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In The Shadows - Chapter 3
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By Sienn (2004)
PG-13
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Spoilers: See Chapter 1
The sky above Coruscant City was filled with speeders and vessels of all
kind on this sunny spring afternoon. Life went on for all those people out
there - to them, the Senate of the New Republic and the Chief of State were
figures of justice and an insurance for prosperity and peace. Hardly any of
the average citizens were aware of the amount of intrigues and schemes that
dictated the life of so many a politician. The fact that the Senators stood
for millions of lives and had made it their duty to ensure their well-being
was not a guarantee that they were indeed working for anyone else but
themselves.
Greed, envy and jealousy were as present in the Senate as they were in every
other institution. Sometimes, Leia Organa Solo thought - not without a
certain bitterness - that the amount of despicable individuals was
disproportionately bigger in politics than anywhere else.
Charisma could blend many that were seeking someone to take their sorrows
and their problems from them and so it was more seldom that someone with
true integrity was elected as a planet's representative than someone with a
quick and intelligent tongue and a lot of influence.
Fyor Rodan of Commenor was one of these individuals. Born to wealthy parents
on one of the most influential planets in galactic industry, he had been
privy to an education at the best and most expensive schools. The way into a
leading position on his homeworld had been laid open before him by relatives
and friends of his father whose approval and support had either been genuine
or bought.
Eloquent and perceptive of the things his people needed and wanted to hear,
he had quickly risen to the rank of Senator and ever since he had made his
appearance on Coruscant, he had stood for the self-proclaimed superiority of
the Core Worlds and for the anti-Jedi sentiment.
Following the war against the Yuuzhan Vong and the role of the Jedi Order in
the New Republic's victory, he had kept a low profile, bereft of most of his
peers and with a head of government that was clearly pro-Jedi.
It should not have surprised her that he had turned to another target after
it had proven impossible to further bug her brother Luke's Order without
ridiculing himself. And still, the accusations he had brought forth against
the Alderaanian Senator Cal Omas had hit her unexpected and ever since they
had been mentioned, three days ago, things had progressed quickly. On all
fronts.
To her utter dismay, Cal Omas had refused to see her. The former Princess
had applied for a permission to visit him in the penitentiary as soon as New
Republic Intelligence had declared this possible, but the older Alderaanian
had had one of his most trusted secretaries deliver a confidential message
in which he had asked her not to come - and in which he had laid bare what
he said had happened. He insisted on his innocence, yet claimed that
defending himself at this point would do him no good.
Leia softly shook her head and traced the small holo cube with her fingers.
If what he was saying was true, then Cal was definitely right. The problem
was to determine whether he spoke the truth. And although Leia held a fierce
loyalty for her friends, she could not simply let her heart decide for her.
Cal Omas would not be the first to fall prey to greed and the spell of
wealth and he would not be the first to take the fatal step of putting your
own pleasure before the life of others'.
A soft presence flickered to life within her and Leia straightened. The
affair around her fellow Alderaanian was not the only problem that demanded
her attention and even in extreme situations, the usual paperwork and
administrative matters that were included in a position like hers didn't
diminish.
At times like this, she was grateful that problems of this sort didn't rest
solely on her shoulders and that she could count on people she loved and
trusted to stand by her side and do their best to help solve the latest
crisis on the horizon.
Minutes later, the door to her office slid open and her aide Alole poked her
head in, gracing the Chief of State with a smile, "They're here, Your
Excellency."
Leia motioned to her to let them in and it didn't take long for her family
to file into the room. Her husband Han Solo pressed a kiss to her lips and
both Luke and Mara hugged her as a way of greeting before they all settled
in.
While the petite Alderaanian had done her best to shed light on the
situation around Cal Omas, her brother Luke and his wife Mara had sighted
the material the Senator of Ord Radama, Anandan Kele, had brought with him
to Coruscant and considered his plea for Jedi mediators. Han, for his part,
had kept in touch with Talon, occupying himself with pushing the
investigations into Senator Niuk Niuv's and Senator Pwoe's business
backgrounds forward.
When they had sat on their balcony two days ago, enjoying an excellent wine
from Corulag, the Corellian had told her that he was sure Rodan was jutting
his ambitions together with those of the Sullustan Senator and the Quarren
representative and Leia tended to agree with him. Friendship might not exist
with people like that, but if they had common goals and thought they could
personally profit from a situation, they would join forces willingly.
