Oct 2002
Disclaimer: It all belongs to Lucasfilm, I don't own anything...
From Scratch
Chapter 2
Dragon's Fury dropped into Calamari space and was bombarded by messages of welcome. The Queen Mother's flag ship was well known as it had been on the forefront of many a battle. Tenel Ka allowed the junior comm. officer to channel the traffic as the senior hailed the planet as requested clearance to land a shuttle. They came back almost immediately with a docking bay and clearance codes. They also assigned a squadron of X-Wings as an honor escort. Rogue Squadron, just returned from their successful simultaneous attack of the Main Yuuzhan Vong ship manufacturing planet.
Tenel Ka stared impassively out the view port as the eleven X-wings took up escort positions. A lone X-Wing came in on an intercept course and hailed Dragon's Fury. "Dragon's Fury, this is General Antilles, requesting permission to join your escort."
The comm. officer looked at Tenel Ka. General Antilles had enough authority to join the escort weather they said anything or not. What game was he playing? Tenel Ka walked over to the comm. unit and flipped the switches herself. "General Antilles, it is our honor to have Rogue Squadron's best flying escort. Permission granted."
"Thank you, Queen Mother. And Welcome to Calamari." The comm. clicked off and Tenel Ka strode back to the window. Wedge Antilles was a name she'd heard often, but someone she'd met only once. She hoped when they landed she'd have more time to get to know him. But after she saw Jacen again. She felt the urge to pace and contained herself. Royalty didn't pace, even warrior Queens.
"ETA?"
The Captain looked up. "Ten minutes, your Highness."
She inclined her head and turned back to the view port. Ten minutes until they were in range to drop the shuttle. Fifteen minutes after that until planet fall and there would be hours after that of meeting with the New Republic's Chief of Staff, the Jedi Council and assorted other duties she was duty-bound to disclose before she could spend time on her own agenda. Somehow she would cut those hours down. She would see Jacen before tomorrow. Nothing else was acceptable.
Jacen stepped into the dimly lit medical lab. "Hello?"
A Two-One-B medical droid rolled over. "This is a restricted area, family only."
"My name is Jacen Solo, I was told Tarc wished to see me."
The droid whirred softly for a few minutes while Jacen waited patiently. Tahiri waited in the corridor, unsure if she would be able to speak to the boy who brought back every painful memory like it was yesterday. She'd promised to try and that was more than Jacen had expected. He waited as something clicked inside the droid and the lights lit up. He made a mental note to tell the Chief of State they needed to update to the new Zeta models.
"Jacen Solo. Is Tahiri Velia with you?"
He nodded, Force calling the young woman to come in. Her bare feet were silent on the cool floor panels as she stepped inside. She was pale, her jaw locked with resolve. Jacen mentally noted the tight flight suit she wore, her hair tied at the nape of her neck. If this worked, he supposed she wanted to look her best. "This is Tahiri."
"Follow me," the Two-One-B said in its mechanical voice. It led the way through several closed off areas and stopped at the door furthest from the main entrance of the lab. Jacen glanced at the silent blonde and nodded to the door. She shook her head, swallowing convulsively. Jacen thanked the droid before gently opening the door.
Tarc lay on the bed, almost as white as the medical sheets, a dozen machines hooked up to his body. His will to live had been destroyed, though there was nothing physically wrong with him, and the machines ensured he lived. At 16, he was the spitting image of what Anakin had been.
"Tarc?"
The boy's eyelids fluttered before slowly opening. Jacen's heart lurched painfully in his chest. Tarc's crystal blue eyes were void of all emotion, their spark gone. Recognition flicked briefly in their depths before they became blank again. Tarc's voice was soft as he spoke. "Jacen. Is Tahiri with you?"
He nodded. "She's waiting outside. It's very... painful for her to see you."
Tarc closed his eyes, lying back against the pillows. "I know. I'm sorry I brought your family pain. You've all been very good to me."
Jacen stepped closer, gently picking the boy's hand up and clasping it in his own. "My mother tells me you've been talking to Anakin."
Tarc smiled, opening his eyes again and Jacen saw acceptance in their depths. "Anakin should never have died, Jacen. He had everything going for him and then nothing. That isn't right. I have nothing. My family was killed when the convoy was attack on their way to Calamari two months ago. I heard about it last week."
"Why, Tarc? You're young, you could make a place for yourself."
Tarc shook his head weakly. "No, Jacen. People look at me and see your brother. They see hope being stolen when it was most needed. They feel pain and anguish. That isn't right. Tahiri loved Anakin, she still loves him, I know, Anakin told me. He feels the same way. I have nobody and that makes this decision the right one. Nobody will mourn the death of Tarc, they'll rejoice in Anakin's return. Will you help me give your brother back what should never have been taken from him?"
