Far From Home
Chapter 11
Location: Rebel ship, observation deck
Leia sat in front of the window staring out into the stars and felt her heart overflow with worry. She wondered if Luke was alright and if Vader had made it out alive. Though, she wasn't sure if she wanted Vader alive or dead. It was long ago that she learned from Obi-Wan that Darth Vader was actually her biological father, Anakin Skywalker. Did she want her father in her life? Could she forgive him all the terrible things he did in the name of the Empire? Could she forgive him all the crimes he had committed against democracy and freedom?
Leia wasn't sure she was able to forgive and forget. She wasn't as open minded or accepting as Luke. Luke didn't have to learn about missing friends taken down by Vader or more oppression done to some innocent peoples of the Core like she did. She had been fighting against injustice all her life. She wasn't spared knowing about the evils of the outside world like her brother. And in some ways she envied his isolation. It was nice to think about a world ignorant of the Empire—well mostly ignorant.
It wasn't like Luke grew up in a bubble. It just seemed like it.
Gods, she hoped Luke was ok. She didn't know what she'd do if he weren't ok. Though, Leia did feel better having Captain Greenfire by her side. The personal bodyguard was so motherly when she wanted to be and unlike Bail she didn't probe or pry. She just sat next to her and rubbed her back soothingly and listened.
Yet, suddenly a bust of noise came towards them from the hall. They heard a shriek and a wail from what sounded like somebody being attacked.
"Oh, no! Please! Please! Stop it! No, no, no—put me down! Ahhhh!"
Leia and Thrice both got up from their seats and ran to investigate and saw Kiya being carried by Scorn from behind from around her waist. The lady-knight had a bright smile on her face and was now squealing between giggles. However, once Leia saw them she was furious.
"What the hell do you think your doing? Luke maybe dead and you two are playing like a bunch of children! You should be ashamed of yourselves!"
Leia then began to sniffle and she covered her mouth with her hand to prevent a whimper and took off down the hallway. Meanwhile, Thrice shook her head and gave Kiya and Scorn a glare.
"I don't really mind your fun and games, but try and keep it down. Many people have lost their lives in the battle and Leia is worried. Why don't you two get something to eat and clean up? It's been a long day."
Kiya nodded and said, "Yes, Captain. Come on, Scorn. I think I left my lightsaber at the gym."
Though, in reply, the young Sith didn't say a word, but silently took Kiya's lead and tilted his head at Thrice as they retreated. And as they left, Thrice sighed and made her way to see Ben. The red-eyed beauty missed her Knight and wondered how he was feeling. It must be hard for him to have Luke and Vader missing as well. It was bad enough to have one apprentice gone, but two was just overkill. A lot had happened to her Ben in such a short time, that she knew he'd probably wanted to talk about it with her and frankly, Thrice wanted to talk with him too.
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When Thrice opened the cabin door to see Ben she noticed he was alone and staring into space in thought. She knew he was pondering since he was rubbing his chin and had his left arm tucked under his elbow. It was classic thinking man for Obi-Wan that she had to smile and slowly she embraced him from behind.
"Thinking deeply, Sir Knight?"
Ben turned about and held her tight. "No more than usual, Milady. Though, I am concerned about Luke. I hope the boy makes it or our victory over the Empire will feel like an empty win. I had high hopes that Luke would one day restore the Jedi Order and carry on the Jedi way of life."
Thrice pulled back a bit and gazed at him with her ruby-eyes. "You must have faith, Ben."
The Knight smiled and caressed her cheek. "That's exactly what Jinn said, but I'm sure he learnt that phrase from his mother since she's your counterpart, Milady."
Thrice narrowed her brow. "What? Really? Kiya and Jinn are our children? In another life? Well—that's—kind of interesting. I never thought of myself as a parent."
Ben laughed and replied, "Nor I, my dear, but stranger things have happened."
