Star Wars: Queen Leia, Jedi Knight

It is a short while after the Republic has
thwarted the Empire’s latest schemes. The false
Thrawn is in prison and his allies with him. While
most of her loved ones are taking the time to
rest, Councilor Leia Organa Solo is asked by
President Gavrisom to take on a new mission.

The people of Ammini have asked for a High Council
member to visit their homeworld. Specifically, they have
requested her presence. Eager to prevent a new crisis,
while secretly questioning why the Amminians have
asked for her, she has taken the trip. She has hopes that no
dangerous feat accompany this mission. Her life, it seems,
is filled with nothing but them....

The pilot entered Senator Organa Solo’s quarters and told her that the world of Ammini was shortly within sight. Leia had smiled and thanked her for the information, before returning to her Jedi exercises. The recent problems with the Empire, the Bothans and that whole Caamas mess had shown her that she had a long way to develop in her Jedi abilities. Sure, she thought, she was a Jedi Knight. She capably used the lightsaber at her side and her Force-abilities, but she felt that all her duties took away from her ability to further extend her training. It was the burden of being a leader, a mother, a Senator, a hero and a wife. True, she would not take away any aspect of her life away--she loved her family and her job--but there were times when they could overload her. So, she took these small, quiet, moments to further exercise her use of the Force. She might never be the equal of her brother, the great Master Luke Skywalker, but she was determined to be as much a Jedi as those knights had been before the Empire’s culling.

“Mistress Leia,” C-3PO chirped, “we are on final approach to Ammini. Should we not prepare to meet their welcoming committee?”

She opened her eyes and looked at the golden droid. Han had all but forced the protocol droid on her. ‘What use will I have for him? You’re the deal-maker. You take him. He’ll be of use to you in all the...uh, things you’ll do.’ It wasn’t fair to the droid, but she did recognize that he could be a nuisance. Luke had kept Artoo, but had willingly parted with Threepio for the same reasons. And though she couldn’t understand him at times, she sometimes would gladly trade droids with her brother.

“Thanks Threepio,” replied Leia. She stretched her legs and began to walk around. She made sure that her outfit was all right--she was representing the Republic after all--and got ready to leave. She suddenly remembered her lightsaber and returned for it. She debated with herself whether to take it or not. A weapon could be misinterpreted, but lightsabers were more than just weapons. They were symbols of what Jedi were--ambassadors for peace and warriors for justice. Eager to offer their hands in friendship, but ready to draw the fire and take out all those who would destroy for their benefit. She hooked it to her belt and left her quarters with Threepio in tow.

The Noghri were waiting for her outside the doors. Barkhimkh moved in front of her, while Gharakh waited for Threepio to pass before joining the group. They moved to the front hangar doors--where an officer waited to open the ship’s ramp. At receiving the order, he did so and stepped forward with the lead Noghri in front. After a few moments, Leia stepped down to greet the Ammini.

They were a race not that different from the Noghri or the Bothans. Fur and big ears dominated their first look. Feline eyes looked at Leia, while a four-handed--and clawed--hand was extended to greet her.

“Welcome, Senator,” said the Amminian in a purr. “You honor us with your presence. I am Mylont Ginna, First Domi of Ammini. This one next to me is Funl Meshon, Succunt Emeri of Ammini--my second. I trust your journey was not a tiring one?” His voice was smooth and silky. Had it come out of Han, she would have immediately distrusted it. But from Ginna, it was soothing.

“Not too much, Domi,” replied Leia. “I hope that everything here is going fine.”

“Well, aside for a certain matter,” said Ginna, “the world is fine. Please, this way. I shall fill you in all the details in private.” Leia and Ginna walked side to side, with the Noghri, Threepio and the Domi’s entourage taking the rear. After a few expected presentations to the people, Leia and Ginna were alone in his offices.

“I’ll cut through the political nonsense, Senator,” said Ginna as he directed Leia to a couch. “A recent situation has arisen that seems to involve you or your people.”

“What do you mean, Domi?” asked Leia, really perplexed.

The Amminian punched up a button on the table and a holographic projection appeared. A massive ship of unknown origin and design appeared out of the clouds and landed on a wide field. She could tell the ship had arrived at Ammini, just as she had. But what it was or what it was doing here, she could not tell. She turned to Ginna in hopes of an answer.

