Naboo, 9 ABY
Leia Organa-Solo leaned against the stone railing rimming the veranda, gazing at the cloud-shrouded mountains on the far side of the lake. Laughter drifted across the veranda, and she heard Ben and Kira playing boisterously with Winter joining into the fun. Leia closed her eyes, smiling, as a cool breeze danced across the lake to ruffle the leaves of the tree under whose shade she relaxed. Nearby, she heard an awkward shuffling sound and turned to see C-3P0 surveying his surroundings with confusion and wonder.
"Your high-, I mean, Madame Leia, my circuits cannot compute why this place seems so familiar," Threepio said, his prissy voice affecting a comic befuddlement.
Leia smiled warmly at Threepio, watching as the droid continued to process the strange sensations produced by his AI circuitry. As Threepio reached the trunk of the tree, Leia said, "Perhaps it's because you have been here before."
"Goodness me! I can't imagine when that might have been," Threepio proclaimed.
"My mother and father were married here," Leia explained. "Pooja told me that you were with them. She said it was your job to make sure they didn't see each other before they were married."
"Oh dear," Threepio murmured, and Leia had the impression that the droid was cycling through past data to ascertain whether he would have been capable.
"Don't worry, Threepio," Leia said. "I am sure you performed your role admirably."
A small, laughing voice cried out, "Last one to Threepio is a rotten gizka spawn!"
Leia turned to watch Ben racing across the veranda with Kira trailing after him. Winter watched the two children from the shade of Varykino's portico, and Ben laughed gleefully as he led Kira. His laughter faded into surprise, and then a fraught determination as Kira caught up to him and then surpassed him. Ben added a burst of speed, but Kira managed to reach the droid's legs first, and she laughed joyfully.
"No fair!" Ben cried as he caught up. "You used the Force!"
"Did not!" Kira retorted, her small, delicate features morphing into indignant defiance.
"But I want to be the fastest!" Ben said, pouting. "I never beat you!"
"Ben," Leia said. "Did you just say you never beat Kira?"
"Yeah," Ben said, his eyebrows furrowed.
Sensing the outburst coming on, Leia said, "Really? Never once in the history of time have you ever beaten Kira at First One to Threepio?"
"I did," Ben said, his indignation deflating into dejection.
"It's frustrating to lose," Leia affirmed, kneeling onto the ground. "But it's even harder when we tell ourselves 'never,' isn't it?"
"Yeah," Ben said reluctantly.
Leia looked up at Winter approaching, and Winter raised an eyebrow – a cue Leia recognized as saying Let me know if you need more space. Leia smiled and shook her head, remaining on the ground with Ben and Kira. Kira had wandered off and was now trying to climb a tree, while Ben was squinting across the water at the sunlight filtering through gaps in the clouds.
"Mommy, is that where Grandma and Grandpa got married?" Ben asked, even though Leia knew full well that Ben knew the answer, having told him the story dozens of times already.
"That's right, Ben," Leia said, grateful to have averted the tantrum.
"Could you talk about it?" Ben asked, his eyes shining with curiosity. Ever since their arrival, he had pried whatever bits of information he could get about his grandparents – especially Anakin. Ben had learned more and more about her father's Jedi exploits, and he had taken to trying to teach Kira how to play his new favorite game – Anakin and Ahsoka. Leia had forbidden the game upon discovering that Ben knew far more about Anakin than she would have expected, but she relented upon making her peace with Anakin during her trial.
"I would love to," Leia said, feeling a sense of relief that the sentiment was genuine and not forced like it had been before.
Leia was about to begin telling the story of how Anakin and Padme stole away to Naboo in secret, when a distant rumbling disrupted the quiet of the lakeshore.
"Whoa! What's that?" Kira called from a branch in the tree.
Leia rose to her feet and stepped to the railing with Ben trailing behind her. Ben climbed up to peer across the lake, joining Leia as she tracked the approach of a CSS-2 Senatorial Shuttle flanked by a pair of X-wings soaring over the mountains and dropping down to glide above the surface of the lake. Leia recognized the blue and gold color scheme on the CSS-2, and with a sinking, ambivalent feeling, recognized it as Mon Mothma's personal shuttle.
"It looks like we are about to receive a very important visitor," Leia said. "Winter, would you kindly bring the children inside and prepare their lunch. I am going to prepare to receive the Chancellor."
"As you wish, Madame," Winter affirmed, then she turned to Kira and called, "Come, Kira. Down from the tree. It's time for lunch."
