Leia Organa stood by herself at the landing dock where the Millennium Falcon and the Jade Sabre were due to land, but she was not alone. A handful of Republic Security Guards stood nearby, not to take Luke into custody, but to offer their protection.
The press, of course, were also there, gathered outside a roped off area around the platform. Leia had already instructed them that Luke would answer no questions and make no statements. The last thing she wanted was an impromptu press conference. Now was not the time for Luke to make any of his usual candid public statements. Leia considered it one of her greatest failings that she had never succeeded in teaching Luke the fine and complex art of dealing with the press. What she considered diplomatic language, the careful phrasing of statements with an ear to how they would be received by a number of varying and conflicting political and social interests, Luke considered doctoring of the truth. While he never begrudged or criticized Leia's use of diplomatic language, he did not see himself in the same role. Consequently, he almost never stuck to the carefully scripted press statements Leia's writers worked out for him, preferring off the cuff remarks and unrehearsed question and answer sessions in which he could more directly "speak from the heart," as he saw it. This created no end of stress for Leia, and had resulted in more than one controversy in Luke's lifetime as a public figure, but over time the public had grown accustomed to Luke's particular brand of unpracticed frankness, and the press treated him more leniently than his sister, should she ever make such ingenuous remarks.
But this was one occasion when Leia hoped -- prayed -- that Luke would heed her advice. Any statement he made, rehearsed or otherwise, could damage his case and further sully his reputation, for his reputation had been severely harmed by the events on Pamylasia.
While Luke had always been a controversial figure, for his claims as a Jedi Knight, for his defense of Darth Vader as his father, for his denial of killing the Emperor, for his establishment and administration of the new Jedi Order, for his marriage to Mara Jade, the former Emperor's Hand, as well as scores of other issues -- despite all these controversies, most people had always respected him. Even those who did not like Luke had to admit that he was honorable. How then were they to accept his admission to the willful murder of Dimishaneer Akeeno? Preaching the redemption of Darth Vader was one thing, but this was truly unthinkable.
Even so, Luke's fall from grace in the eyes of the people had surprised even Leia. Some people were quick to point out that they had always been suspicious of Luke, but most, however, were unwilling to pass judgment until they understood more of what happened. Nevertheless, almost no one was willing to go on record as supporting Luke Skywalker. Their twenty-year relationship with the Republic's most beloved son kept them from condemning him now, but Leia feared they would not stay silent for long.
None of Leia's colleagues was willing to stand with her at this meeting. A few had privately expressed their support and sympathy (carefully phrased, Leia noted, to refer only to her specifically), such as Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar, Carlist Rieekan, and Senator Elegos A'kla. The Jedi themselves had decided not to be present, though not out of lack of compassion for Luke. They would have their own reunion, bittersweet as it would be, and they only sought to keep their own pain, and Luke's, out of the public eye.
Winter, Leia's childhood friend and companion, wanted to be with her, but Leia insisted she remain at home with the children, whom Leia had not permitted to be present for the same reason that the Jedi chose to stay away. She did not want poignant vid footage of her children rushing to embrace their beloved uncle broadcast all over the galaxy.
Out of all the people Luke knew on Coruscant, only a handful of the original members of the Rogue Squadron offered to be present at the meeting. Rogue Squadron could not exactly be considered a political entity, and most of the pilots who had flown with Luke were now retired, so they would hardly have been jeopardizing their careers by appearing publicly with their founder. Nevertheless, Leia persuaded them not to appear as well, at least not to stand with her. Wedge Antilles had tried hard to insist, and she knew he, and probably the others, were present, although they stood outside the ropes among the crowd, and not on the platform itself.
The crowd. Public figures may have stayed away, but the public themselves were present, though whether to welcome Luke or condemn him, Leia was not sure. Initial estimates were that three-quarters of a million people had assembled near the platform to witness the return of the fallen Jedi. They were not there as demonstrators or protesters. No one held signs or shouted slogans. They only wanted to witness, and perhaps to question. How could Luke have betrayed them so horribly?
And this, above all, was the question Leia feared her brother would be unable to leave unanswered. But would they be sympathetic to whatever Luke might have to say, or would they turn his honesty against him, and use his very words as an epitaph to bury him?
Straightening her shoulders, Leia turned her gaze skyward as the Millennium Falcon hovered into view above her, the Jade Sabre slaved to its controls. Both ships settled gently onto the landing platform. The murmuring of the crowd fell silent as the Falcon's ramp descended. Several minutes passed before Han and Chewie made their appearance. From where she stood, Leia could see her brother and Mara on crutches following them, and she guessed Han and Chewie had gone first in an effort to shield Luke from the spectators.
