Chapter 5
'OK. Two more lefts. Then just down the hallway and I'm free. I'll come back eventually… I just…. Need some time to myself. Yeah. Just a little freedom.'
As Han solo snuck down the hallway of the dormitories for the Temple school building his thoughts were racing. He failed to notice the shadow casually leaning against a wall around the final turn that was waiting for him.
"Why young Solo? What are you doing out here?"
"Master Windu! What are you doing?"
"I think I asked first Han. Though in answer, I felt that this was a good place to be tonight. And Force knows it seemed to be the best place for me to be."
"I just. This isn't the life for me. I've never been in school. Shrike wasn't big on teaching."
"You're used to being thrown into the deep end and surviving?"
He looked down, thinking how true that was. "Yeah… This is just… I can't do this. I want to be a pilot like you said, but I just don't know if I can get through all this."
"Are you bullied by the students?"
"No."
"Well are the teachers mean and demeaning?"
"Well no, I don't know that I've ever met any adult so kind as Miss Dunarr."
"She is quite nice. So what is the problem? Does the food not taste good?"
"No it's just that… I—"
"Don't believe in yourself?"
"NO!" He was quick to respond, but as he thought about it he wondered. Was that it. He's just some stowaway scum with a little bit of talent as Shrike always liked to remind him. Perhaps that's what bothered him.
"No. Then perhaps you just don't like being tied down to one place? You like freedom, don't you?"
That too was true he thought. "Yeah. That's why I like flying the ships. Space is so big, so many places to go."
"That's very true. Plenty to see out there. Plenty that hasn't been seen by anybody we know of. Do you know what I think? I think you're a brilliant little boy. With a good internal compass and a smart head on your shoulders. I think you can get through this fine, and go on to school to pass as one of the top Pilots. In fact, I'm willing to make a deal with you. I happen to have gotten my hands on a few ships for the Jedi Order. Let me show you."
Windu pulled out a small palm sized holographic projector, flicking it on to start rotating through the light freighter's he'd recently purchased.
First to appear was a YV-666, then a HWK-290, then a YT-1300F, and finally a Allanar N3. "which of these is your favorite?"
"That one!" He excitedly said, pointing at the YT-1300F.
"Is that just cause it's Corellian like you?"
"No. I can just tell. That one's something special."
"Oh? Is this that hocus pocus Force telling you it's special?"
"No! It's just a gut feeling."
"Oh. Well then." Windu had to fight the smile on his face as Han continued to admire the ship. Little did he know this was something supposedly from his future. He remembered Luke stating this was an important ship they needed to get. Then he'd given them some advanced blueprints for the ship with a top of the line hyperdrive, armor plating and more. "Perhaps I shall tell you the name of this special ship. The Millennium Falcon."
"She's beautiful…"
"Well here's my deal for you then Solo. You finish school, go on to the Pilot program at the Republic academy and graduate top of your class. You do that, and I'll make sure the Millennium Flacon is waiting for you when your done to be your ship."
"My ship?" His eyes were saucers now, filled with starlight as they looked up at Windu with disbelief.
"Indeed. Your ship. But only, if you get through school, and academy without causing problems and try your hardest. Deal?"
"Of course, it's a deal! That ship's as good as mine!"
"Good. Then get back to your dorms and no more sneaking out. Just this once I'll not tell Miss Dunarr you tried to sneak out."
He was already scampering off down the hall he'd come down calling over his shoulder. "Thanks Master Windu! I'll make you proud."
Windu waited with a smile till he'd disappeared from view, his hurried footsteps still echoing off the walls. "Of that I have no doubt."
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They'd packed everything up. It had taken just a few days longer than Satine had originally thought. But finally, they were done. She and Obi-Wan, now engaged with their soon to be adopted daughter Mara were loading up into her personal transport ship, a slightly modified Courier-class yacht. They would be escorted by Commander Cody and his squadron, as well as twenty Pilot clones in a Consular-class cruiser and ARC-170 Star fighters. Her Nephew the newest Duke of Mandalore and her sister had also demanded she be escorted there by two fully staffed Kom'rk-class fighter transports. She felt like she had a small army. Which she supposed she did. She then glanced over as Obi-Wan went up the ramp holding Mara as he pointed around the ship and explained the different parts to her.
'Well as long as my Jedi general is with me, I'll keep this army for transport.' She muttered thoughtfully her eyes watching him with love before trailing down to his ass. 'yes, I'll be just fine.'
