Dynasty
by Valerie Vancollie and Rebecca Thomson
(valeriev84 at hotmail dot com) & (zekkers at juno dot com)
Disclaimer: Rebecca and I do not own Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader or any other of the "Star Wars" characters, items or situations. Rebecca and I only lay claim to the original aspects of the fic.
Note: This chunk is a little slower but it picks up again next week with the return of the Rebel story thread (for more info see the teaser on my site).
Chunk Twenty-Five
Luke sighed as he looked out the window of the speeder as they returned home. Although having decided to marry Anjaleen hadn't solved all of the problems, he felt more relaxed than he had since leaving her home. Now at least he knew what direction he was heading in and that Raphael would soon be out of the picture. The fact that he would also be able to show that he was a Sith as soon as the opportunity arose also comforted him as he'd be able to defend Anja better then.
"You seem assured of the fact that she'll accept your proposal," Vader said as he studied his son.
As he turned his attention to his father, Luke froze. He hadn't even thought of Anja refusing to marry him. There was that possibility, but he didn't want to think about it. "I think she will accept," he said.
"Normally I would tell you to have one of the servants order the Kyrab jewelry," Vader began. "However the quality of the stones would be less then perfect. Make sure that the jeweler knows to keep his mouth shut or the fact that you bought an engagement gift will be all over the court in a few hours and Anjaleen will know of it before you ask her."
"Okay," Luke replied as he made a mental note of it. "I still need to contact Nastalia as well and inform her of our early arrival. Which reminds me, Garret was asking for an assistant."
"Yes, I know," Vader said. "He mentioned it to me as well. He also said his cousin might be ideal for the job should he be interested."
"The idea got me thinking," Luke stated as he looked back out the window once more and saw the first light of dawn. "And I was wondering if it wouldn't be better that I just get an adjunct of my own. It would help the Major out and I'll need one sooner or later."
"True," Vader agreed. "There is, however, the matter of secrecy and training that needs to be considered."
"Garret could train him, no one else knows what training would be required better than he does," Luke reasoned. "If we give him the time of course. As to the loyalty factor... Garret did say that his cousin entered the Academy knowing his parents weren't too thrilled about the possibility of him getting into a combat situation. This means he entered out of a willingness to serve."
"Let us look into the young man first before we make any decisions," Vader finally said as the speeder came to a stop.
"Very well," Luke agreed as he got out of the speeder. "I'll go contact Nastalia now. With the time difference I shouldn't be waking her."
Luke entered his home and quickly made his way to the main projecting room. Although he could use his com upstairs, he thought it would be more polite to use the big projector. Especially considering the fact that he was stating that he was coming early. Briefly he waited, until a holo of Nastalia appeared in the air before him.
"Hello, Luke," Nastalia greeted.
"Hello, Nastalia," Luke said as he smiled. "Sorry to bother you, but there's been a change in plans."
"You can make it, can't you?" Nastalia instantly questioned, worry more than evident in her voice.
"Yes. It's just that, due to circumstances, I'll be leaving with Anjaleen tonight," Luke informed her. "Which means we'll be arriving in a few days."
"Oh, I see," Nastalia said before a smile appeared on her face. "This might even be good. With others taking care of the wedding arrangements, Nathaniel and I should be able to show you around a bit. But what happened? Nothing bad I hope."
"The sightseeing would be nice," Luke commented. "As to why we're coming earlier... Let's just say I think it's better for Anjaleen to be away from Ra'chealla for a while."
"Ra'chealla?" Nastalia inquired before her eyes became wide as she understood what Luke meant. "She wants to kill Anjaleen?!"
"I'm afraid so," Luke confirmed.
"Poor Anjaleen," Nastalia said. "She must be terrified. But don't you worry, I'll arrange everything over here so that things will be ready when you arrive. In fact, I insist that you have dinner with us when you arrive."
"We will," Luke smiled. "Thanks."
