Corellia (next day)

"Really, Baryl," Rostek said as she sat down. "We can finish this tomorrow."

"Don't put anything off on my account." She glanced at her belly, then at the pile of work on his desk. "You're sure that all of this paperwork is really necessary?"

"Unfortunately, yes." He glanced at the holonet news screen. "Have you heard the latest?"

"Palpatine is expected to make a complete recovery." She growled. "I'll lay odds the whole thing was staged."

"Most likely. Lord Vader was a surprise, though. Considering Palpatine's hatred of the Jedi..."

Baryl closed her eyes, as she wondered just what to explain to Rostek about Ben's former apprentice. "Do you remember the Naboo invasion?"

Rostek laughed. "How could I forget. The Diktat was absolutely paranoid about an invasion for months afterward. We were ordered to arrest every Neimodian on the planet."

"That was definitely staged." She took a deep breath.

He shook his head in disbelief. "Then those rumors…"

"The ones about a Sith Lord? Absolutely true."

"And Vader is a Sith, too?"

"Now he is. Once he was Ben's apprentice." Rostek's eyes opened wide in shock and understanding. She could see him process the piece of information she didn't mention.

"Kiffle," he snarled. "That means Palpatine..."

Baryl didn't respond. A chirp sounded just then. They both glanced at the screen. Another news flash. Horn ordered the volume raised.

Baryl listened, horrified, at the lies spewing from the Sullusti telecaster, yet she couldn't turn away as he announced the Twi-Lek would-be assassin was in the pay of the Jedi. She noticed Rostek shaking his head-she too wondered just how they could have made the connection that quickly. Her eyes froze on the screen when a picture of a beardless Obi-Wan Kenobi appeared.

Possibly the one thing the newscaster got right-Ben was against the Emperor and was involved in a conspiracy of sorts-but there was no way he had been involved in an outright assassination attempt. "Surely they must know the Jedi wouldn't act like that?"

"There's no way of knowing what the galaxy is willing to believe, anymore. The Jedi are a mysterious group with special abilities. It's easy to turn them into *an evil force.* How many out there have even met a Jedi?" She grimaced as he ordered the sound muted once more. "You may be in grave danger."

She placed a protective hand on her belly. "We have no way of knowing if they're even aware of my involvement with Ben."

"And we have no way of knowing they don't. I'm worried; my usual contacts have been very quiet recently." He sighed. "At least we've come up with a plausible cover story for your pregnancy."

"A plausible lie." She groaned as she shifted her position. They'd invented a married lover for her, who couldn't afford the scandal if his identity became known. For the hundredth time she wondered how Amidala had managed in this same situation. She picked up the data reader angrily. "I can't afford..."

"You can sell your ship," Rostek whispered. "It will bring a good price. Unfortunately, your leaving CorSec now prevents you from getting any retirement benefits. But I'll see what I can do about getting you at least a partial payment."

She groaned again at the thought of selling her ship. Not that she used it a lot-especially recently. But she had become attached to it. She closed her eyes and nodded, before she could change her mind.

"I'll see to it." Rostek smiled sadly as he glanced at the screen. "Is there anyway we can warn the galaxy?"

"And tell them what? Ben and I have been trying for three years to find that one piece of evidence that would connect Palpatine and the Sith. He's been too careful."

"So he blames the Jedi for exactly what he is doing."

"Yes," Baryl answered simply. The Jedi were not the evil the galaxy needed to fear.

Alderaan (2 months)

Amidala crossed her arms as she watched Princess Kalla put the finishing touches on her make-up. She didn't bother to hide her disapproval of Kalla's recent forays into the city. The princess's pale face was a very good sign that she was doing too much. The doctor had warned Amidala to keep Kalla from overdoing it, but Amidala recognized the princess's stubbornness.

"Stop it," Kalla croaked as she turned around. "You're looking concerned again."

"You are overdoing it, again."

Kalla's eyes narrowed. "I've been sick for almost two months. I'm bored, I'm tired of people taking care of me-and I have a festival to oversee."

"Kalla, we're just concerned."

"Ami..." Kalla's face filled with concern. "What are your plans?"

"I...Kalla, the fewer people who know, the better." Ami smiled to reassure her friend. "Master Yoda has made arrangements for me to vanish again."

