The Emerald Price Chapter 28
By Ash Darklighter
Disclaimer:- The characters and situations used in this story are the property of George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd. I am only using them for some entertainment and will not even make one Republican credit from this endeavour. This is set around eight to ten years after Luke and Mara met each other for the first time. This one is for all the girls on the AA list and of course for Mona – what would I do without you? My thanks also to Niqella and Rhea for their encouragement and invaluable suggestions.
Kam Solusar's Office - Yavin IV
Light filtered through tinted panes of glass, dappling the occupants of the room in shifting patterns of colour. Luke followed the dancing lights, his mind distracted.
"Master Skywalker." Kirana Ti gently nudged the arm of the man sitting next to her. "Master Skywalker," she repeated a little louder.
Luke blinked and turned his head, staring bemusedly at the Dathomirian witch. "Uh…yes?" he said slowly.
"Are you well?" she asked. "You seem…"
"A little far from this office," remarked Tionne tartly.
"I…" Luke had no excuse to offer. He was guilty of not concentrating. He would have picked on a student for the same misdemeanour in class. Not that any of them ever did when he was teaching. Luke often wondered why.
"We've called your name several times," Kirana Ti said. "Master Solusar would like to start the meeting."
Luke dragged his wandering attention back to where it should be. "I'm sorry," he apologised quietly.
"Problems?" Kam asked, his face grave.
Luke gave a wry half-smile. "No, not really. Nothing to worry the Order at any rate." Mara Jade had tied him in so many knots that he was losing his grip on reality. Daydreaming about the colour of her hair whilst in the middle of a staff meeting was going a little too far. Perhaps that was one of the reasons that the Jedi Order had frowned upon romantic attachments. A Jedi should not know passion. This one did and every time he thought about, he could see Mara Jade sitting next to him, her face alive. "I'm passionate about it," she'd said.
"I didn't sleep too well last night," he admitted. "I'm just tired. Master Yoda once said that I never had my mind on where I was and what I was doing. It appears the same thing still applies."
He watched as Kam gave Tionne a glance from the corner of his eyes. She could be as bad as Leia when it came to his health and would confine him to the Academy sickbay if she thought he needed it. Tionne gave a miniscule shake of her silvery head. She was perhaps the least attuned with the Force amongst them but there wasn't a thing happening on Yavin IV that she did not know about. Tionne kept a secure hand on the Academy's controls.
Luke picked up his data reader and tapped in a couple of sentences which, when he read them back later on, proved to be complete gobbledygook. The Solusars were the lucky ones – they combined a loving relationship with their knighthoods and their lives as Jedi. Did they know how much Luke envied them their good fortune? He suddenly felt ashamed of himself. Kam and Tionne deserved every piece of happiness they got.
Knighthoods.
One of the things he was here to discuss, instead of thinking about what might have been or if he could have his heart's desire. He needed to get on with the business at hand – the final stage in the training of the most senior of the Jedi students.
"If I could open this meeting," Kam declared, his calm demeanour fully in evidence. "We are here to discuss the current status of our senior class."
"Are they ready for knighthood?" Streen asked doubtfully. He liked them all but, apart from Ix Io and Mara Jade; they seemed too inexperienced, too young. Or was it that he was just getting too old?
"Were any of us ready for the burden and responsibility such a level demands?" asked Luke. "I don't think I was at the time. I was thrust into the rank of fully fledged Jedi Knight but I was the only trained one left. Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi had to trust to the Force that I had learned enough to do what I had to do – face Vader and the Emperor. These students have the luxury of having examples, both good and bad, to follow and the time to do it in. What was necessary for you and I does not follow for these students. I hope they never have to go through the dark times. It is only when students are given an opportunity that they can have a true chance to prove themselves ready."
A murmur ran round the table. During the height of the Empire's power Force ability had not been a blessing. Most adepts had paid for their gift with their lives. They were all agreed that they never wanted to see that happen again.
