Disclaimer: Most of the characters featured are the property of G. Lucas.
No copyright infringement intended. I am NOT making any money with this.
ONLY TO BE ARCHIVED AT FANFICTION.NET
Timeline: Post- Vision of the Future, replacing Union
To M. For feedback, excellent company, fellowship in SW-madness and fun around the clock ;=) (Especially behind the wheel - I sure would like to see you with an X-wing!)
SPOILER ALERT: Planet of Twilight, Showdown at Centrepoint, Specter of The Past, Vision of The Future, Vector Prime as well as some later New Jedi Orders. (And naturally the Thrawn trilogy, how can anyone possibly avoid that? ;=)
WARPED UNIVERSE ALERT: For the sake of storytelling, Isard's not dead at all. Condolenses to those who get stomach cramps from the woman. I know what you're going through. Just thank the stars of Alderaan I didn't bring Callista back.
Star Wars: The Rising By Heidi Ahlmen (siirma6@surfeu.fi)
Rishian system, Outer Rim
The Admiral's quarters aboard the Judicator offered very little in the terms of pastime. Admiral Pellaeon let himself get occupied with old battle holos - not that they were any use to the remnants of the Empire's greatest fleet anymore, they no longer even had many TIEs, just a sufficient amount of those accursed Preybirds.
He now understood what it must've felt like for Admiral Daala, waiting years and years for the last shred of hope. Pellaeon just hoped history would not repeat itself - when the news came, it had better be good.
The transmission set rattled right in the middle of dinner. Pellaeon ushered his company - a young commander who'd come to discuss the amount of armaments that would be transported to be used in the rebuild of the Chimaera - out, and sat in front of the holo projector in a state of childlike enthusiasm. An overflowing sense of deja vu crept itself into his spine as the holo revealed a cloaked figure in the fashion of the best days of the Empire.
But this was not the Emperor. It was a slimmer, taller figure with a voice like Svivren snakes - half whisper, half shriek and very high, and intimidating even by Pellaeon's standards. And he'd even served under Thrawn.
"Admiral. You have rehearsed your patience long enough. As have I. Do you have what I require?"
The Admiral nodded, still slightly reluctant to admit to that the once mighty empire now had to resort to political plotting.
"And I assume it is skillfully crafted and up to the expected standards of credibility?" the shape asked, tone full of controlled curiosity.
Pellaeon nodded. "Yes." Curt and honest answers had always been appreciated within Imperial ranks. The rebels' - and later the New Republicans' way of speech had always been a mystery to him - how could such a seemingly unorganized and blabbering lot ever have defeated the Emperor with anything but sheer luck? The tables had indeed turned, and even with this new treaty Pellaeon's skin secretly crawled at the thought of a total meltdown of Imperial troops into the new order in the galaxy. Meltdown into oblivion filled with lowlife pleasures and crime. Or where there any other professions open for low-rank former stormtroopers? Pellaeon took pride in his caring for his lot.
The hooded figure decided to interrupt his train of thought. "I have to say I am pleased, Admiral. As it is not yet possible for us to meet, I promise to return this favor after we have recreated order in this galaxy."
"Thank you, Master."
The voice laughed. It sounded like Hoth icepicks falling on Neimoidian blue rock. Uncontrolled shivers went down Pellaeon's back.
"And I expect not to be disappointed, Admiral. This means no antics, no Jedi clones, no incompetent fools cruising around with half of the fleet. This has to be handled delicately - unlike the Caamasi incident evidently was."
Pellaeon felt he was being ran down like a child. Sometimes he really did hope leadership in the new empire would consist of military rank, not Force- sensitive boasters, although he had to admit this new plan was a lot more cunning than most of the backfired ones in his past and the engineer of it wasn't one to be underestimated. "No, Master."
The fading holo figure nodded quickly, and disappeared.
After the necessary but not very time-consuming official parts had been legitimated, the attention of the Council moved on to Luke and Mara.