"It's not necessary. We can protect you."

"For the moment, but my presence here is also a danger to Alderaan."

"Maybe someday you will tell me why Palpatine wants you dead."

"I don't think he really needs a reason, but..." She didn't finish as she remembered her husband.

"Ami, tell me something. Who is Leia's father?"

"Anakin Skywalker. He was Obi-Wan's apprentice."

"What happened to him?"

She hesitated. "He died." Kalla didn't pursue the subject, but there was something in the way she looked at Amidala that suggested she saw more to the story. Amidala swiftly changed the subject.

"And the Festival of the Moons?" Amidala asked quickly to change the subject. She didn't want to explain any more to Kalla than she absolutely had to.

Kalla coughed as she answered. "Behind schedule, but we'll be ready."

Amidala handed Kalla her shawl. She knew Doctor Ettyk was worried about the princess's slow recovery from the flu, but Kalla had determined it was better for her to do something than lie around all day.

Amidala felt guilty about her plans. She did not want to leave, nor did she want to give up on her dreams. It couldn't be coincidence that Palpatine would be visiting Naboo at the moment she was planning to leave. Ben would say there were no coincidences. She fervently hoped that it was a propitious sign.

"Ami?" Kalla's face was full of concern. "What are your plans? Bail mentioned that Master Yoda has arranged sanctuary. Is this wise?"

"Yes." The conversation ended when a dark-haired man entered and bowed politely. Kalla introduced the Director of the Festival to Amidala, who then made a quiet exit.

Bail was waiting for her in the corridor. With a quick shake of his head, he closed the door. "She does too much."

"I know, but outside of locking her in her room, there is nothing we can do. She may be right-she is looking a little better. The exercise may actually be good for her."

"I hope so." He sighed. "I'm thinking of resigning..."

"No! I mean, you are a voice against the Emperor."

"Garm and Mon Mothma are perfectly capable..."

"Bail, first of all, I don't think Kalla would let you. Second, if you do, Palpatine has won."

"I'm worried about her. You're leaving soon." He paused then motioned her to follow him. They were silent until he'd closed the door to his office.

"My sources say Palpatine is looking for a ghost," he said quietly. "I debated telling you this."

She glanced at the floor for several seconds. "Then I do need to leave. You promise to carry through with my wishes?" Bail hesitated before nodding.

"He fears you."

"He fears me because of my children. He can never know they exist." She stood before, eyes meeting his. "Lady Brasa will be my replacement in the nursery. Her niece is the right age to be a playmate for Leia." As she spoke her daughter's name, she felt her eyes start to tear up. "Just promise me you will love her."

"We shall."

Corellia: 2 months 3 weeks

Ben stared, puzzled, at the apartment door. It was all wrong. He couldn't sense Baryl and there were strangers in her apartment, yet he could detect no sign of danger. Warily, he reached over and knocked. The bald man who answered didn't look threatening.

"I'm looking for Baryl Arasta, the woman who used to live here," Ben said as he gently used the Force to read the man.

"Sorry, don't know her." The man started to turn away, then stopped. "We moved in just a few weeks ago. The landlady said something about the former tenant getting herself into a spot of trouble."

Ben managed to remain calm as he thanked the man. He'd spent the past months on the Rim, moving Jedi as well as others hiding from bounty hunters. There had been one cryptic message waiting for him on Tatooine. He'd rushed to Corellia only to not find her. Hundreds of dreadful troubles had filled his mind by the time he'd reached the ground floor of her building. He took several deep breaths as he forced himself to regain control of his emotions.

Logic returned with his calm.


Ben smiled at the woman who answered the door. "Scerra Horn, I'm Ben Kenobi. Is your husband home?"

The woman laughed. "Ben Kenobi. I know someone who's going to very glad to see you alive and in one piece."

"Where is she?" There was no sign of her within the small house.

"She's not here, but don't worry. Baryl's fine, as well as can be expected. A bit grumpy that you weren't here earlier." She turned, but the sound of running footsteps told both of them that her son had recognized the Jedi.

"Hello, Hal," Ben said with another smile. Apparently Baryl was all right, but he was beginning to think that Scerra knew more than she was telling.

"Hal will take you to Baryl."