"They have been sheltered here with us on Yavin and some of them still show a certain naivety but they are ready to take the next step," Tionne said. "They need to experience what life as a Jedi has to offer.
"Even the dark times?" Luke raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so sure that they are all ready to face the horrors that the galaxy still tries to hide," said Luke. "Groet, Allin Fitch…Dilys Van Osten?" he queried.
The faces of the others showed their indecision. "You don't think Dilys is ready?" asked Kam thoughtfully.
Luke shook his head. "No."
"I have to agree," said Kirana Ti. "Her self-defence and saber work is poor."
"But she is a healer," Tionne said. "They are still so rare amongst our kind."
"And healers never have to defend themselves or a patient – never have to take up arms against another being?" Luke murmured, silencing the rest of Tionne's arguments. "I think Dilys would be the first one to admit that she feels uncertain of her abilities. This goes further than merely her fighting skills."
"What do you suggest, Master Skywalker?" said Kam.
"What was mooted for Dilys from the beginning. She should go to study medicine at a reputable school in the Core and then spends time on Mon Calamari with Cilghal."
Streen nodded, his craggy face brightening. "The Force tells me that is a good plan. Dilys is a sweet child but is still a child nonetheless. Cilghal has agreed?"
Luke nodded. "She was only too happy to aid the Jedi in the training of another healer."
"I think Dilys will be happy with that," Tionne decided.
"What about the others?" asked Kirana Ti.
"I've been in contact with Kyle Katarn and hope to speak to Kyp Durron soon," said Kam. "Kyle agreed that he would be happy to take on some of the others to aid in their learning curve and I'm quite sure that Kyp would be also."
"As apprentices?" asked Tionne curiously. First Master Skywalker had taken on a single apprentice and now it looked as if her husband advocated that decision by sending the other students to work with Katarn and Durron. She wasn't sure if that was the best choice. They still didn't have the numbers to train this way.
"As Knights," Kam said decisively. "Almost like working a probationary year. Yes, they could be granted the status of full knighthood but with the proviso they operate with established knights in the field."
"We don't have that many of those." Kirana Ti muttered, confirming Tionne's own opinion.
"Perhaps this is one way of providing more?" Streen pronounced with a dreamy smile. "As the wind blows our Jedi to all parts of the galaxy…"
"We can promote the order and perhaps find more potential recruits." Kam clasped his hands together eagerly.
"What about Mara Jade?" Tionne wondered aloud as Streen went off into his own little dream world.
Luke sighed. "Mara achieved real mastery of the Force a long time ago. She is one of the most talented potential Jedi I have ever seen. It was only in the way that she saw the Jedi and dealt with her abilities in her own mind that held her back from progressing further. She had to become one of us - live, learn and work with us…"
"And has she learned?" asked Kirana Ti.
"Her physical skills are outstanding," Kam answered, with a glance at Luke.
The Jedi Master smiled. "She has had to survive for many years by using those skills. She wasn't ready to join us before. She needed time to determine her own destiny - to be free to make her own decisions."
"Free…" echoed Tionne.
"We are all free," said Kirana Ti loftily.
"Are we really?" Luke's smile was bittersweet. "Mara had served the Emperor for many years. After she had regained her freedom from Palpatine, she was not ready to tie herself down to another form of servitude. She was not ready to tie her life to the Jedi." He spread his hands on the table, his palms facing upwards. "She has shown that she is ready now. I think she has learned."
"Enough?" Kirana Ti's voice was hostile. "But has she learned enough?" she repeated.
"To please even you, Kirana Ti?" Luke answered calmly.
"Are you suggesting that I would be harder on Mara Jade than the other students?" Her eyes flashed with irritation.
"It is possible. Search your feelings. What do they tell you?" He gave the Dathomirian witch a hard stare. She was tough on the students and at times they needed that firmness but her weakness was her intolerance for others. In Mara she had a worthy opponent. Mara could be just as inflexible as she was.