Leia leant back in her chair suppressed a sigh, "So, what have we got?"
Han spoke up first, trying to find a comfortable position in the guest
chairs. He had never particularly liked them and was pressing her to choose
others. Her beloved rogue stood for the theory that people looked grim
sitting in her office simply because the chairs were uncomfortable. Leia
doubted that, but her predecessor had NOT had the best taste in the matter,
so much she had to concede. However, choosing new furniture had not been one
of her priorities as of late.
"Karrde's having his people keep their eyes and ears open, but he says he
needs more information. More details. The possible directions to go in are
simply too numerous as that he could narrow it down further. Which is why he
asked Luke to send out Jedi."
"So nothing new on this front." Leia summarized, feeling disappointment
settle down in her gut. "Luke?"
Her brother sighed softly, "I contacted Warmaster Tsavong Lah to try and get
a feeling of how the Supreme Overlord would take a request to travel through
their space. I kind of hoped they would agree if we just promised the
Radaman ships would trespass far away from the inhabited planets so that the
populace would not even notice mechanic ships had ever intruded in their
cluster."
He shook his head, "The Warmaster made it very clear that there is but a
slim chance that Shimrra would agree to this and if the New Republic should
press the matter, they would see it as a breach of the truce and defend
themselves."
"And of course they'd have every right to do so," Mara interjected. "We gave
them that cluster and gave them autonomy. No one can force them to open
their space to interstellar travel."
Leia nodded slowly, "Of course. I suppose it didn't really help to describe
the situation on Ord Radama to them?"
"Pity is not a concept they understand. In fact, they didn't really believe
me anyway."
Han sat up a little straighter in surprise and focused on his
brother-in-law, "Why not? Why should you lie?"
Luke rose and made a few steps, his agitation clearly visible. The delicate
nature of any contact with the Yuuzhan Vong, especially one like this, was
not lost on the Jedi Master. "They don't think I lie, but they are not sure
I haven't been lied to. They asked me to vouch for the truth of Kele's
claims with my honour."
"What?!" Leia had risen now, too, and indignance was pouring off her in
waves.
Mara snorted, "Of course he couldn't. And they knew he would not. It seems
ridiculous, but the fact that Luke didn't pushed the opinion they have of
him even higher. Not that this helps us in any way right now."
Her husband shot her an ironic smile, "It does. The more respect they have
for me, the more chances I'll have to get them to agree to our request."
"If they ever let you talk to the Supreme Overlord, that is." Han remarked,
his face filled with doubt.
Luke shrugged, "As it is, bringing this before him in the present form will
be useless. He'd laugh into my face."
"Let his amphistaff spit in it is more like it," Han said, standing up, too.
"What are you going to do about it?"
The Jedi Master crossed his arms before his chest, "To guarantee to the
Yuuzhan Vong that this is a genuine request for help and not pretence by the
New Republic to invade their cluster, I won't have any choice but to go to
Ord Radama and get a picture of the situation with my own eyes."
"I thought Kele has given you full access to the data he brought." Leia
reminded, frowning up at her brother. Unlike most of her family, she had
early on in her life found that she could think best while being seated. If
her body was comfortable, her mind could do its work quicker and more
efficient. Or, she mused, it was using this as the perfect excuse to rest
after three nights of fitful sleep at best.
Mara cocked an eyebrow, "Oh, he has. I've gone over it and the data seems to
confirm what he has told us. But data can be manipulated. He could have
exaggerated when he described the degree of poverty his people are living
in. The possibilities are endless."
The beautiful face of the Alderaanian Princess darkened, "I'm really getting
fed up with these tales of corrupt Senators, you know. Kele didn't make the
impression to be particularly eager to ask for help."
"Which just makes me warier, Leia." Luke put his hands on her desk and leant
forward, "I'm not accusing Kele of anything, but the mix of feelings I got
from him during the Senate session was odd. I cannot help but think there's
more to this. In any case, if I go to Ord Radama, maybe I'll be able to find
a way around pursuing the matter of a space lane through the Vong cluster.
It'd take the danger out of these negotiations."
