HEROES AND VILLAINS By Kondoru.

Alternative ending to RotJ

Standard Disclaimers.

Thanks to Budgie for Beating.


Chapter Fifteen; The Twins birthday.

True luxury, thought Leia Organa, was having a packet of nuts all to yourself.

Her father and his team of Aunts had brought her up to share; while in the Rebellion treats were scarce and so she had often to share with Han and Luke. So having nuts and not having to share was a novelty to Red.

Anakin, of course had a packet of his own. Anyway, he was not around.

Basket was undergoing surgery on his lungs. Finally his doctors had pronounced his health good enough to allow this operation.

He had been childishly excited rather than scared at such a big medical procedure. "Once my lungs are working my health will get even better. I won't suffer pain or a tight chest when I breathe, and when I recover I can go in bacta to restore my skin. Basket paused. "You will get to see what a handsome devil your father is!"

Red had sighed at that. She wasn't prepared yet to live with this new, improved father.

But today was Leia's Birthday.

And she was in a supermax prison. How brilliant.

Leia sighed to herself. What a miserable way to spend a birthday. Even Anakin had arranged his surgery to avoid that day. Possibly through tact.

She still hated her father, even though she was getting to understand him.

She had no chores or political duties today. Leia ate a few more nuts, then rolled over on her bedroll to sleep.

True luxury, was a day in which there was nothing to do.


Presently Zasti came in with a covered tray. "You have a cake." She said proudly.

She did indeed have a cake.

It was big with white icing.

With HAPPY BIRTHDAY RED written on it in red icing.

Leia thanked her warder and started by cutting off the bit with RED on it.


After dinner Governor Norran stepped in, followed by Luke and Han.

Leia brightened; things were looking up.

"Happy Birthday." Luke was smiling happily to himself. "Of course it's my birthday too," he quantified unnecessarily.

Red looked sad. "I haven't anything for you, Luke." Leia said sadly. "Have some cake."

They all helped themselves to a slice. It was sponge with jam in it. "This is a very nice cake." Said Han. "I hope you gave your father a slice."

Leia gave her boyfriend a dirty look. She had not had contact with Han Solo in months. `I cannot let you socialise with a notorious criminal` Governor Norran had told his most notorious inmate. `You are supposed to be reforming.` Leia had complained to Mon Mothma, telling her that she was going steady with General Solo, and fully intended marrying him. She had asked for Han to be permitted to stay overnight.

The First Lady had been sympathetic but she had no luck with the adamant Governor.

Leia went unfulfilled. The Governor had offered to find her some alternative…Leia had said things that ended up with her put in isolation.

Still, in there she did not have to clean up after Useless and Incontinent Daddy.

Governor Norran finished up his cake. "Since you have been well behaved of late Mon Mothma has arranged for you to have a week's parole." He told her. "Your brother and boyfriend..." He eyed up a grinning Han with fatherly concern "are going on a trip."

Leia was childishly excited. She picked up her plastic box which contained her spare clothing and wash kit. "I haven't anything fancy to wear." She admitted. Like her father Leia did not wear prison fatigues, but her wardrobe was not much of an improvement, being a few T shirts, old Alliance jogging bottoms, and her Nerf wool Jedi robe.

Han nodded. "I have put some spare clothing for you on the Falcon." He soothed.

"Thanks Han." Leia said levelly.

They sauntered leisurely through the corridors. Leia had not been out of Anakins wing in months. Even new grey halls were pleasing to her. Zasti and Rene made up the rear, the Governor in front, checking everyone through the checkpoints. There were no less than six before they got to the hangar where the Falcon awaited.

"Have a good holiday…Do remember to return, will you?" Norran waved them off.

Leia laughed a bit. "And abandon my poor disabled father?"

Threepio was waiting on the ramp, "Happy birthday, Princess," he said.

"Haven't been called that in a while. The guards gave me a new name; I'm Red."

Luke laughed, "It suits you."

"And Anakin is Basket, Basket case."

