Thank you for your patience and thanks to all my friends both near at hand and faraway.
Chapter 7
Naboo Palace
The banquet was far smaller and more intimate than it normally would have been had time not been at such a premium. Yet, with just shy of two hundred guests it was a sight to some of the newfound royals. Those that were leaving for Mon Calamari remained only the two hours that decorum required before they started to filter out of the room.
The first to leave the banquet was Amidala accompanied by Leia. While Amidala was gone Leia would be ruling in her place (Much to Rabe's relief.) As such it was customary that she wear the traditional make-up. As Amidala's handmaidens helped Leia apply the white face paint and red accents, Amidala explained to her daughter their meaning. Luke was the next to slip away from the party. He found his mother just as Leia was returning to the banquet.
Leia smiled. "I wonder if Han will even recognize 'me.'" Luke laughed as Leia continued on her way.
Amidala turned her attention from the mirror before her, to her son. "Are you ready Luke?"
"Yes... Mother." Luke said with a smile still enjoying the newness of the word. He had loved his Aunt Beru, but she had never tried to be his mother, maybe she had hoped that someday he would meet his real mother. As Luke debated his request he noticed the remnants of the white paint on his mother's face. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Rabe gathering the things that she would need to play her decoy, apparently they were worried about Amidala's safety. So the decision was made. "I just have one request?"
"Of course Luke, just ask and if it is in my power it will be done." Padme happily answered her son.
"Please, take Kenan as one of your bodyguards."
"First, I must ask why you feel I need to take another Jedi, one that isn't used to my style?" 'Like, back off and watch my back, because I know how to take of myself.' She added to herself. "I know he is loyal and saved Jaina for which I am grateful, but I can not see where this request is coming from?" Amidala asked trying to appease her curiosity.
Luke knew he couldn't tell her why he trusted her safety so fully around Kenan. Yet, how else could he explain it? Not to mention how would he explain it to Kenan? "I know what he is capable of with the Force." Luke closed his eyes. "Mom," and with that one word Padme's curiosity was forgotten. "I would just be more comfortable if I knew he was watching over you. Allowing me to concentrate on what I am doing." Luke said looking back up at his mother.
"Okay." Padme said pulling out her communicator. "Jaina, can you hunt down Kenan and make sure he joins us on our mission, because you seem to be the only person able to track him down?"
"Yes, Grandma," came Jaina's excited voice over the line before she cut the connection.
"I think you just made Jaina's day." Luke said smiling. He was glad that Kenan had that friendship with Jaina. Since Kenan had saved her life Jaina had been protective of him, not wanting him to be lonely. Yet, he had avoided most of her attempts to get him to spend time with her family. Then again, Luke now knew why. He also knew that Kenan was no longer hiding from him, but let Jaina tell him, it will make her happy and he'll take it better. He hadn't been looking forward to that job.
o O o
Han needed to be on the way to the Twin Saber and their mission but with all that had happened to his family, he wasn't leaving till he could say goodbye to them. He had already said goodbye to every one but his daughter and wife. Jaina had been sent to collect Kenan so he would have to wait for her return. Leia on the other hand was somewhere around he but he couldn't be sure where. He didn't want to disturb Leia if she was busy so he decided to call Sabe who was acting as Leia's handmaiden. Pulling out his com-unit Han punched up Sabe. She would know where Leia was. "Sabe."
As soon as she realized who was calling Sabe answered the question she hadn't even given him a chance to ask. "Leia is in your quarters changing into something a little less formal now that the formalities are over." Sabe supplied.
"Funny Sabe, I didn't think you were Jedi." Han said changing course.
"I'm not but Leia said you would probably be looking for her. May the Force be with you on your journey, Han." Sabe said cutting the line.
Han shook his head putting his com-unit away and picking up the pace.
o O o
Naboo Jedi Temple
Kenan had sought out Jinn Jinn Binks wondering what had happened to Jar Jar. Sadly he learned that Jar Jar had died a few years ago. Kenan enjoyed talking to the young Jedi Knight about his Father, though he knew it was a risk. Then again Jinn Jinn seemed to enjoy hearing Kenan's memories of Jar Jar and he doubted that he would think anything of it.