"Does Anakin want this?"
Tarc smiled softly. "He said you'd ask me that. He wants to return to Tahiri; he thought she'd be able to go on but her pain is only getting worse. He's earned his rest, but for her, he's agreed to come back."
Jacen's gaze went to the closed door. He could understand that. The thought of a certain Hapan Princess had helped him come back too. He met Tarc's gaze again. "Are you certain you want this?"
Tarc nodded, his smile peaceful. "They deserve happiness, Jacen. I want to see my family again."
Jacen sighed. "You're sure?"
"Yes."
"And there's nothing I can say to convince you to go on living?"
"No."
"Very well. I'll get Tahiri."
Tarc was silent, watching the door as Jacen opened it and offered his hand to the blonde. She carefully took it, shaking like a leaf as she stepped into the sick room. She swallowed hard, her eyes tearing up as she looked at Tarc and then away. It was too painful to look at him.
"Tahiri."
She kept her gaze on her feet. "I...I can't, Tarc, I..."
"I understand." Tarc looked at Jacen. "Anakin said you've got to join hands with me. You were the closest people to him. One at his death, the other during life. By using you as a guiding light, he's going to accept my gift to him. Come closer."
They stepped up, one on either side of the bed, Tahiri's gaze on the slim hand he held out to her. She awkwardly grasped it, tears slipping from her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. Jacen grasped her other hand before grasping Tarc's again.
Tarc closed his eyes. "What is mine, is now yours. Take my gift to you, Anakin Solo." He said softly.
Emotions and memories flooded through Tahiri's mind. Laughter, pain, knowledge and togetherness. Anakin coming to her rescue on Yavin 4. Anakin and her first kiss. Their cheerful banter at the academy. All of it formed a kaleidoscope of colors before the feel of his death lanced through her again.
Jacen felt the same, feeling Anakin's willingness to let go, his acceptance of his fate. Yet the regret that he'd be leaving Tahiri and his family. Jacen held onto that, opening himself up to the Force completely and finding a brilliant presence in his mind. *Anakin.*
*Guide me,* Anakin whispered in their minds, *guide me back to you.*
Jacen concentrated on Anakin's voice and focused on channeling his presence -into- Tarc's body. He knew the instant Tarc let go. He gave up willingly, on a sigh, his presence suddenly pushing insistently at Anakin. Somehow Tarc had emerged in their Force meld.
Tahiri screamed as pain lanced through her body, the knowledge that Anakin was so close, yet she still couldn't feel him. Her mind reached for him desperately, begging, pleading, for some sign that he was coming back to her. Needing him to the point of obsession. Something happened, a mental explosion, and Tahiri was thrown across the room. She slammed into the wall painfully and slid down, her scream cut short. Tears poured down her cheeks as she buried her face in her knees and wept.
Jacen was prepared when the explosion came, having felt something building, and managed to stay on his feet. Better disciplined than Tahiri, he poured his concentration into the explosion building it, before it became too much and he staggered back, his grip on the dead boy's hand loosening. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he fought to keep his footing.
There were several long moments of tense silence as his eyesight cleared, Tahiri's sobbing the only sound in the room. Then, Jacen heard a sharp, soft intake of breath and his gaze went to the boy on the bed. His chest rose and fell evenly. Clear blue eyes opened and looked around the room in confusion. Jacen saw awareness, awe in their depths and knew, immediately that it had worked. A Force presence he hadn't felt in a long time slowly seeped back into his consciousness. Tarc hadn't been Force sensitive, but Anakin Solo, as gifted as his grandfather, had been. Somehow, the merging, the explosion, had allowed Anakin to not only return to life, but return to life complete with his Force abilities.
Slowly, the young man sat up and looked down at himself. He made a brief inspection before his gaze went to Tahiri. She was wrapped in a ball, her back to the wall, unable to look up. Her sobs were heart wrenching to hear. In that instant, both knew she'd thought they'd failed.
Jacen watched as his brother, now is Tarc's body, rose from the bed and carefully tested his new body. Finding it healthy and hale, he turned and went to kneel in front of Tahiri. Anakin's hands grasped her shoulders and she looked up, her tear stained face almost breaking his heart. Her breath caught as she looked up into his blue eyes. She saw compassion, worry and most of all love shining in their depths. "Anakin?" she whispered brokenly, not believing her eyes.
He nodded, his Force presence reaching out to envelope her and a beautiful smile blossomed on her face. Pure elation shone from her eyes as she threw herself into his arms, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks. "Anakin!"