"Mara came through her trials a long time ago," Luke admitted. "I could have conferred the rank of Jedi Knight upon her at any time…"
"But she wasn't ready in the ways that counted," Kam finished softly. "She did not have the approval of the establishment."
"You've known her for many years, Kam. She didn't see herself as Jedi material. She freed herself from the Emperor's last command but couldn't tie herself to something that she had been taught all her life to hate. That kind of conditioning is hard to break."
"None of us have had an easy life," Kirana Ti interrupted.
"Of course not," Luke placated. "But our lives, easy or hard, are not what's up for discussion."
Kirana Ti flushed. "I admit I have been suspicious of Mara Jade's arrival here on Yavin. I viewed her with an opinion gained from information I had received from the holo-press. I am sorry to say that I did not judge her fairly."
Luke bristled slightly. "Mara is not easy to get to know and she's had good reason to be this way," he said pointedly.
"Perhaps I was wrong," the Jedi woman continued reluctantly, gazing down at the polished wooden surface of the table. "Mara Jade and I will never be close friends. Our personalities are too abrasive for that – perhaps we are too alike." She lifted her head and stared straight at Luke, a challenging tilt to her chin. "I do respect her and her abilities and have been impressed with her dedication here on Yavin. She will make a fine knight although I'm not convinced she is ready now."
"She is. There is no one more ready." Luke nibbled on his well-shaped lips thoughtfully and then slanted an oblique glance across the table in silent communication with Kam who gave a swift nod. "Yes?"
"Yes, I think so," Kam agreed, his grey eyes glinting. He had witnessed with interest and admiration Mara's drive for acceptance amongst them and, in his opinion, she had more than succeeded. "The other students have acknowledged her as one of them and can see how hard she has worked. They have all upped their own work rate to match hers."
Luke straightened in his chair. "Knight Ti…"
"Master Skywalker?"
"Master Solusar has a diplomatic mission for you to undertake."
"A diplomatic mission!" Kirana Ti's mouth dropped open. "I am no diplomat."
"I had noticed," Luke murmured with a glint in his eye. "Perhaps it is time to hone up your skills in that direction. Our students are not the only ones who still have things to learn. Our own journey through the Force should never cease."
She flushed. "I'm sorry."
"I understand." He rose from his chair and smiled genially at Kam. "I'll leave you to impart all the details to Kirana Ti."
He left a stunned silence in his wake, with Kam grinning cryptically at the others. With a smile, he indicated that the others should leave as he pushed a data reader across the table towards the Dathomirian woman.
"What!" Kirana Ti almost exploded as her eyes took in the details. "The Outer Rim! But that will take…"
"It is a little strange but I think it is a good plan for all of you. The New Republic asked for the Jedi to be present."
"But they don't want me…"
"Of course they don't. All worlds want Master Skywalker but he is trying to spread his load amongst us all. We should all expect field work in the near future."
He was going to have visitors this evening. Luke gazed regretfully at the holo-book he would hopefully have relaxed with. He could feel the unsettled mind of Kirana Ti making its way towards his quarters. She obviously wanted to consult with him about the mission he and Kam had given her. Mara had gone to the gym to spar with some of the other students, leaving Luke alone to catch up on his correspondence. That wasn't going to happen anytime soon. He activated the door control and watched her approach.
There was no doubt in Luke's mind about Kirana Ti's capabilities to undertake this mission. Whether she could handle Mara in a potentially difficult situation was another story. Mara would test the Dathomirian witch.
He sent out a light probe checking on the whereabouts of his apprentice although he didn't need to. He knew where she was at all times on Yavin IV. He could feel her hold on the Force; see her brow furrow in concentration as she taught the other Jedi students how a lightsaber should be wielded. Reluctantly he relinquished his monitoring of Mara.
"Come in," he said to Kirana Ti. "I was expecting you."
Kirana Ti deflated slightly. "I suppose I should have known."
