The Other Half, Part 2: Dying Of The Light (PG)

By : DarthIshtar

Archived on: Monday, January 07, 2002

Summary:

As a war rages throughout the Galaxy, the Skywalker twins must embrace their heritage,
one as a Jedi, the other as a Sith.

A wind to shake the stars gusted through the swamps of Dagobah. In the dense foliage and stagnant
pools, it was rare to encounter even the slightest of breezes. A casual observer might attribute it to
meteorological changes.
But those the Force called its own recognized it as the winds of change, the forces of destiny at
work.
Master Yoda lifted his chin to the sky and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply of the living Force. A
disturbance lingered in its scent, betrayal echoed in its nuances.
"Now," he said, "matters are worse."
Obi-Wan Kenobi nodded grimly. "I think this is the first time anyone turned to the dark out of such
devotion to the light."
"Heh," Yoda snorted. "Anticipate this we should have. Safeguarded. Two generations of Skywalkers
failed we have. End here this must."
"There is none to save us now, nothing of the Order left. When the Force is at work in the days to
come, thousands will have been blinded to it." Obi-Wan followed Yoda's gaze to the stars. "The
people will walk in darkness because of our arrogance."
"The Dark Times these may be, but our last hope Skywalker is not."
Obi-Wan settled on a log wearily. "We've gone over this. Leia Organa is not the Chosen One."
Yoda cackled. "So sure are you? For thirty-five years, nothing but the Chosen One have you spoken
of. Every time, certain you are. Deaf to the callings of the Force. You took not lightly your
stewardship and to shape the future could not see your way. Your downfall it may have been."
Obi-Wan's mouth quirked into a grim smile. "And you are ever the skeptic, so you live."
"Exactly." His ears drooped slightly. "Embrace her heritage she must. Take up her defenses against
the times to come or be destroyed she will."
"She will not fight him," Obi-Wan stated. "She is Padmé's child."
"Alternatives there are to fighting."
"None that she'll survive."
He turned his gaze to a distant white dwarf star and his mind recalled the name--Hoth. "This is a
dangerous time, indeed."
"Train her I must," Yoda said with a degree of resignation. "On this all depends."

The bulkhead held no particular fascination, but Leia had been studying it absently for hours.
Curled on her side, she stared unseeing at the walls, forcing herself to take each new breath, to keep
living. She feared that if she allowed herself a moment's distraction, she would slip away.
Leia had kept to herself for the six-day journey to the Rebellion's newest base. Refusing all food
and company, she had spent the time in introspection, trying to calm her soul and come to terms
with what had happened.
Her efforts were on the whole unsuccessful. The heartache was too fresh, the shock too great, and
the truth too surreal for her to deal with it with any degree of serenity.
Finally, she succumbed to sleep, but found herself plagued by nightmares and premonitions.
The Force was in turmoil and she was drowning in the resulting vortex.
There was a rap on her cabin's door. Leia reached out to probe the person's mind and sighed wearily.
"Come in," she called, her voice hoarse from disuse.
The door hissed open and booted footsteps followed. "I thought you'd like to know that we'll be
landing on Hoth in ten minutes. Mariah's bringing us in right now."
"Thank you," she said detachedly.
Instead of leaving, she felt him sit on the edge of the bed. His left arm embraced her gently while
his right hand rubbed along her spine.
"This will pass," he said quietly.
Leia closed her eyes, shuddering deeply. "Not easily. Nothing, not Alderaan, not what Vader did to
me on the Death Star, or any other experiences have prepared me for this."
"You've never lost a brother before," Han countered. "And by his own choice."
"Don't remind me," she murmured, her voice cracking.
He tightened his grip slightly and she turned to return the embrace fiercely. "Don't leave," she
pleaded. "I can't bear to lose another."
"I'm committed to this Alliance," he assured her. "And to you. Nothing but death will keep me from
that, Leia."
It was as haphazard an oath of loyalty as she'd ever heard, but it still brought tears to her eyes and a
modicum of peace to her soul.
"I don't know if I'll ever understand why he's doing this. Love does not serve the darkness. What he
thinks he's doing is a spiritual impossibility and even if he returns to us, he will not be the same
man."
"Nor you the same."
She nodded. "Even now, I am not the same as when he left me. I do not know what it is."
"Humanity," Han suggested.
Her mouth quirked, but she couldn't smile. "Perhaps."
Han released her gently, then helped her to her feet. "What about the war?"
She set her jaw. "It is still a part of my life. I cannot let the Galaxy founder for personal reasons."
"The High Command will want you pulled from active duty," Han commented. "After nearly losing
you, they can't afford you anywhere but behind a desk on your own frigate."
"They can't have it," she snapped. "As long as my friends are putting their lives on the line for the
cause, I will be beside them making sure they live to tell about it."
"Tell that to Rieekan."
"I intend to." Her eyes softened slightly as the fury abated. "Besides, he'd agree with me."
"I don't doubt it."
They made their way aft, to the storage room. Han searched through a cubicle, then tossed her a
package. "It's sub-zero conditions out there with a wind chill of a lot lower. Even if they have your
quarters heated, you'll be fighting the cold by then."
Leia unwrapped the package to find a heavy-duty snowsuit. White, it was padded and made out of a
fabric that was designed to retain heat. A pair of thick nerfwool socks and knee-high boots
completed the picture.
"Why exactly did we choose this ice ball for a base?"
Han winked. "Because even if the Empire found us, we could escape while they were dying of
hypothermia."
"Sensible enough," she mused, "but what good is that if we freeze to death first?"
"Not much of an optimist, are you?"
She looked away, a familiar pang returning. "Once upon a lifetime."
Han kissed her forehead gently, then turned to leave. "I'll meet you at the hatch."
Rieekan was waiting at the base of the ramp when she emerged from the ship. Her steps measured,
Leia approached him. His face was solemn with his eyes sunken and his mouth drawn; his posture
was slightly slumped as well.
Silent, he simply opened his arms and crushed her to him in an embrace once she was within reach.
Leia clung to him, her cheek pressed against his chest as he rocked her, his hands cradling her like a
child.
"I've been worried," he said softly. "I can't begin to imagine what this is doing to you; I can only be
patient and be here."
Leia sighed deeply. "That will suffice."
He pulled away and straightened his posture. "You've had a long journey and your quarters are
ready. I'll speak to you in the morning."
"It's early yet," Leia protested, "and there is work to be done. Don't coddle me for one minute,
Carlist, because I won't..."
He gripped her shoulder. "Leia, you nearly died," he said hoarsely. "You've been under extenuating
circumstances for three months, you just suffered a major personal trauma, and on top of that,
you've been in hyperspace for the last six days. For once, let yourself go."
Leia hesitated and his mouth quirked into a smile. "If you don't go willingly, I'll hand you over to
the Two-Bees."
"Ample threat," she said. "All right, lead on."