"Poor Dad." Luke laughed more. "Did he take it well?"

"Resigned. As I am." Sighed Leia sadly.

"What have you done to your hair?" Luke asked, realising he needed to change the subject.

"Dreadlocks. My Lawyer has them so I wanted some too." Zasti had patiently helped her ward braid up her hair.

"Isn't that what Zabraks have?" Han commented.

Leia had nothing to say to that, instead "Where are we going?" She asked. The Falcon smelt as ever, of oil, old ration bars, Wookie and spice. To Leia it was the scent of freedom.

Han have his annoying smile. "Well, your naughty daddy has arranged something for all of us. He left a holo." He switched it on.

There was Anakin, a smug smile on his grimly face. "My children." he began. "Happy birthday to you both. I am sorry I cannot join you...In fact I think it might be best if I stayed away, even though this is the first of your birthdays I am with you for." He sighed. "I haven't anything to give you two...But I can give you a planet...and a family. Artoo, set course for Naboo."

The holo switched off.


Naboo was a lush green planet. It was the blue of seas where it was not green. Leia was sadly reminded of Alderaan.

"This is our world?" Luke said. "I have never heard of it." He marvelled at the lush colours. "But I think I may have dreamed about it."

"The Emperor was said to be from a place called Naboo." Leia sighed, "Beautiful world to spawn a Sith…But then maybe only a happy world could be the home of a Sith." Anakin and Ashoka had spent a lot of time in teaching her about both the Jedi and Sith.

She too, had dreamed of such a world. Or was it memories of Alderaan? Leia could not tell. Anakins teaching had helped her focus her powers, but Alderaan was still in her mind.

They sat and watched the unfolding planet with the intensity of unseasoned space farers. But then, the Twins had never gone home before.

Han was uncharacteristically silent as the Falcon descended through the upper atmosphere, he knew just how much this meant to his family.

Lower and lower they flew, revealing a forested landscape with many lakes. Finally arriving at a lake with a big domed mansion next to it.

"Varykino...The country house of the Naberrie family," Artoo told them. "This was meant to be your home."

The Falcons ramp hissed down, and the Rebels disembarked.

A group of people were waiting as the Falcon landed. They were dressed in fine multi-coloured robes.

Leia stared at them as if she was some primitive who had never seen visitors from other planets before.

An elderly man steeped forwards. "Thank you for coming to stay with us. We have heard a lot about the Heroes of the Rebellion." He said. "Let us get introduced. I am Ruwee your grandfather." He gestured to an equally elderly woman, "And this is your grandmother."

"I am Sola, your Aunt." A middle aged woman in a red dress announced gently, the Twins were looking a bit overwhelmed at this.

"Pooja, your cousin. " The young lady with golden hair said cheerily.

Leia gave a big smile. "I remember you from the Senate…You are a relative of mine?"

Pooja nodded. "And we are family! You take after aunty!"

"These are my family." Leia broke down in tears.

Luke too was sniffing. He had never known about his mother, Aunt Beru had mentioned that when she had seen Anakin, there was a young woman with him called Padme.

He had no idea if she was his mother. But she sounded a good person, and had made a good impression on the much younger Beru and Owen.

His father had never talked much about her during their conversations in his cell through his trial. Now Luke knew why. It was guilt. But Anakins guilt had been purged, rather brutally with the whip.

And he now knew why Mon Mothma had chosen him to mete out his father's punishment. No one else could do it.

These sessions where he visited his father were mostly taken up by physical contact. Luke, for all his size being held on his father's lap and cosseted with his stump. He had not minded.

Leia, of course would not consent to being handled in such a fashion. Darth Vader had destroyed her. But he had saved Luke.

Much as Leia hated it, it was good for her to live with her sire for a while, learn from him.

She was going to be acquitted, everyone knew that, this remand period was just an excuse to force (Luke smiled at the irony.) her in with her Father. It would help both of them.

He hoped that one day Anakin would be able to enjoy Naboo with his In-laws. But at the moment he had a lot of healing up to do.