“I don’t know,” replied Mylont Ginna as he sensed the questioning look. “It appeared over our skies a few days ago. At first, we did not know what to do. But then, this message began to appear in our screens.” The alien made a movement and the hologram disappeared and revealed two lines of script.

WE COME IN PEACE.
WE NEED TO SPEAK WITH THE RULER OF ALDERAAN.

It was the second line that immediately caught Leia’s attention. The ruler of Alderaan? Who were these beings and where had they been? She returned her attention to the Amminian as he continued his briefing.

“Ever since the broadcast began, it has gone on without end. It has interfered with our satellites, with our comm. systems. We have to shut everything down or the message floods our systems until they crash. That’s why we were forced to get word out to you through improper channels. We hope you’ll be able to shed some light on the matter.”

Leia was as flabbergasted as the alien was. “I have no idea. Have you tried to enter the ship and see who or what is inside?”

“We tried twice and twice the ship’s defenses were set off to keep us at bay,” replied Ginna. “And the message is sent in Basic, so we have no language from which to translate. Frankly, I’m both perplexed as well as afraid. If you could provide any help.”

“Of course, Domi,” replied Leia. “I’ll do all I can to help solve this mystery. Is there any way we can get to the ship’s site?”

“Sure,” said Ginna as he pressed a few buttons on his console. “I’ll have my private transport take us to the landing site.”

***********************************************************************

As the entourage of Leia, the Noghri and Threepio, Domi Ginna, Succunt Meshon and their guards made its journey to the mysterious ship’s landing site, she found herself thinking of the message. ‘The Ruler of Alderaan’ the message demanded, but who would that be? Not her. She had abdicated whatever claims she had when the remains of her people had come together at New Alderaan. But the title of princess she had because her father--her surrogate father--had been the ruler of Alderaan.

That thought triggered memories of Bail Organa and her family. Though she had lived a happy childhood, she could now remember that Bail was somewhat saddened most of the time. As if someone had lied to him in the deepest of ways. But still, she remembered seeing determination in him. Course, whenever he caught her watching him, he was quick to become the loving father she was fond of. There was never a lack of love in the Organa home, but they all took their responsibilities rather seriously. So was it with her. She became an excellent student of her father and, in time, became the youngest Senator in the Old Republic’s history. That’s when she found out of her father’s connections within the Rebellion and the truth of the Empire’s evil. She quickly became an ally and helped the Rebels as much as she could. But eventually, the Empire caught up with her and, to teach all a lesson, her home, her family and friends, were destroyed in a blast from the Death Star.

She broke away when that memory was displayed, in hopes of preventing the tears that she could feel were coming. No, she was not the ruler of Alderaan and she did not wish to be so. Who these creatures were would be revealed soon. She soon felt the ship coming to rest and the doors open to the outside. After the Noghri moved, she stepped out and walked out into the field. Sunlight still draped the landscape, but, without a doubt, the massive ship that sat on the ground was the centerpiece of attention. Clearly it did not belong here. The entourage began to walk towards it.

“We have learned a few things,” spoke Domi Ginna. “There is a safe distance up to which you can walk to. Pass it and the ship’s defense systems come on-line and fire at you. We have lost four of our best warriors this way.”

“Let me try,” asked Leia as she began to walk towards the massive ship. It was not an Alderaanian design--at least, not one she could recognize. She began to walk up to it, but Barkhimkh stepped in front of her and took the lead. They walked up to the ship, past a drawn line in the grass. All of a sudden, several turrets came to life and shot at the Noghri and at Leia. The group quickly drew back, as the shots were more intent on warning than on hurting. Leia turned to Ginna, who said, “Had you gone further than ten meters, the blasters would have turned deadly.”

“How can we solve this mystery if they are not going to let us in?” asked Gharakh in a low tone to Leia as they were getting up. After dusting themselves, Leia turned around and closed her eyes. For a moment, all of her attention was no longer on the people around her. She was stretching with that side of hers that was most keen into the ship and hoping that an answer would be forecoming. A few tense moments passed before she opened here eyes up again.