"No problem," Nastalia said before Luke cut the connection.
Luke punched in a different number and had to wait a little longer before he got a reply.
"Mr. Skywalker," the middle aged man that finally appeared said. "The bracelet you ordered is finished."
"Good," Luke said, having forgotten about the present he had ordered for Nastalia. "I actually called to order another piece of jewelry."
"For when?" the jeweler inquired as he picked up a datapad to make notes.
"Tonight."
"What?" the jeweler exclaimed, startled. "I'm sorry, Mr. Skywalker, but I can't do that. I have other orders to fulfill. I need at least a week's notice."
"That's too bad," Luke began, hiding a smile. "You probably wouldn't have enough Kyrab gems anyway. Goodbye," with this Luke slowly reached out a hand to cut the connection.
"Excuse me?" the jeweler replied as his eyes widened. "Not enough Kyrab gems?"
"Yes," Luke confirmed, knowing he had the man. "I need a necklace made up solely of Kyrab gems. Of the highest quality, naturally."
"Naturally," the jeweler repeated as he visibly paled.
"Being such short notice, I'd pay a little extra," Luke continued, baiting his trap to make sure that the jeweler took the job. He was, after all, the best one on Coruscant. "However, since you're too busy, I'll simply have to go elsewhere."
"No, wait!" the man said as his face flushed red at the thought of all the credits he would lose if he let Skywalker cut the connection.
Kyrab gems were extremely expensive, which was why most customers chose to add other gems into the engagement gifts they bought. Nobody had ever approached him to make a gift which consisted completely of Kyrab gems, it was simply too expensive. And to be paid extra for it to get it done quickly was just too much of an offer to pass up. Even if he would be late in delivering the jewelry of other customers.
"Yes?" Luke questioned.
"On second thought, I think I can do it," the jeweler stated. "In fact, I'll do it myself."
"Very well," Luke said. "I'll be by at six to collect it."
"Seven thirty," the man bargained. "I need the time to make it as good as possible."
Briefly Luke hesitated, he did want it as good as it could be, but he was picking up Anja at seven. How would he explain a trip to the jeweler before taking her up to the ship? Suddenly he smiled as an idea came to him. He needed to pick up Nastalia's present anyway, he would simply tell her that that was what he needed to get.
"Very well," Luke reluctantly agreed. "However I want complete secrecy, if anyone else learns of this order you will regret it."
"I do not give out client's information," the man replied indignantly.
A furious Raphael Jerklin got out of his speeder and slammed the door shut. Upon receiving Anjaleen's call last night he had demanded to know why she couldn't see him. When he had learned the reason why it had taken all of his will power not to explode right then and there and yell at her. Instead he had fished for information only to learn that Skywalker simply had to leave early for work. He had double checked that this morning and had learned of the change on the Judgment's schedule.
Jerklin was not, however, planning on letting Skywalker win this round. The man was already taking her to the wedding, there was no reason for him to leave early now. If he had work to do then he should do it and return for her. He shouldn't make Anjaleen change her schedule simply because he didn't know what he had to do when. After some thought, he had decided that a talk with Randolf would be the best solution.
As he reached the front door to the Winiterure's Coruscant home, Jerklin pounded on it with his fist. "I need to see Mr. Winiterure," Raphael told the servant that let him in. "Now."
"If you'll take a seat I'll go and inform him of your presence, Mr. Jerklin," the servant replied as he gestured towards the sitting room.
"I'll wait right here," Raphael stated as he planted himself in the middle of the entrance hall.
"No, Rachel," Anjaleen said as she saw what her maid was holding. "I'm not going to take that dress. I've worn it to court several times already. Pack the ones I haven't used or have worn only a few times."
"As you wish," Rachel replied as she hung the green dress she was holding back up again. "What dress will you be wearing tonight?"