After showing them around the house, which Grandfather (Luke was getting used to the concept of Grandparents) was proud of. The Twins were ushered into the dining hall.

They had a fine dinner. Leia in particular, who was getting rather tired of the dreary fare in the Shard.


The next day they visited Padme's grave.

It was a mausoleum of white marble in the great cemetery of Theed city, in the Valley of the Queens. This was the burial ground of all the elected queens of Naboo. Silent robed guards unlocked the door and the twins entered to the light of a stained glass window which patterned the interior with colour.

Their mother's grave was lavishly decorated with flowers and other memento mori. Padme Amidala was still very much in the Nubians and Gungans minds.

"We are here, Mum…Sorry for taking so long to find you." Said Leia wretchedly. She did not weep; Leia was beyond tears over someone she had never met.

Luke and Leia stood hand in hand. "Our family is now complete...Even if our mother is dead." He said sadly. "At least we now have a mother as well as a father."

Pooja bent down to read the inscription. "But we are going to have to alter this." She said.

QUEEN PADME AMIDALA

HER UNBORN

"Why did the Jedi do this?" she said. "It's very unlucky to have a grave if you are still alive, you know."

Luke hung his head. "Ben never told me." Was all he could say. Pooja was right, it was disconcerting to be alive and yet be memorialised.


Afterwards Sola asked them about Anakin.

Leia looked very sad. "I haven't forgiven him...I won't ever." She was adamant.

Sola gave a wry laugh. "We were a bit perplexed when Lady Mothma told us that Anakin had not been killed by Darth Vader as we assumed all these years...that he `was` Darth Vader, and he turned on the Emperor in order to save his son...Who we had also believed was dead."

"It's been a bit shocking." Her husband told them solemnly, "To have our beloved Padme die in childbirth...No sign of a father."

Ruwee nodded. "Nine day wonder, -but fortunately on Naboo we do not make a scandal of such matters."

"Mon Mothma says that Anakin is doing very well of late." Pooja said.

"He's a very messed up individual. " Luke was downcast. "But he loves me. When he saw the Emperor attempt to kill me, he threw everything away to save me." He contemplated his plate. "He truly thought he was going to die."

"You can say that again", growled Leia.

"Master Anakin has recorded a message for the people of Naboo." Threepio said. "Artoo has it."

Artoo beeped in agreement.

"Well, when the parliament is in session next we will play it." Pooja said. "Uncle Ani is bound to have something interesting to say."

"That is just what I am fearing." Groaned Leia.


Two days later, Anakins address to the Naboo parliament was presented.

Leia was cranked at having to spend the afternoon in a stuffy Hall, -Han and Chewbacca went off exploring in town. She was enjoying her parole, and it was improving her morally as Governor Norran intended…Going back to the Shard was going to be miserable after a taste of freedom.

The hall was an old fashioned edifice of carved stone. The assembled parliament sat or stood in their coloured robes, for the Nubians, both human and Gungan, took fancy clothing very seriously. Leia felt out of place in her white dress. She had a lot to learn about her new found home.

Artoo rolled forwards and switched on his projector.

This was a modern full colour holo, not the old fashioned monochrome that most people used. Anakin was a lumpen thing wrapped in a brown robe. The details of the holo revealed the true horror of his scarred face. His skin was the pallor of a dark night. But his eyes were lively and human.

"I was told that when it rained Tatooine was transformed. From a desert to a green land full of pools and flowers." He began. "But I never witnessed such a miracle. They only happened every decade or so. My mother told me that there are planets in which miracles happen every day! I knew that should I reach such a planet I would be free. I was determined to escape slavery."

Anakin gave a big intake of breath. "Those were happy days, my childhood, -I have since learned how harsh masters can be...But Watto was kind to me. I was brought up on Tatooine...But it was not the place of my birth, I was born in the hold of a slave ship...I am truly a Skywalker." He shook his head sadly. "I don't belong anywhere."

