Disclaimer: Okay, so I'm going full force on this thing lately...anyways, as usually, I claim my characters...and the rest belong to George Lucas and the many other authors who have brought this galaxy to life...only 55 more days until the final chapter of the movies!
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Chapter 3
The guards shifted uneasily in the Chancellor's chambers, the two dark figures in the middle of the room only adding to their discomfort. Rumor had it that they were from the Imperial Alliance, and had come to strike a bargain with the Republic...a treaty that may finally bring peace to the remains of the Empire and the new Galactic Republic. Despite the hope of their arrival, these two radiated an aura that gave all in the room a certain sense of impending dread.
The Chancellor himself was seated behind his desk, his long robes situated about him and his greying hair outlining a pale face. He had summoned Leia Organa-Solo to his chambers. Hopefully it will only make things easier...he thought, studying the two figures outlined in black robes.
He didn't have a chance to ask them as to the manner of their dress, since the door to his office opened and an alien secretary announced the arrival of Leia. He stepped aside, allowing the Senator to sweep into the room, her head held high, though surprise appeared in the Chancellor's aged face when three others followed her. A Jedi Master, a padawan, and...his mouth gaped at the sight of the young senator from Risal.
Leia turned, ignoring the two before the Chancellor as she bowed slightly and turned to her guests. "Chancellor, may I introduce to you Jedi Master Siel-own Darklighter, and his padawan, Anarion. And I believe you know Senator Lalaith Risal...they were with me when you called and asked to accompany me. I hope that causes no problems..." she said, her voice laced with authority and daring.
"Indeed not, we also welcome the thought of others learning how diplomacy works in our galaxy..." one of the cloaked figures spoke, and then pulled away the dark hood, revealing bright blue eyes and greying blond hair. "It's been a long time, my dear sister...tell me, how is Han? The children?" he asked, mockery evident in his voice.
Leia's body stiffened at the questions and she turned cold brown eyes to the speaker. "Fairing well, Luke...though it is a surprise to see you here...what manner of errand has the Emperor sent you on this time?"
"You know very well why we are here...Senator," the other figure spoke, her voice icy and harsh. "We've come to see our family..."
Lalaith followed close beside the Senator, flanked by the two Jedi. When they reached the Chancellor's chambers, Leia turned, the strain in her face evident.
"Lalaith, stay back with Anarion...do not speak...either of you...do not even look at the people inside...I know this is hard to understand, and I promise it will be explained in time...but for now you must trust me...and Siel-own..." her eyes raised to the Jedi Master's and he nodded, taking the place by Leia's side, forcing Lalaith and Anarion to stand behind them.
Despite her facade of stateliness, Lalaith swallowed hard, her fear and apprehension getting the better of her. She began to even wonder why she had asked to come along. Anarion must have noticed her discomfort, because he took her hand in his own and gave it a small squeeze and she felt a warmth spread through her. As if having him there beside her would ward away any danger or evil that waited behind the doors. He looked down at her, his face serious and his eyes turning like a storm tossed sea.
The doors opened and the four were ushered in, and Lalaith nearly drew back at the iciness pervading the room. She quickly found its source in the two darkly cloaked figures standing near the large desk. Anarion tensed as well, keeping her hand in his as they stayed behind Leia and Siel-own.
He started as Leia introduced them, leaving his last name unspoken. Confusion spread through his mind, until he looked up to see who was speaking, and froze. Leia had done it on purpose. These two intruders were after something, and Leia saw fit to keep his identity hidden.
When his eyes met the other man's, realization flooded through him. Luke Skywalker...his father. He was not as Anarion had imagined in so many childhood dreams. Where he had pictured a kind, loving, and warm father, he found instead a cold, almost lifeless gaze, though something in his icy blue eyes sparked of life...almost a lust...after the very power they sought to control and wield. His gaze traveled to the other, a woman, slightly shorter then Luke, with fiery red hair and green eyes, that looked much like a cat about to pounce. Mara Jade...my mother...he thought quietly.
Something in his senses must have betrayed his thoughts, for Lalaith gave his hand a slight squeeze, returning the gesture of comfort he had sought to give her just moments before. He glanced at her, noticing that her eyes were fixed upon the two strangers as well.
Whatever happens...you must protect her...he found himself thinking, rejecting the absurdity that he had just met her. Something about her...it was almost as if he was protecting himself. His hand reached down, lightly touching the cold metal of the lightsaber handle at his side. Protect her at all costs...
Luke grinned, a half hearted and almost sadistic shadow of the former smile he had once shared with his sister. She was hiding something, he could see it in her gaze...the way she held herself so grandly and withdrawn. Something in her...if only he could penetrate her thoughts. A sharp thrust back into darkness greeted his attempts at probing her mind, and a wicked grin crossed his face.
"I see you haven't forgotten your lessons, Leia..." he teased.
She looked at him, her gaze one of hurt and anger. "I was taught well...by a great Jedi...a powerful and wise man...whom I once knew...and loved."