“I must enter alone,” declared Leia. The Noghri took a step back at the declaration and looked at one another. Then, Gharakh spoke, “No way, Lady Vader. We cannot allow you to place your life in such clear danger.”

“I must agree with your associate, Councilor,” agreed Succunt Meshon. “You would be an easy and exposed target to the onslaught of those creatures.”

“No, I won’t,” said Leia. “I do not sense any danger aimed towards me. And I know that they will not harm me. Not anymore.”

“At least,” offered Ginna, “take the droid with you. He could be of service and we could use his systems to hide a transmitter--allowing us to listen in.”

Leia could see that all, save Threepio, agreed with Ginna’s suggestion. Gharakh knew better than to question her when she used her Jedi powers, but this offer would settle him somewhat. So she agreed. It took a few moments for the right transmitter to be found and for Threepio to be outfitted with it. The protocol droid complained about it until he discovered that complaining was not getting him anywhere. He remained silent until completed and he and Leia got themselves ready.

They began to walk to the ship slowly. However, once they passed the colored line in the grass, there was no attack. The gun turrets remained silent as the droid and the Councilor remained on course for the ship. They were underneath it, when a ramp was lowered slowly to the grass. Leia and Threepio waited for the ramp to be completely lowered before they climbed aboard. After a few moments, the ramp was raised and all was quiet once again.

************************************************************************

Leia and Threepio were greeted by several hooded figures as soon as the ramp was sealed back. Some of the figures held old blasters up at the Jedi and the droid. Threepio had his usual response and backed up--hoping it was all a bad nightmare. Leia, however, stepped forward.

“My name is Leia Organa Solo, High Councilor of the Republic Senate and Representative of the people of New Alderaan. How can I help you?”

The figures looked at one another, perplexed. Then, one removed his hood and revealed an old man. He lowered his weapon and asked, “New Alderaan? What do you mean?”

“Who are you?” replied Leia. “I want to help, but to do so I’ll need to speak to the proper leader.”

The old man looked back at his comrades and gestured them to lower their weapons, before speaking. “My name is Arturs Agnos, Captain of the Alderaan ship, Midnight Hope. I believe I’m the proper leader you seek. Please, this way.”

Leia walked with Agnos, while Threepio and the guards--all human, she could notice now--walked behind them. She turned to Captain Agnos and asked, “You said you’re from Alderaan? What are you doing out here and in this ship?”

“Yes,” replied Agnos, “me and my crew left aboard the Midnight Hope from our home in Alderaan about forty years ago. You see, at the time, we were involved in the Clone Wars. Things were not looking bright for us. The Alderaan Council decided to send the few remaining Explorer ships it had to look for suitable systems as a drawback site and we were one.”

Leia remembered her history lessons. During its height, Alderaan had created fleets of ships to explore the farthest reaches of the universe. This helped in bringing new systems to the Republic. But it also brought the galaxy in contact with the Hutts. The wars they had fought were bloody. Therefore, the Republic Senate ordered that Alderaan stopped its explorations or face sanctions. Alderaan did as was told.

“So, did you discover anything?” asked Leia, curiosity overcoming any sense of danger. “And where did this ship come from?”

“A few systems here and there that were hospitable,” replied Captain Agnos. “Most were far from the space lanes. As for this ship, in one particular world, we were ambushed and attacked. Me and a skeleton took over this battleship and secured the Midnight Hope’s escape. We were hoping to meet in Alderaan soon after that, but we never got there. This was the closest system we could reach, so we decided to land here and hope help got here. Now that you’re here, I’m sure that others from Alderaan will come soon.”

“Well,” replied Leia, “I don’t know if you can consider me the cavalry, but I’ll help in any way I can.” She breathed heavily before saying, “But Alderaan no longer exists.”

“What do you mean?” asked Captain Agnos as he and his crew suddenly became tense.

“A lot has happened since you and your crew left, Captain,” explained Leia. “After the Clone Wars, the Republic fell and an Empire took over. They created a massive space station that, for a show of power and terror, destroyed Alderaan and most of its people.”

The Captain and his crew took a step back and took in these news. After a few tense moments, the Captain asked, “So, are we without a home?”

