought to destroy them, and be vigilant that any new government never be allowed to do such again."

A cheer rang up as Jar Jar said a few more words and Gungans stood, staring forward as he turned to face Luke and Leia.

"Mesa am going to cast a vote in thisa election. My will be taking you to the surface as I go. Theysa will not stop us."

"Thank you," Luke said with a short bow. Leia nodded. Together they followed Jar Jar as he led them to their transport.


"What's happened?" Camie asked.

Ree tapped away at the controls of her holoreceiver.

"Nothing. Is that fresh currat dip I smell?" Ree said, turning to the tray of snacks in Camie's arms.

"Yup. I saw you had some Aves in the cooling unit, so I scrounged around in your food storage drawers and found what I needed."

"That's why I married you," Fixer said, grinning as he snagged a crisp and dunked it into the dip.

Camie glared a him, as Windy and Deak laughed.

"You're a real romantic," Tank chortled.

"The Millennium Falcon and the Naboo fighters are leaving orbit."

"How do you think the Queen will react? You heard General Solo say he and a group of rebels stole those ships from her hanger."

"She should be grateful," said Tank. "Her city was being blasted to bits."

"I just wish we knew where Luke was," said Ree. "He disappeared during that five minute block when no transmission was coming through."

"I know he looks like that kid we knew from the moisture farm a few clicks away, but, blast," muttered Deak.

"Look," Tank said, pointing.

"They just flew into the hangar."

"Probably be a while before anything interesting happens. Pass the crisps," said Tank, slouching back in his seat.


"While, I appreciate your help more than I can express," the Queen said, her makeup fresh and her clothing—a red jumpsuit with a flowing black velvet vest blending into swirling skirt adorned with red gems now clean. "I must place you in custody until after our vote decides our world's allegiance."

"We understand, Your Highness," Han said with a bow. As the guards surrounded them, Han and his companions allowed them to bind their hands and escort them away. He turned as he passed handmaid Bavanu and winked, flashing her his crooked grin.

She smiled back just a moment before resuming her impassive mask.

"Are you sure about turning ourselves in, Han?" Lando asked, struggling with his binders.

"Pretty sure," Han said.

"Pretty sure?" Lando said. "Why do I bother sticking my neck out for you?"

"It's cause you're such a stand up sort of guy."

"Yeah," grumbled Lando. "The kind that says stand up and shoot me. I'm too stupid to live."


"It's beautiful," Luke said as he guided the Bongo Jar Jar had insisted they drive back up toward Theed. "The oceans here," he explained at Leia's questioning look.

"It is," she said, looking in wonder at the schools of fish flitting and gliding as one along the currents. "But I'm still looking out for danger."

"Excellent," Luke grinned at her. "We could call that a training exercise," he suggested hopefully.

"Maybe," Leia said, noting the fleet of Bongos following them weaving around the stone outcroppings Luke had slipped between just a few moments ago.

"I can't believe how many Gungans are going with us. They all plan to vote?"

"Mesa thinking so. Itsa been the law since your mother brought the Naboo and the Gungans together that wesa can vote in any election, but mesa people not voting in a longo time. My is thinking they will be voting among the Naboo even if they do stay hidden the rest of the time."

"I hope your people can become one with the Naboo once more," Leia said, looking back at the Gungan resting in the rear seat between Artoo and a, seated upright this time, Threepio. "I know my mother would have wanted that."

"Shesa would," said Jar Jar with a nod. "And if an old tired Gungan fix what is broken, mesa think my will work on this."

Leia smiled back at the Gungan.

We're here Luke said, breaking the surface with the light of the sun streaming down on them. He steered the Bongo to a docking station and began to clamber out as a fleet of Bongos began to pop up on the surface like so many ducks emerging from a dive.

Rather than dock the Bongos, anchor beams were shot to various surfaces and the Gungans leapt gracefully into the water swimming to the ramps leading into the city. By the time Luke and his group strode toward the palace through the scarred and burning city, a league of Gungans followed, some pointing and all quietly talking among themselves.

As they walked down a familiar street a young girl rushed out of her house, her family rushing behind her.

"You made it," she cried as she held her tiny arms open to Leia. Leia stopped and knelt in front of the girl who hugged her. "You helped save us all, Princess Leia. I'm gonna grow up and be just like you."

Leia pulled back smiling at the little girl. "Be who you're meant to be." Leia tapped the girl on the nose. The girl giggled.