'I've got him this time!' Jaina thought to herself as she cloaked herself in the Force. When it came to Kenan she knew that she needed to bring him back personally, because he often refused to answer his communicator. So she had managed to sneak up right behind her new friend Kenan for the first time. She knew it was a little childish, but she had become an adult too soon and to fast. She just knew he wouldn't be mad at her. Kenan was talking to Jedi Binks about his father and neither had yet to notice her presence.
Or so Jaina thought, because just as she started to say something. "Hello, Jaina," came Kenan's bemused voice. "You'll have to do better than that if you're going to sneak up on me." Kenan said turning toward the young woman.
Jinn Jinn Binks was somewhat surprised by the way Jedi Kenan acted around the Princess, likely to be second in line to thrown. Then there was how she acted toward him as to be expected with family, not with a recent acquaintance.
Jaina just laughed shaking her head. "Anyway, Jedi Binks, I am sorry but I will have to cut yours and Kenan's conversation short. Grandma sent me to find you Kenan. She told me to make sure that you come with us."
"The Queen wants me to come with you on your mission?" Kenan said trying his best to conceal his panic.
"Yes, Kenan, the Queen, she's the only Grandma I have."
"I guess we will have to talk later Jedi Binks, I have to go prepare for the trip." Kenan said bowing. It still seamed unusual, the thought that Jar Jar's son was a Jedi Knight.
"May tha Force be wiht you, Kenan and wiht tha Royol Family." The tall Gungun said with a bow.
"And, with you, Jedi Binks." Jaina said following Kenan back toward the flier that would speed them on their way back to the Palace.
"Did Queen Amidala say why she wished my presence?" Kenan asked as Jaina expertly piloted the flier at top speed. 'I wonder if she inherited her piloting skills from 'me'.' Kenan thought as she pulled one of the maneuvers that had always driven Obi-wan up the walls.
"No, she just said to make sure you were on the ship with us." Jaina said smiling. Kenan was going with them and she didn't care why. She felt safe around him. In some ways it was like when she and her siblings were little and Uncle Chewie was watching over them. They knew that he wouldn't allow harm to come to them and would discourage anyone that might contemplate doing harm. Then again, why Kenan would remind her of an eight-foot tall wookie. 'Oh well,' She thought to herself taking another maneuver faster than most sane people would dream of.
'There goes just about all hope of avoiding Ami,' Kenan thought tightening his restraints and enjoying the rest of the ride in a comfortable silence.
Once Jaina and Kenan landed at the palace Kenan headed straight to his room and quickly packed his meager belongings. As soon as that was done he set out to find Luke. He found Luke and Mara on their way to the Jade Sabre to take it up to dock with the main vessel. According to Jaina her Father and Jacen had about to leave Naboo with their strike force.
"Master Skywalker, may I speak with you for a moment?" Kenan asked needing to talk to him alone.
"I'll be along in a minute." Luke said to Mara and then waited till she was out of earshot. "Yes, Kenan?" Luke asked with a good idea of what he wanted.
"Did you know that Queen Amidala has given the order for me to accompany her on this mission?" Kenan asked and Luke nodded an affirmative. "Is there anything that you can do to help me out of this situation?"
Luke smiled and closed his eyes. "Kenan, you are not going to like this, but the fact is, I am the reason she asked."
"Do what!" Kenan asked in shock.
o O o
Jaina walked up to her Father. "I hear the Falcon wasn't the only thing that you couldn't recognize." She said with a grin.
"Yeah, well I can't I help it that they keep radically changing things." Han growled.
"See you when we get back. Oh, just one thing before I go." Jaina said reaching up and wiping his cheek with her sleeve. When she finished Han could see a white smudge. "It just doesn't work on you."
"Thanks, you be careful, Jaina." Han said heading toward the shuttle.
o O o
Orbit around Naboo
The New Hope was a sight to behold as Luke and Mara flew the Jade Sabre into its cavernous cargo hold. The New Hope was one of the three largest ships in the Naboo fleet and just like all of their smaller ships she was beautiful. The New Hope was not as long as the Super Star Destroyers that the Empire had used but she could have held her own against any of them.
'The question though is how will the New Hope and her sister ships stand up in battle against the Yuuzhan Vong.' Luke thought to himself as Mara landed gently amongst the other small ships that were to support the Queen on her trip to Mon Calamari the new heart of the New Republic. As Luke watched a bubble akin to those the Gunguns use to form their under water cities formed around the 'Sabre' providing a protective atmospheric bubble. Even if the worst should happen and the outer hull of the New Hope was breached crews would still be able to have access to their smaller ships. This also meant that they did not have to keep the huge hold pressurized all the timse, though they could pressurize it at anytime that it might be needed. The Naboo style of shipbuilding was still weird to Luke. Like how much of it had living elements to some degree or another.