“No,” quickly replied Leia, “those who were not destroyed united and took an uninhabited planet and named it New Alderaan. We live there now. Trust me, they’ll offer all the help you need.”

“Thank you,” said the Captain, still trying to come to terms with the grim news. “Our biggest need is fuel. This ship--massive as it is--requires almost no fuel. Not for the sublight engines--they have their own power supply--but the hyperdrive engines are a completely alien design from anything we have encountered. They need lots of fuel. Other than that, some fresh food supplies and clothing would be nice. We have been living on old supplies and fixing what we have.”

“I’ll get those supplies as fast as possible,” offered Leia, “but you are going to have to come down with me. You landed on an inhabited world and have the population scared out of their fur.”

“Very well,” answered Captain Agnos, “I’ll go with you and explain myself to the leaders of this world. I’ll apologize.”

***********************************************************************

As Leia and the Captain talked, the transmitter that had been placed in Threepio was clearly sending all their conversation to the group outside the ship. Domi Ginna, the Noghri and others were intently listening in on the ambassador and the Captain. As the truth was revealed, Domi Ginna and two of his associates casually strolled away from the group.

“Did you listen, sir?” asked one. “That ship is being piloted by nothing more than inferior humans!”

“Yes, Hannag,” replied Ginna, “I heard. Question is, what are we to do now?”

“Such an alien battleship could provide us with technology undreamed of,” replied Hannag. Are we sure we want it to go to the Alderaanians?”

“Not really, no,” replied the other magistrate, Deveg. “After all, it landed on our world and has brought much dismay to our people. The least they can do is repair us in some kind. That ship is just the right price.”

“Then,” said Ginna after a moment of thought, “how are we to take it from the crew and from the ambassador?”

***********************************************************************

The ramp began to lower and everyone turned--knowing that it would be Councilor Organa Solo, her droid and the ship’s captain. Sure enough, those three walked down the ramp, but they were followed by two guardsmen. Without waiting for a sign, Domi Ginna and the rest of the group walked to meet them. They met halfway between the ship and the makeshift encampment. But neither Leia nor the ship’s passengers took notice of the shock troopers that had positioned themselves behind the ship’s ramp.

“Domi Mylont Ginna meet Captain Arturs Agnos,” introduced Leia to one another. “He’s from Alderaan.”

“I wish to extend my deepest regrets for all the commotion we have caused in your world, Domi Ginna,” spoke Agnos and he extended his hand. The Domi extended his own hand and shook it with the Captain. However, before the Captain could notice what was happening, one of the Domi’s guards extended a shackle and placed it on the Captain’s wrist. Before they knew what was happening, Ginna’s guards took the ship’s occupants hostage. The shock troopers ran up the ramp. Leia turned to face Ginna, but he had his face on the Captain.

“Captain Agnos,” said Ginna, “you and your crew are under arrest for terrorizing the people of Ammini. You will be kept in prison and your ship impounded until this comes to trial.”

“Domi Ginna!” exclaimed Leia. “How can you do this? These people are innocent. They mean you no harm.” Turning to Succunt Meshon, she was beginning to plead her case.

Ginna turned to them and said, “Arrest her too! She has been conspiring with them all the time!”

This time, it was Succunt Meshon who turned to face Ginna, “Sir, wait just a minute, she kne-”

“Enough,” replied Ginna. “She is as guilty as they are. Throw her away in a cell. She and her companions!”

Leia was too flabbergasted to react. Ginna’s guards were quick to bind her and the Noghri. As they led her away, she saw the rest of the crew being led out from the ship--bound and held at gunpoint. Before she knew it, she was on a military transport, being led to a jail cell.

************************************************************************

Succunt Meshon turned to face his superior. “What is the meaning of this?” asked an enraged Meshon. “These people have not harmed us and Councilor Organa Solo came here to help us!”

Ginna smirked at his younger counterpart and replied, “There is more at stake here than just them! We have been made to suffer thanks to these outlanders. And now they intend for us to smile at them and let them be off. Why? Why should we help them when they have brought us nothing but pain?”

Meshon looked Ginna straight in the eye. “Sometimes, things are done because they are the just and right, not because it’ll get us something.”

