CHAPTER 34
TRIUMPH
"Lord?"
Luke looked up at Amethyst's soft voice.
"What is it, Am?" He returned to the stack of papers he was looking through.
"It's late and you haven't sent for me yet."
"Oh ... ah ... well ... why don't you just sleep in your own bed tonight?"
"It is my right to sleep with you tonight," she replied.
He looked up at her. "Okay. Will it bother you if I continue to work for a while?"
She moved to his side and knelt beside him.
"It will bother me, Luke," she replied. She reached out to take hold of his hands. "It will bother me because you're tired and anxious about your upcoming trip and you need to rest."
He smiled tenderly at her and sighed, nodding his head. "You're right. I feel like this report has been beating on me."
She smiled and stood up, still holding his hands. She tugged gently on his hands. He smiled broadly and stood up, following her into the sleeping area. Amethyst bent over and helped Luke remove his boots. As she pulled off his second boot, Luke reached out and took hold of one of her hands.
"If you spent your whole life waiting for me, how did you learn how to take off a man's boots?"
She chuckled. "There are some things that it is not necessary for my Lord to know."
"Oh, really!"
He pulled her hand and caused her to sit in his lap. She put her arms around his neck and they kissed deeply. When the kiss ended, she began to remove his uniform, massaging his shoulders once his tunic was out of the way.
"You're concerned about the upcoming senate meeting," she stated.
"Am I that easy to read?"
"In the 48 hours since that report on the various senators and political factions has arrived from Carkson, you have barely eaten and you haven't slept. Last night you didn't mediate. The day after tomorrow you leave for the capital. Tonight you didn't send for me so we could spend our last night together."
"I'm sorry," he told her with a sigh.
He pulled her around in front of himself. He wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned against her. She cradled his head tenderly and kissed the top of his head.
"Oh, Am," he sighed, "what are we going to do if the vote goes against us?"
He sat up straight and looked up to see her frowning at him.
"But how can that be?" she questioned. "Do you doubt that the Force is with you in this?"
"No," he assured her. "I don't doubt the Force. But I do know that the Dark Side is very close also."
Her brow furrowed as she stared at him.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Is that what I have felt? Is that what has awakened me in the middle of the night when I'm not with you? Is that what's caused me to fear to enter a darkened room?"
His hands caressed her arms until he was again holding her hands.
"You have never said anything to me about this."
She shrugged. "You have had many important things to worry about without me adding my illusions."
He stood up and took her in his arms. "And what makes you think your peace of mind isn't the most important of the things I worry about."
She hugged him tightly. "Even if it is not true, it's comforting to hear you say it."
He chuckled and hugged her tighter. "You're too wise for me."
He kissed her forehead and then released her. As he finished undressing, she went around his suite turning out lights. As he finally approached the bed, she was sitting on the mattress, waiting for him, with only one dim light remaining.
He sat on the bed with a deep sigh.
"I didn't realize how exhausted I am," he commented.
Amethyst turned off the last light.
"I did," she told him as she gently pushed him against his pillows. She lay down beside him, his arm around her, her head on his shoulder. She stroked his chest. "Sleep, Luke," she whispered. "Release all of your anxiety. Rest in the Force."
His free hand came up to hold her hand as it lay against his chest.
"I'm sorry I'm so tired," he told her, his voice heavy with sleep.
She kissed his shoulder where she lay, "Sleep ... relax ... let go of your worries ... I love you ..."
Luke yawned and stretched. Slowly he opened his eyes.
"Good morning, Lord."
Luke saw Amethyst sitting cross legged at the foot of the bed, watching him.
"Good morning, yourself," he greeted her with a smile. He yawned again. "What time is it?'
"I have told Hodges to rearrange your schedule this morning," she replied.
"What? Why?"
"You needed the rest," she told him.
"Amethyst, I have to meet with these people today before I leave."
He sat up and reached for the trousers of his uniform. She reached over and pulled them away from his reach.
"Amethyst!"
She smiled. "I love you."
His expression softened. "I know you do, but ..."