The Knight then moved them both to sit down on the cabin bed and the two made themselves conformable in each other's arms. While reclined, Thrice rested her head on Ben's shoulder while he tenderly stroked her arm. And quietly the pair lay together in restful silence until Ben asked, "Thrice, do you want to have a family?"
For a moment she didn't answer, but seriously considered the question. She wasn't really sure what she wanted. All she knew was that she wanted to be with Ben. Things like family and love never entered her mind before she met him, yet her silence made him nervous. He started to think that maybe he'd said the wrong thing. He pulled himself away from her and gazed into her ruby-eyes and searched for any hint of worry, but instead he saw that she was smiling.
She said, "I wouldn't mind having a family. Just as long as I'm with you."
Blushing, Ben replied, "Well—I feel the same way. Though, I think the first thing we ought to do is get married and then we can consider the possibility of children. Things typically work in that order."
In response, Thrice laughed and said, "Oh, Ben! That's a terrible proposal."
Startled, he exclaimed, "What! No, I didn't mean—oh, Force! I'm sorry Thrice, you're right that was pretty bad. Though, to my defense, I wasn't planning on proposing."
Thrice grinned and leaned forward to give her Knight a kiss and then took his hand in hers and channeled through the Force her feelings of love and happiness. Ben felt an electric current course through his hand and travel throughout his entire body. He closed his eyes and noted that the sensation wasn't unlike the feeling he got when he felt Kiya channeling the Force, though this time there was a richness of emotion that went far beyond that. This time, he felt and knew all her joys and passions like they were his own. It was like they were one spirit and in the back of his mind he heard the sound of their two hearts beating in sync until suddenly he heard Thrice singing the song of the Living Force deep within him. And through the song, he felt the flow of the Force pulsate all around him in a way he had not experienced since the days before the Empire. It was like he'd been consumed by fire, but unlike Kiya's wild sparks of energy, Thrice smoldered with blazes of pure bliss.
However, like a dream, the sensation ended and Ben returned to himself with a slow groan. He saw that they had shifted and they were no longer lying side by side, but now Thrice was on top of him and he was holding her to his chest. She felt wonderfully soft and feminine while she lounged peacefully in his arms and she smelled so divine. In response, he nuzzled her hair and he began to rub her back and shoulders. He loved her form with his touch till he heard her moan wantonly under his massage that he had to fight not to ravage her on the stop.
"Thrice, you temptress. I don't think I can ever get enough of you."
"Then, promise to be mine and I will be yours. I'll promise to be yours forever."
In answer, the Knight laughed and said; "Now that's what I call a proposal."
"Ben!" shouted the lady-captain annoyed. She couldn't believe he'd dismiss her vow so easily. Didn't he know that she suspected that he didn't want something as permanent as marriage? She knew that Jedi weren't allowed attachments, that ceremonies weren't necessary in order to be happy. She thought a promise was something he'd grant her. Something he'd grant himself.
Yet, in a flash, Obi-Wan leapt off the bed and kneeled down on one knee. He held Thrice's hand while he gazed up into her fiery red eyes and said, "Lady Thrice, I can't offer you anything in this world except myself, but please grant me the honor of your hand in marriage. I promise to be yours forever."
Amazed, she simply stared at the Knight paralyzed. She was so certain he'd back out of his slip stating he wanted marriage and children that she thought he'd never consider it, but to hear the words—to have the promise—Thrice thought she was dreaming.
"Oh, Ben, do you really mean it? Do you really want this?"
"Yes, my love. You've saved me. You said you wanted to keep me. Now, I'm asking you to have me for always."
Overjoyed, Thrice replied, "Yes, Ben. I accept. For now, you are my heart. You are my happiness."
She then leaned forward and the two embraced, but unannounced the door opened and in walked Leia. The Rebel Princess looked at the pair bewildered and shyly took a step back.
"Oh, I'm sorry Green. I didn't know you were in here."