"Yeah." Han said slowly. "Luke is right, Leia. The Yuuzhan Vong are quick to
freak and if they decide they feel attacked, we'll be back to war in no time
and everything we've managed to build up in the past few years has been in
vain."
Leia kept her quiet for a moment, then nodded to her brother, "I doubt the
Advisory Council is going to have any objections to a fact-finding mission.
Which brings us to the next problem - Cal Omas."
Silence fell over the room when the awkward topic was mentioned. It was Han
who broke it in the end, fixing his wife with a pointed look. "If he's
guilty, there's not much of a problem."
Leia glared at him, "Cal is not guilty."
Mara cocked an eyebrow. "What makes you so sure? He hasn't defended
himself."
"He had his reasons."
Han snorted, "I bet!"
The petite woman finally stood and put her hands on her hips, "I don't
understand why you are so sure the charges are true, Han. You know Cal. You
like him."
The Corellian spread his arms wide, "He was over for dinner a couple of
times and he seemed to be nice enough. I have been betrayed by people I
trusted more. And NRI says they can't find anything that makes them think
what they have is faked. I don't understand why YOU refuse to believe him
fallible."
Leia pressed her lips together and was about to give a retort when Luke
interrupted their dispute, his voice calm and composed. "Did you speak to
him already, Leia? What did he say?"
His twin sister grimaced, "He didn't want to see me."
"There you go." Han murmured.
"That has nothing to say, Han, he."
"Leia, you have to admit that it doesn't help the impression he projects if
he refuses to defend himself." Mara said softly. Her jade eyes were
sparkling and alive, even if tinged with worry.
Luke leant back against the wall and closed his eyes for a moment, "What
makes you so sure he's innocent?"
Silence ensued anew and all of a sudden, Han sat forward and pierced his
wife's face, "You are NOT sure he's innocent!"
"Han."
"I can't believe it. Here you go and tell me I'm supposed to believe him no
matter what and you're doubting him yourself!" He paused and every trace of
anger vanished from his voice as he continued with affection, "That is just
so typical."
Leia smiled at him, "You know I need to bait you to get my inspiration. Your
mind works best if you're angry."
Han refused to reply and instead decided to put up a show of being peeved.
Luke chuckled, then refocused on his sister. "So?"
The Chief of State narrowed her eyes, "The thing is that I want to believe
he's innocent because I like him and because I cannot see how I could have
misjudged him so badly. When his personal aide told me he didn't want to see
me, she gave me a holo cube he recorded and on which he explained to me what
had happened. He begged me to believe him."
"What DID happen?" Mara demanded to know, resting her elbows on her knees
and leaning forward.
Leia folded her hands in her lap, "Apparently, he was approached by someone
who called himself Ethmak Dren and claimed to be the representative of an
association that funnels contracts to small transportation companies on Ord
Mantell. His credentials and his background were spotless - Cal had it
checked by his people. Or so he says. According to Dren, the decision which
company would eventually do the transports that were agreed upon wouldn't be
made for a while, because it took into account the situation of all members
of the association - Byskaly Enterprises. The whole thing looked good
enough, so Cal signed two contracts. One assuring Dren and Byskaly
Enterprises their share of the profit and one giving them the right to chose
the company that would do the transports."
"But he didn't know that he was signing a contract with an illegal weapons
manufacturing plant on Nar Shadaa and the Red Knights of Life, the
Rhommamoolian government. Whoever lured him into this trap has enough funds
to draw from to hire an expert faker who used Omas's own signature and put
it under two contracts he has never seen. Am I right?" Mara gave a sardonic
smile and shook her head, "No offence, but your Cal Omas can't be really
sharp, Leia."
The former Princess gritted her teeth, "He was too trusting. And he has a
history with Ord Mantell. His family has been trying for decades to help
smaller companies survive on that planet, against the overwhelming abundance
of illegal shadow businesses that barely leave them enough room to exist. He
had no reason to be particularly doubtful."
"But you do not believe him entirely." Han stated, putting just enough
satisfaction into his voice to irk his wife.
Leia pursed her lips, "There's always the chance he's lying. Which is why I
want you to find out whether he says the truth."
Han sat back in shock and stared at her, "ME?"
The Chief of State nodded, "Yes, you. I cannot go on a mission like that at
the moment and Luke is tied up with the Ord Radama matter. There's no one I
trust more like you, Han. So take whatever you need and find out whether Cal
has betrayed us or not."