“If you believe that, you have far to go and much to learn,” scolded Ginna. The younger Amminian turned away in disgust and left for his ship. Meanwhile, Ginna gave him no more thought and turned to a commander who had approached him.

“Commander,” ordered Ginna, “secure the ship and ensure no one is still on board. I want our finest engineers to start dissecting that ship tonight.”

“Yes, Domi,” replied the Commander, who turned and left in a hurry. Hannag and Deveg approached the Domi next.

“Sir,” asked Deveg, “what are we to do with the prisoners?”

“They must not be allowed to leave with the knowledge,” replied Ginna. “Kill them. The Councilor and her companions too. Then, inform her ship that she was destroyed by the alien ship--which we have destroyed in kind. Let them leave then. They will spread the story throughout the Republic.”

“Very well, Domi,” answered Hannag. “Very smart choice, if I do say.”

The Domi smiled wickedly at his cohorts and turned back towards his ship--content on how things had played out for him.

************************************************************************

Succunt Meshon arrived at the penal building at the Amminian capital. He walked hurriedly through the halls--his position ensuring his untroubled passage through secured levels. After reaching a Level One Red--where the most dangerous criminals were kept--he turned and entered a cell. Here was Councilor Organa Solo, seated quietly and deep in thoughts.

“Councilor,” asked the Succunt, unsure of how to approach the meditating woman. “Councilor Organa Solo?”

“Succunt Meshon,” acknowledged Leia as she opened her eyes, “have you come to restore what was made wrong?”

“Councilor, the Domi has just given orders to have you and the ship’s crew executed,” answered Meshon. “You have to get out of here.”

“Why are you helping us?” asked Leia.

“We don’t have time for this!” replied an excited Meshon. Upon seeing the quiet and questioning look on Leia, Meshon regained his composure and answered, “Councilor, I have always believed that the right thing must be done--no matter the consequences. Domi Ginna has warned me that this is a childish and immature position, but if it is, I don’t care.”

“Actually, Succunt,” replied Leia, “I happen to agree with you.” The Amminian smiled a furred smile at Leia. “But how can we prevent this from happening?”

“Domi Ginna has control over our forces,” replied Meshon. “I only control my personal guards, but I can vouch for their loyalty.”

“The troops aren’t the problem,” thought Leia, “it’s Ginna’s control. They’ll follow his orders, but if he’s giving them wrong orders, they will not obey.” After a few more pensive moments, Leia asked, “Can your troops free the ship’s crew?”

“Yes,” replied Meshon, “but if we move quickly.” He extended his hand as a signal to follow him to safety.

“Don’t worry about me,” gestured Leia, seeing the Amminian’s move. “I’ll provide the adequate distraction. Listen. Our best hope is to get word to my ship that I’m still alive and held captive.”

“But it’s too late,” said Meshon in a gravely manner, “your ship has already left.”

“If you can get to a communications center, you can call it back. It’s number is 0368-PA,” instructed Leia.

“Good,” replied Meshon as he moved towards the door. “Are you sure you can handle this?”

“I’ll give you five minutes to round up your guard,” said Leia, “then, ready or not, I’m getting out of here.”

The Amminian smiled and left the cell. Leia, in turn, resumed her mind exercises.

************************************************************************

In the quiet of the cell, Leia extended with her Force abilities past the physical barriers that kept her in place. She sensed Meshon’s fear and excitement. Though young he was, his head and heart were in the right place. Leia though that he would make an excellent leader--he had the basics. Focusing more on the task at hand, she danced through the minds of the guards that protected the halls and doors of this prison. Through their eyes, she saw the pipes that took hot water to these cells. Nudging them with the Force, she got them to break at a number of points. Hot steam gushed out and those unfortunate to be standing in front of the searing blast quickly ran in pain. In a few moments, the heat and fog covered the hallways.

With that effect reached, she summoned all her abilities and pushed against the metal door. Its hinges groaned twice before giving way. The door flew out against the opposing wall and scared the already blind guards. Weaponless, Leia knew that she would be an easy target. So she ran out of her cell and kicked the first guard she met across the face. He went down unconscious. Two guards noticed her movements and began to fire. She stuck her hand out and began to deflect the blasts against the side walls. Then, she used the Force to run up to them. Before they could react, she somersaulted above them and delivered a pair of high kicks that sent them reeling back. She spun to try and see more guards, but the fog was getting too dense to see a thing. Calming herself, she began to ran in the same direction that Meshon had gone.