Leia stepped quickly up to the ramp and embraced Luke. He clung to her tightly for a long minute before releasing her, but Leia was not yet ready to let go of him. She cradled his face in her hands. All physical traces of his abuse in prison had been effectively erased by the bacta treatment, but the psychological scars were painfully evident. His cheeks were sunken and he had lost weight. His eyes were dull and lifeless, and he seemed very tired. Leia's eyes caught on the tracking collar around his neck. The Pamylasian judge had insisted Luke wear it as a condition of his release. Like a criminal. She shuddered and hugged him again quickly, burying her face briefly in his chest before finally letting go and smiling warmly up at him. "It's good to see you again," she said. "Now let's get you home." She slipped close to his side so that his arm rested across her shoulders, and she steered him to the waiting skyhopper, but as Han and Chewie moved out of his way, he noticed the crowd and froze.
"Come on, Luke, let's just go," she said softly, leaning against his arm.
He did not answer, only stood looking at the silent crowd, their faces questioning, just like the crowd back at the hospital on Myrmidon, wondering what he had become, whether they could trust him anymore. His people, not politicians or lawyers or power brokers, but ordinary people as he had been ordinary once on Tatooine. Their unvoiced question pulled at him like a gravitational force.
With growing apprehension, Leia warned, "Luke --," but she could already feel him drawing away from her, his arm slipping from her shoulders. He took a couple of steps toward the crowd. The press people straightened up at his approach, cameras shifting to better positions, microphones raised. Leia's heart sank. Quickly she slipped in front of him, her back to the crowd, and placed a restraining hand on his chest. She tried to catch his gaze, but he looked only at the crowd. "Luke, please." She let him hear the desperation in her voice. "I am begging you, don't do this."
Slowly, he dragged his attention away from the crowd to search her face. She could see the struggle inside him. Trying to be patient, she waited for him to relent on his own. For a long minute he hesitated, then before he had even moved, she could sense him pulling away from her again. Anguished, she begged, "Please," her voice hardly more than a whisper.
Luke stopped. He did not want to, but he could not ignore the pain in Leia's expression. Silently he allowed Leia to lead him back to the skyhopper where the others waited, visibly relieved that Leia had won.
They settled in, Chewie, Luke and Mara in one seat, Han and Leia in the other, facing them. Luke stared blindly out the window. No one spoke, and Han could feel Leia trembling next to him, so upset she was by Luke's defeated appearance. At last she sat forward, resting her hand on Luke's knee. "Come back home with us," she suggested. "Spend the rest of the day with us. The children are so eager to see you again."
Luke's didn't look away from the window. "I don't know. I'm kind of tired. I think I'd just as soon get home." A deep depression was settling over Luke, and he feared that if he put off the most painful reunion of all, his return to the Jedi Temple, he would lose the strength to endure it.
Glancing from Luke to Leia, Mara suggested, "Maybe we'll come for dinner tonight."
Luke neither relented nor protested, and Leia bit her lip. Nuzzling closer to Han, she looked at Mara. "We'll expect you tonight, then," she said, deciding between them, and hoping that Luke would agree.
With this tentative arrangement, Leia, the consummate diplomat, fell uncharacteristically silent. After all, what really could be said? No one spoke again until the skyhopper stopped to let Leia, Han, and Chewie off at their building. Giving Luke a kiss, Leia said, "Until dinner tonight." Luke smiled wanly, but still did not reply. Then the 'hopper turned toward the Jedi Temple.
While Mara wouldn't have minded escaping Luke's depression at Han and Leia's, she was also like Luke eager to get their reunion with the Jedi over with. It was bound to be heavily emotional, and Mara could only handle extreme emotion in small dosages.
Fortunately access to the Temple was relatively restricted, so they would avoid facing another crowd, at least on the outside. As the 'hopper hovered over the Temple, Mara noticed a small gathering outside the main entrance, but they did not fly close enough to see what was going on.
The 'hopper entered the Temple complex at a small hanger, accessible only to the Jedi, but all the residents of the Temple had gathered there. As Luke and Mara exited the skyhopper, they were engulfed in a wave of genuine love flowing from their Jedi companions, but somehow their affection only made their sense of betrayal that much more painful to Luke.
The Jedi numbered well over a hundred now, and it appeared most of them had assembled to meet them. Scanning the assembly, Luke spied some faces he had not seen at the Temple in years.
Hamsa Jerat stood at the forefront of the gathering, and she stepped forward to meet them, her face lit in a gentle but warm smile. "Welcome home, Master Luke, Mara," she greeted them. "We are glad to have you with us again." She paused, then still smiling, she said more formally, "Master, are you willing to come before the Council and make an account for yourself, and will you submit to their wisdom and judgment?"
It was a genuine request. Luke did not have to agree. Jedi Knights who had potentially stepped outside the bounds of their vows did not have to appear before the Council. Depending on the severity of the case, the Council might or might not render a judgment, especially in a question of discipline, or if an apprentice posed a possible threat to the galaxy. But the request, and a willingness to appear before the Council, went far in the way of restoring trust, and the subsequent examination could challenge and strengthen all the Jedi.