She smiled then made her way up the ramp behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist as she leaned down and kissed Mara on the cheek, eliciting a giggle from the bundle of joy.
She remembered when Obi-Wan finally asked her just a few days after he had returned with Mara.
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They'd been cuddling on the couch watching one of her favorite Holo-movies, thought she'd noticed quickly he wasn't paying much attention to the show. No, he was watching her. Very thoughtfully.
"Something on your mind love?" She questioned, turning to gaze back at him, pulling him from wherever his mind had wandered.
"I love you."
Her thought process froze for a moment as he looked earnestly at her. "Wah—What?" She figured he would say it soon enough, but right then. As they were cuddled on the couch, her just lazing about in the bottom half of his Jedi robes and a thick blanket. She just wasn't prepared.
"I love you. I think, I think I never stopped loving you. It's just taken me awhile to realize it. I've worked so hard to keep be attachment free and follow the Jedi code. Well, the old code at least. But every time I look at you my heart swells and I know I want nothing less than to be like this, right now. Sixty years from now."
She could see the uneasiness start creeping up in his eyes. He was wondering if this wasn't the right time, or the right thing to say. But as the pleasure and happiness flowed through her she knew the moment he sensed it in that Force of his. Confidence rising on his face as he waited for her response.
"It's about time my Jedi." She leaned over and kissed him. Sensing there was more to this. "So, is that all you want to say? That you love me? Because you already know that I love you. I'll say it again if you like. I love you." She kissed him once more before drawing back to look at him.
"Will you marry me? I know I should have had a ring ready, but this moment just arrived before I was ready."
"I do have one stipulation." His eyebrows scrunched together in most adorable way she thought. "I'm planning to adopt Mara when we arrive on the new Jedi world. I know that we'd sort of talked about it, and that I had been considering it. But I've made my decision. If you are fine with both Mara and Me entering your life forever. Then my answer is yes." She watched him, her confidence not faltering in the least. She knew her man, far better than any might think.
"That sounds wonderful dear."
"Then Yes! A thousand times yes!" She let her excitement through for a moment, attacking his lips hungrily, thankful that Korkie and Bo were watching Mara for the afternoon so they could relax a bit before continuing to pack the last of her things.
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'I was barely able to walk that evening…' Satine remembered fondly. He'd taken three days before he'd turned up with her ring. And oh, what a ring. It had been a small crystal in the center, a blue that seemed to change from his blue-grey to her own striking blue. Surrounded by several small white gems. He'd informed her the blue crystal was actually a tiny synthetic saber crystal he'd created himself just for her. She'd had to wipe furiously to hide her tears. She knew he could feel through the Force how pleasing it was for him to make that tiny crystal just for her.
They'd gotten all the paperwork prepared to adopt Mara but had yet to fill it out and sign it. They wanted to wait till they'd presented both Satine and Mara to the Jedi Council and then would make known their decision to both get married and adopt the Council.
"Come along love. We'd better get going, or our entourage my grow some more thanks to my sister."
He hurried up behind her, passing Mara to her so he could go up to the cockpit to let the Pilot know it was time to depart. "You're right my dear. Let's get out of here."
Time for the next step of her journey. And this, she knew would be the most adventurous and wonderful part of her Journey.
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She'd gotten used to the extra shadow that seemed to follow her all the time. Even in her apartment. The Noghri were very good at their jobs and being unseen. She thinks they only let her notice them as an assurance that they were there protecting her. They'd grown on her. She certainly felt much safer. She'd started feeling more sluggish recently and had just woken up that morning with her first bout of morning sickness. Anakin was as supportive as he could be.
He was out of bed just as fast as her, having sensed it coming through the force and was already holding her hair for her in the fresher room as she emptied what little remained in her stomach of last night's dinner. He hadn't asked any questions as he made her a breakfast of fruits covered in chocolate and pickles on the side.
To which she would be ever grateful. She knew he was keeping his senses tuned to her even more potently than he ever had before. Doing his best to anticipate whatever she needed and have it there for her before she could even say anything.
She found it one-part endearing and two parts annoying. But she didn't have the heart to say anything yet. Give her another couple months of this though and she was sure she would blow.
But, with Satine and Obi-Wan landing today at some point to move into the home that had been built for them nearby hers and Anakin's own home. The homes weren't anything special. Inexpensive prefab shelters from Delvin Constructs. But on the other side and in front of the temple Tagge Company was building permanent buildings and structures. Three of the homes being built and nearing completion first would belong to Padme, Satine, and Ki-Adi-Mundi and his five wives. The Jedi Master's would all be getting larger style homes, with plenty of space around them. Around two stories high with a basement that extended two floors into the ground. This was only for married Master's, those who were unmarried would have extensive apartment's inside of the additions to the Temple of the Jedi.