"The cream colored one with the amber and dark purple jewels," Anjaleen stated, knowing that Luke always wore black while on a military mission and that that dress would make her stand out without clashing with Luke's clothing. "Oh, also pack my black dress. I know I've worn it several times already, but I think he likes it."
"Very well," Rachel responded as she smiled, knowing how much her mistress liked the young man.
"Miss, which pieces of jewelry will you be taking with you?" Sasha's maid inquired as she entered the room.
"Definitely my newer ones," Anjaleen said, smiling a she thought of how most of those were from Luke. "And the ones that I've worn with the dresses I'm taking with me. The same for my hair adornments."
"What about the tiara?" Rachel suggested.
"Yes," Anjaleen replied. "That's a great idea. I'll go get it."
Anjaleen had just exited her room and was making her way towards her mother's room where she knew the tiara now was, when she caught sight of Raphael standing in the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. Stepping back quickly, she sighed in relief that he hadn't seen her even as she wondered why he was here. Obviously it wasn't to see her or she'd have been informed of his presence already. So why?
"Mr. Jerklin," Anjaleen could suddenly hear her father's voice before he entered the entrance hall and walked into view. "What can I do for you? I was told it was urgent."
"Yes," Raphael replied as he turned to face the man. "I wanted to know why Anjaleen is suddenly leaving so much earlier. I had hoped to see her tonight."
"I know," Randolf responded, knowing that there was more to this visit then Jerklin let on. With his position, he had to be aware of the reason why his daughter had canceled their date. He just wasn't sure what the younger man wanted. "Mr. Skywalker has to leave early and, as he's escorting her, Anjaleen needs to leave as well."
"He should do his work and then come back for her," Raphael argued. "He shouldn't drag her along for the ride."
Anjaleen trembled as she watched the drama unfold below her. Although she had overheard conversations between her father and Raphael before, they had normally been about her future and what she should need. They had never gotten this personal. It was clear that Raphael was royally pissed about not getting to see her tonight. She could only hope that he didn't convince her father to see things his way. She shivered at the thought of having to stay on Coruscant longer than what she and Luke had planned last night.
"I'm sure if that was an option, Mr. Skywalker would have done that," Randolf replied. "He is, after all, a gentleman like you."
"He is not like me!" Raphael finally exploded, seeing that he was getting nowhere and he was not going to let that blond boy get his girl if he could help it. "He is a nobody! He's not fit for Anjaleen."
Suddenly Anjaleen found that her trembling had increased, but not because of fear, but because of anger. How dare Jerklin judge Luke and whether or not he was right for her? He didn't even know Luke! But then, if he did, he would realize that he didn't stand a chance against him. Luke was, after all, Vader's son. Anjaleen smiled as she thought of what Raphael's reaction would be if he knew that his 'nobody' had more power then he could ever dream of getting. How she wanted to tell him, to get him out of her life, but she knew that she couldn't. She had promised Luke and she was not going to break that promise.
"You should do like Buchanan did and tell him to stay away from her," Raphael continued, not seeing how Randolf's face reddened. "It's not good for her reputation to be seen with that nobody. And it halves the time I, someone who she should belong to, have with her."
"Are you saying that I don't know what's right for my daughter?!" Randolf exclaimed, his own anger rising at the younger man's arrogant words. "She is simply going with Skywalker to the wedding because he asked to escort her. As I recall you had to back out of your offer because you had too much work to do and couldn't make it at all. Don't talk about Skywalker being bad when he needs to leave a little early in order to make sure that he can finish his work before the wedding when you can't even go."
"He's still a nobody," Raphael pressed, not understanding why Mr. Winiterure couldn't see that.
"Simply because we do not know where he stands doesn't make him a nobody," Randolf continued. "And just because he's seeing her doesn't mean that I will let them be together for long. It simply means that at this point in time I don't see a reason why he shouldn't see her. Although I'm quickly beginning to see a lot of reasons why you shouldn't be seeing her."
