Hello! We shall verge on the AU once more, this chapter! I hope you like it; it took me a while to get it just right!
Chapter Ten; we made it!
Own Star Wars I do not.
Chapter X.
Lumara woke blushing. 'This is becoming a regular occurrence… Though I'll take those dreams over the ones about Vader any day…' She gave a melancholy sigh before getting up and heading for the cabin.
She found Jonash with Han on his lap, attempting to get him to drink his milk. Han was far more interested in Ella.
Jonash looked up, "Good mornin'."
"Good morning," Lumara replied, "So when do you think we'll arrive?"
"Sometime tonight, probably about midnight Tattooine time? It'll be roughly six in the morning on Alderaan though, so we'll just have to turn in a little early this evening."
"I'll go and wake up Indy." Lumara went and gently shook her friend. "Indy, wake up!"
She grumbled and turned over.
"Come on, you'll regret it later if you don't get up now," Lumara increased her pressure on Indy's arm slightly.
"Fine, I'm coming, just a second…" Indy mumbled into the pillow.
Lumara paused, and swiftly realised that Indy was just falling back to sleep, so she pulled the covers off.
"No!!!" Indy whinged like a little girl and kicked her legs.
Lumara giggled, "Come on, we'll be arriving six hours behind time tonight, so you'll thank me for getting you up now so you can sleep before we arrive."
"Fine," Indy grumbled. She composed herself, and they went to the kitchen to get some breakfast.
After their meal, Captain Solo went to check on their position, Lumara sat down to play with Han and Indy watched, petting Ella.
"Han's lovely," she said, "But I'd lose my sanity from hearing about his new toy freighter that many times."
Lumara smiled from her position beside Han on the rug, "I love kids; I was sometimes assigned as a helper in the crèche." Her face fell slightly.
"Why you sad, 'Mara?" Han looked up with his innocent eyes.
"I'm fine, now where did your little man go? I think Ella might have taken it to play with!" Lumara smiled again.
"Bad pussy!" giggled Han.
Captain Solo strode in, "We're right on course, ladies; with an ETA of eleven tonight." He looked down at Lumara on the carpet, "It's nice of you to play with Han."
"I like to," she said simply.
He smiled.
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The rest of the day passed quickly. It was about four in the afternoon, and the passengers were sitting in the cabin talking. Just then, a beeping noise came from the cockpit.
Jonash frowned, "Sounds like we're being hailed, that's odd." He got up and headed for the cockpit, Lumara following.
He answered the hail, "This is Captain Solo of the Millennium Falcon."
"Roger that, this is an Imperial patrol, performing a random check. State where you came from, your destination, your cargo and/or your passengers."
Lumara blanched, she waved her arms desperately at Jonash, "No, I'm not here!" she hissed.
He frowned, and then answered, "We're coming from Mos Espa, Tattooine, and we're headed for Alderaan. No cargo, just my son, myself, a cat and one passenger."
"State the name of your passenger," the voice on the other commanded.
"Indy Spranten."
There was a pause, "We detect five life forms on ship; we're coming aboard."
Jonash swore, he looked at Lumara accusingly, "Who in Sith Hell are you?"
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" she cried.
He ignored her and sprinted into the cabin, "We're going to be having Imperial company pretty shortly."
Indy's eyes widened in fear, "What?"
"Whoever your friend is, she's just got us into big trouble!" Captain Solo glared. They heard a clunking noise. "Do you hear that? That's them boarding! Do you know how much trouble I could get into for this? What about Han? Huh?" Jonash was shouting now.
Lumara emerged from the cockpit, stricken. They heard the unmistakable clink of soldiers marching through to the cabin.
The leader indicated Lumara, "Hands up, you're under arrest for treason."
Lumara turned slowly to Indy, and spoke calmly, "Please cover Han's eyes." Indy nodded fearfully. Lumara then whipped out her lightsaber and swiftly dealt with the troopers.
She dragged the bodies back onto their ship and sealed off the airlock.
