"Your Worship," Han called out, trying to catch up with the fast walking Princess. "Wait up."

Leia stopped, spinning around with her hands on her hips. "I suppose you want to go with Luke and ... and Anakin Skywalker, too."

"Have you ever stopped to think that maybe he's right? Maybe it will take the combined power of Luke and Anakin to beat Palpatine?" Han questioned. "And maybe you, too."

"I'm not a Jedi."

"But you could become a Jedi, right? If you're Force sensitive?"

"I thought you didn't believe in the Force," Leia snapped. "Hokey religion... isn't that what Luke told me you called it?"

Han broke into a huge grin. "It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong, and since I'm a big man, I gotta admit I might've been wrong about this Force business."

"Might have?"

"Okay. I was wrong. The Force is real. Is that better?"

Leia shook her head. "I think Vader switched your tiny brain with some pre-programmed obedient droid brain."

"Ya think so?" Han leered at her, leaning closer. "We should test that theory. How about you ordering me to kiss you, and see if I'm obedient?"

The Princess looked down, trying to hide her smile. "You can be so annoying."

"You think I could be right. Right?"

"So Vader, Luke and I should just march into Coruscant and kill Palpatine all by ourselves, even though he's surrounded by tens of thousands of stormtroopers and guards?" Leia questioned.

"Nah. That'd be just plain dumb," Han commented. "You an' Luke an' Vader will take on Palpatine and all his stormtroopers with me an' Chewie covering your backs. Now, that's a better plan."

"Solo, you are such an egotist."

"You love me anyway, Sweetheart," Han said with a wink.

Leia walked away before he could get her to admit that was the truth.

 

***

 

Luke and Vader made a brief stopover to purchase a liquid nutrient for Vader's needs before returning to the Falcon. Once they were back on the ship, Vader questioned Leia. "Do you intend to return to the Rebellion, or do you wish to search for your mother?"

The Princess chewed her lip, still unable to look directly at the Sith Lord. "I don't trust leaving you alone with Luke. Someone has to prevent him from becoming twisted by you."

Anakin was pleased Leia would be staying with them, since it would give him more time to convince her to join up with him permanently. He also felt a certain sense of satisfaction knowing that he was correct about the Corellian's ability to sway Leia's mind. It was a very good thing he'd taken care of the smuggler's injuries, then treated him well after his capture. The Sith's initial plan had been to torture Solo, hoping his son sensed his friend's pain and would come to his aid. Now he realized such a plan would have backfired, and he was glad he had listened to the Force to guide his decision in releasing the Wookiee with instruction disks - although at the time he had wondered if he was simply getting soft. "Then we will head to our next destination - Naboo."

"Naboo?" Leia asked sharply. "Why? It's highly unlikely our mother has remained on Naboo if she was in hiding."

"I agree," Vader informed her. "Still, all my research has pointed to Naboo being the most likely origin of the messages that your mother has been sending me. Although I have gone there before and come up empty, perhaps you and Luke can give a fresh perspective on the situation." Not to mention, whoever is forwarding these messages will see my children are now with me, and perhaps that is all Padmé needs to be told to come back, Anakin thought.

"I don't have any warrants on my head from the Naboo government," Han said with a smirk. "So Naboo sounds great to me." Chewie nodded happily in agreement.

"Well, that's certainly a good reason to agree to go there," Leia muttered sarcastically.

Luke smiled at his sister. "I'd love to see our mother's home planet."

Giving a heavy sigh, Leia threw her hands up in defeat. "So we go to Naboo. I guess it doesn't sound too bad."

Vader nodded. "I would like to start your training, Leia." Seeing her wary expression he added, "Only if that is your desire."

"If we find our mother, and if it turns out you're telling the truth, I'll consider it," Leia replied evenly.

Under the circumstances, Anakin supposed that was the best he could have hoped for.

***

Coruscant, two days later

The bounty hunter bowed deeply before the Emperor, awed to be in the man's presence. "Thank you for seeing me, my Lord," Fett gushed to the cowled Sith.

"You said it was important," Palpatine growled out. "If you are wasting my time, you will find you are out of time."

Fett knew the Sith was quite serious. "I have just come from Tatooine, where I was working as an independent contractor - "

The old man let out a snort, interrupting the bounty hunter. "Independent contractor," he mocked, then waved his bony hand. "Continue."

"My last employer, Jabba the Hutt, was sent to the Beyond by none other than Darth Vader, my Lord."

Palpatine leaned back against his throne, looking down thoughtfully at the hunter. He could tell the man wasn't lying. But the question remained - why would Vader care about some petty spice dealer? "Interesting. I have not heard from my apprentice for quite some time. I was becoming concerned about his whereabouts. Would you care to speculate why Vader decided to dispatch this Hutt?"

"I have no idea, except..." Fett hesitated, not wanting to tell the Emperor everything without some promise of reward.

"Except? Please... continue." Palpatine's voice got low and harsh. "I insist."

For a second, the hunter felt his heart flutter in his chest - a warning from the Sith. "He came with a young man he called 'Luke'. Right before Vader and this young man came to attack Jabba, a smuggler by the name of Han Solo and his co-pilot entered Jabba's palace with a young woman. Solo owed Jabba a great deal of money, so he tried to bargain with the Hutt."

The Emperor made a hissing laugh. "Bargain with a Hutt? This Solo must be a fool."

"I would have thought so too, except I now believe Vader was actually with Solo, helping him out of his debt to Jabba."

"Why would Vader care about helping a smuggler?" Palpatine asked, puzzled. Luke...Luke was the name of Vader's son, the pilot that had dared destroy his Death Star.

"I do not know, Emperor," Fett replied. "I had heard that Solo was working for the Rebellion.

And since Luke Skywalker was with the Rebels, the puzzle would fit together. Somehow, Vader had found his son and was not bringing him to Coruscant like Palpatine had ordered. If Vader was defying his Master's command, then he was a traitor, just as the Sith Emperor had suspected for some time already. Palpatine could feel his rage building. "Find this smuggler, and see if my Servant and the Rebel scum are still with him. Do it quickly, and you will be rewarded, Fett. Fail me, and it will be your final failure."

The hunter bowed again, all the time wondering how in the galaxy he would ever locate Solo quickly, since he'd spent the previous six months searching with no success. Perhaps coming to Coruscant hadn't been such a wonderful idea after all.

***

Naboo

Luke was impressed with the beauty of the Naboo system. Green, sweeping vistas, towering mountains, breathtaking waterfalls. Even the buildings within the cities seemed to blend seamlessly with the landscape. "This planet is so beautiful," he whispered. "I would love to live on a system like this one."

As she listened to her brother, the Princess felt another emotion, one of aching sadness and loss. Everything here reminded her of the grace and splendor of Alderaan. Sitting behind Solo, she could almost pretend that Alderaan still existed, just with a different name.

Sensing his daughter's reaction, Anakin felt another deep pang of guilt. He could have stopped Tarkin from firing on Alderaan, but at the time defying the Emperor's order would have been unthinkable. Now that he had his son fighting by his side, he could easily imagine challenging Palpatine, and succeeding.

"You sure you want us to land out in the middle of nowhere?" Han asked, interrupting Anakin's thoughts.

"Yes," Anakin replied. "There is a village within ten miles, and I do not wish for them to see us land."

Han turned in his seat and shot Anakin an annoyed look. "We're gonna hafta walk ten miles?"

"Slightly less, actually," he responded. "If you're that out of shape, you can wait on the ship."

"Ten miles isn't that far," Luke agreed, grinning at the pilot.

Han turned his glare on Luke. "I ain't outta shape!"

"What did you just say?" the Sith hissed out, putting his hand over the hilt of his lightsaber.

"I'm not out of shape!" Han rephrased his sentence quickly and, much to his chagrin, Luke and Chewie both laughed.

Anakin shook his head. Solo was simply incorrigible, but the Sith was impressed with Solo's skill as a pilot. For a non-Force-sensitive, he was one of the best he'd ever observed. He also came to the reluctant conclusion that the Millennium Falcon wasn't a bad ship, although he wouldn't admit that to the Corellian for all the krayt gems in the galaxy. Watching his daughter and the smuggler argue and bicker, Anakin knew it was only a matter of time before their fighting turned an entirely different direction. When he got the opportunity, he would have a heart-to-heart discussion with Solo about the importance of emotional and physical loyalty to Leia Skywalker, daughter of the Chosen One. He suspected the Wookiee would be more than willing to back him up, too.

As the old ship landed in the field where Anakin instructed Solo to set down, he considered his son. Luke was still vaguely disappointed that Leia turned out to be his sister, even if he'd never admit to those feelings. Anakin Skywalker decided he'd need to introduce Luke to some appropriate females, preferably a Force-sensitive one. Padmé would like having grandchildren. Perhaps grandchildren would ease some of the pain and loss she must have experienced giving up her own children. Then the image of a young girl Vader had met several times popped into his mind, surprising the Sith. Why had he thought about her, of all people? Sure, she was Force-sensitive, the right age, and quite beautiful, but she was unsuitable because of her blind loyalty to Palpatine. I was blind for twenty long years...so maybe the Force will find a way.

 

***

 

The day was sunny and beautiful, so the walk into the town wasn't difficult except for Threepio's constant chatter as he happily informed the group everything he knew about Naboo. Unfortunately, he knew a great deal. By the time they reached the edge of town, everyone had received a long lesson about the ancient politics and history of this system.

"I assume we're looking for someone in particular," Leia surmised, looking around at the sleepy little village.

"Yes," Anakin replied. "One of your mother's friends was a woman by the name of Dormé Moorland. She disappeared around the same time Padmé did, but her parents are still alive, and they reside in this village."

"So you think Dormé might still be with mother, and that she's been in contact over the years with her parents." Leia frowned up at the tall Sith. "I hope you don't plan on using your special brand of persuasion with these people, or I swear I'll..."

Anakin held up his hand. "I do not plan on harming these people. When are you going to start trusting me?"

"When you invent a time-machine and stop Alderaan from being destroyed," Leia said simply.

"Leia, you're not being fair," Luke prodded. "He can't undo the past, but he can make the future better. Why won't you at least give him a chance to prove himself?"

"Fair? He never tortured you," she shot back. "And Tatooine is still there."

"My aunt and uncle aren't," he replied softly.

The Princess opened her mouth, then shut it. If Luke could start to heal by finding forgiveness in his heart, why couldn't she? Leia felt Han put his arm around her shoulder. Without thinking, she leaned against him, seeking comfort in his touch.

"Do you know where these people live?" Han questioned Anakin.

"I have their street address, and since this town is small I can't imagine it will take too long." Vader turned around and walked away, forcing the others to follow behind.

***

 

The home of Tamit and Hermé Moorland was a charming stone cottage surrounded by graceful bending trees and a small green lawn. At the edge of the property, Anakin paused and looked at his son. "You and Leia go ahead and knock on the door," he instructed. "It would be unlikely they will answer if I am with you."

"What do we say to them?" Luke asked.

"Tell them the truth. That you are the children of Padmé Amidala, and you are looking for her."

Leia had her doubts about this approach. "If they truly believe Padmé is dead, they won't believe us."

"The last message droid that I was able to trace showed that it belonged to the Moorlands at one time. Although the records indicated it had been sold several times since, I just cannot see that the droid's ownership was a coincidence, no more than Threepio ending up in your possession was a coincidence."

"Master Skywalker is correct, Princess Leia," Threepio put in helpfully. "The odds of a single courier droid bearing a message from Padmé Amidala Skywalker and belonging to the parents of the best friend of Padmé Amidala Skywalker are one hundred thirty-six million, seven hundred ninety-eight thousand to one."

"Did we ask you the odds, Goldenrod?" Han groaned out, tired of listening to the droid's endless stream of statistics.

"Come on," Luke prodded his sister. "It can't do any harm to ask them, can it?"

As they headed toward the house, Han called after them, "While you're at it, ask the Moorlands if they need a protocol droid. We'll sell 'em one real cheap."

*Free, even,* Chewie woofed in agreement.