"There is no but," she stated. "You were exhausted last night. You'll need your strength when you reach the capital. Many of the meetings you had scheduled were things that others can handle or people that you can meet with together. I have reorganized your day."
He nodded and motioned for her to come to him.
"You're right," he agreed taking her in his arms.
"Callista's waiting to have brunch with us," she told him as she kissed his cheek. "Shower and dress. I'll let her know we're awake."
"Brunch? What time is it?"
"Almost noon," she spoke so softly he wasn't sure he heard her.
"Noon! I have to get going."
She smiled brightly at him. "I told you, you were tired. You may leave after you've eaten."
He sighed in frustration. Looking at her loving eyes, slowly he began to smile. He nodded slowly.
"Okay," he agreed. "Have it ready in fifteen minutes."
"Yes, Lord."
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "I think you only call me that because you think it tricks me into thinking I'm in charge around here."
Three days later, Luke sat on the dais and listened to the senators as they argued Carkson Whitlinger's proposal.
The first day of the current senate session Ambassador Whitlinger had addressed the assembly:
"As representatives of the allied worlds of the galaxy, we are responsible for the observance of our laws and the continuation of our cultures. Every member world of this New Republic has agreed to accept the Code of Laws of the New Republic.
"One tenet of our Code is that the Republic senate cannot enact a law that contradicts a law of a member world.
"Another statute of the Code is that the laws of the Republic cannot interfere with the culture of a member world unless it involves a humanitarian concept, as was the case of the abolishment of slavery.
"We now stand in danger of allowing a Codicil of the Code of Laws to be overlooked – ignored – because the Codicil involves a culture but not a member world.
"Since the early days of the Old Republic, it is the Jedi who have maintained order throughout our worlds. It was the Jedi who fought to eliminate the threat caused by the Clone Wars. It is the New Order of the Jedi that has brought stability to our New Republic Alliance.
"When the Old Republic established their first Code of Laws, there was a fundamental error discovered. Because the Jedi is composed of members of all known races and because they do not have their own home world, there were laws included in the Code that interfered with some of the traditions of the Jedi that had been in existence since before the founding of the Old Republic.
"Understanding the importance of the Jedi's place in the galaxy and acknowledging the necessity of the Jedi's assistance in maintaining order throughout the Republic, the first formal session of the Old Republic Senate enacted the Jedi Codicil.
"Today, although the Codicil was officially included as a part of the New Republic Code of Laws, members of this senate have ignored the existence of this Codicil. Worlds who have come into being since the beginning of the Old Republic and who entered the Republic of their own choosing now are advocating the removal of this Codicil.
"The traditions of the Jedi date to before the recorded history of any member world. The support of the Jedi allowed the Old Republic to establish the government we all enjoy today.
"I believe it is our duty to endorse the Jedi Codicil. I believe it is our responsibility to see that all member worlds respect the Jedi Codicil. I request that the senate vote to officially confirm our respect for the Jedi and their traditions by pledging our active support to the Jedi Codicil."
The initial reaction had been shock. Then, slowly, those who opposite the recognition of Luke's second wife, primarily, and – in some cases – the Jedi in general, began to organize an opposition.
The debate had been going on for several days, all day, every day. Carkson had suggested that Luke appear for the current session. Mon Mothma was scheduled to address the assembly.
A young Lessonian male rose to his feet.
"Madam Speaker," he addressed the woman who was currently serving as the head of the senate of the New Republic.
"The chair recognizes Senator Bamha Praylar."
"I would first like to say that I object to Star Marshall Skywalker's presence in this assembly."
The Chairwoman turned to look at Luke. Slowly he rose to his feet. He approached the podium.
"I am a Jedi," he said slowly. "It is the recognized function of the Jedi to maintain peace and justice throughout the Republic. That gives me the right to attend any session of this senate that I choose."
"You might have the right, but that does not mean you should be here," the senator retorted.
"You are debating whether this government is going to fully acknowledge the traditions and the customs of the Jedi. I am the only known Jedi Lord in this area of the galaxy," Luke stated, deliberately using the title of Lord.