She then made her way back to the cabin with a heavy heart. She was met with a blaster in her face. "I want you off my ship; now." Captain Solo ordered through gritted teeth.
Indy sat beside Han, who was crying, "Please, just take us to Alderaan; you'll never have to see us again!"
"I don't care, space yourselves if you want; just get outta here!" He shouted.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for any of this to happen!" Lumara backed away.
"Yeah sweetheart and I didn't mean to pick up a Jedi; but there you go!"
"Please, take us to Alderaan?" Lumara pleaded.
"I have a little more money…" Indy suggested desperately.
Captain Solo sighed and lowered his blaster. "Keep it. I'll take you to Alderaan, but any more trouble and you're gone! Ya' hear?"
Lumara nodded, "Of course, thank you."
Jonash headed back into the cockpit. Han began to calm down slightly, and petted Ella a little. Indy drew Lumara to one side.
"Lumara I…" she trailed off.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, I'm even sorrier I had to do it," she said very quietly.
"I know," Indy sighed, "I just… It's not right!"
Lumara nodded sadly, "I know, but it had to be done."
Indy shook her head, "I don't mean that; I mean… I mean a teenager being able to kill. I mean children being taught how do use deadly weapons. I mean you; a sixteen year old girl, having the abilities drummed into you to take the life from several full grown men without batting an eyelid!"
Lumara was left speechless. She had been told countless times that the Jedi only used their skill when all other routes had been taken. She had been told that the Jedi were diplomats, the guardians of peace. But she couldn't justify it.
She shook her head, "I- I don't know…"
Indy walked back to the bedroom.
Lumara sat down on the sofa, thinking quietly. Time passed slowly. But eventually, Jonash walked through from the cockpit. He lifted up Han, completely ignoring Lumara, and then walked back. "Strap in, we're landing."
Lumara obeyed, and Indy emerged from the room, and strapped in beside her.
Soon they had landed in Alderaan, and Captain Solo had practically kicked them out.
Indy and Lumara were left standing with just a couple of bags and a confused cat on a strange planet. They peered around. Aldera was only just coming to life. The sun was rising through the surrounding mountains, casting a little light on the empty streets. The palace rose in the centre of the city, illuminated to a rose pink by the sun's rays. As the sun rose, the streets began to come to life. Shopkeepers opened their shutters for business, and house-proud women stepped outside to sweep their doorsteps. Indy and Lumara walked to the palace, gazing in wonder at the beautiful city as they went.
They reached the outer walls of the palace, and were stopped by a guard. "What is your business here?" he asked.
Lumara tried her best to look… important, as she addressed the guard very politely, "We're here to see His Majesty, Prince Bail Organa; it's urgent."
The guard looked uncertain, "And who are you?"
Lumara paused, 'Do the Imperials know my name? And if they do; are the people here on our side?' She decided to chance it, "My name's Lumara Kinstike, and this is my companion, Indy Spranten."
The guard mumbled something into his comm, and then paused as he listened for an answer. He waited again, looking at the girls uneasily. 'I'm a mess; I look like a beggar. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned us away.'
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Bail Organa had gotten up early, and had just finished breakfast. He had been given a report from the Imperials. It told him that a Jedi Padawan by the name of Kinstike was believed to be in the sector, and that he should be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. He was saddened to hear of another Jedi being hunted down like this; but it gave him hope at least that some had survived.
"Your majesty," one of his aides walked up to him briskly with a small bow, "There are two women at the gate asking to see you."
Prince Organa was tempted to send them away, but he had to ask, "Who are they?"
"They said they were Indy Spranten and…" he paused to check his datapad, "Lumara Kinstike."
Bail Organa straightened, "Kinstike? Send them in immediately!"
"Right away, your majesty," the aide scurried off down the corridor.
Bail Organa sat on his throne waiting for a short while before the aide came back, followed by two girls. They looked, to put it quite plainly, a state; quite out of place in the lavish hall. They strode up to him, and then bowed.
