Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone once again for reviewing. I really
appreciate it and it gives me a clue that people are actually reading,
which makes me want to continue. Oh, and as to why it's taken me so long
to post, well three words sum it up; DARTH REAL LIFE, ugh! I've been way
to busy and I don't like it one bit. I felt bad about the wait so I posted
two chapters right away.good trade, right?
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" I can't believe you didn't give him back his clothes!" Padmè chided Mara without any real force to her tone. It was obvious that she was trying desperately to suppress her own amusement at the situation.
Mara gave a dainty shrug and glanced at Luke, who sat next to Anakin on the opposite side of the room.
" It's not like he has to wear a towel, " Mara said caustically giving the Farmboy an up and down glance. No longer was he in a towel, much to Mara's dismay, but now he wore his refugee outfit. The brown tunics helped them to blend in.of course Luke's green hair didn't help matters in that sense.
Leia also gave a look to her brother finding it all very amusing. Sensing his sister's eyes upon him, Luke turned around and flashed her a bright smile before glaring at Mara. Mara didn't seem fazed in the slightest as she rolled her eyes and chuckled. Leia had to admit; these two always fought and bickered but they are closer than they let on.
Just by looking at the duo anyone can see the affection between them. Even if they both deny it they respect and care for each other very deeply. Leia looked over at her husband and he gave her a sly grin and wiggled his eyebrows slightly causing her to laugh.
Luke continued to glare at Mara but it lacked any real fury. Don't get him wrong, he was angry, he just couldn't stay mad at Mara long. He watched her as she talked and laughed with Padmè and Dormè. He was, of course sure their laughter was because of him. He was most likely the brunt of the jokes and it should've bothered him. But it didn't. To his surprise he kind of liked being the center of Mara's conversation. Now all he had to do was think of something to get back at her with. A good, wicked plan
The first thing that came to mind was stealing all of HER clothes. He didn't mind in the slightest that it had already been done and that he wasn't being original.shooting Mara a sly grin he watched as her smile faded and she gave him a what-are-you-up-to? Look.
When her suspicion grew into frustration and she shot him a death glare he began to think more on the matter and he realized that maybe that idea wouldn't be such a good one after all. Still, it would be very interesting.
She continued to stare angrily at him as if reading his thoughts and stood up. For a moment Luke thought she had in fact heard what he was pondering and that she was going to kill him for it, but quickly realized he was wrong when every one stood up also. Anakin went to stand behind Padmè and Luke followed to stand beside Mara flashing her a hesitant smile. She looked at him confused then muttered something about weird Farmboys.
" Its not me Malady, I worry about you. What if they realize you left?"
The handmaiden's concern gained Luke's attention and he focused on them instead of the fiery red head next to him.
" Then my Jedi protectors will have to prove how good they are."
Even though the comment was made for all three of them, Padmè glanced at Anakin. He smiled wide obviously ecstatic from her compliment. Luke looked at Mara brow raised and she rolled her eyes in return.
Mara tried to hide her smile as she watched Obi-Wan lecture his Padawan on what he could or could not do. It was very unnecessary. She herself knew that Anakin would do what he felt needed to be done without asking first if need be. She was also certain that Obi-Wan knew this as well. When Anakin answered what he wanted to hear, Obi-Wan turned to reassure the senator that he would find the person behind this. Mara felt a tug on her sleeve and she glanced down knowing this time that it was the children.
" Auntie Mara go?" Little Anakin asked frowning.
He held out his arms and Mara glanced at him cautiously. This had happened before and she knew what he wanted. Sighing she kneeled down in front of him and tentatively reached out to wrap her arms around the little one.
As soon as the deed was done the other two solo kids tackled her in a fierce hug. Something was up, Mara had no idea what was causing this show of emotion and she wasn't too sure if it was a bad thing or good.
" We have to go now," Anakin said motioning for Luke, Mara and Padmè to follow him. Mara tried to pull away from the kids but they wouldn't budge. Han, Leia and Obi-Wan each pulled a kid away and Mara left shaking her head in bewilderment. Those kids are really weird.
When she caught up with the rest Luke was smirking at her, a smirk Mara didn't really appreciate.
" What?" she muttered and he laughed and followed beside her behind Artoo.
" Suddenly I'm afraid," Padmè said softly to Anakin. He gave her a solemn nod answering quietly " It's my first mission alone.I'm scared too."
Mara gave Luke a look at that as if to say 'what happened to fear leads to anger, anger to hate mumbo jumbo Yoda was spewing on and on about?' He shrugged then hooked his arm with hers.
" Don't worry, we have Artoo," Anakin said lightening up the mood. Padmè laughed and glanced back just in time to see Mara push Luke away from her. He stumbled but caught himself before falling completely. Luke stood up and began to chase her around the little astromech droid.
From far away the scene was even more amusing than close up. Han laughed, as did Leia, and they looked over to Captain Typho and Obi-Wan who were both trying to hold back a grin. Obi-Wan turned his into a disapproving stare as he muttered, " I hope he doesn't try anything foolish."
The four, by this time, had mingled with the crowd about to board the shuttle. Captain Typho gave him a look and shook his head disagreeing, " I'd be more concerned with her doing something foolish, than him." Han and Leia both shook their heads but didn't voice the obvious reality. Luke and Mara were the ones to worry about.