The Corellian put his chin in the cup of his left hand and stared into
emptiness for a moment,
"What about Intelligence? They're going to be okay with me doing their job?"
Leia nodded, "I talked to them. As long as you share what you learn with
them the moment you find it, they'll do the same. It's hard to believe, but
your reputation precedes you, Han."
"'Course it does. I'll need some help, though. When's the trial going to
begin?"
"In two weeks."
Han grimaced, "Splendid. Wedge is on a family vacation, the Rogues are tied
up on border patrol, the kids are on Yavin IV working with the younger Jedi
initiates and Lando is on Sacorria with Tendra and can't be here before the
trial is put into motion." He grinned and turned his head, "That leaves
magnificent Miss Jade to accompany me."
"Mistress Jade Skywalker for you, Solo." Mara's eyes twinkled with mischief
before she grew serious, "But I'm sorry, I can't. I'll go with Luke."
The Jedi Master started and turned big eyes on his wife, "Mara, I actually
thought."
"Luke," She interrupted him, "you don't have a clue about trading matters.
I've made a living of them for years. A very good living, too."
Luke made a face, "I was actually planning to take Swilja Fenn with me.
She's studied economy for a couple of years."
"Swilja Fenn?" Han smiled at his wife and adopted a smug expression as she
rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "Is that the lovely Twi'lek Jedi
you've recently knighted?"
His brother-in-law smirked, "Yes, that's her."
"Well," The Corellian drawled, shooting Leia another look, "I can take her
with me. Never hurts to have someone with a lightsaber around, right?"
Luke shrugged. "Fine with me. What about Ben?"
"I can take him." Leia offered. "With Han gone and Anakin, Jaina and Jacen
at the Academy, I'll be happy to have company. I don't spend enough time
with my nephew anyway."
The Jedi still seemed doubtful, but in face of the arguments of both his
wife and sister, there was not much he could say. Although he didn't expect
the mission to Ord Radama to be anything but boring and filled by the study
of statistics and a couple of sight-seeing tours, Ben was still too young
for such a long trip. And once on planet, they would have to find a
babysitter and wouldn't have another choice but hire someone they didn't
know. Which was always making him uncomfortable.
And it wasn't as if he wasn't going to enjoy the company of his wife. They
hadn't had all too much opportunity to be for themselves since their son had
been born. It was wonderful to have Ben and Luke considered himself an
all-around happy man, but that didn't mean he couldn't take advantage of
having some time off with Mara. Even if their stay on Ord Radama would have
them busy, the trip to the planet would take some time, seeing that it was
situated halfway across the galaxy.
Ultimately, there was nothing except his overprotectiveness that spoke
against Mara accompanying him.
His wife smiled at him, having followed the line of his thoughts, and Luke
returned the gesture.
Leia nodded, "It's settled then. Let's put down the details, and off we go.
The sooner we've taken care of all this, the sooner I feel better."
*~~
The news had reached him minutes ago. Dusk was sending reddish tinted rays
into his office as Anandan Kele stared at the display of his personal
communication unit. The Jedi Master had let his secretary know that he
wished to accompany him to his homeworld. It was entitled a fact finding
mission and his wife, the infamous Mara Jade Skywalker, would accompany him.
Anandan was not very versed in intergalactic politics. He had been on
Coruscant for five years, but Ord Radama was too small as that it would have
been incorporated into any of the big groups of worlds that generally stuck
together and tried to help each other out about bills and whatever was the
problem of the day.
He knew, though, that a fact finding mission in this context meant that
either the Jedi or the Senate or the Yuuzhan Vong were not willing to
believe his descriptions about his people's situation without making sure to
have seen it with their own eyes.
The humanoid's pointed ears twitched in a mix of annoyance and sorrow. They
would find he had not lied. Ord Radama's stand was precarious and outside
help was absolutely necessary. He had spent hours in councils with the most
gifted politicians and business people of his race to find a way out of the
problem by their own means.
The Radamans were a proud people and acutely aware of the way the Core
Worlds looked down on the smaller planets of the Outer Rim. Coruscant had
always ignored them and they had not felt much difference between the rule
of Palpatine and the one of the New Republic. They had also never sought to
get more attention and had been content to fare on their own.