"Your Majesty, we thank you for granting us an audience on such short notice," Lumara rose gracefully.
"You are very welcome, Padawan Kinstike," Prince Organa stood.
Lumara glanced around worriedly.
"Don't worry, these guards are totally loyal to me," he strode down towards them, "The Empire told me of your presence here."
"They know we're here? Oh- the ship," Lumara's eyes widened as the prince came to stand beside them.
"Oh indeed," he smiled, "Let's walk." They strode down a richly decorated corridor. They passed many rooms, and headed through halls filled with works of art and beautiful furniture. "I am extremely glad to hear that you are alive. You are one of the last Jedi." He continued gravely.
Indy was extremely awed, 'I'm in a Palace! And I'm walking with a Prince!!! Me, Indy Spranten; little old Indy Spranten, Tattooine cantina dancer! Oh Kriff, what am I wearing; I look like a pile of bantha droppings!'
Lumara was slightly fazed, but she wasn't half as giddy as her friend, "There are others?" she looked up sharply.
Prince Organa smiled, "Masters Yoda and Kenobi survived; they have gone into exile. But one other master, two knights and a group of Padawans are also with the Rebellion."
Hope swelled inside Lumara's heart, and she couldn't suppress the joyous smile spreading across her face.
Bail Organa couldn't help but smile back. "But I must ask; how did you know you could find sanctuary here?"
"I had a vision," explained Lumara, "I saw you, and then I saw you thinking about the Rebellion; and I knew."
The Prince looked intrigued, "Really?"
Lumara smiled, "Yes, Indy thought I was crazy too."
Indy was about to protest, when the Prince spoke first, "Oh, I believe you. I've known Jedi before. Master Yoda, for example; he had great skill in premonition I believe."
Lumara nodded, "Although I have no where near as much skill as he."
"You must have been through a lot to get here." They walked down a hall covered by paintings of the royal family.
"A lot," replied Lumara with a smile.
"You'll have plenty of time to tell me everything later, but I'm sure you're very tired. I have rooms for you."
"Oh, you don't have to do that," Lumara began.
Bail cut her off, "But I insist."
"Thank you, Your Majesty; you are very kind." Lumara bowed.
"Thank you," Indy added.
A short while later, they were sitting on a lavishly upholstered sofa in Indy's quarters, talking excitedly.
"A Prince!!!" Indy laughed, "We were just walking and talking with a Prince!"
Lumara smiled, stroking Ella softly, "I know. He was very kind, though." She stood, "Let's have a proper look round."
Lumara went into her adjoining suite, and Indy continued to explore hers. The Padawan found a living room, a bedroom, and to her greatest pleasure; a bathroom.
Indy came rushing through the door, "Lumara; I have a shower!!!"
Lumara smiled; something that seemed so mundane to the people of rich planets was a miracle to somebody across the Galaxy. "So what d'you say we try them out?"
Indy practically squeaked as she dashed back to her room.
Lumara was very pleased to open the cupboards and find expensive-looking shampoos, soaps, lotions and oils. She lifted out a large selection and headed into the wet room. Stripping off, she let the warm water wash her troubles away. "Mmm…" It was so good to be clean again. The showers in the prison had been minute-long, weekly doses of cold water with a bar of hard soap.
She applied several types of shampoo and conditioner to her hair, and then lathered herself in sweet smelling scrubs and lotions. Finally, she stepped out and wrapped herself in the warm fluffy towel. 'This kind of luxury…' She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of all the various products she had used.
She headed back into her bedroom and was very pleased to find her robes freshly laundered and folded on the bed. She jumped backwards onto the enormous duvet, relishing it's soft and bouncy mattress. She lay for a time, her eyes closed in relaxation. Eventually, she sat up, dried, and pulled on her deliciously clean robes.