As she listened to her father's speech, Anjaleen nearly cried out with joy. Hearing Raphael talk, Anjaleen had quickly lost any respect she had left for the man and had been startled to find the hatred she was beginning to feel for him. Hopefully Luke would be able to find a way to get him away from her, if her father didn't do that now. How dare he even suggest that she should belong to someone like some piece of property!
"But--" Raphael began as the full impact of Randolf's words hit home.
"I thought you had work to do," Randolf continued. "I wouldn't want to keep you from it. Lord Vader wouldn't be very pleased."
Raphael, seeing that he was cornered with no way out, curtly nodded his head. He knew that if he pushed too hard, Randolf might outright tell him to stay away from Anjaleen instead of warning him that he was on dangerous ground. The fact that he had just said that still hadn't fully sunken in and he needed time to think about the situation. Not only that, but he was sure that with time Randolf would regret his words and see Skywalker for what he truly was.
"Mr. Winiterure," Jerklin said as he nodded to the older man before leaving.
"Ravenell," Vader said as he sensed the Major's presence near his study.
"Yes, my Lord?" Garret inquired as he entered the room, hoping that there wasn't more work that he had to do.
"When you have some time, pull up a background scan on your cousin," Vader ordered. "Luke and I have talked about the matter and we both think it would be a good idea if Luke gets an adjunct of his own."
"Very well," Garret responded, pleased about the prospect although he knew it would bring more work before it took some away. "When do you want this scan?"
"In a week or two," Vader replied. "I believe you said that he was still in the Academy and I would want him to have a little real-life experience before he comes here."
"As you wish," Garret said. "Is there anything else, my Lord?"
"No," Vader stated.
Ravenell left the study and headed to the patio where the servants had said Luke was.
"Skywalker," Garret said as he reached the patio.
"Major," Luke replied, looking up from an early lunch as he indicated for Garret to take a seat.
"I don't have too much time," Garret began as he sat down. "However, the Judgment will be refueled and ready by this evening and I have arranged for your things and those of Miss Winiterure to be picked up this afternoon."
"Good," Luke said as he smiled at the tired Major.
"Well, we've stuffed Lord Vader's quarters full with her baggage, and we've settled all her staff on the bunks in the two other rooms, and she's in the dining hall with Luke and several of her maids. Skywalker just got back from the jeweler's with the wedding gift, I think we're ready to go." Weng said, settling himself in one of the seats directly behind the pilot's chair. The door to the cockpit swished shut.
"By the Emperor, these court ladies carry a ton of baggage. How many clothes does she need? She'll be there less than two weeks!" Salw replied, amazed.
"V-1 to traffic control. Requesting permission to launch." Harrow, who was piloting, called into the mike.
"Traffic control, permission granted." Came the reply from the speaker.
Harrow pulled up the stick, and the shuttle lifted from the launch pad. The four pilots almost winced. Was it their imagination, or was the shuttle sluggish with all the weight?
"I'm just glad that this trip is only up to the Judgment." Salw sighed.
"No kidding. How come every time Skywalker comes aboard we're overcrowded?" Harrow grumbled. "Shuttle's handling like a freighter."
"Actually, most of the stuff's hers, or her servants. Skywalker packed pretty light." Kin said. "But I do wonder why he's so concerned with taking care of her."
Weng laughed. "Have you been back there? The two of them keep giving each other these 'looks'."
"I read an article in the Coruscant Daily. They're considered to be an item." Salw said.
"I can't believe you read that trash." Kin teased.
"Hey, I'm the one who knew that those two are seeing each other, and just last night they went to the Symphony and sat in the Emperor's private box. I bet everyone at court is talking about it." Salw said.
Harrow shook his head. "Skywalker sure has changed."
Weng frowned. "I don't want to talk about it." Silence was always their best choice when it came to anything mysterious about their Dark Lord. And Skywalker qualified.
"Agreed." Salw replied, thinking of the dead doctor, Burk.