"I could sense your unrest from the dining room." Luke ushered her towards his lounge area and pushed a small glass of Borleias Claret towards her. "Sit down and relax. It's not the latest version of the Kessel Run that I'm going to send you on."
"It's not?" she queried wryly with the first sign of humour he had seen in her all day. "Thank you." Kirana sat on the edge of the sofa, her fingers closing around the delicate stem of the glass. "But…Master Skywalker… Me with Mara Jade?"
"And Ix Io," Luke added gently, seating himself across from her.
"But Mara is your student."
"So?"
"She's more used to working with you."
"That is true but perhaps she needs to expand that area of her training. I may not always be around for her to work with. The future is always in motion after all. Mara is a gifted student and she is capable of adapting to all situations. Apart from here on Yavin, Ix Io is not used to dealing with beings of other species. This mission is vital to him too. It's not all about Mara Jade. You should know that."
"Explain exactly why you are sending me?"
"I thought I just did." Luke's voice was gentle but firm. "I do not have the luxury of having Jedi who just teach. Until we build up our numbers we have to be more versatile. I have thought for some time that your taste for adventure as befits the members of your race has dulled. You have become a little too set in your ways."
Kirana Ti's head drooped a little. The Master was correct. Life on Yavin IV was never predictable but it was safe. She was becoming complacent. "I must apologise again," she said, lifting her head, her greenish-brown eyes bright."
"You have nothing to apologise for, Kirana. To be honest, this is more a test for Mara Jade and Ix Io. I have noticed they work well together in class. It is precisely because you and Mara have the occasional conflict of personalities that I have chosen you to head this mission. I believe you could out-stubborn Ix Io and certainly can counter Mara. This is what she needs."
"I can see your logic. I'm not entirely sure if I understand but…"
"This is also the nearest thing Kam and I can devise to Mara and Ix Io's trials. He will be joining us shortly."
"Their trials?" Kirana Ti questioned. "I know we spoke about them being ready but I did not realise it was so imminent."
The door chime sounded but Luke was already on his feet heading towards the door. "Kam," he greeted the other man. "A small glass of the…?"
"Just a small one," Kam said with a chuckle as he joined Kirana Ti in the lounge area. "Or my wife will never let me out of her sight without her again."
"Kam," Kirana Ti acknowledged him, her face grave.
Luke handed Kam his glass and sat opposite the two Jedi. "My first students," he murmured, a whimsical smile crossing his face. "Have I ever said how proud I am of what you have achieved?"
"Yes, Luke," Kam said. "You have on many occasions. Our next batch of initiates will make you just as proud."
"Maybe more so," Kirana Ti said in a low voice.
"Being a Jedi means that you have to give up many things and conquer traits that many others prize – arrogance, aggression, overconfidence, recklessness…I can talk about that last one – can't I?" He looked up, his eyes bright. "That's one I never quite conquered." Luke ran his finger around the rim of his glass. "I'm preaching at you and that's the last thing I meant to do tonight."
"We're not in this for the money, the glory or the power. We can take a little preaching, Luke," Kam said with a warm smile. "Our strength is that of the Force. We can withstand much."
The Jedi Master laughed. "I'm glad of that." Then his face turned serious. "We have a duty to the beings of the galaxy. But we also have a responsibility to our own people. A Jedi's trials must show that they have a facility as well as strength with the Force."
"Both Ix Io and Mara have that," Kirana Ti admitted.
"They are both conversant with the code…" Luke broke off and gave a wry chuckle. "In fact, Mara has rewritten it to suit the new Jedi order and possibly herself. She has thought long and hard about it mainly because I used to quote it at her at any opportunity."
Kam laughed. "You quoted it to me quite often as I recall."
"What!" Luke's face was one of mock surprise. "Did I?"
Kam grinned, the smile making his face look younger. "I can just see Mara trying to argue against the code and succeeding."
Luke grimaced. "Much of what she said was quite relevant. The code was a main part of the old order and they did not survive. We cannot operate the same way as they did. They had thousands of Jedi."
