A Celebration Amid Chaos

By Wendy

Part 1

There was a celebration going on aboard Booster Terrik's Star Destroyer, the Errant Venture. One by one people presented gifts to Jedi Masters Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker for the safe arrival of their infant son Ben.

Booster had went all out for the food and drinks for the celebration. His personal chefs had prepared a large variety of delicacies and glasses were overflowing with a selection of fine spirits. This night was much needed to buoy everyone's spirits, as the war with the deadly Yuuzhan Vong waged on around them.

Young Jedi Padawans students their rigid training and darted around amid the cluster of adults, playing a series of Force generated games. Han Solo, Booster Terrik, and Jedi Corran Horn swapped stories about their various escapades, while Mirax Horn listened in on with amusement.

Jedi Masters Luke Skywalker, Kam and Tionne Solusar discussed a number of new techniques that they were eager to implement once a new Jedi base was established, and training was resumed.

Jedis Jaina, Jacen and Anakin Solo were sequestered around a small table in the cavernous room, talking amicably with one another, and enjoying the fact that they were still a trio. Tahiri Veila, friend and fellow Jedi was with the younger Solos. Only a short while earlier, Anakin had been fatally injured in a skirmish with the Yuuzhan Vong, and feared lost to all who loved him.

His Force sensitive family and close friends had felt his life force snuff out and were hours into grieving over his loss, and were in the middle of planning his memorial, when suddenly his essence was reconnected to the Force. No one, including Anakin, understood how his life had been restored to him, but all were grateful nevertheless.

Young Ben, lay sleeping in the curve of his mother's arms, oblivious to the hubbub of activity around him, as Mara and Leia Organa Solo chatted softly with one another. The two women observed the sleeping infant and pondered over the similarities between him and his father.

"Seeing Ben, and getting to be a part of his life from the beginning, is almost as good as having been there to witness Luke as he grew up." Leia said wistfully. "We were separated at such a young age that neither of us got to experience the other as children."

"It must have been really hard on you." Mara said.

"No, not really," Leia admitted. "We weren't even aware that the other existed, until that fateful day when Luke and Han rescued me from Vader's grasp. It wasn't until the Battle of Endor that we found out that we were actually twins. Even as a small child though, I always felt as if there was something or someone missing from my life. I never understood why I felt that way, until I learned Luke and I were related."

"You never told me that." a male voice said softly.

Leia turned to see her brother standing behind her. She smiled affectionately up at him, as she reached to take his hand in hers, feeling through their Force bond that her admission had pained him.

"Luke," Leia said gently, "There was so much chaos going on around us when we first learned we were twins. Both of us had to deal with the knowledge that the people we trusted most our entire lives had kept such an important secret from us. Understanding the reason behind the secrecy, didn't mean it wasn't difficult for us to come to terms with it. I didn't want to add to the pain and confusion you were already feeling."

Luke sighed, and laid his hand over hers where it rested on his cheek. "I suppose you are right. The past is behind us now, and we can't change what's been done. What matters now is we're together at last,and we must cherish the time we have with one another."

Han joined them then, his eyes taking in the intense looks being exchanged between his wife and brother-in-law. He slipped an arm around Leia's waist and clapped Luke on the shoulder. "What's with all the seriousness? This is suppose to be a party right? So let's celebrate!"

"You're right." Luke agreed.

He turned to face the room and clapped his hands to get the party goers attention. "Mara and I would like to thank you for attending this celebration of our infant son. We must remember to take moments like this amid a world filled with such chaos and uncertainty. It allows us the opportunity to rejuvenate our spirits and share in the Let's enjoy each other's company this night, as when dawn breaks tomorrow, we will return once again to our fight against the Yuuzhan Vong."

The musicians Booster had hired, started playing again, and Han held out a hand to his wife. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Leia slipped her hand into his outstretched one, and let him lead her into the center of the room where other Jedis, including Anakin and Tahari, Corran and Mirax, along with non-Force sensitive attendees, were already dancing.

"I'll watch Ben if you want to dance?" Jaina appeared at Luke's side, as the older couple watched the festivities.

"Thank you." Mara handed over her sleeping infant into his older cousin's care, and then she and Luke joined the other dancers.