“Yeah. Who knows? Mother certainly made a difference. If it hadn’t been for her a lot of systems probably would’ve remained alienated and never joined the New Republic.”
“Mother did have a way about her, didn’t she?”
“You mean she was as stubborn as hell and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
Padmay laughed. “You’re right about that.”
“You have a lot of her tendencies too, you know.”
Padmay feigned surprise, “You mean, I’m as stubborn as mother was?”
“You know you are. You’ve inherited her obstinacy, but don’t sell yourself short Padmay. You’re willing to stand up to people when you see an injustice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you back down from a fight. I know you’ve been told many times to mind your manners, but it’s a rare thing to find someone who’ll go against popular opinion for what they believe is right. If it weren’t for people like you the Alliance probably would’ve never been founded.”
“You should’ve never quit politics Ben. You’ve got a lot of mother qualities too. You would’ve made a wonderful diplomat.”
“I’ve had my fill of politics, thank you very much.”
“If you ever change your mind I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“I don’t think I’d have to worry about getting back into political arena in that case. They’d never let me inside the door.”
“And just what do you mean by that?”
“Let’s just say you haven’t inspired that many people, though I’m sure you’ve managed to insult quite a few.”
“I’m working on that dear brother. I’ll change. You’ll see. I’m learning how to control my temper. I haven’t smacked you yet, have I?”
Ben laughed. “No. Not yet, but I’m keeping my eye on you.”
“Oh Ben. Stop your teasing.”
“Who’s teasing?”
“It’s time to shut your motor mouth Benjamin Bail Solo.”
“Okay, but if I shut my mouth how can I finish this delicious meal?”
Padmay shook her head in exasperation. She knew she’d never get the upper hand when her brother was in such a good mood. He’d tease her all night long. “Eat Ben. Just eat. Stuff your mouth so you can’t say another word.”
“Yes Padmay.” Ben crammed his mouth full of food and made funny faces at his sister while she pretended to stay mad at him.
After the meal the twins went out on the balcony and stared up at the stars. Ben thought of his uncle and recalled when Luke told him about his grandfather’s flying abilities. He’d said that he’d inherited his skill from his father. Though not as proficient as Anakin, Luke was still a good starpilot. Ben also loved to fly. He never felt so free when he was soaring among the stars. He hoped he’d inherited some of his grandfather’s flying talent as well.
Padmay knew that her brother inherited their grandfather’s mistrust of politicians. Ben had never liked the false smiles and pretense one needed to be a member of the senate. He’d stuck with it for over a year after their parent’s death in respect to his mother’s wishes, but he’d hated every second he’d been a part of it. It made Ben quite moody having to hide his true feelings. Padmay was glad when he was accepted by the G.S.A. She’d never seen her twin look so content.
*
The Solo name was very important in gaining Ben’s admittance into the “Galactic Space Academy.” Wedge Antilles was a member of the Alliance and became good friends with Luke and Han during their campaign against the Empire. Wedge was now in command of the Academy. When the name Solo appeared on the list of new applicants, Ben was immediately accepted.
Steffen Antilles was in Ben’s class. Steffen was Wedge’s son. Due to their previous friendship when young, they sought each other out and soon became close allies again. They’d lost touch with each other because the Solo’s were gone from Coruscant most of the time.
Steffen often invited Ben home for dinner after class. Ben had met Steffen’s grandfather when young, but neither one had been allowed to hear his tales of war. Now that they were older, Raymus Antilles entertained the young men after the meal this night with a few stories about the battles he’d fought in during the Clone Wars. His past experiences had made him quite valuable to the Rebel Alliance. He’d been one of the strategists who’d devised attack plans against both Death Stars. He’d achieved the rank of Vice Admiral before retiring from active service.
Raymus Antilles was quite a character. Ben took a liking to him right away. As the elder was recounting his tales, he told Ben that he looked quite familiar. He asked his surname.
“It’s Solo sir. My father is Han Solo. He fought in the Rebellion along with your son.”“Yes. I remember him. Wedge introduced us. Made quite a name for himself during the Rebellion. He helped to destroy the Death Star. Both Death Stars, in fact. He also helped round up the rest of the Clone Army after the Empire fell. Regardless, that’s not who you remind me of. Who’s your mother?”
