One Month Later:
Luke awoke with his arms wrapped around Mara's warm body. He looked at his wife with a smile, In the month that had followed their marriage, their lives had never been the same and they both were happier than ever aside from the impending loss of Ben.
Obi-Wan's cancer had gotten significantly worse in the last month and, He had told everyone that he knew that he didn't have long.
Luke looked down at Mara and, kissed her sleeping forehead. He never tired of their nights of love and, Last night was no exception. He was glad that his Mother had gotten Mara to wait until Marriage, It had meant something to both of them on their first night and it was very special to both of them ever since that night.
Luke smiled as he got out of bed.
He slowly dressed before, leaving the quarters that he shared with Mara.
He noticed his Mother outside of the room looking at him with a frown, "Is Mara still asleep?"
Luke nodded, "She wasn't feeling that well yesterday after her shift as deck officer. She didn't tell anyone when she went on duty but, she was throwing up for no reason at all."
Padme frowned, "Throwing up you say?"
Luke nodded as Padme spoke, "Go about your duties, I am going to see how my daughter is doing."
Luke smiled, "You really take the in law thing pretty seriously don't you?"
Padme nodded as she headed towards Luke's room as he left for duty.
She pounded in the security code for Luke's room and, Entered in silence.
As she entered, She saw Mara walking out of the refresher in a robe.
Padme frowned, "Did you just throw up again Mara?"
Mara frowned, "Did Luke tell you?"
Padme nodded, "Mara how long has this been going on for?"
Mara frowned, "I kind of didn't want to worry Luke but, Today is the Fourth day of it."
Padme nodded and spoke, "Go ahead and get dressed, I am going to take you to the Med Center since I am your mother by Marriage."
Mara nodded as Padme spoke, "I think I already know what's wrong with you Mara so be prepared."
Mara frowned, "What do you think it is?"
Padme smiled, "I think that I am about to have my first Grandchild."
Mara gasped in shock, "Y-You mean that I'm..."
Padme cut Mara off, "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet Mara. We will know soon."
"We didn't plan on having kids yet. We wanted to wait until after the war," stated Mara.
Padme nodded in silence as she hugged her daughter in law.
She then sat down as Mara left to dress.
A short time later, Padme watched as Mara entered the room and spoke, "Let's go Mara."
Mara nodded as she followed her Mother in Law out of the room.
Luke smiled as he flew his Snowspeeder alongside Wedge's as they patrolled the surface of Hoth.
"There isn't any sign of anything Luke."
Luke shook his head, "No I don't think that the Empire have found us yet, They will eventually though Wedge, Darth Vader has made it his personal Mission."
Wedge laughed as he spoke, "He must want his fighter back."
Luke joined in the laughter and spoke, "You have a point. I want mine back. I spent three years modifying that ship and now I just get a new one that isn't near as good. Do you feel my pain?"
"Yeah Boss, I certainly do feel your pain. If I lost my Fighter I would be pretty mad too. What would be funny is for you to fly Vader's fighter into battle next time we face the Imperials."
"That would be cheap entertainment," stated Luke with a smile.
"It would indeed, Alright Boss let's get back to our base."
Luke nodded as he heard Dack, his rear gunner bursting into laughter.
"You and Jansen just got strait out pure cheap entertainment Dack."
"I am in agreement with you on that one Sir."
Luke smiled in response as he flew the Speeder back towards base.
Upon arriving, Luke climbed out of his cockpit with Dack as he saw Vima approach.
Luke liked at his little sister and spoke, "How are you doing my Young Apprentice?"
Vima smiled, "I finished the tasks that you gave me."
Luke nodded as Vima spoke, "Mom wants you to head to the Council room. Mara needs to talk to you."
Luke nodded in silence as he removed his flight suit.
Luke then spoke, "Sorry that I didn't take you flying today. You can go on this afternoon's patrol."
Vima smiled, "Ok Luke."
Luke then turned and, headed towards the Alliance Council room in silence.
Luke entered the Council room to see Mara alone.
He looked at Mara and spoke, "What's going on Mara?"
Mara moved forward and hugged Luke as she spoke, "I-I'm pregnant Luke."
Luke looked at Mara and spoke, "Pregnant?" he asked in shock.