Luke knew this. It was the way he had always acted toward others in his place. So with ready compliance, he answered, "I will. It is the Council's right and duty. I will submit."
Hamsa nodded. "I'm sure after your ordeal, you would like a little time to recover and collect yourself."
This Luke had not expected. He relaxed slightly. "Actually, I would really appreciate that."
"Would the day after tomorrow be too soon?"
"No, that's fine. It's more than generous." Any longer would be too long.
"Very well, the day after tomorrow. And if you find that you do need more time, just let us know." She reached out and rested her hand on his shoulder. "It really is good to have you home again, Master."
"It's good to be back," Luke replied, and despite the pain he felt, he meant it.
She nodded to him once more, then turned and walked through the assembly. As she passed, the others quietly dispersed, leaving Luke and Mara alone. The Jedi did not want to overwhelm them with the intensity of their emotions. It was enough for Luke to see their love for him. They would leave it to him to reconnect with them in his own way and at his own pace.
Silently, Luke and Mara returned to their quarters. Since Luke's release from prison, they had actually not spoken much. Although there was much to talk about, for now it did not seem necessary. They found it enough simply to be together.
Their spartan quarters were not particularly welcoming. Except for a few personal effects, they might have been checking into a hotel on yet another mission. Before their marriage, Luke had traveled so much, and spent most of his personal time on Coruscant with Han and Leia, that he had never developed any domestic taste, and Mara was long accustomed to calling a starship her home. They had not been married long enough to turn their apartment into anything more than simply a place to live. For the first time, Luke regretted the lack and found himself missing the tidy, comforting home he'd known on Tatooine.
With a sigh, Luke tossed their travel kits on the couch. "I think I'm going to take a nap. I've got much too much space travel still in my bones."
Mara nodded. "And I'll --." She cast about in her mind for any excuse for action. "I'm going to go to the gymnasium and work on those strengthening exercises for my legs."
"Don't overdo it," Luke chided with genuine concern. On the Millennium Falcon, with nothing else to do, Mara had worked her legs so hard trying to strengthen her ankles that Luke worried she would end up stunting their healing. But he understood her need to act.
"I won't," she assured him absently. "Maybe I'll also check out the latest news reports at the library."
Luke made a face. "If that's your idea of a good time."
She laughed. "I'll spare you the gruesome details when I get back." And before Luke could reply, she was out the door.
Somewhat relieved to be freed from her nervous energy, Luke retreated into the bedroom to escape into the welcoming arms of sleep.
Chapter Thirteen: Advocates
About an hour later, Luke was woken up by the ringing of the door chime. He roused himself with some difficulty, more from lethargy than actual fatigue, and opened the door to find Anath standing there.
"I'm sorry to disturb you," the younger man apologized. "I'm sure you want to rest. But I would like to talk with you as soon as you feel up to it."
Smiling, Luke ushered Anath into the room. "I'm always up to a visit from you."
"How was the trip from Pamylasia?" Anath asked.
"Blessedly uneventful," Luke replied as they both settled on to the couch. Anath had a particular way of beginning any conversation by first inquiring about mundane matters of health, weather, and travel conditions, a practice Luke recognized from his own upbringing on Tatooine. It seemed to be the habit of rural people, no matter what planet they might be from, this strange formality of polite inquiry. In sparsely populated areas visitors were so rare it was first necessary to re-establish relations through an extended series of innocuous chit-chat before settling down to actual business. Despite his many years on this bustling urban planet where people saw time as a precious commodity, Anath had clung to this provincial ritual, something Luke greatly appreciated.
So they passed a quarter of an hour in conversation on the health of their respective families, travel conditions, the spell of cool weather Coruscant had been enjoying, and the latest foibles of the younger apprentices. Only then was Anath ready to bring up the issue he had come to discuss with Luke. "When you appear before the examination," he began, "have you given any thought as to whom you would like to stand with you?"
Whenever a Jedi appeared before the Council, her or his master always stood with them, to act as support and to speak on their behalf. Such had been the practice of the Old Order, to reinforce their sense of community and to ensure that no Jedi under examination should feel abandoned and alone. Both of Luke's masters, of course, were dead, so he would have to ask someone else to stand in his master's place.
Luke considered. "I have thought about it a little, but haven't decided on anyone to ask yet."
Anath leaned forward, "With your permission, I would like to stand with you. As your first apprentice, I would be honored."
Luke knew Anath would ask, and part of him wanted very much to agree. He shared a bond with Anath that he had with no one else. He hardly thought of himself as Anath's master. They had both been so young when they met, and Luke, while powerful, had not yet had enough experience to really consider himself a master. They were more like two apprentices learning together. It was with Anath that Luke had begun the recovery of the old Jedi heritage, with Anath that he had established contact with the remaining Old Order Knights and sought out new apprentices, with Anath that he had shaped the New Order. Anath was a deeply religious person, and his spiritual grounding had helped Luke shape and guide his own growing power, giving him a framework to develop the philosophy and ethics needed for the New Order. Luke felt he had learned at least as much from Anath as he had given himself. In any trial, it was Anath Luke wanted by his side more than any other. But those very qualities which Luke valued most were the same ones Luke felt the others needed now.