Leia shifted in her chair.
President Gavrisom cleared his throat. "I would like to thank Master Skywalker for bearing with us. This administrative talk must make you feel like a waste of good time, which is not our aim today. We felt the need to summon this meeting to address a - should I say - thought that has been raised in the senate. Senator of the Corellian systems has approached the council with the suggestion of changing the collaboration of the Jedi and the New Republic,"
Luke took a better position in his chair. He had been petitioning long for the official recognition of his growing new order as the protectors and peacekeepers of the galaxy. He would very much have liked to see the Jedi be given back the role they'd had prior to the Clone Wars.
But what President Gavrisom had to say startled him. "We all recall the tragic chain of events that lead to the birth of the Empire, and it would be naive to say that the role of the Jedi was indifferent. To prevent this chain from repeating itself, Senator Gann of the Corellian system has proposed that the Jedi could prehaps exist separately from the Republic, protected and recognized, but not in the official chain of command. You would be ambassadors of your own will and could be called to assist by those in need without official channels."
Luke was stunned. "In other words, the Jedi would only be a cult in an ocean of other cults, even though perhaps a more prestigious one than the others?" His tone was more than unambigously attacking. Mara, next to her, was lost in silent comtemplation, which annoyed Luke even more. Mara had always pretended the issues of the Jedi did not concern her, and Luke every once in awhile had to be reminding her of her treasured possession - the light sabre and the burden of Jedi ethics she, too, embraced like he himself did.
President Gavrisom's features melted into an apologetic smile. "It might not be politically wise to say this, but our reaction was similar. Unfortunately, our isn't the only view in circulation. The Corellian system is, as you are aware, an important one. And Senator Gann has proven herself not to be one to retrace her steps."
The Malastarean senator eyed Luke sympathetically. "Noone here is undermining the importance of the Jedi in regaining the Republic. We only wish to evaluate this matter." Grinning, he added: "And as Senator Gann seems so preoccupied with the matter, we suggest we send her a Jedi to talk to about this proposition and to provide her with the information needed for proceeding further."
Luke understood. "I will see to it myself. I have to admit you had me worried for a second," he added, smiling.
President Gavrisom exchanged a glance with Leia, who left, apologizing to Luke and Mara.
"And now, onto more pleasant matters," President Gavrisom changed the subject.
Senator Fey'lya of Bothawui didn't share his smile. "I wouldn't exactly say so, if I may, President."
Gavrisom ignored him. "I think congratulations are at place here. Luke, and Captain Jade - Leia has shared the news. When will the ceremony be taking place?"
Mara could feel the early symptoms of what could easily develop into a boyish blush in Luke's mind. Damned Jedi. "We haven't decided yet."
Fey'lya cut in. "And how are you two making sure this won't turn into a scandal?"
Blunt answer to a blunt question. Mara sat up, eyeing the Bothan senator with icy eyes. "It gets me every time I meet Leia to see how she's had to sacrifice her privacy, her marriage to this Republic. I'm not willing to do the same, and frankly, what sithspawn reason is there for council intervention?"
Luke almost apologized for Mara's language, but the venom oozing into his mind from Mara's direction made him bite his tongue. Hard.
Gavrisom looked as apologetic as he could. "Intervention isn't the word that should spring to mind here. It is but mere concern for the chagrin we wish to spare you. We are willing -"
But Fey'lya wasn't so easily beaten. "A war hero of the rebellion marries perhaps the most dangerous Imperial agent and the right hand of the emperor himself? Hardly sends the message the Imperials have been defeated."
Luke had to keep himself from standing up. "Mara Jade is a Jedi. She has worked independent of all Imperial connections all these years since Endor."
The Anorean senator leaned back in his chair. "As far as we know Captain Jade has no official ties with the Jedi."