They watched until the cargo ship took off. Only then did they realize that something was wrong. Someone was missing. Han glanced around the room counting. " One," he muttered and pointed at Anakin.
" Two," he said nodding at Jacen and giving the room several glances. There was no sign of her and Han looked to his wife and let out as many curses as he could think of.
"Jaina!"
Leave it to Jaina to get lost. Leia shook her head and stretched out with the force searching for her mischievous daughter. She let out a deep sigh of relief when she found her close to Luke and his 'wife.' Leia touched Han's arm to silence his muttering and gave him a bright smile. Catching on he let out a loud laugh.
" Mara's not going to like this," Han stated the obvious and reached for his comlink in anticipation.
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"Who are we going to see?" Han asked walking beside Obi-Wan down the streets of Courescant. Instead of staying at the temple being bored while Leia and the kids learned some more tricks, he had decided to follow Obi- Wan.
"My old friend Dex, he owns a diner just down the street a little ways. He'll know where this toxic dark came from." Obi-Wan told him obviously not bothered by his company. "You know, Mara could have probably told you where it came from," Han said flashing the Jedi a quick smile. Obi-Wan frowned and rolled his eyes.
" No she couldn't have," his reply indicated his frustration about something, or someone. Han laughed, " Actually buddy I'm afraid so," Obi- Wan shot him another look.
"How does she know so much about this stuff anyway? I mean weapons, buildings, places.." His questioning trailed off as he saw Han's still amused face.
To Han it was extremely funny that the grrreat Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was irritated by the fact that someone knew more than he did. It kind of reminded him a little of Mara herself. Maybe they are related or something he thought then shook his head to clear that outrageous notion. No, he didn't really think that a logical possibility.
Obi-Wan was still waiting for a response and cleared his throat a couple of times before Han finally answered. " I've given up trying to figure it out. All the information, or most of it at least, came from her training from the past, when she was little."
Obi-Wan was about to ask something else, most likely about her so called training, but Han didn't give him the chance he knew that he didn't want the Jedi to ask for then he'd have to answer something. That wouldn't be good for two reasons, one: Obi couldn't learn anything about what was to come in the future.at least not yet anyways and two: He didn't want to say things about Mara that would get him into more trouble then he was already in. Of course the whole Jaina sneaking along with her wasn't exactly his fault but Mara and Luke both seemed to think it was.
" Look, isn't this the place?" Han said wisely changing the subject. Obi- Wan nodded and they went inside. They where greeted by a droid waitress with an attitude, a spunky little thing. Nothing like golden rod.Han groaned just thinking about 3PO. One thing about this journey that Han liked was that the communication droid didn't come along..
" Someone to see ya' honey! A Jedi by the looks of him," The droid yelled out. A big head popped out of the opening, a huge smile formed on its face.
" Be right with ya' old buddy!" He exclaimed obviously happy about the visit. Obi-Wan and the still smiling, slightly confused Han took a seat. "You wanna cup of Ardees?" The droid asked in a nicer tone of voice, relieved that the three were friends.
Dex came out only a moment later and hugged Obi-Wan in a friendly manner. His four arms encircled the Jedi knight like he was nothing but a doll. At that moment Han realized that he never ever wanted to be on this guys bad side. His huge fist could crush.practically anything. The two both sat down, Obi-Wan next to Han and Dex squeezed in across from them. The waitress droid set their drinks down and left.
" What can I do for ya'?" The massive creature asked in a friendly manner.
He reminded Han of Chewie, a loyal friend to help you when you need something. There was also the fact that they could both rip your arms out if the situation needed it.
"You can tell us what this is," Obi-Wan replied holding out the dart for him to look at. Dex's eyes widened slightly as he took the dart and inspected it.
" I ain't seen one of these in a long while," he said softly and Han smiled. Success. " So you know where it came from?" Dex gave Han a who-are- you-anyway? Look, but shrugged and turned to Ben. " It belongs to them cloners. This here's a Kamino Saber dart." Obi-Wan echoed the name then gave a confused look at Han. " Why didn't it show up on the Archives?"
The two continued to talk about it but Han droned them out and thought more on the darts origins. The planet Kamino wasn't familiar. He honestly had never heard of the name before, at least he didn't ever recall hearing it. Dex explained where it was located and they sat in a moment of silence. Finally something that Dex said before came to Han again.
" Cloners."
Obi-Wan looked his direction and nodded in agreement finishing the question. " Are they friendly?"
That wasn't the question Han had in mind but he couldn't ask what he planned to. They wouldn't even know what he was talking about. The cloners sounded an awful lot like they would be involved in the Clone Wars Luke talked about. He'd definitely have to comlink the kid when they reach the temple and ask him about it.
" It depends," Dex said with a mischievous smirk on his face.
" On what?" The Jedi said smiling back. Han also couldn't help but smile because he himself knew what the old friend would say. " On how good your manners are and how big your pocket book is."
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" So you see, that's how we got to be here! When we got off the ship the other one blowed up and then Lukie and Mara said we're in the past. AND Anakin Skywalker is my Granddaddy." Jaina took a deep breath when her story was finished and smiled. She grabbed another bowl and filled it with more mush.