Jacen slipped out of the room, leaving the young couple to their reunion. Outside, he slipped into the Force and opened himself to it, feeling the presence of his brother anew. Tahiri's signature was stronger than ever, yet it was now, once again, whole. He smiled, taking a step away from the door only to stop, a very familiar Force presence making itself known. Bold, carefully controlled, yet passionate. Tenel Ka. She was on the planet. He grinned. It was past time he saw her again. Walking away from the medical wing, he mentally traced her location in his mind. His brother had returned to his lady. Now, it was his turn.
"But, your Highness..."
"I will not."
"But protocol demands..."
Tenel Ka finished fastening her cape around her neck and turned on her aid. "Send my regrets to the Chief of State. I have another, more pressing matter to attend to."
"No you don't, you just landed on planet! The Chief of State-"
"Knows of my connection to the Solos and the Skywalkers. Send my regrets."
The aid swallowed hard. "But-"
"Do you understand, Jana?"
She nodded, giving up. "Yes, your highness. I will convey them myself. If you're insistent on this course of action, your Majesty, shouldn't you at least dress to suit your station?"
Tenel Ka fractionally arched a single eyebrow. A move Jana would have missed if she hadn't been serving the Queen Mother for the last few years. "Both of the Master Skywalkers know me. My state of dress is of little consequence to them."
"But, your image...!"
"Is well established. I am a warrior, Jana."
Jana sighed, throwing her hands up in despair. "Very good your Highness, I will leave to convey your message myself. Shouldn't you at least take an escort?"
Tenel Ka shook her head, the small swaying motion of her hair the only indication. "No. I go alone."
The aid knew that, when the Queen Mother took that tone of voice, there was nothing she could say or do to persuade her otherwise. "Very well. Shall I report back to you?"
"No."
"Would you like me to set up another appointment with the Chief of State for tomorrow?"
"Do so."
Jana made a note on her datapad. "Is noon appropriate."
"Correct."
"Good. Very well then, I will see you when you return this evening." She bowed and slipped out of the small, cramped cabin. The shuttle had little passenger space, but the Queen Mother's wardrobe, at least part of it, had been brought along. Tenel Ka looked down at the brown leather encasing her body. The pants were tight, fitting her long, muscular legs perfectly and allowing her free movement. The shirt was slightly looser and comfortable; the belt cinched around her hips sporting her lightsaber and assorted other tools, including a blaster. She hadn't carried a blaster in a long, long time, but her aid had insisted or threatened to send along a team of security despite her wishes.
Tenel Ka quickly threaded her hair together and out of her face. She knew Jana only wanted to see to her safety, but she was a very well known figure. In name only, perhaps, but there were few one armed Jedi Knights and it didn't take people long to make the connection. After that they tended to stare at her in awe. She didn't particularly like the attention, but at least they didn't tend to bother her. She turned from the compartment and walked with easy strides towards the ramp. Several of her security force who'd been brought along on this trip acknowledged her passing with nods and smiles, though she rarely did more than make eye contact.
In the last two years, her guards had re-learned she was a woman of few words and gestures. Eye contact was a privilege. Her cloak whirled around her body behind her as she walked, stepping down into the damp Calamari atmosphere. The sun was high in the sky, the air almost liquid in nature. With so much of the planet being water, Tenel Ka idly wondered how the weather managed to avoid the torrent rain storms other water planets seemed to be afflicted by. She didn't dwell on it long as she stepped from the hangar and looked around, taking a deep breath. She could feel herself being followed already. Jana would have to be spoken to. Again.
Walking quickly away from the hangar, she headed towards the apartment that the Skywalker and Solo clans had been given. Jacen, she knew from her sources, was at the hotel not a half block away. He hadn't moved into the room they'd set aside for him. She fought the urge to break into a run, wondering if she could do so in a dignified manner. Running in the wilds before anyone could see her, or around the track in a gym was one thing. But running through the streets like a carefree youth? She'd never been carefree, and certainly couldn't be called a youth after everything that had happened in the last 5 years.
She stopped a few blocks later, standing outside the high-rise which housed Master Skywalker's suite. Before she could go find Jacen, she had to speak to Luke. She had to know the situation before she even attempted to contact him. For some reason, asking Jacen himself made her stomach clench. She knew he wasn't seeing anyone, he'd said so himself, but he hadn't spoken of his other responsibilities. Before she placed her own future on the line, and that of the consortium, she needed a little information.
Stepping forward, she opened the door and stepped inside.