Until it had become impossible to ignore the possibilities that an opening
to other planets in the vicinity could bring them, the salvation it could
possibly guarantee.
When the vote had been cast, Anandan Kele would never have thought that he
could end up in a mess like the one he found himself in at present. He had
never even guessed that there were mighty beings watching the goings-on on
little Ord Radama, waiting for the right moment to wield their influence and
threats and use them for whatever plan they were bringing into motion.
The human male that had contacted him several months ago had been suave and
mannered, obviously from the most aristocratic upbringing that you could
find, and all that he had asked Anandan to do - that he had demanded of him
to do - was within a perfectly legal framework.
Which made it all the more frustrating to be sure that whatever the desired
goal of the contact's superior was, it would be anything but legal.
Honesty had always been held high in his family and it was one of the
principles in life that the Senator held most dear. Yet if he lived by this
principle now, his planet's chance at help from the New Republic would be
forfeit. He could not risk that simply because he was having suspicions that
he was helping someone to wreck havoc in the New Republic government for a
shady reason. No matter how many clues he had to prove it.
He was bound by his oath to do what was best for the people that trusted him
and that was what he would do. It was that simple.
Anandan's ears twitched again as he keyed in the secret, private number he
had been given all those weeks ago, on an old-fashioned piece of
flimsi-plast out of perfectly manicured hands.
The haughty, sharply cut face of his contact appeared before him.
"Senator Kele. It's always a pleasure to meet you."
The warmth was false, as every smile and every gentle word had been that
this man had ever given in his presence. He reminded him, in a way, of that
dreadful person Fyor Rodan, who perceived himself as better just because he
had been born on a world situated closer to Coruscant. What people had to
live on Commenor to accept such a representative?
Anandan felt sorry for the Chief of State - she had to put up with him and
take any charge serious, even if it was ridiculous. He had talked to Cal
Omas on several occasions and the man had always made the best impressions
on him. Proof or not, Anandan was persuaded he was innocent.
His people didn't have the habit to ignore what their heart was telling them
in favour of facts that could be manipulated by anyone apt and knowledgeable
enough. Radamans trusted their instincts and they had always fared well.
He swallowed a snort. Well, not always. His instincts had told him to stay
away from this man he was facing now, but he had not possibly been able to
do so. It would have meant disaster.
"I wish I could say the same." He hissed. He might have to put up with this
for the time being, but it didn't mean he was going to pretend he was fine
with it.
The human's cold blue eyes flashed and a thin smile invaded his face, "This
whole affair will be most profitable for your planet, Senator. You will not
regret what you do."
Anandan cocked a finely wrought, thin eyebrow, "I doubt that. In fact, I'm
regretting it already now."
The smile on the other's face died, "You can always refuse, my friend," the
voice dripped with sarcasm, "if you prefer to ruin your family and spend the
rest of your life in prison."
"I'm not your friend. And I cannot refuse, as you well know."
The smile returned, "Why did you want to speak to me?"
Anandan waved his hand in frustration, "I was contacted by Jedi Master
Skywalker. He and his wife will accompany me to Ord Radama to investigate
the data I gave them. The Advisory Council already sanctioned it."
"That was fast."
"The Jedi Master's propositions usually clear the Council quickly."
The human laughed without joy. It sounded hollow and mean, "I can imagine."
The Radaman Senator bared his teeth, very aware of the effect the sharpened
cones could have on others. The very few people that had had closer dealings
with his race believed they were purposely sharpening them to seem more
dangerous because their physical appearance was barely intimidating or
respect-demanding otherwise, but Radamans were born with these teeth.
Meat didn't even belong to their diet, though. They thrived on vegetables
and fruit grown on their homeworld. But Anandan Kele had long since found
out that it was helpful to have others think there was a more savage aspect
to his nature.
"Is this what you expected?"
A barely visible eyebrow lifted, "I told you once that it is better for you
- and especially for us - if you mind youur own business. "
"Us? Am I never going to meet your superior who has so GRACIOUSLY offered my
planet a way out of the crisis?"
"Your benefactor prefers to stay in the shadows, my friend."
Kele sneered, "How humble he is."
The human didn't answer and cut the connection. Once he was left alone in
his office again, the anger left the Senator and was replaced by sadness.
