Return to Naboo Part 7
Author's notes: Hi, everyone. Sorry it's taken me so long to get this part up. DRL has been brutal lately. I'll try to get the rest posted quickly.
Disclaimer: I do own anything, etc.
Zel Miret checked his bag one last time. Yes, everything was there. It was importanat to be prepared. This would be his final chance to have his revenge on Vader. He wasn't worried, though. He had planned well, and he could feel in his bones that this idea would succeed where the others had failed. He was, in fact, almost pleased. This way was the most appropriate, considering how Vader and Palpatine had used him.
Now, finally, Vader was going to have to deal with injustice and suffering he had caused. He would know what it felt like to grieve for a loved one. For Vader did love his son. Miret could hardly believe that the man could actually feel that pure, selfless emotion, but he could see it in Vader's eyes whenever he looked at the boy.
Rather than causing Miret to feel any pity or remorse, though, it just made him angry. How could Vader have taken another man's family when he knew the deep love that existed between a parent and child? No, Vader deserved to suffer.
As for himself, Miret wasn't sure what he would do afterward. Captain Mak Panaka and the security guards weren't making much progress in their investigation. Possibly he would not be caught. He might confess, though. Because in a sudden flash of insight, he realized he wanted Vader to know the whole truth. He wanted that monster to know exactly why his son had died, how his own cruelty had cost the boy his life. Then Miret's revenge would be complete. And if Vader Force-choked him, or he spent the rest of his life in prison, he supposed he deserved that.
His chrono alarm sounded and he picked up his bag and left the room. The Skywalkers would not arrive at Lake Paonga for another hour or more, but he had work to do and he would bet that overeager gungan was already there.
"3PO, R2, what are you doing? We're ready to leave," Luke appeared in the library doorway. They were departing for Otoh Gunga, and Luke had been sent to round up the missing droids.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Master Luke! The house computer informed R2 that Captain Panaka had sent another update on the battle droid investigation," 3PO explained, turning to face the young Jedi from where he and R2 were gathered around a computer console.
Luke went over to join them. "Oh, have they found anything?"
R2 whistled and 3PO translated. "I'm afraid not. Captain Panaka says they have reached an impasse in their search. Unless new evidence turns up, he doubts they will find the culprit."
"That's just wonderful," Luke muttered. Someone could have killed a dozen young children on a school field trip and the guards couldn't figure out who was to blame. It bothered him that someone was going to get away with that. He wondered if they would have time to help with the investigation before returning to Coruscant. It seemed unlikely. They were scheduled to visit the gungans, arrive back at Theed Palace for a formal farewell dinner that evening, and leave for Coruscant in the morning.
"I must say that I have enjoyed our time here at the retreat. It has been surprisingly quiet and restful. I do regret leaving, Master Luke," 3PO commented as R2 turned off the console and they headed to the foyer to join the others.
Luke smiled. "Don't worry, 3PO. We'll be back."
He and Anakin were going to return with Han and Leia. They would speak with Mon Mothma about beginning a search for potential Jedi candidates, and hopefully return to the lake retreat soon to begin training padawans. He and the droids joined the others and they set off back towards Theed, to Lake Paonga.
Miret had brought along an assistant. He would use the man to distract the gungans while he disabled the underwater sub's drive fins. As they approached the lake shore, he was pleased to see that Jar Jar was the only one there. Having only one easily-distracted being around would simplify matters.
He turned to his assistant. "Hirse, I want you to go over the gungans' schedule very closely with Jar Jar. Make sure he understands that the Skywalkers and General Solo must be back at the palace by late afternoon to prepare for the farewell dinner."
While Hirse and Jar Jar were deep in conversation, Miret casually strode to the back of the sub. Quickly he disengaged some wires and pocketed the roatator engine connectors. He smiled as he returned to his assistant's side. They weren't going anywhere in that sub.
An hour and a half after leaving the lake retreat, the Skywalkers and Han arrived at Lake Paonga to find Miret, Hirse, and Jar Jar waiting.
"Mesa so happy to see yousa again," the gungan exclaimed joyfully as they approached.
"Same here, Jar Jar," Anakin gave him a friendly smile. His expression grew almost imperceptably cooler as he turned to Miret. "A pleasure to see you again as well, Dignatary."