Hal grabbed his jacket from a chair and practically leapt out the door. "She'll be glad to see you." Ben had to jog to keep up with boy for the first block.

"Why? What's up?" Ben was suspicious. They slowed to a walk at the second corner.

"Horn said that we weren't to tell you. He'll talk to you later-about your trip to Alderaan."

"I'll be by." Ben knew he would get no more information from Hal, so changed the subject. "What are you doing with yourself these days?"

"I've spent the past week studying for the CorSec Exams."

"I'm sure you'll do fine."

"I should. Both da...well, Rostek has been helping me." The boy looked up at Ben, and Ben realized that during the few years since his father's death, Hal had grown up. "It's hard sometimes to remember. I've been practicing." Hal smiled shyly. Ben was impressed. The young man had nearly perfected his ability to hide his connection to the Force.

"Excellent." It was also tragic. With more training Hal would have developed into a strong Jedi. Hal turned down a small side street.

"If I can't be a Jedi, I can at least still serve the people," Hal said quietly. "The Halycons were never much good with the mind reading bit, but we can read body language. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Yes," Ben said as they turned a corner. The hundreds of dreadful troubles that had plagued him at the apartment returned, but none of them could stand up to the cheerful demeanor of the Horn family.

"She's fine," Hal said. "Horn just worried that she would be linked to you, so he put her into a safe house." They were heading toward the space port. "We'll take our speeder, it will be faster."


Baryl stood slowly at the familiar twinge in the Force. She was past wondering where he'd disappeared to. Somehow she'd known he wasn't dead, but having not heard from him for six months had been annoying. She didn't turn the light on as she moved to the door. At the second knock, she opened the door.

"Hello, Ben." She smiled despite wanting to chew him out. "I've missed you."

"Baryl." He kissed her quickly as he passed. "Now, would you please tell me what is going on?"

She reached out and took his hand. "My love, here's a puzzle for your Force abilities." She placed his hand on her abdomen. "It should make life on Tatooine very interesting."

"I..." His eyes narrowed in concentration, then he looked up at her in complete surprise. "Oh."

She laughed. "Oh? Ben Kenobi, I think you can do better than that. Meet your daughter, Aryana." She watched as he closed his eyes. She felt his presence envelop her as he met his still unborn child.

"I...Baryl...Aryana?"

"The name came to me a few months ago."

"It's beautiful. " He frowned at her. "You should have contacted me earlier."

"There are too many unfriendly eyes across the galaxy. I didn't want this to become public knowledge."

"I received the message you sent to Tatooine. I'm not sure the cave will be big enough. At any rate, we should move closer to the settlement. Aryana will need friends."

"Don't start playing matchmaker for your daughter." She grinned at his blush. "They're both too young."

"Owen wouldn't approve. He doesn't want me anywhere near Luke." She placed her hand on his arm.

"Maybe having Aryana with us will change his mind." She ran her hand up his arm, over his shoulder to his face. "What did you learn about her?"

"She's strong in the Force." He wrapped his arms around her. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She kissed him, having remembered the moment he walked through the door just how much she missed him.

Alderaan: 3 months 1 Week

Kalla threw her arms around Ben, then Baryl, and took two steps back. "Well, well. Congratulations," Kalla said with a raspy voice. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Baryl had to admit coming here was already worth it. The brilliant decorations throughout the capital and palace were wonderful. "Where's Amidala?"

"We've already said our farewells." Kalla took her husband's hand as she started cough.

Bail continued with the explanation. "She's meeting with friends of Master Yoda's at the height of the eclipse." Bail motioned for them to walk. "It's been hard. The epidemic and Palpatine's visit..."

Ben stopped. "The Emperor was here?" Baryl shook her head, and wondered just how Ben had missed this piece of news.

"A good will tour. Alderaan was one of his first stops."

"And Sky...And Vader? Was he with the Emperor?" Ben's voice was low.

"Yes," Bail looked puzzled-but Baryl was stunned at the flicker of horror and recognition on Kalla's face. Amidala must have told her part of the story. Kalla didn't ask any questions, but Baryl continued to study her. "The others will join us in time for the eclipse."

"Others?" Baryl asked.