Mara laughed wryly. "And you show this love, how? By denouncing him in his hour of need...of stealing our children and hiding them from us?" she attacked, her green eyes boring into Leia's brown ones.
"I tried...tried to talk with him...even you, Mara...you left your children and we did what was best...hid them from the clutches of the Emperor...they deserved better...they deserve to know their real parents. Not the shadows that stand before me now."
The Chancellor cleared his throat, standing and offering a half smile. "Well, now that we've all been introduced...we should get on with the business that brought us here." He ushered the group of people into chairs facing one another and smiled, trying to keep the peace.
"The emissaries of the Imperial Alliance have come on an offer of peace...they wish to allow the Republic to function in harmony and un-hindered by them if we will accord them the same privilege on the worlds still under Imperial control. They ask only one other thing for this agreement to be fulfilled..." he trailed off, looking hesitantly at Leia.
Siel-own answered before she could, his dark blue eyes calm. "And what other bargain does the Empire wish to strike with us? Is not peace and harmony enough to satisfy the Emperor's lust of power?" he asked and Luke's eyes flashed.
"Be careful, Master Jedi...you insult one who trained you..."
Siel-own's steady gaze fell on the older man across from him, holding it. "And as Senator Organa-Solo said, I respect that man...though he has been dead to me for many years..."
Anarion shifted, anger beginning to build in him. Why were they condemning his parents? Why weren't they trying to bring them back? Lalaith gripped his hand tighter and he relaxed, though his senses remained fixed on the conversation. So absorbed in his concentration, he didn't notice that Mara and Lalaith had not broken eye contact since the conversation began, nor the effect it was having on the young senator.
Mara broke away to look at Luke, her gaze speaking a thousand words in the moment of silence. He turned, his eyes sweeping over the two young people standing behind Leia and Siel-own and a small smile grew in his features.
"We ask only a small thing...something of little importance to the Republic..." he paused, letting his words sink in. "We ask only that you return our children to us...and the Empire shall leave the Republic in peace."
Leia stood abruptly, anger clouding her dark eyes. "Never! You're children would not willingly go with you, nor would I let them...They are on their own paths, Luke...you shall let them be!"
"Now, Senator...they have made a good bargain...after all, two children for the peace and harmony of the whole galaxy?" the Chancellor broke in, his voice calming.
Leia turned on him, venom in her eyes. "I will not give the Skywalker children into the hands of the Empire...I would die before I saw it happen!"
"Why don't we ask them? See what their decision is, Leia? After all, they would be nearly adults now..." Luke continued. "Let them make the decision as to their future..."
"You would twist their minds...you would corrupt what we have instilled in them from their birth...I will not allow you to do that!"
"Would you deny them the only chance they may get to be with their true parents?" Mara interjected, her voice almost sorrowful, as she once again locked eyes with Lalaith. "Would you deny this mother of what she so dearly wants?"
Siel-own shook his head. "They are not for you to have...you left them behind...it has been up to Leia to find homes for them and help raise them..."
Luke stood, his blue eyes cool and calculating. "Who are these remarkable young ones that you bring them to sit in on such a meeting?" he asked, changing topics with ease.
Siel-own glared at him. "Leia told you, this is Senator Lalaith Risal from Cecilian, and the other is my padawan learner, Anarion."
Luke nodded, walking back towards the two. "Anarion...you have your own padawan now, Siel-own? Shall we see if the Council is still training their students well?" he circled round to the two, and Anarion pushed Lalaith behind him.
Luke drew his lightsaber, quick as lightning, bringing it to bear down at the young man. Anarion sensed it a moment before and drew his own weapon, blocking inches from his face. Luke's grin grew wider. "Do you have a last name, Anarion? Or do all Jedi drop them now?" he asked pointedly.
Anarion's eyes flickered momentarily. Leia and Siel-own were doing nothing to save his parents...perhaps if he could talk to them...show them how much their son loved them...there was a chance...
"Skywalker...I am Anarion Skywalker..."
Leia gasped in horror and Siel-own stood, his face stern. "Anarion," the name was enough. Anarion lowered his saber and flicked it off as Luke went back to his seat, his grin never fading.
"You were instructed to watch the Senator and stay quiet...you disobeyed a direct command..." Siel-own scolded, his dark blue eyes filled with anger, though it did a poor job of masking his concern.
"You are doing nothing...they came here looking for peace and you won't even let me have the chance to make my own decisions!" Anarion responded, knowing he was in trouble, but allowing the heat of the moment to fuel his indignation.
"Anarion...this is not the time..." Siel-own warned.
"No, Master...you lied to me...who is this other they're talking about? I have a sibling? Why have you never told me?" Anarion demanded.
"Because they think you are weak...that is how the Jedi work...they tell you only what is in their best interests for you to know..." Mara spoke softly.
Lalaith backed away from Anarion, disbelief in her face. It couldn't be...it wasn't possible. She halted when she felt Leia's hand on her arm. She looked down to see the Senator's dark brown eyes pleading with her to stay out of the mess.