Disembarking from the 'Sabre' Luke and Mara found Rabe waiting for them. "Welcome aboard My Lord and Lady. Amidala wanted to meet you upon your arrival but got tied up in seeing to last minute details."
"Every thing considered, that things have moved this quickly and smoothly, and on such short notice speaks well of the Naboo." Luke said. "Once we are on our way, there will be time."
"Until then, Amidala asked, if you and Mara could oversee the settling of the Jedi?" Rabe requested.
"Sure." Luke said gesturing for Rabe to lead the way.
"Here are your maps so you can find your way around of this behemoth." Rabe said with a laugh. "You have also been assigned temporary passwords once you log in and choose your own passwords you will of course have full access." Rabe said turning to face them in the air lock to the main portion of the New Hope. "Master Skywalker's password is Happily."
"Okay, but just call us Luke and Mara when possible." Luke said with a smile.
"As you wish... Luke. Meanwhile, Mara, your password is Everafter." Rabe said turning to open the hatch.
"Happily ever after." Mara said giggling as they stepped into the halls. "Padme chose them didn't she?"
"Of course." Rabe said with a smile.
o O o
Twin Saber
It had been a long time since Han had been anything more than the Captain of the Falcon and now he was in charge of a small fleet. He remembered how apprehensive he had been about what kind of welcome to expect when he arrived at the bridge of the Twin Saber. When, as Han stepped onto the bridge once more the Captain again stood and his presence was announced, "Admiral on the bridge."
Han still had to fight the urge to grimace. 'And I thought being called General was bad.' They had called him away from over seeing his task force. A distress call had been picked up not far from their location. Han recognizing the name of the ship had already had their course altered. "Let me hear it." Han said coming to a stop next to the Captain on the bridge's command level.
Wedge's voice could just be made out through the static. "I repeat, we are under attack and require immediate assistance."
"Open the channel." When he saw the comm-tech nod Han added. "Hold on Wedge, the cavalry is on its way."
"Han!"
"Yeah, and I have some new friends with me. I suggest you tell gunners that if it glows don't shoot it. You'll understand when we get there, in about..." Han trailed off looking at the Captain.
"Our ETA is at ten minutes, Admiral." The Captain supplied.
"Hurry up, 'Admiral.'" Wedge said confused. Just as the connection cut Han swore he heard Wedge mumble, "Glows?"
o O o
Wedge had taken Han's advice and told all his remaining gunners not to shoot anything that glows until further notice. In just under ten minutes Wedge got his answer as a small fleet of about fifty strange ships dropped out of hypespace. Between their ships, fighters and the blue glowing projectiles that wreaked havoc on Vong Coral Skippers their sector of space got a lot brighter. Wedge was glad Han had seen fit to warn them; otherwise they might have mistakenly shot their rescuers.
"Who are these people, Han?" Wedge asked after the strange fleet made short work of the skippers that had been swarming his ships and sending the Vong carrier packing.
"The Naboo. They have been busy dealing with something the Emperor had left behind. But, let's just say for now, that their Queen doesn't take to kindly to anybody threatening the Jedi and the Vong have definitely placed them selves firmly on her bad side." Han said smiling, remembering Amidala's reaction when she had learned about some of the things that had happened.
"Sounds good, I don't have to tell you that we need all the help we can get." Wedge said.
In the background Han could just make out the damage reports coming in on Wedge's end. "Speaking of help, why don't you have those ships with the severe damage dock with us and let the Naboo techs give you a hand. They do good work as long as you don't mind things glowing." Han paused. "Believe me, you have to see what they did the 'Falcon' to believe it. Why don't you shuttle over and let me fill you in on our new neighbors."
"I'll be over as soon as I can." Wedge said closing of the com-line. He had a feeling that it was going to be a very interesting story, like most of them were when anybody with the name Skywalker or Solo was involved.
o O o
Yuuzhen'tar
Commander Joaihaf Karn was not looking forward to this. He had failed his mission; lost half of the ships assigned to him and had fled from battle. Things did not look good for him. Retreat was not the Yuuzhen Vong way; the only thing that might spare him to fight another day was the fact that he had been defeated at the hands of an unknown enemy. Entering the Supreme Overlords chamber and paying his respects he waited to be acknowledged.