The lady-captain rose from her seat with a brilliant smile and walked up to Leia and hugged her tight and squealed. Leia had never seen her behave like this in her life. Shocked, the Princess pulled back and said, "Well, what was that all about?"
Happily, she answered, "Oh Leia, Ben and I are engaged. It's wonderful! I never thought such a thing could happen."
"What's this about an engagement?" asked Bail from behind Leia. "I thought this was Obi-Wan's room?"
"Lord Bail!" shouted Thrice. The lady-captain then approached her employer and bowed. "Sir, are you well?"
The Senator sighed at the Captain's formality and gently lifted her head by the chin and gave her a smile. He shook his head and replied, "Greenfire, at ease. And tell me if I heard right about you being engaged. Is it true? I never thought I'd see the day my cunning warrior fall for some guy. He must be pretty amazing to tame you."
In reply, Thrice smiled wickedly and said, "Bail, you know me. I can never be tamed. But what you heard is true. I am engaged. I'm engaged to Obi-Wan."
Wide-eyed, Bail shouted, "Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi Master? But, he's too old for you, Green."
Then, from across the room Ben coughed and stood next to Thrice and bowed. "Age is hardly an issue now, my friend."
"Obi-Wan!" cried Bail. He couldn't believe his eyes. He had no idea why, but Obi-Wan looked just as he did 30 years ago. It was like he hadn't aged a day since the fall of the Republic. Bail didn't understand. He couldn't figure out what had happened, but no matter the reason he was still glad to see him and he stepped forward and the two men embraced. He patted Obi-Wan on the shoulder and smiled.
"Gods, Obi-Wan! It's so good to see you. And congratulations, Captain Greenfire is by far the most skilled and beautiful woman I have ever met besides my wife and Leia. And don't let her rough and tough ways fool you, she's as gentle as a lamb when it matters most."
Ben smiled and gave Thrice a look and said, "Yes, Bail, I do believe Milady can be quiet tender when she wants to be. But, tell me what brings you here? I thought you'd be on Coruscant."
"No, I had to come when I heard about your attack on the Death Star. And I came here to see you once I heard you and your group came on board, but I didn't come just for a social call. I got word from our scout-ships that a homing beacon was found after the Death Star exploded and was heading near Endor. We think that it maybe Luke. I spoke with Master Jinn and he said the signal was from his ship."
Leia said, "We plan on taking the Falcon to Endor and finding Luke ourselves. Several Rebel-fighters have volunteered to help, but the rest are heading back to the Core to take down the Emperor's loyalists."
Thrice nodded. "I understand. Do you want me to accompany you, Bail or should I stay with Leia?"
"No, stay with Leia, Captain. I don't expect much of a challenge with these loyalists. And I would feel less worried about her if you were there to protect her. I'm not that familiar with Endor, so I don't know what kind of problems you'll face. She'll need your expertise."
"As you wish, my Lord."
Yet, Bail couldn't help but smile at the Captain's formal behavior and said, "And someone has to watch out for Obi-Wan. With him there is always bound to be trouble."
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Location: The Falcon
Grumbling, Han glared at Jinn as he stood stoically next to him in the cockpit. The guy was practically breathing down his neck that Han was sure he'll began to loose it if he didn't back off. And the bizarre story of his being Obi-Wan's son from another dimension was a hard idea to swallow. It was bad enough there was little-miss-lightsaber tagging along, but Mr. Pushy was just too much. There was something really shifty about him. There was a bit of a con man in him. Han could tell just by looking at him. He'd been around thieves and robbers all his life. Yeah, Jinn Kenobi was no white knight. He looked the part, but he wasn't up front like his sister.
And another thing, what the hell happened to the old man? Jeez, he leaves them on Tatooine and the next thing he knows he's young and spry. Since when did they discover the fountain of youth? Though, after talking to Leia he discovered that it was all done with advanced cloning by Captain Greenfire. He had to admit, the lady sure knew her stuff, he had to give her that. And the old man did seem happy. Old Ben was practically glowing when he last saw him. Though, when he asked him what caused him to be so cheery he didn't make any sense.