"Wouldn't being the Master's wife then be a connection?" Mara spat, and suddenly stood up. She gave a nod to Gavrisom without sparing a single thought in Luke's direction, and then stormed out, banging the wooden doors in her wake, leaving Luke sitting stupefied.
President Gavrisom looked so apologetic it made Luke wonder if he'd been born with the same impression. "It was not our aim today to batter insults." He eyed the Anorean senator.
"Why isn't Leia here?" Luke asked, preoccupied with Mara, who was broadcasting her all-consuming annoyance on broad band as she was pacing the corridors outside the hall.
"She thought best to leave as she considered this not to be her issue to discuss."
Luke felt slightly disappointed for Leia not being there to back him up. "I will take care of the Corellian senator," he sighed, already tired.
President Gavrisom silenced the Bothan senator who was about to open his muzzle again. "The marriage here is a fact. In these times it is just necessary for us to think about the reputation of the Republic. We do not wish to interfere with your relationship, only see if there would be advantages or disadvantages in this matter."
"So that if your opinion were to be that Mara would be a threat to the new political order she would have to sneak in to where I happen to be and act like a concubine. And if she wasn't we'd spend most of our days waving from balconies? No thank you."
Luke nodded his goodbye. Maybe Mara was right. They had no right. No right at all. And still Luke understood. It would've been rather inconsiderate towards the achievements in the forming of the New Republic not to do everything that was possible to ensure political stability. The peoples of the galaxy loved their holonet soap operas. And if they got a live one, all the better.
Still, if Mara had taught him one thing, it was that being a Jedi didn't mean sacrificing everything. You were entitled to some things. 'And you're entitled to me,' he recalled Mara saying once, after a discussion on the transparisteel floor of the Jade's Fire, clothes scattered around them, the coldness of space reaching their bodies through the chilly floor, the vibrations of the hyperdrive stroking them like a wave from the Force itself..
Luke walked out of the door.
************************************************'
Thank you for reading. Reviews and feedback would be greatly appreciated - they're the fuel that feeds this creative furnace.
Heidi Ahlmen siirma6@surfeu.fi
ONLY TO BE ARCHIVED AT FANFICTION.NET
Timeline: Post- Vision of the Future, replacing Union
To M. For feedback, excellent company, fellowship in SW-madness and fun around the clock ;=) (Especially behind the wheel - I sure would like to see you with an X-wing!)
SPOILER ALERT: Planet of Twilight, Showdown at Centrepoint, Specter of The Past, Vision of The Future, Vector Prime as well as some later New Jedi Orders. (And naturally the Thrawn trilogy, how can anyone possibly avoid that? ;=)
WARPED UNIVERSE ALERT: For the sake of storytelling, Isard's not dead at all. Condolenses to those who get stomach cramps from the woman. I know what you're going through. Just thank the stars of Alderaan I didn't bring Callista back.
Star Wars: The Rising By Heidi Ahlmen (siirma6@surfeu.fi)
Rishian system, Outer Rim
The Admiral's quarters aboard the Judicator offered very little in the terms of pastime. Admiral Pellaeon let himself get occupied with old battle holos - not that they were any use to the remnants of the Empire's greatest fleet anymore, they no longer even had many TIEs, just a sufficient amount of those accursed Preybirds.
He now understood what it must've felt like for Admiral Daala, waiting years and years for the last shred of hope. Pellaeon just hoped history would not repeat itself - when the news came, it had better be good.
The transmission set rattled right in the middle of dinner. Pellaeon ushered his company - a young commander who'd come to discuss the amount of armaments that would be transported to be used in the rebuild of the Chimaera - out, and sat in front of the holo projector in a state of childlike enthusiasm. An overflowing sense of deja vu crept itself into his spine as the holo revealed a cloaked figure in the fashion of the best days of the Empire.
But this was not the Emperor. It was a slimmer, taller figure with a voice like Svivren snakes - half whisper, half shriek and very high, and intimidating even by Pellaeon's standards. And he'd even served under Thrawn.