"Maybe we can pay them to take him," Anakin added, much to Threepio's dismay.

 

***

 

Hermé answered the door after several knocks. A woman in her seventies with gray hair and plump figure, she reminded Luke of what his Aunt Beru might have looked like, if she'd lived to see her golden years.

"May I help you?" she asked pleasantly.

Luke looked to his sister for guidance, so Leia took the lead. "My name is Leia Organa, and this is my brother, Luke. We've come a long way, and would like to ask you some questions. If you don't mind."

"Who's there, Hermé?" a man's voice called from inside the house.

She turned slightly toward her husband. "Some young people."

"Tell them we don't need any," he yelled back, much louder than necessary.

"We're not selling anything," Luke said hurriedly. "We'd like to ask you questions about ... your daughter, Dormé, and Padmé Amidala."

The woman's face grew still. "They're dead. That's all you need to know." Then she slammed the door in their faces.

Brother and sister exchanged looks of surprise. "I wasn't expecting that sort of reaction," Luke remarked, glancing over his shoulder as Anakin and Han hurried up the path.

"What did you say to them?" Han asked as they got closer. "I could've done just as good as that."

"She said her daughter and Padmé are both dead, and didn't give us a chance to say another word," Luke answered, watching as his father stared at the door, clenching his gloved hands.

"Lying. She is lying," Anakin said softly. "They are both alive." Before anyone could react, he pulled his lightsaber from his waist and turned it on, driving the red blade through the handle of the door. Then, using the Force, he pushed the thick wooden door open.

Blaster fire greeted them before the door was fully open, but the Sith easily deflected the bolts with his saber as he stalked into the tidy home. Tamit Moorland stood in front of his frightened wife, holding his weapon in both hands. "Get out...we've called the authorities!" He watched in amazement as the blaster ripped from his hands, and went sailing over to the Sith Lord.

"You are lying about that, as well," Anakin hissed through his mask. "I must insist you both sit. Now."

Stunned, the Moorlands sat down on the sofa, their faces registering utter terror. "If this is a robbery -"

"You know who I am," Anakin interrupted Tamit. "And you know why I am here." He waved back at the others. "The young man is Luke Skywalker, and the girl is Princess Leia Organa. They are the children of Padmé Skywalker."

By this time, the older woman was starting to cry. "They're both dead," she insisted hoarsely. "Padmé and Dormé are both dead."

"Vad -," Han started to say but was cut off as his throat tightened. Not enough to cut off his oxygen, but certainly hard enough to stop his speech. Panicked, he put his hand to his neck, looking at the Princess.

Luke stepped forward, grabbing the Sith's arm. "What are you doing? You said -"

"I will have answers," Vader growled, pushing his son aside then stalking up to the woman. "Answer me, Hermé Moorland. You have aided your daughter, and you have purchased droids for her to use. Padmé and Dormé are still alive, but if you continue to lie, you will not continue to live."

"Stop this!" Leia shouted, pushing Luke aside. "You're the liar... you haven't changed a bit." She turned her focus to her shocked brother. "I told you so."

The Sith ignored Leia's outburst, and stretched out with the Force into the mind of Hermé. He barely heard her as she cried out in pain, putting her hands to her temples as the Sith ripped the information he needed from her memories. The older woman collapsed against her stunned husband, sobbing and in shock as the Sith spun around to face his children and Solo. "I was correct. The droids have come through her, just as I suspected."

"What have you done?" Luke whispered, unable to tear his gaze away from the terrorized couple.

"The woman will recover," his father replied, unconcerned. "She is fortunate, since I could have destroyed her mind retrieving this information." Then he addressed the Moorlands again. "You will contact your daughter and give her this message - 'Anakin Skywalker and his children are waiting'. Do you understand me?"

The man nodded, unable to speak out of fear.

"Since Padmé can no longer reach me on the Executor, this is the new contact code." The Sith handed the man a small disk containing the encrypted sequence for reaching the Millennium Falcon. "I realize it may take a few days to go through all the various contacts, but if I do not hear from Padmé in five standard days, I will return. Next time I may not be as charitable."

He stalked out of the door, not waiting to see if Solo or his children were following.

Leia turned her face to the older couple. "I'm so sorry.. please, forgive us. This wasn't supposed to happen." She felt Han take her arm and pull her out of the house.

 

***

 

Their father was waiting for them as they turned onto the sidewalk, standing next to Chewie and the droids. Luke spoke first, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Leia was right... you are still Darth Vader."

"Darth Vader would have killed them. They should have just cooperated."

"They were protecting their child!" Leia shouted at the Sith, not paying attention to the odd looks from the passersby. "You had no right to do that!"

"If I would have accepted their story as the truth, I would never be able to find my wife - your mother," he pointed out.

"We could have talked to them," Leia snapped back. "You didn't even give us a chance to simply explain what we wanted."

"And I can't believe I talked the Princess into any of this," Han put in, his throat still aching from the Force grip. "You really had me fooled, Vader."

The Sith said nothing for long moments. Then he finally spoke very quietly. "I have disappointed all of you."

"No..." Han muttered sarcastically. "What makes you think that?"

"Have you ever used intimidation, Captain Solo? Bluffed to get what you desired?"

Han shifted, uncomfortable with suddenly being put on the defensive. "That's different."

"How so?"

"I never threatened to kill some innocent old people," he shot back, listening as Chewie howled in agreement.

"That's not how a Jedi behaves," Luke insisted. "Maybe Ben didn't have enough time to teach me everything, at least he taught me that much. Even if he'd never said anything to me about how to behave, I have enough common sense to tell me a Jedi does not act like a Sith. If you want to reject the dark side, I don't think you're trying very hard."

Anakin looked at his son. "Did you think I was truly going to kill those people?"

"I... I didn't know," Luke admitted. "But I could sense their fear, and what you were doing was wrong. Whether it was using the dark side, or just bluffing to scare them, it was wrong either way. And using the Force to tear into her mind was really wrong."

"I told you the dark side was strong," Vader said quietly. "It's much worse than even an addict trying to become free of spice. I have a tendency to react without thinking of the consequences to my behavior - I always have, unfortunately. Believe me when I say that I am trying to pull free, but without your help it won't happen. Forgive me, my son." He turned his helmet to face Leia. "I know this incident has only served to strengthen your distrust, but I need your assistance, Leia. I need all of you to help me turn away from the darkness."

"I understand, father," Luke told Anakin. He desperately wanted to believe his father, to be willingly to forgive his missteps along the twisting path to the light side. "I'll be there for you, to help you fight free of the dark side."

"And you, my daughter? Will you be there for me, as well?"

"I'm not leaving Luke to do this alone," she stated flatly, then headed for the edge of town.

***

Coruscant

The Emperor looked down from his throne at the young girl. Such a lovely creature, stolen from her bed as Darth Vader dispatched her parents years ago. Palpatine grinned as she rose from her bow. "Jade. I have an assignment for you, child."

The redhead smiled, pleased that she could serve her Master. "Anything, Emperor."

"My apprentice has turned against me, and I know the reason." He leaned back, waiting to see if she would rush him. When Jade stayed silent, he was pleased at her patience. This one was obedient without question. "In the past few months, I have intercepted secret messages sent to Vader's personal Star Destroyer, messages that were from his wife. I had assumed she was deceased, but apparently I was mistaken. I believe she has convinced Vader to betray me, and now that his son has come out of hiding, Vader sees his opportunity to displace me."

Jade's eyes flashed in anger. "How dare he? Is he a fool?"

"A very powerful fool," the Emperor agreed. "I wish to put an end to his treachery."

"What do you wish for me to do?"

"Find Padmé Amidala Skywalker before Vader and his son find her. Then kill her."

"Yes, Master," she said, frowning. "Do you...?"

"Do I, what?" he wheezed out.

"I was just wondering if I could have access to those messages, in order to formulate a starting point."

"My spies have already provided me with a starting point. It appeared Lady Skywalker was very concerned about her son and pleaded with Vader not to turn him over to me. Apparently, in her haste to contact Vader after the destruction of the Death Star, the messenger droid was entrusted to someone rather incompetent."

"Where should I start looking?"

"On Naboo. Find a Gungan by the name of Jar Jar Binks and you will soon find Skywalker's wife. If you succeed, I will elevate your status to my Hand. The Emperor's Hand is a very highly privileged position, Jade."

"I will succeed, Master," Jade responded.

***

 

Naboo

The mood inside the Millennium Falcon was strained. Even the normally clueless Threepio picked up on the atmosphere, and remained silent.

Chewie and Han tried to stay out of Anakin's way, working on the hyperdrive system that really didn't need repairs. Luke and Leia prepared a simple meal with fresh food they had purchased in town before walking back to the ship. And the former Sith did nothing but watch as everyone tried to stay busy and out of his way. This was not the way Padmé would want to see his relationship with their children when he found her. It was time to make some amends, and the former Sith decided to start by talking to Han. The smuggler may be hotheaded, but he seemed to have the ability to cool off quickly, then see things from a more rational perspective.

The Corellian was on his back, down in the bowels of the ship with only his boots showing when Anakin found him. Fortunately, the Wookiee had headed off to retrieve some tools, so this was exactly the situation he wanted - to be alone for a moment with Solo. "Solo." Through the Force, Anakin sensed the Corellian's tension when he heard his name.

"Yeah?" he called up, not bothering to move out of the access tube.

Anakin took a hard swallow, wondering how this could be so difficult to say. "I would like to apologize for using the Force and cutting off your ability to speak." When Han didn't respond, Anakin continued, "I do manage to evoke anger and distrust in people. I would like to know how I can make it up to you."

Han pushed himself backwards, until he could see up the opening. "I think the Moorlands are the people you owe an apology to. What do you think they're gonna tell your wife? 'Padmé, Darth Vader showed up and almost killed us, but, hey, at least your children were there.' She's gonna be mighty upset that you're jerkin' her children around, too, Vader."

"No one would have dared speak to me in the manner you do, Captain Solo," Anakin said, staring down in the access tube. "I would have killed them in a second, if they tried."

Sitting up, Han wiped his hand on a greasy rag. "In other words, no one ever dared tell you the truth, so you an' Palps just floated from one day to the next thinkin' everything is fine and sweet in the galaxy."

Beneath the mask, Anakin gritted his teeth. "When we return to town, I will apologize to the Moorlands."

"Good. Now hand me that number eleven hydrospanner, and try not to hit me in the head with it," Han said with a grin. "Cuz even though I might not have the Force, I know you're tempted."

***

Luke poured water over the vegetables, then placed the pot in the cooker. "Leia, we have to give him another chance."

The Princess looked up sharply from setting the table. "How many chances do we plan on giving him?"

"He's trying," Luke pleaded. "It can't be easy, not after so many years of serving the dark side."

"Has it occurred to you he might be exactly the same Sith he was when he tortured me, only he's trying to blind us to that fact?" Leia asked in a low voice, looking toward the doorway. "Maybe he's using us for his own power play. I wouldn't put it past him."

"I feel the good in him," the young Jedi insisted. "I feel the conflict. If we don't help him, the dark side will win. How will that improve anything?"

Leia sighed. "All right. I'll give him another chance." She held up her index finger. "One more, Luke. If he threatens innocent people one more time, or uses the Force to hurt Han or Chewie ever again..."

"We'll both leave him then," Luke promised.

"Even if it means never finding your... our mother?"

Although Luke was still reluctant to give up on his father, he could understand Leia's view. "Even then."

 

***

 

Naboo, three days later

The modified Imperial shuttle landed near a large body of water in the outskirts of the Capital city of Naboo. Mara Jade wasn't too thrilled with the idea of traveling down into the underwater cities where the Gungans lived, but if she wanted to track down this Binks character it would be necessary. According to her research, Binks would be well into middle aged by now since he had been a close friend of Padmé Skywalker when he was young. It wasn't too surprising that he had been willing to help her by passing a message to Darth Vader. What surprised Jade was the fact that the former Queen would have enlisted his assistance. Jar Jar Binks had a long history of clumsy mistakes; mistakes that someone like Palpatine, or Vader, would not have accepted.