She examined herself in the mirror. She was almost as she had been several months ago, but she looked older, and thinner. Her hair no longer hung in greasy dark locks, but curled in blonde-brown waves, framing her face. It was much longer, and cascaded down her back in loose ringlets. She assaulted it with the comb on the dresser, and finally satisfied; she re-braided her Padawan braid- which had been non-existent since early on in the prison – and pulled up the rest of her hair into a high ponytail with a ribbon.
The new Lumara walked into Indy's room, and found the twi'lek staring at herself in the mirror. The Indy she knew had sky blue skin, but under the years of Tattooine dust, her true colouring was a turquoise bordering on violet.
She looked up, "Krith, Lumara; I barely recognise you! I barely recognise myself, either! And look at this outfit!" she performed a little spin for Lumara, "It's fantastic!" She was wearing a simple red skirt and black top with red embroidered flowers.
"It's amazing how much good a wash can do you!" Lumara agreed.
Shortly after, the comm unit in Lumara's room began to bleep. Lumara heard it, and ran in to answer it. "Hello?"
"Hello, this is His Majesty's secretary, he was wondering if you might join him and Her Majesty the Queen for lunch."
Lumara was surprised, "Of course, we'd be honoured."
"Very well, someone will be sent to your room in approximately half an hour to take you to the dining hall.
Lumara thanked the man and headed back into Indy's bedroom.
"Who was that?"
Lumara sat down, "Prince Organa's secretary wanted to know if we'd join him and his wife for lunch."
"Seriously? Wow. This; is so amazing. When?"
"Half an hour," Lumara explained.
"Half an hour?" Indy jumped up and fished through the bag she'd brought; then she lifted out a small case. She went over to the mirror and opened it.
"What's that?" Lumara enquired, moving closer.
"The secret to my beauty," Indy grinned. She started to apply cream and eye shadow and liner.
Lumara sat back down and rolled her eyes.
"Want some?" Indy waved some lipstick at her.
"No thank you," smiled Lumara.
Indy just shrugged. Ella had gone off and found somewhere to sleep, and Lumara was slightly worried she'd shred something; but she trusted her know when it wasn't ok to use expensive chairs as a scratching post.
It wasn't long before a knock came at the door. Lumara opened it to see a smiling elderly lady. "Good morning, dear."
"Good morning." Lumara replied.
"I'm one of her majesty's handmaidens; Farra."
"Pleased to meet you, Farra, my name is Lumara; and this is Indy," she indicated her friend as she came to stand beside her.
"If you'll follow me," Farra led them through the palace. She spoke little, but once indicated Indy's clothing. "It fits then?"
"Perfectly," Indy smiled.
"Ah," Farra tapped her nose, "I have an eye for that. I knew your measurements when I first laid eyes on you."
"That's… interesting," Indy looked slightly unnerved.
"Don't worry," she grinned, "I only use my powers for good!"
Lumara smiled as they reached a set of double doors, and Farra stopped.
"Here we are," She opened them to a smaller, but no less richly decorated room than the others. The Queen and her consort sat at a round table, talking quietly. They looked up as the three entered. Farra and Indy curtsied, and as she had no skirt; Lumara bowed.
Lumara sat in the place of honour; beside Queen Breha; she was fully overwhelmed.
Queen Breha smiled at the girls kindly, "I trust the rooms are to your liking?"
"Oh yes, Your Majesty; they are beyond adequate. We must thank you again for your generosity." Lumara smiled back.
Indy plucked up the courage to speak, "I've never seen such a lovely room in my life before; with such luxuries. I am humbled by your kindness."
Queen Breha waved a hand dismissively, "This is nothing; it is you two who are to be commended. You must have had a very hard journey."
Lunch was soon served, and Lumara began to tell the tale of how she had come here. She simplified it a little; left out details here and there, but the Prince and Queen got the gist of it. She ended with her arrival at the palace.
There was a small silence as their hosts digested her words along with the sumptuous meal.
"You have been through a lot," commented Prince Organa.
Queen Breha nodded, "Your bravery and strength are amazing; you are a testament to the greatness of the Jedi Order."
Lumara felt a lump rise in her throat, "Thank you," she replied hoarsely.