"We are not debating about traditions and customs. We are debating morality and the flagrant disregard of our laws by someone who is suppose to be upholding our laws."
"No, you're not," Luke replied evenly. "The Old Republic recognized that the Jedi culture was separate from the Republic itself. It recognized that someone who respected the Republic but was not a member of the Republic could best render impartial judgments. When the New Republic adopted the basic laws of the Old Republic, they included the Jedi Codicil. You are now here to debate whether generations of senators from the Old Republic, the leaders of the Rebellion and the original Senators who sat in this chamber were all in error. You're here to debate if your judgment is more enlightened than all of your predecessors. You're here to debate if my lifestyle will allow me to continue my life's work or whether I'll have to resign my commission. I will sit here and listen to this debate."
Luke paused and then continued, "The only reason you should worry about me being present is if you are planning on attacking my wives. Since they actually have no part in this debate, I would not expect them to be mentioned."
Luke leaned forward over the podium. He looked the young senator in the eye.
"And should my wives and not my culture become an issue in this debate," his voice was hard and threatening, "you are right ... you won't want me listening to your debate."
"Madam Speaker!" the young senator exclaimed. "I most strenuously object to his presence!"
Mon Mothma rose from the front row and approached the podium. "Star Marshall, if I may."
"Certainly, Madam President," Luke responded with a slight bow before he returned to his seat.
The regal woman who had led the Rebellion and wrestled with the various winning factions to create a government moved to the podium.
"Madam Speaker, if the young Senator Praylar will allow me to address the assembly at this time."
"Well ... ah ... I was ..." the young man hesitated.
There was an angry murmuring beginning in various areas of the chamber. The young man glanced quickly around and then turned back to the dais.
"Forgive my hesitation. Of course I will relinquish the floor to Mon Mothma," Praylar stated as he set down.
"Thank you," she nodded her head in Praylar's direction. "I'm very happy to be back here to address the senate. And I'm pleased that Star Marshall Skywalker has joined us in our debate."
There were whispers as she said that. She waited a moment and then continued.
"There are a few members of this assembly that actually worked in the Old Republic Senate. We are now few and far between. And many of us have chosen to withdraw from public life. That's why the renewed presence of the Jedi is so important to the continuation of the New Republic.
"It was the Jedi that maintained order within the Old Republic. When the Emperor rose to power the first thing he did was try to eliminate the Jedi. He took this action because he knew that as long as the Jedi were strong, he could not maintain his evil regime. It was the return of the Jedi in the person of this young man," she motioned to Luke, "that provided the spirit that finally enabled the Rebellion to defeat the Emperor.
"The debate before this chamber is more than whether we made a mistake when we enacted the Jedi Codicil. It isn't whether we were wrong when we retained the Codicil for the New Republic. And it isn't whether the Codicil is in violation of our moral code.
"We represent worlds from all over the galaxy. We represent a wide variety of cultures, religions and races. The one constant that we have been able to rely upon is that the Jedi would deal with all of us fairly. Their intervention was never based upon whether they believed in our religion. Their judgments were never based on whether they agreed with the morality of our worlds' laws. Their guidance was never based on whether they found our customs worthy of consideration.
"For more generations than have been recorded, the Jedi have made our worlds safe so that we could indulge in our own idea of how our lives should be lead. That is what we are here to discuss. That is what is being debated," she spoke slowly, emphasizing each word.
"Be worthy of your positions," she continued. "Be deserving of the trust given to you by your worlds. Do not be swayed by your own personal prejudges. Vote for what is best ... not what you personally would prefer.
"You have been given the leadership of the New Republic. Not since the end of the rebellion has there been a more important issue before this body.
"What you are debating is this: Can the New Republic survive without the Jedi? Do you want to be remembered as the assemblage that turned the Jedi away from their proper role in our galaxy? Are you willing to assume the responsibility of this government without the assistance and the guidance of the Jedi?"
There was some applause but primarily there was an overall hiss as many animated, mumbled conversations broke out around the chamber. Moving with slow dignity, seemingly oblivious to the commotion, Mon Mothma took her seat.