"Thank you, sir," Miret nodded rather curtly to them all, though his tone was genial. "I also am pleased to see all of you. I trust you enjoyed your stay at your lake home?"
"It was quiet. I almost didn't know what to do with no one shooting at us," Han replied easily.
"Danger does seem to follow you around. I only hope these infortunate incidents didn't spoil you vacation," Miret also spoke casually.
"Oh, no. We've fallen in love with Naboo," Leia said.
"Perhaps you could make permanent residence here now that you own the lake retreat," the assistant suggested.
Anakin did not want to discuss their future plans in front of Miret. He said neutrally, "Perhaps."
Jar Jar spoke up. "Wesa must be going now. There's so much to do in Otoh Gunga, and yousa must be back in time for dinner." He motioned them towards the gungan sub.
"Not another one," Han muttered. Leia elbowed him sharply.
"Oh, wait," Hirse called as they were climbing into the sub. He picked up a bag and handed it to them. "We packed some aquata breathers and dive suits in case you wanted to go swimming during your visit."
Anakin took the bag and set it down in front of R2. He whispered, "Scan it, R2. Any explosives?"
R2 beeped and 3PO said in his lowest tone, "R2 picks up only the aquata breathers and suits."
Anakin nodded his thanks, and they strapped themselves into their seats. Jar Jar keyed in the ignition sequence, but nothing happened. He tried again. Again nothing happened.
"Mesa not inderstand. It worked fine on the way here," Jar Jar protested as they climbed out.
"Having trouble?" Miret asked solicitiously. "That's rather typical with you, isn't it, Jar Jar?"
"It's not mesa's fault!"
"Unfortunately, you're on a tight schedule. There isn't time to thoroughly examine the sub now. You might have to reschedule your visit," Hirse said.
Miret refrained from speaking. He did not want to be the one to suggest swimming. The Skywalkers were suspicious.
"Oh, no! Wesa looking forward to your visit so much," Jar Jar's shoulders slumped and even his ears seemed to wilt. He was the picture of despair.
"Actually, Otoh Gunga is not very far. I suppose you could swim there," Hirse suggested after a moment.
Anakin almost refused. Something wasn't right here. But Jar Jar suddenly looked so hopeful, and R2 had checked the bag. He and the others looked at one another questioningly. Then slowly they nodded.
"Okay, we'll swim," Luke said.
"What about R2 and myself, Master Luke?" 3PO inquired.
"Your droids are welcome to return to the Palace," Miret offered. "They can wait in your old quarters."
With that settled, they slipped the dive suits over their clothes, placed the aquata breathers in their mouths, and followed Jar Jar into the lake.
The water was warm and schools of brightly colored fish surrounded them. As they swam by an outcropping of underwater rocks, Luke could see thousands of gleaming bubble buildings ahead. Otoh Gunga. He looked at the others and even underwater, he could see their expressions of awe. Not even Anakin had seen the gungan city before and it was a marvel.
Jar Jar motioned them through a portal zone and then they were standing on a dry street. A few passing gungans glanced over, but otherwise everything was quiet.
"Everyone's waiting for us at the main portal," Jar Jar explained. "Wesa use that one when traveling by sub." He pulled out a comlink. "Mesa call and explain."
Meanwhile the others stripped off their dive suits and replaced them, along with the aquata breathers in the bag.
"Wesa go to meet Boss Pagh and the others," Jar Jar remarked cheerfully, and they set off down the street. The main portal must have been close by because it wasn't long before they met up with Boss Pagh and a crowd of other gungans.
During the exuberant greetings, Luke suddenly became aware of another Force-sensitive. He turned quickly to Anakin, who nodded that he felt it, too. Looking around, they soon identified a young female gungan on the edge of the crowd.
"Jar Jar, who is that?" Luke caught their guide's arm and indicated the gungan girl.
"She is Tera Paara. Her father is on Boss Pagh's Rep Council," Jar Jar told him. "Why yousa want to know?"
"She's Force-sensitive," Luke replied.
Jar Jar was thrilled. "Really? Little Tera? How exciting! What are yousa going to do?"
"Well, I suppose we should talk with her and find out if she would like to become a Jedi."
Jar Jar shook his head. "Tera is not yet an adult. Yousa must get her parents' permission to train her."