There would-be two-story houses provided for all Jedi knights who were either married or taking on a Padawan as the Padawan's were required to live with their master. These homes and the space on the grounds would be great for them to practice on and in. She was thankful that her and Anakin had been given a master's mansion. She thought this was their way of both using Anakin and Padme still as poster children for married Jedi and attachments aren't bad like we thought. As well as a simple nod that the rank of Master was fast approaching Anakin.
He'd been rather pleased when he'd learned they were getting one of the first three completed and would live right next to Satine and Obi-Wan. Who had send a holo-communication ahead to her and Anakin that they were engaged and would be presenting that to the Council upon arrival.
She made her way outside to the back yard where Anakin was going through his Saber Forms. Shirtless and tasty looking. She sat down, carrying her data-pad with a new book she was reading from a recent Naboo Author who was rising in fame.
This was but a cover, she just enjoyed watching Anakin practice but didn't want to distract him too much with her staring.
She noticed them after a moment, her own two guards were now standing in the open behind where she sat on the bench in their backyard. While the two of Anakin's currently on duty were partially hidden up in two of the trees in their backyard area.
Several trees had been cleared to make room for their homes, but for the most part, especially due to how big the trees were. Many were left up providing good shade for the area.
They'd also planted some trees that wouldn't be invasive to the current trees, but would also not grow as large and were more for decoration and shade than anything else. She was grateful for that, some of the tree's reminded her of her own home.
Speaking of home, "Ani. When are we going to visit my home. You know both my parents and my sister have been waiting to have an official dinner with us now that it's been announced we're together. And that brief lunch date we had at Dexter's when they visited right after the new broke about the Jedi and Darth Sidious does not count!" She'd seen him preparing to argue they'd already eaten with her parents and beat him to the punch.
"Ok uh. Well, after Obi-Wan and Satine get here. We can spend the day and tomorrow with them and then I'll talk to the council about taking a week off so we can go visit your parents. How does that sound?"
"Perfect. Now continue your forms, that's all I needed." She went back to her book after that satisfactory answer from her husband. Though her eyes were found often peeking up over the edges of her data-pad to watch her beloved.
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She and Anakin arrived at the platform just after Satine and Obi-Wan had stepped down from the Ship. A bundle wrapped up in Satine's hands. They moved swiftly forward, Anakin greeting Obi-Wan first and then Satine.
Curiosity colored their faces as Padme and Anakin stared down at the bundle in her arm that suddenly cooed and little arms squired free to reach for Satine's face.
"What have you brought with you? I didn't know you had a child Satine?" Padme eyes the ex-Duchess with interest. Her eyes drifting with wonder towards Obi-Wan next to her.
Satine laughed and shifted the bundle so they could see the little smiling girl inside who giggled even more at the sight of Anakin and Padme. "Oh No. She's not mine. At least not yet—"
"Is that!" Padme caught sight of a sparkle when Satine shifted her hands to show them the baby she was holding. "Oh, my goodness!" She cheered, as Satine proudly showed off her ring finger. Now adorned with her beautiful engagement ring. "Obi-Wan you didn't!"
"Oh, he did. And he did it very well. I was surprised it took as long as it did with all the hints and leading, I was doing." The self-satisfied new Senator for the Jedi mentioned with a seductive smirk towards Obi-Wan who with a clearing of his throat tried to defend himself.
"Yes. Well, not all of us know exactly what we want when our entire worlds are suddenly turned upside down with changes to rules that have stood the same for centuries."
"Don't worry master. Padme was just like you. Ow!" Anakin's smart comment was ended with a slap on the shoulder from Padme.
"You'd better watch it mister. Or you'll be staying at the temple tonight."
"Sorry dear."
"Much better. Now what is this bundle of Joy's name?"
"Currently her name is Mara Jade." She paused seeing the recognition and interest bloom in the young couples' eyes as they looked at the little girl with renewed interest. She'd already had their attention, but this just raised the bar for them.
"So, this is the young lady my son will snatch. She's a cutie. He'll be in trouble, you can already tell she'll be a looker with those eyes and that hair."
"Indeed. She's adorable Satine, Obi."