Kira lingered in the branches, watching as the shuttle glided overhead toward the landing platform on the far end of the villa. When the ship vanished out of sight, Kira reluctantly swung down from the branches, landing lightly on her feet. Leia noticed Winter's momentary surprise at Kira's dexterity, giving Leia the sense that Winter felt anxious at not being able to disrupt a dangerous maneuver. Leia recognized that Kira was growing more and more adept at such maneuvers every day, and she knew it was only a matter of time before she would have to send both children to Yavin for their training. The thought of watching her children train under Master Kestis and Master Zevala – their appointed Masters once their Padawans completed their trials – filled her with joy, and she again allowed herself to consider the arguments she might make to spur Han into retirement. The thought left her with a twinge of anxiety, as Han's restlessness scared her.
She watched the children bounce along after Winter, and she watched Threepio shuffle along after them, struggling to keep up. She ran her finger along the railing and gazed out across the lake, thinking again that this would be a fine place to retire. Knowing that Mon Mothma would be waiting, and that with her busy campaign schedule this was unlikely to be a social call, she turned away and left the vista behind.
Chancellor Mon Mothma rose from her seat on the shaded veranda overlooking the lake as Leia approached. A smile stretched across her tired face, giving the impression that she had instantaneously become ten years younger. Leia returned the smile as she crossed the balcony past the Republic guards, even as a quiet voice inside whispered concernedly about the burdens weighing on her old friend and mentor. Leia had followed the news of the campaign, and despite Mon Mothma's triumphant moments in the recent debate, the polling suggested that the Chancellorship would be a toss-up, while control of the Senate appeared likely to go to the opposition.
"Leia Organa-Solo, Jedi Knight," Mon Mothma said, beaming at Leia as she approached. She spread her arms wide, and Leia embraced the stateswoman. As they broke apart from their embrace, Mon Mothma took both of Leia's hands in hers and said, "An accomplishment hard-earned."
"Thank you, Chancellor," Leia said formally.
Mon Mothma smiled, then said, "Now, now. For the moment, let us just be friends." Mon Mothma released Leia's hands and gestured to the chair on the opposite side of the table.
A servant approached with a tray laden with two steaming cups of tea, and the servant set a cup down before each of the women. Mon Mothma glanced at the tea, which had an unusual reddish tinge to it. The servant set down a small honey pot, and Leia swirled the wand around, collecting honey, which she then dipped into her tea.
"This is luvella – it's a variety of tea endemic to Yavin-IV. The honey also comes from Yavin. We don't enjoy many luxuries as Jedi, but this may be the finest tea in the galaxy," Leia said serenely as she returned the honey wand to the pot.
Mon Mothma swirled a dollop of honey into her own tea, and with a curious smile lifted the cup to her lips. She sipped the hot liquid, which awoke her taste buds with a complex array of botanicals brightened by the rich sweetness of the honey. She closed her eyes, and with obvious pleasure, chuckled, "Oh my."
Leia smiled and sipped her own tea, glancing curiously at the Chancellor. Mon Mothma savored another sip, gazing across the water, and for a moment, Leia had the impression that Mon Mothma had become twenty years younger. As Mon Mothma gazed across the lake at a stray thunderstorm drifting along the far shore, she said quietly, "It's been a trying campaign. I take these moments as I can," Mon said. She added, "I am terribly sorry for disrupting your vacation."
"That's alright, Mon," Leia said, sipping her tea. "What may I do for you?"
Mon Mothma set her tea down, and a pinched, stressed expression replaced the momentary serenity. She turned to Leia and said, "I assume you've been following the election."
"I have. Even on Yavin, the Jedi Masters all have a keen interest in the outcome," Leia acknowledged.
"As they should," Mon Mothma said, disquieted. "Senator Brasaar has quietly begun suggesting that the Jedi Order's independence from Republic governance might be a mistake."
"What's the reaction been?" Leia asked.
"More people than not seem to agree," Mon Mothma explained. "They remember the Jedi Order's previous role, and given the difficulties of Republic Intelligence in managing the conflicts on the Outer Rim, many feel that having more direct involvement from the Jedi would be beneficial."
"Luke already is involved," Leia explained. "And given the current size of the Order, they wouldn't make much of a difference anyhow."
"You're right," Mon replied. "But the sentiment is largely symbolic. In fact, given how much time, energy, and political capital it takes to maintain the Republic as is, most efforts to stem conflict on the Outer Rim remain symbolic."
"Don't tell Han that," Leia said, sipping her tea and gazing at the far end of the lake.
"Speaking of Han, shouldn't he have returned from Nothoiin by now?" Mon asked.
"Yes," Leia said, feeling her jaw muscles tighten. She had called him earlier in the morning, but the Falcon said he was indisposed without explaining what he had been indisposed with. She had spent much of the morning fending off resentment that Han had not come straight home.
"I see," Mon Mothma said, observing the inner conflict that Leia attempted to hide. She drained the last sip of tea, leaving the dregs, and she set down her cup. Leia straightened up, recognizing that Mon Mothma was pivoting to the reason why she came.