"Mom Mothma and Garm. Did you know he's engaged?" Both Ben and Baryl shook their heads. Baryl made a mental note to remind Rostek that she wanted to be kept abreast of Corellian news. Her former partner hadn't been happy that she was going to Alderaan with Ben, but she'd wanted to say farewell to Amidala. She took Ben's hand and squeezed it.

"*Amidala?*"

"I don't know." His frown alarmed her.

"What?" she whispered.

"Something's not right," he replied.

Bail motioned them inside. "Kalla and I have to put in a brief public appearance. Feel free to wander around in the meantime. The best viewing will be in an hour."

Baryl was glad to sit down. Her feet and back hurt, as was more often the case than not these days. "Now," she said when they were alone. "Tell me-what's not right?"

"I'm not sure," Ben said. "There's something familiar, yet not so familiar."

Baryl clenched her fists. "Vader?"

"No. It's like something from the past." He sat across from her. "Perhaps Horn was right, maybe we shouldn't have come."

"No way," Baryl said. "When we settle on Tatooine, we'll never get another opportunity to see the double eclipse. It happens only once every twenty years. Anyway, what better time to seek renewal as we start our new lives." She held out her left hand. Ben took it and kissed it. "And I wanted to say farewell to Amidala. Am I the only the one who feels I'll never see her again?"

Ben dropped her hand and stood quickly. She watched him for several silent minutes. "Ben?"

"It's nothing." She'd just started to protest when the door opened. She attempted to stand, but decided that Senator Mom Mothma would not mind her lapse of protocol.

"Hello," the senator said. "Where's everyone?"

"Princess Kalla and Senator Organa are outside."

Mom Mothma hesitated. "And Amidala? I'm guessing you know she's alive." Baryl nodded. "Where is she?"

Ben took three steps toward the senator. "Why? What's going on?"

"My contact on Admiral Tarkin's staff finally sent a message. Tarkin and one of his spies have been poking around on Naboo. Palpatine is due to arrive there tomorrow. They also know she is alive."

"Kiffle," Baryl said as she stood. "Why didn't he report earlier?"

Mom Mothma shook her head. "He didn't think it was important, so didn't try to send it earlier. Does it matter?"

Ben closed his eyes. "Water. Falling water."

"Water? Hello, Senator," Kalla said as she entered. "It's time. What's wrong?"

"Everything," Ben said. "Where is there falling water?"

"The falls? Why?" Kalla repeated, then started to walk. "I'll show you." Baryl and Mom Mothma started to follow.

"Find Amidala," Ben ordered. Baryl nodded. She and the senator headed toward the residential section of the palace.


Ben slid to a stop at the sight of the gray cloaked figure in front of him. She turned slowly to face him. "Amidala is not here?"

"Jabithia?" Ben said, very surprised at her presence. "Master Yoda sent you?"

"In a way, yes." She stared past him and sighed. "She is not coming. I feared this when I made our offer of sanctuary. The call of her family is too strong."

"But why?" Ben asked.

"As you and Anakin once helped us, we wanted to help her. Yes, I know-that is also why we wished to help." She held out her hands, which Ben took. "I will wait for the eclipse, but then I can wait no more."

"Where will you go?"

"Away," Jabithia said as she pulled her hood tighter. "Where the Emperor cannot find us." Ben turned at the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Hello," Princess Kalla said. The other woman inclined her head but didn't respond. Kalla started to ask Ben a question, but he motioned her toward a tree.

"Her name is Jabithia," Ben whispered. "She and her people are very strong in the Force."

"Jedi?"

"No. She's here to take Amidala away..." He shivered.

"Yoda's friend?"

Ben shook his head, even as he noticed the smaller moon dip behind the other. "We once helped her people."

"We?" Kalla hesitated then asked, "What was your apprentice like?"

Ben hesitated. "He was a bright and kind kid."

"What went wrong?"

Ben closed his eyes. He didn't know what went wrong-only that he should have prevented it.

"What did Amidala tell you?"

"Not much. Only that they married-and he died before he knew about the twins. But, Ben Kenobi, I also know of her fear of Palpatine and Lord Vader. So, I ask again, what went wrong?"

"Everything," Ben whispered. "I wasn't a good enough teacher, I tried too hard-or maybe I didn't try hard enough."

Kalla took his hand. "It isn't your fault. You can only fail if you don't try."