Leia awoke in a cold sweat, the condition not helped by the fact that the thermal heaters on base
were not functioning.
The knock that had awakened her was repeated, a little more insistently this time.
Pulling the tangled mess of blankets up to her chin, she resisted the urge to duck under the covers
and hide for the rest of the day.
Instead, she stood, moving awkwardly with her legs still in braces, and crossed to the door.
Rieekan stood beyond, his expression concerned, his smile sympathetic.
"I'm sorry to wake you so early, but we have business to attend to."
Leia ran a hand through her hair and blew out her cheeks in mild frustration. "Certainly. Come in
and explain while I get dressed."
Rieekan caught her arm as she turned and raised a hand to brush against her brow.
"Are you all right?"
She shook her head. "I've had a very restless night."
Rieekan nodded, but did not release her arm. "Nightmares?"
"Of course," she said wryly. "If it isn't of battling shadows or me and being destroyed because I
won't use the dark energy I've harnessed, it's battling Luke and destroying him piece by piece; and
with every passing blow, my form becomes altered until I'm Vader."
She scrubbed her hands over her face, wiping away the perspiration. "That's when I can sleep. I
can't stop thinking about Luke, about what he's doing to and for me.
"I've been trying to reach him, contact him somehow so that he has a tangible link to those he loves.
So that he won't lose himself. I have been for the last seven days since we left him behind on
Coruscant, but without success. At first I thought I was too weak or in too much shock to reach him,
but that's not it.
"I remember after the assassination attempt at the sentencing, Luke told me that he hadn't been able
to sense me at all, that the Emperor's Hand had been blocking me completely from him and I feel
that the Emperor is doing the same to him."
Rieekan turned her and drew her into an embrace. There were no words to give her solace, no trite
phrases that would begin the healing, so he simply encircled her in love.
Face buried against his shoulder, she sighed. "It's extremely frightening."
"I can't even begin to imagine," he agreed. "I'm sorry I can't do more."
Leia pulled back and forced a smile. "No apologies, no regrets. They are only relics of the past and
will inhibit our ability to serve the future.
"Now," she continued. "What is this business you spoke of?"
He released her arms and Leia moved into the refresher, closing the door most of the way so she
could attend to her preparations in privacy but still converse with him.
"The High Command knows of the recent events and wishes to debrief you concerning the trial,
your relationship with Lord Vader, and of course, Luke's decision."
"Great," Leia grumbled around her toothbrush. "We'll be meeting them on the Headquarters
Frigate?"
"Exactly," Rieekan confirmed. "We'll be leaving as soon as you're dressed."
"Give me some good news," Leia pleaded.
"We'll be transported by the Falcon."
Leia's mood brightened a millimeter. "Perhaps you should attend to Han. Undoubtedly, he and the
walking carpet are at each other's throats about repairs by now."
Rieekan grinned knowingly. "They've been at it all night."
She crossed to him and stretched up to kiss his cheek. "I'll be there soon, just make sure we can get
that rust bucket off of the ground in one piece."
"You'll be all right?"
She nodded fractionally. "For now," she said softly. "These things take time."
Leia was ushered into the conference room in silence and the doors were sealed from the outside by
the recently evacuated guards and aides.
Mon Mothma had enough compassion and sense to restrict this tribulation to a small number of
people.
Leia was indeed grateful for that foresight, but the atmosphere seemed even more claustrophobic as
a result.
"Leia," Mon Mothma said, standing, "thank you for joining us."
Leia bowed slightly. "Mon Mothma, it is a great joy to see you once again."
"May I introduce you to our Fleet Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Ackbar."
Leia bowed to the Mon Calamari gracefully. She knew the legendary tactician by reputation, but
had never seen him before, since he had only recently assumed command of the Fleet.
"And of course, you know Generals Madine and Rieekan."
"Yes," she replied.
"These proceedings will be recorded for official purposes," Mon Mothma stated, "but the access
will be restricted until a time when you deem appropriate."
"I understand," Leia said automatically.
Mon Mothma keyed in a code, then gestured her to a seat. "This is the testimony of Leia Organa
concerning her recent Imperial imprisonment. The evidence at hand, communication from
Commander Luke Skywalker, is appended to this record." She cleared her throat, and then looked
up. "What were the circumstances of your capture?"
Leia settled into the chair, and then folded her hands. "Commander Skywalker and I were
dispatched to Sa Doocha on a diplomatic mission. The contact was a former Imperial snubfighter
specialist who was supposedly seeking asylum in return for improving our starfighter capabilities. I
was to work out the details while Luke was to evaluate his work.
"Unfortunately, the meeting was a trap. We were stunned and given over into Imperial custody.
When Lord Vader arrived, he immediately brought us up on preliminary charges and had us shipped
to Coruscant."
"When was it that you two learned of your relation to Vader?"
Leia repressed a shudder. "Luke discovered his heritage the first day of our imprisonment. Vader
had been searching him out since the Battle of Yavin and was only too willing to reveal why. He
had no idea that I was his daughter as well, despite my resemblance to his late wife.
"In the third week of our imprisonment, we were caught in a riot and I used the Force to defend
myself, without thinking about it. It was virtually the first time I'd ever shown an aptitude for it and
naturally Vader was alerted. Suspicious, he had a cross-check of my blood sample with Bail
Organa's and his own and thus discovered the truth."
"It has come to our attention that you spent a considerable amount of time in Lord Vader's private
residence. What was the nature of these meetings?"
"Merely social events of a kind. At their inception, they were at his behest; he would summon us
and we would be forced to meet with him. He rarely spoke of anything to do with the Force or the
trial. I have the feeling that it was to rewrite our personal dossiers of him."
"Did he succeed?"
Leia raised a hand unconsciously to the japor snippet. "In a way. I came to know the man behind the
monster, to realize that he had real capacity for human emotions and had convictions as well.
Because I was embittered from our previous...encounters, I initially kept him at a distance to protect
myself. But eventually, I was able to see past the bittersweet shadows and forgave him."
She could sense their shock, but continued nevertheless.
"Luke was not so easily dissuaded. To my knowledge, he still cannot forgive him."
"Is that a possible motivation for his turn to the Dark Side?"
Leia gritted her teeth. "It may be something the Emperor is using against him to lure him over to the
Dark Side. I do not know. When I last saw him, he showed no disposition to such matters."
"Then how do you explain his actions?"
"I can't," Leia confessed with a degree of frustration and her voice broke. "He tried to explain it, but
I can't explain it."
"Do you understand it?"
Leia hesitated, then winced. "On a level."
"Please elaborate."
Leia closed her eyes for a moment, considering the truth, formulating her answers. "After the
verdict was issued, we were summoned before the Emperor. He threatened both of us and for a long
moment, I was tempted to do whatever he asked in order to save Luke. It was a moment of sheer
desperation and one of my darkest. In that, I can understand the logic behind Luke's claims."
"Thank you for your candor," Mon Mothma said gently. "Are there any more questions,
gentlemen?"
There were no replies. "Very well. Thank you for your report, Leia. Now to the matter at hand."
Leia straightened, puzzled. Another matter?
Mon Mothma folded her hands and fixed Leia with an intense gaze. "It is our recommendation, for
your own safety as well as your emotional well-being that you take a position within the High
Command as my civilian second-in-command."
Leia blinked. "You want me to leave the war behind? To leave the cause I am devoted to for a desk
job."
"In not so many words, but yes."
Leia did not look at the leader of the Alliance, but pointedly at Rieekan. His expression was
apologetic, but she knew that this was his insistence.
"I'm sorry, Mon," she said stiffly. "I cannot do that."
"May I ask why not," Rieekan interjected.
"Because I cannot outlast this war knowing that I risked the lives of others to save my own. I have
always taken a hands-on approach to the war because it is the only way to make sure it's done
right."
Mon Mothma sucked in her breath, then nodded. "Understood. You will accompany General
Rieekan back to Echo Base, then and remain in your unofficial capacity as second-in-command."
"Yes, Madam."
"You are dismissed."
Leia stood and left the room as quickly as her still-healing legs would take her. She heard Rieekan
excuse himself and follow her out, but she did not acknowledge him.
"I understand your logic, but still do not accept it. Why do you insist on putting yourself at risk?
After all you've lost..."
Leia whirled and jabbed a finger in his face, angry with him for the first time in her life. "Do not
ever ambush me again," she snapped.
"I didn't ambush you," he replied. "It was the ruling of the High Command..."
"Banthaspit," Leia spat. "The High Command was acting under your attempt to coddle me, to put
me out of commission. I won't stand for it from the rest of the Alliance and I sure as Sith won't take
it from you.
"It's bad enough that everyone else is walking on eggshells. I can understand compassion or
sympathy, but I cannot, will not accept or acknowledge pity, least of all from my friends."
"Leia, I..."
"Don't," she said curtly.
For a long moment, they were both silent--she trying to regain her breath and her composure, he
respecting her wish for silence.
As her heart slowed, Leia's anger abated. What am I doing? Hating the closest thing I have to a
father for something he did out of love?
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "It's not any fault of yours."
"No," he conceded. "You have a valid point. You're simply overwhelmed with all of this."
She rubbed the bridge of her nose wearily. "That's the understatement of the eon."
He brushed her forehead with a kiss. "Go to Han and rest from all of this. I'll be along as soon as I
can."

Han was buried under a panel in the cockpit as usual, 'tweaking.'

"Back so soon," his voice came, muffled.
"There wasn't much to say. They knew all the details of the trial and only needed a few
clarifications, not to mention grilling me about Luke's motives. Then, they offered me a desk job, I
turned it down, bawled out Rieekan, reconciled, and came back to aggravate you."
He laughed and scooted from under the panel. "An eventful day, I see."
"Quite." She sank wearily into the copilot's chair. "I wish I were like you."
His lips quirked into a smile. "How so?"
"Able to move on without a second thought. Indomitable."
Han reached up to squeeze her fingertips. "I don't know that the first one's a virtue, but you're the
most indomitable person I know."
"I don't feel it," she murmured.
"That will pass," he promised. "It always has."
Leia helped him up, but did not release his hand. He dropped into the pilot's seat and she gazed
down at their intertwined fingers.
"Do you think Luke is lost?"
He hesitated and Leia could sense his worry, but he shook his head after a moment. "Not at all. Not
all who wander are lost."