A local human, a short, older man with long black hair streaked with white, approached Jade as she exited her ship, glancing around nervously. "I was told you need transportation," he mumbled under his breath.

The redhead withdrew a credit voucher from her coat, tossing it to the Naboo thief. "The price we agreed on earlier."

His eyes fixed on the amount, and Jade could almost sense the man's heart rate increase as he nodded eagerly. The human waved his hand toward the lake. "This way. I'm sure you'll be impressed with the Gungan underwater transportation."

"I'm sure I will," she said, shaking her head. Dealing with low lifes was one part of her job she hated, and she never understood why Palpatine found it necessary to keep people like this on his payroll when legitimate merchants would be willing to deal with the Empire. And if they refused, or didn't agree with Imperial policies, then they were traitors and needed to be dealt with harshly to make an example of them for other merchants. If the Empire set enough examples of them, resistance would stop.

Unfortunately, ever since Alderaan was destroyed more and more citizens were openly critical of Imperial policy. Alderaan had been a terrible... no, not mistake. If she thought it was a mistake, that would be disloyal. An error in judgment; yes, that's what Alderaan's destruction had been - a miscalculation. People would forget, eventually. Time would heal, and memories become dim. The Emperor was too well loved, and soon the galaxy would realize miscalculations should be forgiven and forgotten.

She drew her attention back to the shoreline, looking at the Gungan bongo submarine. The worthless human was correct - it was impressive, almost like a living sea creature. The hatch was a transparent bubble, and the seating area could hold three passengers.

"Do you need me to instruct you on how to use it?" the man questioned, grinning at the mere idea of getting physically close to the pretty young woman.

Jade fixed him with an icy stare. "I've already read up on how to use it. Now, get away from me before I slit your throat and feed you to your relatives - the underwater bottom feeders."

The man cleared his throat, then backed away. He decided against warning her about the various carnivorous creatures, particularly the nasty colo claw fish, that inhabited the lake. He watched as the young woman climbed inside, literally stepping through the clear bubble that formed the dome that kept the interior pressurized and the water out. A minute later, the submarine turned from shore and disappeared beneath the glassy surface.

***

A green astromech droid rolled up to the Millennium Falcon, extending its 'arm' to press the signal buzzer. It backed up slightly as the ramp lowered, turning its 'eye' upward as the black clad human strode down, stopping in front of the droid.

"Are you bringing a message to Anakin Skywalker?" the former Imperial hissed from his respirator.

The droid beeped, then a small disk extended partially out of a slot. Vader reached down and took the disk. Without further comment, he reentered the Falcon and headed for the cockpit.

The others watched, but made no move to follow. Finally, Luke asked, "Should I go to the cockpit?"

"If he wants you to hear it, he'll tell you," Leia responded. The fact that they had not been asked made Leia nervous. What did he have to hide?

They all waited for long minutes, until Anakin's voice came over the comm. "Luke... Leia, will both of you please come to the cockpit?" They both hurried to the front of the ship where their father sat in the pilot's seat. "Please, sit."

Luke sat next to his father, while Leia took the chair behind her brother, both facing Skywalker. "Was that the message from our mother?"

The black helmet gave a curt nod. "She left a message for you." Reaching over to the control panel, he pressed the 'play' button, and a dark-haired woman's image shimmered into view. The siblings leaned closer to the holo-projection, staring at the beautiful, former Queen of Naboo.

"My Anakin," Padmé spoke softly, yet her tone was steady and firm "The Moorlands have passed your message along. Let me start by expressing my disappointment that you would threaten Hermé and Tamit in such a way. Is that why our children are with you? Are you threatening them, or threatening to harm their friends if they refuse to cooperate? I certainly hope that is not the case, because there will be no hope for us if it is. That being said, I see that you have found out my secret. Yes, I gave birth to twins, and Obi-Wan Kenobi convinced me to separate them in order to protect them from you, and Palpatine. It almost killed me to give them up, Anakin, but I did what I felt was in their best interests. They both grew up well cared for, and I believe I did the right thing, even now."

Padmé paused, looking directly into the recorder. "I would like to spend the next few minutes addressing Luke and Leia. I will start with my son. My handsome, blond boy. How much you reminded me of your father when I held you in those too brief moments after you were born. It was so unbearably hard for me when they took you away. Ten minutes - that was all the time I had with you. Ten short minutes. You cried so hard when you were taken from my arms, it was almost like you knew, and my heart was broken into pieces."

"I know that growing up on Tatooine wasn't easy, but Owen and Beru were good people. They taught you right from wrong, and I hope provided you with love, as well. Please forgive me, Luke. I know it must feel like I abandoned you, even though Obi-Wan promised he would watch over you and keep you safe."

The woman took a deep breath, then continued, "Leia, my daughter, my angel. Apparently you've found out that the man you know as Darth Vader is your natural father. Considering the horror you experienced when you learned that Alderaan was destroyed, this must be doubly hard for you to accept. The man I married was not evil, Leia. He was not Darth Vader. Your father was, and I still believe he can be, a good man. Ultimately, it will be Anakin's choice to reject what Palpatine has told him, and turn back to the light. You can help him... we can all help him, if he wants our help. But helping him is your choice, not his."

"I love you, my children. You've grown into wonderful adults. I'm so proud of you."

She refocused her gaze. "Anakin, I still love you. If you want to see me again, you will need to contact a Naboo native by the name of Jar Jar Binks. I'm sure you remember him, and I have included the encrypted code to his private number. He will accompany you to my hiding place once he sees this recording. Be nice to Jar Jar, darling. I know that can be... a challenge. I look forward to seeing all of you, very soon."

When the recording cut off, Leia had tears in her eyes. "I guess I was wrong," she admitted slowly. "Our mother is still alive after all this time."

Luke looked over to his father. "Jar Jar Binks? Who's he?"

"The only being in the galaxy more annoying than Threepio," Anakin replied with a sigh. "Solo will probably kill him in less than a day. I knew that Corellian would be useful."

***

The Gungan submarine moved through the underwater tunnels, following a preset guidance system to Jade's destination. Eventually Jade reached the large underwater city of Otoh Gunga and docked inside one of the smaller bubble domes. Before the Clone Wars, the city had been temporarily abandoned by the Gungans during a battle with battle droids over trade sanctions. Eventually the residents returned, rebuilding their city and making it even larger and grander than before. Mara Jade had to admit the city was impressive.

Less impressive were the Gungans themselves. It amazed Jade that these beings could be intelligent enough to create such underwater marvels. Still, looks could be deceiving, she knew that by experience. People, older men especially, would always look at her and see a very young, slender girl. They would joke with her, flirt with her, ask her about boyfriends and music, as if they could somehow recreate their youth by such inane comments. They certainly would never suspect she had been training for years as an assassin - that lack of respect would often become their last mistake. She would not make the same mistake by underestimating these beings.

Mara Jade pulled the nondescript robe up over her head, using the Force to make herself appear unimportant and completely forgettable. She casually walked through the vast thoroughfares, past shops, banks, and offices. Otoh Gunga reminded her a bit of the Imperial Palace, where the only beings present were human. Here, they were all Gungan with few exceptions. A few Naboo humans, always accompanied by a Gungan, also could be seen wandering around, but they looked odd and out of place. She stopped at an information booth, punching in the name 'Binks.' Inwardly she groaned as several hundred 'Binks' listed. The name must be as common as 'Antilles' on Corellia. Jade refined her search to 'Jar Jar' within the 'Binks,' and twelve remained. Twelve Gungans by the name of Jar Jar Binks, Jade thought in annoyance. What is he, some famous hero that they all want to name their children after him?" Unfortunately, the list could not be culled further by age, so she was forced to write down all twelve addresses. It looked like finding the correct Gungan was going to take all day.

 

***

 

In the hold of the Falcon, Anakin Skywalker entered the code that Padmé had provided, finding himself growing impatient as the Gungan took forever to answer his holocom. Then the familiar lanky face of Jar Jar Binks came into focus. "Yesa?"

Luke and Leia exchanged amused glances before returning their attention to the holocom. Anakin stood out of view, again trying to have his children handle the situation since the image of Darth Vader always had a negative effect on beings. "My name is Luke Skywalker," Luke started to say before the Gungan let out a loud squeal, throwing up his arms and running around in circles. When the Gungan disappeared from the viewer, Luke spoke loudly, "Jar Jar Binks? Are you still there?"

The Gungan reappeared, his eyes wide, flapping his webbed hands up and down. "Mesa here! Mesa here! Isa can'ts believes mesa ears!" He lifted up both of his floppy ears by his fingers. "Lukes Skyswalkers! Wheres are yousa?"

"On Naboo, with Leia Organa. Leia is my - "

"SISTER!" Jar Jar yelled out. "Yousa found eacha other! Blessa mesa soul!" Of course, if Luke and Leia hadn't already known they were related, Jar Jar's statement would have come as a bit of a shock, but the Gungan didn't consider that possibility.

Han and Chewie had been standing out of the range of the holocomm, watching this exchange. "It's a good thing that's a holo," the smuggler muttered under his breath to Chewie. "I'd have to shoot him if he was actually inside my ship acting like that."

*You could use him for target practice,* Chewie woofed quietly in agreement. *After I threw him into the air by his ears.*

Leia jabbed Han in his side with her elbow, then decided to try and help Luke. "Mr. Binks..."

"Jar Jar!" the Gungan interrupted. "Mesa's name is Jar Jar to yousa. I knew't somes day I'ta mets yousa!"

"Thank you, Jar Jar," Leia continued. "Our mother sent us the coordinates for contacting you. We'd like to meet you, and show you her message. If that would be alright with you."

"Alrights? Yousa ask if'n Jar Jar would likes to meet with Queens Padmés Amidala's babies? Of coursn mesa woulds meets with yousa."

Luke tried again, "Would it be possible to come to us, or would you - "

"Of course'n I's comes uptopside to sees yousa! Yousa just sends mesa your location, and mesa be's there soon!"

Quickly, Anakin punched in their location, sending the message to the Gungan, and gave a brief nod to Luke to indicate it was done.

"Our location has been transmitted. How long before we should expect you?"

Jar Jar peered down at the numbers. "Four'n or Fives hour tops! Mesa be's there!" The holocomm went dark.

For a long moment, no one spoke inside the hold. Then Anakin finally sighed. "I told you Jar Jar Binks was annoying."

"Annoying?" Threepio piped up. "He seems like a perfectly fine sort, if yousa, er, if you ask me."

***

 

The Imperial assassin was getting tired of maintaining her shielding, while at the same time attempting to locate each and every Jar Jar Binks. One was too old, most were too young. And none matched the holo image she'd seen and memorized. Glancing down at her list, she could see she had five yet to find. She lifted her hand to press the next buzzer. A second later the door slid open, and she looked down at a very young Gungan, no more than ten years old. "Are you the Jar Jar Binks that lives here?"

"Nosa missus," the child replied. "My uncle's Jar Jar Binks."

Mara pulled out the holo image, and turned it on. "Is this your uncle?"

"Yesa! Dat's Jar Jar Binks...he's da great war hero!" he said proudly.

At least she'd found the right Jar Jar Binks. Now she just had to find out what he knew about Lady Skywalker and then kill him, war hero or not. Tiredly, Mara asked, "Is he home?"

"Nosa missus."

"Is he going to be back soon?"

"Nosa missus, I'sa don'ts think so."

Be patient, Mara... "Is he even on Otoh Gunga?"

"He's mights still be, buts he's headin' for da surface. He's says he'sa meets somebodies upside."

"Did he happen to mention who he was meeting with?" Mara questioned. If he left some name, maybe she could locate that person.

"Yesa!" the little Gungan said happily. "He'sa happy to go meets the children of Queen Amidalas! The Skywalkers!"

Oh, kest, Mara thought as her heart dropped to her boots. She had to intercept the Gungan before he got to the surface, or Palpatine would be very, very unhappy.

