Chapter Fifty-Three

With the dark side control the Emperor held over his troops no longer there, the cohesive influence that kept the Imperials fighting to protect the dark Master vanished. Han watched in amazement as the TIE fighters suddenly began flying erratically, unable to hit their targets. The X-Wings were easily able to elude them, and began picking the Imps off, one right after the other. Many of the TIE fighters simply turned tail and ran, allowing the Rebel fighters to concentrate their firepower on the larger capital ships, which quickly started to show signs of distress as the X-Wings pounded at their defenses. In less than an hour, several Star Destroyers lost their shields and the ability to maneuver. As they spiraled out of control, they burned up in the atmosphere over Coruscant. Finally the remaining Destroyers turned and jumped into hyperspace, while a loud cheer went over the Rebel Command's communication system.

The Rebels had not won without their own heavy losses. Several dozen larger ships, including the Peregrine, had been destroyed. Eighty-three X-Wing pilots had also lost their lives, and many more were badly damaged. Many of the larger support ships had also sustained heavy damage, injuring quite a few of the crew members.

The Corellian turned the Falcon, looking over at his partner. "I wonder what Mothma's been up to while we've been gone."

/Probably up to no good,./ Chewie woofed. /I hope we can convince the Rebels who support her that her plans are self-serving./

"I hope the kid is okay," Han muttered. "You know he can't stay outta trouble if I ain't around to help him."

/He's a Jedi now, Han,./ Chewie reminded his friend. /And quit saying 'ain't.'./

Home One, Three days later

It had been a close call, but the speed of the medics, the talent of the Rebel doctors, and a three day soaking in a bacta tank had saved Padmé's life. Now Anakin sat by his wife's hospital bedside, holding her hand as she cried. No, crying was an understatement - Padmé was sobbing. "He was a good friend, Anakin."

The Jedi bowed his head, looking at the floor, feeling both grief and jealousy rip at his emotions. "You loved him."

Padmé glanced over at her husband through tear-flecked eyelashes. "Garm was a friend," she repeated. "Friends can love each other."

"It was more than just friendship. I saw the way he looked at you... I could feel through the Force how he felt."

She knew it was time she told the truth, no matter what the consequences. "It happened a long time ago," she confessed quietly, wiping her tears away. "I was so unhappy, so lonely. Please don't hate me, Anakin."

"Hate is of the dark side," he answered sadly. "I can't hate you, and I'll never return to serving the dark side."

"I'm glad to know that. Can you ever forgive me?"

"I want to forgive you," Anakin said, standing up and letting go of her hand. "I've loved you ever since I was a child." When she didn't say anything, he asked, "Do you still love me?"

"Of course. What happened with Garm... I wasn't myself then, Ani. I thought I was a strong person, and I could handle anything, but I couldn't. He was there for me during those dark times when I thought I would lose my mind from the oppressive grief."

"Then what are you keeping from me, Padmé? There is something more, something you are still hiding."

For Padmé, this was even harder than admitting her short love affair with the Corellian. "I...I had Garm's child."

The revelation caught even the Jedi Master off guard. He felt the air rush from his lungs, and he stepped back away from her bed. "How long ago...where is the child?"

"She would have turned sixteen next month," Padmé replied.

"Would have?"

"Halle never knew I was her mother. She was being raised by Garm."

Anakin understood then. "She died onboard the Peregrine."

Padmé nodded, unable to stop a fresh flow of tears. "She died... and, and I never even met her."

The Jedi turned and moved toward the exit. "Anakin.. please don't leave me."

"I need time, Padmé," was his quiet answer. Then he walked out of the door.

Coruscant, one month later

Standing outside a somber courtroom, Wes Janson held out his hand to Luke Skywalker, pleased the Jedi took his grip. "I owe you my life, in more ways than one."

"I was glad to testify on your behalf, Wes. Since the New Republic has granted pardons to all the Imperials and smugglers declaring loyalty to the new government, it only makes sense to pardon the Rebels that sided with Mon Mothma."

The pilot chewed his lower lip, thinking about the woman he'd almost died for. After Leia's lightsaber had cut off her arms, the doctors had been able to reattach them successfully, and she was slowly recovering from her wounds. "Have you heard what they're going to do with Mothma?"

"The mental health professionals have diagnosed her with having a severe chemical imbalance," Mara replied. "She's being treated, but they say it will be years before she's given a clean bill of mental health."

Wes gave a nod of his head. "Well, thanks again, Luke. And Mara. I appreciate it. Wedge says he'll even let me back in the Rogue Squadron, but I'll have to spend lots of time doing community service chores, to prove to him I'm a changed man. I'll get him to trust me again... even if I have to pull every joke I can think of on him."

Luke rolled his eyes. "That'll help."