"Luke, I've managed to get everyone into the rooms that nice man from security gave us, but it sure is a tight fit." Anjaleen said, as they walked side by side through the officer's mess. The room had a wide viewport on one side, and was currently deserted since it wasn't mealtime.
"Yes, warships are a little cramped."
"Nastalia told me about her trip, but I always thought she was exaggerating. I've even put my maid in my bedroom, because we ran out of room." Anjaleen continued.
Luke smiled, knowing that Anjaleen was also thinking of her own reputation. Since they were seeing each other, extra precautions had to be taken in order to prove that nothing improper could possibly have happened during this trip. Court etiquette was very strict for unmarried women.
"Well, I'll just have to give you plenty of reasons not to be in your cabin. I was thinking of a tour of the ship and a visit to the bridge." Luke said.
"That would be lovely." Anjaleen suddenly giggled. "Do you know what happened to me this afternoon?"
"What?" Luke asked.
"Elizabeth called me, just to chat she said, but she was asking about Ra'chealla. It seems that Ra'chealla did something to annoy her father- she has canceled all her court appointments and meetings for at least a week. He father must have banned her from court. Elizabeth was fishing for information, to see if I knew why. I think she was also spreading the word, so that everyone knew."
"Oh. Maybe her father is starting to find out more about his daughter's actions." Luke didn't mention the assassin out loud, he didn't need to. They both knew that was what he meant.
"I don't know." Anjaleen said. "But Elizabeth sure likes to try and start fights. She deliberately walked off so that Ra'chealla could get me alone before."
"That's good to know." Luke replied.
"What do you mean, you can't do it till they return?" Ra'chealla hissed at the diminutive holo of the assassin.
"I'm not set up for off-planet targets. That means I would have to either hire a ship or book passage to T'Zessa. By the time I got there, the target would be spending all her time at private parties in private residences. I do not have the contacts I need in order to breach the security of the private residences involved. I'm not familiar with that planet's customs either- my cover would be in jeopardy, I would be unlikely to get close enough. Besides, the target is going to be spending a lot of her time close to Skywalker. I would have a much clearer target once they return. She can't be with him all the time once they return."
Ra'chealla snarled. "Very well. But I want it done as soon as possible. Not a moment later." Inside she was fuming. How did that little snit manage to get Skywalker to escort her? Her designs to monopolize Luke's time were as clear as plass. Luke should be able to see right through her.
"I will, I just have certain limitations I have to work under." The assassin assured her.
Ra'chealla drummed her fingers on the armrest of her chair. "What if I managed to get you into the Palace upon her return?"
The assassin sighed. "Palace hits are very dangerous. There's security everywhere. But I could slip a slow acting poison into her drink. It wouldn't be spectacular, but it would work. I won't do anything more open than that at that location."
"Good enough. I just want her gone."
Anjaleen smiled and instantly looked around as she followed Luke onto the bridge, attracting the attention of several officers.
"Sir," Admiral Belgra said as he approached Luke before briefly turning his attention to Anjaleen. "Miss Winiterure. We will be exiting hyperspace in five minutes."
"Is the shuttle ready?" Luke demanded.
"Yes, Sir," Belgra replied, having learned from the former Admiral's death always to have everything ready when it was needed for Skywalker. "I received confirmation a few minutes ago. The shuttle is loaded and fueled and shall be awaiting you as soon as we are in orbit around the planet."
"Good," Luke said before he took Anja's hand and led her to the viewport at the front of the bridge.
As they walked, Anja looked around, trying to take in as much as possible without appearing too obvious about it. She didn't, after all, get the opportunity to see the bridge of a Star Destroyer every day. She instantly noticed the glances that were shot her way, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable. She had known that she would attract quite some attention in going on a Destroyer as she would be the only female on board other than her servants, but she still disliked the way some of the men looked at her. She could now sympathize with Nastalia and how she must have felt when confronted with Hors.