Mara nodded, "I am one month along. We are having a baby Luke!"
Luke looked at Mara in disbelief as he kissed her.
Mara then spoke, "Your mom wants to talk to you about it."
Luke nodded in silence.
At that moment, The doors of the room opened and, Padme walked in and spoke, "I am going to talk about the Alliance Council about this."
Luke frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, the Alliance is going to be relocating soon, In the event that the Empire comes here, I don't want us running with your pregnant wife. I am hoping to contact my Parents, We will head to Naboo, Anakin won't expect it."
"You mean because of the fact that we're here."
Padme nodded, "We can hide at my Family's estate and remain there until after the baby is born. I think it is the perfect place and, there is a spot to keep the Falcon."
Luke nodded in silence as he kissed Mara.
Padme then spoke, "Congragulations son, I am very happy for you."
Luke smiled at his mother and, hugged her.
Padme then spoke, "How about we have a family dinner with Obi-Wan and everyone else to celebrate."
Luke nodded in agreement as he kissed his Mother.
A few hours later, Luke, Mara, Padme, Leia and Vima all arrived in the Council room together with Han and Chewie.
Mon had insisted upon giving it to them for the evening for their celebration and, they had eagerly accepted the offer.
Luke looked at the table, to see Lando and Ben waiting eagerly. He smiled, Ben would never miss an opportunity to celebrate with Luke.
Luke smiled and led Mara to a seat and pulled out a chair for her before sitting down with Ben.
Ben then spoke, "So you're going to be a father soon I hear."
Luke smiled eagerly, "Yes Master."
"I am happy for you. May the child grow up in a more peaceful Galaxy than the one that I have fought in."
Luke nodded in agreement as Ben spoke, "I am proud of You Luke, You have surpassed all of your expectations and, you haven't touched darkness like your Father."
Luke nodded, "Thank you for your training Master, I am eternally grateful to you."
Ben nodded and, spoke, "Your duty is to pass on what you have learned starting with your sisters and Mara followed by your child."
Luke nodded in silence.
Padme then spoke, "Once we arrive on Naboo, We're going to have to go shopping for baby clothes."
Luke nodded, "I will leave that to you and Mara."
Padme smiled as Luke spoke, "Will you be coming with us Ben?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, "No Luke, When you leave, It will be our farewell, I sense that the Force wishes for me to remain here. I will learn why soon. Don't worry about me."
Luke nodded in silence, "I understand Master."
"Remember, The Force will Be with you, Always," stated Ben.
Luke nodded in silence as he looked his Master in the eye, He hated to see Ben leave and he was going to miss him. He always knew that the day that he would say goodbye to Ben would come but, he didn't want it to come so soon.
Executor:
Vader stood inside of the main Of the Executor as he looked at the thousands of Probe droids that were prepared to be launched.
It had taken nearly two months, to construct all of them and, There were thousands that were ready for deployment throughout the entire Galaxy.
Vader smiled, If all went according to planned, He would find the Rebels and his family. Once that happened, He would make peace with his family as Piett had advised him to.
It was time to make it right even if they hated him in the end, at least he could say that he tried.
At this point, he couldn't even say that he blamed them for their attitude if they didn't forgive him. He deserved to have their resentment and hatred.
At the same time, Vader sensed Piett at his side.
Piett spoke, "Any idea of what you're going to say to them once you find them?"
Vader nodded, "I am going to apologize to all of them and then, purpose an Alliance."
"An Alliance?" asked Piett.
Vader nodded, "Us together against the Emperor. With Luke and I standing side by side, The Old Man doesn't stand a chance."
Piett smiled, "I like that Idea."
Vader nodded and spoke, "Are the Probes ready to be launched?"
"Yes My Lord?"
Vader smiled and walked with Piett out of the Hanger Bay.
Upon leaving the Hanger Bay, Vader noticed General Veers walking towards him.
"My Lord, My troops are ready for deployment at a moment's notice."
"Good, We are going to commence the launch of all of the probes in the next fifteen minutes and then, We will be waiting for data to stream in."
"Understood My Lord," replied Veers as he bowed before leaving Vader and Piett.
Vader then, headed for the Command Bridge with Piett on his tail.