She quickly came up to a checkpoint. Here she found three guards already waiting for her. They began to shoot at the first sign of her--killing shots. Drawing back into the wall, she moved the table behind them. Cautious not to make a sound, Leia forced the table into the guards’ backs. The table put them out of commision and she was able to approach the checkpoint with some ease. She began to look around--certain that more guards had to be coming--when she saw a glint on the ground. It was her lightsaber. She knelt to pick it up--glad to be armed with something even these soldiers would fear. That might spare them their lives. She was not looking forward to killing anyone and had gone out of her way to ensure she got injured, not dead.

Running down the halls, she encountered five guards. They all had their blasters aimed at her. Tranquil, she lifted the lightsaber and ignited it. Its gleam got the attention of the guards. Two of them began to step back, before one--a superior officer, she pressumed--barked at them to get back in line. Leia then casually began walking up to the soldiers. Drawing on her Jedi powers, she took over the sergeant’s mind and made him order the group’s weapons down. Once that was done, she reeled back and knocked the sergeant across the room. The rest of the guards, fear showing in their eyes, backed away from her. She walked through them and let them run up to pick up their officer. Before they could do anything else, she ran up the stairs and towards the exits.

************************************************************************

Once outside, she could see the Succunt’s guards had been able to release the ship’s crew and had taken over the city’s main communications tower. Their problem, however, was that they were surrounded by a sizable army--at least in the thousands. It seemed Domi Ginna did not take kindly to insurrections. Knowing nothing better to do, she walked across the city’s plaza and towards the army--lightsaber clearly drawn in front of her.

One by one, Ginna’s army turned to face her. At first, there was some amazement, followed by dread. Then, the officers had done their jobs and gotten their soldiers to pipe down and resume their posts. However, when she reached the edge of the army, they began to give way. Parting like some mythical wave, the Amminian army allowed the Jedi Knight to pass through--not even bothering her in the least way. She walked all the way to the front of the communications tower, where Domi Ginna and his magistrates were positioned. The Domi, upon seeing her, moved to block her passage.

“You are a criminal!” snarled Ginna. “You have terrorized our population, incited a revolt, and taken over public property! For that, you and your cohorts shall die!”

Leia allowed the Amminian to get his say. His voice, she noted, was no longer soothing and welcoming. Now, it was furious and dangerous--but more than that, it was scared. The Domi, noting that she said nothing, exploded, “Well, what have you to say in your defense?”

Leia looked up at him with a stare that saw right through him. “I say nothing. All I have to say will be said in front of the Republic Senate on Coruscant. They will take me, my entourage, the alien ship, the crew, Succunt Meshon and his guards into custody. And they will repeat the same truth that I will. That those people came here in peace and hoped for some help. That I came here because you demanded my help and not for some twisted scheme. That you went out of your way to harass a High Councilor and her delegation before throwing us all in a dungeon. That you gave orders to have us all executed. And that you then shot at and attempted to kill us when we tried to escape.”

Ginna was taken aback by Leia’s furious speech. Looking around, he noticed that the soldiers that surrounded him had lowered their weapons. Some conversed in hush tones, while others glared at him. Ginna knew that if he did not recuperate and defeat this woman at her game, his power would dissipate completely. Turning back to face Leia, he sneered, “And who will believe your lies? You have nothing to prove them?”

Leia smiled at Ginna--an odd reaction thought the Domi--before producing a comm. link from within her robes. “Captain Agros, Succunt Meshon, do you by any chance have my delegation up there?”

It was Agros who answered, “Yes. Both your Noghri bodyguards as well as your protocol droid. Why?”

Leia faced Ginna defiantly and said, “Is the recording device still attached to Threepio?”

Ginna went pale upon hearing those words. The reply nearly made him faint. “Yes,” said Agros, “and it has recorded everything since you and your droid boarded our ship. Succunt Meshon, I believe, is headed downstairs with a copy.”