"Leia, I know you have worked hard to achieve knighthood, and I know that of all the people in the galaxy, you have earned the right to spend your time as you wish," Mon Mothma said. "I feel horrible doing this, but I came to ask for your help."
"What can I do for you, Mon?" Leia asked after finishing her own tea.
"Our internal poll suggests that we are perilously close to losing. The sentiment is too strongly swayed in favor of my opponent, and Bolsko's media empire has hammered us relentlessly on everything we've done and not done. We have little to no control over the syndicate wars, and the economy limps along for the vast majority of systems," Mon Mothma explained. "When it becomes quiet at night for the few hours I actually sleep, I drift off fearing that everything we've worked so hard to build these last five years is slipping away."
Leia sighed, remembering the countless hours of diplomatic appeasement, persuasion, cajoling, and promising that she had committed in service of helping Mon Mothma pull the galaxy back together. The effort had strained her relationship with Han, separated her from her son, and stalled her progress in becoming a Jedi. Too many times she had looked in the mirror to see the same haunted, tired expression etched into Mon Mothma's face right now. And yet – the prospect of allowing Brasaar to take power with a majority in the Senate, wherein he could dismantle just about everything Mon Mothma had accomplished during her five years as Chancellor appeared equally repellent. Brasaar had called for increasingly bold proposals limiting aid to the planets that the Empire had ravished while attempting to limit the government's ability to serve the people in every arena outside of building a massive military presence. Leia and many others had seen all of this as a naked attempt to catapult the former Imperial worlds back into positions of prominence and influence while undoing the economic populism of Mon Mothma's reign. It had been disappointing to see that at least half of the galaxy was receptive to such regressive changes, even after twenty years of Imperial rule.
"I share the same concerns," Leia admitted.
"After much deliberation, and in a rare show of unity within my cabinet and my campaign, we have concluded that one thing in particular might help us hang on," Mon said.
"Which is?" Leia said, bracing herself at the sadness and conflict appearing on her friend's face.
"That you join me as my Vice Chancellor," Mon said, sadness and regret lining her face.
Leia opened her mouth, then closed it again. Her thoughts raced as she struggled to pinpoint the complex emotional bouquet blossoming within her. Finally, her thoughts settled, and she said, "But that would mean. . ."
"Renouncing your Jedi Knighthood," Mon Mothma affirmed.
Leia nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She had been a fierce advocate for the law, pointing out Emperor Palpatine's duel identity as a Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious. His power in the Force had torn the Republic down, and her advocacy had led to a law prohibiting any Force-sensitive individual from holding office.
"I wouldn't just have to renounce it," Leia said. "I'd have to disconnect from the Force entirely."
"I know," Mon Mothma said, her regret shining in her face and resonating in her voice. "I loathe that I must ask you this."
"And my family," Leia said, her mind recovering from the shock.
"If I understand correctly," Mon Mothma said, "Both Ben and Kira are nearing the age where they will begin their Jedi Training."
"And I had hoped to be there with them," Leia stated, a touch more animatedly than she had hoped to.
"I understand, Leia," Mon said sympathetically. "After everything you've given to the Rebellion and the Republic, nobody deserves the right to watch her children grow than you do. I ask this not because I wish to take any of that away from you. I ask because I fear for the survival of the Republic as we've envisioned it."
Leia gazed across the lake, adrift in anxiety over the potential loss of what they had worked to build. Despite the insulation of Jedi training and the distance from Coruscant, she had maintained a close watch on the campaign, occasionally even offering insight and advice to the campaign when she observed something critical. Yet, the last thing she wanted was to return to politics.
Han's angry expression flashed before her eyes, and she said, "Han is not going to like this."
"No," Mon Mothma said. "We would be happy to work with him on an arrangement that he might find suitable."
"Good luck with that," Leia said, a touch more bitterly than she intended to sound. "He's happiest when he's in the field. Something tells me he'd rather eat Bantha dung than be a Chancellor's spouse."
Mon Mothma tilted her head in concern, and Leia noticed the expression. She waved the concern off, adding, "It's ok, though. But I cannot agree to anything until we've talked it through."
"I understand," Mon Mothma affirmed. "Please, take the next few days. If you are willing, we hope to announce by the end of the month. I have withheld offering my Vice Chancellor candidate longer than I ought to, but I also wish to give you time to consider."
"Thank you," Leia said, disquieted and conflicted. She brightened slightly, then said, "Now that that's done, would you like another cup of luvella tea?"
Mon Mothma closed her eyes, then said wistfully, "Oh, would I ever." She smiled sadly and added, "But, I am to appear at rallies at Ithor, Ord Mantell, and Glee Anselm in the next few days."