***

En route to Naboo

It had cost the bounty hunter more credits than he cared to think about to buy this lead. Boba Fett had wanted to make money off this, not go broke. But if he failed the Emperor, having no money wouldn't be an issue, since he wouldn't be alive to spend it.

The contact had informed him that a ship matching the Millennium Falcon had entered Naboo space, using one of Solo's false ID's for his ship. Contacting the Naboo authorities wouldn't do any good. Solo didn't have any outstanding warrants on Naboo, and if he was traveling with Vader... well, Fett didn't want to think about that, either. First things first - he had to see if Solo was actually on Naboo. All the Emperor wanted to know was if Vader was still traveling with Solo, and who else was with them. He hadn't asked Fett to capture or kill anyone. Hopefully, the smuggler's ship was still there, and he could end his assignment with the Emperor quickly.

 

***

 

Running through the underwater city, Jade pushed aside the various Gungans that happened to step in her way. The startled beings would go sprawling to the ground, arms and legs akimbo, shouting protests as she hurried past. The scene might have amused her, if she had time to enjoy their befuddled expressions.

When she reached the docking port, Jade stalked up to the Port Master, grabbing his coverall bib, and shoved a blaster under his droopy nose. "Has Jar Jar Binks been here yet?" she demanded.

The Gungan's eyes grew wide and fearful. "Hesa justs left the dock." His long finger pointed out the dome to the underwater submarine that was pulling away.

Mara gave a snort of disgust, then pushed the Port Master out of her way. So she'd have to destroy his bongo submarine, with Binks in it, since she couldn't take the chance Vader would be waiting for him topside. She would just have to come up with another way to find Lady Skywalker before Vader found her, and with Binks dead, they would both be at the same disadvantage.

***

Han took a breath, then knocked on his cabin door again. "Princess? Do you want something to eat?" The door slid open, and Leia stood there, toweling her damp hair. "Getting yourself all cleaned up to meet this Gungan? He must be someone really important."

"He's a hero to his people, Han. Just because we don't understand their culture, it doesn't mean we shouldn't respect them."

Grinning, Han leaned against the door frame casually. "I like your hair down. You should wear it like that more often."

The Princess flushed, and looked away. "I have to take it down when I wash it, flyboy." She started slightly as Solo reached up, pushing a strand away from her cheek. Then his fingers gently caressed her face, and her heart rate increased. Leia moved to push his fingers away, but he caught her hand in his own. "Don't... your hand is dirty. I just got washed up."

"My hand isn't dirty," he replied, his voice a deep rumble. "What are you afraid of, Princess? Me?"

"I'm not afraid of you," she stuttered out, now looking up into his eyes.

"Good," he said, nodding and moving closer. "Fear isn't the response I'm after, Your Worship."

"My name is Leia," she responded, trying to change the subject. "Why can't you ever just call me by my name?"

"Ok. Leia," he whispered.

So much for that distraction. Leia tried backing up, but Han just followed her into the cabin. "Han... this isn't... I mean, I happen to like nice men."

He grinned. "Nice? Like Luke... your brother?"

"Uh... no, I mean, yes," she replied, confused and embarrassed. "I mean, Luke is nice. You're trying to - " Her words were cut off as Han bent over, kissing her. For long moments the outside world faded, and the Princess found herself kissing him back. And not just kissing him, but never wanting to stop as she held him by the back of his neck, running her fingers through his hair. The fact they were not alone on this little ship brought the Princess back to reality. She broke off this kiss, breathless and flushed. "You... need to go, now." Leia pushed him backwards until he was standing in the hallway, then shut the door.

Han's grin got even wider as he stared at the closed door. Leia had let him kiss her, and better yet, she'd kissed him back. He gave a half-turn to leave, then froze in his tracks, his smile fading away. Anakin was standing at the curve of the corridor, staring at him. For a moment, Han thought he was a dead man. Then the former Sith spun around and walked away, his cloak flying out behind him.

***

Back inside her bongo submarine, Mara ignored the startled looks of the normally sedate Gungans inside their own crafts as she tore off at high speed chasing after the sub that contained Binks. At the same time, she tried to familiarize herself with the weapon system. It was unlikely that the Gungans would have formulated weapons to shoot each other, but since these waters held other dangers, weapons were necessary for self-defense.

Unfortunately, the dynamics of firing an underwater harpoon was quite different than a torpedo in space, so when Jade fired her first shot at Bink's ship, it went wide and under. Swearing, she tried to realign her vessel to get a better view of her quarry when her communication board crackled and the annoying voice of Jar Jar Binks filled the cabin. "Missas! Missas! Yousa firing da wrong direction!"

"I don't think so," Jade snapped, trying to catch up to the Gungan's ship. She fired another projectile, but now the Gungan was swerving back and forth so erratically that this shot went wide as well.

"Noosa! Looksa behinds yousa!"

Jade gritted her teeth, glancing over her shoulder... then her mouth dropped open. Coming up behind her ship was one of the nastiest, biggest fanged fish she'd ever seen. And it was heading directly for her bongo sub.

***

On the Falcon, Anakin paced alone in the engine room. He hadn't seen the kiss, but it was plenty obvious what had occurred. Leia's feelings for Solo, which had already been strong, had taken another huge leap skyward. And the smuggler's desires were coming through loud and clear, too.

He had intended to wait until they found Padmé, then informed her about Solo and Leia. She would have wanted to be present for this discussion. Anakin had wanted her to be there, too, since her presence would have a calming effect on everyone. If he was forced to have this discussion with Solo alone, he suspected the Corellian might think he was warning him away from Leia. Anakin sighed, torn with indecision. Wearing this armor certainly had a negative effect on people, but when he was Darth Vader it was exactly the impact he'd wanted. Now, at a time when he wanted to project a gentler image, it wasn't possible.

Abruptly, he made up his mind. Stalking toward the hold, he looked at the group sitting around eating. "Solo, I wish to have a ... discussion with you. Please come for a walk outside with me." He replayed the request in his mind. That didn't sound too threatening, did it?

Reluctantly, Han stood up, then glanced down worriedly at Luke and Chewie. "Okay, sure." He watched as Anakin headed down the corridor toward the exit.

"Do you think I should come along?" Luke asked his friend. After Anakin's behavior with the Moorlands, he could understand why Han was concerned.

"Nah, I can handle it," Han whispered to his friends before resolutely following the former Sith outside. But I have a bad feeling about this...

 

***

 

Mara gave an involuntary shriek when the huge colo claw fish nearly swallowed her ship whole. Only her skills as a pilot managed to allow her to escape the jaws, and Mara twisted the ship to the left, diving sharply.

The fish turned and followed, while Jar Jar's voice continued to ring through her cockpit. "Mesa helps the lady! Mesa follow and fire torpedo... so's stays outta way of mesa torpedo!"

Great, she thought glumly. Not only am I going to get eaten by a huge carnivorous fish, the last voice I'll ever hear is that of Jar Jar Binks telling me to duck.

Her radar showed that Bink's submarine was now following behind the claw fish, and she could see that his forward harpoons were ready to fire. Then a flash through the water as the bongo ship expelled the sharp spear, and Jade again turned her ship, barely avoiding the rows of jagged teeth as they snapped shut.

The fish twisted to follow its prey, and the spear fired by Binks missed the claw fish, piercing the hull of Jade's ship instead.

"Oopsie!" Jar Jar yelled into the speaker. "Mesa thinks I missed da fishy!"

***

Slave I had landed several hours earlier, and Fett had managed to track down the location of the Millennium Falcon without much difficulty. Again, he reminded himself that the Emperor had not asked him to capture Solo, only find the ship and see if Vader was still with the smuggler. Hiding behind some trees, he raised his microbinoculars to his gray and green mask, watching as the landing ramp lowered. Then Darth Vader exited the ship, and a short while later Solo followed.

So they were still traveling together. The bounty hunter felt his spirits soar. Maybe this information would make the Emperor happy, and he would finally get some financial compensation. Or, at the very least, he wouldn't become Palpatine's next victim.

He watched as the Sith and the Corellian moved away from the ship, then looked down at the small tracking device on his belt. As soon as Vader was out of visual range, he would sneak up to the Falcon and attach the tracer. Then things would get easier from now on.

***

The two men walked in silence for a while, until Han couldn't stand it. "It was just one little kiss," he said defensively. "I'd never force myself on Leia... or any woman."

"Which is why I need to have this discussion with you, Captain. It's that 'other woman' part of your sentence."

Han stopped walking, looking up at the tall man indignantly. "Be reasonable...I'm thirty years old. It's not like I've never had any women before I met Leia."

"I don't care about before, Han," Anakin said truthfully, wishing he could speak with his real voice instead of through this artificial respirator. "I only care about now, and in the future."

"I don't understand."

"Leia loves you." When Han opened his mouth to automatically disagree, Anakin held up his hand. "She loves you," he repeated firmly. "And I can tell you have feelings for her, too. I just don't want to see my daughter hurt, if you feel you aren't capable of making a commitment to her."

"Commitment?" Han mumbled, turning the word over in his mind. "She's a Princess, and I'm a - "

"Smuggler," Anakin finished. "Just like I fell in love with a Queen, when I was still nothing more than a young child, a slave."

"You were a slave?" Han asked, incredulously.

"Yes, I was. But that didn't stop my emotions. I fell in love with Padmé when I was nine years old, and I'm still in love with her." He looked down at Han's surprised expression. "What amazes you the most, Han? That I'm in love with my wife, or that I was a slave?"

"Uh... I think both, in different ways," Han admitted.

Anakin laughed, not surprised that Solo was bluntly honest with him. "I've grown to like you, Han. I've looked into your past, and your dossier shows you were really nothing more than a slave when you were growing up, even if it wasn't the term Captain Shrike would have used to describe his indentured orphans. It's something else we have in common, besides our love of flying. It doesn't bother me in the least that my daughter has fallen in love with a smuggler - soon to be permanently ex-smuggler, and I don't think it will bother Padmé, either. She can see people for what they are, even without being a Force-user."

"Ex-smuggler?" Han questioned with a frown, uncomfortable with the fact that the man knew so much about his past.

"You surely don't think once you marry Leia, you will continue down this dubious career path. I'm sure you have other leadership talents that will come in handy."

It took a few seconds for Anakin's words to sink in. "MARRY?"

"Yes. Marriage. Are you opposed to marriage for some reason? If so, then we will have a problem, since Padmé will not want Leia's babies born out of wedlock. The Royal family must remain above such scandals."

Han was starting to feel a bit lightheaded. "B...babies?"

Anakin could sense the effect this conversation was having on Han, and he was finding it very entertaining. "Yes, babies. They're little humans that grow up into adult humans. Padmé will want lots of grandbabies, and actually I look forward to becoming a grandfather myself. Besides, thirty's a good age for a man to start a family. You don't want to wait too much longer, or you won't be able to keep up with your children."

"But... but I haven't even asked her to marry me, yet," Han stuttered out, wondering how one little kiss could possibly be twisted into a discussion on getting married and becoming a father. "Leia might not want to marry me."

"Sure, she'll want to marry you. Almost all women want to marry the men they love." Inside his mask, Anakin grinned. This was too easy, and he wasn't even using the Force to befuddle Solo. "Don't tell me you're afraid she'll say 'no.' What woman could say 'no' to a sincere proposal, on bended knee, by none other than Han Solo?"

"Uhhh..."

A large black gloved hand gave him a firm slap on his shoulder. "It's a good thing that Luke and I both really like you, son. Welcome to the Skywalker family!"

Confused, all Han could think to say was, "Thanks?"

 

***

 

"I see you missed the fishy!" Mara shouted at the Gungan. "You hit my ship, you fool!"

"Mesa not mean to do dat," Jar Jar replied, somewhat abashed. "Mesa not so good aims."

"No kidding," the Imperial shot back, angry and worried at the same time. Water was pouring in through the gaping hole, and the claw fish was still out there, circling around for another chance at a meal. This was going to be an ironic death, eaten by a fish because some idiot Gungan that she was trying to kill was actually trying to help her. Yes, truly ironic.