"Lord Vader."
Vader turned to see a junior officer, a particularly obnoxious lieutenant named Pellaeon, approach.
"The Emperor commands you to contact him."
Vader gave an inward sigh, then nodded. "Route it to my meditation pod."
He turned on his heels and left the bridge, leaving fear and awe in his wake. It was the first time
since the commission of the new Super Star Destroyer Executor that the Emperor had contacted
him. They were all hoping that perhaps they'd be released from the tedium of the maiden voyage for
some authentic action.
His chambers were just three hundred yards from the command center and needlessly spacious. In
the center was an enclosed space designated for purposes of meditation and communication,
anything that required absolute secrecy.
As he entered the comm circle, he dropped to one knee, then bowed as the Emperor's visage
materialized.
"What is thy bidding my master?"
"We have a new ally," Palpatine said and there was no mistaking the smug satisfaction in his
cackling voice. "Luke Skywalker has determined to join us in the Dark Side."
Vader's head came up sharply and a heart he didn't remember having ached. After all Luke's
promises and protestations, he had succumbed. Vader was not so much surprised as disappointed.
It was strange that, for all his devotion to his Master, Vader was horrified when someone else
exhibited the same tendency.
Perhaps it was because Luke was there under duress, the only explanation for his choice to remain
on Coruscant. Perhaps it was because another generation of Skywalkers was coming under the
control of a psychopathic megalomaniac.
Perhaps it was because his son was making the same mistakes he had, fully knowing what he was
doing.
"What of the girl?"
"She is of no consequence," Palpatine said. "Her well-being fuels Skywalker's motivation. She
escaped through the efforts of her Rebel friends."
A wave of relief swept over him, but he quashed it quickly, knowing that even his strongest Force
barriers could be penetrated by the mind of Palpatine.
"Would you have me train him?"
There was a note of pleading in his voice, a hope.
"No," the Emperor said simply.
Vader did not ask for an explanation, was not to expect one, but the implications were evident.
First, Palpatine wanted the perverse pleasure of corrupting young Skywalker himself. Second, that
he knew that there was some degree of Anakin Skywalker left in the armor. If that were true, it
would change the course of the training. Luke would not be as deeply enmeshed in the dark arts as
he needed to in order to serve such evil as Palpatine and there would even be the possibility of Luke
affecting Vader.
Vader nodded. "What would you have of me?"
"Our new ally informs me that the Rebels have established a base in the Hoth system. Seek it out
and destroy it. Spare no one. Once that is completed, I will have more to entertain your talents."
"I feel that we should evacuate Echo Base as soon as possible."
Rieekan looked up from his data pad, startled. "Pardon me?"
Leia's lips pressed into a grim line. "Luke knows about our whereabouts. Given his current
circumstances, we should not assume that any of our secrets are safe."
"She has a point," Colonel Derlin observed. "As the commander of Rogue Squadron, Commander
Skywalker was privy to highly classified information. We should upgrade all of our projects."
"It will be time-consuming," Leia admitted, "but it's the only way."
Rieekan let his stylus fall to the tabletop. "Is this an insight or a premonition, Leia?"
Leia flushed crimson. "I don't know. Perhaps a bit of both."
Derlin snorted. "What good is a Force-strong XO if she can't even distinguish between instinct and
reality?"
Rieekan whirled on him, his eyes blazing. "I will thank you to refrain from such words," he said
harshly. "You seem to forget who you are speaking of."
"I forget nothing," Derlin countered.
"Leia has had only rudimentary training and she's just been through a massive personal trauma. I
don't expect anyone under those circumstances to be clairvoyant."
"Carlist," Leia said softly, touching his arm. "It's all right; I'm frustrated by this as well. But the fact
remains that we are all in greater danger now than in a long time and we cannot sit idly by."
"Agreed," Rieekan said. "I'm issuing orders for preliminary evacuation procedures. You are
dismissed, Colonel."
Leia remained seated as Derlin left Rieekan's office, then sighed. "Will it always be like this?"
"I don't know," Rieekan confessed. "I can imagine this is how Luke felt when he arrived here."
She shook her head. "No, he had Yavin to his name. Everyone viewed even the slightest nudging of
the Force as the harbinger of salvation. I run into suspicion and frustration instead."
"It will pass," he promised. "It's just that this entire affair is a bit of a shock for everyone involved
and they want safe, familiar answers to the questions they don't want to ask."
"Such as what's to stop me from doing the same," Leia said quietly.
"Exactly."
She clasped her hands in her lap and hunched her shoulders in a shrug. "The main problem is that
they saw me as Luke's counterpart, so much like him in many ways. And they could identify with
him because he came from such simple origins and rose to such greatness. And now he is the
antithesis of what we honor and they're terrified that there is a dark side to their souls as well."
"As well they should. This has the potential to destroy us or to reshape the way we fight this war. If
our commanders are more conscientious of the implications of their actions, they will be more
sensible in preparing for acts of war."
Leia's shoulders slumped. "I only wish there were a way to train me. There is nothing left of the Jedi
Order and yet I am supposed to embody it in Luke's stead. I don't know quite what to do."
Rieekan let out his breath. "Nothing for now. We have a war to fight and a base to evacuate. I
suggest we worry about smaller matters when we can breathe again."

"There is no evidence of Imperial presence in our system or along our borders, but Intelligence
indicates that there is indeed a task force on its way here."
Wedge Antilles consulted his notes, then keyed up a sector map with superimposed images of
capital ships and vector traces. Intrigued, Leia keyed a request into her data pad and watched as the
computer displayed possible destinations.
The formation was fanned, but the convergence point was all too clear.
"As you can see," Wedge continued, "the Executor task force has been stationed in a nearby sector.
It is made up of one Super Star Destroyer, four Imperial Star Destroyers, two Victory-class Star
Destroyers, four Carrack-class cruisers, and a full complement of fighters.
"Three days ago, our tracking specialists marked their departure. We reacquired their drive
signatures half a sector away and they departed along these vectors. According to tracking, they
made this detour in order to shed their light cruisers, eight squadrons, and one Victory-class Star
Destroyer."
Rieekan smiled wryly. "At least we can't accuse them of overkill."
Wedge's mouth quirked, but he did not smile. "Given their point and time of departure, the projected
speed, and the convergence point, we should be expecting an Imperial blockade within twenty-five
hours."
Rieekan nodded. "Colonel Derlin, how close are we to a full evacuation?"
"We're within seventeen hours of full evacuation. There should be no problems in overlapping
agendas."
Rieekan let out his breath and nodded to Leia. "Either your insight or your premonition paid off."
"Thankfully," Leia countered. "Where do we go from here?"
Rieekan turned to Wedge. "You may take your seat, unless there is more."
Wedge pulled out a chair and sank into it. "No, sir."
"Very well."
Rieekan keyed up a tri-dimensional map of the charted Galaxy, then stood. "There was a list of nine
options in this sort of eventuality. Unfortunately, Commander Skywalker was privy to that
information and we run the risk of betrayal.
"However, during his imprisonment, High Command approved another base option of which he has
no knowledge."
He highlighted the Derev Sector and it enlarged. "Ierad IX."
Leia squinted at the map, puzzled. "But that's strategically illogical. All of our bases have had
relative proximity to major Imperial space in the space. Ierad is in a sector that is, at best under
nominal Imperial control and if we were to stage assaults, back-up would be slow in coming."
"There are several primary trade routes and research facilities in its proximity," Rieekan stated. "I
concur with your assessment, but it is the most practical for the time being. If there are no further
issues to discuss, we are dismissed."
Leia stood, gathering her datacards and pad. Wedge crossed to her side and embraced her gently
from behind.
"I heard," he said quietly, "and I'm so sorry."
She reached up to squeeze his forearm. "Thank you. I see command is suiting you well."
He broke off and she turned to face him, saw his wince. "I wish it were under better circumstances."
"As do we all," Leia agreed, "but it is your time to lead and you will do wonderfully."
He grinned in spite of himself. "I wish I had your confidence."
"Leia?"
Leia turned to arch an eyebrow at Rieekan. "Something more, General?"
He folded his arms and fixed her with a deadpan expression. "I'd prefer you to be on the first
transport out."
Leia's jaw dropped open to protest, but he held up a hand. "Before I get another earful of what you
gave me on the Headquarters Frigate, let me explain. We just spent three months without you
because you put yourself at risk one time too many. In addition, once we get to Ierad IX, we need
someone to coordinate establishing the base."
"Major Ikth could do it just as well," Leia said evenly.
"Yes, but I insist on your involvement," he said simply. "I can make it an order, but I'd rather not."
Leia nodded. "All right, I'll go quietly."

