Chapter XX – Homecoming
For the first time in over twenty years
the Rebel Alliance had a reason to rejoice. As the
recent news concerning the Empire spread throughout
the planet, the people of Alderaan could hardly
contain their enthusiasm. Reporters gathered from all
over the galaxy hoping to gain an interview with
someone who had been involved in the mighty battle.
Holo-net screens were virtually everywhere,
broadcasting in languages from as far out as Mon
Calamari and Bespin in the Outer Rim.
Overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, the Rebel
Alliance had achieved a resounding, final victory over
their enemy.
Emperor Palpatine was dead. The Empire had been
crushed by a collection of people from every walk of
life who strove to maintain the greater good in a
tumultuous galaxy.
It was a time of deliverance.
Those who had once been dubious of the Empire’s
destruction now leapt with elation and joined the rest
of the populace in the countless celebrations taking
place. Music was blaring, the parades were plentiful,
and people danced the night away. The voices of many
sang until their throats were too parched to continue.
Every citizen on Alderaan in addition to those on
thousands of distant planets all rejoiced the fall of
the tyrannical system of government that had been
thrust upon them so many years ago. Prince Bail Organa
had decreed the day Liberation Day, and not a single
star system had voiced an objection. As it was, he and
Senator Padmé Naberrie Amidala Skywalker were among
the top contenders to head the new government and
Prince Organa was beaming with pride just at the
possibility of holding such an exalted position.
However, his colleague had other things on her mind,
and politics definitely wasn’t one of them.
************************************
Hand in hand, Anakin and Padmé gingerly walked
through the grand and illustrious palace of Prince Organa. Now that the Empire was no longer a threat,
the couple could take some time to relax and enjoy
each other’s company. They had each earned a respite
and had every intention of basking in the glory of
their triumph over Palpatine. Although the victory of
the Rebel Alliance still seemed more like a dream than
reality, the tranquility and beauty of their current
surroundings seemed to reinforce the notion that their
darker days were permanently behind them.
Heavenly aromas wafted through the air and tickled
the noses of the couple, disrupting their leisurely
walk.
“Anakin!” Padmé frowned as her husband strayed away
from her and allowed his nose to guide him. “You are
incorrigible! I daresay, you are as bad as your
children when it comes to sweets.”
“Mmm, you know how tempting Mrs. Oskara’s scrumptious
treats are,” Anakin mumbled, entranced by the luscious
scents filtering into his senses.
“Oh, by the Force!” Padmé stated crossly as she
placed her hands onto her hips. “Well, I know you
won’t stop until you’ve had something,” Padmé said
with a sigh and rolled her eyes.
Anakin walked back to his beloved and took hold of
her hands. “You are such an angel, my love,” he
whispered with a gleam in his eye.
“Hurry up…or I’ll change my mind,” she responded with
a smirk.
Winking at his wife, Anakin ushered Padmé toward the
titillating aromas.
************************************
“Mistress Padmé! Master Anakin!” Mrs. Oskara
exclaimed as the couple walked toward her. She quickly
wiped her hands on a nearby towel and approached her
visitors. “Congratulations,” she offered with
outstretched arms and hugged them both. “I know what
you want, Master Anakin.” She looked at him with a
knowing grin and laughed. “I knew you’d stop by to see
me so I made them for you already.”
“I should have known. Mrs. Oskara, it’s a wonder that
Bail isn’t rolling down these hallways from all your
wonderful creations,” Anakin noted with amusement and
chuckled.
“Oh, he indulges now and again, but don’t tell him I
said that.” The baker turned away and walked over to
an ornate cupboard. She opened the door and reached in
only to bring out a tray covered with Anakin’s
favorite treat – chocolate brownies that were swirled
with caramel, chunks of white chocolate and nuts.
Anakin’s eyes lit up as the tray was placed in his
hands.
Padmé glanced at the delights and grinned. “Luke’s
favorite as well. Like father, like son,” she
commented with a laugh.
The older woman smiled. “Enjoy them.”
“Oh, I will!” Anakin beamed mischievously.
Padmé frowned. “Ahem.”
“Uh, I mean we will!”
Mrs. Oskara waved her hands at the couple, shooing
them out of her kitchen. “Go on now. Enjoy your time
together.”
“Thank you,” Padmé smiled and hugged the old woman.
“Fank you,” Anakin said through a mouthful of
brownie.
Padmé simply shook her head.
************************************
Anakin and Padmé continued on their way through the
palace until they stopped at last before a set of
grandiose mahogany double doors. Anakin set down his
tray of brownies on a table to his left and turned
toward his wife.