" You have to promise not to tell though R2. it was supposed to be a secret but since you're my new best friend I can tell you!" The little blue and white astromech droid gave a few affirmative beeps and Jaina's smile brightened as she leaned over and gave him a hug.
" You're just the same as before R2. I'm glad with all the odther stuff that's changed you didn't at all. Nu uh you didn't, not one bit." She nodded at her own conclusions and they continued to gather food for the silly adults.
To Padmè this trip was a big change, but a welcome one. She wasn't used to all of this.having fun. Her life was always about other important political matters and she never had any time to just be herself. To be Padmè, not the senator, but the young woman that always seemed to stay hidden. When she was queen she hid behind the white face paint but escaped it all as Padmè. Now, as Senator, she seemed to be hiding in her duties.hiding from life itself. From family and love.
Padmè gave a Look at Anakin. He looks so different when he is sleeping, adorable. No longer did he remind her of the little poor boy she once knew, or even the Jedi Padawan she knew now. No, now she saw him as the handsome young man he is. The one she's been hiding from. No matter how much she tried to fight it she couldn't tear her gaze away. He moved about in his sleep, as if dreaming.
" I thought Luke said Jedi don't dream?" She muttered to herself confused. Shaking her head she glanced to where Luke and Mara use to stand while watching over her. Now they were both fast asleep. It was kind of funny that she was the only one up, besides Jaina and R2, yet she was also the only one in danger.
Luke sat slouched slightly with Mara next to him. Mara rested against his shoulder and Luke's head lay on top of hers. They seemed to hate each other only a little while ago after Han announced little Jaina came along. But now, now anyone could see how in love they really are. Padmè sighed thinking how lucky they were to find one another and glanced once again at Anakin.
Realizing immediately where her thoughts were leading her she quickly glanced away from him and scanned the room for R2 and Jaina. They were still gathering up a meal for everyone to eat- That was the job Padmè assigned the little girl as soon as she started to sing ' 99 bottles of Correllian Ale on the Wall'.for the third time.
She watched in amusement as the server droid yelled " No droids!" at R2 and Jaina retaliated by throwing a piece of bread at it. R2 gave a few explicit beeps and Padmè could only guess the meaning. Where he learned it from was a whole different matter entirely. It was most likely from the little seven year old herself. The two surely made an amusing pair.
They started on the journey back towards the smiling Padmè but she was startled and glanced away just missing Jaina dropping a cup of drink onto a sleeping emigrant. Anakin was mumbling and thrashing in his sleep.
" Anakin?" she asked softly but he just turned the other way and continued on " Mom, no!" Anakin called out and Padmè went to his side concerned.
" Anakin?" she said firmly and gave him a good shake. His blue opened slowly and he stared up at her questioningly. " You were having a nightmare," she explained and moved away from him. He sat up and ran a hand through his messy hair looking like a lost little boy.
Jaina and R2 returned then with the food and Jaina sported a satisfied confident smile. She glanced back to the angry man a ways back and he was still ringing out his shirt.
" Who lays in the middle over a walkway anyway?" she muttered to R2 with no sign of remorse. He agreed with a whistle and Jaina nodded.
" Here you go Padmè, we did it!" Jaina exclaimed with a proud of herself smile Of course the meal wouldn't be as good as the breakfast she and her brothers got for her parents but that's only because she didn't make it. It would have to do for now.
Padmè and Anakin began to eat and Jaina stared up at them biting her lip as if she wanted to ask something. Anakin gave her a grin " yes?" he asked and she looked down rubbing her shoe over an imaginary spot.
" Well," she started very business- like and clasped her hands behind her back. " Me and R2 was wonderin' if we could go play a game." Padmè gave a smile at Anakin brows raised. Then looked back towards the little girl. " What game?" Jaina shifted from right foot to left and then looked up at them batting her eyelashes.
" Explore," she told them and R2 gave a beep while Anakin's smile brightened. " How do you play that?" He asked already knowing the answer. Her face turned from angelic-do-no-harm to excited in a matter of seconds.
" Well, you see, me and Squirt-Squirt is what Auntie Mara calls R2, I'm tryin' to get him used to it so he doesn't get mad later on- will go all around the room and try to figure out clues to the secret." She took a big breath when she was finished then grinned up at them.
Padmè and Anakin still had a questioning look on their faces and Padmè opened her mouth to ask the obvious but Jaina quickly interrupted. " If I told you it wouldn't be a secret."
They both laughed at her enthusiasm and nodded in agreement. " Yes!" Jaina yelled and jumped up and down. R2 gave a whistle that made it clear he was happy as well and followed as Jaina left chattering about how her plan worked.
Anakin and Padmè watched them walk away then glanced over at the still sleeping forms of Luke and Mara.
" Naboo," Anakin started looking back at Padmè. " It's by far the most beautiful planet I've ever seen." His eyes locked with hers and Padmè looked away uncomfortable obviously catching the double meaning.
" Time changes perception," She argued trying to get away from his intense blue orbs.
"Sometimes it does," he started still looking at her. " Sometimes for the better."
Padmè's eyes locked with his once again and she tried to change the subject. " It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi. Not being able to visit the places you like, or do the things you like." She trailed off and he cut in, " Or be with the people I love." He said, his gaze once again boring into hers.
" Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi," she quickly challenged.
" Attachment is forbidden, possession is forbidden," he began as if he was reciting a rule. Then he leaned in closer, his voice soft. " Compassion, which I define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say we're encouraged to love." He finished off, his voice thick with emotion. Padmè bit her lip and moved slightly away.
" Just look at Luke and Mara," Anakin said noticing her discomfort and trying to lighten the mood.
" Get off of me!" Mara yelled at Luke. He opened his eyes and his sleepy blue gaze met her angry green one. " Let go of me," she stated firmly with no doubt he would do as she requested. Somehow during the nap she had moved closer to him and he had wrapped his strong arms around her. Now it seemed as if he'd never let go.
" Why?" he asked confused and obviously still dreamy.
" Why?" Mara echoed as she gave him a glare then looked over at Padmè and Anakin.
He hugged her closer and she tried to push him away, more then a little embarrassed about being caught in his embrace and also because she actually fell asleep on the job. She never used to do that. I'm getting too soft she thought shaking her head in disgust. She looked up at Luke again and their gazes locked instantly. The tension between them increased and he dipped his head closer to hers.
" I'm supposed to be the one torturing you," Mara muttered biting her lip while she studied his face. He smiled and tightened his warm embrace once again. That's when she recovered her ability to think and she shrugged him off hard. He fell to the floor not expecting that and she walked away, back over to Anakin and Padmè who were continuing the conversation in a desperate attempt to hide their amusement. Luke sighed then stood up and followed her.
" How did you two come to be married anyway?" Padmè asked still slightly confused, actually very confused, about the whole situation.
Mara had long since given up trying to deny it but Padmè's question baffled her. She gave Luke a quick glance and he shrugged, just as puzzled as she was.
" What do you mean?" he asked the Senator and Mara nodded in agreement. Anakin gave them the whole Jedi speech about love and commitment but Luke's brows just furrowed as if trying to understand.
" It's not like that where we are from," Mara supplied when she realized Luke wasn't going to. Anakin's face now matched Luke's from only seconds ago.
"You from Correllia?" he asked bewildered even though he knew they weren't. Mara shook her head no and Luke looked up at Anakin and Padmè seriously.
" I don't get it," he started then quickly continued, " In my experience a person needs someone to care for, someone to love in order to keep on living. What good would life be, if you had no one to share it with?" Mara looked over at Luke only to find him staring right back at her. " If I didn't have Mara, I don't know what I would do. She's my best friend, she's my life."
Mara heart seemed to stop completely and she shifted uncomfortably at the odd looks she was receiving from Anakin and Padmè. She searched desperately for something, anything she could change the subject to.
" Where's Jaina?" she asked not being able to hide the true concern in her voice. Padmè smiled and pointed across the room.
" They're playing explore," she reassured Mara with a laugh. Mara nodded then Luke gave her a look as if to say so-you-do-care-eh? " What!" she exclaimed irritated and moved away from him. " She's my partner in crime after all." As if that explained everything she stalked off to where Jaina and R2 were getting into trouble-again.
Luke sighed and followed her with his gaze. Anakin and Padmè were torn between amusement and questioning. Luke and Anakin both began to eat the mush on the trays but Padmè continued to watch Mara.
She sure is a complex woman. Her emotions change instantly and she seemed to keep them all, except anger, hidden. Like me, Padmè thought looking at Anakin. Her attention quickly returned to the fiery woman and she watched in amusement as Mara kneeled in front of Jaina and R2 with a smile on her face.
Jaina's little arms were flailing this way and that gesturing to her aunt what happened. Mara nodded in understanding and gave the little girls hand a squeeze reassuringly. Either that or it was a move to stop the assault so she didn't get hit with the girl's arms.
Mara then stood to her full height, which only reached just below the man's chest, and gave him a death glare. Mara said something and narrowed her eyes even further. The rough, burley, man left with no arguments. It was at that point that Padmè realized that it was a good thing Mara Jade was on her side. Padmè smiled and turned her attention back to Anakin and Luke.
" Wow Auntie Mara you're the greatest!" Jaina exclaimed and Mara shot her a sly smirk.
" Did you figure out the secret of the cargo ship yet?" Mara asked Jaina shook her head negative sadly.
" How bout I help then?" Jaina's eyes brightened and she took her 'Aunt's' hand in her own and pulled her along. R2 beeped and whistled happily and stayed at her side.
" So you see Auntie Mara, I was going along through here asking about stuff-you know, the stuff you need to know in order to win-and all of a sudden a monster jumped out at us. It looked like the one you and Uncle Lukie fought when, you know you did-but anyway R2 came to the rescues, did you know he has a shocker weapon thing on him." Jaina continued to explain all the details to Mara without even taking a breath.
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What exactly does the question "What's up?" mean? I mean, is it some weird way some weird person thought that it would be cool to use instead of "How you doing?" and why did it catch on? Everyone uses it, including myself and I'm pretty crazy so does that mean Joey from friends is the only sane person? I just wanted to know if I was the only one to think that maybe this weird person who 'invented' it really meant, "What's that in the sky?" and their friend was even more peculiar.