Fifteen hours later, the first group reached the rendezvous point in safety. Leia debriefed the
commanders, then ordered everyone except a rotating skeleton crew to get some rest and relaxation
before they had to move on.
She returned to her quarters, exhausted, to find a one-sentence message on her comm.
FORWARD TRIANGULATION DECK, LEVEL 39, MIDNIGHT.
Her chrono indicated that it was just three minutes before the appointed hour, so, morbidly curious,
she set out for the turbolift.
She entered the triangulation deck to find the lights extinguished. Three candles were the only
illumination in the room and music was coming from an unknown source.
"I was wondering when you'd show up."
Leia whirled to see Han standing behind her, grinning. "What's all this about," she demanded.
"Questions later." He offered an arm. "May I escort you to dinner?"
Leia slipped her arm through his warily and he led her to the standard-issue blanket that served as a
tablecloth. He helped her sit, then took a seat across from her.
After the wine was poured and the broiled ikali served, she dared to speak up again.
"So, as I said, what is this all about?"
His mouth twitched. "It occurred to me that we have had a first kiss, but not a first date. I don't
know much about Alderaanian custom, but that's pretty irregular. Then, you ordered us to engage in
rest and relaxation, but I knew that unless you had a valid excuse, you'd spend half the night
working. So..."
He gestured expansively. "I created an excuse."
Leia sipped at the wine, then smiled slightly. "There are more conventional ways of acquiring a
date, you know. From the nature of the message, I was almost convinced it was a High Command
meeting."
"They're not much for clarity, either?"
She nodded. "It's been my experience that I usually am notified of meetings by means of a
diplomatic cipher and a simple message listing the time, date, and location. It would be harder to
trace should it be intercepted."
He pressed a finger to her lips. "All right," he said quietly. "Two rules."
"First," Leia prompted.
"First, first person to mention the war or work again buys the next dinner. Second, you are to devote
yourself wholeheartedly to trying to have a good time."
Leia's mouth spread into an easy grin. "All right, I'll agree to that."
"Good." He gestured awkwardly to the ikali. "We'd better eat or it might get cold."
Leia speared a piece and chewed thoughtfully, her gaze drifting around the surroundings. "This is
nice," she remarked.
"Most secluded spot on the ship," he agreed. "And it affords a spectacular view."
She nodded. "I declared R&R an hour ago; you put this together on such short notice?"
She could have sworn he blushed sheepishly. "Actually..."
Leia laughed. "Out with it, Solo."
"I was planning on kidnapping you if you were too busy."
"Where did you manage to get this?"
He straightened his shoulders, grinning. "I am a smuggler; I never reveal my secrets."
"Granted," she conceded.
He sighed, then squinted. "So, Leia Organa, is it?"
She schooled her features into an expressionless mask. "Something like that."
"I don't know much about you. What do you do for a living?"
"Breaking the rules," she countered.
"That's not much of a profession."
"No," she said with a laugh. "You broke the first rule."
"It was inevitable," he said dourly. "All right, what was the best moment of your life?"
Leia's heart constricted. "It was the night I forgave my father. It was the most free I've ever felt and
I can't remember being that genuinely overjoyed before." She looked up and smiled. "What about
you?"
"My first flight on the Falcon."
Leia nodded. "I suspect that bucket of bolts will still be legendary long after we've passed."
"Thanks to the walking carpet," he admitted with a grin. "He's the technical genius; I simply take
advantage of it."
"Thank the Force for that," she said quietly.
The music changed from light instrumental, to what she recognized as "Sweet Lady of Alderaan."
"I think this is appropriate music," he commented, rising. "Would you do me the honor of dancing
with me?"
Leia took his hand and rose gracefully. "My pleasure."
Stepping clear of the blanket, he enfolded her in a gentle embrace, swaying to the music. Leia rested
her head on his shoulder, for once contented.
"I could get used to this," he murmured against her hair.
Leia simply grinned. "I know what you mean."
He tightened her grip just a little. "You're right--this is nice and I'd like to do it again. And again. As
many times as possible."
Leia looked up, saw no jest or deception in his eyes or his easy smile. "Me too."

They danced. Long after the music had stopped and the candles burned low. After the ikali had gone
cold and the wine had gone warm.
As an Alliance formed around them, they were simply two people taking a moment away from a
Galaxy at war to be falling in love.
Leia had to marvel. Three years of personal conflicts and the madness of the war had somehow
forged a deeper bond of friendship and affection than she would have ever expected.
"Leia."
She startled from her reverie to find Rieekan standing in the doorway. Han released her gently and
she sent him a deeply apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry to interrupt such a rare moment of cease fire," Rieekan said with a faint smile, "but we
have a situation."
Leia's heart sank. "What happened?"
"Nothing catastrophic or particularly bad for that matter," he assured her. "Just...important."
Leia planted hands on her hips. "I'd appreciate some degree of explanation."
Rieekan brought up the lights and surveyed the room. "Twenty-five years ago, I was a hotshot
fighter pilot at the age of eighteen. A back injury got me piloting shuttles and navigating light
cruisers for five months. It was at the inception of the New Order and the beginning of the Jedi
Purges, so the Jedi were still a considerable presence, but a hunted one.
"One day, my services were chartered by a Jedi Master who required transport to a place called
Dagobah. The Jedi were organized almost into cells on various sanctuary worlds and this Master
was to stage the refugee efforts of his few cells from that world.
"On our inbound vector, we got ambushed. Were it not for his instincts and aid, I would have been
dead. Before I left, I promised him that if he ever needed help, I'd do my best to come to his aid."
"A touching story," Han said, "but what does this have to do with us?"
"When I arrived here, there was a message from this Jedi Master, enlisting my help."
Leia's mouth dropped open slightly. "For what?"
"Coming to train you."

Leia paced nervously, trying not to notice the stares of the on-duty officers in the hangar. The
Seventh Dawn had been cleared for landing five minutes ago and would be landing within the
minute.
"Stand by for docking," a mechanized voice announced.
Leia stopped and watched the shuttle settle gracefully on the deck. There was a hiss of hydraulics as
the ramp lowered and a pint-sized humanoid with green skin and outsized ears toddled down.
He's got to be kidding.
Three security officers intercepted him. "Sir, if you will come with us, we just have a few
procedural points."
"Jedi Master I am," he said evenly. "Need this I do not."
"Jedi Master or no," the Security man said patiently, "every person to come to this ship is subject to
a routine security check."
"Lieutenant," Leia called. "This is not necessary."
"Yes," the man crowed. "You matter not. Her I have come to train."
She stepped forward as the...man? approached. "I am Leia Orga..."
A blow to her legs with his gnarled cane brought her to her knees. "Respect you must learn. Tower
over your Master you must not." He seized her chin and looked her over carefully. "Like your
mother you look, but with your father's strength."
Leia's eyes widened. "You knew my parents?"
"Heh," he snorted. "Nine hundred I am. A great many of your forefathers have I known."
Leia blinked. "Who are you?"
"Yoda."
Her jaw dropped open. Her history lessons had covered little of the Jedi Order because of the
Imperial doctrine, but Yoda had been legendary.
"Come," he said abruptly. "Work we have to do."