Taking her hands into his own, he looked upon the
woman whom he cherished. His blue eyes blazed into
her, and his voice quivered as he tried to speak.
“Padmé…I haven’t told you enough…how proud I am of
you. All these years away from your family, the
sacrifices you’ve made…” Anakin paused briefly, just
to look deeper into his beloved’s expressive eyes.
“Everything you have done has been unselfish and in
the best interests of everyone else… I-I didn’t think
I could love you more, but I was wrong. All these
years that have passed…you always were my symbol of
hope – the inspiration that showed me the way home.
You are my soul and my love for you is endless.”
Padmé was about to interrupt, but Anakin shook his
head, quieting her.
“The Rebel Alliance could not have survived without
you. As much as you were my light…you were also the
light for a multitude of others. You constantly
offered a kind word or took care of those in need.
Your generosity and compassion for all manner of
species is unequivocal… The fact that you are my wife
leaves me breathless and I treasure each moment I have
with you… I just wanted you to know that I truly,
deeply love you, Mrs. Skywalker.”
Before Padmé could say a word, Anakin opened the
doors to their suite and scooped his tear stricken
wife up into his arms. Padmé flung her arms around his
neck and buried her head into his chest as Anakin
carried her into their room.
The vast chamber Bail had set aside for his dear
friends was elegantly decorated and stunning to
behold. Oversized windows, nearly two meters in width,
stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Delicate
flowers and vines had been etched into each edge of
the glass, creating a sense of serenity. Richly
colored drapes, maroon mingled with gold and black,
hung freely and only partially blocked out the rays of
the sun. Not far from the entry stood an ancient table
adorned with fresh flowers from the Prince’s garden –
their intoxicating aroma permeating the entire room.
Near the central window rested two chairs one facing
the other; both were designed for comfort – their
coverings smooth and inviting. Soft lighting accented
the living space, casting a gentle glow for the room’s
occupants. Accenting the smooth, wooden ceiling were
thick pieces of Nevusian maple. Darker than its
counterpart, the maple wood was placed into a
geometrical design in conjunction with the Organa
family crest. Designed from the same type of wood in
order to create an aura of harmony, a bed fit for a
king adorned the west wall, accompanied by a
handcrafted dresser and full-sized mirror.
“I am yours to command, Jedi Skywalker,” Padmé cooed
into Anakin’s ear as he set her down upon the floor.
Anakin tilted his head and gazed into his wife’s
smoldering eyes. “Then we have some ‘Jedi’ business to
attend to, Chief of State Skywalker.”
Encircling her svelte waist with one arm, Anakin took
hold of her free hand and intertwined their fingers.
Although no music played, the couple swayed together
in a dance all their own.
Submitting to the Force, Anakin let it embrace his
mind and heart and he brought Padmé with him. They
found themselves swathed in a bluish-white light that
was not only peaceful, but also pleasant. Within
moments they began to hear birds lightly singing their
songs off in the distance and water trickling nearby.
Padmé and Anakin didn’t have to look to see where
their souls had flown of their own accord; they
already knew in their hearts. Where it all began for
them and where home would always be – Naboo.
The song in their hearts was privy to none other save
the two of them…and they decided to keep on dancing…
************************************
The award ceremony followed the day after Liberation
Day and every able body whether man, woman or child
attended it to welcome their heroes home and to show
their support. Prestigious medals were bestowed upon
every person involved in the attack on the Death Star
and each recipient was greeted with an abundance of
hearty handshakes and cheers.
However, the masses were waiting for a special
ceremony to commence. One that would single out a
group of individuals that risked everything to ensure
the galaxy would be released from the clutches of evil
without regard to the peril that awaited them.
The grand assembly hall inside the Royal House had
been decorated for the occasion. Banners of the many
worlds, which had supported the Alliance, hung from
the walls and fluttered in the gentle breeze that
poured in through the many windows that lined the
upper portion of the hall. These windows provided the
only source of light the assembly room required and
bathed the room in a glow all its own.
There were no chairs or benches for those witnessing
the event, for they would not have fit. Standing room
only was the order for the day and those that couldn’t
gain entry could watch from the two massive holo-net
screens that had been positioned outside. Already an
exuberant crowd had formed in both areas as they
anxiously waited for the event to begin.
A distinct aisle, approximately three meters wide,
had been created in the center of the room and marked
by an extensively long red carpet. The carpet
stretched from the entrance of the hall all the way to
the dais at the other end. Musicians settled into
their seats to the right of the dais and readied
themselves to begin playing the triumphant march that
would herald the ceremony.
Everyone was anxious to see the two people they had
heard so much about. A beautiful woman, dubbed the ‘Angel
of Light’ by citizens throughout the galaxy, who
commanded the Rebel Alliance for over two decades and
the Prince of Alderaan who aided her.