"Anarion, we will discuss this later..."
"No! Why won't you even try!" Anarion's blue-green eyes sparkled with tears as his voice rose. "You won't even try to bring them back!"
Siel-own stood speechless before his padawan, not sure of how to counter his accusations. "Anarion, it is difficult..."
"Yes, my son, it is very difficult...you see the Council wants you to help them destroy us...to rid the galaxy of the Sith once and for all...when all we want is peace...you could help us, Anarion...help us to bring the Empire and Republic together..." Luke spoke, his greedy voice enticing towards his son and his blue eyes calm.
Anarion looked between them. He could help...he was powerful...why could he not assist in bringing peace and order to the galaxy...after all, weren't the Jedi supposed to be guardians of peace and justice?
He wavered for a moment, before facing his Master once more. "I still have much to ask you...but I wish to question the Council..." He turned to Luke and Mara. "Give me time to find the answers to my questions...then Aunt Leia and I will have an answer to your proposal..." he stated, and before anyone could object or agree, he had swept from the room, his mind a blur of thoughts.
Lalaith followed after him, finally stopping when she found him sitting hunched on a bench outside the Senate's Great Hall.
"Anarion?" she asked tentatively, before settling next to him. "Are you alright?"
He looked up at her, his blue green eyes red, but no tears trailed down his face. "What am I supposed to do? I don't understand what they wish for me to do!" he returned, his voice strained. "I haven't ever seen my parents before this day...and now they want me to go with them as a peace offering to the Empire? And I have some sibling that I never knew about?" He buried his head in his hands, despair clouding his mind.
Lalaith reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder, her own gaze soft and understanding. "I haven't ever seen my parents either...the Risals adopted me when I was very young..." she consoled. "Everything seems confusing now...but give it time and it will be clearer...decisions are always harder to make in the heat of the moment..."
He looked over at her, a sly twinkle in his eyes. "Is that what they teach you in senator school?" he asked teasingly.
Lalaith giggled. "No, that's what my father used to say when I was fighting with my sister...do they teach you how to yell at your mentors in Jedi academy?" she returned and his face darkened.
"I was wrong to say such things to Master Darklighter...he has been a good friend and patient teacher...I shouldn't have said what I did...it just was so..."
"I know..." Lalaith whispered, her gaze meeting his. "I know."
Luke regarded Leia slowly as the two young adults left the council room. "They are passionate...both of them...so full of life...Do you remember when we had that, Leia? The thought that tomorrow would always be there and that we were completely invincible?"
Leia glared at him, her lips pursed.
"Nothing in the world could touch us...life was so simple..." he mused, seemingly unaware of her silence. "He is strong...and powerful...you have taught him well, Siel-own..." he complimented, though only received a glare from the Jedi Master in response. "He will be a gifted pupil."
"He will not be your pupil...nor your Master's pupil..." Siel-own growled. "He is to take the tests...he will become a Jedi...and serve the galaxy the way we were intended to."
Luke grinned silently. "He will indeed serve the galaxy...and will be powerful...one of the most powerful of Jedi...as he is destined to."
"You cannot have him, Luke...he belongs to the Republic and the Jedi Order...you abandoned that...you will not steal him away as well..." Leia replied.
"What about that young senator?" Mara questioned. "What does she have to do with this meeting? Why did you see fit for her to come?"
Leia paused, trying to gather her thoughts together. "She is a friend of mine...a pupil...I have instructed her since she was young...She happened to be visiting with me when the Chancellor called and asked to come along...to learn more of diplomacy...and out of a bit of curiosity, I imagine," she returned, looking up at Mara, her gaze steely.
Luke turned to Mara, his eyes stormy. "We shall retire, Your Grace," he said softly, taking Mara's hand as they bowed slightly to the Chancellor. "If you have need of us..." he looked pointedly at Leia before exiting the room.
As they left, Leia turned a deathly gaze on the Chancellor. "You orchestrated this...you knew they would be with me..."
The Chancellor raised his hands in defense. "Now, Senator...I only wished to present you with the option...I had no idea you had their son with you..."
"I will not allow Anarion or his twin to be taken by the Empire..." she returned, her eyes flashing violently.
"Senator, if it will grant us the peace we have been seeking for so long...can you not see the sacrifice of these two will be well appreciated? You saw the boy, he wishes to serve his government..."
"No!" Leia cried. "He will not go!" Her gaze flicked to Siel-own momentarily. "The Council will never allow it...and he must heed their word..." She stood, turning to leave, then looked back. "And you think that handing over the Skywalker children will result in peace?" she laughed derisively. "Dear Chancellor, my family is the most powerful of Jedi families known in the galaxy...do you not think that children of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade will not have some form of power? If you hand them to the Emperor, yes, Chancellor...you will have peace...until he has molded them into his puppets. Then the Republic will be only a memory...and everything we have fought and died for..." she trailed off, leaving the Chancellor in thought as her and Siel-own departed.