For a moment, a memory of watching the holovid of her father, a similar situation and a similar reaction, cast a shadow on her soul. Leia shivered, forcing a deep breath she pushed it away. She would deal with this soon. But not now.

"Madatae, come here, Love," her mother said. "I'm sure they have somewhere they have to be child."

"We do," Leia said, standing and waving to the crowd of Gungans waiting behind them.

"We're going to vote."

"I think we," the father said looking at the now clear skies, "Should join you."

The mother nodded. Taking her daughter's hand they joined the crowd of Gungans. As they walked by other buildings people began to pour out all joining the group let by a Gungan with ragged stumps where his ears had been, a Princess, a Jedi, two droids and a little girl of Naboo, running from her mother to hold hands with Leia.


"What the blazes is going on? I told you not to take that call on the receiver, Ree," Fixer said.

"It was Merle Toshe checking on his station. I wasn't going to not answer the boss' communication. "Besides nothing has been happening other than clearing the injured and arresting and rounding up the hand full of Storm Troopers who managed to survive Luke and Princess Leia's beat down," said Ree defensively.

"It looks like a crowd of Gungans and Naboo going up to the palace, but there's just guards at the entrances. What are they going up there for?" wondered Deak.

"The Queen's coming out," said Camie excitedly.

"There's a group breaking away from the crowd to approach h-," Ree stopped and pointed, "It's Luke! He made it!"

"Woooo! Goo Wormy!" shouted Fixer.

Shouts and laughter bubbled up around them as everyone celebrated someone transformed from an ordinary kid they knew and thought of as friend, to a hero and a Jedi Knight, in front of their very eyes.


Luke and Leia walked up the stairs toward the Queen with the little girl now holding both Leia and Luke's hand. Jar Jar kept pace beside them. When they reached the line of guards, the Queen commanded. "Allow these to pass. I will see them all. Especially the youngest among them."

"Do you hear that?" whispered Leia down to the child linking her and her brother. "We get to see the Queen."

Madatae grinned wide before looking back to her parents who smiled and waved her forward.

Coming before them, Leia exaggerated and slowed the movements of her curtsy so the little girl could copy her.

Luke and Jar Jar bowed as the droids trundled up behind.

"I am most grateful to see you both alive again. Words cannot express the gratitude I and my people feel toward you now."

"We only wish we could have done more to prevent this destruction," Leia said.

"You have done more than many others could do in your stead, and it seems you have found old friends as well. "

The Queen turned to the Gungan beside her. "Do I have the pleasure of addressing Senator Binks?"

"My no longer a senator. But my is Jar Jar Binks, and mesa did hear a vote was planned for today. Mesa and mesa friends here," He waved the hand not clinging to his cane toward the crowd of Gungan as well as the Naboo. Wants to cast our vote."

The Queen, and more importantly the handmaid beside her grinned.

Luke cut his eyes toward Bavanus hand, tugging her Queen's sleeve.

The Queen turned to her handmaid. "Your Highness, we've received word that the polling center for Theed was unharmed during the attack. It is possible that the citizens of Theed and these good Gungans can cast their vote this afternoon."

"When it was originally scheduled to begin?" asked the Queen with a smile. At Bavanu's slight nod, something Luke was sure he would have missed if he wasn't looking for it, the Queen said, "How perfect."

She turned to the people. "Our vote is to take place as planned. By tomorrow afternoon a day after the first ballot is cast we, the Naboo, will choose our fate."


Han slumped back in his cell as the Storm Troopers, now free of their helmets glared back at them.

"When we're free, Rebel Scum. We're going to blow your heads off."

"You'd think one of them would be a bit more creative after a while, wouldn't ya?" Han said to Lando who sat, arms crossed over his chest, relaxing on the bench.

"Yeah," Lando agreed. "You think they have certain lines they have to remember before they graduate Storm Trooper school?"

"You dogs, you," began another trooper, rushing the force shield that separated the two groups of prisoners.

A Blast roared in the Storm Trooper's chamber, sending the Alliance troops diving for cover or scrambling under the benches.

"Did their heads just blow off?" Asked Boyyan, peeking up from behind the bench he'd flipped over and sheltered behind.

"I think they did," said Lando grimacing at the red blood splattered over the white Storm Trooper armor.

"That is officially now the weirdest thing that has happened to me today." Han said with a shiver.

"Here's hoping it doesn't get weirder," said Boyyan, walking up beside the other two rebels staring in horror at the blood splattered cell."

"Here, here," agreed the rest of the Alliance fleet officers in the holding cell.