Luke Skywalker looked up as the doorbell to their apartment buzzed. Mara had left immediately for the Maw after the Coru- the Battle for Yuuzhan'tar. She'd wasted no time in going to find Ben, and Luke couldn't very well blame her. He'd wanted to go with her. He pushed himself from the couch, rubbing a hand through shaggy blond hair that was beginning to silver, as he crossed to the door. He opened it, a smile of welcome on his face. "Queen Mother Tenel Ka. This is a surprising honor."
"Surprising, Master Skywalker?" she asked archly. "We think not."
Luke chuckled and motioned for her to come in. She hesitated uncharacteristically on the threshold. "No titles." She told him softly.
Luke shrugged. "Very well, Tenel Ka, no titles. Which means you can call me Luke."
She inclined her head and stepped inside, allowing the door to close behind her. "We..." she stopped and started again. "I have something to ask you."
"Take a seat, Tenel Ka, make yourself comfortable."
"I prefer to stand."
Luke shrugged and sat back on the couch. "What brings you to my door and with such informality?"
She began to pace before consciously stopping herself. "Has Jacen spoken to you of our correspondences?"
Luke blinked. Whatever he'd been expecting her to ask, that wasn't it. "You and Jacen have kept in touch?"
She nodded once. "For two years. He has not mentioned it?"
Luke shook his head. "Not in detail. I remember him mentioning it in passing but when I asked him about it he refused to explain completely."
"I see. Has he spoken to you of my situation?"
"Not at length, no."
"Then you know of my... dilemma."
Luke chuckled, standing. "If you're speaking of the pressure you're under to find a consort, yes. Would you like a cup of hot chocolate?"
She blinked. "Please."
She followed him into the kitchenette, leaning a hip against the counter as she traced a small design on the counter top. Luke set about gathering the ingredients for his favorite drink while Tenel Ka watched. "Mas-... Luke. Is Jacen attached?"
"To another woman?" he glanced at her, grinning. "Hardly. Not for lack of trying by certain females though. He's currently in charge of the New Republic Fleet, but with Wedge's safe return I think he'll be turning in his stars. Jacen never wanted to job."
"Will it take him long?"
"Are you in a rush for something Tenel Ka?"
"I wish him for my consort."
Luke almost dropped the cup in his hands. He turned to look at her, placing it on the counter top. "Your consort? I don't know why that surprises me, but it does. Does he know?"
She nodded.
"I take it he's not receptive to the idea, then?"
"I have yet to ask his opinion. It is his parents, according to custom, who must grant their permission."
"Then what's the problem? Han and Leia will likely leave the decision to Jacen and I can't see him refusing you."
She turned and took two steps away before stopping, containing her energy again. "The changes in the last two years. We do not know each other."
"Yet you've kept in touch for two years?"
She nodded. "Yes."
He looked at her searchingly, a sparkle coming o his eyes. "Tenel Ka, are you trying to tell me you're anxious about his reaction after so long?"
Luke was rewarded with a faint pink color tinting her cheeks. She didn't shy from the question though. "Fact."
Luke turned away and fixed both of their drinks before turning and offering her one. She took it gingerly and placed it on the counter in front of her. Luke leaned against the counter behind him. "Why come to me?"
"Mas... Luke, you were his Master, if he has spoken to anyone, it would be you. I am reluctant to breech this subject with him yet."
"So get to know him again. Spend some time together and see if you're still compatible. I doubt he will object to that."
"I have the time?"
"Tenel Ka, if he's important enough to you, you'll make the time."
"I cannot be seen... encouraging a man. It will be interpreted wrong."
Luke laughed. "If friends spending time together is considered encouraging, the galaxy is a different place than I remember. Tenel Ka, open yourself to the Force, it will guide you in this matter as it has in many others. I can't offer you the answers you're looking for, but I am flattered you thought to seek me out. Whatever your decision, I know you'll make the right one."
She took a sip of her drink.
He motioned for her to precede him back into the living room. This time she took a chair and sipped the chocolate. Luke resumed his position on the couch. "Jacen is searching for you Tenel Ka, perhaps you should go find him?"
She took another sip before standing again. "Waiting does not make this easier. Thank you for your time, Master Skywalker."
"My door is always open to you, Tenel Ka, regardless of the circumstance."
She nodded, turned and walked to the door, pausing as she hit the switch to open it. "Master Skywalker?"
"Yes?"
She glanced back over her shoulder. "Thank you, for everything." Her gray eyes showed her gratitude before they were shielded again. Luke shook his head, smiling slightly as the Queen Mother of the Hapes cluster disappeared. A part of him wished he could watch their reunion, and the largest part of him knew it was better for them to be alone. Both of them were very changed people and their courtship, if one should happen, would not be an easy one.