"Da bongo hasa escape pod," Jar Jar supplied helpfully.

"What good will that do?" She looked back, frowning as the fish was fast approaching, and her craft sank listlessly toward the murky, dark bottom. Mara didn't have any choice. She waited until the last second, then hit the 'escape' control. Instantly, a smaller bubble formed around her and the seat ejected her from the dying submarine. She watched through the clear escape bubble as the colo claw fish swallowed her bongo submarine in one gulp, then dove down into the inky blackness.

Jar Jar's submarine came up beside her escape pod, and he grinned and waved madly through the dome as he followed her bubble up to the surface. Little did he know she intended to kill him the second she was able to get her feet on dry land, before he could have a chance to speak to Vader. Gratitude was not in Mara Jade's vocabulary.

***

 

With the tracer device in place, Fett hurried away from the Millennium Falcon before the Sith Lord could return. It truly astounded the bounty hunter that Solo was still with Vader, and alive besides. Was Solo his prisoner? It certainly hadn't appeared that way in Jabba's palace, and when Solo and Vader had left the Falcon, the smuggler had been wearing his blaster while he walked next to the Sith, as if they were casual friends. No matter how hard Fett tried to figure this situation out, it left him completely flummoxed, especially since he'd finally identified the woman with them - Princess Leia Organa, a well-known Rebel leader.

Fett decided it would now be a good idea to inform the Emperor he'd located Solo, and successfully attached the tracer. Hopefully his part in this bizarre assignment was over.

 

***

 

"Did you hear something outside?" Leia asked her brother as she entered the hold, her hair now braided and dry.

Luke paused, trying to reach out with his Force skills. "Maybe. I could go check it out."

Frowning, the Princess looked around. "Where is Han?"

"Father wanted to talk to him, so they went for a walk."

"Talk?" Leia asked, her voice rising in volume. Had Vader seen her kissing Han? Suddenly, she was very concerned about the Corellian, and more than a little indignant that Vader would feel the need to interfere in her personal life. If he was threatening Han because of her, then that would qualify as his 'last chance.' "Why would he need to talk to Han? Is something wrong?"

"He didn't say," the young Jedi replied truthfully. "But I didn't get a sense that anything was really wrong, but..."

"But what?" Leia questioned sharply, while Chewie woofed in concern.

"Father seemed, er... nervous for some reason."

"Nervous? And you don't think he intended to harm Han? Maybe that's exactly why he was nervous!" Leia argued, starting to pace the small hold since she was unable to stand still. The kiss still burned in her mind - as hard as she tried, Leia was unable to think about anything else. If Leia had thought she might be in love with Han during their short adventure inside Jabba's palace, now she was positive she loved him. But I can't tell him... he'll think I'm some naive child, and run away like I've gone insane. You don't tell someone you love him after one kiss...even if you knew you loved him before that kiss. She tried to focus her attention on Luke. "You had no idea he was about to harm the Moorlands, either. I think we should go find them."

"That's true, but this just seemed different. If I thought Han was in danger, I'd go find him. Really," Luke said, trying to reassure his sister. Just then, Luke's comlink buzzed, and the strange noise Leia heard outside was completely forgotten.

***

 

Solo followed the former Imperial back to the Falcon in silence. Words like, love, marriage, babies, kept looping through his brain. Sure, he loved the Princess, more than he thought possible. He do anything for her. But was he ready to give up his freedom? His name was Solo, right? It wasn't like the idea of giving up other females bothered him - it didn't. Leia Organa was more than enough woman for him. When he thought about her, which he did a lot, all his previous flings faded into nothingness. He'd spent the past six months dreaming about the Princess, having less than chaste thoughts whenever he saw her. And that led to frustration, and frustration led to starting arguments with her... and those passionate arguments led to even more passionate fantasies... But if she loved him, like Skywalker claimed, then wouldn't marriage take care of all those problems? Or would she laugh at him if he suggested getting married, mocking him for believing Anakin's claim?

"Solo!" Anakin snapped him out of his troubled thoughts. "We have a problem!"

"Another one?"

Skywalker raised his comlink to his lips. "Luke? Do you hear me?"

"I hear you," came Luke's fast response.

"Get the Falcon prepped. Solo and I will be there shortly. We have to travel about hundred miles in a few minutes."

Luke didn't question his father's order. "Chewie and I will have the ship ready to lift."

Anakin grabbed Han's shirt and started running, pulling the Corellian after him. "We have to hurry."

"Why? Where are we going?"

"To save that idiot Jar Jar... he's in danger, and he's the only way we can find Padmé."

 

***

 

 

The Millennium Falcon lifted off even before the ramp was fully closed, and Anakin and Han rushed into the cockpit. Luke was in the pilot's seat, watching as his father pointed to the southwest. "That direction. Hurry!" Anakin could sense the confusion coming from the group. "The Force is warning me something's wrong," he explained. "It's a skill you'll learn to develop in time, Luke." He glanced over at Leia in the navigator's seat. "And you will too, if you allow me to train you."

Chewie pulled the yoke, sending the freighter into a slight turn, then the ship surged forward, the surface topography blurred as they flew much faster than they normally would so close to the surface. The comlink started flashing, so Han leaned forward between Luke and Chewie, turning it on. "May I help you?" he said casually.

"This is ground control... you are flying too fast, and too close to the surface! And you haven't filed a flight plan!"

"Sorry. We're sorta in a hurry," Han drawled out, winking at the Princess, enjoying the flush that quickly colored her cheeks. "I guess I must've forgot."

"In a hurry?" the controller repeated incredulously. "I demand you stop and land immediately!"

"Could you define 'immediately'?"

"Right this instant!"

"But if I land this instant, then I won't be where I need to be," Han argued, looking down and brushing some lint off his vest with the back of his fingers.

Luke gave a muffled snort, trying not to laugh as the controller stuttered out, "I beg your pardon? Are you refusing my order?"

"I ain't too good at takin' orders, actually." That sentence earned him a jab in the ribs with Anakin's knuckle, and Han gave the former Sith a sheepish grin.

"If you don't land this second... I'll... I'll have an arrest warrant out for you!"

"Really? Thank you," Han gushed dramatically. "Up until now, I thought this system didn't like me." Then he turned off the communication switch.

 

***

 

The escape pod bobbed to the surface, followed by the sub with Jar Jar at the controls. The Gungan was still waving at Mara, and a moment later he shot a line from his vessel to the round bubble. The object attached with a loud squish to the pod, and then the submarine headed to shore, dragging the escape pod in its wake.

The bongo drew up next to a dock, and Jar Jar jumped out of the submarine, then reached down and pulled on the gelatinous rope until the pod was touching the bongo. "Yousa can come outs now!" he called over happily, rapping on the pod with his fingers. "Wesa all safe 'n' sound!"

That's what he thinks, Jade thought as she struggled to free herself from the confines of the bubble, then scrambling onto the safety of the wooden dock. Looking around, she could see that Vader was nowhere in sight, so at least she had one thing going in her favor. "I need your help, Jar Jar Binks," she said calmly, trying to put him at ease.

"Mesa just think I'sa helps yousa already," the Gungan snorted in laughter, swinging his floppy ears back and forth.

"No, I need information."

"Insformayshun? Mesa nots have too mucha dat."

Jade had little patience in the best of times, and today had definitely not been her best day. Casually, she drew her blaster, pointing it in Binks' face. "Information about Padmé Amidala Skywalker."

Jar Jar's eyes grew wide. "Mesa has nose idea whats -"

"You know perfectly well what I'm asking. Where is she hiding?"

"Hides? Whosa dis Padmé?"

The blaster moved closer as it stuck the Gungan in his snout. "Don't play games with me, Binks. I'm not in the mood."

"Games? Yousa not likes to plays games? Mesa loves games!" The Gungan's eyes moved from the blaster to the sky. "Mesa think dat ship der is gonna crash rights into us'ins."

"Do you really think I'm going to fall for that lame - " Mara literally ducked her head as the freighter blasted overhead, flying so low it created whitecaps in the lake. She twisted around to see what fool was flying so close to the surface, and that was all the distraction Binks needed.

Without hesitating, he dove headfirst off the pier and into the water. A natural born swimmer, he barely left a ripple to indicate where he'd disappeared. Frustrated, Mara fired into the water, hoping to hit the Gungan. Then she turned her focus to the freighter, which had made a tight turn and was now landing less than a hundred yards away, in the nearest available flat surface. Reaching out with her Force skills, Mara felt a wave of fear. Darth Vader was in that battered old ship. This was not good. Not only did she fail to get the information from the Gungan, now she was about to have an encounter with the Sith Lord. The traitor would certainly know why she was there, and who had sent her.

Jade spared a second glance down into the water, firing off several more shots just out of sheer anger. Then she turned and started running down the long pier toward shore, hoping she could escape before the Sith caught her.

 

***

 

The landing ramp wasn't even fully extended when Anakin and Luke jumped off, heading toward the lake. "There she is," Anakin muttered to himself as he watched the redheaded woman trying to escape.

"Who?"

"Jade. Mara Jade. I thought it was her presence I was sensing."

"Who is Mara Jade?"

"A young woman the Emperor has been training as an assassin," the older man replied. "She was probably trying to kill Binks."

"How would the Emperor know about Jar Jar Binks?" Luke asked, dreading the answer. "Wouldn't that mean he knows about mother?"

The idea that Palpatine had somehow discovered that Padmé was alive felt like a cold knife in Anakin's stomach. If that scenario had occurred, then they were running out of time. It was imperative to catch Jade before she could get word back to the Emperor, especially since it was very possible the Gungan had already told her where Padmé was. Using the Force, Anakin reached out to the woman, causing her to trip and fall, while at the same time drawing his lightsaber and turning it on.

Jade twisted her body around, firing her blaster at the approaching men. Anakin easily deflected her shots with his red blade, watching as the assassin jumped to her feet, drawing out her own purple-hued saber.

Luke was startled at the appearance of the lightsaber. "She's Force sensitive!"

"Yes, but not too well trained," Anakin responded. "The Emperor fears anyone too versed in the Force."

They were now close enough that she could easily hear his order. "Put your weapon aside, Jade. You know you cannot defeat me."

The young woman gave a wan smile. "Maybe not... but I can die trying." Then she attacked.

"Do not be foolish," Anakin said, trying to reason with the woman as he easily parried her blows. "You cannot possibly hope to defeat me."

Jade glanced over at the young man standing near the water's edge, staying out of the battle. "Maybe you should let me fight your son, instead. That would be a fair fight." Again she slashed down, and the Sith intercepted her strike, pushing her back.

Anakin ignored her taunt. "What order has the Emperor given you?"

"To find you," she panted out, circling around and trying to find some way to get under his defense. "Then kill you and your son." She threw herself toward the Sith, moving her lightsaber in an upward motion. Vader casually deflected her blow again.

"A lie. He sent you to find the Gungan."

"If you know, why are you asking?" she snapped, her attention drawn again to the blond Jedi. The young man seemed unconcerned with the battle, his presence radiated peace. Almost against her will, Mara felt herself moving in his direction. "Hey, you... farmboy!" she shouted. "What's it like to discover your father is nothing more than a puppet to the Great Palpatine?"

Without thinking, Luke shot back, "Tell me, Jade, what's it like to be a puppet for the Emperor?"

Mara let out an indignant gasp, then tried to rush past the Sith to attack the young Jedi. She made it all of two steps when a blaster shot fired out from the bottom of the Falcon's ramp, and she dropped to the ground like a rock. It was Leia that had made the shot, and she stood holding her blaster with both hands, keeping it pointed at the assassin.

Luke rushed forward, then knelt down and turned the Imperial assassin over, noting with relief she was still breathing. Both Leia and Han ran toward him, looking down at the woman. "Han insisted I put the blaster on stun," Leia said tightly. "If she's killed the Gungan, we'll never find our mother."

A head popped out of the water, a few feet from shore. "Mother? Dids I'sa hear yousa says sumthins abouts'a mother? Dis not be anudder game, is'n it?"