__--These strange bursts of babbling mingled with some way of logic was brought to you by Brie. Feel free to add any questions that baffle you and I'll try my darndest to answer them. ; )
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" I can't believe you didn't give him back his clothes!" Padmè chided Mara without any real force to her tone. It was obvious that she was trying desperately to suppress her own amusement at the situation.
Mara gave a dainty shrug and glanced at Luke, who sat next to Anakin on the opposite side of the room.
" It's not like he has to wear a towel, " Mara said caustically giving the Farmboy an up and down glance. No longer was he in a towel, much to Mara's dismay, but now he wore his refugee outfit. The brown tunics helped them to blend in.of course Luke's green hair didn't help matters in that sense.
Leia also gave a look to her brother finding it all very amusing. Sensing his sister's eyes upon him, Luke turned around and flashed her a bright smile before glaring at Mara. Mara didn't seem fazed in the slightest as she rolled her eyes and chuckled. Leia had to admit; these two always fought and bickered but they are closer than they let on.
Just by looking at the duo anyone can see the affection between them. Even if they both deny it they respect and care for each other very deeply. Leia looked over at her husband and he gave her a sly grin and wiggled his eyebrows slightly causing her to laugh.
Luke continued to glare at Mara but it lacked any real fury. Don't get him wrong, he was angry, he just couldn't stay mad at Mara long. He watched her as she talked and laughed with Padmè and Dormè. He was, of course sure their laughter was because of him. He was most likely the brunt of the jokes and it should've bothered him. But it didn't. To his surprise he kind of liked being the center of Mara's conversation. Now all he had to do was think of something to get back at her with. A good, wicked plan
The first thing that came to mind was stealing all of HER clothes. He didn't mind in the slightest that it had already been done and that he wasn't being original.shooting Mara a sly grin he watched as her smile faded and she gave him a what-are-you-up-to? Look.
When her suspicion grew into frustration and she shot him a death glare he began to think more on the matter and he realized that maybe that idea wouldn't be such a good one after all. Still, it would be very interesting.
She continued to stare angrily at him as if reading his thoughts and stood up. For a moment Luke thought she had in fact heard what he was pondering and that she was going to kill him for it, but quickly realized he was wrong when every one stood up also. Anakin went to stand behind Padmè and Luke followed to stand beside Mara flashing her a hesitant smile. She looked at him confused then muttered something about weird Farmboys.
" Its not me Malady, I worry about you. What if they realize you left?"
The handmaiden's concern gained Luke's attention and he focused on them instead of the fiery red head next to him.
" Then my Jedi protectors will have to prove how good they are."
Even though the comment was made for all three of them, Padmè glanced at Anakin. He smiled wide obviously ecstatic from her compliment. Luke looked at Mara brow raised and she rolled her eyes in return.
Mara tried to hide her smile as she watched Obi-Wan lecture his Padawan on what he could or could not do. It was very unnecessary. She herself knew that Anakin would do what he felt needed to be done without asking first if need be. She was also certain that Obi-Wan knew this as well. When Anakin answered what he wanted to hear, Obi-Wan turned to reassure the senator that he would find the person behind this. Mara felt a tug on her sleeve and she glanced down knowing this time that it was the children.
" Auntie Mara go?" Little Anakin asked frowning.
He held out his arms and Mara glanced at him cautiously. This had happened before and she knew what he wanted. Sighing she kneeled down in front of him and tentatively reached out to wrap her arms around the little one.
As soon as the deed was done the other two solo kids tackled her in a fierce hug. Something was up, Mara had no idea what was causing this show of emotion and she wasn't too sure if it was a bad thing or good.
" We have to go now," Anakin said motioning for Luke, Mara and Padmè to follow him. Mara tried to pull away from the kids but they wouldn't budge. Han, Leia and Obi-Wan each pulled a kid away and Mara left shaking her head in bewilderment. Those kids are really weird.
When she caught up with the rest Luke was smirking at her, a smirk Mara didn't really appreciate.
" What?" she muttered and he laughed and followed beside her behind Artoo.
" Suddenly I'm afraid," Padmè said softly to Anakin. He gave her a solemn nod answering quietly " It's my first mission alone.I'm scared too."
Mara gave Luke a look at that as if to say 'what happened to fear leads to anger, anger to hate mumbo jumbo Yoda was spewing on and on about?' He shrugged then hooked his arm with hers.
" Don't worry, we have Artoo," Anakin said lightening up the mood. Padmè laughed and glanced back just in time to see Mara push Luke away from her. He stumbled but caught himself before falling completely. Luke stood up and began to chase her around the little astromech droid.
From far away the scene was even more amusing than close up. Han laughed, as did Leia, and they looked over to Captain Typho and Obi-Wan who were both trying to hold back a grin. Obi-Wan turned his into a disapproving stare as he muttered, " I hope he doesn't try anything foolish."
The four, by this time, had mingled with the crowd about to board the shuttle. Captain Typho gave him a look and shook his head disagreeing, " I'd be more concerned with her doing something foolish, than him." Han and Leia both shook their heads but didn't voice the obvious reality. Luke and Mara were the ones to worry about.
