Aria Falkon Chronicles: I: Coruscanti Night
Jedi Temple Coruscant-40ABY
Characters: Aria Falkon, Luke Skywalker, Ben Skywalker mentioned: Mara Jade Skywalker, Jacen Solo (Darth Caedus)
Summary: When Ben Skywalker is troubled by the looming shadow of his mother's death and his cousin's fall an unexpected visitor has some helpful advice.
Ah, it feels good to be back on Coruscant. Sitting in a well upholstered speeder en-route to the Jedi Temple I prepare myself for my next mission. The task is fairly simple, but only I can accomplish it. There's a war going on; and a war time is a hard time, especially for me. There are broken spirits that need mending, heroes who die, dictators that need stopping; more than likely all three. I'm prepared and I'm on my way to my first stop, Skywalker's son.
The speeder pulls up to the temple and I pay the driver the owed credits. He looked at me rather odd, as if to say, 'You're not actually going in there are you?' I dismiss the expression and walk on. Strolling up the great steps that lead into the Temple, I remember the glorious days of the Old Republic, before the Clone Wars, before the Dark Times.
As I pass through the dark hallways to find the Skywalker's wing, it seemed too quiet. Then again, it is nearly 0200 hours. Most sensible beings would be asleep. I don't pay much attention to the time, and I can't even remember the last time I carried a chrono.
I found the room I was looking for and searched out through the Force. I could feel Master Skywalker sound asleep inside. Good I thought he could use the rest; but much to my dismay, Ben wasn't even around. So I waited.
It wasn't long after that I heard footsteps coming up the hall. The form of Ben Skywalker appeared from the shadows, he stopped a few paces from me.
"Can I help you?" obviously the sight of a girl his age standing just outside the door to his quarters at this time of morning was new to him.
"Ah, yes." I replied pushing off the wall. "Please let's walk." I gestured towards one of the meditation gardens. After taking a few steps and realizing he wasn't following me (not expecting he would) I turned around.
"My apologies," I went back to him, "I am Aria Falkon." I extended my hand and he took it, though rather uneasily. He must have realized how foolish he looked for the lieutenant in him kicked in. He inclined his head questioningly. "Don't worry." I lifted my cloak to reveal the light saber attached to my belt.
Still not believing, Ben dropped the data pad he was carrying, and using the Force I halted its fall. It flew into my hand and I gave it back to him, "Happy?"
"I guess so." he mumbled staring at his boots. Surprisingly, he took off with a rather brisk stride. I followed him out into the courtyard.
Once we were standing square in the middle of the garden, I took the time to recollect my days at the Temple. Everything had changed so much, but as always it was breathtakingly beautiful. The courtyard had a rather bowl effect where the Coruscanti city lights could be seen just over the rim of the wall, creating a quite comforting glow. (Despite the durasteel jungle surrounding the Temple, the meditation gardens were always radiating life.) Many of the exotic trees and bushes were in bloom, filling the air with the aroma of delightful scents and the area with bright colors. Adding to the pleasant scenery were the many fountains from which the soothing sounds and gurgles of running water nearly droned out all existence outside of this sanctuary.
Overall, it felt right to be here.
My reminiscions were interrupted by Ben's sigh. He closed his eyes and tilted his head towards the starless sky. For what seemed like an eternity we stood in silence afraid any kind of noise would disrupt the peace. Reluctantly, I remembered my mission, and laid a hand on his shoulder. He looked at me sending a flash of blue eyes that were so much like Luke's.
"You're doing the right thing." my tone was barely audible. "Don't pay any attention to Jacen. His devious hide isn't worth your thoughts."
He ran a hand through his golden red hair looking more like his father than ever. The two were so similar, but when it comes to complicated situations it's a good thing he takes after Mara.
Mara, Mara was an excellent fighter, Jedi, lover, and mother; it was a shame to see her go. I was there at the weddings, both the private and public. The Master and Mara were meant entirely for each other. I remember when I felt Mara's death through the Force, (I was on Tatooine at the time). I was so shocked I accidentally spilt my caf on the flight suit of one drunken rodian, the result was not pretty. I hopped on the first flight to Coruscant and a week later was standing at the back of the great gathering chamber watching Mara's body fade away into oblivion, into the Force. After Master Sebatyne had finished giving her mesmerizing eulogy I paid my respects to Master Skywalker, and abandoning the banquet, went back to my apartment and created my mission, my Legacy mission. That's what landed me here, standing beside Mara's son wondering what to say next.
With sudden inspiration, I took the young Jedi and led him to a nearby fountain. "Life is like the water in this fountain." I dipped the tips of my fingers gently into the cool water collecting in the pool. "Only, sometimes the water will get blocked." I motioned at a small group of pink petals that had fallen into one of the many intricate channels, "and the water behind becomes dark and clouded. But when one has the strength to lift the obstacle," said I pulling the blooms from the water, "the flow evens out and the water runs strong and clear."
"I guess you're right." Ben spoke at last, "but it's just...not that easy."
I nodded, "It's not." Ben opened his mouth to speak but before he could get a word out I continued, "Sometimes we over think things, so a small, simple simile is easier to understand than life itself."
"It is isn't it." I noticed he spoke with a slightly Coruscanti accent. He ran his hand through his hair in that Skywalker way again.
Our conversation was brought to a halt by a presence heading our way. It was Luke, within moments the shadowy figure of the Jedi Master appeared in the courtyard; as he came closer and realized I was there his eyes went wide.
"Good evening, er, Morning, Master Skywalker..."
"Good Morning Miss Falkon."
"Wait!" Ben nearly shouted, "You two know each other?"
"I believe I should be going." I bowed to Luke, then to his son, and returned to the speeder outside.
---The next morning/0700 hours---
"Morning, Ben. Sleep well?"
"Yeah I guess."
"I had the strangest dream last night."
"So did I, Dad, so did I."
END
NOTE: this is the 1st story in an ever growing collection. Others can be fond on .com/darthmatrix101/