Disclaimer: It all belongs to Lucasfilm, I don't own anything...
From Scratch
Chapter 2
Dragon's Fury dropped into Calamari space and was bombarded by messages of welcome. The Queen Mother's flag ship was well known as it had been on the forefront of many a battle. Tenel Ka allowed the junior comm. officer to channel the traffic as the senior hailed the planet as requested clearance to land a shuttle. They came back almost immediately with a docking bay and clearance codes. They also assigned a squadron of X-Wings as an honor escort. Rogue Squadron, just returned from their successful simultaneous attack of the Main Yuuzhan Vong ship manufacturing planet.
Tenel Ka stared impassively out the view port as the eleven X-wings took up escort positions. A lone X-Wing came in on an intercept course and hailed Dragon's Fury. "Dragon's Fury, this is General Antilles, requesting permission to join your escort."
The comm. officer looked at Tenel Ka. General Antilles had enough authority to join the escort weather they said anything or not. What game was he playing? Tenel Ka walked over to the comm. unit and flipped the switches herself. "General Antilles, it is our honor to have Rogue Squadron's best flying escort. Permission granted."
"Thank you, Queen Mother. And Welcome to Calamari." The comm. clicked off and Tenel Ka strode back to the window. Wedge Antilles was a name she'd heard often, but someone she'd met only once. She hoped when they landed she'd have more time to get to know him. But after she saw Jacen again. She felt the urge to pace and contained herself. Royalty didn't pace, even warrior Queens.
"ETA?"
The Captain looked up. "Ten minutes, your Highness."
She inclined her head and turned back to the view port. Ten minutes until they were in range to drop the shuttle. Fifteen minutes after that until planet fall and there would be hours after that of meeting with the New Republic's Chief of Staff, the Jedi Council and assorted other duties she was duty-bound to disclose before she could spend time on her own agenda. Somehow she would cut those hours down. She would see Jacen before tomorrow. Nothing else was acceptable.
Jacen stepped into the dimly lit medical lab. "Hello?"
A Two-One-B medical droid rolled over. "This is a restricted area, family only."
"My name is Jacen Solo, I was told Tarc wished to see me."
The droid whirred softly for a few minutes while Jacen waited patiently. Tahiri waited in the corridor, unsure if she would be able to speak to the boy who brought back every painful memory like it was yesterday. She'd promised to try and that was more than Jacen had expected. He waited as something clicked inside the droid and the lights lit up. He made a mental note to tell the Chief of State they needed to update to the new Zeta models.
"Jacen Solo. Is Tahiri Velia with you?"
He nodded, Force calling the young woman to come in. Her bare feet were silent on the cool floor panels as she stepped inside. She was pale, her jaw locked with resolve. Jacen mentally noted the tight flight suit she wore, her hair tied at the nape of her neck. If this worked, he supposed she wanted to look her best. "This is Tahiri."
"Follow me," the Two-One-B said in its mechanical voice. It led the way through several closed off areas and stopped at the door furthest from the main entrance of the lab. Jacen glanced at the silent blonde and nodded to the door. She shook her head, swallowing convulsively. Jacen thanked the droid before gently opening the door.
Tarc lay on the bed, almost as white as the medical sheets, a dozen machines hooked up to his body. His will to live had been destroyed, though there was nothing physically wrong with him, and the machines ensured he lived. At 16, he was the spitting image of what Anakin had been.
"Tarc?"
The boy's eyelids fluttered before slowly opening. Jacen's heart lurched painfully in his chest. Tarc's crystal blue eyes were void of all emotion, their spark gone. Recognition flicked briefly in their depths before they became blank again. Tarc's voice was soft as he spoke. "Jacen. Is Tahiri with you?"
He nodded. "She's waiting outside. It's very... painful for her to see you."
Tarc closed his eyes, lying back against the pillows. "I know. I'm sorry I brought your family pain. You've all been very good to me."
Jacen stepped closer, gently picking the boy's hand up and clasping it in his own. "My mother tells me you've been talking to Anakin."
Tarc smiled, opening his eyes again and Jacen saw acceptance in their depths. "Anakin should never have died, Jacen. He had everything going for him and then nothing. That isn't right. I have nothing. My family was killed when the convoy was attack on their way to Calamari two months ago. I heard about it last week."
"Why, Tarc? You're young, you could make a place for yourself."
Tarc shook his head weakly. "No, Jacen. People look at me and see your brother. They see hope being stolen when it was most needed. They feel pain and anguish. That isn't right. Tahiri loved Anakin, she still loves him, I know, Anakin told me. He feels the same way. I have nobody and that makes this decision the right one. Nobody will mourn the death of Tarc, they'll rejoice in Anakin's return. Will you help me give your brother back what should never have been taken from him?"