"And you," Prince Organa addressed a startled Indy, "You are an amazing individual; so kind and giving. I doubt Padawan Kinstike would have made it this far without you."
Lumara nodded in agreement.
Now it was Indy's turn to be overwhelmed, "I- you honour me, Your Majesty."
Queen Breha smiled, "No; you honour yourself."
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The Prince and Queen had persuaded them to stay the night, and were providing them with a ship to take them to the rebel base in the morning.
Lumara and Indy went to bed early; as they were both exhausted. The Padawan switched her light off and savoured the soft fabric of the sheets between her fingers. 'I wonder if I'll dream again tonight. I think I will.'
Despite Lumara's doubts, they had indeed found a Separatist camp. Master Finah had immediately informed the council, who would be sending in teams better equipped to deal with the outpost. Their part of the mission was over, and they would be leaving in the morning. What they didn't count on, however; was the Nemodians deciding to have a wild shaak hunt in the forest.
They barely had time to pack up the supplies, having sensed the danger. Soon they were trekking as quietly as possible through the dense plant-life.
They all sensed the coming hunting party, and each shinned up a tree to avoid them. They led the Nemodians on a wild goose chase through the trees. Even the Jedi were unable to conceal the signs of their passage from the skilled Nemodian trackers, who seemed to think that they were the wild shaak in question. They couldn't make them aware of their presence; otherwise everyone would be gone by the time support arrived.
They felt the hunters coming, and ran on through the trees, hiding behind the thick trunks; but one saw Justo. "Jedi!" he yelled fearfully.
They evaded them for several hours, but the Nemodian's resolve only strengthened.
They all ducked as a round of blaster bolts sped over their heads. But one Nemodian was crafty enough to aim low.
Lumara let out a scream as the bolt hit her leg. She fell, and had barely lain a moment when Justo lifted her onto his back.
She clasped her arms round his neck and breathed deeply, trying to ignore the searing pain in her left leg. A tear rolled down her cheek and landed with a plop on Justo's head.
Master Tamek had been a little further on, with Master Finah bringing up the rear; she had rushed back as soon as she felt Lumara be hit, "Are you alright?" her face lined with worry.
Lumara nodded slightly.
Master Tamek nodded worriedly and smiled at Justo, "Well done, let's keep going."
Somehow, he was managing to keep running with the masters. He glanced up at her, "How you doing, Lulu?"
She smiled a little through her tears, "Just dandy." She choked out.
"Great," Justo replied soothingly, "We'll be out of here soon. The transport is arriving in a clearing near here, then we can get a medic on that leg; won't that be fun?"
Lumara smiled despite herself. She replied, "Sounds like something to look forward to!"
"That's the spirit!"
Master Tamek glanced back at them, "We're nearly there, well done both of you."
They reached the clearing, and the Nemodians were soon running back to the camp. Justo let Lumara down gently in the transport; and a healer attended to her leg.
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They were sitting side by side, talking later that night.
"Thank you for rescuing me," Lumara smiled softly.
Justo shrugged, "You would have done the same for me."
Lumara giggled, "Justo; I couldn't carry you."
"Oh," he frowned, "Well, you would do something similar, I'm sure."
"I would."
"All in all, I'd say that was a pretty good mission- apart from you being shot of course," he added hastily.
Lumara rolled her eyes, "Of course!"
Justo smiled, "Well, I'm glad you're Ok," his usual joking tone was gone.
Lumara smiled back at him, "Thanks to my knight in shining armour."
"Really? You think it's shiny? Well; I have been polishing it," he grinned.
Lumara smiled, "You're funny." She gazed deeply into his eyes, and without thinking, her lips were moving towards his through some unstoppable force, and she had no desire to stop them. She saw his mouth move towards hers, and her eyes fluttered shut as they kissed.
Aw!! It still makes me smile. I don't know if I can write a romantic scene right, so feel free to compliment or criticise as you see fit! Feedback? Please:D