No -- I'm as surprised to see him. And very glad, [ she adds at r2's questioning ooo. appeased, the droid whistles cheerfully as he swings his domed head between his original and his current owner.

truthfully, she's both: startled and pleased in equal measure, though not half as much as luke. there is no such thing as coincidence in this life. luck, as well. living with a jedi, befriending others, taught her the true nature of both. there was a different, wiser hand behind this coming together, that she believes. she can only be grateful for it. there are few sentients as trustworthy as the stout little droid. luke is in no better hands and, if the way the young man in front of her speaks is any indication, so is r2. ]

I gave him to a friend of mine many years ago. The best pilot I have known. [ she drifts away from the memory before it can take hold. in another life, her sister had criticized her, citing she behaved more as a jedi than jedi themselves did: always centered in the moment, composed to the point of appearing cool, dedicated to the good of all rather than the pleasures of a few. but sola had been wrong. padmé was capable of whims as reckless as her husband's, and they had given her the bitterest joys and the sweetest pains. this moment is one. the corner of her mouth lifts in a soft, teasing smile. ] Though if half the stories about you are true, he has competition.