"Does Anakin want this?"
Tarc smiled softly. "He said you'd ask me that. He wants to return to Tahiri; he thought she'd be able to go on but her pain is only getting worse. He's earned his rest, but for her, he's agreed to come back."
Jacen's gaze went to the closed door. He could understand that. The thought of a certain Hapan Princess had helped him come back too. He met Tarc's gaze again. "Are you certain you want this?"
Tarc nodded, his smile peaceful. "They deserve happiness, Jacen. I want to see my family again."
Jacen sighed. "You're sure?"
"Yes."
"And there's nothing I can say to convince you to go on living?"
"No."
"Very well. I'll get Tahiri."
Tarc was silent, watching the door as Jacen opened it and offered his hand to the blonde. She carefully took it, shaking like a leaf as she stepped into the sick room. She swallowed hard, her eyes tearing up as she looked at Tarc and then away. It was too painful to look at him.
"Tahiri."
She kept her gaze on her feet. "I...I can't, Tarc, I..."
"I understand." Tarc looked at Jacen. "Anakin said you've got to join hands with me. You were the closest people to him. One at his death, the other during life. By using you as a guiding light, he's going to accept my gift to him. Come closer."
They stepped up, one on either side of the bed, Tahiri's gaze on the slim hand he held out to her. She awkwardly grasped it, tears slipping from her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. Jacen grasped her other hand before grasping Tarc's again.
Tarc closed his eyes. "What is mine, is now yours. Take my gift to you, Anakin Solo." He said softly.
Emotions and memories flooded through Tahiri's mind. Laughter, pain, knowledge and togetherness. Anakin coming to her rescue on Yavin 4. Anakin and her first kiss. Their cheerful banter at the academy. All of it formed a kaleidoscope of colors before the feel of his death lanced through her again.
Jacen felt the same, feeling Anakin's willingness to let go, his acceptance of his fate. Yet the regret that he'd be leaving Tahiri and his family. Jacen held onto that, opening himself up to the Force completely and finding a brilliant presence in his mind. *Anakin.*
*Guide me,* Anakin whispered in their minds, *guide me back to you.*
Jacen concentrated on Anakin's voice and focused on channeling his presence -into- Tarc's body. He knew the instant Tarc let go. He gave up willingly, on a sigh, his presence suddenly pushing insistently at Anakin. Somehow Tarc had emerged in their Force meld.
Tahiri screamed as pain lanced through her body, the knowledge that Anakin was so close, yet she still couldn't feel him. Her mind reached for him desperately, begging, pleading, for some sign that he was coming back to her. Needing him to the point of obsession. Something happened, a mental explosion, and Tahiri was thrown across the room. She slammed into the wall painfully and slid down, her scream cut short. Tears poured down her cheeks as she buried her face in her knees and wept.
Jacen was prepared when the explosion came, having felt something building, and managed to stay on his feet. Better disciplined than Tahiri, he poured his concentration into the explosion building it, before it became too much and he staggered back, his grip on the dead boy's hand loosening. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he fought to keep his footing.
There were several long moments of tense silence as his eyesight cleared, Tahiri's sobbing the only sound in the room. Then, Jacen heard a sharp, soft intake of breath and his gaze went to the boy on the bed. His chest rose and fell evenly. Clear blue eyes opened and looked around the room in confusion. Jacen saw awareness, awe in their depths and knew, immediately that it had worked. A Force presence he hadn't felt in a long time slowly seeped back into his consciousness. Tarc hadn't been Force sensitive, but Anakin Solo, as gifted as his grandfather, had been. Somehow, the merging, the explosion, had allowed Anakin to not only return to life, but return to life complete with his Force abilities.
Slowly, the young man sat up and looked down at himself. He made a brief inspection before his gaze went to Tahiri. She was wrapped in a ball, her back to the wall, unable to look up. Her sobs were heart wrenching to hear. In that instant, both knew she'd thought they'd failed.
Jacen watched as his brother, now is Tarc's body, rose from the bed and carefully tested his new body. Finding it healthy and hale, he turned and went to kneel in front of Tahiri. Anakin's hands grasped her shoulders and she looked up, her tear stained face almost breaking his heart. Her breath caught as she looked up into his blue eyes. She saw compassion, worry and most of all love shining in their depths. "Anakin?" she whispered brokenly, not believing her eyes.
He nodded, his Force presence reaching out to envelope her and a beautiful smile blossomed on her face. Pure elation shone from her eyes as she threw herself into his arms, tears of joy flowing down her cheeks. "Anakin!"
