Chapter 44
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'Darth Takes a Holiday'
'Take Me Out to the Energy Ballgame'
'How Do You Like These Apples?'
'Jedi Girl Gone Wild'
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Anakin had another sit-down with Han. He wanted to know his intentions for his daughter but he wasn't ready for her to marry. There were lots of eligible suitors besides him.
Anakin wanted Leia to wait until she was in the relationship for awhile before marrying so young. He was caught by surprise, and delightfully so, that marriage was not even on her agenda at the moment. Still, Anakin intended to have a few more discussions with that scruffy nerf-herder who frequented his home lately.
The Emperor has been calling all day. Anakin was not going to take his calls. He was leaving town anyway. He had planned to go away with Isabel for the past two months or so but their schedules constantly collided. She had just had her cast removed. It was either now or they would have to wait for another time to take a holiday.
His servants load up the custom-designed Imperial Cruiser. He and Isabel board the ship for a four-day weekend on Yavin4. He had given the cottage to Yoda but he wanted to spend time alone with Isabel on the other side of the Massassi Temple Ruins anyway. There were some private bungalows and beautiful waterfalls where one can actually bathe before breakfast.
One rule of warning from Anakin to his children before his departure:
'Absolutely No parties!'
'Absolutely No sleepovers where there is a chance of having sex'
'Absolutely No drinking! (Fruit juice, water, jawa juice, tea blue milk, and Rodia soda (although void of any nutritional value) are all acceptable means of quenching ones' thirst)'
'Curfew is 11:59p.m. (Artoo will keep record. Anyone found breaking rule will be dealt with promptly upon my return)'
'No Han Solo'
'Repeat: No Han Solo'
Yes, of course Anakin could count, but this was beside the point. Rules are rules.
Leia leaves her father a note on his suitcase in the foyer: 'Try 'Sex on the Beach' it's really great, you'll love it'
Anakin snorted angrily. "How does she know about these things?' It's that Han Solo corrupting my beautiful delicate flower. I'll deal with him when I get back!"
Anakin is so irritated that he didn't bother to read the rest of the message, which would ultimately raise a whole different flurry of questions about alcohol consumption.
Han had a great idea. He knew Junior had access to box seats at the Kaja Sinis Memorial Arena. He thought they should have a guy's night out. They shouldn't tell Leia or else she would surely kill the fun.
The morning after Luke's father leaves with Isabel for Yavin4, he takes his speeder out for a spin. He stops at the local Plasma Music Emporium. A few aisles over he hears the voice of a Hoth snow creature. It is 'Old Red'
"Hey, Junior. How are you?"
"Hey, Mara..."
She makes her way over to him. Luke pretends to search feverishly for a disque.
"So, what are you doing?"
"I believe it's called looking for music. What are you doing, skulking for innocent victims to torment?"
"Sounds like fun. Have anymore family get-togethers lately?
"Why? Trying to get invited?"
"No. But, I really had a great time and…"
Suddenly someone walks up behind them and interrupts the conversation.
"Hey, Maar…you have this recording by the 'Kessel Run Boys'?"
Luke looks up at a spiked-haired, well over six-foot tall tattooed Sith apprentice. The young sith blocks Luke's view of Mara as he wedges himself between the two. He faces Mara and continues to speak. He flexes his leather-clad arm and almost knocks Luke in the face, missing him by centimeters.
Luke wants to belt the creep but he recalls his Jedi training: 'A Jedi should not know anger' (Gee, thanks, Yoda!) The nerve of this arrogant dianoga cretin!
Mara is face-to-face with her acquaintance. She glances at the music disque then wrinkles her nose in disapproval. She waves hand dismissively.
"They are so 'old order'"
"You want to browse some more or go out for drinks later at 'The Thrawn Room'?"
"Naah…I'd better lay off the juice. My dad landed into me about the clubbing and staying out late. Oh, Craul, do you know Luke Skywalker?"
The towering apprentice smugly continues to block Luke. Luke tries to maintain his composure. Craul continues his conversation with Mara.
"No. So, you going out with me and the gang or what?"
"Nooo, I don't think so. I've got exams next week. I need to study. Luke, here is going to tutor me."
Luke was undeniably shocked! He tilts his head and looks around Craul's left side to look at her her. He nods his head emphatically "No". Craul looks down to see who she's looking at. He sees the mop of blonde hair then Luke looks up at him. Craul scowls down at him. Luke swears this is the end for him. Instead, the miscreant Sith apprentice tosses the music selection chip back on the rack. He grumbles a bit as he stares into Mara's green eyes. He clenches his teeth.
"So that's how it's going to be? Humph! Whatever!"
Craul storms out of the music store. Mara lets out a sigh of relief. She looks apologetically at Luke who is actually more afraid for Mara now than for himself.