Anakin spoke up. "Of course. Jar Jar, could you see if Tera and her parents could accompany us?"
"Well, mesa only see her father, but mesa will speak to him."
They spent the next couple of hours touring Otoh Gunga. While Boss Pagh pointed out various sites to Leia and Han, Anakin and Luke approached Tera's father, a distinguished-looking gungan named Coru Paara. They explained their plan to re-establish the Jedi and how they believed Tera had the ability to become a Knight. Would her parents agree for her to be trained?
"No, mesa afraid not," Coru answered immediately. "Being a Jedi is hard and dangerous work. Mesa have no desire to place mesa's child in such a position. Besides, the Jedi do not allow contact with family. Tera's mother and mesa love her too much to give her up."
"I understand your concerns, but we intend to do things a little differently," Anakin told him. J "First of all, we're not going to separate families." He laid a hand on Luke's shoulder. "We believe that parents and children belong together. That's one reason we're not searching for babies and toddlers. You would be able to contact Tera anytime, and she could make regular visits home."
"Secondly, being a Jedi can be dangerous, but trained Jedi can defend themselves quite well. And luckily for us all, the galaxy is at peace now. We hope that the Jedi will be needed more for mediation and diplomacy rather than for fighting."
Coru didn't say anything. After a moment, Luke added. "Force-sensitive being is happiest when they have the capability to commune with and use the Force. It's like having a great gift that fulfills and completes you. At least, please say you'll think about what we've said."
Slowly Coru nodded. "Mesa will talk with Tera and her mother. Wesa will consider your offer. However, please do not say anything to Tera now."
Later they boarded another sub to head back to Theed. Jar Jar carefully piloted them among the reefs and rocks, pointing out sea animals as they went. Before long, the sub rose out of the water. Once on shore they all embraced Jar Jar.
"Mesa will miss yousa. Yousa will come back to visit again, won't yousa?" Jar Jar sniffed and wiped his eye.
"Yes, of course we will," Leia reached up and kissed the gungan on the cheek. "We've had a wonderful time."
Luke patted Jar Jar's arm. "Yes, thanks for inviting us. I'm glad we got to see your home."
They headed back to Theed Palace.
Author's notes: Hi, everyone. Sorry it's taken me so long to get this part up. DRL has been brutal lately. I'll try to get the rest posted quickly.
Disclaimer: I do own anything, etc.
Zel Miret checked his bag one last time. Yes, everything was there. It was importanat to be prepared. This would be his final chance to have his revenge on Vader. He wasn't worried, though. He had planned well, and he could feel in his bones that this idea would succeed where the others had failed. He was, in fact, almost pleased. This way was the most appropriate, considering how Vader and Palpatine had used him.
Now, finally, Vader was going to have to deal with injustice and suffering he had caused. He would know what it felt like to grieve for a loved one. For Vader did love his son. Miret could hardly believe that the man could actually feel that pure, selfless emotion, but he could see it in Vader's eyes whenever he looked at the boy.
Rather than causing Miret to feel any pity or remorse, though, it just made him angry. How could Vader have taken another man's family when he knew the deep love that existed between a parent and child? No, Vader deserved to suffer.
As for himself, Miret wasn't sure what he would do afterward. Captain Mak Panaka and the security guards weren't making much progress in their investigation. Possibly he would not be caught. He might confess, though. Because in a sudden flash of insight, he realized he wanted Vader to know the whole truth. He wanted that monster to know exactly why his son had died, how his own cruelty had cost the boy his life. Then Miret's revenge would be complete. And if Vader Force-choked him, or he spent the rest of his life in prison, he supposed he deserved that.
His chrono alarm sounded and he picked up his bag and left the room. The Skywalkers would not arrive at Lake Paonga for another hour or more, but he had work to do and he would bet that overeager gungan was already there.
"3PO, R2, what are you doing? We're ready to leave," Luke appeared in the library doorway. They were departing for Otoh Gunga, and Luke had been sent to round up the missing droids.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Master Luke! The house computer informed R2 that Captain Panaka had sent another update on the battle droid investigation," 3PO explained, turning to face the young Jedi from where he and R2 were gathered around a computer console.
Luke went over to join them. "Oh, have they found anything?"