"I'm so glad you're okay," said Luke, hugging his grandmother.

"Me?" she asked incredulously. "We were moved to a palace safe room the moment the attack began.

"You were the ones racing out to battle—you and Leia." Jobal released him and hugged Leia tightly. "My precious girl, we were so worried. And Han is arrested for defending us?"

"Gram, I promise," Pooja said, coming to her grandmothers side. "I promise the Queen is not going to let anything happen to Han or those brave Alliance pilots. I know things I can't share, but they'll be fine."

"Besides, Luke and Leia can break them out, no sweat," said Huwae with a grin.

Luke reached out and ruffled his curly brown hair.

"I'm so glad you are all fine," Luke said. His stomach growled in protest. "And I'm starving. Do you suppose we can get some food up here?"

A knock sounded on the door. "Wow! That was fast," teased Sola as she got the door. Everyone else chuckled as she opened the door and Guardsman Panaka entered.

I have a report for Master Jedi Skywalker and Princess Leia and Pooja Naberrie.

He passed the data pads to Leia's outstretched hand. She passed the pads to Luke and Pooja. For a moment she read in silence, her brow furrowed.

Her mouth dropped in shock. "That's horrible. She read a few more minutes and her expression become sad.

Around the same time, Pooja was blushing an angry red, her mouth a grim line. She forced a breath and gathered herself. "Sian Baemek was rescued from a group of Storm Troopers who managed to commandeer a ship from the outskirts of Theed. A member of a group of security forces was able to shoot the trooper with Baemek and free him, but the others escaped with Peluch C'nnem. Right about the time they reached orbit, the troopers we captured as well as the troopers bodies we gathered for identification to return them to their families for memorials had devices detonate killing or destroying them all.

Looks of disgust and horror passed over the assembled family in the room.

"He's confessed to everything. The People's Protectorate attacks were all part of an Imperial plan to undermine our elections and maintain our loyalty to the Empire."

"Why would he confess so freely?" wondered Jobal.

"Self preservation. The new Imperial coalition that is forming wanted to make him a painful public example of the price of failure," Luke explained.

"He has to know he'll be tried and sentenced for this," said Sola.

"Yes," Leia agreed, "but I'm sure the courts on Naboo are much kinder to prisoners than the Empire."

"This is true," Ruwee said, clasping Leia's shoulder.

"The rest of the planet is being informed of this?" asked Pooja, looking to Panaka.

"Yes," he said. "At least the Empire's treachery in all of this."

"Will we be allowed to vote?" asked Darred.

Absentee ballots will be provided to you, since you are in protective custody until more permanent arrangements can be made.

"Thank you," Luke said, motioning to his family. "For looking out for them."

Panaka nodded, and, smiling, he turned to leave.

"I'll follow you out," Pooja said. "I need to place a request for food."

Panaka nodded and offered her his arm. "Milady."

Once they exited and the door closed behind them, Pooja turned to face Panaka. "I am truly grateful for your protection both of me and my family."

Panaka stared deeply in her eyes as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "It was my honor, Milady."

As he pulled away, she reached up and ran her hand around his neck gently guiding it toward her upturned face.

Lips met, and arms embraced as Guardsman Panaka and Representative Pooja Naberrie reveled in the fire and joy of a first kiss.


On a partially unbroken and hastily repaired section of the courtyard in front of Theed Palace, the people, all wearing the red scar of remembrance for those many hurt and killed in the Imperial assault, and in defiance of the attempt to destroy their unity as a world, stood awaiting the results of the election. The Queen stood before them surrounded by her handmaids, guards, and a withered, earless Gungan, leaning on a cane.

"My people," the Queen stepped forward. "You have decided, as is our tradition. We hereby announce our intention as a world to join the Alliance to Restore the Republic. And may the return of the Republic come soon."

Cheers rose among the people, as Luke, Leia, Han, Lando and the Alliance Pilots walked out to join the Queen's entourage.

"And now, we thank our brave representatives from the Alliance."

A group of reporters from a myriad of worlds and species looked on some speaking into a box that kept their voice silent to outsiders, but allowed their commentary to impose itself over the recordings.

Pooja stepped forward. "I remember my people," she said adjusting the voice projection pin on her lapel of her flowing yellow dress. "Another announcement on these steps. My aunt, your Queen Amidala was there as was this brave and beloved Gungan. Friend Jar Jar, we have missed you,"

Jar Jar nodded as the crowd clapped.