Leaving Anath's request unanswered, Luke asked, "Has the Council decided on new leadership yet?"
Settling back into the couch, Anath answered, "Not really. For now, Lanari, Hamsa and I have been acting as the leaders, but it has not yet been finalized. After all, technically you're still the Master."
"But you have been acting as the Master," Luke said. He knew as much from the news vids he had seen.
Worried, Anath hesitated. "Yes."
"The Master cannot act as advocate," Luke observed mildly.
"I have only been acting as Master; I can step down."
Luke paused, looking down at his hand, choosing his next words carefully. Idly Luke mused that he had not held his lightsaber since giving it up on Endirion all those weeks ago. He had never been so long without it. Perhaps it would never be returned to him.
"I have always valued your wisdom, your compassion, your discernment," he said slowly, not looking up. "I know I don't rightfully have a say anymore, but of all the members of the Council, you are the one I trust most in the seat of judgment. Anyone can be my advocate." Luke looked up at Anath. "But you're the one I most want for my judge."
Luke's words caught Anath like a physical blow. His face paled. In a broken whisper, he protested, "I can't do it. How can I sit in judgment on you?"
Luke's expression did not waver. "I know you can."
"No!" Anath cried. He buried his head in his hands. For a long time he struggled with himself. Luke waited patiently. At last Anath looked up again. "How can you ask that of me? You're my best friend. I can't pass judgment on my best friend!"
Luke smiled, "Of course you can. You've disagreed with me often in the past, and you were usually right."
"I could, yes," Anath admitted. "But it would break my heart."
Now it was Luke who had to look away. If their positions were reversed, he would feel the same way. But he persisted. "Anath, the Jedi need a strong leader now. You and I both know that regardless of the final judgment I cannot continue as Master. No one embodies the heart and soul of the Jedi as completely as you do. You unite both the old order and the new. Everyone has confidence in you.
"But if you act as my advocate, how could the rest of the galaxy trust you as the new Master? You would be too closely connected to me. Even our own people would not be able to fully trust you as an impartial leader."
Anath shook his head. "But I am closely connected to you. Nothing will change that."
"I know, but that's all the more reason why you need to be my judge and not my advocate. Everyone needs to see that you can bring us all through this trial." Reaching out, he placed his hand on Anath's bowed head. He could feel Anath trembling underneath his palm, but he also felt Anath's strength. "I know it is a hard thing to ask of you. But you know I wouldn't ask it unless it was right."
His head still bowed, Anath took Luke's hand and pressed it to his cheek. Although he was silent, Luke could feel Anath's tears on the back of his hand. Slowly, Anath's trembling ceased, and his breathing grew even. At last he raised his head, still pressing Luke's hand in his own. Calm resignation settled over his features. "If it is the Council's wish, then I will sit as your judge, and I will serve as the Master." He searched Luke's face, as if memorizing every feature. "But you will always be my master."
"And you will always be mine."
They again felt silent, the same silence Luke and Mara had come to share, a silence which could not give voice to all the many things it said.
Anath finally released Luke's hand. "If that's the way it is to be, then I have a lot to do before the examination. Until then, will you and Mara join my family for dinner tonight?"
"That would be nice," Luke agreed, "but Han and Leia beat you to it. To tell the truth, I don't feel up to company right now."
Nodding, Anath stood, "I understand. Another time. Until then, take care of yourself."
"I'll do my best." Luke also stood and showed Anath to the door.
*****
After Anath left, Luke again lay down, but sleep did not come to rescue him from himself. All he could think about was how he had betrayed everyone. By the time Mara returned to get ready for dinner, he had sunk deeply into depression. He could not bear to face his family again, and he tried to talk Mara out of going, but she insisted almost angrily, and Luke found it easier just to give in rather than try to oppose her will.
From the Temple, they hired an airtaxi, but when they arrived at the entrance to Han and Leia's building, they found a score or so members of the press lounging around the entrance, just waiting for their prey to arrive.
Unconsciously Luke shuddered, leaning close to Mara. Squeezing his hand, she said, "We can make it. Just follow me." Swiftly she opened the door and climbed out. Using only one of her crutches, she took Luke's arm with her free hand and headed resolutely for the entrance.
Almost immediately, however, they were spied, and the reporters descended on them like sand beetles on a dead jawa. The bright lights from the cameras blinded their eyes as microphones were shoved at them from all sides.
"Master Skywalker, do you have any statement?"
"How have you been received on Coruscant?"