"Are you okay, Anja?" Luke whispered softly as they came to stand before the viewport which now only showed the white streaks of hyperspace.
"Yes," Anjaleen replied. "The looks I'm getting are a little unnerving though."
"Well you are dressed up more then you have been since you arrived," Luke began as he indicated her mauve dress with it's glistening jewels.
"You did say that Nastalia asked us to join her for dinner upon our arrival," Anjaleen responded. "And it's not like you aren't wearing anything that wouldn't doesn't stand out here," she said as she touched one of the red fire-eyes set into the cuffs of his black outfit.
"They're used to me by now," Luke explained. "Especially on this ship. They gave me lots of strange looks in the beginning too."
"I can imagine," Anjaleen replied just as the ship shuddered slightly and the streaks of white shortened before turning into the pin-pricks of light on a black backdrop that they were.
Anja looked out the view and saw the five planets that made up the T'Zessa System, three of which were habitable. Slowly, the Judgment moved towards the second habitable planet, Zessa, which was where Nastalia and her father lived.
"You have a nice view from here," Anjaleen commented.
"True," Luke agreed. "But then we need it when we're in combat. Although the scopes are good, it helps humans to see the actual battle that they are commanding," Luke explained and then waited before they were in orbit before taking Anja's hand once more. "I think we'd better head down now. It is already late and we still need to get our stuff to our chambers before dinner."
Anja let Luke escort her off the bridge and down to the docking bay where they quickly boarded the shuttle waiting for them. Things were a little more crowded than on the last shuttle, as Vader's shuttle was bigger than the Standard Imperial shuttles the Judgment carried.
"Sir," the pilot said as he came back to where Luke was sitting with Anja. "I know your orders were to head straight for the hotel, however traffic control wants us to land at the Grand Moff's residence. Shall I still head for the hotel?"
"No," Luke ordered, wondering why Nastalia or her father would want them to go to their home before unloading their stuff. "Head for the Grand Moff's residence."
"As you wish," the pilot replied before he hurried off.
Nastalia checked her watch as she made her way to the landing pad. She had been informed of the Judgment's arrival in system ten minutes ago, just before Gerllio, one of the wedding designers, had stopped her to ask a few questions. Although she was pleased that they checked everything with her, she hated his timing. Stepping outside, she looked up into the darkening sky and was relieved to see that the shuttle was still descending. Quickly she made her way to where Nathaniel was waiting.
"There you are," Nathaniel said as she stopped next to him. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd show up."
"Gerllio wasn't sure about some things," Nastalia explained as the shuttle landed and the ramp lowered.
"Oh?" Nathaniel questioned as he moved forward to greet their guests. "Anything special?"
"No," Nastalia replied. "Simply a few details that I'm sure we had already discussed before."
"I see," Nathaniel said as he turned his attention to the shuttle ramp and Luke and Anjaleen who were descending.
"How are the wedding arrangements coming along?" Anja questioned after they had greeted each other.
"Perfectly," Nastalia stated as the Kyrab gems on her bracelet instantly turned yellow with her excitement.
Luke had to smile upon seeing the gems as he thought of the necklace he had bought. As he had told the jeweler he would, he had inspected the Kyrab gems and the workings of the gold that held them together before he had left the store. Making sure that there were no faults, he had reminded the man to remain quiet before leaving. Seeing Nastalia's bracelet he felt another shiver of expectation run through him as he thought of when he would ask Anja to marry him.
Skywalker smiled at Anja when she looked at him before he turned his attention to Nastalia as he pulled a jewelry box out of his pocket. "My dear," he began as he took a step toward Nastalia. "I have a gift for you."
Nastalia took the box, opened it, and smiled when she saw the bracelet lying on the velvet interior of the box. Looking at it she instantly realized that it looked a lot like the bracelet Luke had given Anjaleen a while back. Both were silver and had small jewels hanging off the bracelet from short chains. Only where the jewels of Anja's bracelet had been a variety of colors, hers were purple and blue, the two colors she liked best.