The life of a Sith apprentice was not easy. Luke supposed part of his difficulty arose from the fact
that, while he had surrendered his freedom to the Emperor, he was a long way from surrendering his
soul. Not for lack of trying, of course. There were duels with lightSabérs as well as the curved
lanvarok, a wicked implement that the Sith had been using since the inception of the Order. During
the days, he would meditate and at night, Palpatine would meet with him. Most of the meetings
consisted of goading and mental assaults. It was a childish game and Palpatine came off as nothing
more than a schoolyard bully attempting to get a rise out of his weaker opponent before crushing
him. Luke did not rise to the challenge, despite the temptation. His attempts to reach Leia were
fruitless, but he suspected an externality named Palpatine of being responsible for that. "You might
as well give in," Mara commented one day. Luke shook his head adamantly. "Never. I am only here
to save those I love." "Ah, yes," she sneered. "The gallant sacrifice. Your naiveté is disgusting. You
actually surrendered believing that it was for that reason." "I suppose you came willingly," he
countered. Something like sadness flickered in her eyes, but only for a moment before the fire
returned. "Questions later," she spat. "Let's see if you've conquered your fears yet." Luke stood and
spun the lanvarok in a corkscrew arc that ended with the blade running diagonal to his right. "Go
ahead." The first blow came high, arcing towards his left ear. Luke's arm snapped up and he blocked
it easily. Pivoting on his forward foot, he twisted the blade clockwise, leaving her face unprotected,
then elbowed in. She flinched back to avoid the blow and he pressed his advantage, driving forward
in a series of quick thrusts and parries. She struck low, at his solar plexus and Luke caught the blow
on the lower ridge of his blade, then snapped the upper ridge forward, slicing her nose open
lengthwise. Enraged, she chambered her leg for a kick to drive him back, but he swept his leg
through her standing knee and brought her to the floor. Luke grinned. "Had enough?" She rolled
backwards into a crouch, then blocked his overhead swing. Exploding from her crouch, she
knocked him off-balance and followed with a dizzying series of hacking, abbreviated cuts that
seemed more appropriate for demolition than dueling. Her offensive managed to drive him halfway
across the arena before he could regain his senses and fight back. He caught her blade against his in
an X and they froze for a moment, each struggling to move forward with their momentum, but the
resulting pressure making it impossible. "Your problem," she bit out, "is that you have been coddled
into thinking that isolated victories will add up to success. You do not think beyond your next step
and therefore are unprepared. I hope someday it will get you killed." "The feeling's mutual, I'm
sure," Luke said evenly, "but I'll keep that sentiment in mind." She stepped forward with her right
foot, her movement placing her even with his right hip, then pivoted and drove the lower end of her
lanvarok inward, catching him in the hip, then snapping the upper ridge into his shoulder at the
brachial plexus. The lanvarok fell from his hands and he fell to his knees, gritting his teeth. "I win
again," she said, her voice even for the first time in the conversation. "You were warned of your
weakness and paid it no heed." "As if you gave me a chance," Luke gasped. "Your enemies will not
pause for learning experiences as well." She tossed the lanvarok aside and brushed a strand of fiery
hair away from her glistening face. "On a more optimistic note, it was harder to defeat you. You are
becoming fearless, letting go of your inhibitions. The next step is moving past that to let your anger
replace your fear and drive your success." "Like you?" She nodded, then bared her teeth in
something like a malicious grin. "I am the Emperor's personal emissary and the most highly-
regarded assassin in the Empire. I didn't become that by hesitating." Luke winced and probed his
wounds. "I don't imagine you did." "Stop being such a baby," she spat and hauled him up by his
injured shoulder. He yanked his arm away. "You may not be Palpatine's brat, but you're certainly his
clone." "I'm flattered," she said wryly. "Go, you are of no use to us yet."

"I'm not quite sure how to describe him," Leia admitted. "He's like no one I've ever encountered."
They were atop the base, among the sensor array, leaning against one of the towers. They had taken
to watching the stars every night, whether they talked or not, because it was the only constant, the
only sense of order in the Galaxy.
"He's nine hundred?" Han asked incredulously.
"Eight hundred and ninety-nine," Leia corrected.
"Stang," Han murmured. "He must have some amazing stories."
"If you can translate them," she countered.
"Ah, yes, me told about that Rieekan did."
Leia grinned and settled back in his arms. "I figured as much. I don't think there are many on this
base who haven't heard about him. It's not every day that a legendary Jedi Master shows up on base
demanding to turn the second-in-command into a Jedi."
"I'm still recovering from the shock myself," he agreed. "I can't imagine how you must be feeling."
"Unworthy," she confessed. "After everything I've heard about the Jedi, I don't seem the right type."
"Let the Master be the judge of that."
She reached down to rub her sore legs. "I'm sure he will be."
Han sighed. "I suppose this is our last night of privacy for a while, then?"
"I don't know. He doesn't want many distractions and you, my dear, most certainly qualify as a
distraction."
He kissed the side of her neck softly, then moved to her shoulder blade. "I know exactly what you
mean."
She drew his arms tighter around her, then rested against him. "I think the rest of the base will be
relieved that the dangerous Jedi potential is under strict supervision."
"Mmm," Han mumbled against her back. "They're all idiots."
"True."
There was a long silence, then he finally spoke. "Did I tell you Rieekan offered me a commission
today?"
Leia straightened, startled. "Really?"
"Really."
"How much of a commission?"
"Colonel."
She caught her breath, not daring to hope.
"I'm going to take it."
Leia closed her eyes. "About time."
"I figured that if I'm finally home, I should settle in a bit."
She winced and her shoulders must have tightened because he asked, "What's wrong?"
"A bet Luke and I had," she said. "About when you'd commit. I wagered when Tatooine freezes
over."
"Hey," he protested.
"This was six months ago, before I knew better," she soothed. "He said within the year."
"Right as usual," Han mused. "Any other wagers I should know about?"
"Well, Rogue Squadron is counting the days until we fall in love."
Han laughed easily. "Me, too."

"Young fool."
Luke set his jaw. "Good morning to you, too."
Palpatine fixed him with an almost normal look, one that suggested that Luke was an impertinent
schoolboy and the Emperor was simply a beatific teacher who cringed at the thought of punishing
him.
As if both of them didn't know better.
"You still resist your destiny."
"If it were my destiny, I would have been led to it long ago."
"Ah, yes, the skepticism," he snorted. "But you have had delayed destinies for your entire life. The
Academy, Jedi training, your sister..."
"That has nothing to do with this," Luke snapped. "This is not my path, so I will not walk it."
The beatific expression dissolved into something far more familiar. "Perhaps you need more
convincing."
Luke stiffened, remembering what this monster had done to Leia by way of persuasion. "It will take
more than 'convincing.' More than veiled threats and Force storms."
"Undoubtedly." He turned towards the door. "Mara?"
The doors hissed open and she entered with confident strides. She clamped her hand around his
wrist, then smirked. "Come. We have a mission for you."
"I have a bad feeling about this."
She snorted. "Bright, aren't you? No questions asked."
"Go, my young apprentice," Palpatine called, "and when we return, we'll see how much persuasion
you further require."
Leia hurdled a low-hanging branch, then leapt up, catching a hanging vine to cross the creek.
Landing, she sprinted forward, dancing lightly between the rocks on the downward slope.
The exercise wouldn't have been so difficult had Yoda not been strapped to her back, lecturing.
"Tempted you will be. This temptation know you already. Felt it you have. Yes?"
"Yes," Leia panted.
"Stronger it will become with pain."
Leia flipped over a large log, then sidestepped a flight of birds, taking a spur trail through denser
foliage. "I have had my due share of pain," she said breathlessly, "and I still have not fallen."
"But complacent you must not become. The downfall of the Order this was. Far greater pain there
shall be," he said cryptically. "Encapsulated in the Dark Side you will be."
Leia's brow furrowed. "Will I triumph?"
"Your choice always that is, but here I am to see to it that you do."
Half a kilometer later, he called a halt. Leia sank onto a log, breathing hard, and ran a hand through
her damp hair.
"Refresh yourself," he reminded her. "Rely on the Force you must learn to."
Leia closed her eyes, calming herself and drawing on the Force for strength.
"Good, good. Set me down you must; talk we must."
Easing the pack from her shoulders, she turned and lowered her Master to the ground. He extricated
himself from its confines, then took a seat next to her.
"Believe in the Force do you?"
Leia nodded. "My brother is a prisoner of its Dark Side; if it means saving him, I'll believe
anything."
"No," Yoda snapped. "Not enough this is. Always dependent on your brother matters are. But in
your mind only. If you are to be a Jedi, recognize you must that service to the Light Side your
brother may sacrifice. And still, serve it you must. Greater faith you must have."
"I can't sacrifice him so easily," Leia said with a touch of impatience in her voice.
"Control," he admonished her. "Sacrifice him you may not have to, but the point this is not. Your
war this is not to fight..."
"How can you say that?" Leia demanded.
A sharp crack of his gimer stick across her knuckles brought her to repentance. "I'm sorry," she said
with a grimace. "I have not yet learned respect."
"Evidently," he said wryly. "Your war this is not to fight yet. A time there will come for courage and
great struggles, but this time it is not."
Somehow what he said made sense. Leia closed her eyes and nodded slightly. "Yes, Master."
"The truth of this you recognize," he observed. "Good. Another headstrong Padawan I need not."
"A what?"
"Padawan." He tapped her on the shoulder. "A Padawan apprentice you are. A humble learner. Call
our apprentices this we did, in the old days. From a Dantooinian term meaning 'child of light' it is."
"I'm not a child," Leia protested with a smile.
"A child in the Force we all are," he countered. "Come, night falls and near the base we are."
Leia rose and helped him back into the pack, then shouldered the load and set off at a jog.
"Frightened are you?"
Leia nearly stumbled over a root. "What?"
"Simple query this is. Frightened are you?"
Her brow furrowed and she heard his light laughter. "Good this hesitation is. Means that control you
your fears do not."
"Glad to hear it," Leia said wryly. "Why did you ask?"
"Your strength to gauge. If hasty you were or overcome by your fears, futile this all might be. Fear
leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."
Leia grimaced. "I know that all too well."
He laughed again. "Indeed you do. Save you it has on many occasions."
She shortened her strides as she reached a downward slope. The dying light made discerning the
path virtually impossible, so she would have to be guided by the Force.
As if sensing this, Yoda quieted. Leia stretched out with her senses, jogging in place to keep up the
momentum. She could sense the placement of obstacles, and could see them in her mind's eye.
Now to follow that map.
"Calm, sure, be not hasty."
Leia nodded, then set off at a sprint down the hill. Her feet moved in an intricate footwork pattern
and she pivoted occasionally, when a more sure footing lay in another direction.
A flash of silver came after the subtle change in the Force. Leia's lightSabér came up in swift
movements and the bar fell in three pieces.
"Improved you have."
She knew that she should feel a rush of pride, but felt only peace and assurance. Quite a change, eh,
Your Worship? Han had said.
She broke from the obstacle course into a large clearing and let out her breath, exhilarated.
"Well you did. The bar, in seven pieces it should be, but matter for now that does not. Once said a
Jedi Master that the three aspects of the Force and the four noble truths it represented. When accept
and adopt them you will, seven pieces there will be."
"But for now, I only have the aspects of the Force or three of the noble truths?"
"Think not on it," he chided. "In meditation, truth you will gain. Learn this we will with practice."
Leia nodded. "Master, why do you think I favor telekinesis?"
"An outlaw leader you are. Comes easily to you faith in the impossible it does."