"Jar Jar Binks," Anakin said, his voice resigned.

"Da ones and onlys!" He pursed his mouth, looking thoughtful. "Wells, I'sa guess'n thats nots true. Ders lotsa Jar Jar Binks nowsadays."

"Don't tell me you've cloned yourself," Han said with a smirk. "An entire planet of Jar Jar Binks? Sounds like some bad horror holo."

"Clonsa? I'sa don'ts think so... clonsa not too smart."

"Yeah," Han agreed. "I hear each new generation drops ten IQ points. After two generations, your clones would be in the negative range."

"HAN!" Leia chastised loudly, hoping the Gungan wouldn't take offense, but by his expression, he seemed to be having trouble doing the math.

"Father?" Luke interrupted, pointing to the north. "I think we need to leave. I see Naboo Interceptor patrols heading this way."

"Will you come with us, Jar Jar Binks?" Leia asked. "Our mother said you'd take us to her."

"Jar Jar nevers make'n a promise he's not to keep." He looked warily at the Sith. "Darth Vaders notsa hurts mesa, does he?"

"No, Darth Vader won't hurt you," Leia said soothingly, shooting her father a look of warning.

The lanky Gungan rushed out of the lake, throwing his wet arms around the Princess, hugging her and soaking her clothing, much to Han's amusement. Then Jar Jar looked down at the still-unconscious assassin. "What's wesa do about her?"

"We're taking her with us," Luke answered.

"What?" Leia spluttered. "She tried to kill you!"

"Luke is correct," Anakin said, defending Luke's decision. "Mara Jade comes with us. We can't kill her in cold blood, and we can't allow her to return to Coruscant, either. Palpatine will order her death if she returns and reports her failure." Besides, Anakin figured since he'd thought about Jade when pondering the problem of Luke's potential future wife, if this wasn't the Force telling him he was right, then nothing was.

"If we take her with us, we're giving her another chance not to fail," Han pointed out.

Anakin bent over, easily picking the young woman up in his arms. "We can argue about this later. Right now, we have to leave." With that, he hurried toward the ship, followed closely by Luke and Jar Jar Binks.

"Your relatives are all crazy, Princess," Han muttered, taking her hand. "But I love you anyway."

Leia's mouth dropped open as Han pulled her toward the ship. Had she heard correctly? Did Han Solo just say the words, 'I love you'? Did he really mean it, or was he just making a joke, like he was so prone to do when terrible events were crashing down around their heads.

As the Interceptors started firing in their direction, Han hit the 'close' button on the ramp, then took off at a fast run toward the cockpit - leaving her alone in the corridor, still speechless and with no time to formulate any type of response. Wasn't it just like that man to make the most important declaration of his life while patrol ships were shooting at them, Leia thought, irritated.

 

***

 

The Millennium Falcon rose up and turned toward the sky, moving with a speed that left her pursuers stunned. They quickly regrouped, following the freighter. Han eyed the communication panel, which was busy flashing. "I guess they want to talk some more," he muttered to his co-pilot. "I just hope we don't have company waiting for us further up."

*Me, too,* Chewie barked out. *Han?*

"Yeah?" the Corellian responded, adjusting the shields to the rear of the ship.

*How did we end up with two droids, a Princess, a Jedi moisture farmer, a reformed Sith, a Gungan and an Imperial assassin onboard our ship... all at the same time?*

Han spared a second to look over at his friend, a pained expression on his face. "You're askin' me? Since when do I have any control over my life? Things just seem to happen, and I'm just taken along for the ride. Do you know that Anakin even expects me to propose to Leia? He practically ordered me to ask her!"

*What would be so wrong with that?*

"Shouldn't it be my idea and not my potential future father-in-law's idea?"

*Maybe he has you figured out...and if he doesn't tell you what to do, you'll hesitate so long she'll get tired of waiting and find someone else.*

"Whose side are you on, pal?"

*Always yours, Cub. I'm always looking out for your best interests.*

Han looked back at the sensors, and gave a groan. "More Interceptors." Turning on the comlink, he yelled, "Luke... and either Anakin or Leia... I need you to get in the turrets. We've got lots of company heading our way."

 

***

 

Anakin nodded to his children. "You go to the gun wells. I think I should be here when our guest wakes up."

Agreeing with that decision, Leia and Luke ran to the defensive weapons, listening as Han yelled at them not to actually hit anything, since he really didn't want a Naboo murder warrant on his head.

In the hold, the former Sith smiled as he listened to Solo's hurried instructions. Yes, Padmé would like the Corellian, and certainly help tidy him up into a proper husband for Leia. Sighing, he looked down at the pretty redhead. He had big plans for Mara Jade, and it pleased the former Sith that Luke hadn't wanted to leave her behind. Hopefully his wife would agree Jade was worth saving, because if anyone could break the Emperor's hold on the brainwashed Jade, it would be Padmé.

 

***

 

Boba Fett watched as the Falcon raced up toward space, Naboo Interceptors on her tail. Reluctantly, he placed the call he'd been dreading. The Emperor's cowled face shimmered into view. "My Emperor," Fett said, bowing his head. "I have located the Millennium Falcon, just as you requested."

"And?" Palpatine snapped out, his voice crackling with impatience.

"Darth Vader is still onboard, with Solo and his son. Also Princess Leia Organa is still with them."

"Organa? You didn't mention her before."

"I failed to recognize her in Jabba's palace, but now I am positive it's the Rebel Princess that's traveling with them."

Palpatine reached up to his chin, his yellowed eyes thoughtful. "Is she a prisoner?"

"It doesn't appear any of them are Vader's prisoners, Your Majesty," Fett replied. "They all had weapons during the raid on Jabba's palace, and they appeared to be working together."

This puzzled the Emperor. According to reports, Vader had tortured the Princess during her incarceration on the Death Star. Unless that, too, was a lie. Palpatine was growing very uneasy about this alliance between Vader and this small group of Rebels, and not just because of his son. It seemed that the light side of the Force was gathering strength, and his own hold on power was starting to show signs of weakening. Somehow, this was all Padmé Skywalker's fault. If she had not contacted Vader, none of this would be happening. Palpatine turned his attention back to the bounty hunter. "Follow the Millennium Falcon to its destination. Keep me appraised to what Vader is doing."

The Hunter felt the oxygen expel from his lungs. He'd hoped this chore was over, but now the Emperor wanted him to continue. "Your Majesty, I am but a lowly bounty hunter, not a spy. Perhaps a more highly trained - " Fett suddenly couldn't talk, or breath. Desperately, he grasped his throat, clawing for air.

"Are you refusing my command?"

Unable to speak, Fett shook his head 'no', then the painful pressure was gone. "I will obey," he gasped out, aware how close he'd come to dying.

"Of course you will obey." Then the image disappeared.

 

***

 

Jade gave a groan, and started to regain awareness just as the Falcon jerked to elude their pursuers. Jar Jar had been sitting nervously on the opposite side of the hold from Vader, earnestly agreeing with Threepio, who had been telling him how much he hated space travel. Then Jar Jar looked over at Vader. "Shesa scary lady," he said, pointing at Jade. "Is shesa wakin's up?"

"It appears that way," he said simply. "Solo will need to know our destination, Binks. Where is Padmé?"

"Yousa say you's show me recording, first" Jar Jar mumbled worriedly.

Anakin sighed. "Binks, we are in a bit of a hurry. After we are safely in hyperspace I will show you the recording. If you do not trust me, then go to the cockpit, and only tell Solo our destination."

That compromise made the Gungan happy, and he hurried to the front of the ship. Anakin shook his head, hoping the Corellian would give Binks a chance to talk before stunning him, or worse. Then he turned his attention back to the assassin as she tugged at her wrists. "You are restrained, Jade."

Mara opened her eyes, then tried sitting up. Turning her head, she saw the Sith calmly watching her. "Why are you betraying your Emperor?" she snapped, her head still foggy from the stun blast.

"His time is over, and a new era must begin."

She gave a snort. "Sure. So why didn't you kill me when you had the chance, since I assume you're going to be in charge of the 'new era,' right?"

"I will be a part of it, yes."

Narrowing her green eyes, Jade asked, "Your wife is the other part?"

"Padmé will become a Queen again. This time over more than just a single system."

"The Emperor will hunt you down," Jade told him. "He'll have your entire family killed."

"What do you think the Emperor will do to you, when he finds out you failed him?" Anakin questioned her. He could see the fear and uncertainty reflected in her eyes. Mara Jade had seen the results of failing Palpatine, and she had to know her life would've been over if she'd been allowed to report back to the Emperor. The former Sith answered his own question, "He will kill you, Jade, without hesitation. Your life has no more meaning to Palpatine than the lowest Hutt. You are only worth something to him if he can use you - just like he used me. It took me twenty long years to see this truth."

"What are you planning on doing to me? Using me as a hostage won't work."

"I have no plans to harm you, unless you do something so foolish I'm left with no choice. Hopefully, we will be able to break the hold Palpatine has over your mind. I can see great things in your future, Jade," Anakin said sincerely, thinking back on how quickly Luke had rushed to her side after Leia had shot the assassin. "But only if you have the strength to overcome your indoctrination."

"You truly are a fool," Jade said, sneering. "Palpatine will destroy you. He's the true leader of the galaxy... not you, and not your wife."

Anakin sighed, and leaned back, crossing his arms and staring at the redhead. Retraining Mara Jade would be a much greater challenge than even Solo. But with Jade now onboard the Falcon, Anakin felt even more strongly that her future lay with the Skywalker family. Convincing her to switch her allegiance would be difficult, and in the end, hopefully, worth the effort. Time would tell if his feelings regarding her destiny were true.

 

***

 

The Gungan stumbled into the cockpit, then promptly fell against the controls just as Han was moving his ship out of the line of fire from the Naboo ships. The Falcon lurched sharply down, and the Interceptor's concussion fire got a direct hit on the Falcon's rear deflectors, causing the shields to flicker ominously before coming back up under reduced power. Luke and Leia both shouted over the comm, asking Han if he was drunk or crazy. Chewie let out an indignant roar, then pushed Jar Jar backwards, away from the delicate controls.

"You almost got us killed!" Han yelled at the Gungan, unable to take his eyes off his piloting, and not bothering to respond to his gunners. "Why the hell are you up here?"

"Darth Vader says I'sa supposed to tell you where to go..."

"I have a better idea...why don't I tell you where to go?" Han groused out. "This is just what I need... the breathing version of Threepio."

"Messa Solos... I'sa rather stay here... Vader an' dat lady scaresa mesa."

"Fine... sit down and shut up, or the Sith and the assassin will look real friendly compared to me."

Jar Jar sat down in the seat behind Han, strapping himself in. "Yousa nots wants to know wheresa Padmé Amidalas is?"

*I think we should actually listen to him, Han. Even if it's hard.* Chewie shook his head. *So very, very hard.*

"Hard? Try impossible," Han replied to his copilot. "Alright, where is Padmé?"

"Bespins!" Jar Jar said, nodding his head informatively. "She'sa on a place deys call Clouds City!"

Han and Chewie exchanged disbelieving looks. "Isn't that the place Lando just won...?"

*Yes, it is,* Chewie woofed out. *I suppose it could be worse. It could be Nal Hutta.*

"Great," Han mumbled under his breath as he set the hyperspace coordinates. "Just who I want to see - Calrissian. I'm sure he hasn't had time to forget about that last incident."

*I'm sure he hasn't,* Chewie agreed easily.

"Whosa dis Calrissian?" Jar Jar asked politely.

"A real dandy fellow. He's gonna be your new best friend, Binks. I'm going to make sure of it," Han replied, suddenly grinning.

Jar Jar clapped his webbed hands together gleefully. "Goodies! Mesa likes friends!"

*Why do you want to make things worse between you and Lando?* Chewie questioned.

"That's what he gets for thinking I swindled him," Han replied. Then he pulled back on the lever, and the stars blurred into hyperspace streaks as they left behind the frustrated Interceptors. "You know what they say about paybacks."