"Madam Speaker?" Senator Praylar stood up again.
"The chair thanks Senator Praylar for his indulgence. We now return the floor to him."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am most concerned about the immorality that Star Marshall Skywalker wishes to ram down the throats of the worlds represented in this assemblage."
Luke watched in amazement as the leader of the opposition to the formal recognition of the Jedi Codicil was literally booed off the floor of the Senate Chamber.
It was the end of the three month senate session. There was to be a ball before the senators returned to their home worlds. The final official action of the senate had been the official endorsement of the Jedi Codicil by an overwhelming majority.
Luke had sent word for both of his wives to be at New Republic City before the final evening. He had decided that the ball would be his first official function with both wives. They waited until the ball was well under way before they left their suite. Luke stopped outside the entrance of the ballroom. He smiled at both of them.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
They both took a deep breath and nodded. The trio stepped through the doorway. Luke paused at the top of the staircase while the Master of Ceremonies announced them.
"Star Marshall Luke Skywalker, Madam Callista Skywalker, Madam Amethyst Skywalker."
With Callista on his right arm and Amethyst on his left, he descended the stairs.
There was a slight lull in the conversation as people turned to look at the trio, without appearing to stare. Luke paused a moment at the bottom of the stairs and quickly surveyed the room. The eight foot tall Wookie coming towards them made him smiled.
"I think Han is subtlety letting us know where they are," he laughed.
As the Wookie ambled back to the table Han and Leia were using, the crowd parted to get out of his way. Luke and his wives followed in Chewbacca's wake. Lando and a lovely woman with short-cropped bright red hair and electric blue eyes were also sitting at the table. Everyone exchanged greetings and then arranged themselves around the table.
Luke and Han were sent to retrieve drinks for everyone. Amethyst was seated next to Lando's date, Salendia. The dark, slim woman had an excellent figure and was showing it off by wearing a shimmering, short shift of brilliant purple that clung to her body from just above her nipples to a few inches below her crotch.
After Leia had exchanged a few words with her sisters-in-law, Amethyst turned to Salendia.
"Have you known Lando long?" Amethyst asked politely.
"Forever! We just haven't seen each other for some time." She leaned towards Amethyst and smiled. "So tell me," she said pointing to Callista, "which one of you two is married to that gorgeous hunk that just went to get the drinks?"
Amethyst looked startled. Lando, shaking his head, planted an elbow on the table and buried his face in his hand. Chewy gave a warning growl.
"What?" Salendia demanded.
Luke and Han had heard Chewy's vocalization and hurried toward the table.
"What's wrong?" Han asked the 8-foot, hairy Wookie.
The Wookie began a series of yips and barks, pointing at Salendia.
"Excuse us while we dance," Lando said hastily and pulled Salendia to her feet and out onto the dance floor.
Luke sat beside Amethyst and took her hand in his.
"Are you okay?" he asked anxiously.
She chuckled softly. "I'm fine. I just don't think Lando picked his companion for her grasp of current events."
After a stunned second, everyone began to laugh. Han looked at the couple on the dance floor.
"That certainly wouldn't have been my first consideration."
Leia took a swing at him, connecting solidly with his arm.
"Ow!" he exclaimed. "I think I'd better get you on the dance floor before I'm too infirmed."
Holding hands, Leia and Han followed Lando and Salendia.
Luke looked from one wife to the other. "Okay, who wants to dance first?" he asked.
"You and Callista go ahead," Amethyst told him.
"No," Callista said. "I'd really rather just sit a few minutes."
Luke stood up and held out his hand. "Come on, Am."
She lowered her eyes and didn't look at him. He sat down again.
"What's the matter?" he asked. "If you don't want to dance, just say so."
She looked at him and said demurely, "The last time I danced, I was six-years-old and my father never let my feet touch the floor."
He blinked and tilted his head towards her slightly.
"Are you telling me you can't dance?" he asked in disbelief.
She shrugged. "There's not a big demand for a dancing partner in an Imperial prison."