R2 whistled and 3PO translated. "I'm afraid not. Captain Panaka says they have reached an impasse in their search. Unless new evidence turns up, he doubts they will find the culprit."
"That's just wonderful," Luke muttered. Someone could have killed a dozen young children on a school field trip and the guards couldn't figure out who was to blame. It bothered him that someone was going to get away with that. He wondered if they would have time to help with the investigation before returning to Coruscant. It seemed unlikely. They were scheduled to visit the gungans, arrive back at Theed Palace for a formal farewell dinner that evening, and leave for Coruscant in the morning.
"I must say that I have enjoyed our time here at the retreat. It has been surprisingly quiet and restful. I do regret leaving, Master Luke," 3PO commented as R2 turned off the console and they headed to the foyer to join the others.
Luke smiled. "Don't worry, 3PO. We'll be back."
He and Anakin were going to return with Han and Leia. They would speak with Mon Mothma about beginning a search for potential Jedi candidates, and hopefully return to the lake retreat soon to begin training padawans. He and the droids joined the others and they set off back towards Theed, to Lake Paonga.
Miret had brought along an assistant. He would use the man to distract the gungans while he disabled the underwater sub's drive fins. As they approached the lake shore, he was pleased to see that Jar Jar was the only one there. Having only one easily-distracted being around would simplify matters.
He turned to his assistant. "Hirse, I want you to go over the gungans' schedule very closely with Jar Jar. Make sure he understands that the Skywalkers and General Solo must be back at the palace by late afternoon to prepare for the farewell dinner."
While Hirse and Jar Jar were deep in conversation, Miret casually strode to the back of the sub. Quickly he disengaged some wires and pocketed the roatator engine connectors. He smiled as he returned to his assistant's side. They weren't going anywhere in that sub.
An hour and a half after leaving the lake retreat, the Skywalkers and Han arrived at Lake Paonga to find Miret, Hirse, and Jar Jar waiting.
"Mesa so happy to see yousa again," the gungan exclaimed joyfully as they approached.
"Same here, Jar Jar," Anakin gave him a friendly smile. His expression grew almost imperceptably cooler as he turned to Miret. "A pleasure to see you again as well, Dignatary."
"Thank you, sir," Miret nodded rather curtly to them all, though his tone was genial. "I also am pleased to see all of you. I trust you enjoyed your stay at your lake home?"
"It was quiet. I almost didn't know what to do with no one shooting at us," Han replied easily.
"Danger does seem to follow you around. I only hope these infortunate incidents didn't spoil you vacation," Miret also spoke casually.
"Oh, no. We've fallen in love with Naboo," Leia said.
"Perhaps you could make permanent residence here now that you own the lake retreat," the assistant suggested.
Anakin did not want to discuss their future plans in front of Miret. He said neutrally, "Perhaps."
Jar Jar spoke up. "Wesa must be going now. There's so much to do in Otoh Gunga, and yousa must be back in time for dinner." He motioned them towards the gungan sub.
"Not another one," Han muttered. Leia elbowed him sharply.
"Oh, wait," Hirse called as they were climbing into the sub. He picked up a bag and handed it to them. "We packed some aquata breathers and dive suits in case you wanted to go swimming during your visit."
Anakin took the bag and set it down in front of R2. He whispered, "Scan it, R2. Any explosives?"
R2 beeped and 3PO said in his lowest tone, "R2 picks up only the aquata breathers and suits."
Anakin nodded his thanks, and they strapped themselves into their seats. Jar Jar keyed in the ignition sequence, but nothing happened. He tried again. Again nothing happened.
"Mesa not inderstand. It worked fine on the way here," Jar Jar protested as they climbed out.
"Having trouble?" Miret asked solicitiously. "That's rather typical with you, isn't it, Jar Jar?"
"It's not mesa's fault!"
"Unfortunately, you're on a tight schedule. There isn't time to thoroughly examine the sub now. You might have to reschedule your visit," Hirse said.
Miret refrained from speaking. He did not want to be the one to suggest swimming. The Skywalkers were suspicious.
"Oh, no! Wesa looking forward to your visit so much," Jar Jar's shoulders slumped and even his ears seemed to wilt. He was the picture of despair.
"Actually, Otoh Gunga is not very far. I suppose you could swim there," Hirse suggested after a moment.