***

The bounty hunter adjusted his controls as he read the transmitted coordinates his tracer was sending over from the smuggler's ship. Their next destination was Bespin. Fett punched in the numbers, and sent Slave I into hyperspace.

He could feel his anger building toward Solo. Somehow, this was all the Corellian's fault - it had to be. Although Palpatine only wanted information, Fett decided when he arrived on Bespin he would change the rules. He was tired of being jerked around, and Solo was going to be the one to pay the price.

***

Luke stuck his head into the cockpit. "Jar Jar? Father wants you to watch the holo recording now."

"Mesa thanks yousa!" The Gungan leaped to his feet, hugging Luke enthusiastically before heading toward the hold.

"He really likes to hug, doesn't he?" Luke mumbled, straightening his shirt.

Han turned his chair to scowl at Luke. "I don't know how I'm going to handle a two day trip with him. Maybe we can lock him inside one of my smuggling compartments with Threepio. I have lots of rolls of industrial strength durasteel tape."

The young Jedi smiled. "He's not that bad." When Han gave a snort, Luke asked, "Where are we headed, anyway?"

"Bespin. It's a gas mining system, and the residents live in a floating city high above the system's surface, where the air is breathable."

"My mother lives there?"

"According to Flipperman, she does." Han gave his thumb a jerk toward the hold. "Is the redhead awake yet?"

Luke nodded. "Yes, and she's not happy, either. She keeps threatening to kill us."

"Oh, nice. That's really what we were lacking on this trip - a murderous psychopath."

"Don't call her that," Luke said, feeling defensive toward her. "She's been brainwashed by the Emperor. It's not her fault."

"Kid, half the galaxy's been brainwashed by the Emperor. Don't tell me you like her?"

"Why not? Leia likes you, so there's no accounting for taste," Luke snapped before he turned and walked away.

Chewie gave a woofing laugh, then stood up. *He's got you there.*

"Get lost, furball," Han groused as the Wookiee hurried away.

 

***

 

Jar Jar watched Padmé's holo-recording, wiping a tear from his eye when she was done speaking. "Mesa feels so bad about all dis." He looked over at Luke. "Yousa mother a greats woman."

"Thank you," Luke responded sincerely. "I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"Mesa nots see Padmé in a longs time."

Artoo let out a long whistle, and Threepio added, "We are all looking forward to meeting Lady Skywalker, Master Luke.

Mara Jade was now sitting up, and she had watched the recording in silence. The only part that surprised her was learning that Princess Leia was Skywalker's twin. If she could give the Emperor that bit of information, perhaps he would forgive her failure with Binks. Finally she spoke, "Holo recordings can be faked. Maybe this is nothing but a trap by the Emperor to lure all of you out in the open. He could take care of a lot of problems that way, all at once."

That idea hadn't occurred to Luke. "Father? Do you think..."

"No," Anakin snapped out. "She's only saying that to worry you, throw you off-guard. Why would Palpatine have sent her to kill Binks?"

"Maybe the Gungan has been duped, too. That wouldn't be hard, would it?" Jade said with a sneer.

"Jar Jar notsa dupes!"

"I should say not," Threepio agreed. "Master Binks is the most intelligent sentient I have ever had the privilege to meet."

Jar Jar beamed happily. "Why, thanks yousa, Threepios! Yosa my new besta friend!"

"And you are mine," Threepio added. Artoo let out a long hoot, then turned and rolled out of the hold. "Artoo! Wait up... I only meant he was my best sentient friend! You're my best droid friend..."

The Imperial assassin watched both droids leave the room, then turned her attention back to the young Jedi. He was looking at her so intensely, she felt unnerved. "What are you staring at, farmboy?"

Luke quickly looked down, feeling a blush creep across his face. "Nothing."

Leaning back, Anakin felt a certain sense of satisfaction. Luke was attracted to Jade, which was exactly what he anticipated. "Perhaps Jade would like some food or water," the older man suggested casually.

"Would you?" Luke asked quietly.

At first, she was about to say 'no', even though her throat was parched from the after-effects of the stun blast, but what would be the point? If she wanted to escape, she needed to be at her peak, not weakened from hunger or thirst. "Sure. The prisoner would like water, if it's not too much trouble," she said sarcastically.

Quickly, Luke jumped up and poured a glass of water, then held it out to the young woman. Without taking her eyes off the Jedi, she took the glass with both hands, since the binders were still around her wrists. Smiling sweetly, she drank half the water. Then she threw the rest in his face. "Thank you, Jedi Skywalker. That was very nice of you." She watched as he staggered back, his blue eyes changing from gentle concern, to utter shock and disappointment. If Mara thought she'd feel a sense of accomplishment from her action, she was wrong. Instead, she felt a sense of shame as she suddenly realized the young Jedi would never retaliate, simply because he was too goodhearted.

Wiping the water off, Luke glared at the woman. "You know, you have a bad attitude."

Jade gave a harsh laugh, trying to hide her discomfort. "You haven't seen anything, yet."

By this time, Anakin had stood up, towering over the redhead, barely keeping his temper in check. "Neither have you, Jade," the former Sith growled out. Then he left the room, before he did something he'd later regret.

 

***

 

Han had only a few minutes of peace before Leia carefully stuck her head inside the cockpit. "Han?"

"Yeah?" He turned around and smiled at her, pleased she came to find him.

The Princess tentatively entered the small cockpit, sitting in Chewie's oversized seat. "What did Vader, um, I mean Anakin, say to you?" And did you mean it when you said you love me? she thought, but couldn't bring herself to ask.

Desperately, Han tried to come up with some plausible lie. He couldn't tell her the truth...or could he? "I guess he figured out I kissed you."

"He threatened you?" she asked, eyes narrowing.

"No."

"So... then why did he want to talk to you?"

"You know... the usual father protecting daughter stuff. It wasn't anything threatening, Princess." Unless you counted marriage and babies as threatening, which, up until very recently, Han had always thought of as a fate worse than death.

"He's really got a lot of nerve!' Leia protested. "Protecting me? What gives him that right?"

"He's not a bad guy, Leia," Han said. "I think Luke's right, and he's really changed since Yavin."

"You and Luke are the brainwashed ones, not Jade," Leia replied hotly. "How can you forget what he did three days ago to the Moorlands?"

"I haven't forgotten," Han said quietly. "I think he feels bad about doing that, Sweetheart."

Leia stood up, frowning down at the Corellian. "He'd better not let that happen again, or I'll ..."

"You'll, what? Give him one of those really hard tongue lashings you're so good at giving me?"

"If you get tongue lashings, it's because you deserve it," Leia replied, trying to keep her voice cool, while at the same time wanting to scream out, Do you really love me? Please... say it again!

Han took her hand, gently pulling her toward him. When she sat down on his lap, he grinned in triumph. "How about another kiss, instead?"

"You're pushy, Solo." But then she leaned forward and kissed him first. Then she pulled back, smiling. "Han, I lo - "

"Mistress Leia?" Threepio called out as he hurriedly entered the cockpit. "Have you seen Artoo? I think he's hiding from me."

Leia jumped off Han's lap, suddenly feeling shaky. "No, Threepio. I haven't seen him, but I'll help you find him."

"Thank you," Threepio said happily as Leia quickly followed him out of the cockpit.

 

***

 

It had taken all of Anakin's willpower not to lash out at Jade for her behavior. How dare she throw water in his son's face? Inside the small sleeping berth, he turned on the holo of Padmé. Just looking at her face calmed him, made his anger fade away. So Jade had spunk, was that such a bad thing? He didn't want Luke to marry some whining, needy female, no more than he wanted his daughter to end up with a sniveling boot-licker. Jade would come around and realize that Palpatine's reign was doomed. She was practical, and certainly would want to be on the winning side. At least Anakin hoped that was the case.

His thoughts drifted to Bespin. Such an odd place for Padmé to hide. Why there, of all places in the galaxy? In all this time, hadn't any of the residents ever recognized her? Cloud City was a busy place, with a large population. It was very upscale, very trendy. Although the main income was gas mining, the city was also a vacation destination for the wealthy, and a noted research center for medical advances. Anakin had heard rumors that quite a large number of highly regarded Naboo and Coruscant physicians had moved there since the fall of the Republic. It wasn't supposed to be a hot spot for Rebel sympathizers, so the Emperor had pretty much ignored the city.

In two days, Anakin hoped to have all of his questions answered.

 

***

 

When Han entered the hold, Luke was wiping the water off his face with a towel, and Mara was leaning against the wall, trying to look smug. There was no way she was going to apologize to Skywalker, even if the Sith had threatened her. "So," she said with a smirk. "Who owns this piece of bantha dung pretending to be a ship?"

"The Wookiee," Han shot back without missing a beat. He was still irritated at Threepio interrupting his brief interlude with the Princess, and he wasn't in the mood for nasty comments about the Falcon. "He really hates it when his ship is insulted, too. Been known to rip a few arms off for those types of comments."

Chewie let out a loud roar, showing a mouthful of fangs in Jade's direction as he tried to intimidate her. He hadn't been pleased when the woman threw water on Luke, either.

"You're lying, smuggler scum," Jade replied, unconcerned about Chewie. She focused her green eyes on Leia as she followed Threepio into the room with Artoo in tow. "The esteemed Princess Leia Organa. Are you getting extra credit from the Rebel leaders for learning how to slum with these losers?"

"You really have a mouth on you, don't you, Jade?" Han snapped at the woman.

"And a brain, too. Unlike you."

"How would you like to be locked up inside a storage unit with Binks and Threepio? I can arrange it, sister."

"Lock us in a storage bin?" Threepio asked Jar Jar, worried. "What did I do now?"

"Mesa nots know," Jar Jar replied, somewhat woozily, wiping his forehead with his ear. "Mesa thinks - "

"I'd like to see you try," she snapped back at Han, interrupting Binks. "I've been training as an assassin for over six years, now."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Han muttered. "I can see old Palpatine teaching toddlers to stab people in the back."

"That's why the Emperor needs to be defeated," Luke said, his blue eyes boring sincerely into hers. "Evil like that cannot be allowed to continue to rule the galaxy."

Mara laughed, looking away. Why couldn't she out-stare the Jedi? No one had ever made her feel so unsure of herself like this young man. "Really? Daddy and the twins are going to defeat the Emperor and his entire army... three against a couple million?"

"It's not just the three of us. The Rebellion has lots of members, and we will win," Luke insisted. "Once we've joined together, and father finishes our training as Jedi, we can finally put an end to the Empire."

"What makes you think the Rebel leaders will ever trust Vader? He's the enemy, and once they learn you're his spawn, you will become their enemy as well."

"People change, Jade," Leia said, trying to convince herself at the same time. "The Rebel High Command will see that Anakin Skywalker can help us."

"You don't believe that yourself, Princess," Jade said, shaking her head. "You'll never convince your High Command to trust Darth Vader."

"You're wrong," Han put in defensively. "If Leia can forgive Anakin Skywalker, so will the Rebels. Your precious Emperor's days are numbered. Get used to the idea."

The assassin and smuggler glared at each other until Jar Jar broke the silence by making a loud belch, and his eyes became unfocused. "Mesa thinks I'sa gonna be sicka now." Swaying, he bent over, vomiting slimy green water over Jade's boots, then looked up at her disgusted expression and gave a small, apologetic smile. "Space'sa travel always make'n mesa nause'ated."

 

***

 

Several hours later, Jade abruptly announced, "I need to use the refresher." She glared at Skywalker, as if daring him to say something inappropriate.

Luke coughed, looking down at his dinner plate, and wished his father wasn't in the sleeping berth. But even Anakin Skywalker required rest on occasion. "Well, um, I suppose we can undo your binders for a little while."

Chewie gave a roar, and stood up, while Han nodded. "Chewie'll go with you, kid. She's not likely to try something with a Wookiee standing outside the door."

Grateful to have the powerful Chewbacca as backup, Luke escorted Mara to the refresher, then carefully removed her binders. "I'll have to put these back on when you're done."