“Leia Organa.”
Raymus sat quietly for a minute, then leaned in close and whispered, “Are you referring to Bail Organa’s adopted daughter?”
“Yes sir.” Ben was quite surprised that Raymus knew Leia was adopted. He asked in a hushed tone, “How did you know my mother was adopted?”
“I think we’d better talk privately. Come into the study. We won’t be disturbed in there.”
They both rose and excused themselves. Ben was more than curious as he followed Raymus down the hall. They entered a room dominated by a huge bookcase, the shelves filled with dozens of ancient scrolls.
“A fine collection, isn’t it?” Raymus asked after pouring them each a glass of brandy.
Ben accepted his glass and then replied. “Yes sir. How did you manage to acquire these scrolls? Where did they come from? They must be worth a fortune.”
“These scrolls are much more valuable than a mere credits son. They came from the Jedi Temple. Cloned Troopers stormed the library with the intention of destroying all the records. Most of the scrolls were burned, but a senior member of the Archives hid as many as possible before being taken into custody. She was killed while under interrogation. Fortunately, a friend of mine discovered a message she’d left in the security tapes revealing their location. He sent them to me. He couldn’t leave Coruscant because he was being watched. He knew I’d be able to hide them off world.”
“It’s a miracle they survived.”
“Yes it is. Palpatine tried to destroy everything pertaining to the Jedi Order in an attempt to erase their existence entirely. I probably should’ve returned these scrolls to the Archives once the New Republic was formed, but they’re such a rare treasure I find it extremely difficult to part with them. I’m sure my son will return them once I’m gone.”
“I’m certain he will. Future generations have a right to know who the Jedi were and what they stood for.”
“I couldn’t agree more, but that’s not why I brought you in here. I assume you must have a million questions about how I know about your mother’s adoption. Please be seated and I’ll tell you all I can.”
“Yes sir. I’m surprised you know about my mother.” Ben sat down in an overstuffed chair. He was a little upset that Raymus kept these scrolls from the public, but who was he to vent his ire? Antilles only kept them because they meant a great deal to him. He must’ve known some of the Jedi whose names were written within.
“I know all about your heritage Ben. My wife and son know nothing about Leia’s adoption, of course. It was important that her true identity be kept a secret.”
“Why did you keep it from your family?”
“It would’ve been too dangerous. Emperor Palpatine might have interrogated them. My wife and son had to remain ignorant.”
“Why would they have been interrogated?”
“Palpatine was already wary of my loyalty. I was assigned as the captain on Bail Organa’s starship, the Tantive IV. Bail had many friends among the Jedi. Palpatine kept a ke
en eye on him, as well as everyone he associated with. He brought Master Yoda on board after Palpatine falsely accused the Jedi of attempting a coup. We’d managed to elude the Stormtroopers by escaping to a secret base far from Coruscant located in an asteroid field just outside the Outer Rim. Thankfully, the bases’ location was never known by anyone but the Jedi. Master Yoda knew Palpatine wouldn’t be able to sense his presence that far from the capital.”
“How does this relate to my mother’s adoption?”
“I was getting to that. Where was I? Oh yes. Shortly after we landed at the base Obi-Wan Kenobi arrived in Padme Amidala’s shuttle. They’d just come from Mustafar where Obi-Wan and Anakin faced Darth Vader. That’s when I learned your grandfather had fallen victim to the Sith Lord.”
“My uncle told me how his father died,” Ben sighed.
Raymus continued. “No one knows for certain where Darth Vader came from. Bail told me that he was responsible for leading the Cloned Troopers in the massacre at the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan and Anakin followed Vader to Mustafar after they‘d discovered their friends had been slaughtered. Obi-Wan defeated him after he’d killed your grandfather. He’d thought he left the bastard for dead, but Vader survived somehow. General Kenobi was very distraught over the whole matter. He’d lost many comrades that day. He considered Anakin his best friend and was heartbroken when he died. They were extremely close.”