Leia rose from her seat as Mon Mothma began to rise. The Republic guards stepped forward, prepared to escort the Chancellor. Mon Mothma took Leia's hand and said, "I am so sorry, Leia. I know how much I am asking of you, and I wish there were another way."
Leia mustered a strained smile and said, "I understand, Mon. I will let you know in two days' time – possibly sooner if Han returns."
"Thank you," Mon said, her eyes welling as she held back tears.
She embraced Leia, then turned away, walking briskly away from the lakeside veranda with the guards falling into step beside her. Leia turned away from Mon Mothma and exhaled deeply. Leaning against the railing overlooking the lake, she gazed across the water, feeling the peace she sought vanishing like the sun behind the thunderstorms on the lake's far shore.
Eriadu, 9 ABY
Vorst Myntal stared at a medallion stamped with the Imperial insignia lying on the desk, listening as it continued to resonate at a high frequency. Long ago, the medallion resonated often, a cue to drop what he was doing and turn his attention to a more urgent matter, usually one that conveyed the bidding of the Emperor. With the Emperor's death, the medallion had lain dormant for five years. He had kept the medallion both out of habit and as a reminder of his privileged stature; a member of Palpatine's inner circle, trusted with secrets – an important man with power.
But his feeling was not one of empowerment as the medallion's singing gradually resided. He lifted the medallion and felt its cold, heavy weight. Since the Emperor's fall, the medallion had felt like a reassuring reminder of his rightful place in the galaxy. But as it resonated, he wondered – Had Gideon done it? He had hoped aloud, but secretly dreaded Gideon's success. Had Gideon accomplished his goal, the medallion would feel like a death sentence.
Myntal rose from his chair and activated the shades to his office window. The shades slid across the arcing window overlooking Eriadu City's exquisitely baroque skyline, casting his office into darkness. He settled himself in his chair, glancing askew at the medallion as its presence whispered of inevitability. He glanced at the Imperial insignia and closed his eyes, regretting the vows that he took so long ago. Realizing he gained nothing by postponing, he pressed the medallion to the projector, which sprung into life. The projector whirred into action, projecting a man with piercing red eyes and blue skin surrounded by an Imperial officer and a dozen death troopers.
"Citizens, soldiers, and Commanders of the Galactic Empire. I, Grand Admiral Thrawn, have returned from the Unknown Regions. I have learned only recently of the death of our Emperor and the fall of the Empire. As many of us have become scattered, disorganized, and disconnected, I come to you now, seeking to unify. Our Emperor and our Empire may be gone, but in the face of the chaos and disorder over which the Galactic Republic presides, our mission and our values remain true and proud. I request that you join me on the planet Honoghr in seven standard days, and there we shall consolidate our strength and work together to remove the weakness and fecklessness festering in the once-proud heart of the Galactic Order," Thrawn paused, allowing enough silence for the message to sink in. He resumed his speech, saying, "Respond as soon as possible to receive coordinates. Long live security and order."
After Thrawn concluded his message, Myntal leaned back into his chair, his brow furrowed as he considered what he had just seen. A hollow emptiness replaced the knot in his stomach. Here, after years of plotting, scheming, covert funding, and partially fulfilled promises kept out of the Republic's oft-indifferent eye, a voice from the past emerged, both promising order while not endorsing the hope of restoring the Empire. Myntal knew Thrawn by reputation, and he was aware of his legendary exploits in outwitting both the Rebellion and his enemies within the Empire. Resistance to his ascent had been fierce owing to his alien, inscrutable nature. His blue skin alone seemed to be enough for most to reject him, yet Thrawn had maneuvered the intricate plots of High Imperial intrigue as effortlessly as if playing Dejarik with a five-year-old.
Myntal's mind went to Gideon, who still had not reported back following the sudden silence after the promises made before Nevarro. His friend had gone as well in a second attempt to secure that which Gideon sought above all else; something of critical importance to their overall mission, but that which also remained inscrutable and unexplained. The silence surrounding Gideon further disquieted Myntal, leaving a blank canvas of uncertainty from which to project his fears. Was Gideon dead? Was his friend dead? If so, what became of Gideon's errand? And if Gideon was dead, who would lead the reborn Empire out of the shadowy ashes and back into the light? Thrawn had not mentioned any intention of rebuilding the Empire; only restoring order.
As Myntal considered the numerous questions, his mind settled onto something concrete. Why not both? As the thought resonated, the shaking in his hands stopped. He pressed the medallion into the circular depression at the top of the holoprojector again, and moments later the holoprojector came to life, displaying the chiseled, cold, calculating features of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Myntal adopted an air of jovial gratitude, and he stretched his arms out in an expression of welcome, saying, "Grand Admiral Thrawn! What a pleasure it is to see you alive!"