“It’s right here,” Meshon said from behind Ginna and his magistrates. “It details all that transpired. The Captain and the Councilor’s discussion. Your arrest and succeeding orders. Everything that you have done to wrong these people.” The subordinate allowed himself a smile before concluding, “And we have sent a copy to the High Councilor’s ship where they are making sure to send one to Coruscant.”

“Once they get that,” Leia said, “they’ll send General Bel Iblis himself with a full battalion to free us.”

“Trust me, Ginna,” continued Meshon, “our people will not fight your dirty battles for you.”

The Domi was dazed. From total victory to utter defeat in a matter of minutes. He looked around but neither Hannag nor Deveg were any help. They were trying to cower back into their robes and through the throngs of soldiers--but were being given no chance. Ginna then snarled and tried to rush at Leia, but she simply held out her still-ignited lightsaber at him.

“Try it, Domi,” said Leia. “Try the patience of a Jedi.”

Ginna was lost. Within moments, his own private guard had surrounded and handcuffed him. His cohorts tried to run, but the soldiers pointed their blasters at their heads--a clear sign to not attempt anything. They gave out and were quickly subdued.

“What I have done today,” shouted Ginna to the crowd, “I did for Ammini. You have paid me with treachery. So curse the lot of you!”

“What you have done,” replied Meshon, fury in his eyes, “is shame us and rob us of our honor. The only one who is cursed here is you.” Looking at the soldiers, he ordered, “Take him away!”

Leia watched the soldiers before rushing into the communications tower. After reaching the top floor, she ran towards the encampment of soldiers. The Amminians were quick to let her pass--no longer an enemy--and she reached the crew.

“Is everyone all right?” she asked.

Captain Agros turned and answered, “All save your droid. He’s a mess.”

Leia smiled in spite of herself, looked at Threepio-who was fuzzing about something or other--and said, “Well, that’s him.” Turning to the Noghri, she asked about their well-being. “All is well, Lady Vader,” replied Gharakh.

“Hail Leia, Queen of Alderaan!” exclaimed Agros. The rest of the crew--along with the Noghri, Threepio and the Amminians--repeated it.

“Hail Leia, Queen of Alderaan!”

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It was a week later when the Amminian delegation, headed by Councilor Gele Borlon, along with President Gavrisom and the Solo family arrived for the ascension of Funl Meshon to the position of First Domi of Ammini. It was said that he was young, but was honorable and represented the best of Ammini. Within days of the vacancy, the people had placed him there. During that time, the guests had been well-cared for. Supplies and fuel were freely provided. Even the High Councilor’s droid was given a full staff of repairmen to ensure he was in top shape. The droid fussed over the attention, but quickly settled down at the lavish care he was being given.

Waiting at the spaceport, Councilor Leia Organa Solo waited for the arrival of her family. Barkhimkh and Gharakh stood right behind her--waiting for something to go wrong to spring into action. She smiled at their attentiveness, knowing she could do nothing to lessen it. As the Millennium Falcon came down, her heart began to beat faster. It was one thing to be a warrior and a freedom-fighter--but those things should never interfere with the things one loved most. The ship touched down and her children, unable to wait any longer, ran up to her and gave her a big hug.

“We missed you, Mom,” said Anakin.

“Well, I’ve missed you guys too,” replied Leia. She looked back up to see both her husband and her brother coming down the ramp. It was a rare event indeed if it brought out the great Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.

“Hi Leia,” they both said. She went over to her husband and gave him an even bigger hug and a kiss. Turning to face her brother, she kissed him on the cheek.

“So, how did you enjoy your vacation?” asked Han in his usual carefree voice. Her wife and brother-in-law just shot him back the same look.

“How have you been?” asked Luke as Han moved away to tend to the children. His sister looked him back and said, “Well. I have been doing much thinking about my past, my fathers and how much I miss my old family.”

“Don’t worry,” said Han as he came back, “you’re part of a new family now.” She looked at him lovingly and gave him a bigger hug. “I’ve got so much to tell you both,” said Leia as she threw one arm around each of them. “But that can wait for later.”

Han replied, “As you wish, Your Highness.”

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