Daughter of a Dead Woman (Original)

by Tess Tucker

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a decoy was created to protect the Alderaanian princess... (At first was written as a challenge from my friends. Expect campiness to turn into real angst, plot, and character development around the second half of Return of the Jedi. There is now an "extended edition" which I would recommend more than this one. Enjoy!)

8. Chapter 7 - Yavin 4 (0 ABY)

Chapter 7

- - - - - 0 BBY - - - - -

Tess could hardly believe it—a month ago she was a kid on Dantooine, and today she was a hero of the rebellion. She looked to her left at Han and Chewie, then to her right at Luke, each with expressions that portrayed the same amount of too-good-to-be-true that she had. Luke grinned down at her.

"Couldn't have done this without you," he told her with a wink, giving her hand a squeeze. "Thanks for turning my buddy around." Han gave her a look that told her he felt the same, too. Tess grinned from ear to ear. As the music swelled, their cue to walk forward came.

Tess looked down the long aisle to see the princess she was happy to call a new friend—Leia. Before she knew it they were directly in front of her, accepting their medals.

First was Han, who flashed Leia a wink. Then Luke, who could not shake his boyish grin. Then Chewbacca, who let out a growl of thanks. And finally, it was Tess' turn. Princess Leia stepped in front of her, medal in hand. Tess bowed her head slightly, allowing the princess to place the medal around her neck.

In conclusion of the ceremony, the four heroes of the rebellion turned to face the thunderous applause.