Padmé's first pregnancy was not an easy one.

Between vicious morning sickness, raging hormones, swollen ankles, and the "inelegant" swell of
her abdomen, she was fluctuating between vindictive misery and unbridled elation at the prospect
of being a mother.
To make matters worse, the stress of her duties as a Senator, the ever-present crisis of the Clone
Wars, and the political instability had taken its toll by the fifth month and her doctor ordered four
weeks of bed rest.
By the third day, her loving, patient husband was ready to put her into a Force-induced coma.
"This one is going to be a Jedi," Padmé informed the ceiling.
Anakin grinned. "How can you tell?"
"All Jedi make me sick," she quipped.
He snorted and settled onto the bed next to her. "Despite the erroneous sentiment, I think you could
be right. Our daughter will be strong."
She arched an eyebrow. "Daughter," she said quietly. "Are you sure?"
"Nothing is sure," he replied, "but whoever's in there is certainly active enough to be a daughter."
He drew her under his arm and sighed. "I see her, sometimes, in my dreams. The spitting image of
you, with your temperament, nobility, and grace, but with my adorable nose."
"Force help us all," Padmé said, laughing. "Does she have your ego as well?"
"Now, Padmé," he chided. "That would be cheating."
"I know," she murmured softly. "I'm not sure whether I want a Jedi child. To have to give her up so
early, watch her grow under the guidance of someone else. Watch her struggle with dark and light,
with the burden of following the promptings of something she can't possibly understand."
"She would know dark and light, but never struggle. If she has your strength and your spirit, she
would not allow temptation to affect her."
"You expect a child four months from birth to be perfect already?"
He leaned over and kissed her deeply. "She's ours," he said quietly. "Perfection is issued with the
surname."
She grinned. "But that's all she would know of us--a surname."
"Maybe not," he replied. "If the Force deems it, I could take her as my Padawan. It's not
uncommon."
She sighed heavily. "We can hope."
"As always."

The panic began in small stages. The cessation of movement from their unborn child came a week
into bed rest. Anakin joked half-heartedly that perhaps the new Skycrawler was on bed rest as well,
but Padmé was not so easily persuaded.
They waited, hoping each breathless moment for a movement, a kick, a hiccup, anything, but by the
third day, even Anakin had to worry.
"We'll go to the doctor's after I meet with the Council this morning," he promised his distraught
angel.
He returned to find her collapsed on the dining room floor, surrounded by blood. Panicked, he
barely had the presence of mind to call for an ambulance and stayed by her side, holding her limp
form until help arrived.
"Miscarriage," the doctor confirmed. "We don't know exactly what caused it, but the fetus was dead
four days prior. I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do."
The silence in her womb and in the moment that followed that grim pronouncement echoed the
silence in his mind. The Force had betrayed him.
His arm was around Padmé's shoulders, stiff as she wept openly against his shoulder. Unable to
speak, he gathered her into his arms and cradled her, as he would have his daughter, rocking her
gently.
He sent every last bit of comfort he could to her, leaving none for his own tortured soul.

"Lord Vader, we are receiving a communication from the Night Emissary. They are demanding
permission to dock."
Vader turned to find the newly-minted Captain Piett standing, rather nervously, behind him. The
pronouncement filled Vader with mild apprehension as well. The Night Emissary was one of the
Emperor's finest shuttlecraft, reserved only for his journeys and the advent of an apprentice.
Apprentice.
"Captain, who is piloting the shuttle?"
"A woman named Arica. She gave all the proper codes."
"As well she should. Permission granted. I will meet her myself."
Arica was, of course, Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand. This was evidently no social call and the fact
that the Emperor had not disclosed the message via the Holonet increased his apprehension.
It was either an assassination or something on the scale of a Death Star.
Either way, the prospects were black.
Crossing to the turbolift, he boarded and immediately began calming his senses and erecting
barriers.
Any weakness and he could be doomed.

"Lord Vader himself is meeting us," Mara mused. "How flattering."

"Why have you brought me here," Luke demanded.
She snorted. "I'm going to have to gag you fairly soon if you keep asking that."
"You still haven't answered," he countered sourly.
"You won't be ableg yoy p• mused. "How flattering."
His mouth drooped. "Perhaps wait you should until completed your training is."
"I see," Leia said quietly.
"Heh," he chuckled. "Disagree you do. Diplomatic you are being. Need this I do not."
Leia bit her lip, her brow furrowing. "I love him," she stated. "More than I've ever loved anyone,
even my father. I do not wish to lose him, to let him slip from my grasp. Moreover, I do not wish to
spend one day more than necessary without being his wife."
He nodded. "Anticipated this from you I did. Forbid this I will not, but advise against it I must."
"Why?"
"A bond of marriage for a Jedi very serious is," he explained. "Even if married to a Force-blind she
is. Connected you will be on a deep level of the Force. If destroyed that bond is, by death or
circumstance, greatly endangered your soul will be."
Leia's throat tightened. "I'm more than willing to take that risk."
"Thought I so," he said grimly. "Doubt you I do not, but dangerous this will always be. Be mindful
you must."
Leia nodded. "Yes, Master."