He paused again. "But I like to think of Naboo as the place where I was manumitted. It will always be dear to my heart, even though I have little hope of ever seeing your beautiful planet ever again." Anakin smiled sadly, his eyes glistening. (Leia made a retching face at this, though no one noticed that). "And my wife Padme is from Naboo...But, onto more serious matters. " He looked stern.

"No, I did not give the orders for the Death Stars firing." Anakin was adamant "Yes, I probably could have stopped it. I am certainly guilty of the crime by omission." He looked contrite. Anakin looked about him as if he was uncertain what to say next. He gave a deep sigh. "I knew that Palpatine had a short list of planets he might test the Death Star on." Anakin paused for a long minute. "Naboo was second on that list." (This was a lie; but who could prove him wrong?)

The hall was silent.

"I like to think he might have spared the planet of his birth...But with Sith you may never know. He might have justified it as giving up attachments." Anakin frowned his scarred brow wrinkling "So you see, sinner that I am, it is entirely possible that I might have saved you all. I hope you forgive me for that." He laughed at the unfunny quip. "Can a humble man ask you a few favours?" He paused. "I would like you to grant my children, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Naboo citizenship. Leia no longer has a planet and I think Luke deserves much better than Tatooine...They both deserve better than Coruscant!" He gave a merry laugh.

"I must thank you all for remembering my dear Padme with such fondness. Also not worrying too much over who the father of her children was." He gave a poodoo eating grin. "It happens to be me, the Hero of Naboo."

"Thank you for listening to such a scoundrel as me." The holo switched off.


Afterwards there was much talking.

"What are we going to do about Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia's situation?" asked the man at the back.

"But we were going to grant them citizenship anyway...They have ties here." Said the white haired lady.

"They have no understanding of Nubian culture and society." Grey robes explained.

Everyone shook their heads at that.

"And what about for our poor old jailbird?" There were a few laughs at that.

"He didn't ask for anything for himself."

Pooja shook her head; "No, Ani isn't like that. He never asks for anything for himself. In that respect he hasn't changed."

"What could Anakin Skywalker possibly want...Except citizenship for himself?" The Queen said sternly. She turned to Leia. "Do you have any idea if your father will ever be released from the Shard?"

Leia looked at her feet glumly. She was now resigned to her notorious sire living, though she certainly wanted him out of the way. "My Fathers case is very problematic," Leia began, "-it's certain he has committed some horrific crimes, -not just one or two, but many." She said. "However they seem to have been done under duress." Leia shook her head sadly. "I have helped with my Fathers care over the past weeks," she continued, "healing is going to be a difficult and protracted process for him, the doctors told me that his physical health will take years rather than months to solve...and along with it his mental health. I certainly don't see him as being pardoned for the next few years" She explained. "However my father is getting involved with Mon Mothma's projects, -he is eager to help others. He has been helping me with my Force studies."

"So what do you think?" Said a woman in the back row.

Leia shook her head. "I personally don't think he will ever be released." Leia said "possibly sent to a milder prison? He has lived for many years a completely artificial and abnormal life, As far as I know, Darth Vader enjoyed no social interaction, re-learning all those skills might be difficult."

"Your Father seems sane enough."

"No, I'm not sure he's mad at all...What sort of institution would be suitable for a retired Sith Lord?"

"We could set up a home for ex Dark lords." Laughed someone at the back.

Leia was laughing too. "Do not joke. Anakin Skywalker or whatever he wants to be called is my sworn enemy and if I have any say in the matter, will rot in the Shard."

"Leia." Luke scolded.

"Do we want the galaxy's most notorious man here?" Said a white haired lady at the back.

"No. We might want the galaxy's most reformed man." The Man in the red and gold robe countered. Everybody laughed a lot at that. "If Anakin Skywalker is putting as much effort into reforming as his children claim, I think he deserves to come and live on Naboo. We will be honoured to have him."

"He's been a slave...We help those who have been enslaved." The first Senator said "and I am not at all sure that the Alliance has done much to help Darth Vader." Red and gold countered.

"That is what I was thinking." Agreed Luke.