"It's beautiful," Nastalia exclaimed as she showed it to Nathaniel before reaching out and embracing Luke. "Thank you."
"Your welcome," Luke replied.
"Here, let me put it on you," Nathaniel offered as he picked up the bracelet and put it on her arm, having a little trouble with the delicate looking, but strong lock. "There."
"Naturally I brought you something as well," Anjaleen said. "However I packed it with my stuff for safe keeping. I'll have it out for dinner."
"Okay," Nastalia replied with a smile. "By the way, Father was sorry that he couldn't meet you now, but he had something to do. He will, however, be able to join us for dinner."
"Speaking of dinner," Luke began. "Do Anja and I have enough time to go to the hotel first and unload, or should we do that after dinner?"
"The hotel isn't ready yet," Nathaniel informed him. "I'm sure they could get something ready for after dinner, but it wouldn't be their best rooms."
"This and the fact that you're early has allowed me to convince Father to let you stay here with us," Nastalia quickly continued. "Before he didn't want this, as there are more people coming then we can house and he didn't want me to pick and chose between who could stay here and who could stay at the hotel as it is impolite. However, now I managed to convince him that it would be okay for you to stay here. If you don't mind of course."
"No, no," Luke said. "Staying here would be fine. Right, Anja?"
"Yes," Anjaleen agreed. "Besides, it'll give us more time to talk, Nastalia."
"As if you two need any more time to talk," Nathaniel teased and ignored the look his fiancée sent him. "Come, we'll show you your rooms and the servants can then bring up your things."
"This will be your room, Anjaleen," Nastalia said as she opened a door and motioned her friend to follow her inside while Luke and Nathaniel waited in the hall. "There are several smaller bedrooms for your staff through that door to the left."
Anja nodded her head as she looked at the indicated door, relieved to be having her own room once more.
"How was the trip?" Nastalia questioned, as if sensing her thoughts.
"I found that most of what you said was true," Anja replied. "I had thought that you were exaggerating a little when you told me what it was like. At least I didn't have any old Generals to worry about."
"Lucky."
"Luke said something the other day which confirmed what Hors told you," Anja informed her friend.
"He did?" Nastalia inquired.
"Yes," Anjaleen said. "He also knew that Hors had talked with you."
"How?"
"He didn't say that," Anjaleen said, not adding that she could guess how Luke had found out.
"So, how's the Conqueror coming along?" Luke asked as he and Nathaniel waited for Nastalia to emerge from the room.
"Fine," Nathaniel replied. "We brought her over here as her test run and they've started fixing the glitches that showed themselves. I've been told that she'll be all ready to go when I return."
"So basically everything's going perfect," Luke stated. "Are you excited to be going back?"
"Yes," Nathaniel said. "It's been a while since I've done anything other than simply standing on the bridge and making sure things run smoothly. After all there wasn't much to do on the way back from the Unknown Territories and the remodeling hasn't been the most exciting thing either."
"Well, you're almost assured a combat situation within the first two weeks of going out there when you come back," Luke informed the Admiral. "What with the way the Rebels have been acting lately and the fact that you'll be a prime target with all the new equipment the Conqueror has."
"I'm sure Nastalia will love to hear that," Nathaniel commented just as they heard giggling coming from inside the rooms.
"I won't say anything," Luke promised.
"Thanks," Nathaniel replied before he poked his head into the room. "Nastalia, I'm going to show Luke to his rooms while you two amuse yourselves here."
"Okay," Nastalia called back.
"This way," Nathaniel said as he started down the hall.
"Nathaniel," Luke said after a moment's silence. "What is the best restaurant around here?"
"On Zessa that would be the Golden Horn," Nathaniel informed him. "However the best restaurant in the system is on Essa, the next planet. It's called the Moonlight Splendor as it's situated on the side of a lake from which you can get a spectacular night view of Essa's three moons in the sky and their reflection on the water. On the right nights, naturally."