"Are you ok?"
The 'Red Tornado' looks as if she has had the wind knocked out of her.
"I'm fine. Let's get out of here, Luke."
They stroll through the shopping center. Lots of teenagers are milling around looking for things to buy with their weekly credit allowance.
"If he tried to hurt you, I would have come to your defense. I wasn't afraid."
"I know you weren't, Luke. You're very sweet but he wasn't worth it."
"But you are."
Mara smiles then slaps Luke on the behind. His face turns ten shades of red as he looks to see who is watching.
"Hey! What was that for?"
"Nothing. Just felt like feeling up a little Jedi."
"That's not very lady-like."
"I know. So, where are we headed?"
Just as she speaks, Luke's cell phone buzzes. He looks at the display. It is Han. Luke slows down as he listens. Mara is curious to know what they are talking about. Luke is answering a question.
"Well, I can get a few of you in, maybe. My dad never really uses it. He only bought the box seats because he was entertaining clients from Bothawui but the peace talks fell through when Dad's client was in an accident. Apparently he was heckling a singer at this dinner theatre and somebody whacked him…Yeah, true…it sure does happen...heheh…The game isn't till 3 o'clock. I'll meet you there. I didn't say a thing to Leia... I know…no...Yeah, just us guys. Gee, you mean it? Thanks Han! Ok. See you in a bit." He ends the call. Mara looks at him.
"Where are you going?"
"Uhm…energyball game."
Oh, God, here it comes:
"I kind of thought we'd hang out together. It 's early…I can get into that energyball sports stuff…"
She sounds so needy. This is so uncharacteristic of the 'Green-eyed she-devil.'
Luke knew if he didn't ask the question she wanted to hear, he would never have any peace as he walked through the hallways of the Imperial offices ever again.
"Mara, would you please join us at the game this afternoon?" There, he said it.
However, Mara did not appreciate the tone and the lack of sincerity in his invitation.
"You know, that really hurt, Luke. I didn't like the way you asked me. It's as if you were doing it out of pity and didn't want me there."
"Ok. I'm sorry. Mara, I would be pleased if you would join me and my friends to the game this afternoon."
Mara's smile is as wide as a child's on Republic Eve. She even did a little twisting dance as they walk out of the mall. Luke is seeing a side of Mara he never knew. It was actually kind of cute.
"Okay! Whoohoo!"
As they head to the speed bike parking area they run into Leia. She slows down as she sees Luke and Mara.
"Well, well…what have we here? What are you two mall Scurriers up to?"
Mara smiles and holds onto Luke's arm. He is trying to peel her off of him. She answers for the both of them. "We're shopping."
"Where are you heading now?"
Luke finally speaks. "I'm heading to the game."
"Lu-Lu's taking me. We're on our way to meet Han."
Leia is fuming. Han had lied to her during a phone conversation that morning. He told her he was feeling a bit under the weather and wanted to stay in for the night. All of a sudden, he had a burst of energy to attend an energyball game.
'Wait till I get my hands on that scruffy, lying son of a…. So, you're meeting Han? I suppose Chewie should be close behind. You're heading to the arena now?"
Mara speaks.
"Yeah." Luke looks at Mara answering questions directed at him.
"Well, enjoy yourselves. Tell, Han I'll see him later."
"Ok... Bye"
Luke goes to his speeder after walking Mara to her bike. They agree to meet at the executive level where the Skywalker box section is located.
Luke arrives to find Han, Chewie, Biggs, Bigg's girlfriend, Wedge, and his girlfriend Iella. Luke was not expecting this. All of his 'Friends' cheer Luke's arrival. Han slaps him on the back and takes him aside.
"Sorry about the crowd but once they realized where Chewie and I were headed, they asked to come. They've been trying to get season tickets all year. Thanks, kid. Is this cool or what?"
"Sure, Han. Come on. Oh, Leia says she hopes you're feeling better. She'll see you later."
"You saw her? Did she ask if you were meeting me?"
"I think she figured it out."
"Oh, alright. I'll talk to her tonight when I get home. Oh, here's biker jailbait. Hey, Mara. I didn't know you were into sports."
"Can the smooth-talk, swifty." She slips her arm into Luke's arm.
Han leans over to Luke. "You've got a little spitfire here. I can see her making you cry when you were little."
Luke groans. "Let's go"
They go to the private seating area. Luke sees Han press the button on the wall panel that allows the glass dome cover to retract so that they are now at one with the crowd. Biggs and his girlfriend are already making out in the back row. Chewie helps himself to the complimentary food and refreshments.
The box area holds twenty-four spectator seats. The arena is filled to capacity. Luke is able to get into the game. He relaxes. Han is yelling at the umpire.