"Any thoughts on your coming trial?"
As the reporters closed in around them, Mara barked, "No comment!" and tried to shoulder her way through the crowd, but they would not let her through. More reporters arrived on the scene, and even bystanders pressed close to hear what Luke might have to say. But for once Luke had no desire to say anything. He kept his head down, huddling against Mara as she tried to forge a path. As the reporters shouted questions, they pressed closer and closer around Luke and Mara. The cameras were mere centimeters away from their faces, and they were physically jostled by the insistent crowd. Bodies pressed hard against Luke as the crowd grew tighter and more dense. He could feel Mara's hand being pulled away from his arm, and he struggled to fight down the fear that he would be crushed. Mara's fingers dug into his sleeve, trying not to be separated from him. "Please stop!" he cried. Then Mara let go of his arm, and the reporters closed around him, still shouting questions.
The snap-hiss of an igniting lightsaber sliced through the noise, and a cold blue light bathed the faces of the nearest reporters, who managed to shrink back even in the dense crowd, just enough for Luke to slip next to Mara's side. She held her saber high above the reporters' heads and commanded, "Step back!" The crowd cleared another three or four centimeters around them, eyes fixed warily on the lethal blade. Not much room, but enough for Luke and Mara to push their way to the door and stumble into the building. The door closed on the reporters, who were not allowed to enter. As President of the Republic, Leia lived in a high security building with access restricted only to residents and invited guests.
The doorman held the turbolift for Luke and Mara to get on, then punched in their floor. Still gasping for breath, Luke remarked to Mara, "That'll be a great image for the news vids. I can hear the report now: 'Skywalker threatens reporters with lightsaber'."
"It wasn't you, it was me, and I wasn't threatening them, only trying to make room."
"Yeah, I'm sure they'll notice such details." He grinned at her and she returned his smiled. Then he noticed the turbolift's other occupants, several guests who were trying not to look at Luke, although his words had clearly frightened them. They all pressed close against the far side of the lift, and at the first floor the lift stopped at, they all exited, leaving Luke and Mara alone.
Luke squeezed his eyes shut as depression settled over him again. They rode the rest of the way in silence. At their floor, Luke found himself moving slower and slower, unnoticed by Mara who marched on ahead, balancing on her crutches.
Finally Luke stopped altogether and leaned against the wall, as if physically unable to take another step. The panic he felt in the crowd squeezed his heart, and he felt he couldn't bear to face another soul. His breathing grew labored, rugged, bordering on hyperventilation, and he turned his face to the wall, the metal surface cool against his burning forehead.
"Are you all right?" Mara stood next to him.
The fear pressed closer in on him, like the crowd outside the building. "I can't," he gasped into the wall. "Let's just leave."
"You want to go through that crowd again?" she chided. "Look, we're here. We might as well go in."
"I can't bear to face them."
"But you already have."
"Not the kids."
Mara could feel her frustration building. "The kids want to see you. You don't want to disappoint them."
I already have, was Luke's anguished thought. His breathing grew more labored. Tears edged their way into his voice, as he begged, "Please, Mara. I just want to go home. Take me home."
A wave of empathy flowed over Mara, melting away her impatience with Luke's fear. Her voice kind and gentle, she observed, "You are home."
Her words cut through his panic. He turned toward her, leaning into her arms, drawing strength from her. His breathing evened out. He still would have preferred to return to the Temple, but after all she had a point: he really did not want to face the reporters again. He swallowed back his fear, resolving to make it through their visit. Leia would take care of him, he knew. If all he wanted to do was hide in their garden, Leia would let him, and she would make sure the others didn't disturb him.
When Luke had calmed down, Mara took his arm, and they walked slowly down the hall to Han and Leia's apartment. At the door, Mara kissed Luke tenderly on the cheek before ringing the door chime.
The door flew open, and a chorus of happy voices greeted them. "Surprise! Surprise!"
The three Solo children flung themselves at their uncle, throwing their arms around his waist as Luke was pelted with confetti by the adults in the room, Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and two others, Wedge Antilles and Talon Karrde.
Stunned, Luke exclaimed, "Wedge!"
His old wingmate reached over the kids' heads to give him a hug, pounding him hard on the back. "Good to see you, Boss! You know I could never pass up on a party."
"And Captain Karrde! What are you doing here?"
The spacer greeted him with a kiss on each cheek. "I arrived yesterday," he informed Luke in his elegant accent. "Leia was gracious enough to invite me to come tonight."
Luke glanced at Leia, who smiled and shook her head. "I may have come up with the guest list, but the party was the children's idea. They planned the whole thing."
"We did! We did!" the children chimed. Luke fell on his knees and seized all three of them in a huge hug. They squeezed their arms around him as tightly as they could, as if they could force their love into his body. They only dimly understood what their mother had told them about what happened to their uncle and aunt, but they knew Luke needed their help, and they were determined to give it to him. They smothered his face with kisses, kissing up his tears before they could fall. He pulled his head back so he could look at them, his eyes shining.