"Yes," she said with a sneer. "You wouldn't want one helpless female to overpower three big men, and a Wookiee." Then she turned and shut the refresher door in Luke's face.

Fifteen minutes later, Luke and Chewie were getting worried. "Mara? Are you alright in there?" No response. "Mara?" The young Jedi looked at Chewie. "Maybe she's hurt herself."

"Luke?" Leia called down the corridor, followed closely by Han. "What's taking so long?"

"She's not answering."

"JADE!" Han yelled through the door. "Open up... now! I can override any lock in this ship." No answer. "Sithspit," Han grumbled as he punched in the code, and the door refused to open. "She's changed the krethin' code!"

"Can you open the panel and hotwire it?" Luke asked, getting worried.

"I can use my lightsaber," Anakin's deep voice hissed from behind the group, making everyone jump in surprise.

"Lightsaber?" Han asked, his voice rising in volume. "That'll wreck the entire door!"

"We can fix it when we get to Bespin," he responded, turning on the blade and ignoring Han's protests. The saber sliced through the door, and using the Force, he pushed it open. The room was empty.

"Where did she go?" Leia wondered aloud.

"Through the floor panels," Han answered, pulling a square tile aside to reveal a dark, narrow tunnel. "The area on this side of the ship has compartments under the floor, and they're all connected. I wonder how she figured it out."

"Those compartments are completely unnecessary," Anakin snapped at Han. "You will solder these panels shut when we arrive on Bespin, too."

"I use them for smuggling!"

"And I've told you that you will no longer be smuggling. Have you forgotten?"

Han gave a quick glance over at Leia, who was frowning as she listened to this exchange. "No," he replied sullenly.

"Well," Leia said tiredly. "Now we have an assassin loose on the ship."

"This is a small ship, so she can't be very far," Anakin answered. "And she can't use an escape pod in hyperspace."

"But she can cause a hell of a lot of damage if we don't find her - and fast!" Han pointed out.

"Solo, you, Leia and the Wookiee check out the front," Anakin instructed. "Luke and I will head toward the back engine area."

The group broke up, heading into different directions.

***

 

Jade moved silently through the curved corridor as she held a piece of thin wire she'd ripped out from the floor area to use as her weapon. Carefully, she listened as Solo and the Princess moved forward, and Vader and his son headed down the corridor, away from her position. She decided to head for the cockpit first, take out the Wookiee, then Solo. She could use the Princess as a hostage, which would prevent the Sith Lord from attacking her. They would take her wherever she wanted, or the rich Rebel girl would die.

She had moved about ten steps when suddenly the panel under her feet tilted up sharply, sending her careening backwards. Caught off balance, she crashed loudly against the floor, and the noise brought everyone on the ship rushing down the corridor, weapons drawn and pointed in her direction.

The Gungan's head stuck up from the open floor panel, and he watched in surprise as everyone skidded to a stop, blasters and lightsabers pointed over his head. Slowly, Jar Jar turned around, and saw Mara lying flat on her back, face flushed red, and glaring daggers at him. "Oopsie. Did's mesa make'n yousa fall down?"

"Jar Jar," Luke stuttered out, trying not to laugh. He had a feeling that would make the Imperial even angrier. "What were you doing hiding under the floor?"

"Mesa and Threepios play'in game call Jar Jar hides, and he's finds Jar Jar."

"There you are, Master Jar Jar!" the protocol droid called out as he came around the corner. "I must say... you play this game better than anyone I know. I guess I should never have told you about Captain Solo's smuggling compartments!"

"I hate that damn Gungan," Jade grumbled under her breath.

 

***

 

A full day later, and Leia still hadn't had the chance, or the nerve, to ask Han if he really loved her. In fact, he'd acted as if nothing had changed - as if he never even said those words to her. The Princess sighed, lying down on the bunk. Han's bunk. I should have asked him when we were alone in the cockpit. I should have told him I loved him. What's wrong with me?

When a soft knock sounded on the door, Leia felt her heart jump. Certain it was Han, she jumped up and hurriedly opened the door. She was unable to hide the disappointment on her face. "Anakin."

"May I come in for a moment?"

She stepped aside, indicating he could enter, and he shut the door behind himself. "This is Solo's berth," he commented, looking around. "It's considerate of him to allow you to use it."

"Yes. I guess so."

"He loves you."

Leia looked up at her father's mask. "Did he tell you that?"

"I can sense it. Just like I can sense that you love him." He waited for her to respond, and when she said nothing he continued, "Have you told him you love him?"

"I can't."

Anakin sighed. This was so frustrating. "Why not?"

"He'll think I'm trying to push him into something he's not ready for..." Because maybe he didn't mean it.

"He's ready," Anakin stated firmly.

"How do you know? And don't tell me you can sense it, either," Leia returned. "That's not enough."

"Leia, the man thinks you're too good for him. You think you're too young for him. Neither situation is the truth. The truth is you both love each other, and you both need to say the words, get it out in the open."

"Why do you care?" Leia asked, her voice suspicious.

"You may not believe me, but I want my children to be happy. If you're happy, then Padmé will be happy."

The Princess folded her arms across her chest, staring at Anakin in disbelief. "I find it hard to fathom that the man I thought of as Darth Vader not so very long ago, is now trying to play matchmaker for me. Do you have someone in mind for Luke, too?"

"As a matter of fact..."

"Jade," Leia whispered, her eyes wide. "You plan on setting Luke up with Mara Jade."

"Why not? She's perfect for him," Anakin said a bit smugly.

"Perfect? She tried killing him!"

Anakin put his hand on Leia's shoulder. "We can fix that problem."

"We? You want me to help you with this conniving...?"

"Don't you want your brother to find love, too? Just like you've found your true love?"

"But... that's not fair..." she tried protesting.

"My daughter, when it comes to love, everything is fair." He gazed down at her incredulous expression. "Will you help me fix up Mara and Luke?"

Leia tried to think of some argument against this insanity. Finally she replied, "I guess."

"Good," Anakin said, pleased. "And don't you worry about Solo. He won't run away when you tell him you love him. Not if he knows what's good for him."

With that, he left her room, more confused than she'd been before.

***

Bespin, the next day

Sitting behind Han, Leia looked out over the floating city in the Clouds. The past two days had been difficult, in more than one way. First, Mara Jade could not be left alone, so either Vader had to be on watch, or she and Luke had to keep an eye on the woman. Mara was now limited to five minutes at a time in the refresher, which also no longer had a locking door, much to Han's annoyance.

In the confines of the now crowded ship, Leia couldn't find a single moment to spend alone with Han. The short battle with the Naboo Interceptors had kept both Han and Chewie busy repairing the deflector shields. It left her frustrated, and wishing she had found the nerve to ask him about his confession of love during the single span of time they'd had alone.

Fortunately, Jar Jar Binks and Threepio had become fast friends, spending hour after hour playing the holo-chess game, since Han had declared hiding on the ship was now strictly off limits. The holo game had kept them occupied, and out of everyone's way. It was a winning situation, except for Artoo, who seemed to have spent the trip pouting.

As they approached the city, Han had to admit he was impressed. "I can't believe Lando won this place in a bet."

"Are you sure this guy is your friend?" Leia questioned, looking worriedly at patrol ships headed their direction.

"Sure... me an' Lando go way back. He'll be happy to see me."

Chewie gave a roar, then shook his head.

"What's he saying?" Leia asked Han.

The Corellian gave a lop-sided grin. "Just reminding me that the last time I saw Calrissian, he was kinda annoyed at me."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Leia said with a tired sigh.

"Don't worry... it was all just a big misunderstanding. Everything will work itself out," Han replied, with more confidence than he felt.

Sitting behind the Wookiee, Jar Jar reached forward and slapped his hands on Chewie's shoulders. "Mesa not worried! I'sa can'ts wait to sees Lady Padmé's again. And dis Lando, dat yousa says be my besta friend! I hopes Lando likes games asa much'n asa Threepio. Mesa an' Threepio plays lotsa games."

"Trust me...Lando loves games. Ask him to teach you sabaac," Han replied, trying not to laugh. "If he says he doesn't have time, just keep asking him... over and over. Lando loves that type of attention."

Leia rolled her eyes as she watched the patrols flank either side of the Falcon, and escort them to the landing pad.

 

***

"Padmé is here," Anakin whispered, almost to himself. "I can feel her presence. For the first time in twenty years, I can sense my Padmé."

Luke shifted in his chair, suddenly feeling a sense of unease. "I don't think we should stay long on Cloud City."

"Why, farmboy?" Jade asked, grinning. "Nervous about the Emperor?"

"Yes, actually."

"You should be. Palpatine will eventually find you, and then you'll be dead," she taunted.

"Then so will you," Luke replied. "Like Father says, the Emperor doesn't like failures."

"I'm not a failure!"

The Jedi turned his gaze directly at the assassin. "You don't have to be, Mara."

The Imperial glared at the Jedi. "I hate you, Skywalker."

"No, you don't," Luke said quietly. "You want to, because you're supposed to - but you don't."

Trembling, Jade looked away, once again unable to win the staring contest. Was the Jedi right? Did she only think she hated him, because that was what Palpatine expected?

***

Han exited the Falcon with Leia and Chewie following, wondering why there was no one to greet them. Chewie gave a worried bark. "I don't know, pal. I'm sure he'll be here, though."

"I hope this friend doesn't come out firing," Leia commented. "Maybe we should have had Anakin and Luke come out with us."

The Corellian shook his head. "No... Lando would think he's still Darth Vader. Then he really would come out with blasters blazing."

Suddenly, the door at the end of the walkway opened, and a tall dark-skinned man walked purposefully toward them, his mauve cape whipping in the breeze. "That's Lando," Han muttered under his breath to the Princess. Then, louder, he called out, "Calrissian! How are ya doing? I just had to check out your new place - "

"Solo.." Lando interrupted as he stopped a few feet in front of the group. "If you didn't have a Wookiee for a companion, I'd..."

"Come on," Han cajoled nervously. "That incident with Tharen was just a mistake. I didn't know what she had planned. Really."

"I have a hard time believing that, Solo." Lando turned his gaze to Leia. "So, from one woman right to the next? Who is this lovely female?"

"My name is Leia," the Princess responded politely while her stomach did a flip. And who is this Tharen? Did Han tell her he loved her, too?

"Leia," the gambler repeated. "Such a beautiful name. Let me show you around Cloud City." He offered Leia his arm, but Han quickly pushed between them, feeling a rush of jealousy.

"Hey... would you like to meet my other passengers?" Han looked back to the Falcon. "Kid... come on out with everyone."

Then Luke walked down the ramp, escorting Jade, who was still wearing binders. "That's Jedi Luke Skywalker," Han said by way of introduction. "And Mara Jade. She's an Imperial assassin. Works directly for Palpatine." He grinned as Lando's jaw dropped.

The droids rolled down next. "That's R2-D2 and C-3PO. Two of the most informative droids in the galaxy. Worth their weight in Coruscant gold, let me tell you."

Behind the droids, the former Sith Lord stalked down, coming up and standing next to Han. "This is Darth Vader, but you might already have recognized him from the HoloNet. The guy knows how to use a lightsaber like you wouldn't believe, so maybe he can demonstrate that for you sometime. That reminds me, the refresher door needs fixin', so I hope you have spare parts. Vader got a little impatient when Jade took too long." The smuggler noticed Calrissian was starting to look a bit peaked, and was completely speechless. He was enjoying Lando's stunned expression, and he hadn't even gotten to the best part.

Jar Jar Binks came tumbling down the ramp last, practically falling down in his eagerness to meet Lando. "And this is Jar Jar Binks," Han said finally. "He's been really looking forward to meeting you, Lando."

Jar Jar grabbed the stunned gambler's hand, pumping it up and down enthusiastically. "Mesa loves to play games," he spilled out happily. "Hans Solos say yousa teach mesa hows to play sumthin' call sabaac! Plleeaassa... pllleeesssaaaa!" Jar Jar threw his arms around Calrissian, who stared over the Gungan's shoulder at Han, still in shock.