They watched until the cargo ship took off. Only then did they realize that something was wrong. Someone was missing. Han glanced around the room counting. " One," he muttered and pointed at Anakin.
" Two," he said nodding at Jacen and giving the room several glances. There was no sign of her and Han looked to his wife and let out as many curses as he could think of.
"Jaina!"
Leave it to Jaina to get lost. Leia shook her head and stretched out with the force searching for her mischievous daughter. She let out a deep sigh of relief when she found her close to Luke and his 'wife.' Leia touched Han's arm to silence his muttering and gave him a bright smile. Catching on he let out a loud laugh.
" Mara's not going to like this," Han stated the obvious and reached for his comlink in anticipation.
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"Who are we going to see?" Han asked walking beside Obi-Wan down the streets of Courescant. Instead of staying at the temple being bored while Leia and the kids learned some more tricks, he had decided to follow Obi- Wan.
"My old friend Dex, he owns a diner just down the street a little ways. He'll know where this toxic dark came from." Obi-Wan told him obviously not bothered by his company. "You know, Mara could have probably told you where it came from," Han said flashing the Jedi a quick smile. Obi-Wan frowned and rolled his eyes.
" No she couldn't have," his reply indicated his frustration about something, or someone. Han laughed, " Actually buddy I'm afraid so," Obi- Wan shot him another look.
"How does she know so much about this stuff anyway? I mean weapons, buildings, places.." His questioning trailed off as he saw Han's still amused face.
To Han it was extremely funny that the grrreat Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was irritated by the fact that someone knew more than he did. It kind of reminded him a little of Mara herself. Maybe they are related or something he thought then shook his head to clear that outrageous notion. No, he didn't really think that a logical possibility.
Obi-Wan was still waiting for a response and cleared his throat a couple of times before Han finally answered. " I've given up trying to figure it out. All the information, or most of it at least, came from her training from the past, when she was little."
Obi-Wan was about to ask something else, most likely about her so called training, but Han didn't give him the chance he knew that he didn't want the Jedi to ask for then he'd have to answer something. That wouldn't be good for two reasons, one: Obi couldn't learn anything about what was to come in the future.at least not yet anyways and two: He didn't want to say things about Mara that would get him into more trouble then he was already in. Of course the whole Jaina sneaking along with her wasn't exactly his fault but Mara and Luke both seemed to think it was.
" Look, isn't this the place?" Han said wisely changing the subject. Obi- Wan nodded and they went inside. They where greeted by a droid waitress with an attitude, a spunky little thing. Nothing like golden rod.Han groaned just thinking about 3PO. One thing about this journey that Han liked was that the communication droid didn't come along..
" Someone to see ya' honey! A Jedi by the looks of him," The droid yelled out. A big head popped out of the opening, a huge smile formed on its face.
" Be right with ya' old buddy!" He exclaimed obviously happy about the visit. Obi-Wan and the still smiling, slightly confused Han took a seat. "You wanna cup of Ardees?" The droid asked in a nicer tone of voice, relieved that the three were friends.
Dex came out only a moment later and hugged Obi-Wan in a friendly manner. His four arms encircled the Jedi knight like he was nothing but a doll. At that moment Han realized that he never ever wanted to be on this guys bad side. His huge fist could crush.practically anything. The two both sat down, Obi-Wan next to Han and Dex squeezed in across from them. The waitress droid set their drinks down and left.
" What can I do for ya'?" The massive creature asked in a friendly manner.
He reminded Han of Chewie, a loyal friend to help you when you need something. There was also the fact that they could both rip your arms out if the situation needed it.
"You can tell us what this is," Obi-Wan replied holding out the dart for him to look at. Dex's eyes widened slightly as he took the dart and inspected it.
" I ain't seen one of these in a long while," he said softly and Han smiled. Success. " So you know where it came from?" Dex gave Han a who-are- you-anyway? Look, but shrugged and turned to Ben. " It belongs to them cloners. This here's a Kamino Saber dart." Obi-Wan echoed the name then gave a confused look at Han. " Why didn't it show up on the Archives?"
The two continued to talk about it but Han droned them out and thought more on the darts origins. The planet Kamino wasn't familiar. He honestly had never heard of the name before, at least he didn't ever recall hearing it. Dex explained where it was located and they sat in a moment of silence. Finally something that Dex said before came to Han again.
" Cloners."
Obi-Wan looked his direction and nodded in agreement finishing the question. " Are they friendly?"
That wasn't the question Han had in mind but he couldn't ask what he planned to. They wouldn't even know what he was talking about. The cloners sounded an awful lot like they would be involved in the Clone Wars Luke talked about. He'd definitely have to comlink the kid when they reach the temple and ask him about it.
" It depends," Dex said with a mischievous smirk on his face.
" On what?" The Jedi said smiling back. Han also couldn't help but smile because he himself knew what the old friend would say. " On how good your manners are and how big your pocket book is."
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" So you see, that's how we got to be here! When we got off the ship the other one blowed up and then Lukie and Mara said we're in the past. AND Anakin Skywalker is my Granddaddy." Jaina took a deep breath when her story was finished and smiled. She grabbed another bowl and filled it with more mush.
" You have to promise not to tell though R2. it was supposed to be a secret but since you're my new best friend I can tell you!" The little blue and white astromech droid gave a few affirmative beeps and Jaina's smile brightened as she leaned over and gave him a hug.