"Admiral. You have rehearsed your patience long enough. As have I. Do you have what I require?"
The Admiral nodded, still slightly reluctant to admit to that the once mighty empire now had to resort to political plotting.
"And I assume it is skillfully crafted and up to the expected standards of credibility?" the shape asked, tone full of controlled curiosity.
Pellaeon nodded. "Yes." Curt and honest answers had always been appreciated within Imperial ranks. The rebels' - and later the New Republicans' way of speech had always been a mystery to him - how could such a seemingly unorganized and blabbering lot ever have defeated the Emperor with anything but sheer luck? The tables had indeed turned, and even with this new treaty Pellaeon's skin secretly crawled at the thought of a total meltdown of Imperial troops into the new order in the galaxy. Meltdown into oblivion filled with lowlife pleasures and crime. Or where there any other professions open for low-rank former stormtroopers? Pellaeon took pride in his caring for his lot.
The hooded figure decided to interrupt his train of thought. "I have to say I am pleased, Admiral. As it is not yet possible for us to meet, I promise to return this favor after we have recreated order in this galaxy."
"Thank you, Master."
The voice laughed. It sounded like Hoth icepicks falling on Neimoidian blue rock. Uncontrolled shivers went down Pellaeon's back.
"And I expect not to be disappointed, Admiral. This means no antics, no Jedi clones, no incompetent fools cruising around with half of the fleet. This has to be handled delicately - unlike the Caamasi incident evidently was."
Pellaeon felt he was being ran down like a child. Sometimes he really did hope leadership in the new empire would consist of military rank, not Force- sensitive boasters, although he had to admit this new plan was a lot more cunning than most of the backfired ones in his past and the engineer of it wasn't one to be underestimated. "No, Master."
The fading holo figure nodded quickly, and disappeared.
After the necessary but not very time-consuming official parts had been legitimated, the attention of the Council moved on to Luke and Mara.
Leia shifted in her chair.
President Gavrisom cleared his throat. "I would like to thank Master Skywalker for bearing with us. This administrative talk must make you feel like a waste of good time, which is not our aim today. We felt the need to summon this meeting to address a - should I say - thought that has been raised in the senate. Senator of the Corellian systems has approached the council with the suggestion of changing the collaboration of the Jedi and the New Republic,"
Luke took a better position in his chair. He had been petitioning long for the official recognition of his growing new order as the protectors and peacekeepers of the galaxy. He would very much have liked to see the Jedi be given back the role they'd had prior to the Clone Wars.
But what President Gavrisom had to say startled him. "We all recall the tragic chain of events that lead to the birth of the Empire, and it would be naive to say that the role of the Jedi was indifferent. To prevent this chain from repeating itself, Senator Gann of the Corellian system has proposed that the Jedi could prehaps exist separately from the Republic, protected and recognized, but not in the official chain of command. You would be ambassadors of your own will and could be called to assist by those in need without official channels."
Luke was stunned. "In other words, the Jedi would only be a cult in an ocean of other cults, even though perhaps a more prestigious one than the others?" His tone was more than unambigously attacking. Mara, next to her, was lost in silent comtemplation, which annoyed Luke even more. Mara had always pretended the issues of the Jedi did not concern her, and Luke every once in awhile had to be reminding her of her treasured possession - the light sabre and the burden of Jedi ethics she, too, embraced like he himself did.
President Gavrisom's features melted into an apologetic smile. "It might not be politically wise to say this, but our reaction was similar. Unfortunately, our isn't the only view in circulation. The Corellian system is, as you are aware, an important one. And Senator Gann has proven herself not to be one to retrace her steps."
The Malastarean senator eyed Luke sympathetically. "Noone here is undermining the importance of the Jedi in regaining the Republic. We only wish to evaluate this matter." Grinning, he added: "And as Senator Gann seems so preoccupied with the matter, we suggest we send her a Jedi to talk to about this proposition and to provide her with the information needed for proceeding further."