"If I hadn't tried, then none of this would have happened."

"You don't know that. Palpatine would have found a way...or another tool."

Jabithia faded into the forest at the sound of the approaching motor, but Ben and Kalla waited expectantly.

"She's gone," Baryl said from the small speeder. "The senator is trying to find Bail. Apparently she left a few hours ago."

"Naboo," Ben said. "She's gone to Naboo." He started to run.

"Ben," Baryl shouted after him. "You can't do this alone. Take Ylenic with you!" She barely noticed Kalla get in and join her on the cramped seat.

"Ylenic's at the Caamas village. We'll find him."

Naboo: 3 months 3 weeks 3 days

Amidala stared at her former palace and wanted to cry. It was just a dark hulking mass against the darkening sky, no longer the great and beautiful building she'd once called hers.

Intellectually, she understood why Theed had been abandoned. There wasn't enough money to make repairs to the rest of the planet and also rebuild Theed. Perhaps someday. Regardless, she'd wanted to visit her former home one last time, before confronting Palpatine in the new government hall. It was about time someone did.

She froze at the sound of someone whistling. A man carrying a bundle of logs on his back stopped. "Hello, miss. You lost?"

"No. I'm just looking."

"Tragic, isn't it. My father worked there when Queen Amidala ruled us. He fought the Trade Federation."

"I remember those days."

"So do I. And the parade. He brought me to see the parade. The Queen was so radiant and proud of us." He glanced around. "My family are living in the old water plant."

"I thought Theed had been abandoned."

"Yes, miss, it has been. But we can't afford to rebuild our farm. And we aren't alone. They say a thousand squatters reside there."

"I thought rebuilding homes had been a top priority."

"It is. King Marlasa tries, but there's no money. The Republic...or rather Empire," he spat the word, "have forgotten us. And the Emperor is one of us."

"That's not all he is."

"He's a politician. Bigger and more important places than Naboo need help, too." He sighed and then looked at her more closely. "It's late. Come join us for dinner. My daughter won't mind. It's too late for anyone to be traveling."

She politely declined the offer. "Thank you, but I'm going to look around some more."

"The water tower is over..." He started to point to his right.

"Yes, I know."

The man glanced at her in surprise. "You're from Theed?" She just nodded.

"I understand. Though maybe you shouldn't remain. Remember her for what she was..."

"Maybe you're right." The palace seemed to leer at her as she stared at it.

"Scary place, isn't it? They say it's haunted. No one lives there anymore."

"It used to be so beautiful." She wiped her hand across her eyes.

"That it did, miss, that it did." He took three steps. "Don't let it upset you. It's much better looking in the daylight." He started whistling again as he left.

Amidala bent down and picked up her pack. She turned to leave-she'd landed her small ship about half a mile away-then changed her mind.


Amidala swept the dark room with her light, then cautiously took three steps further into the throne room. She found the lack of repairs on the capital city depressing and the decision to simply abandon the area haunted her. This was where it all began, thirteen years earlier. She flashed her light around, remembering how they'd tricked the Trade Federation viceroy; communicating with then Senator Palpatine. Above all, she remembered how she, like the others, had not realized his true nature until it was too late.

Her beautiful city…her home…all destroyed by the Emperor's clones. The new capital was a boring city, whose architecture was functional, but not esthetically pleasing. Yet, she had been drawn to Theed; somehow she knew that her husband was hidden in the darkness.

"Hello," a voice hissed. "I've been expecting you." She aimed the light at the speaker just as it shattered, plunging the room into total darkness.

Palpatine laughed. "I knew you could not resist this place, or the pull of the Force." There was a crackle and a small faint red fire started burning to her right. She could barely make out the shape of Emperor Palpatine in front of her.

"I want to see Anakin," she said loud and clear, making sure her voice filled the once proud throne room.

"I want to see Anakin," he mimicked. "How pathetic."

She hesitated. "Let me talk to him." Her voice remained regal.

"Talk to him? My dear child, there isn't anything to talk about." Again he laughed, this time it was a lower, more sinister laugh. "You want to save your husband? Yes, I know you were married. But have you considered that maybe he doesn't need saving?"

"You've corrupted him. Annie is a good man-he would never sink to your level of evil on his own."