The music began.
At the edge of the entrance stood Senators Padmé
Skywalker and Bail Organa. Padmé glanced over at her
lifelong friend and smiled. She took his hand and
together they strolled down the carpet to the sound of
thunderous cheers. Raising their joined hands into the
air, the duo waved to everyone and shook the hands of
those they could until they reached the dais where
they separated. Padmé walked to the right and ascended
the stairs to the platform, while Bail circled to the
left and did the same and then they met each other in
the center.
It was through the combined fortitude of these two
individuals that the Rebel Alliance had prospered and
solidified its position as a force to be reckoned
with. Even the esteemed Jedi Council had served the
Alliance with the utmost confidence and respect for
its leaders.
The music changed and the trumpets call burst forth.
The time had come to bestow honors upon those
deserving individuals who risked their lives to ensure
the safety of the galaxy.
Red Squadron consisting of Jedi Master Obi-Wan
Kenobi, Genne Copper, Konyr Huttun and Wedge Antilles,
each with black bands around one arm for their dead
comrades, stood straight and tall at the opening of
the grand room.
The trumpets sounded a second time and on cue, Master
Kenobi, resplendent in his Jedi robes, strode forward
and led his team down the designated aisle. A few
strides behind them were Anakin and Luke Skywalker,
Han Solo and Chewbacca – each of them walking side by
side. However, the latter two looked around uneasily,
as if they would rather be elsewhere. Knowing they
weren’t about to get out of this one, the Corellian
and the Wookiee conceded and walked beside the two
Jedi up toward the dais. The large gathering of
civilian and military cheered the heroes to deafening
heights and flowers were thrown at their feet.
Bail Organa lifted his hands into the air for silence
but the crowd would not be quieted quite so easily. He
looked over at his compatriot and smiled. We have
waited so long, the Prince thought to himself.
Let them have their adulations.
Once the assemblage quieted Bail began his speech:
“Fellow citizens and worldly guests, the dawn has
brought us into a new era – one of freedom, respect
and a renewed quality of life. Long ago we lost these
privileges through our own folly, but we have since
learned how fragile these principles are.
We mustn’t again lose sight of something so precious
as our liberties. The new Senate will strive for
equality and balance, and justice will prevail. The
re-established Jedi Council will once more reside on
Coruscant and interact with the government as it did
in the past.
However, today we put aside our agendas to honor some
very special individuals. Together they achieved what
many thought would be impossible. They are proof of
what level perseverance can take a person to. The risk
to each of them was great, and still they forged
ahead, fully cognizant of the possible outcome. What
they accomplished benefits every living being and we
are indebted to them for their loyalty and service.
For their bravery, each of them is awarded the highest
decoration - the Star Fire Medal.”
Bail had barely finished his speech when the
gathering once again erupted into cheers and whistles.
The Prince could only smile as the members of Red
Squadron stepped forward and bowed their heads while
Senator Skywalker placed the prominent medals around
each of their necks. Padmé was absolutely stunning in
her formal blue velvet gown. The few sequins that
decorated her dress sparkled in the bright sunlight
and cast her face aglow. Her radiance, in turn, seemed
to reflect off the faces of Red Squadron.
Han and Chewie were growing agitated by all the
hoopla surrounding them, which caused Han’s eyes to
dart around. He quickly scanned the crowd hoping to
find the face that had mesmerized him upon his arrival
at Alderaan. He knew she would be here. After all, her
father and brother were being honored and her mother
was a presenter so she had to be somewhere. Try
as he might, he just couldn’t find her.
Feeling downhearted, and somewhat surprised by his
reaction, he turned his attention to the dais once
more just as the others began to walk forward.
The thunderous applause and cheers hadn’t diminished
in the least and Padmé’s happiness was again evident
as she placed the medals around the necks of Han and
Chewbacca. Surprisingly, she took a step backward
before the two remaining medals were given out and
appeared to be waiting. Suddenly the crowd hushed, not
understanding the delay.
A moment later, the assemblage gasped as an imposing
figure, though diminutive in stature, walked with a
cane across the dais and stopped before the two Jedi.
His green skin was wrinkled from age and he moved
slowly but there was no mistaking the wisdom shining
in his eyes. He furrowed his brow at the father and
son duo then smiled warmly and spoke.
“Decreed, the Jedi Council has, the title of Jedi
Knight bestowed upon Luke Skywalker. May the Force be
with you.”
Luke instantly knelt as his mother handed the first
of the two remaining Star Fire medals to Master Yoda
who then placed it around the newly Knighted Jedi’s
neck.