"I insisted on coming along," Rieekan explained. "It seems that every time you're in mortal danger,
I'm the last to see you. No longer."
Leia smiled wearily and sank onto the semi-circular bench at the gaming table.
"I'm glad to see a friendly face," she admitted. "Master Yoda was not exactly thrilled with my
sudden disappearance."
"We were all a bit apprehensive," Rieekan countered. "We've come so close to losing you many
times. First the Death Star, the capture, the trial, and now..."
He shook his head. "As I said in my testimony, you're aggravating as anything."
"I know," Leia said mournfully. "Congenital defect, I'm afraid."
Rieekan shook his head, his mouth quirking into a sad smile. "They say lightning never strikes
twice, but fate seems to be trying to prove common sense wrong."
"Just lucky, I guess," Leia teased.
"Speaking of luck, what is the status of your situation with Han?"
She laughed. "Not only is that an inane segue, but my status is not a military matter, General."
"Sorry, instinct."
She reached over to take his hand. "Look for yourself."
As soon as his shock wore off, she found herself crushed in a suffocating embrace.
"When," he breathed.
She pulled back and smiled. "Just before we left Bespin."
"I hope he did it appropriately," he said darkly.
"Of course. I said yes, didn't I?"
He squeezed her fingertips, smiling. "I never thought you'd be a war bride, Leia Organa."
She laughed for the first time since before Bespin. "I never thought I'd be many things, Carlist. This
is just an added bonus."
"I'm happy for you," he said genuinely. "It's about time you had some unadulterated happiness in
your life."
"I'm glad," she rejoined, "because you're giving me away."
An eyebrow arched, half in amusement, half in surprise. "Me?"
She nodded. "I can't exactly ask my biological father to take over that duty."
Rieekan snorted. "Not while there's still a distinction between Empire and Alliance."
"Exactly. Bail is dead, and you're the next best thing."
His mouth quirked. "Glad to know I'm in the top five. When do you propose to do this?"
"As soon as possible."
Leia looked up to see Han enter the galley. He sank onto the bench next to her and rested his hand
on top of theirs.
"We've wasted enough time already," he continued.
Leia stretched up to kiss him lightly on the mouth. "Indeed."
"Have you spoken to the guru yet?"
Leia nodded. "He advised against doing it so soon because of the current situation, but we know
what we're doing and he permits it."
Han grinned easily. "That's a relief. For a moment, I thought we'd have to wait another nine hundred
years to have his approval."
"Nothing so complicated," Leia assured him. "The eternity I've waited for this will end soon."

"You've done well here, considering the lack of anything we had to start with."
Rieekan gestured Leia to a chair at the sensor boards. "We had them hold your old post for you."
Leia sank into the chair, then surveyed the command center. "It's more reminiscent of the Dantooine
base when we had little supplies and even a shorter supply of credits, but it will suffice."
"Glad to know you approve," Rieekan said wryly. "I think you know everyone, except Ensign
Emal."
Leia turned to offer a hand to the woman seated next to her and drew up short.
Something in the eyes, the posture, or the sense seemed wrong.
She'd never met Emal before, of that she was certain, but there was something distinctly familiar.
Her mind's eye flashed with red hair and intense green eyes.
But there was no visible connection. The brown eyes were set in a fuller face, the blonde hair cut
just above her shoulders.
A quick Force-probe revealed nothing, but that did not necessarily mean anything.
Sith, she thought. Two months of nightmares and phantom pain have me jumping at shadows.
"Leia Organa," she finally said.
"I know," Emal responded. "I grew up on Alderaan so yours is a familiar face to be certain."
The accent was distinctly Alderaanian, a dialect of the southern continent. Leia had to smile.
"Glad to have a fellow pacifist in the war room," she said evenly, shaking the other woman's hand.
Rieekan rested a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Leia shuddered. "Yes, General. I'm just wearied by the events of the past weeks."
He glanced between the two of them, but clearly suspected nothing. "I understand."
Extending a hand, he helped her up. "I think it best if you see the rest of what we've done here and
then get acquainted with your bed."
Knowing better than to argue, Leia nodded. "Lead on. I follow."

"I don't want a big wedding, or even what passes for one on the run."
Han arched an eyebrow at Leia. "After twenty years in the high courts of Alderaan, I would have
guessed otherwise," he teased.
Leia drew her knees up to her chest and smiled wryly. "It's those twenty years in the high courts of
Alderaan that have me converted to the idea of simplicity."
Han grinned. "Are you sure you don't want to invite the entire base and whatever Imperial task
force happens to show up in the meantime?"
She laughed easily, tossing a tuber at him. "Don't tell anyone, especially Rieekan, but I am sorely
tempted to elope."
His jaw dropped in mock horror. "Stars forbid, Your Highness."
She sighed and rested her chin on top of her knees, her expression despondent. "I know."
"I don't know about the rest of our compatriots," Han interjected, "but I am in full support of the
idea."
Her face broke into a smile. "Really?"
He leaned over to kiss her gently. "What do you think?"
She sighed contentedly and rested her head against his chest.
"Thank the Force. I was afraid the happiest day of my life would have a five-hundred-person guest
list."
"We can have a party afterwards," Han countered, "but it is our day, not theirs and everything will
be according to our wishes."
Leia straightened and offered a wry grin. "You're a bad influence, you know that?"
"As always," he agreed. "What have I done now?"
"Turned me into an entirely selfish child."
He laughed. "About time."
"The guest list should be short," she continued. "Master Yoda, General Rieekan, and Chewbacca?"
"The perfect length."
"It'll be difficult to find a gown while in hiding," she murmured.
"Leave that to me," he returned.
She turned to rest comfortably against his chest, drawing his arms around her shoulders.
"I can't wait."
He sighed. "Me, either."

An urgent supply run to the Mid Rim forestalled immediate action, but Han made contact from Ord
Mantell to assure his impatient fiancée that they'd be married within the week.
The war progressed as usual, with false alarms, staged attacks, and diplomatic contacts, all
interspersed with sheer boredom.
Leia found it impossible to concentrate on anything for very long. Her heart ached, the long wait
being at the forefront of every thought.
She'd been trained for years to exercise diplomatic patience, but when it came to love, she
disregarded all efforts to that effect.
She awoke on the ninth day after Han's departure to find a package on the chair nearest her bed.
There was no indication of how it had gotten there, though she suspected a diminutive Jedi Master
of involvement.
Rising, she picked up the package and turned over the card attached to the top, immediately
recognizing Han's haphazard handwriting.
Happy anniversary. I hope you don't have a war planned for today because I intend to wed you
before the day is out.
These are a few things I managed to find because despite what the rest of the Galaxy may think, you
are now and forever my princess.
I will be waiting for you on the roof at 1300.
All my love and devotion,
Han
Leia set the package down, then headed to the refresher to prepare for her wedding day.

Han paced nervously, fiddling with the cuff of his dress uniform.
"She'll be here," Rieekan assured him. "It's only 1256."
"I'm not nervous," Han protested.
Rieekan offered a wry grin. "Could have fooled me."
"There's a difference between nerves and excitement. I don't expect you've ever experienced either
of them."
Rieekan laughed. "You underestimate me, Solo. I haven't always been the level-headed genius you
see before you."
Han shrugged. "I only know a few other Alderaanians and you fit the mold."
Rieekan was silent for a long moment, then finally spoke up. "You love her, don't you?"
Startled, Han turned to grin at his surrogate-father-in-law. "More than anything before, now, or
forever."
Rieekan nodded approvingly. "I suspected as much, but because Leia is very much like a daughter
to me, I had to make sure you weren't in it for the money."
Han laughed. "Not any more. I know better than that."
Rieekan rested a hand on his shoulder. "I know you wouldn't hurt her for anything, but whatever
you do, treat her much better than you think she'll ever deserve. That's the only way to treat her
right."
He nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
Rieekan sighed, his gaze focused on something unseen. "I was thrilled when you two became
involved. You are her other half, her completion. You balance each other perfectly and I know that
you will never do anything to disrupt that balance intentionally."
"Never," Han said fervently.
The older man nodded. "I believe it."
"Anything else I need to know?"
Rieekan's mouth twitched. "Only that here she comes."
Han turned to see Leia ascending the final stairs to the roof. He caught his breath, mesmerized, and
let it out in a shuddering sigh.
She loves me. How in the name of the Force did I ever get this lucky?
Somehow, in all the times he'd looked at the gown he'd found on Ord Mantell, it hadn't had the
same effect. A simple Alderaanian design of cream loveti mothsilk, it fit snugly to her torso and left
both shoulders bare, but sheathed her slender arms to the elbow. The skirt started at her waist and
was full, embroidered with small flowers and threaded through with gold thread.
Beneath the simple veil and diadem, her hair was caught back from the temples, held back with the
gold and opal combs he'd procured. Around her delicate neck was the japor snippet.
If there were such things as goddesses, she must have sprung from their image.
"Stang," he breathed, awestruck.
She blushed and crossed to his side, taking his hand. "I hope I'm not late. It's taken me a lifetime to
get here."
Han grinned. "I know what you mean."

"Who this woman gives in marriage?"