" You're just the same as before R2. I'm glad with all the odther stuff that's changed you didn't at all. Nu uh you didn't, not one bit." She nodded at her own conclusions and they continued to gather food for the silly adults.
To Padmè this trip was a big change, but a welcome one. She wasn't used to all of this.having fun. Her life was always about other important political matters and she never had any time to just be herself. To be Padmè, not the senator, but the young woman that always seemed to stay hidden. When she was queen she hid behind the white face paint but escaped it all as Padmè. Now, as Senator, she seemed to be hiding in her duties.hiding from life itself. From family and love.
Padmè gave a Look at Anakin. He looks so different when he is sleeping, adorable. No longer did he remind her of the little poor boy she once knew, or even the Jedi Padawan she knew now. No, now she saw him as the handsome young man he is. The one she's been hiding from. No matter how much she tried to fight it she couldn't tear her gaze away. He moved about in his sleep, as if dreaming.
" I thought Luke said Jedi don't dream?" She muttered to herself confused. Shaking her head she glanced to where Luke and Mara use to stand while watching over her. Now they were both fast asleep. It was kind of funny that she was the only one up, besides Jaina and R2, yet she was also the only one in danger.
Luke sat slouched slightly with Mara next to him. Mara rested against his shoulder and Luke's head lay on top of hers. They seemed to hate each other only a little while ago after Han announced little Jaina came along. But now, now anyone could see how in love they really are. Padmè sighed thinking how lucky they were to find one another and glanced once again at Anakin.
Realizing immediately where her thoughts were leading her she quickly glanced away from him and scanned the room for R2 and Jaina. They were still gathering up a meal for everyone to eat- That was the job Padmè assigned the little girl as soon as she started to sing ' 99 bottles of Correllian Ale on the Wall'.for the third time.
She watched in amusement as the server droid yelled " No droids!" at R2 and Jaina retaliated by throwing a piece of bread at it. R2 gave a few explicit beeps and Padmè could only guess the meaning. Where he learned it from was a whole different matter entirely. It was most likely from the little seven year old herself. The two surely made an amusing pair.
They started on the journey back towards the smiling Padmè but she was startled and glanced away just missing Jaina dropping a cup of drink onto a sleeping emigrant. Anakin was mumbling and thrashing in his sleep.
" Anakin?" she asked softly but he just turned the other way and continued on " Mom, no!" Anakin called out and Padmè went to his side concerned.
" Anakin?" she said firmly and gave him a good shake. His blue opened slowly and he stared up at her questioningly. " You were having a nightmare," she explained and moved away from him. He sat up and ran a hand through his messy hair looking like a lost little boy.
Jaina and R2 returned then with the food and Jaina sported a satisfied confident smile. She glanced back to the angry man a ways back and he was still ringing out his shirt.
" Who lays in the middle over a walkway anyway?" she muttered to R2 with no sign of remorse. He agreed with a whistle and Jaina nodded.
" Here you go Padmè, we did it!" Jaina exclaimed with a proud of herself smile Of course the meal wouldn't be as good as the breakfast she and her brothers got for her parents but that's only because she didn't make it. It would have to do for now.
Padmè and Anakin began to eat and Jaina stared up at them biting her lip as if she wanted to ask something. Anakin gave her a grin " yes?" he asked and she looked down rubbing her shoe over an imaginary spot.
" Well," she started very business- like and clasped her hands behind her back. " Me and R2 was wonderin' if we could go play a game." Padmè gave a smile at Anakin brows raised. Then looked back towards the little girl. " What game?" Jaina shifted from right foot to left and then looked up at them batting her eyelashes.
" Explore," she told them and R2 gave a beep while Anakin's smile brightened. " How do you play that?" He asked already knowing the answer. Her face turned from angelic-do-no-harm to excited in a matter of seconds.
" Well, you see, me and Squirt-Squirt is what Auntie Mara calls R2, I'm tryin' to get him used to it so he doesn't get mad later on- will go all around the room and try to figure out clues to the secret." She took a big breath when she was finished then grinned up at them.
Padmè and Anakin still had a questioning look on their faces and Padmè opened her mouth to ask the obvious but Jaina quickly interrupted. " If I told you it wouldn't be a secret."
They both laughed at her enthusiasm and nodded in agreement. " Yes!" Jaina yelled and jumped up and down. R2 gave a whistle that made it clear he was happy as well and followed as Jaina left chattering about how her plan worked.
Anakin and Padmè watched them walk away then glanced over at the still sleeping forms of Luke and Mara.
" Naboo," Anakin started looking back at Padmè. " It's by far the most beautiful planet I've ever seen." His eyes locked with hers and Padmè looked away uncomfortable obviously catching the double meaning.
" Time changes perception," She argued trying to get away from his intense blue orbs.
"Sometimes it does," he started still looking at her. " Sometimes for the better."
Padmè's eyes locked with his once again and she tried to change the subject. " It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi. Not being able to visit the places you like, or do the things you like." She trailed off and he cut in, " Or be with the people I love." He said, his gaze once again boring into hers.
" Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi," she quickly challenged.