"Will there be such a night before the wedding?" Luke questioned as he thought of taking Anja there to ask her. "And how far is it?"
"I think it would be the night after tomorrow," Nathaniel said as he stopped outside a door and smiled at Luke. "It only takes half an hour to get there when the planets are this close together. Normally you need a week's notice to get a good spot, but Nastalia knows the owner and I'm sure she can arrange something if you want. They do, after all, always keep a table or two vacant in case something comes up."
"Please," Luke replied. "Tell her that I'd really appreciate it if she could do that and not to tell Anja about it. I'd like to surprise her."
"No problem," Nathaniel assured him as he opened the door. "Anyway, these are your rooms."
The Grand Moff nodded to the servant to bring the next course. He then looked down the table at his guests, his daughter was sitting next to Anjaleen Winiterure and busy talking to her about her trip. He overheard Miss Winiterure mention the size of the ship's engines and realized that Skywalker must have given her the grand tour. He looked at the other side of the table, and Nathaniel was busy talking to Skywalker about the skirmishes that had happened along the Rim in the last week. He eyed his wife on the far side of the table, who smiled at him. She always did like having company over.
"Well, Mr. Skywalker, what is your opinion on the most recent Rebel attacks?" The Grand Moff asked.
"The Rebels are becoming more fragmented, Grand Moff. It is much easier for us to track down large bases and they know it. So they are breaking up more and more into small cells of resistance. While these are harder to track, they are much easier to attack and destroy once they are found. Also, the Rebels are becoming more and more desperate. Despite their one victory with the Death Star, they have been fighting for a little over twenty years with nothing to show for it. Most of their strikes now are a desperate ploy to postpone their eventual defeat."
"So our final victory isn't very far away?"
Luke sighed. Grand Moff was a military man before he became the ruler of this system. The truth could be very hard for such a man to understand. "We are definitely over halfway through the war, if that is what you mean, Grand Moff. But, you have to understand, this war will not be won with one overwhelming victory. The Rebel Scum are too finely dispersed for that. We will have to root out every last cell of their cancer from the Empire before they are defeated. That takes years, and more than just the military might of the Empire. It takes the loyalty of her subjects and their vigilance against letting Rebels take refuge in their systems. You would be horrified to know how easy it is for the Rebels to bribe their way into safety from the local officials in some of the Rim worlds."
"That's horrible!" Exclaimed Lady Bel-Zessa. "What do you do when you find out?"
"I execute them. Publicly. And as painfully as possible." Skywalker calmly said, drinking a swallow of wine. "I won't have a dishonorable man in any position of power in the Empire if I can help it."
"Of course not." Anjaleen Winiterure said, "It's just unthinkable that they would be allowed to live after that." Skywalker gave her a small smile, but the Grand Moff could see pride in the young man's eyes.
The Grand Moff sat back, thinking about what he had heard. He had heard rumors that Skywalker had personally taken care of a few corrupt officials, and they appeared to be true. The Grand Moff had no reservations about that, he would have the same punishment taken out on any of his underlings who betrayed the Empire. What was interesting was Skywalker's wording: 'We will have to root out' not 'The Navy will have to root out.' Few men in the Empire held that sense of ownership of their position in the Navy. Mostly, it was reserved for Grand Moffs, Grand Admirals, and Lord Vader.
Well, he was Lord Vader's protégé. That could explain a lot.
"I was thinking," it was his daughter Nastalia talking, "that we could go to our family's museum tomorrow. It's usually closed to the public every third day of the week, and we would be able to view the exhibits without the crowd. It's right next door."
The Grand Moff watched Miss Winiterure glance at Skywalker, who nodded, before she replied, "That would be wonderful!"
Please let Rebecca and I know what you think of this chunk! Leave a review or send us an e-mail. Thanks.