Luke understood. "I will see to it myself. I have to admit you had me worried for a second," he added, smiling.
President Gavrisom exchanged a glance with Leia, who left, apologizing to Luke and Mara.
"And now, onto more pleasant matters," President Gavrisom changed the subject.
Senator Fey'lya of Bothawui didn't share his smile. "I wouldn't exactly say so, if I may, President."
Gavrisom ignored him. "I think congratulations are at place here. Luke, and Captain Jade - Leia has shared the news. When will the ceremony be taking place?"
Mara could feel the early symptoms of what could easily develop into a boyish blush in Luke's mind. Damned Jedi. "We haven't decided yet."
Fey'lya cut in. "And how are you two making sure this won't turn into a scandal?"
Blunt answer to a blunt question. Mara sat up, eyeing the Bothan senator with icy eyes. "It gets me every time I meet Leia to see how she's had to sacrifice her privacy, her marriage to this Republic. I'm not willing to do the same, and frankly, what sithspawn reason is there for council intervention?"
Luke almost apologized for Mara's language, but the venom oozing into his mind from Mara's direction made him bite his tongue. Hard.
Gavrisom looked as apologetic as he could. "Intervention isn't the word that should spring to mind here. It is but mere concern for the chagrin we wish to spare you. We are willing -"
But Fey'lya wasn't so easily beaten. "A war hero of the rebellion marries perhaps the most dangerous Imperial agent and the right hand of the emperor himself? Hardly sends the message the Imperials have been defeated."
Luke had to keep himself from standing up. "Mara Jade is a Jedi. She has worked independent of all Imperial connections all these years since Endor."
The Anorean senator leaned back in his chair. "As far as we know Captain Jade has no official ties with the Jedi."
"Wouldn't being the Master's wife then be a connection?" Mara spat, and suddenly stood up. She gave a nod to Gavrisom without sparing a single thought in Luke's direction, and then stormed out, banging the wooden doors in her wake, leaving Luke sitting stupefied.
President Gavrisom looked so apologetic it made Luke wonder if he'd been born with the same impression. "It was not our aim today to batter insults." He eyed the Anorean senator.
"Why isn't Leia here?" Luke asked, preoccupied with Mara, who was broadcasting her all-consuming annoyance on broad band as she was pacing the corridors outside the hall.
"She thought best to leave as she considered this not to be her issue to discuss."
Luke felt slightly disappointed for Leia not being there to back him up. "I will take care of the Corellian senator," he sighed, already tired.
President Gavrisom silenced the Bothan senator who was about to open his muzzle again. "The marriage here is a fact. In these times it is just necessary for us to think about the reputation of the Republic. We do not wish to interfere with your relationship, only see if there would be advantages or disadvantages in this matter."
"So that if your opinion were to be that Mara would be a threat to the new political order she would have to sneak in to where I happen to be and act like a concubine. And if she wasn't we'd spend most of our days waving from balconies? No thank you."
Luke nodded his goodbye. Maybe Mara was right. They had no right. No right at all. And still Luke understood. It would've been rather inconsiderate towards the achievements in the forming of the New Republic not to do everything that was possible to ensure political stability. The peoples of the galaxy loved their holonet soap operas. And if they got a live one, all the better.
Still, if Mara had taught him one thing, it was that being a Jedi didn't mean sacrificing everything. You were entitled to some things. 'And you're entitled to me,' he recalled Mara saying once, after a discussion on the transparisteel floor of the Jade's Fire, clothes scattered around them, the coldness of space reaching their bodies through the chilly floor, the vibrations of the hyperdrive stroking them like a wave from the Force itself..
Luke walked out of the door.
************************************************'
Thank you for reading. Reviews and feedback would be greatly appreciated - they're the fuel that feeds this creative furnace.
Heidi Ahlmen siirma6@surfeu.fi