The smile slipped from Luke's face as the impact of what she said registered with him. He sank back into his chair. She smiled gently when she realized that he was self-conscious about his question. She laid her palm along side his face.
"It's all right, Luke," she told him. "I should've thought to mention it to you before we came."
"Well," he told her, "you're going to learn to dance – tonight."
Throughout the evening, singularly or in small groups, alone or with their spouses, the members of the senate made a point of coming by Luke's table to be introduced to his wives.
"This is like being at a court presentation," Han commented softly after a delegation of one planet's senators withdrew from the table, practically bowing as they stepped away.
"Yes," Leia agreed, "it is." She smiled at her brother. "And it's long past due."
Luke nodded slightly. "Yes." He took hold of one hand of each of his wives. "Too long."
Luke had danced several times with Callista over the course of the night, as had several other senators. She was currently dancing with Han and Leia was in Luke's arms.
"Have your ladies enjoyed themselves tonight?" she asked.
"Yeah ... I think they have. I know Amethyst has – I can feel that through the Force."
The song ended and the partners returned to the table. Lando had left to talk to another old friend he had located across the room. Han took hold of Leia and swung her back out onto the dance floor. Luke handed Callista into her chair and turned to Amethyst.
"Your highness," he bowed from his waist, "may I have this dance."
She laid her hand in his and allowed him to lead her onto the floor.
"I can feel a touch of sadness in you. May I know why?" he asked.
"Not sad exactly ... nostalgic. The last time I saw my parents together was at a ball – their tenth wedding anniversary. The way you bowed just now reminded me of how Daddy had bowed to me when I had been brought downstairs by one of my mother's ladies-in-waiting – just like I was a grown up lady." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you. Even though great pain followed it, that memory is very happy."
Callista sipped her drink and looked around to see if there was anyone she recognized among the older senators and retainers. Salendia moved to sit beside her.
"Lando explained to me ... you know ... about you guys."
Callista nodded without saying anything.
"Before the princesses get back," she continued, "I've just got to know something." Without her knowledge, Lando came up behind her. "How do you guys get it on – I mean all together or does he watch you two or do one of you watch while ..."
"The private lives of the members of my Lord's Household are just that: private," Callista's eyes warned Lando to stay out of the conversation. "And as for the princesses," she used the insulting tone Salendia that managed, "as you call them," she watched Lando wince, "one of those royal ladies is my sister-in-law. The other is my sister-wife. I'd suggest that you keep that in mind when you're around this particular group of people. The Wookie would tear the arm off of anyone who insulted Leia – if Han didn't get to them first. And I don't know what my husband might do, but I think you'd find it equally unpleasant."
For the second time that evening, Lando grabbed Salendia's upper arm and jerked her to her feet.
"Callista, good evening. I'll see you on the flight back."
The song had ended and on their way back to the table everyone passed Lando as he took Salendia from the ballroom.
"What was that all about?" Han asked.
Callista chuckled. "I'm afraid Amethyst was right. Whatever Lando sees in that woman has nothing to do with her diplomatic abilities."
"Did she say something to you?" Luke demanded.
Callista smiled at him. "I'm not a princess," she replied but her tone and smile gave no offence to Leia or Amethyst. "I think I can handle myself with a drunken ... lady." She looked at Amethyst. "How was your lesson?"
Amethyst blushed but nodded.
"She was great," Leia insisted.
"At least she isn't going to ruin Luke's boots with those dainty little slippers," Han cracked.
Everyone was still laughing as Carkson Whitlinger approached their table.
"May I join this merry group?" he asked.
"Of course," Luke said holding out a chair for the Ambassador. "After all, you are the initiator of this festive occasion."
"Actually, watching you young people all evening, I felt a sudden longing for my wife. She loved to dance," he added with loving smile. "I was wondering, Star Marshall, since you have such an abundance of lovely ladies, if I might borrow one of your wives for the next dance."
Luke chuckled, "You're welcome to either one, but Callista would probably be the easier on your shoes."
Amethyst swatted Luke's shoulder. Everyone was so surprised at her aggressiveness they laughed out loud.