"That day was a celebration. There was music, finery and laughter. Today, there is sorrow, destruction, and determination to make a better tomorrow.

If you compare the two, you might mistake that for the better time. We were happier. True. Innocent.

Now we are weary of the burden our years in the shadow of the Emperor has caused us all, but we are also wiser. Let us take this somber moment to remember that it was in a moment when we first bore the scar of remembrance our world began to grow away from infighting and more toward working together to become the beautiful world we are now.

"Though now even the capital," Pooja said, waving her arms toward the battered city, "Wears its own scars. It stands, and we stand. The Queen asked me to speak because I led the push to see our joining the Alliance become a reality. She also wished me to remind you of another Queen. One who I have the honor to know not just as Queen Amidala but as my aunt.

"My aunt would be so proud of you today my people. She loved the Republic and would rejoice that you have taken this step to bring democracy back to the Galaxy. Be brave my people. Be brave all living on Naboo. We do not dance today. Today we stand, that one day we may dance again."

Cheers and shouts erupted from the people.

"My people," said the Queen. All feel silent. "Volunteers from ally worlds are waiting in orbit to land as well as members of the Alliance to provide assistance and support as we seek to recover from the aftermath of this attack. We wish to clear this area so they may land."

People began to disperse along paths directed by guardsmen and security forces.

"As others began to disperse Jar Jar shuffled over to where Luke and Leia stood a bit apart from the others.

"Mesa wish you could have seen that celebration." Jar Jar said wistfully. "Yousa mother was so beautiful that day."

"I wish we could have too," Luke agreed.

Pooja joined them a wide smile on her face. Luke wrapped her in a hug and twirled her around before lowering her to the ground. "You did great!" he said.

"Thanks," she said then hugged a beaming Leia. "You didn't do too badly yourself."

"Mesa thinking Anakin and Padme would be very proud of their twins and their neice, friend Pooja."

Gasps rose from the nearby press section and wild surprised movements caused Luke's stomach to curl into a pit.

Pooja was already slapping at her microphone. "I thought it was off! They said it was off!"

She looked at Luke and Leia her face a cross between guilty and panicked. "I'm sorry."

Luke chuckled, and Leia rubbed her hand over her face before laughing as well.

"It's not your fault, Cousin," he said loudly enough for the reporters to hear even without the artificial sound amplification, "but your arranging a press conference tomorrow with the best representative of these fine reporters here is a great thing for you to offer us."

Pooja's jaw dropped for a moment before she chuckled. "I guess it's the least I can do."

"Thank you, Cousin," Leia said loudly enough to be heard.

"Ready, Sis," Luke said offering Leia his arm. He grinned even wider at the gob smacked expressions of the Alliance members and the Noobian ruling council.

"I am, Brother," Leia said, taking arm and together they disappeared within the palace entry.


"Did you know about that?" asked Lando once the shock had passed.

Han crossed his arms across his chest and gave a sidelong glance a Lando.

"I'm going to marry her, of course I knew. Had to get the brother's permission, you know?"

"So they're brother and sister and their mother was a queen here?"

"Yeah."

"Talk about marrying up."

Han laughed as they turned to enter the palace, the Alliance members racing in to surround Han as the royal party and Noobian representatives followed just behind.

"That can't be true. What we just heard," Boyyan said racing beside Han. "Luke and Princess Leia are brother and sister and the kids of a Naboo System Queen."

"You know they both have the same birthday," Han pointed out.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean anything," protested Boyyan.

"And they're the same age," Han held up his hand to stop further interruptions, "And there's the little fact that Luke's Jedi Master told him how he and his sister were separated and hidden from the Emperor right after their mother died giving birth to them."

"Whoa," said one of the Alliance pilots.

"Hey, they've always been close. It kinda makes sense," Han pointed out.

"Yeah," said Lando. "I guess I can see your point."

"Except the Hoth thing," Boyyan said.

Everyone stopped short and looked at Han.

He held his hands up. "They didn't know about it at the time." Then he began to laugh.

Boyyan broke out into guffaws, as did a few others but many "Ewwws!" were heard and shuddering was seen everywhere.

"Why do I feel like I'm missing something?" Pooja said, rushing up beside the still laughing Han.

Han threw his arm around Pooja's shoulder. "I can't tell you, cousin-to-be," Han said with a grin. "Promised Leia and Luke not to talk about it again. He nodded to Boyyan, who was wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "But my pal over here knows all about it. I'm sure he'd be willing to help you out."