Jacen slipped out of the room, leaving the young couple to their reunion. Outside, he slipped into the Force and opened himself to it, feeling the presence of his brother anew. Tahiri's signature was stronger than ever, yet it was now, once again, whole. He smiled, taking a step away from the door only to stop, a very familiar Force presence making itself known. Bold, carefully controlled, yet passionate. Tenel Ka. She was on the planet. He grinned. It was past time he saw her again. Walking away from the medical wing, he mentally traced her location in his mind. His brother had returned to his lady. Now, it was his turn.
"But, your Highness..."
"I will not."
"But protocol demands..."
Tenel Ka finished fastening her cape around her neck and turned on her aid. "Send my regrets to the Chief of State. I have another, more pressing matter to attend to."
"No you don't, you just landed on planet! The Chief of State-"
"Knows of my connection to the Solos and the Skywalkers. Send my regrets."
The aid swallowed hard. "But-"
"Do you understand, Jana?"
She nodded, giving up. "Yes, your highness. I will convey them myself. If you're insistent on this course of action, your Majesty, shouldn't you at least dress to suit your station?"
Tenel Ka fractionally arched a single eyebrow. A move Jana would have missed if she hadn't been serving the Queen Mother for the last few years. "Both of the Master Skywalkers know me. My state of dress is of little consequence to them."
"But, your image...!"
"Is well established. I am a warrior, Jana."
Jana sighed, throwing her hands up in despair. "Very good your Highness, I will leave to convey your message myself. Shouldn't you at least take an escort?"
Tenel Ka shook her head, the small swaying motion of her hair the only indication. "No. I go alone."
The aid knew that, when the Queen Mother took that tone of voice, there was nothing she could say or do to persuade her otherwise. "Very well. Shall I report back to you?"
"No."
"Would you like me to set up another appointment with the Chief of State for tomorrow?"
"Do so."
Jana made a note on her datapad. "Is noon appropriate."
"Correct."
"Good. Very well then, I will see you when you return this evening." She bowed and slipped out of the small, cramped cabin. The shuttle had little passenger space, but the Queen Mother's wardrobe, at least part of it, had been brought along. Tenel Ka looked down at the brown leather encasing her body. The pants were tight, fitting her long, muscular legs perfectly and allowing her free movement. The shirt was slightly looser and comfortable; the belt cinched around her hips sporting her lightsaber and assorted other tools, including a blaster. She hadn't carried a blaster in a long, long time, but her aid had insisted or threatened to send along a team of security despite her wishes.
Tenel Ka quickly threaded her hair together and out of her face. She knew Jana only wanted to see to her safety, but she was a very well known figure. In name only, perhaps, but there were few one armed Jedi Knights and it didn't take people long to make the connection. After that they tended to stare at her in awe. She didn't particularly like the attention, but at least they didn't tend to bother her. She turned from the compartment and walked with easy strides towards the ramp. Several of her security force who'd been brought along on this trip acknowledged her passing with nods and smiles, though she rarely did more than make eye contact.
In the last two years, her guards had re-learned she was a woman of few words and gestures. Eye contact was a privilege. Her cloak whirled around her body behind her as she walked, stepping down into the damp Calamari atmosphere. The sun was high in the sky, the air almost liquid in nature. With so much of the planet being water, Tenel Ka idly wondered how the weather managed to avoid the torrent rain storms other water planets seemed to be afflicted by. She didn't dwell on it long as she stepped from the hangar and looked around, taking a deep breath. She could feel herself being followed already. Jana would have to be spoken to. Again.
Walking quickly away from the hangar, she headed towards the apartment that the Skywalker and Solo clans had been given. Jacen, she knew from her sources, was at the hotel not a half block away. He hadn't moved into the room they'd set aside for him. She fought the urge to break into a run, wondering if she could do so in a dignified manner. Running in the wilds before anyone could see her, or around the track in a gym was one thing. But running through the streets like a carefree youth? She'd never been carefree, and certainly couldn't be called a youth after everything that had happened in the last 5 years.
She stopped a few blocks later, standing outside the high-rise which housed Master Skywalker's suite. Before she could go find Jacen, she had to speak to Luke. She had to know the situation before she even attempted to contact him. For some reason, asking Jacen himself made her stomach clench. She knew he wasn't seeing anyone, he'd said so himself, but he hadn't spoken of his other responsibilities. Before she placed her own future on the line, and that of the consortium, she needed a little information.
Stepping forward, she opened the door and stepped inside.
