Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or anything related to it.

Warning: This chapter has yet to be proof read.

Misguided Light

Chapter 4

"Senator Amidala!" Padme glanced up from her work as a young rebel entered her office. It was more of a small work area, equipped with a desk, two chairs, and a holo-projector.

"Yes?"

"Your presence is requested in the command center," the boy informed her.

"Thank you. I'll go there immediately." The boy nodded and turned on his heel, leaving Padme alone once more.

Padme Skywalker has been with the Rebel Alliance since it was founded. Since she had been declared dead by the Empire, she was allowed to work full time on freeing the galaxy without having to balance a second life.

Bail Organa and Mon Mothma had proved just how strong friendship could be. They both had sacrificed many things to keep Leia and Padme safe. Bail was practically Leia's adopted father, a fact that was bittersweet to Padme.

Padme closed out of the documents she had been reading and walked out of the room. She had rarely been called into an unscheduled meeting before, which meant something was wrong. With that in mind, the Nabooian's thoughts jumped to Leia. The girl had volunteered for a mission that involved sneaking highly classified information under the Empire's nose. Even with all her training and preparation, she still wouldn't be able to protect herself if the Empire found out that she had the Death Star plans.

Padme arrived at the command center five minutes later. The circular room held some of the most important member of the Alliance. Bail Organa was present through the use of a holo-projector. His features were tinged blue, but even 3PO would have been able to see the tension in the man's shoulders. Mon Mothma sat in her chair, placed in the middle of the room. Bail was to her right and Rieekan was on her left. Mon was quietly listening to an argument between the two men, a thoughtful expression etched on her face.

"We can't afford to lose her!" Bail cried out, angrily.

"As much as it pains me to say it, we can afford to lose her. The plans are something we cannot even risk." Rieekan fired back.

"Plans are more important than someone's life?!"

"Yes, if those plans can be used to save millions more!" Rieekan stopped arguing when she noticed Padme had entered. Mon took advantage of the silence and a stood up to address her.

"Hello, Padme. You might as well come in and sit down. We have a lot to discuss," Mon's usually gentle tone same out tired and old.

"I suppose we should cut to the chase," Bail sighed, "Leia's ship has been boarded by Darth Vader. She has been taken prisoner by the Imperials."

Padme froze, her worst nightmares becoming a reality, "A-and what of Master Kenobi?" She stammered out, desperately trying to make her brain work, trying to think of any way to save her daughter.

"We have yet to hear from him," Mon said gently, "All we know is that he is safe. We don't want to risk contacting him for fear that it might alert the Empire of his presence."

"The only good news is that the Death Star plans have not fallen into Imperial hands," Rieekan added. Padme couldn't care less about the plans when Leia's life was in jeopardy.

Obi-Wan had provided Leia with enough training to avoid detection from the dark side. But even without knowing that she was a Skywalker, the Empire would still mark her as a threat simply because of her association with the Alliance. Not to mention her force sensitivity might give someone the impression that she was a Jedi.

Rieekan and Bail decided to continue their argument. Padme walked out of the room, lost in thought. She missed Anakin. I suppose Leia will finally be able to meet her Dad, she thought, wryly. That didn't comfort her. Leia had always wanted to know her father, but Padme found it too painful to talk about. She did agree with what Obi-Wan had said about Anakin being dead. There was no way the brave, caring Jedi Knight could ever be Darth Vader. But thinking about Anakin made her remember a promise an old friend had made to her.

Mentally shaking herself out of her depressing thoughts, the former queen straightened herself and strode purposefully into her office, where she shut the door and pulled out her comlink.

She had once memorized all of her handmaiden's contact information because it might one day save her life. She never considered that it might save her daughters.

"Padme?" Sabe's voice floated out of the handheld device.

"Sabe. It is so good to hear your voice. I'm sorry that we can't catch up but I wanted to remind you of a promise you once made," Padme hated making this request and if she could save Leia herself she would.

"Padme, I would do anything for you or Leia," was the reassuring response. Padme smiled slightly as she meandered over to the window that overlooked Bespin's countryside.

"Leia has been taken by the Empire." There was a pause.

"Where?"

"Over Tatooine." Another pause.

"Do you have the name of the ship?" Padme took this as Sabe's way of agreeing to her unspoken pleas.

"Leia was on Tantive IV. She has been taken by Vader, so I'm assuming that she's being held on the Executor."

"Alright. I'll see if I can sneak her out."

"Sabe, I will never be able to repay you," Padme replied, her relief obvious in her voice. Sabe would do her absolute best. If she wasn't able to help Leia, then the Alliance would end up wasting valuable time waiting for the right moment to infiltrate the prison Leia would be taken to.

"It's my job to help you," Sabe said, her tone reflecting the smile that was no doubt on her face, "I'll keep you updated. Talk to you later." And with that the former handmaiden signed off.

Padme continued standing, letting the conversation she just had sink in.

She had known that Leia's life would one day be at risk. That's why she had taken the steps to ensure that she would be as protected as possible. Years ago, she had contacted Sabe to ask if she would be willing to help in Padme's personal mission of keeping her daughter out of Darth Vader's hands. Sabe had agreed instantly and had served as a body guard and last minute baby-sitter whenever Padme needed.

Once again, Padme was thankful for her good friends.

oOoOo

Luke understood why no one liked Tatooine. It was hot. Way too hot. And it was sandy. He had never been anywhere where one could shake sand out of their ears. Kenobi seemed to realize Luke's frustration. Unfortunately for the blonde, Kenobi seemed to find his pain amusing.

"Why would you move out here?" Luke asked as they climbed into the speeder.

"I only moved out here because the Alliance requested that I stayed in the area."

"I've never heard of the Rebels sending its members to planets just to wait."

"Well that's because singular Rebel members don't do much on their own," Kenobi said with a small smile.

"I suppose you're right. One little Rebel resisting would be suicidal. Unless," Luke paused at this, "Unless that Rebel was a Jedi."

"You aren't wrong. Perhaps you would be willing to learn more about the ways of the Jedi," Kenobi said, cautiously watching Luke for a reaction.

"I don't think so," Luke replied, frowning, "The Jedi might be better than the Sith, but that doesn't mean I want to be one. My father might not have told me everything about my family, but he never out right lied to me about the Jedi." Kenobi tried to hide it, but Luke could tell he was disappointed with Luke's answer. Luke decided it was time for a change in the conversation. "I was wondering when I could meet my mother."

"You will be allowed to see her after I talk to her. We've been under the impression that you've been dead this whole time. I want to warn her before you meet her."

"Alright." Luke quieted down and focused on driving. He knew better than to trust Jedi, but the idea that his mother could be alive was too outrageous that there was a possibility that it might be true and Luke couldn't risk passing up the chance to meet her.

Author's Note: I'm so, so sorry that this chapter is late! The guilt has been eating me alive! I won't give up on this story, no matter how long I am away. Han makes an appearance in the next chapter. I would expect it within two weeks, if I don't disappear again. I would like to thank every reader, follower, and reviewer that took the time to read this. Any constructive criticism is appreciated!