"That's it!" Luke exclaimed in mock indignation, "back to the dance floor with you!"
The couples returned to the dance area.
At the end of the evening, as they returned to their rooms, they all agreed it had been a wonderful night.
"Luke? Are you asleep?"
"Hmmm," he replied as he lay beside Callista in his sleeping area in the suite where they were staying.
"Do you know why Am was acting so strange?"
"Uh-huh."
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"Why?"
"Why?'
"Luke!" She shook his shoulder. "Are you awake?"
"I am now," he replied.
"Do you know why Amethyst is so ... so ..."
"Pensive?"
"Does that mean that you know?"
"Yes."
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Luke! What's wrong with Am?"
He took her in his arms and drew her tightly against him. "There is nothing wrong with Amethyst."
"She hasn't acted like herself since we got back to the suite tonight. Why?"
He sighed. "Has she ever talked to you about the last time she saw her mother and father together ... the ball they held for their anniversary?"
"Yes, she has."
"She told me while I was trying to teach her to dance ..."
He stopped his sentence and chuckled in the darkness as he remembered Amethyst's numerous mistakes on the dance floor.
"You're mean," Callista told him. "She was trying."
"She certainly was!"
"Ouch – bad pun. Maybe she just needed a better teacher."
"Touché. Anyway, she said that tonight reminded her of that night."
Callista sat up suddenly. "If she's sad, she shouldn't be alone."
He pulled her down beside her. "She said they were good memories. While you were getting undressed, I asked her if she wanted to join us – I didn't think you'd mind."
"Of course not. What'd she say?"
"That she thought she'd like to be alone awhile."
"She thought? Do you think I should ..."
There was a gentle knock on the sleeping area door.
"Ask her to join us?" Luke asked with a smile. He raised his voice, "Come in, beloved."
"May I sleep in here tonight?" Amethyst asked.
"I was just on my way to get you," Callista told her as she and Luke moved so there was room on the bed for Amethyst.
He felt each wife as they settled into sleep, one on either side of him. Through the Force, he touched each of them. He felt a faint echo of the Force from Callista, as he able to do some times when the three of them were together. Happiness and contentment emanated from her. Amethyst slept with a sense of security and peace. Luke smiled to himself.
From the moment he had first seen her, Luke had made a vow to himself that he would dedicate his life to provide a haven for Amethyst so she could feel safe after her many years of abuse and imprisonment.
The fact that Callista was happy with her life also pleased him. When she returned from the other side to be with him, he had his doubts that he would be able to justify her decision.
But the emotions he felt from each of his wives delighted him. For the first time since his marriages, Luke felt as if he were truly fulfilling his role as a Jedi Lord. For the first time since he had interjected himself into their lives, he felt he was consummating his duty to both of them.
And the first Jedi Master of the New Order of the Jedi, the first Star Marshall of the New Republic, the first recognized Jedi Lord in 200 years, Luke Skywalker, fell asleep, totally content with his life, completely in love with his wives.
Senator Bamha Praylar stood quietly watching the small ship that had just landed. He waited for the ramp to be lowered and then he and his two companions hurried on board. A tall man waited for them at the top of the ramp.
"I spent hundreds of man-hours and a great many credits organizing a foolproof campaign to make sure that Luke Skywalker's marriages would be deemed illegal – that he would be an outcast. In a few short minutes, you allowed all of that work to be destroyed."
"It was Mon Mothma ... there was no way to stop her ... there was no way to guess that she'd be so persuasive."
The dark man cocked his head. "But that is what you were being paid for – to know." He nodded to one of the men who stood behind him.
A man, dressed all in black with a floor length cape, took a step forward. He raised his hand and slowly closed his hand into a fist. Senator Bamha Praylar began to gasp. He brought both of his hands up to his throat. Slowly his face turned a vibrant red as he crumpled to the floor. The two men that had entered with the senator took a step back away from his body. The tall man looked threateningly at them.
"We will begin the next phase of my plan. This time we will dispense with the subtleties. And this time I do not expect to fail!"
TBC