Ben knew now that the elder Antilles didn’t know that Anakin Skywalker had turned to the Dark Side and was, in fact, Darth Vader.
“Nobody knows why Senator Amidala was on Mustafar, but Vader attacked her too. Maybe she was looking for Anakin at the Temple and he kidnapped her in an attempt to be paid a ransom. Regardless of why she was on the planet, Padme was in a bad state when Obi-Wan found her. The med-droids did all they could to save her, but Padme died in childbirth. She’d given birth to twins. She named them Luke and Leia.”
Raymus paused. He still felt tremendous sorrow over what had taken place that day. He composed himself and continued. “Bail told me that Anakin was their father. I’d known that Anakin cared for Padme a great deal, and that she cared for him, but I was shocked to learn of their affair. Regardless of that, the children’s existence was a serious threat to Palpatine. If he’d learned they’d been born he would’ve had them murdered. The Jedi separated the twins in order to keep them safe. Obi-Wan took the boy to Tatooine to be raised by his uncle. Bail adopted your mother.”
“I understand why this had to be kept a secret back then, but why did you keep this information a secret for so long? My mother and uncle were no longer in danger after Palpatine died.”
“It would have been a dreadful scandal for the Jedi, as well as Senator Amidala’s family. Padme was a politician and Anakin was a Jedi. The Jedi aren’t allowed to wed and illegitimacy still bears shame today. The disgrace would’ve been held over their children’s heads their entire lives. It just wouldn’t have been proper to disclose the truth and bring shame to all concerned. Best to let sleeping banthas lie as the saying goes.”
“I appreciate your discretion sir.”
“It’s the least I could do. Such a terrible tragedy. Padme was adored by all who knew her. Your grandmother was such a gracious woman, and Anakin was a hero many times over. His heroics were well known throughout the galaxy. Pity the lad never had a proper funeral. Obi-Wan told me that his body had fallen into the lava while on Mustafar and couldn’t be recovered. All in all, a fitting end considering burning a Jedi’s remains is their tradition.”
Ben was tempted to tell the Raymus the whole truth, but it didn’t seem important after so many years. He wondered how the old man would react if he learned Vader’s true identity, but as Antilles had just said, best to let sleeping banthas lie.
“Now I know why you look so familiar. Are you aware how much you look like your grandfather?”
“I’ve never really thought about it.”
“There’s a strong family resemblance. Anakin was quite famous. I’m certain your uncle related this fact to you. He was admired by everyone. Especially by females of all ages. He was very handsome. Every woman dreamed of snaring him, even though they knew he could never marry. That didn’t stop them from chasing after him relentlessly, but apparently Anakin only had eyes for Padme Amidala. I bet you have to fight the women off too, eh?”
“Tempting as that is, I’ve never allowed myself the pleasure. I’ve taken the same path as my uncle. He’s trained me in the Jedi Arts.”
“Really? I didn’t think there were any Jedi left.”
“There isn’t now. Luke Skywalker was the last of the Jedi Knights after Yoda passed on. The last of my family after my parents died.” Ben sighed. “I’m not really a true Jedi. I guess I never will be now that my uncle passed away.”
“I heard about his death and was sorry to hear it. I was saddened when I heard about your parents deaths too. It’s so sad to be left alone.”
“I’m not alone sir. I have a sister. We’re very close.”
“I know about your sister. My grandson mentions her quite often. I do believe he has a serious crush on her,” the elder chuckled. “I’m glad to hear you’re so close. Family is extremely important.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more sir.”
“My grandson tells me that you are training to become a starpilot. Want to follow in your grandfather’s footsteps I assume, just like your Uncle Luke did. I met him when he first joined the Alliance. He was a fine starpilot, even though he never trained formally. Your uncle inherited his skill from his father, you know. Anakin was the best starpilot I’ve ever seen. He could out-fly anyone in the Republic. He could out-fly anyone in the whole damned galaxy as a matter of fact. I’ve never seen anyone who could pilot a craft as well as he did.”