"And we have fifty?"
"At the most…yes. With the same number at present in the Academy." Luke shrugged. "Our work continues. A hundred Jedi." He smiled. "I would like to live to see a thousand."
"And we will, Master Skywalker," Kirana Ti promised. "My tribe sister, Damaya Rell from the Singing Mountain Clan, has agreed to come and help us here on Yavin IV. She is a most accomplished spell caster and since her own time at the Academy has become proficient with a lightsaber. She will bring my daughter with her. My daughter's father wanted her with him and the rest of my family on Dathomir. As I felt she was better there for the time being I agreed but she is strong with the Force and is now ready to begin her training. It is time that she joined the Jedi here on Yavin IV. I received word only yesterday that she is ready to travel."
"Her name is Damaris?" asked Kam.
Kirana Ti's stern face broke into a tender smile. "Yes. I have missed her very much."
"I look forward to meeting her," Luke said with a smile. "I was away the last time she visited you."
"It has been difficult being so far away from my daughter."
"Wait until you return from this mission," Luke said. "Then you can be with her as soon as she arrives. It will be good to have Damaya with us, also. I remember her saber work," Luke commented thoughtfully. "If I recall, she had started working with two sabers."
"Yes, I believe you are right, Luke. She can help the students in their saber proficiency," Kam agreed.
"Both Mara and Ix Io are already proficient with a lightsaber. The Nazzar has constructed his own whereas Mara has not. She still uses my old one."
"Could she construct one if she had to?" asked Kirana Ti.
"Oh yes," answered Kam. "She told me only yesterday that if she had to she would but prefers using the one she currently has."
"I can vouch for their self-defence skills," Kirana Ti said. "Mara has of great help in teaching the senior class."
"I did know that. Mara was pleased to be asked. It was a good idea," Luke praised the Dathomirian warmly. He had been hard on Kirana Ti, with good reason but in this instance she had done well. "It made Mara feel as if she was useful to the Jedi order. She doesn't want to be a passenger on Yavin IV and her self-defence skills are amongst the most formidable in the galaxy."
"This mission…" Kirana Ti said hesitantly.
Kam passed her a data-card. "Here's some new information I received from the New Republic representative only an hour ago. You will leave at the end of this week. It will give you time to prepare."
Luke's head lifted as if he was listening for something and a smile crossed his face. "Excuse me a moment." He got to his feet and headed towards the small kitchen. Kam and Kirana Ti could hear the sounds of the water boiler being switched on.
The door to the apartment slid open and Mara Jade wandered in, her face flushed from exercise. When she saw the other Jedi sitting there, her face fell.
'Interesting', thought Kam. Mara wanted to be alone with the Jedi Master. "Hello Mara."
"Hello," the red-haired woman answered warily. "I wasn't aware that there was a staff meeting tonight," she said, glancing at Luke with concern.
'I'm fine, Jade,' he said through their link. 'Stop worrying.'
Kam sighed wearily. It had been a long day. "We're almost finished here….training?"
"Just a little saber workout with Ix Io and Pod Nor," she answered, her gaze darting warily between Kam and Kirana.
Luke wandered towards them, a steaming mug of chocolate in his hand. "Here," he said, in the manner of something being part of a routine.
"Thanks," Mara brought the mug to her lips and gave a tiny sip, her eyes closed with satisfaction.
Kam couldn't help but notice that Luke watched every tiny nuance of expression on Mara's face.
"What is it?" she asked opening her eyes, her face tightening suspiciously as she glanced first at Luke and then at the others. "Is something wrong? You're not going away again?" she asked Luke.
"No, I'm not going anywhere for the moment and no, nothing's wrong," he soothed but he knew she could feel the heightened tension in the room.
"Why don't I believe you, Skywalker," Mara said wryly.
"I don't know why. Honestly, Jade. Nothing is wrong." He nodded at Kam and Kirana Ti. "I'll tell her."
