Chapter 3
In a galaxy rife with turmoil, Leia Organa Solo insisted that family ties were more important than ever. That is why the Skywalker-Solo clan agreed to have dinner together at least once a week. Over the past couple of years, however, they began to fall out of that habit. Now, they were lucky if they had dinner more than once a month. On this particular day, they had no choice, owing to a celebration. In the Solo apartment, Leia was in the kitchen preparing food for the family, with help from her granddaughter, Allana. It was her tenth birthday, and Leia wanted everything to be perfect.
This was one of the rare instances where they could call the girl by her real name, rather than her cover identity as Han and Leia Solo's adoptive daughter, Amelia. Allana was the daughter of Jacen Solo and Hapan Queen Mother Tenel Ka Djo. Because of Jacen's short but infamous reign as Supreme Chancellor, and the Hapan nobles frowning on the illegitimacy of their princess, Tenel Ka kept Allana's parentage a secret. After Jacen became Darth Caedus, she staged the girl's death as a cover to release her into the custody of her grandparents.
Leia hated having to raise Allana to keep such large secrets, but it was unavoidable. If Allana was troubled by her burden, she did not show it. She understood what had happened to her father, and why it was so important that no one know about her. She was a kind and curious child who showed a powerful connection to the Force.
In the living room, the family's longtime droid companions, C-3PO and R2-D2, were setting up tables and chairs. C-3PO fretted, "Well, this certainly won't do!" R2-D2 beeped a question, to which the gold protocol droid answered, "These chairs are too close together. In order for everyone to be seated comfortably, the chairs must be placed at least sixty centimeters apart. You wouldn't understand, not with your bulky astromech body, but I'm programmed to know that humans prefer their personal space."
R2-D2 warbled mockingly, but C-3PO ignored him. "And just look at this room. The lack of decorations is appalling! I assume you were in charge of making the room more festive, although I can't imagine why, so if this party is a complete disaster, it will be all your fault!"
From the kitchen, Allana laughed and said, "I didn't want decorations, Threepio! I'm just happy to have everyone here."
C-3PO stiffened in surprise. He was unfamiliar with the idea of having a party without festivities. "Well! Just when I thought I finally understood humans, it seems I still have much to learn."
Leia explained, "This is just a small dinner, Threepio. The main focus is the food and the company. Make sure we have enough room for everyone: me, Han, Luke, Ben, Jaina, Allana, and Tenel Ka."
"WHAT?! Why was I not informed of this? This setup is hardly befitting of a Queen Mother! Oh, this is a disaster!" R2-D2 emitted a series of beeps that sounded like laughter, prompting C-3PO to exclaim, "You! You knew about this and you didn't tell me! How could you?"
Leia said, "Calm down. Tenel Ka is not coming as a Queen Mother; she's coming as family. We don't have to observe any royal courtesies tonight."
"No decorations? No courtesies? Then what is the point of my being here?"
"You're right," said Han Solo, entering from the master bedroom, buttoning up a clean shirt. "You don't need to be here, so why don't you head out for a night on the town?"
C-3PO faced Han and said, "I can only assume that that was an attempt at sarcasm, seeing as I do not have the capacity for such frivolous activity."
"That's too bad. You could learn a few things about humans by having fun." Han walked past the protocol droid and entered the kitchen. "Is this nice enough for you?"
Leia stopped what she was doing to study Han's appearance. After a few seconds, she answered, "I guess it'll do." She returned her attention to preparing dinner.
Han inhaled through his nose and asked, "What's cooking?" He stood behind Allana and studied the cake she was icing. "Mmm, smells good."
He stuck out a finger to scrape off some icing, but Allana lightly slapped his hand away. "No, grandpa! It's for the party!"
"Aw, can't I just have one taste?" He stuck out his finger again.
Allana giggled as she yelled, "No!"
Han laughed and ruffled her black-dyed hair. "Do you make that all by yourself, sweetie?"
Allana nodded proudly. "Yep! I even used the oven!"
"Wow! That's great! Maybe you should learn how to make other stuff, then grandma and I won't have to cook anymore."
Leia looked at Han with mock incredulity. "Since when do you cook? Maybe you should learn so I don't have to cook all the time."
"Hey, I can cook. Just give me a nerf steak and watch me grill it to perfection."
The door buzzer sounded, indicating someone's arrival. Leia called, "Threepio, could you answer the door, please?"
C-3PO, giddy at the chance to be useful, replied, "Oh, of course, Mistress Leia! I would be happy to!" A moment later, they heard him say, "Your majesty! What an honor to have you here!"
A woman's voice replied, "Thanks, Threepio, but you can drop the courtesies for tonight."
Allana exclaimed, "Mom!" She ran into the living room to hug her mother.
Tenel Ka Djo wore a hooded cloak to conceal her identity while travelling to the Solos' apartment, but once she was through the door, she shrugged it off and gave it the C-3PO to hang up. She was a tall woman, lithe and muscular, with gray eyes and red hair. Part of her left arm had been severed during a lightsaber training accident as a teenager at the Jedi Academy. She chose not to replace her missing limb with a prosthetic as a reminder of the arrogance that led to the accident.