Upon arriving on the Command Bridge, Vader noticed Piett looking at a younger Officer as he spoke, "Are the probes ready for Launch?"
The young Man nodded as Piett spoke, "Launch them immediately."
Outside of the Executor, Anyone watching at this very moment would have seen thousands of tiny Durasteel objects leaving the ship as they streamed off into Hyperspace towards their assigned Star Systems.
Vader watched from the Bridge in silence before looking at Piett, "Admiral, Tell me something, How have your family been?"
"Quite well My Lord. I can't wait for our second to be born like I said."
Vader nodded, "I am happy for you."
"Just think, Your son is about twenty and, He will soon be in my ship."
Vader nodded, "I won't be seeing my grandchildren Admiral. I doubt that I will be allowed around them."
Piett frowned, "You never know my Lord."
"Admiral, You know everything, I even lost my friendship with Kenobi. That was even my fault and, He has done only what a true friend can do. He taken care of my family. You're right, He did try to reason with me on Mustafar, I just wouldn't listen. I only realized it after Bespin and Eriadu where Luke was the same way towards me. I lost it all because of that thing that calls himself Emperor."
Piett nodded, "Many have lost it all because of him, You never know, Maybe you will be able to reconcile with all of them. They all do love you Sir I am certain of that."
Vader was silent in response as Piett spoke, "I was thinking that perhaps we can include Veers in our plans."
Vader frowned, "I don't trust Veers."
"That is where you're wrong my Lord, He despises the Emperor and has said time and time again in the bar while under the Influence that you should be Emperor since you're the one that has made this Empire. He says you're just like him, fighting alongside your men on the front lines and that he would follow you as Emperor."
Vader nodded in silence before speaking, "Start talking to him before we include him and see what comes out and if he can be trusted."
"As you wish My Lord," replied Piett.
Hoth: One Day Later:
Luke awoke the next day, To the feeling of Mara cuddled up with him in their bed. He looked down at her as she opened her eyes.
She smiled, "This has been a better morning for me Luke."
Luke nodded as he kissed her.
"Mom told me that it comes and goes. She told me that I have to be knelt down and ready to serve you at any given moment."
Mara nodded as Luke climbed out of bed to dress.
"Are you packed Honey?" asked Luke.
Mara nodded eagerly in response.
Luke then spoke, "I am going to find out Mom's plan after my morning lessons with Vima."
Mara nodded in silence as Luke left the room.
Luke then, Headed into the training room where he found Vima waiting eagerly.
Luke smiled, "We will start with a duel Vima."
Vima nodded as she ignited her lightsaber.
Luke then spoke, "What is wrong?"
Vima frowned, "Luke, are we going to have to kill Dad someday? I mean I don't think that I can."
Luke shook his head, "I believe that there may still be good in him, however I will do what I must to protect my wife and child as well as you, Mom and Leia."
Vima nodded as she crossed her blue lightsaber blade with Luke's green lightsaber blade.
Luke smiled, "You're getting better and better. Dad did teach you well but you're even better than you were when you first came here."
Vima nodded in silence.
Luke then spoke, "We will practice moving some things after this."
Vima smiled, "Alright Luke."
An hour later, Luke found himself with his Mother in the Council Room as she spoke, "I found my Sister's Comlink Frequency, I am going to contact her and see what happens. Stand in the background Son."
Luke nodded as he watched his Mother pound in the Frequency.
Moments later, Luke saw a middle aged woman with a mix of dark and grey hair that appeared to be around fifty appear, right before him.
The Woman appeared to be in shock and disbelief as she spoke, "P-Padme?"
Padme smiled as tears began to pour out of her eyes, "It is me Sola, I am alive."
Sola trembled, "What happened? I mean I was at your funeral. Mom and Dad both were. I thought that you were killed along with the baby."
Padme shook her head, "It is a long story. I am going to be arriving at the Lake house sometime tomorrow. Meet me there and I will explain everything. First off, I will be arriving with a whole group of people. The group consists of one married couple, A nineteen year old woman as well as an eleven year old girl, Then One Man and One Wookiee and my droids. We will arrive tomorrow Sola. Bring Mom and Dad and, meet us there."
Sola nodded in silence, "What should I tell them?"