"I made the sign!" Jaina told him proudly. Luke glanced up at the sign he had not noticed before: "Welcome Home Uncle Luke and Aunt Mara," written in Jaina's neat lettering and liberally illustrated with drawings of all the family members, including the droids.
"And I made a cake," Jacen chimed in. "Your favorite flavor: chocolate!"
"I helped!" Anakin added.
"And I made the decorations," Jaina interrupted.
"All right, that's enough," Leia chided. "Don't you want to say hello to Aunt Mara, too?"
At the prompt, the children detached themselves from Luke and descended on Mara, whom they had grown to love almost as much as their uncle.
As Luke got to his feet again, Han sidled up to him. "They did make the cake, and even helped with dinner. But don't worry, I have the number of a restaurant that delivers."
Luke shook his head. "I'll gladly eat anything those kids ever care to make for me."
"Never make foolish promises," Han returned. Then he directed his attention to his children. Seizing two of them by the collar, he pulled them off Mara before they succeeded in knocking her over. "Go easy on your aunt, will you? And no, Anakin, you can't play with her crutches. Now, whaddya say we all eat?"
The children cheered and rushed into the dining room, where they immediately began squabbling over who would get to sit next to Luke. Leia managed to resolve the conflict with the suggestion that they would switch chairs every ten minutes.
Dinner was as lively a meal as any of them had ever known. Laughter and conversation were passed around with the dishes, the children chattering about school and their latest exploits, Wedge discussing life as a retired general, Karrde talking about his latest business ventures. The noise level never once abated throughout the meal, and Luke drew it in like balm for the soul.
After dinner and the cake, which was decorated with a drawing in icing of what was either two Ugnauts, or Luke and Mara, they all retired to the living room for an impromptu talent show. Luke and Wedge sang the fighting song of Rogue Squadron, Han danced a Corellian reel, Leia told the latest string of Corellian jokes, and Talon Karrde entertained them with a rousing recital of "The Ballad of Ezra Khan, Outlaw of the Rim Worlds." This stirring bit of poetry inspired Anakin to want to demonstrate the latest of his improvised fighting moves, an enterprise which usually resulted in at least one broken piece of furniture, but Jaina jumped up and seized the stage before her little brother could get carried away.
"I want to tell you the best story that was ever told," she announced. "It began a long time ago, many years before I was born. There once lived a beautiful princess, who was brave and smart and wise. Everyone loved her. Everyone, that is, except the evil king. He hated everyone and would be cruel and oppress them. But the beautiful princess fought against him and led all the people in a rebellion. But the evil king kidnapped her and locked her up in a dungeon in his evil castle. So her faithful droids went looking to find someone to help her."
"Oh," Threepio exclaimed. "That must be Artoo and myself!"
"Hush!" Jacen chided. "Of course it is."
Ignoring the interruption, Jaina continued, "So they went everywhere, but no one was brave enough to fight the evil king. Then a brave and handsome knight appeared, with his green lightsaber shining --"
"Excuse me, Master Luke," Threepio again interrupted, "but wasn't your first lightsaber blue?"
Mara rested her hand on the lightsaber in question, and Luke said, "Yes, but Jaina is the one telling the story."
"It's green," Jaina asserted. She collected herself, then continued. "So the brave knight said, 'Never fear. I will save the princess." And the droids said, 'Oh, thank you, thank you, kind sir. But how will we get to the castle? We don't have a ship.' And the knight said, 'I know where to find one.' So they went and found a ship that was the fastest one ever built --"
"She's got that right," Han interjected.
"And the Captain was the most handsome man in the galaxy --"
"I like this story!" Han again interrupted.
"-- and the first mate was the bravest and strongest Wookiee ever. And they said, 'We will help you rescue the princess.'"
"I seem to recall it took a little more persuading than that," Luke drawled.
"And here I thought you Jedi were supposed to have good memories," retorted Han.
"Stop interrupting!" Jacen shouted in his twin's defense.
But Jaina took the interruptions in stride. Without missing a beat, she continued, "So they flew off to the evil king's castle and fought their way in against many evil soldiers. Then the brave knight found the dungeon where the beautiful princess was being held, and with his shining saber, he cut through the door and said --"
"I'M LUKE SKYWALKER, AND I'M HERE TO RESCUE YOU!!!" Jaina, Jacen, Anakin, Han, Leia, Wedge, and even Chewbacca, joined in reciting the line in unison, then disintegrated into laughter while Luke flung his arms over his face in mortal embarrassment.
"We must be missing something," Mara observed to Karrde, who shrugged in puzzlement.
"That's what Luke said when he entered my cell on the Death Star," Leia explained, wiping the tears from her eyes as she tried to control her giggles.