Tenel Ka wrapped her right arm around her daughter and said, "Happy birthday, Allana."
Allana said, "I'm so glad you came."
"Why wouldn't I come? I rarely get the chance to be with my daughter."
Leia entered the living room, smiling. "Hello, Tenel Ka." The two women hugged and Leia said, "Allana, why don't you go finish your cake? And make sure grandpa doesn't taste anything."
"Okay!" Allana trotted back into the kitchen.
Leia and Tenel Ka sat down on the sofa. Tenel Ka asked, "I hope you haven't been having any problems with her. Has she been behaving?"
Leia answered, "For the most part. She's a sweet girl, but sometimes her curiosity gets the better of her. She's also been experimenting with the Force. She has a very strong connection to it."
"I'm not surprised. Do you think she has what it takes to become a Jedi?"
Leia nodded. "I do. I've already started teaching her basic techniques. We're working on shielding her mind from Force probes. If the Sith ever get to her, I don't want them to find out her true identity."
Tenel Ka shuddered at the thought of Allana in the hands of the Sith. "Let's hope she never gets put in that situation. I'm grateful for everything you've done for her, Leia. You've given me one less thing to worry about."
"How are things on Hapes?"
"Same old, same old. Border disputes, power feuds, money, and annoying nobles. I constantly have to study them to decide who's loyal, and who just wants to get in bed with me. Some of them insist on offering their sympathies for Allana's 'death'. Even today, there are still rumors flying around about who her father was."
Leia took on a more sympathetic tone as she asked, "And how are you, specifically?"
Tenel Ka averted her eyes to try and hide her pain. "I've made my peace with what happened. I loved Jacen very much, and betraying him wasn't easy for me. And as much as I love Allana, I can't forget that she was a mistake caused by my emotions and a lapse in judgment. Sometimes I wonder how things would have been different had I acted differently."
"Jacen loved her more than anyone else," reminded Leia. "All he ever wanted was to protect her, until the very end."
Tenel Ka nodded. "I know."
At that moment, the door buzzer sounded again, and C-3PO hurried to answer it. "Oh! Master Luke! And Master Ben! How wonderful to see you both!"
"Thanks, Threepio," replied Luke Skywalker. He entered the living room followed by his son, Ben. Luke addressed the Queen Mother. "It's good to see you again, Tenel Ka."
Tenel Ka stood up and bowed to Luke. "Grand Master." She then smiled at his son. "Hello, Ben."
Ben bowed and said, "Queen Mother."
"You can call me Tenel Ka tonight. And you don't have to bow, either."
"You called my dad 'Master' and bowed to him," Ben pointed out.
Tenel Ka laughed. "Yes, I did. Force of habit, I suppose." She studied the young man. "You're a lot taller than I remember. How old are you now?"
"Eighteen. Nineteen, in a few months."
"Well, that explains it. You're almost as tall as your dad."
"Almost," said Luke. "But he still has to do what I tell him."
The door buzzed once more. This time, it was Jaina Solo. "Hi, everyone. Am I late?"
Leia answered, "No, you're just in time."
Tenel Ka moved forward and hugged her friend. "Jaina, it's been too long."
Jaina replied, "I'm so glad you're here. Things have been rough for us lately."
"So I've heard."
Allana came out of the kitchen, prompting a "Happy birthday!" from all of the guests. She ran up and hugged each of them in turn. She said to Leia, "The cake's all done, and so is everything else!"
"Great!" exclaimed Leia. Addressing the guests, she said, "Everyone, we're ready to start eating, so if you take your seats, Han and I will start bringing in the food."
After everyone had sat down and started eating, Tenel Ka asked Luke, "So, what exactly is going on with the Sith?"
After a moment of thought, Luke answered, "I suppose there's no harm in telling you, although I would appreciate it if you told no one else."
"It's my job to keep secrets, Master Skywalker."
"Alright. After the inauguration, we found a Jedi survivor–"
"I already know about that," interrupted Tenel Ka. "I also know that Master Fadré was a traitor."
Luke sighed in frustration. "I see someone's been saying things she wasn't supposed to say." He glared at Jaina, who responded with an apologetic look. He continued, "Well, our latest intelligence shows that, apparently, this Sith plot has been in the works since the Yuuzhan Vong War. The assassins were being helped by Lumiya and, later…" Luke trailed off and glanced at Allana, wondering if it was a good idea to mention her father's crimes in front of her.
The girl must have suspected what Luke was about to say, for her smile vanished and she said, "It's okay, Uncle Luke. I understand." She looked down at the table, avoiding eye contact.
Luke chose his words carefully to spare Allana's feelings. "He embezzled Alliance funds into the Sith operation. Master Fadré found out about it and confronted them. Something convinced him to join them."
Tenel Ka asked, "Do you have any idea what they're doing? Or where to find them?"
Luke answered, "All we know is, their base was on Dromund Kaas at the time Master Fadré joined them. We've begun planning an attack on the planet. With any luck, the Sith will still be there, and we can end this problem once and for all."