Even if his instincts were wrong and he hadn't just aided some sinister
figure further its goals, he would always regret to have had to lie and
blend to save his people.
Should the beings he represented ever learn, he would never be re-elected.
In this, the Radamans resembled the Wookiees strongly.
Rubbing the base of his nose between his thumb and his index finger, he
pressed the button that would let his personal secretary know her presence
was required. Minutes later, the delicate Mrlssi tripled into the office and
looked up at him with her large, black eyes.
"Yes, Senator?"
"Have my ship readied. I will return to Ord Radama as soon as possible and
depart in two days from now." After a pause, he added, "And send an
invitation to Jedi Master Skywalker and his wife - they are welcome to
travel aboard my yacht if they wish. Let them know what meagre luxury I have
I'll gladly share."
The petite, bird-like alien whistled in approval and left the office
quietly.
Anandan folded his elegant hands. He could not go out and confide into the
Jedi Master. Even though his heart told him to do just that because albeit
he had no evidence, he was sure things were not as harmless as they seemed,
he could not willingly condemn his people to a continued life in poverty.
Luke Skywalker might forgive him, but Anandan's credibility in the Senate
would be lost. There would be no chance to gain funds and support of any
kind then.
But if he spent as much time as possible in the presence of two Jedi as
mighty as the Master and his wife, maybe they would note his discomfort and
make him talk. Which would free him in so many ways he was almost longing
for it.
*~~
"This is better than what I had expected." The distinguished voice almost
purred with satisfaction as sharp claws traced the patterns of the wood on
his desk. "Skywalker must have contacted the Yuuzhan Vong."
"Why that, Master?"
He let his chair pivot around and looked into the deep night outside the
window. "Of course he has hoped to find a quick solution to the problem.
He's moving on dangerous ground. The Yuuzhan Vong are easy to provoke. He
has to tread carefully to prevent a new armed dispute."
"I was of the impression you didn't think he'd be capable to do so."
A laugh escaped the throat of the being hidden by the deep shadows in the
room, "I underestimated both his politic potential and his stand with the
Yuuzhan Vong. It seems they hold much respect for him. Proof that they
cannot be half as bright as everyone makes them out to be."
He paused before he continued, "Have you been able to find out more about
why the Yuuzhan Vong hold Skywalker in such a high esteem."
The thin, middle-aged human lowered his head in apology, "I'm sorry, Master.
If there are files, they are well hidden. We haven't had success as of yet."
"It is of no importance. It would be an added bonus to know what exactly has
happened, but my success doesn't depend on this information."
"The Yuuzhan Vong have not declared war."
A growl sounded from the darkness, "They're not as jumpy as I expected them
to be and I think pursuing this direction will be in vain. Know, though,
that I never count on just one direction, my friend. Everything's proceeding
in acceptable parameters."
"Our next steps?"
"Contact Cros for me. Tell him I need him as soon as possible. And that I
will pay far more than what he's worth if he shows up before the end of the
week."
*~~
"I'm going to miss him terribly." Luke whispered softly. Two of the four
lights that were situated into the corners of their bedroom were shedding
their glow over the bed as the Jedi Master and his wife were sprawling on
the mattress.
Ben lay between them, nestled into his father's side, his back pressed
against his mother's chest. His blue eyes were blinking open and closed
sleepily - in a matter of seconds, he would have drifted off into his
well-deserved rest.
After the unnerving hours of preparing their trip and analysing this
uncomfortable situation with Leia and Han, Mara had treated them to a
spacious dinner and Luke had spent the rest of the evening with his son in
the garden.
The child had explored his surroundings with wide-eyed fascination, from the
first leaves that budded on the trees to the little, violet flowers that
dared brace the still frosty nights of early spring. As this excursion had
started to bore the toddler and his attention had shifted to the already
packed bags of his parents that he could glimpse through the glass doors to
the living room, Luke had taken him back in and Ben had spent the better
part of an hour trying to open the zippers.
Only dinner had been able to distract him - and Luke, who had been watching
in delight - from this highly frustrating enterprise that had peeked his
ambitions and challenged his inventiveness. Had the bags not been packed as
full as possible, the tike might have actually managed to get them open.