Mara turned a disbelieving look on her husband, who moaned into his hands. "You actually said that?" He only blushed in reply.
"Tatooenes are not really renowned orators," Karrde observed wryly.
"Okay, okay, back to the story," Jacen rebuked. He had heard the famous line often enough, and he didn't really find it that funny. He actually thought it sounded very noble.
Jaina cleared her throat for dramatic effect. "So they rescued the beautiful princess and escaped in the wonderful ship. Then they met with the rebels to plan their attack on the evil king's castle. The beautiful princess gave a great speech, saying, 'Good people of the Republic --'"
"It was the Empire," Anakin corrected.
"'-- now is our greatest hour. We have lived under the dark shadow of tyranny too long. Now we must unite as one to stop the evil king and bring peace and justice to our galaxy once more.'"
"Good speech," Han approved. He squeezed Leia shoulders. "Sounds just like you." Leia said nothing, only smiled proudly at her daughter.
"So all the people came together, and the brave knight, the handsome Captain, and the mighty Wookiee --"
"Don't forget the heroic fighter pilot," Wedge corrected. "He's the most important one."
Jaina had forgotten, but she recovered nicely. "Joined by their good friend, the heroic fighter pilot, they all got in their ships and flew to the castle, where the knight blew it up --"
"Yeah, but he couldn't have done it without his friends," Han pointed out.
"But Uncle Luke is the one who blew it up," Anakin retorted.
"A mere detail," Han replied.
"So then --," Jaina said forcefully, regaining her audience, "they all came home, and everyone was free. And they elected the princess as their new president, and she married the handsome captain --"
"I definitely remember that taking longer," Leia remarked.
"And they had two sons, and a really wonderful and brilliant daughter."
"Boo!" Jacen and Anakin protested.
"And the knight met another brave and beautiful knight, and they got married. And everyone lived happily ever after."
With a flourish, Jaina took her bow amid rousing applause.
Leia rose from her chair to give her daughter a hug. "That was a lovely story, dear. My favorite. But now I'm afraid it's way past your bedtime."
The three children chorused their protests, but to no avail. No one ever won an argument against Leia Organa. They kissed their aunt and uncle good night, hanging closely on Luke's neck, and bade farewell to the others before Han trundled them off to their rooms.
Luke stretched and wrung out a yawn. "We really ought to get home, too. It'll be a big day tomorrow."
"Understandable," Leia said. "I'll notify security so you won't have to run the gauntlet again."
"Thanks," Luke smiled gratefully.
"Thank you for coming." She kissed him on the cheek, then went to call security.
"I'll head on out with you as backup," Wedge volunteered. "But you really could use that sexy fighter pilot in Jaina's story for your wingmate. I really didn't think there was enough about him."
"And what about that mysterious knight at the end?" Mara wondered.
As she and Wedge exchanged banter, Karrde leaned close to Luke. For the Jedi's ears only, he said in a quiet voice, "I can't thank you enough for saving Mara. I know others do not approve of your choice, but I for one am grateful for what you did." Luke said nothing, uncertain how to reply, and Karrde went on, "Really, I am in your debt, and if you don't mind, I'd like to stop by tonight and discuss how I might be able to make it up to you."
While Luke knew how close Karrde was to Mara, he really didn't think he should be thanked for killing Akeeno on her behalf. Awkwardly, he demurred, "Don't be ridiculous."
"I'm not, and I insist on discussing terms with you." Karrde gazed at him with steady eyes, and Luke could not refuse.
With a final round of "goodnights," the party finally broke up. While neither Wedge nor the security guards could disperse the waiting crowd of reporters, they were at least able to hustle Luke, Mara, and Talon Karrde into a speeder without physical injury. Their entrance to the Jedi Temple was once again without incident, and the three of them were soon seated in the Jade-Skywalker living room sipping from snifters of an expensive Corellian brandy Karrde had presented them with earlier.
Mara let the liquor roll over her tongue before swallowing it appreciatively. "I must say, Karrde, for a man who almost never drinks you do know how to pick your booze."
Karrde politely refused to take offensive at Mara's callous reference to the drink. He knew that under the late Emperor's tutelage her palate was as fine as Karrde's, perhaps even finer, though she, too, seldom indulged. No amount of training from Leia, however, had ever had much of a success on Luke, who was and always would be a farm boy at heart, preferring beer to any other form of alcoholic libation. Not that Karrde minded. The gift was primarily meant for Mara anyway. "I'm glad you enjoy it," he replied. "Consider it something of a toast, in celebration of your recovery."
"Thank you." Mara raised her glass in his direction, then sipped another mouthful of brandy. When she had swallowed it with due ceremony, she continued, "As glad as I am to see you, Karrde, I must confess I was surprised to find you here."