"Tell them that I have been on the run from Imperials now for years and nothing else. I will explain everything tomorrow."
Sola nodded in silence, "I-I am feeling as though I am in the middle of a wonderful Dream Padme, I-I can't wait to see you again if it is really you."
Padme smiled, "Remember the time that I cut your hair?"
Sola smiled as Padme continued, "Or how about the time that I dumped the bucket of water on Grandma Thule?"
Sola shook her head, "Only our family know those stories Padme, I will see you soon. I love you baby sister."
"I love you too Sola," said Padme with a smile.
Padme then looked at Luke and spoke, "What do you think?"
Luke smiled, "She certainly is happy to see you. I think she might even be having a hard time believing her eyes. She misses you, I can sense it."
Padme nodded, "We're going to say goodbye to Obi-Wan and then, we will be leaving."
"Lando's not coming?"
Padme shook her head, "he's going to be my personal representative on the Alliance Council."
Luke nodded as he turned to leave the room, "I am meeting with Lando and Wedge right now and, I am going to ask them to fill my shoes for me while I am gone."
Padme nodded as Luke prepared to Leave.
As Luke left the room, he noticed Mon Mothma looking at him, "Milady."
"Commander Skywalker congragulations."
"Thank you Milady, I am sorry that I will be gone for awhile."
Mon shook her head, "Out of all of the men in the Alliance you certainly are one who deserves the time. Enjoy your break and take care to make sure that that baby and his Mom are safe."
"I will, Thank you Mon."
Mon nodded as Luke left her.
A short time later, Luke found himself facing Lando and Wedge.
Wedge was the first to speak, "Congragulations on the baby Sir."
"Thank you Wedge, So what I have called the two of you here is simple."
Wedge and Lando both nodded as Luke spoke, "Wedge you're now in charge of Rogue Squadron and Lando, You will be In Command of all Fighter Squadrons, Understood?"
Lando nodded, "Take care of that pretty wife of yours, we have it handled."
Luke then spoke, "When the Empire find you only fight until the base is evacuated. It isn't worth trying to win the fight."
Lando and Wedge both nodded in silence as Luke shook their hands before turning to leave.
A half hour later, after having R2 and 3PO load their bags onboard the Falcon, Luke found himself walking with Obi-Wan as they prepared to part ways.
Luke not knowing what to say spoke, "I am sorry if I have ever disappointed you in any way Master."
Obi-Wan shook his head, "You have made me proud Luke. Your selflessness and your wisdom proceeds that of even your father although I will always love him as my brother and son."
Luke nodded and spoke, "Thank you for teaching me what it meant to be a Man and what it meant to be a true Jedi. Thank you for giving me the tools to use my gift to serve the Galaxy instead of myself."
Obi-Wan eagerly smiled, "It was my honor and pleasure Luke.
"Don't ever think less of yourself, you're a great man my Young Padawan and, You need to remember that you are destined to do great things," stated Obi-Wan.
Luke nodded as he hugged his Former Master one last time.
Obi-Wan then spoke, "May the Force Be with You."
"And with you Master."
Obi-Wan smiled as Luke turned and, boarded the Falcon.
Luke noticed Han walk by him as he strapped into his seat between Mara and Vima.
"Alright kid, we're ready to go."
Luke nodded as Han spoke, "Join me in the front."
Luke nodded as he followed Han into the Cockpit.
Han then spoke, "What's bothering you kid?"
"Nothing Han, I just know that there is a chance that Ben will be gone soon and, I feel like I can't say enough to tell him how much I appreciate him. Not near enough."
Han shook his head, "He knows that you love him. He has mentioned it time and time again."
"You and your Father are both his cubs by bond, I think that is enough for him," stated Chewie as he sat down in his seat.
Luke nodded as Han spoke, "Is everyone strapped in?"
"We're all set," stated Luke.
Han nodded as he started the Falcon up.
Within moments, The Falcon lifted off as it flew out of the hanger of Echo Base.
A short time later, The Falcon exited the Atmosphere of Hoth and, made the jump into Hyperspace.
Alright that is it for now. Thank you for reading and Reviewing. More will be up soon. Next chapter will be mainly the Skywalker family's arrival on Naboo.
-Fallen Jedi 79