He didn't have long to wait. "Report, 'Commander.'" Shimrra growled his distaste palatable.
"Supreme Overlord." Commander Joaihaf Karn said starting his report. "We intercepted the infidel convoy as expected and quickly had them surrounded. My men had wreaked major damage on a large portion of their ships and all was going well." Joaihaf paused to take a deep breath before continuing only to be interrupted.
"Yet, you stand before me in disgrace." Shimrra said reminding him of his precarious situation.
"Yes My Lord." Joaihaf said acknowledging that fact. "Just when success seemed insured a fleet of ships dropped out of hyperspace and joined the battle. These ships were like none we had ever seen before and the moment they came out of hyperspace they and their fighters were upon us. Before we had a chance to fire a third of our coral skippers were dead in space. We continued to fight for a time, but though we had never seen their like before, they knew our tactics. I felt that returning with the news of a new enemy would be worth more than my death and the deaths of my men in battle. Especially when the ships employed technology not unlike our own."
"For now at least." Shimrra said dismissing him with his life intact so that he could contemplate this new occurrence.
o O o
Naboo space
Kenan and Jaina shuttled up to the New Hope together. He was dreading this. It was hard enough to be on the same planet as Padme. Now he was not only going to be stuck on a ship with her but was assigned to protect her, which meant that there would be no avoiding her.
When it came time for them to go aboard the New Hope Jaina took Kenan by the hand and all but dragged him down the gangplank. "Come on let's go find Grandma."
"Okay." Kenan said. 'Might as well bite the bullet now and not seem like I have been avoiding her for all I am worth.'
When they found Amidala she was at the center of the action getting the last details ironed out so they could get on their way. Jaina finally released her grip on Kenan's hand knowing that he couldn't disappear now and made her way to her Grandma's side to lend a hand. Kenan stood back against one of the walls out of the way but still at hand if needed and watched them. Though Jaina wasn't experienced with being a royal she was holding her own. A short time later Luke and Mara came in. Luke glanced at him, nodded then dived in to help and between the four royals things moved right along.
About fifteen minutes after Luke and Mara's arrival the room that had been packed since his and Jaina's arrival had a mass exodus and all of a sudden Kenan found himself alone with the subject of his distraction, Padme. 'What do I do now?' Kenan thought to himself. This was the first time he had found himself alone with her and he was lost as to what to do. Kenan glanced around wondering where Jaina had disappeared to and if his 'nephew' had had anything to do with this. When he looked at Padme again he found her watching him.
"My Lady?" Kenan asked trying to hide his nervousness.
"There is something I would like you to do for me, Kenan." Amidala said stepping closer.
"Anything, My Lady." Kenan said stiffly.
"First of all, relax, Kenan." Amidala said with a laugh.
"Yes, ma'am." Kenan said, though he found it hard to relax in her presence because if he relaxed he might let his guard slip and she might realize who he was.
"I know that Luke wants you to watch out for me, but I have plenty of experience taking care of myself and already have a troop handmaidens and bodyguards. Like Luke I need to be able to focus, what I need is you to do is watch out for Jaina. Though I realize she has been through a lot of things in her young life and survived, she is still young. I need to know that someone will be focused on her and her safety. Do you understand?" Amidala said looking into a pair of oddly familiar blue eyes.
"As you wish, My Lady, I will protect her to the best of my ability." Kenan said bowing to surreptitiously break the eye contact. "With your permission I will go find her?"
"Of course, and thank you Kenan." Padme said with a smile.
o O o
Mara had decided to retire to Luke's and her quarters a couple hours before. The morning had been busy getting everything lined out for this important journey. They not only had to make sure that they had everything ready to make a good impression to the New Republic, but also on the Vong if the need arose. The Naboo intended to run every drill and simulation that they could think of up until they reached Mon Calamari. It was this drive that had served them so well during their long imprisonment. Now they were focusing that energy on preparing to face their new enemy. Ensuring that they would be ready to protect both their Queen and their world when the time comes. However, for Mara and the others of the 'Outer Jedi Order' this was what they had been living with for almost five years. All she had wanted to do was sleep so she slipped away to her quarters.