Settling back in his chair, Karrde frowned slightly. "Yes, and I cannot stay as long as I might have liked. In fact, as much as I am loathe to bring up business so quickly, I am afraid I must." He gave Mara a wry grin. "Now, you might want to close your ears for a minute, Mara, for I'm going to say one or two nice things about you, and I know how much you hate that."
Mara returned his smile with a mock grimace, and he turned to Luke. "As I said to you earlier, I am indebted to you for saving Mara's life. I happen to believe she is one of the finest people in the galaxy. But more importantly, I consider her a close personal friend. Even, dare I say it, something of a daughter to me." He shot a glance at Mara, who was staring into her brandy glass, uncharacteristically subdued. Facing Luke again, Karrde continued, "I am indeed in your debt, and I would like to repay that debt in my own particular coin: information.
"In all the furor which these late events have generated, I have been surprised that no one to my knowledge has yet made any effort to discover the identity of the people who kidnapped you in the first place."
Luke and Mara exchanged glances. Evidently, this realization had not yet occurred to them. Karrde went on. "I cannot account for this oversight, but I intend to correct it. I will do everything in my power to uncover your kidnappers, and I will give that information to you and to anyone else whom you wish to know about it, at no charge."
Luke was stunned by the offer. As honorable and loyal as Karrde was to his friends, he never gave anything away for free. Tracking down the kidnappers would cost him greatly, in money as well as time and effort. He must consider the debt to be great indeed if he would make such an undertaking for free. Luke almost wanted to refuse, even though he knew how foolish, and even insulting, refusal would be. "I don't really know what to say. If you can find them, it would be ...." He trailed off, not even sure of the possibilities.
Karrde waved a dismissive hand, "Say no more. The thanks are entirely on my side. But what you can do, and you as well, Mara, is tell me everything you can remember about your captors. I want to leave here as soon as possible to get on their trail before it gets any colder."
They spent the next hour or so reviewing how many people had guarded Luke and Mara, how many shifts, numbers of males and females, humans and aliens, and what species. Although their captors had been very careful to remain anonymous, and neither Luke nor Mara had ever seen any part of the ship other than their prison cells, there were nevertheless many identifying clues which two Jedi, well seasoned in space travel, could discern. Karrde was soon able to get a rough idea of the kind of ship and the size of the crew, as well as make some deductions of his own. "It had to be a crew of a minimum of thirty," he pronounced, "though more likely at least forty or fifty. It could be much larger, and either the ship you were on was part of a fleet, or it was a subgroup within a larger organization. But I would imagine not too large. Secrecy would be of the essence, and more people means more chances for a security leak, which is also why they were almost certainly an existing organization rather than a group assembled for the task. Off hand, I know several organizations that run with the species of aliens you mentioned. I think I have enough information to begin a fairly defined search. I'll contact you for more details as the search narrows." He paused meaningfully. "Once we find your captors, we can learn who hired them, for no mercenary will refuse to sell out when someone else can be saddled with the blame. Then we'll know who is really behind this assassination." Karrde fell silent, his mind already working furiously, and neither Luke nor Mara said anything, too wary even to hope for Karrde's success.
For several minutes no one spoke, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Karrde returned to himself, and he looked up at Luke almost self-consciously. Clearing his throat, he said, "I hope you will not choose to take offense at what I'm going to say next, but will receive it in the spirit in which it is offered. But depending on how everything turns out eventually and you need somewhere to go, or if -- not that you would of course, but if you were to decide to give this trial a miss, please know that you will always have a place among my people. I can make even a Jedi Master disappear. I would love to have you work with me, and of course I have always wanted Mara to come back. I never really have accepted your taking her away from me."
"Don't blame him," Mara protested. "I left of my own volition."
"Of course," Karrde demurred. "But I think Luke provided some incentive. You always did have a thing for him."
To Karrde's amusement, it was Luke who blushed at the jibe. To cover his embarrassment Luke said, "I do appreciate the offer, but I won't be able to take you up on it."
"Of course not," Karrde readily agreed, although he secretly hoped Luke would change his mind. "I just wanted you to know that you do have an option. And now I really must return to my ship to begin assembling the data you've given me. But first, let us drink a final toast." He refilled their glasses, then held his aloft, pausing to think of something appropriate, something that would not give voice to their deepest fears, but which would say all that needed to be said.
He let his gaze rest first on Mara, whom he had known and respected for so long. Karrde believed that in her own way she was the equal of Dimishaneer Akeeno. He only hoped she felt the same way. Then he turned to Luke. So-called respectable authority figures had invariably struck Karrde as hypocritical, so he had been genuinely surprised and pleased to find Luke Skywalker to be a warm, sincere, and very human, being. He had come to love and respect the Jedi as much as he did Mara. The fact that Luke now faced trial struck Karrde as a tremendous travesty of justice. He only hoped the rest of the galaxy would soon realize its error.
The toast came to him. He tilted his glass in their direction and said, "To the very best of friends."
Mara and Luke raised their glasses as well. "To best friends."