"What are you, blind?! That ball was in! Man!"
Wedge is behind Luke. He whispers in Luke's ear. "Luke, Your girlfriend is a firecracker."
"She's not my girlfriend."
"You sticking to that story? That's cool. I can see you wanting to survey the 'field'"
Han yells over to Chewie. "Chewie, pass the food around! Luke, any beer in this place?"
"Yes. Press the button on the chair and a concession droid will bring it over."
"Cool! This is a sweet deal your dad's got here."
"I guess." He looks up from his seat. Mara is cheering and bouncing up and down. He covers his face. Han leans over to speak to him.
"I can't believe your dad never comes here. What a waste. This is beautiful." He cheers again during another point scored for the home team. "I am having so much fun. I'm so glad your sister's not here. She'd be riding my ass for the next week."
Someone leans over his shoulder. "And why is that?" Leia bats him on his head with the back of her hand. She has changed into casual clothes after a brief stop home. She steps down to the row where he is sitting. She shoves Chewie out of the way. "Out of my way, 'Cousin It'!"
Chewie growls at her.
"Shut up!" She stands next to Han.
He mutters to himself "Oh, 'Sith'" He turns to look at her with a stupid grin on his face. "Hey, babe. How was the senate today?"
"Full of rubbish like you."
"Fair enough."
"Han, all you had to do was tell me the truth. You know I'll eventually find out. You make me so mad sometimes. You never even invited me. What are you drinking?" He hands her his beer cup.
As she drinks from his cup, Mara is screaming down to some rival fans who are telling her to shut up. Luke is laughing as she argues with a couple of men a few rows down.
"You shut up, you Wampa breath! I'll come down there and kick your arrogant ass! You have the death sentence on 12 systems, hey? Want to make it thirteen? Feeling lucky, you mashed-face creep?"
Luke sees the men who she is arguing with and becomes worried. He is trying to hold her back. Biggs sees this and laughs. "You go girl!"
"Let me go, Luke! I can take him!"
"Mara! Calm down."
She continues to taunt the man in the lower tier "Bet you never got any of this!"
Meanwhile, on Naboo, Grandfather Ruwee Naberrie is enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the family room. He clicks on the Plasma with the remote. He relaxes in his recliner and channel surfs until he settles down for a few hours of sports. Jobal Naberrie is in the next room. She hears her husband coughing. She calls in to him.
"Ru, I told you not to eat so fast, dear." He is coughing too long for her comfort so she hurries into the room. He is holding his throat with one hand and pointing to the plasma with the other. Jobal tilts her head and touches her hand to her chest with a sense of subdued dismay. "Oh, My"
Back at the Skywalker residence, Artoo is agitated and begins to chime off with a series of beeps and whistles. Threepio places his hand on the astromech's dome.
"What is it, Artoo? What? They're where? Oh, dear. Goodness gracious me! The master will be very displeased when he returns from his relaxing holiday with Miss Isabel"
Obi-Wan and Aura are watching the plasma after he senses something amiss. Aura dutifully switches on the live sporting event. Obi-wan's eyes bug out then suddenly he bursts into laughter.
Qui-Gon calls Mace. The Force ghosts are in the stands watching. Qui-Gon has a full view of the calamity. "That girl is a little spitfire! I love this chick! You go, Red!"
Mara has just flashed everyone in the lower tier including the players. The opposing team fumbles causing the Coruscant home team to score 20 points. Luke tries to grab her to close her top but this is not what it looks like on the Jumbotron plasma. Han is just noticing what is happening because he has been bickering with Leia who still has a beer in her hand. Biggs is kissing his girlfriend and Chewie dumps a tray of food on some opposing fans at his end.
Luke looks across the arena to see himself on the Jumbo tron plasma. Security droids enter the box seats and try to subdue Mara. She kicks two of the droids.
"Let go of me! I'll break you in two!"
Leia gulps and a look of horror falls over her face. She is the next one to be featured on the 'big screen.' The incriminating half-full tumbler of beer is firmly in her hand. Han wags his head.
"I've got a bad feeling about this."
On Yavin4 Isabel is bringing in two tablets for Anakin's sudden headache. The carpet is covered with sandy footprints. Isabel massages Anakin's head.
"Breath slowly, Sweetie. Everything will be alright. You worry too much. You need to learn to relax. I'm sure everything back home is fine"
The plasma is on mute on the wall in their bungalow. Anakin does not see it but Isabel does. She purses her lips then discreetly turns it off. She continues to massage his head. 'There, there."
In the Emperor's quarters, Palpatine takes a look at his screen. He also senses a great disturbance in the Force. "Very Interesting…..hmmmm" He sinks back in his chair and wrings his hands.
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To be continued… 'I Can Explain Everything'