She wasn't sure how long she had napped on the couch when the door chime awakened her. It was designed not to wake up anyone who might be asleep in the bedroom but that didn't do her any good on the couch. "Coming." She said to silence the all too cheery chime. When she opened the door she found a young woman in the hooded tunic of a royal handmaiden. She was about Jaina's age with long blond hair and bright blue eyes and though her clothing for the most part was fitting for a handmaiden Mara noticed her shoes were not. Even having just awoken Mara couldn't help noticing them. She would have sworn that you would have to use the Force if you want them to stay on.
Yet, the young woman managed a graceful curtsy even with the shoes. "I am sorry if I disturbed you My Lady, my name is Eve Bridger. I noticed that you missed lunch and I thought that you might be hungry." She said gesturing to the cart standing beside her.
Now that Mara thought about it she was hungry and the food smelled delicious. "Thank you, Eve. How thoughtful of you." Mara said stepping back to let Eve wheel the cart in. "The only times I every got room service on ships like this it was slid under the door." Mara said watching the young woman setting the table and dishing out the food.
"This is what handmaidens do. We take care of the needs of the Royalty so that they can take care of the needs of Naboo." Eve said pulling out the chair and gesturing for Mara to take her seat.
"It smells great." Mara said taking a bite. "And tastes even better. My compliments to the chef."
"I will make sure to tell him you liked it. It will make his day." Eve said standing nearby encase Mara needed anything else.
"And I will have to remember to thank Amidala for having one of her handmaidens see to my needs." Mara said continuing to enjoy her meal.
"Though my duty is a great honor, My Lady, it is not my privilege to serve our Queen directly. It is my privilege to have been chosen to protect a member of the Royal Family. As many of my family have done for over five generations, serving both as handmaidens and bodyguards. Yane, one of Queen Amidala's original handmaidens was of my family." Eve said then smiling even brighter out of pride. "My sister is among the select group hoping to be chosen as one of Jaina's handmaidens and as a Jedi herself she will quite likely to be chosen. She would also make a good decoy for the young princess." Eve said refilling Mara's drink.
"I can see you're proud of her." Mara said finding the young handmaiden's cheerfulness infectious.
"Yes, I am proud of my sister and she of me." Eve said with a smile as she collected the first course plate and served the second.
"I am sure you have other duties to be attending to, I hope you won't get in trouble for your kindness." Mara said wondering what else she had stashed on the small cart.
"No, My Lady I will not get to any trouble for this. It is my pleasure to act as your handmaiden." Eve said with a slight curtsy.
Mara blinked her fork stopping halfway to her mouth. "My... Hand... My HandMaiden!
o O o
Luke looked around the corridor he found himself in; it was smaller than those he remembered going through to reach his quarters. At some point during the day he had misplaced his map but he had thought that he remembered the way.
"Just great! Here I am a Jedi Master, Leader in one Jedi Order and Second in command of another. Prince of Naboo and I can't even find my way to my own quarters." Luke mumbled to himself slowing down trying to get his bearings. He didn't want to have to call on the Force for something as trivial as this. Not to mention the fact that with all the Jedi that were aboard someone would probably notice.
"May I be of assistance?" Came an unexpected inquiry from just behind Luke.
Coming to a complete stop and turning Luke found a young human Jedi Knight a little shorter than Luke. His silvery robes neither blended in nor stood out but like so much of the Naboo they complimented their surroundings. He was standing patiently. That's when Luke realized that he had been following him for most of the day. That Luke hadn't noticed was a testament to how safe he felt here among his Mother's, and now his people.
"Who are you and how long have you been following me?" Luke finally asked to fill the silence.
"My name is Drew Bridger, Master Skywalker," Drew said bowing respectfully. "As to how long I have been following you, since we left Naboo. If I could, if you take the next left it will take you back to the main corridor and from there it is far easier to reach the VIP quarters."
"Am I the only one aboard that doesn't know where my quarters are?" Luke asked shaking his head.
"No, but I spent a fair portion of my apprenticeship on the New Hope and her sister ships," Drew said leading the way. "It is also my job as your bodyguard to know things like this."
"Bodyguard!" Luke said focusing on his guide.
o O o
Sorry about the long dry spell. There has been a lot going on in the real world and I think my muse took an extended leave of absence. Hopefully it is well rested and going be back for a while. Feed back please! It makes me write faster.
A/N: I am sorry that the way my story line works I can not bring back Chewie. If I could find a logical way I would. Chewie still lives in the memories of those who loved him.