"Let's just say that this knight as finally found his lady."
Han sighed. He sometimes wished people would just say things straight. Like, I don't know, I finally got me a girl? Was that so hard to say?
"I hate flying," said Jinn randomly.
Han frowned. "Well, then why the heck are you up here for?"
"I'd rather not see my parents' counterparts act all flirty. I don't have such romantic notions of true love like Kiya does. And I don't want to be Kiya's chaperon. It will simply upset me."
"Oh, you mean that Scorn kid? The ex-Sith. Don't you have a problem with your sister seeing a guy who used to be a Sith? Isn't that against the rules of being a Jedi or something?"
Jinn sighed and replied, "No. I trust Kiya. She vouched for him and swore it. It isn't something she'd do lightly and besides if he did any kind of funny business to her she'd probably think of something more terrible than anything I could dream up to punish him. And there aren't any rules about Jedi and Sith not being allowed to date. I don't believe in judging people by groups. It's very narrow-minded and I've already said my piece."
Han laughed. "Yeah, the kid sure knows how to pick them, but at least me and Chewy aren't the only ones on board who ain't got a sweetheart. I was beginning to think my ship turned into a regular love boat."
Jinn smiled at the space-pirate and said, "True, Captain, but I've still got time to find my heart. I'm part Varaian and they live for a long time. And besides, I thought you had a thing for Leia."
"Leia? No, she's sweet on Luke. And the kid can have her. She's nothing, but trouble and she's always bossing me around."
The warrior grinned knowingly and crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh? Well, I guess you haven't heard. Luke and Leia are siblings."
Shocked, Han spun around in his chair and shouted, "Sibling!"
Jinn broke down laughing at the Captain's reaction and patted his shoulder. "Force! You really do own a love boat now, Captain."
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Location: Endor
When Luke woke up he was seating on the pilot's seat of a ship. Groggily, he sat up straight and saw an astro-droid was parked right next to him and poking him on the arm.
"Hey! Cut that out. I'm awoke already."
The little droid then whirled its head and replied, "Sir, you and your friend are intruding on this vessel. Please, state your name and purpose."
Luke stared at the droid a bit surprised. He never heard of a droid speaking humanoid languages before. He guessed he was pretty advanced or his owner had a poor ear for binary codes. Yet, suddenly Luke remember. His friend—his father—Vader. Vader was hurt. He needed help quick. Luke shot up from his seat and headed towards the door into the cabins, but found that the door was locked.
He turned around and shouted, "Hey buddy, open this door, now. My father's hurt. He has to get help now."
The droid wheeled closer to him and said, "Caution, you are trespassing. And please do not fear, Sir. Your friend is being treated in the medical room."
"Then, I want to see him. Open the door. Why won't you listen?"
"Negative, Sir. I only obey Master Jinn Kenobi."
Bewildered, Luke paused and echoed, "Jinn Kenobi? Wait, then he must be Kiya's brother. That man who tried to fight the Emperor. Force, he looks so much like Ben."
The young Jedi then approached the droid and said, "Listen up, my names Luke Skywalker and I'm not trespassing. I'm Jinn's friend and I need you to open the door so I can see my father."
For a moment, the little machine didn't speak, but only stared. Though, finally he answered, "Proceed, Mr. Skywalker."
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TBC
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Jedi Angel001 - Hi. Thanks for reviewing. Yeah, Kiya is warming up to Scorn and they did have a cute moment together. I think that Scorn would like Kiya's fun side since he's life was so rough as a Sith that a change of pace would lighten him up. Plus, I didn't count on writing so much in between before the gang got it together to find Luke. It kind of just happened. Though, Luke and Vader are now on Endor and I guess I'll make something happen there. I've got to think about it.
Please keep reading and reviewing. Thanks.