Star Wars: A Hero's Downfall

Chapter 5: Luke and Leia

The Naboo Cruiser landed on the landing platform of the isolated post of Polis Massa. Yoda and Bail Organa, along with a few ground crew, were waiting as the boarding ramp lowered.

Obi-Wan emerged from the ship carrying the unconscious Padme in his arms, followed Ahsoka and the two droids.

"We'll take her to the medical center, quickly." Bail said.

Polis Massa medics work on Padme in an operating theater. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka joined Bail and Yoda in an observation room where outside the operating theater.

A few moments later, a medical droid went out of the theater and reported. "Medically, she is completely healthy." The droid said. "For reasons we can't explain, we are losing her."

"She's dying?" Obi-Wan said in disbelief.

"We don't know why. She has lost the will to live. We need to operate quickly if we are to save the babies."

Ahsoka's eyes widened. "Babies?!"

"Yes," The med droid said. "She's carrying twins."

Everyone exchanged uneasy looks.

"Save them, we must." Yoda said. "Our last hope, they are."

The med droid rushed back to the operating theater with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka where the twins are about to be delivered as Bail, Yoda, Artoo and Threepio watched.

Obi-Wan rushed to Padme's side and took her hand. "Don't give up, Padme." He said.

Padme winced from the pain as she gave birth. Ahsoka helped the med droid and wrapped the babies in a white cloth.

"It's a boy." Ahsoka said as she handed the baby boy to Obi-Wan.

"Luke..." Padme said.

Obi-Wan carried baby Luke closer to Padme and she offered up a faint smile as she struggled to touch the baby on the forehead.

Padme gasped again and baby Luke's twin was born.

"And a girl." Ahsoka said, as she held the baby girl closer to Padme.

"Leia..." Padme called.

Obi-Wan leaned over Padme, while still carrying baby Luke in his arms. "You have twins, Padme They need you...hang on." He pleaded.

"I...I can't." Padme said. She winced again and reached out to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan handed baby Luke to Ahsoka, who was still carrying Leia, but willingly, took Luke on her other arm.

Obi-Wan took Padme's hand. "Save your energy." He urged.

"Obi-Wan...there...is good in him." Padme said as her breathing becoming shallow. "I know there is...still..."

She gave a last gasp, and then died.

Obi-Wan looked down. Ahsoka glanced at the twins, who whimpered loudly like they just sensed that their mother had passed away.

. . .

They headed to Naboo, Padme's home planet, to give Padme's body back to her family and to have the people of Naboo give her a proper funeral.

Meanwhile, Bail Organa, Yoda, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka sat around the table in the conference room.

For a few minutes, there was silence. Then Ahsoka broke the silence. "So what do we do with the babies?" She asked, her curiosity winning out.

It took a moment before Ahsoka's question was answered.

Yoda sighed. "Pregnant, she must still appear." He said. "Hidden, safe, the children must be kept."

Obi-Wan slowly nod in agreement. "We must take them somewhere the Sith will not sense their presence."

"And split up, they should be." Yoda added.

Bail cleared his throat and managed a faint smile. "My wife and I will take the girl." He offered. "We've always talked of adopting a baby girl. She will be loved with us." He promised.

At that point when Bail Organa offered to adopt Leia, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan had made a silent decision with each other. For which, Ahsoka nodded in agreement.

"I will go with you, Senator." Ahsoka spoke up. "I will take Leia with you, and look after her and your family from any harm there is to come."

Bail nodded. "It will be an honor, Padawan."

Ahsoka smiled, as she turned to Yoda.

Yoda considered the offer and turned to Bail. "Hmm, happier fate no any child could ask for." He said. "With our blessing, and that of the Force, let Leia be your child."

Bail nodded in gratitude.

Then Yoda turned to Ahsoka. "To Alderaan you will go, Padawan." He agreed. "Watch over the child closely you will."

"And what of the boy?" Obi-Wan spoke up.

"To Tatooine." Yoda suggested. "To his family, send him."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I will take the child and watch over him." He leaned on the table near Yoda. "Master Yoda, do you think Anakin's twins will be able to defeat Darth Sidious?" He asked.

"Strong the Force runs, in the Skywalker line." Yoda said. "Hope, we can...done, it is." He straightened. "Until the time is right, disappear we will."

Bail, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka stood up to leave the conference room. Bail left the room but Yoda stopped Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

"Master Kenobi, Padawan Tano, wait a moment." He called. "In your solitude on Tatooine and Alderaan, training I have for you."

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka exchanged confused looks. "Training, master?" Ahsoka repeated.

"An old friend has learned the path to immortality." Yoda said.

"Who?" Obi-Wan asked.

"One who has returned from the netherworld of the Force to train me..." Yoda said. "Your old Master, Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Qui-Gon?" Obi-Wan repeated. "But how could he accomplish this?"

"Isn't he dead?" Ahsoka added.

"The secret of the Ancient Order of the Whills, he studied." Yoda explained. "How to commune with him. I will teach both of you."

"We will be able to talk with him?" Obi-Wan asked.

"How to join the Force, he will train you." Yoda promised. "Your consciousness you will retain, when one with the Force. Even your physical self, perhaps. But first—" He glanced at Obi-Wan and nodded.

Obi-Wan waved his hand and the glowpanels in the room went out, much to Ahsoka's bewilderment.

Suddenly, the room was filled with the light of a green and a blue lightsaber. Obi-Wan had his hood up and he was holding his lightsaber at waist level with the glowing blade pointing up.

Yoda had his lightsaber blade pointed to the ground. "Step forward and kneel, Padawan." He told Ahsoka.

Ahsoka knelt on one knee before Yoda and bowed her head.

Obi-Wan lowered his lightsaber, as Yoda held his high.

"AhsokaTano," Yoda said, lowering his lightsaber just above Ahsoka's left shoulder."By the right of the remaining members of the Council," Yoda moved hislightsaber on her other shoulder. "And by the will of the Force, Dub thee Ido...Jedi, Knight."