"If you are sure?" Kam said.
"Of course. It will be fine," he answered.
"Tell me what?" Mara's voice rose. "What will be fine? ...Skywalker!"
Kam winced slightly and got hastily to his feet. "I will see you tomorrow," he said. "Come, Kirana."
"But…"
"I think we will leave Master Skywalker to break the news to Mara."
"Coward," Luke quipped with a smile.
Mara placed her mug of chocolate on the low table and subsided into the soft cushions of her favourite couch waiting for Luke to see the other Jedi to the door.
Luke grinned as he watched Kam and Kirana vanish into the night. Mara was being surprisingly patient.
"Stop grinning, farmboy," she said caustically. "And don't deny it. I know you are smirking. I can tell from the way you are standing there."
"You can tell that much from the back of my head," Luke said mildly without turning round.
"I don't need to see your face," she muttered. "Now come back here and spill."
"Yes, Ma'am."
But when he returned to sit opposite her, Mara noted that his face was that of the serious Jedi Master. "The Jedi have been asked to send representatives to oversee a treaty signing between the New Republic and a star system on the far side of the galaxy."
"And you have to go away again," Mara burst out. "You are not the only Jedi able to do these things. Then you're not going without me…"
"Mara…" Luke held up his hands. "Steady. I'm not the one that's going. Kirana Ti will be in charge of the mission."
"You're not going?" Mara knew she ought to feel relief but apprehension twisted a knot inside her stomach. "Well, that's all right, isn't it?"
"She needs the experience in heading up this kind of mission."
"Fine," Mara snapped. "But there's still something else."
"Yes, there is. Kirana Ti is very strong in the Force and it will ensure she follows the correct path. You and Ix Io will be accompanying her."
There was a momentary silence. "Me and Ix Io? We will accompany Kirana Ti on a mission. But why me? I can understand her choosing Ix Io but Kirana Ti is not overly fond of me…" she slowed and understanding dawned. "Kirana Ti did not ask for me. You told her I was going."
"In a manner of speaking. Kam and I both agreed."
"But I'm your apprentice."
"What's that got to do with it?" Luke replied carefully. "This is the most time we have spent together in all our years of friendship. As a Jedi, you serve the Force."
Mara's face fell, the disappointment radiating from her in waves. "You do not think I'm ready to be a Jedi knight. You do not want…"
"Stop." Luke's voice cut across what she was going to say. "It is because I do think that you are ready that I'm sending you on this mission. This is your final test."
Mara's mouth dropped open in surprise. She hadn't expected that. Luke seemed determined to drop surprises on top of her unsuspecting head. "What are you going to do?"
"Oh… A bit of this and that. Catch up on some of my research. Perhaps try and relax."
Mara snorted. "Sure."
"I can relax, Mara."
"I'm not saying that you can't, farmboy. It's just that I've never seen it happen. Hoth becoming the next resort world is fractionally more likely." She moved to sit beside him and took his hands in hers. Luke started a little at her touch. "There's still something you're not telling me?"
"I'm the Jedi Master," he grumbled. "And I can't keep a secret worth a damn from you. Why is that?"
Mara opened her mouth and then closed it.
"Wise answer, Jade," he said, a smile coming and going from his lips. "But you are right. There is more."
"Am I a Jedi, Master Skywalker?" she asked, her face turned up to his, the expression on it so trusting that Luke's heart turned over inside him. His hands tightened on hers. "In all the things that matter – yes."
"So this is the final test."
"I said that."
"I didn't understand."
"But you do now?"
"Well… Not really. Why this mission?"
Luke lifted his hand and traced the smooth curve of her cheek, startled to find that his hand was shaking slightly. He'd sent other Jedi off on missions before this. He'd even sent Mara off to do some foolhardy stunt or other. This wasn't a dangerous trip but then, he'd told himself that before. It wasn't why she was going – it was where.
"Mara…this trip is to Elrood."