Luke Skywalker looked up as the doorbell to their apartment buzzed. Mara had left immediately for the Maw after the Coru- the Battle for Yuuzhan'tar. She'd wasted no time in going to find Ben, and Luke couldn't very well blame her. He'd wanted to go with her. He pushed himself from the couch, rubbing a hand through shaggy blond hair that was beginning to silver, as he crossed to the door. He opened it, a smile of welcome on his face. "Queen Mother Tenel Ka. This is a surprising honor."
"Surprising, Master Skywalker?" she asked archly. "We think not."
Luke chuckled and motioned for her to come in. She hesitated uncharacteristically on the threshold. "No titles." She told him softly.
Luke shrugged. "Very well, Tenel Ka, no titles. Which means you can call me Luke."
She inclined her head and stepped inside, allowing the door to close behind her. "We..." she stopped and started again. "I have something to ask you."
"Take a seat, Tenel Ka, make yourself comfortable."
"I prefer to stand."
Luke shrugged and sat back on the couch. "What brings you to my door and with such informality?"
She began to pace before consciously stopping herself. "Has Jacen spoken to you of our correspondences?"
Luke blinked. Whatever he'd been expecting her to ask, that wasn't it. "You and Jacen have kept in touch?"
She nodded once. "For two years. He has not mentioned it?"
Luke shook his head. "Not in detail. I remember him mentioning it in passing but when I asked him about it he refused to explain completely."
"I see. Has he spoken to you of my situation?"
"Not at length, no."
"Then you know of my... dilemma."
Luke chuckled, standing. "If you're speaking of the pressure you're under to find a consort, yes. Would you like a cup of hot chocolate?"
She blinked. "Please."
She followed him into the kitchenette, leaning a hip against the counter as she traced a small design on the counter top. Luke set about gathering the ingredients for his favorite drink while Tenel Ka watched. "Mas-... Luke. Is Jacen attached?"
"To another woman?" he glanced at her, grinning. "Hardly. Not for lack of trying by certain females though. He's currently in charge of the New Republic Fleet, but with Wedge's safe return I think he'll be turning in his stars. Jacen never wanted to job."
"Will it take him long?"
"Are you in a rush for something Tenel Ka?"
"I wish him for my consort."
Luke almost dropped the cup in his hands. He turned to look at her, placing it on the counter top. "Your consort? I don't know why that surprises me, but it does. Does he know?"
She nodded.
"I take it he's not receptive to the idea, then?"
"I have yet to ask his opinion. It is his parents, according to custom, who must grant their permission."
"Then what's the problem? Han and Leia will likely leave the decision to Jacen and I can't see him refusing you."
She turned and took two steps away before stopping, containing her energy again. "The changes in the last two years. We do not know each other."
"Yet you've kept in touch for two years?"
She nodded. "Yes."
He looked at her searchingly, a sparkle coming o his eyes. "Tenel Ka, are you trying to tell me you're anxious about his reaction after so long?"
Luke was rewarded with a faint pink color tinting her cheeks. She didn't shy from the question though. "Fact."
Luke turned away and fixed both of their drinks before turning and offering her one. She took it gingerly and placed it on the counter in front of her. Luke leaned against the counter behind him. "Why come to me?"
"Mas... Luke, you were his Master, if he has spoken to anyone, it would be you. I am reluctant to breech this subject with him yet."
"So get to know him again. Spend some time together and see if you're still compatible. I doubt he will object to that."
"I have the time?"
"Tenel Ka, if he's important enough to you, you'll make the time."
"I cannot be seen... encouraging a man. It will be interpreted wrong."
Luke laughed. "If friends spending time together is considered encouraging, the galaxy is a different place than I remember. Tenel Ka, open yourself to the Force, it will guide you in this matter as it has in many others. I can't offer you the answers you're looking for, but I am flattered you thought to seek me out. Whatever your decision, I know you'll make the right one."
She took a sip of her drink.
He motioned for her to precede him back into the living room. This time she took a chair and sipped the chocolate. Luke resumed his position on the couch. "Jacen is searching for you Tenel Ka, perhaps you should go find him?"
She took another sip before standing again. "Waiting does not make this easier. Thank you for your time, Master Skywalker."
"My door is always open to you, Tenel Ka, regardless of the circumstance."
She nodded, turned and walked to the door, pausing as she hit the switch to open it. "Master Skywalker?"
"Yes?"
She glanced back over her shoulder. "Thank you, for everything." Her gray eyes showed her gratitude before they were shielded again. Luke shook his head, smiling slightly as the Queen Mother of the Hapes cluster disappeared. A part of him wished he could watch their reunion, and the largest part of him knew it was better for them to be alone. Both of them were very changed people and their courtship, if one should happen, would not be an easy one.