"An attack?" repeated Jaina. "Somehow, I doubt Chancellor Dain will like that."
"Which is why we're not going to tell him. We can't rely on to Alliance fleet, so we're going to commit as many Jedi as we can. I've also signaled Admiral Mo'Ari to contact me. I'm sure he'll be happy to help us."
Ben said, "I've heard stories about Dromund Kaas. Is it really as bad as they say?"
Luke nodded. "It may even be worse."
"Well, I'm not afraid. I'll gladly face whatever's down there."
Luke sighed, knowing that an argument was about to ensue. "Actually, Ben, we've decided not to send any apprentices."
Han muttered, "Uh oh. You shouldn't have said that." Leia elbowed him in the ribs.
Ben groaned, "Oh, come on! Why can't I go?"
Luke explained, "This is a dangerous mission, Ben. I don't want to risk anyone who isn't ready."
"I'm just as ready as any knight! Don't tell me you're still being paranoid about sending me on missions."
"I am not being paranoid," argued Luke. "The fact is, we don't know what to expect."
"Which is why you need all the help you can get. You said yourself that you're going to commit as many Jedi as you can."
Han broke in, "Can't argue with that, Luke. Maybe bringing him along wouldn't be such a bad idea."
Leia scolded, "Han, stay out of this."
Ben continued, "You told me that I'll become a knight once I've proven myself. Well, this is as good an opportunity than anything."
Luke snapped back, "Fine! If you really think you're ready, then you can come with us."
"Thank you!" Ben's tone conveyed sarcasm more than it did sincerity. After that, everyone continued eating in silence.
Finally, Leia asked, "Who's ready for cake?"
Allana jumped up out of her seat. "I'll get it!" She ran into the kitchen and came out a moment later carrying a large, rectangular cake. She grinned from ear to ear as she set it down on the table.
Tenel Ka asked, "Did you make that all by yourself?"
"Yep! It's cocoa with jogan fruit icing!"
"Sounds delicious!" exclaimed Jaina.
Carefully, Allana picked up the pastry knife and cut the cake into pieces. She then handed out a piece to each person. After everyone had been served, she sat down and began eating her own slice.
Ben nodded his head as he chewed. "This is good, Allana."
Tenel Ka asked, "Is there anything specific you want for your birthday?"
Allana put down her fork and said, "Well, what I really want is to start my Jedi training."
Everyone paused and looked at the girl with surprise. After a moment of silence, Leia said, "I've already been teaching you the ways of the Force."
"I know, but I want to be an actual Jedi."
Luke said, "Now isn't exactly the best time to start, honey. Maybe after things cool down a bit…"
Ben interrupted, "Don't listen to him, Allana. He's just being paranoid." Luke frowned at his son.
Tenel Ka had the final say. "Why shouldn't she begin training now? The experience could be good for her. If she wants to be a Jedi, then she'll be a Jedi."
Allana smiled proudly. "Thanks, Mom."
Luke nodded. "Alright. You can begin after the attack on Dromund Kaas."
After that, everyone continued eating and talking. When Luke's comlink began beeping, he excused himself from the table and went into the kitchen to take the call. He pressed the answer button and a hologram of a middle-aged man in a white military uniform. Admiral Mo'Ari smiled and said, "Master Skywalker, I got your message. How can I help you?"
Luke replied, "I need your help. The Jedi need your help."
"As you know, I am always happy to help the Jedi."
"This is different. We are acting without the knowledge of Chancellor Dain. If he finds out that you helped us, you could get in trouble."
Mo'Ari frowned for a few seconds before asking, "What exactly do you need me to do?"
Luke leaned against the counter and said, "I should start from the beginning. You remember the Jedi survivor you found on the Dead Planet last year?"
"It's not something one could easily forget."
"Well, we managed to cure him using an ancient Sith artifact. It wasn't until afterwards that we learned he was working with the Sith assassins from Dain's inauguration. They helped him escape, and now we have reason to believe that they're building an army on Dromund Kaas."
Mo'Ari's mouth hung open in shock. "An army? How? An army of what?"
"We don't know. All we know is, they've been planning this since the Yuuzhan Vong War. And now that they have the Sith artifact, there's no telling how strong they are now."
"And the Chancellor doesn't know about any of this?"
Luke explained, "He doesn't even know about the Jedi survivor. If he finds out, he'll definitely blame us. That's why we have to solve this problem on our own. We're going to attack Dromund Kaas before the Sith can reveal themselves. But we can't do it alone. That's why we need your help."
Mo'Ari thought for a moment. "I suppose I could spare a few Star Destroyers. I could lead the attack myself. As an admiral, I have the power to commit as many ships as I want to prospective trouble spots. I doubt the Chancellor could punish me for that."
"Thank you, Admiral. I'll be in contact to discuss the specifics of the attack."
"Until them, may the Force be with you." Mo'Ari bowed.
Luke returned the farewell. "And also with you." He ended the transmission and returned to the party. Watching what was left of his family talking like nothing was wrong, Luke wondered if he could finally end a crisis without losing another loved one.
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