"See you around, Jedi Skywalkers!" he called out happily, walking away.

Mara put her arm around Luke's waist. "Have you decided where you want to set up our Jedi academy yet?"

"Naboo."

"Really?"

"Yes. I think my mother will like that, since the New Republic is helping to restore the old palace. They'll be plenty of space for the academy in that huge building, and I don't want to separate my family ever again," he said, thinking about his missing father. "And I'm pretty sure Father will approve, once he comes home."

"You think he's coming back?"

"I know it." Luke grinned at his wife. "Speaking of homecomings, Lando sent me a message yesterday, and told me he took Jar Jar home. He said one of these days he's going to get even with Han for leaving Jar Jar at Cloud City with him."

"That will be fun to see."

They headed back for their temporary apartment, each lost in thought, until Mara finally said, "Luke, do you think you'd like to be a daddy?"

"What are you saying?" he asked, his heart suddenly hammering in his ears.

"I'm saying that your parents did give us permission to have a baby once Palpatine was gone. And he's gone, right?"

"Right."

"So let's have a baby." She smiled at her dumbstruck husband. "What do you say?"

Speechless, Luke wrapped his arms around his wife, and using the Force, conveyed his joy and love.

Naboo, Four months later

The obstetrician left the room while Leia watched Han lay their newborn baby girl down in her crib. He gently touched Jaina's face, then reached over to lightly stroke Jacen. "They're so beautiful. Just like their mother."

"Daddy's not too bad, either. Even if he is a ruffian," Leia teased, laying her head back against the pillow. She was exhausted from giving birth, and at the same time totally exhilarated.

Han carefully sat down on the edge of the bed. "You hardly threatened my manhood at all during labor. I'm proud of you." He leaned over and started to kiss his wife, when the door slipped open and Threepio stuck his head inside.

"Master Han, Mistress Leia?"

Groaning at the interruption, Han turned his head and glared at the droid. "What do you want, Goldenrod?"

"Everyone is outside waiting to see your babies. Shall I send them in?"

"Everyone? Who's everyone?"

"That would be Lady Padmé, and Master Luke, Mistress Mara, Artoo, Master Chewbacca, his wife Malla and his son Lumpy, Master Lando, Master Jar - "

"Jar Jar's out there too?" Han injected, only to see the Gungan push past Threepio and come rushing into the room. "Princess Leias and Hansa! Itsa nice'n yousa ask'n mesa to see yousa babies!"

Han stood up, and was instantly wrapped into a tight hug by the Gungan. He gave a despairing look over his shoulder at Leia, who was only looking amused. "Did you invite him?"

"Nope," Lando's voice said from the doorway. "I did." The gambler gave a wide grin. "Have you ever heard about paybacks, Han?"

"Landos says I'sa be yousa babies Uncle, too!"

Luke and Mara entered the room next. "Of course you can be their honorary uncle, Jar Jar," Mara said, barely able to keep from laughing at Han's expression.

"Mesa nevers be honorarya anyting!"

"What will my honorary title be, Master Solo?" Threepio asked over the growing din.

"Official Diaper Changer," Han shot back quickly.

Han was pleased and proud when Chewie entered behind Lando, showing his family Han's new son and daughter. "Not bad, huh, pal?" the ex-smuggler couldn't help bragging.

/Not bad at all,./ Chewie barked out happily. /I was starting to worry that you would never marry and settle down, but apparently the Force had different plans for you./

"The Force had nuthin' to do with it," Han said, feigning indignation. "Those babies are pure Corellian magic."

Leia smiled as her mother entered the room last. Padmé went over to the bassinets, reaching down and touching the tiny infants. "You can hold them, Mother," Leia said softly, feeling not only pride in her new children, but also pride in the knowledge that her mother had been elected to hold the first office of President of the New Republic, even if her term was temporary. At least she no longer desired to have the title of Queen, and in fact, had never even mentioned those desires to the High Council.

The Interim President picked up her grandson, smelling his baby scent. "Jacen. My grandson."

"Can I hold Jaina?" Mara asked.

"Sure," Han replied, having finally disengaged himself from Jar Jar's hug. "You're gonna be needing practice, anyway."

Luke laughed, touching his wife's bulging stomach. "Not for a few months yet." Then Luke felt a familiar presence standing behind him, and spun around in surprise. "Father!"

Anakin Skywalker pushed back his Jedi cowl, smiling at the large gathering. "Am I invited to join this party?"

Padmé stood there in shock, barely aware of Malla taking Jacen from her arms. "Anakin? Are you really back?"

"If you want me back."

His wife ran into his embrace, and Luke, Mara and the others quickly pulled him further into the room. It was very good to be home with his family, where he belonged.

THE END