"I'll miss him, too." Mara breathed a soft kiss on the little boy's temple
and watched his serene face with wonder. She had never dreamt of having a
child, like so many other women did. Like Luke had done.
She had never been against the possibility either - for the most part of her
life, she had simply accepted that it was unlikely she would ever be given
the opportunity to be a mother. It hadn't been easy to find the man that she
trusted to be the father of her child either.
The redhead smiled, stretched a bit and pecked her husbands lips, "He's so
adorable. And looks exactly like I imagine you did at that age."
Luke grinned and caressed the toddler's cheek in affection. Ben had already
drifted off - it was way past his bedtime anyway. "I can show you holos. I
rescued a couple from Tatooine. We didn't use to take many, but at every
birthday Aunt Beru would insist on it. And sometimes, when Uncle Owen went
to the market, she'd take some more. We never told him, though."
He paused and for a couple of minutes, they enjoyed the silence of the night
and the soft breathing of the child.
"He's as beautiful as you, though." Luke finally stated.
Mara laughed, "The only thing he's got from me is his fascination with
weapons. He was trying to make off with your lightsaber again after dinner."
The Jedi Master smiled, "Good thing I modified it way back when Jaina and
Jacen were born. Even if he manages to get it without us noticing, nothing
can happen."
The former Emperor's Hand took one of her son's small hands into hers and
pressed it gently, "He is starting to use the Force, Luke."
Her husband nodded, pride shining in his eyes. "I know. I saw him try
pushing the soap from the bathtub when I washed him at Leia's earlier this
week."
Mara shook her head. Red hair was flying. "I don't know what it is with men
and soap. Do you LIKE being grimy?"
The former farmboy from Tatooine shrugged, mischief glinting in his eyes,
"It makes us feel manly, you know."
The redhead snorted, "Sure."
After another few minutes, Luke rose carefully and picked the toddler up.
Ben never woke and Mara watched how her husband went down the corridor to
put the child into bed. She had really never expected to find the man to
found a family with.
But she had found him. She had found Luke and she was happier than ever
before in her life. Not only had she realised that being a mother was the
most fulfilling duty she had ever had to perform, she had also come to see
that there was hardly a better father to be found than Luke.
On the contrary, with him, you always ran the risk to have him spoil Ben. He
was so fascinated with the child that it was at times funny to watch,
especially in face of the fact that he had been close to see Jaina, Jacen
and Anakin grow up.
The wonderment he felt now, though, was different. This time, it was his
son. And although he was bashful about every similarity, the pride he felt
about them was filling his heart time and again and made his eyes shine in a
way Mara had never seen on him before.
The older Ben grew, the more she felt how Luke wished for another child. The
same wish had grown within her. She had waited for a time to talk to him
about it and maybe this was it. Mara didn't allow her thoughts to drift to
the problems that awaited them on Ord Radama or the tragedy around Cal Omas.
All this had nothing to do with her family. It had nothing to do with her
and Luke as a couple - as parents.
When Luke returned and sat back down on the bed, informing her that Ben had
not woken at all when he had tugged him in, she scooted over, cupped his
face with both her hands and kissed him softly.
Azure eyes focused on her in surprise, "What was that for?"
Mara smiled and pecked his lips again, "I'm in the mood."
The Jedi Master's face lit up with a smile as he tugged her onto the
mattress next to him. Mara settled her head onto his chest and he started
caressing through her hair, as he always did. It came almost automatically,
without a conscious thought from his part.
"Luke?"
"Hmmm?"
"I've been thinking a lot these past few weeks."
Curiosity exploded within his spirit and she felt him reach out
instinctively. He quenched the reflex quickly and waited for her to tell him
herself. "About what?"
"About you and me and Ben," she propped herself up on an elbow and looked
down on him. "And about having another child."
Luke eyes grew as wide as saucers as he sat up himself and stared at her in
wonderment, "And?" His voice almost seemed frail with excitement.
"I know you'd love to have another one." Mara said softly, reaching out with
her right and caressing his face.
"And you? Would you love to?" He breathed, whispered almost.
Instead of an answer, she smiled at him, took his hand and kissed his
fingertips, one after the other.
"Oh, Mara, I."
She tugged on his arm and his lips were on hers before she could let loose
the laugh that wanted to escape her throat.
----------------------------
To Be Continued
----------------------------