Anakin almost refused. Something wasn't right here. But Jar Jar suddenly looked so hopeful, and R2 had checked the bag. He and the others looked at one another questioningly. Then slowly they nodded.
"Okay, we'll swim," Luke said.
"What about R2 and myself, Master Luke?" 3PO inquired.
"Your droids are welcome to return to the Palace," Miret offered. "They can wait in your old quarters."
With that settled, they slipped the dive suits over their clothes, placed the aquata breathers in their mouths, and followed Jar Jar into the lake.
The water was warm and schools of brightly colored fish surrounded them. As they swam by an outcropping of underwater rocks, Luke could see thousands of gleaming bubble buildings ahead. Otoh Gunga. He looked at the others and even underwater, he could see their expressions of awe. Not even Anakin had seen the gungan city before and it was a marvel.
Jar Jar motioned them through a portal zone and then they were standing on a dry street. A few passing gungans glanced over, but otherwise everything was quiet.
"Everyone's waiting for us at the main portal," Jar Jar explained. "Wesa use that one when traveling by sub." He pulled out a comlink. "Mesa call and explain."
Meanwhile the others stripped off their dive suits and replaced them, along with the aquata breathers in the bag.
"Wesa go to meet Boss Pagh and the others," Jar Jar remarked cheerfully, and they set off down the street. The main portal must have been close by because it wasn't long before they met up with Boss Pagh and a crowd of other gungans.
During the exuberant greetings, Luke suddenly became aware of another Force-sensitive. He turned quickly to Anakin, who nodded that he felt it, too. Looking around, they soon identified a young female gungan on the edge of the crowd.
"Jar Jar, who is that?" Luke caught their guide's arm and indicated the gungan girl.
"She is Tera Paara. Her father is on Boss Pagh's Rep Council," Jar Jar told him. "Why yousa want to know?"
"She's Force-sensitive," Luke replied.
Jar Jar was thrilled. "Really? Little Tera? How exciting! What are yousa going to do?"
"Well, I suppose we should talk with her and find out if she would like to become a Jedi."
Jar Jar shook his head. "Tera is not yet an adult. Yousa must get her parents' permission to train her."
Anakin spoke up. "Of course. Jar Jar, could you see if Tera and her parents could accompany us?"
"Well, mesa only see her father, but mesa will speak to him."
They spent the next couple of hours touring Otoh Gunga. While Boss Pagh pointed out various sites to Leia and Han, Anakin and Luke approached Tera's father, a distinguished-looking gungan named Coru Paara. They explained their plan to re-establish the Jedi and how they believed Tera had the ability to become a Knight. Would her parents agree for her to be trained?
"No, mesa afraid not," Coru answered immediately. "Being a Jedi is hard and dangerous work. Mesa have no desire to place mesa's child in such a position. Besides, the Jedi do not allow contact with family. Tera's mother and mesa love her too much to give her up."
"I understand your concerns, but we intend to do things a little differently," Anakin told him. J "First of all, we're not going to separate families." He laid a hand on Luke's shoulder. "We believe that parents and children belong together. That's one reason we're not searching for babies and toddlers. You would be able to contact Tera anytime, and she could make regular visits home."
"Secondly, being a Jedi can be dangerous, but trained Jedi can defend themselves quite well. And luckily for us all, the galaxy is at peace now. We hope that the Jedi will be needed more for mediation and diplomacy rather than for fighting."
Coru didn't say anything. After a moment, Luke added. "Force-sensitive being is happiest when they have the capability to commune with and use the Force. It's like having a great gift that fulfills and completes you. At least, please say you'll think about what we've said."
Slowly Coru nodded. "Mesa will talk with Tera and her mother. Wesa will consider your offer. However, please do not say anything to Tera now."
Later they boarded another sub to head back to Theed. Jar Jar carefully piloted them among the reefs and rocks, pointing out sea animals as they went. Before long, the sub rose out of the water. Once on shore they all embraced Jar Jar.
"Mesa will miss yousa. Yousa will come back to visit again, won't yousa?" Jar Jar sniffed and wiped his eye.
"Yes, of course we will," Leia reached up and kissed the gungan on the cheek. "We've had a wonderful time."
Luke patted Jar Jar's arm. "Yes, thanks for inviting us. I'm glad we got to see your home."
They headed back to Theed Palace.