The Emperor again mocked her words, then laughed. She flinched, suddenly unsure of herself. Even as she concentrated on her love for Anakin, the sound of heavy breathing echoed in the near darkness.

"Annie?" Again, she said, "Annie? Are you there?" Palpatine's menacing laugh was her only reply.

"Don't worry, my dear. Lord Vader is here." A dark shadow slipped into the flickering light and approached the Emperor. She watched the menacing shape come closer, all the while whispering softly that she loved him-and if he would only return to her, things would be all right.

"My master," Vader said. The voice seemed octaves deeper than she remembered. "I have the information on the woman, Baryl Arasta."

"Excellent, my apprentice," Palpatine said as he cast a glance her way. She cringed at the hatred she saw there. "We'll deal with her in due time."

"Annie!" she called out, suddenly panicked. "It's me. Annie?" She bit her lip to keep from crying. Baryl would lead them to Ben, who would then lead them to her precious children.

"Yes, my master," Vader said. Without a single glance in her direction, he stepped back into the shadows. She strained her ears, but all she could hear was the slow, labored mechanical breathing-she suddenly wondered just what Annie had become under that impenetrable black armor.

"What have you done to him?" she cried out.

"Me? I've done nothing. Except show him the power of the darkside." Palpatine's voice was soft and threatening. "The Force has shown me that you are a danger to be negated." He raised a hand, then put it down. "It's so convenient that you're dead already. No one will miss you-except your friends on Alderaan. I'll deal with them too."

"You can't," she whispered.

"Can't I?" He smiled. She took a step back. "You will find that you are mistaken, about a great many things. Like your desire to have *Annie* returned to you. You want a family, the children you dream of. I can see right through you."

She stared at him, horrified. How could he know of her family? She tried to block the almost overwhelming emotions the sudden vision of her son serving Vader brought.

"You will see that I know of a great many things: like the CorSec woman, Baryl Arasta, is carrying Kenobi's child. Through her, will I find him." He took a step closer. "I can feel your hatred. Good. Your hatred of me, of your husband."

She started to reach for the blaster in her belt, but it went flying across the room. She jumped at the loudness of the crash as it shattered against the distant wall.

"You are no match for the Force," he whispered. "The Force has brought you to me, and soon your Jedi friend and his mistress will meet their demise."

"No," she whispered. "They are of no importance." Palpatine's smile sent shivers down her back.

"Obi-Wan is Jedi, his child would be Jedi," Palpatine snarled. "The Jedi will be wiped out."

"Let me speak to Anakin," she said as tried to control her increasing panic. "I know..."

"He's still here. He's just not inclined to listen to you." Palpatine raised his right hand. "Now, I grow weary of this conversation." She jumped back at the sight of the blue light flashing from his fingers. He chuckled at her growing fear. The small fire started to crackle and grow larger. She took another step back, then another, hoping she could flee this place and warn the others.

Another bolt of light tore through her arm. She screamed in pain. "Anakin!" There was no answer, only the echoing silence which was rapidly swallowed up by the roar of the approaching flames. She turned to run, and tripped over some debris. She screamed as she felt the floor collapse under her.

Palpatine's laughter filled the ruined throne room as he heard her last
scream fade away. The fire flared brighter as he and his servant departed. Theed would burn for days, completing the destruction begun long ago. And as an added benefit, there would be no body to be found afterward

His apprentice followed silently as they departed the flaming building. Vader had not tried to help the woman, but nor had he killed her-as Palpatine had wanted.

Vader had learned his lessons in self discipline well. The Force offered no clues to what his apprentice was thinking or feeling. He would send Vader out to help with the elimination of the last few thousand Jedi. It would also allow Palpatine to assess his apprentice's emotional response to her death-from a safe distance.

It would not be long before the final steps in the revenge the Sith had dreamed of for so many centuries became a reality.

He stopped at the waiting transport and watched the mounting flames. "We have much to do, my apprentice."

"Yes, my master," Vader said. "I wish to seek Master Kenobi."

"Patience. You will have your chance. His woman will bring him to you." Even as he spoke, another idea developed. An idea of such delicious irony that he smiled. "The child, on the other hand, might be useful." The two entered the transport as Palpatine described what he wanted.