The contained crowd burst forth their applause and
whistles until the Master Jedi raised his hand. An
immediate silence fell over the masses.
“Decreed, the Jedi Council has, the title of Jedi
Master bestowed upon Anakin Skywalker… The prophecy
has been fulfilled. May the Force be with you.”
As Anakin knelt to receive his medal, he knew exactly
what Master Yoda meant. He was finally being fully
inducted into the fold of the Jedi Order. An
acceptance he had always yearned for but had never
received. My life has now come full circle, he
thought triumphantly and gazed into the eyes of his
angel, whose own eyes were glistening as much as his
own. His prior resignation from the Jedi Order was now
nothing more than howling in the wind.
Anakin stood and joined his son along with the other
recipients to face the crowd. As Senator Skywalker
raised her arms in victory, a hearty abundance of
cheers, shouts and whistles greeted them one and all
and filled their hearts to capacity.
The ceremony concluded and swarms of well-wishers
shook hands with each of the heroes until at long last
the people dispersed. Prince Bail Organa congratulated
each of the recipients then turned to leave until his
gaze fell upon a certain couple that was oblivious to
anyone else around them. He smiled at his longtime
friends and wondered why their union ever surprised
him.
“May your days be blessed, Padmé and Anakin,” the
Prince murmured to himself and left the chamber.
Leia couldn’t help grinning as she sauntered up to a
particular smuggler-turned-hero. “Congratulations,
Han. Will you be staying for a while?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On if you’ll have dinner with me.”
“Ohhh,” Leia replied, pretending to have been unaware
of his obvious attraction to her. “I don’t know if
that’s such a good idea. I happen to like nice men.”
Han stepped closer. There was something about this
woman that intrigued him. “I’m a nice man.”
Leia’s lips curled up on one side into a half smile.
“No, you’re a scoundrel. A pirate,” she said
teasingly.
“Sounds like something your life needs. Where’s your
sense of adventure?”
Leia slowly backed away from her newly found desire,
one she wasn’t sure she should pursue. “We’ll see,”
she commented then turned and walked away.
Chewie emitted a few low moans and growls which Han
promptly ignored as he watched Leia Skywalker depart
the hall.
At the behest of Master Kenobi, Luke had run off with
his friends from Red Squadron leaving Masters Kenobi
and Yoda conversing privately with his parents and
Jedi Sakoya Jade.
Anakin had his arm wrapped tightly around Padmé’s
waist when Master Yoda made his confession. “Master
Skywalker,” he began, “your service to the Jedi, most
impressive has it been. Flawed my judgment has been on
your progress.”
Anakin nodded. “I understand, Master Yoda. Thank you.
Apparently my resignation is no longer necessary.”
Yoda smiled in response. “Resignation you say?” He
shook his head and laughed heartily. “Expect I will,
to see you both train new initiates.” Leaning on his
cane, the powerful Jedi walked across the dais and
left the chamber.
The huge smile that spread across Anakin’s face made
Padmé and his friends laugh. “Pleased with yourself,
aren’t you?” Obi-Wan grinned.
The newly appointed Jedi Master nodded. “It’s not
every day you hear Master Yoda apologize.”
Obi-Wan conceded the point. “From what I witnessed
earlier, it looks as though you might have bigger
worries to contend with now.”
“Such as?” Anakin’s brow furrowed slightly.
“The Princess and the pirate, of course! Didn’t you
see their exchange a short time ago?” Obi-Wan’s
guffaws resounded in the nearly empty hall. He gave
each of his friends a hug then he and Sakoya left the
throne room arm in arm, laughing hysterically.
After her own giggles subsided, Padmé turned toward
her husband and best friend. “Well, my love, you have
come home at last.”
Anakin grabbed his wife with both hands at her slim
waist and hoisted her up into the air. “My home is
where you and our children are! How would you like to
go for a ride?”
“Master Skywalker, what are you
suggesting?”
“This.” Anakin lowered his beautiful wife back to the
floor and slowly brought his lips to meet hers in a
kiss so full of passion that Padmé felt her knees
weaken. Through her closed lids she saw a beautiful
blue sky with puffy white clouds. In her vision, she
looked down and saw the waterfalls and meadows of
Naboo, reminding her of the joy she felt when she had
been there with Anakin – when she had first fallen
hopelessly in love with the handsome Jedi. Padmé
opened her eyes as their lips parted only to find
herself floating high above the floor.
“Is this what you meant?” she asked demurely.
“Partly.” Anakin winked.
“The other part…”
Anakin kissed his wife again, reveling in the moment,
as they floated even higher. “I’d like to return to
Naboo… Let’s go home.”
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