" Attachment is forbidden, possession is forbidden," he began as if he was reciting a rule. Then he leaned in closer, his voice soft. " Compassion, which I define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say we're encouraged to love." He finished off, his voice thick with emotion. Padmè bit her lip and moved slightly away.
" Just look at Luke and Mara," Anakin said noticing her discomfort and trying to lighten the mood.
" Get off of me!" Mara yelled at Luke. He opened his eyes and his sleepy blue gaze met her angry green one. " Let go of me," she stated firmly with no doubt he would do as she requested. Somehow during the nap she had moved closer to him and he had wrapped his strong arms around her. Now it seemed as if he'd never let go.
" Why?" he asked confused and obviously still dreamy.
" Why?" Mara echoed as she gave him a glare then looked over at Padmè and Anakin.
He hugged her closer and she tried to push him away, more then a little embarrassed about being caught in his embrace and also because she actually fell asleep on the job. She never used to do that. I'm getting too soft she thought shaking her head in disgust. She looked up at Luke again and their gazes locked instantly. The tension between them increased and he dipped his head closer to hers.
" I'm supposed to be the one torturing you," Mara muttered biting her lip while she studied his face. He smiled and tightened his warm embrace once again. That's when she recovered her ability to think and she shrugged him off hard. He fell to the floor not expecting that and she walked away, back over to Anakin and Padmè who were continuing the conversation in a desperate attempt to hide their amusement. Luke sighed then stood up and followed her.
" How did you two come to be married anyway?" Padmè asked still slightly confused, actually very confused, about the whole situation.
Mara had long since given up trying to deny it but Padmè's question baffled her. She gave Luke a quick glance and he shrugged, just as puzzled as she was.
" What do you mean?" he asked the Senator and Mara nodded in agreement. Anakin gave them the whole Jedi speech about love and commitment but Luke's brows just furrowed as if trying to understand.
" It's not like that where we are from," Mara supplied when she realized Luke wasn't going to. Anakin's face now matched Luke's from only seconds ago.
"You from Correllia?" he asked bewildered even though he knew they weren't. Mara shook her head no and Luke looked up at Anakin and Padmè seriously.
" I don't get it," he started then quickly continued, " In my experience a person needs someone to care for, someone to love in order to keep on living. What good would life be, if you had no one to share it with?" Mara looked over at Luke only to find him staring right back at her. " If I didn't have Mara, I don't know what I would do. She's my best friend, she's my life."
Mara heart seemed to stop completely and she shifted uncomfortably at the odd looks she was receiving from Anakin and Padmè. She searched desperately for something, anything she could change the subject to.
" Where's Jaina?" she asked not being able to hide the true concern in her voice. Padmè smiled and pointed across the room.
" They're playing explore," she reassured Mara with a laugh. Mara nodded then Luke gave her a look as if to say so-you-do-care-eh? " What!" she exclaimed irritated and moved away from him. " She's my partner in crime after all." As if that explained everything she stalked off to where Jaina and R2 were getting into trouble-again.
Luke sighed and followed her with his gaze. Anakin and Padmè were torn between amusement and questioning. Luke and Anakin both began to eat the mush on the trays but Padmè continued to watch Mara.
She sure is a complex woman. Her emotions change instantly and she seemed to keep them all, except anger, hidden. Like me, Padmè thought looking at Anakin. Her attention quickly returned to the fiery woman and she watched in amusement as Mara kneeled in front of Jaina and R2 with a smile on her face.
Jaina's little arms were flailing this way and that gesturing to her aunt what happened. Mara nodded in understanding and gave the little girls hand a squeeze reassuringly. Either that or it was a move to stop the assault so she didn't get hit with the girl's arms.
Mara then stood to her full height, which only reached just below the man's chest, and gave him a death glare. Mara said something and narrowed her eyes even further. The rough, burley, man left with no arguments. It was at that point that Padmè realized that it was a good thing Mara Jade was on her side. Padmè smiled and turned her attention back to Anakin and Luke.
" Wow Auntie Mara you're the greatest!" Jaina exclaimed and Mara shot her a sly smirk.
" Did you figure out the secret of the cargo ship yet?" Mara asked Jaina shook her head negative sadly.
" How bout I help then?" Jaina's eyes brightened and she took her 'Aunt's' hand in her own and pulled her along. R2 beeped and whistled happily and stayed at her side.
" So you see Auntie Mara, I was going along through here asking about stuff-you know, the stuff you need to know in order to win-and all of a sudden a monster jumped out at us. It looked like the one you and Uncle Lukie fought when, you know you did-but anyway R2 came to the rescues, did you know he has a shocker weapon thing on him." Jaina continued to explain all the details to Mara without even taking a breath.
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What exactly does the question "What's up?" mean? I mean, is it some weird way some weird person thought that it would be cool to use instead of "How you doing?" and why did it catch on? Everyone uses it, including myself and I'm pretty crazy so does that mean Joey from friends is the only sane person? I just wanted to know if I was the only one to think that maybe this weird person who 'invented' it really meant, "What's that in the sky?" and their friend was even more peculiar.
__--These strange bursts of babbling mingled with some way of logic was brought to you by Brie. Feel free to add any questions that baffle you and I'll try my darndest to answer them. ; )