Rieekan squeezed Leia's hand, then responded. "I do."
A rush of adrenaline flooded through her veins. It was actually happening, after an eternity.
She exchanged a glance with her husband-to-be, found him unable to keep a grin from his face.
"Because a union of Jedi and Force-blind this is, combined the traditional ceremonies will be," Yoda
explained. "The vows of Corellia used will be, but sealed this will be by the Force."
Han took her hand and they stepped forward, kneeling in unison.
"Princess Leia Organa," Yoda continued. "commit do you to this man take into the bonds of
marriage, to love and cherish, honor and protect, and the burden of life to carry alongside him for as
long endures love and life?"
Leia worked the heartfelt words of "I do" past a throat thick with emotion.
She felt a wave of relief and pure elation roll off of Han. He squeezed her fingertips with an almost
vicious intensity as he repeated the vows.
Chewbacca bent over to hand the rings to Han. His hands trembling slightly, Han placed the ring on
her finger, then handed her the simple gold band meant for him. Leia squeezed his hand, then
slipped it onto his finger.
His breath left him in an explosive sigh and she smiled, knowing exactly how he felt.
Turning to Master Yoda, they found him offering a rare smile.
"Bonded through the Force you will be now," he reported. "Colonel Solo, understand this you may
not, but keep your mind clear of thought you must."
"Yes, Master," Han said obediently.
"Leia, open your mind to me and Han," he instructed.
Leia closed her eyes, opening herself to the influence of the Force. She felt the gentle probe of
Master Yoda's mind, drawing her senses into tandem with Han's and binding them together,
bringing their souls into perfect tandem.
It was a humbling and perfect sensation and one that she wished fervently Han could understand.
"Now," Yoda said finally, "by the power invested in me by the Jedi Order as well as the leaders of
the Alliance of Free Peoples, pronounce you man and wife I do. Kiss the bride you may."
Han lifted the veil took her face in his hands, his eyes searching her features for a moment as
though to memorize how she looked at that exact moment.
Then, he kissed her deeply, lingeringly, with a sweet intensity that brought tears to her eyes.
Her arms came up to encircle his neck as she returned the kiss, then pulled gently away.
"Wow," he breathed.
Leia smiled genuinely. "I know exactly how you feel."

Leia awoke, contented and filled with a strange warmth that nearly smothered her. Sighing deeply,
she opened her eyes to find her husband gazing intently at her.
"Good morning, Leia Organa Solo," he said quietly.
She smiled genuinely. "I like the sound of that."
She kissed him lightly, then drew back, her brows furrowed. "Why are you in our bed fully
clothed?"
"I've been called to duty," he explained. "I'm not sure what the details are, but I have to leave soon."
His hand traced along her jaw line and down her neck to her shoulder. "The reason for my situation
is that I wanted to be the first thing you saw on the first morning of married life, but if I waited until
you awoke, I'd not have time left."
Leia laughed. "The perfect blend of practicality and wretched sentimentalism."
"I aim to please," he countered.
She sighed and pushed up on her elbow, clutching the blankets to her chest. Taking him by the lapel
of his jacket, she deepened the previous kiss.
"Now, now," he chided. "If you keep this up, I'll never make it out of the door."
Leia grinned. "That's the idea, flyboy."
He kissed her cheek, then pulled away and stood. "I'm surprised at you. I'd have thought you the
strictest enforcer of duty."
"Extenuating circumstances," she murmured.
She stood, letting the sheet wind about her form, and followed him to the door.
"They'll see you," he commented.
"Let them."
He turned at the door and kissed her once more, lingering longer than he should have, but not
wanting to end the moment.
"I love you," he said frankly.
Leia smiled broadly. "I know."

Leia rubbed the bridge of her nose, attempting to drive away the headache that had been plaguing
her all morning. It had awakened her, throbbing behind her eye sockets and clouding her thoughts.
"This is the last thing I need right now," she murmured.
Emal turned to arch an eyebrow at her. "Not feeling well?"
"That's putting it mildly," Leia countered. "I was unable to keep anything down this morning and
now I have a throbbing headache."
"How pleasant," Emal said wryly. "How long until you're off of your shift?"
"Three hours. Then I have training with Master Yoda."
The other woman winced. "Have you heard anything from your husband?"
A familiar ache flashed through her heart. "Not in three weeks. I suppose I should be used to being
cut off, since he is a Colonel in Alliance Intelligence, but it doesn't make this any easier."
"Leia."
Leia turned to see Rieekan standing with a grim expression on his face. "I think you need to come
with me," he said quietly.
A cold fist of dread clenched her heart, but she stood and followed him from the command center.
"Where are we going," she asked.
"Medcenter," he said simply. "There's been a development."
She seized his arm, not daring to hope. "Han?"
He shook his head solemnly. "You'll find out soon."
They entered the medcenter five minutes later to find Alliance Security in abundance.
"What is this?"
He shook his head. "It's just a precaution. We don't want the agents to have contact with anyone
until after debriefing. You're an exception as it is."
Leia's throat constricted. Any such summoning by Rieekan meant ill fortune and obviously, the
agents had come from an extremely dangerous situation.
A pair of guards parted as they entered the room, revealing an older man. She recognized him as the
demolitions expert in Han's unit.
The man was obviously badly injured, swathed in bandages and heavily sedated.
"The injuries are too severe for bacta," a medic said quietly. "He won't last another hour, but he
insisted on seeing you."
Rieekan moved to the man's side. "Major Tzak, we have brought Leia Organa Solo as you
requested."
The man's green eyes flickered open and focused on her face, then closed again. Exchanging a
glance with Rieekan, Leia leaned in.
"Major?"
"I'm sorry," he croaked. "We couldn't save everyone. The mission was...compromised. Those they
didn't kill, they captured."
Leia felt the bitter sting of bile in her throat. "Where is my husband?"
"Captured," he said quietly.
Leia's knees buckled and she didn't even bother to steady herself against the bed. Rieekan caught
her under the arm, keeping her from falling over.
"I'm sorry," Tzak repeated quietly.
He drifted into unconsciousness. "I'm not sure he can be of any more help to you," the medic said.
"There are others who will be able to complete the debriefing."
"It's all right," Rieekan interjected. "Do what you can for him."
Leia was still kneeling, her arms wrapped about herself. Rieekan wrapped an arm around her
shoulders as she fought back terrified tears. "Perhaps we should see Master Yoda."
She nodded vigorously and he helped her to her feet. Stumbling from the medcenter, she somehow
found her way to Master Yoda's quarters.
The door opened without prompting. "Captured Han is."
Leia nodded mutely and Yoda shook his head grimly. "Anticipated something of this magnitude I
did. No doubt there is that this is meant to lure you. He will be made to suffer to draw you."
"I can't," Leia said in broken tones. "I love him too much to lose him, but he will not forgive me for
sacrificing myself to save him."
"The great dilemma this is," Yoda stated. "Destroy you this can. Mindful you must be. Sacrifice him
you may need to."
"I cannot," Leia choked out. "He has to see his child born."
Rieekan's head snapped up in shock at the revelation, but Master Yoda's expression did not change.
He probably suspected it long before she had.
"Another generation into darkness cannot be born," Yoda countered. "Meditate on this we all must.
Much is at stake."

Han regained consciousness bare-chested and in chains.

His left eye was swollen shut, his lip split, his wrists fractured from the feel of them.
He could vaguely remember being conscious before, enduring some of the Empire's delicate
inquisition. It gave him a whole new perspective on the strength Leia held within herself.
But he could not afford to show weakness. Not now.
The lights flickered on and Luke entered, his expression dark.
"You monster," Han spat. "You will stop at nothing to destroy her, will you?"
"She would do the same to me," Luke countered. "I intend to use that to our advantage."
"Advantage," he snorted. "This abomination you intend cannot possibly be for the good of the
Galaxy."
"You have no idea what you speak of," Luke snapped. "You are a fool and a pawn at that. You will
not understand how, but someday you will understand why."
Han snorted painfully through his broken nose. "I bet."
He remembered little of what happened next, only the burning of his throat, raw with screams and
bile.
He called to his wife, unable to know if she would ever hear him, and fell into darkness.
Author's Note: Whereas most authors can cite any number of sources of inspiration and helps, I
have to acknowledge JediGaladriel/FernWithy in this case. Much of my backstory and references
(i.e. young Leia scenes and the matter of Sache Organa as a foster mother) can be attributed to her,
via the "Father's Heart" series. Much thanks and kudos to her.

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