“I’ve heard about his flying skills from my uncle.” Ben couldn’t help but smile. He liked the way the senior Antilles changed the subject with tact, knowing his interest in flying. He would have made a good diplomat.
“If you have half the natural talent Anakin Skywalker had you’re going to make an extraordinary starpilot.”
“Thank you sir. I plan on meeting your expectations.”
“Enthusiasm. That’s what I like to hear. To be young again and have such resilience.”
There was a knock on the door. Wedge came in and told his father that it was getting late and that he needed his rest.
“I guess it’s past my bedtime. My son is going to put this decrepit, old man in his crib now. He probably thinks I’ve had too much excitement for one day. If he only knew what this frail body was capable of in the old days,” the senior Antilles sighed while scowling at his son.
Wedge rolled his eyes. “I’ve heard many, many times how able bodied you used to be father, but you’re not a young man anymore. You need rest. It is quite late.”
“Bah! Sleep is just little glimpses of death. I’ll be in my grave soon enough. I’ll get plenty of rest then.”
“Let’s not go through this again. Especially in front of company. It’s rude.”
“Rude, smude. I’m just being honest.”
Ben cleared his throat in an attempt to lighten the situation. “I have to be going anyway sir. Your son is right. It is late. I have to get up early myself. I don’t want to be late for class.”
“At least somebody’s showing some sense around here,” Wedge sighed in frustration.
The elder Antilles scowled at Wedge again before saying, “You’ll have to forgive us son. We share a stubborn streak and often bicker this way. No harm done though, eh? It surely was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you’ll stop by again someday. I enjoyed our little chat. I get visitors so rarely these days. I miss sharing my adventures.”
“Thank you sir. If I get any free time I will visit again. I enjoyed your stories immensely. I’d love to hear more.”
“Stop by anytime. I’d like to tell you more about the Jedi, as well as Anakin. He was a great and fearless warrior.” The elder lean
ed in close to Ben and whispered, “You should be very proud of your heritage my boy.”
“Thank you sir. I am proud to be a part of the Skywalker line,” Ben responded quietly. He did not reveal the truth that, in fact, he was ashamed to be related to Anakin Skywalker.
*
Benjamin Bail Solo graduated from flight school at the top of his class two weeks later. He’d lived up to Raymus’ expectations. Thirty days allowed him sufficient time to become quite an exceptional starpilot. The teen had never felt so proud when Wedge pinned wings to his lapel.
Ben was excited to learn that Steffen was appointed to the same cruiser he’d been assigned to. The Solaris was a modified Nebulon-B vessel that had seen more than her fair share of action. Most of these old ships had been scrapped, but a few had been restored and were considered battle ready. Most were used as training vessels for the new recruits.
When the new starpilots saw the ancient, battle-scarred ship they were assigned to they were a little disappointed. They’d hoped to be appointed to one of the newer battleships, but it really didn’t matter to them. The Solaris still had plenty of life left to her. Ben and Steffen expected to carry out quite a few missions on the grand, old lady together. They could hardly wait to be on their way.
*
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come and see you off Ben?” Padmay asked.
“I’m sure. It’s hard enough for me to say goodbye without seeing you shedding tears.”
“Oh Ben. I wish you didn’t have to go. I’m going to miss you so much.”
“I’ll miss you too Padmay, but you realize that I do have to go. What was the purpose of me joining the G.S.A. if I don’t? Besides, I’d be absent without leave. You wouldn’t want to see me arrested for desertion, would you?”
“No. Of course I don’t want that. I’m just being selfish and thinking of my loneliness without you around,” Padmay sighed deeply.
“I’m sure you’ll find someone to annoy while I’m gone.”
“You see Ben. Who’s going to tease me the way you do?”
“I could give Uncle Chewie a call.”
“Don’t you dare! He’d follow me around like he did when we were children. I’d never get a moments peace.”
Ben laughed. “He always did keep close tabs on us, didn’t he? He was afraid to leave us alone for a minute knowing how much mischief we’d get into. We never really minded him chasing after us though. He’d pick us up and carry us around on his huge shoulders. Nobody would dare pick on us when he was around.”