"Her name will be changing after we visit the Council though. You're looking at the future Mara Jade Kenobi."
Satine laughed at the surprised faces of Anakin and Padme as they looked between all three of them, from Mara to Satine to Obi-Wan.
"You're adopting her?"
"Oh yes. I was already planning to even if he hadn't asked me to marry him. Once I heard about her when Obi-Wan left to go find her I knew that if she still needed parents that I would take over that. Hearing what had happened to her, and the life she'd gone through before meeting Luke. I just wanted to do my best to prevent that from happening."
"Well now she'll have the best adoptive mother and father she could ask for. I can't imagine how you feel right now."
"Maybe not right now Padme. But I'm sure you will soon enough." She glanced meaningfully at Padme's growing belly.
"Indeed. Now all well and good, but the Council is waiting on us. You two are welcome to join us there. I'd informed the council you would probably join since you were meeting us at the landing pad."
Obi-Wan led the way as they started towards the Temple and the Council Chambers. Satine passing on little Mara to Padme for a portion of the walk so she could hold her.
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The council was assembled and waiting when they got there. A few of the master's attending via holo-call as they were on a mission. They looked interestedly as Obi-Wan presented young Mara to them.
"She's such a bright spot in the Force. Very Potent." Master Plo Koon was the first to speak.
"Beautiful it is, the spirit of a child." Yoda was very pleased, he could feel in the Force that this young girl would be a powerful Force for good.
"You did well Obi-Wan. Even with the loss of her parents. You kept her safe and from who knows what sort of torture and manipulation Palpatine would have had prepared for her. For now we can move her to the nursery with th—"
"Actually, I have two things I'd like to share and ask before we place her anywhere." Obi-Wan interrupted his fellow council members as he handed Mara to Satine so he could speak.
Yoda watched with a knowing and smug grin, "Speak you must? Master Kenobi. Then hear it, we will. Our trust you hold."
"Thank you, Master Yoda. First, I would like to announce my intent to marry Satine Kryze. She has already accepted my proposal. I'm now formally informing the council and asking their blessing for the marriage."
Due to the new rules of the Jedi, if one were a Padawan they had to have the permission of both their parents and Jedi Master to date. While if they were a Knight they needed just the permission of their former Master to start dating. Marriage they would bring before the Jedi Council to receive their blessing. For a Jedi Master or the Jedi Council they only needed to approach the Jedi Council and inform them of their decision. And only in extreme situations or unique ones would the Council not give their blessing and as for the Master to wait.
Obi-Wan's announcement was met by surprise for those new Jedi Master's on the council who had not really known Obi-Wan as an apprentice. While those who had sat on the council for years and knew him as a padawan were less surprised. A few of those less surprised were even pleased at the announcement.
"A blessing. Your union will be. The Force is pleased."
And our blessing you have Master Obi-Wan. Of course." Kit Fisto chimed in after Master Yoda's comment.
"Thank you all. Finally, we would like to adopt Mara Jade as our child. We have all the paperwork prepared, we simply must sign it for it to be official. Before that we would like your blessing and permission for this. We will of course, raise her in the ways of the Jedi. Of right and wrong."
This announcement startled more then the first. To Obi-Wan's surprise he noticed a pleased expression in Mace Windu and Yoda's eyes.
"I would move that the council approves this motion. Are there any objections."
They council thought for a moment. But there was nothing any of them could see that would be a bad idea about this. She was a potent and bright spot in the Force. Just like Obi-Wan. Who had always been beacon for many Jedi, both older and younger than he in his time there. This was one of the reasons he was elevated to Master and then on to the Council.
Obi-Wan bowed to the council, Satine following his lead. Both pleased at how smoothly this had gone. "We will sign the paperwork and send it in then for her to officially become Mara Jade Kenobi. We will keep her old last name as her middle name in honor of her parents."
"A wise choice, Master Kenobi." Ayla commented with a smile.
"Young Skywalker. Something to say have you?"
"Yes, Master Yoda. I would like to request a week off starting the day after tomorrow for Padme and I to go visit her family. We have not spent any time with them as a couple, and since the announcement, you can imagine they have plenty of questions and would like time with their daughter."
"That should be fine. If any pressing missions arise though we may contact you, so keep a com device nearby."
With a bow to Master Windu and Yoda, Anakin thanked them as he and the other three left the chambers to have some dinner at Padme and Anakin's house.
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"You are such a good eater sweetie. My Sister's children never ate this well." Padme commented as she spoon fed some orange mush into little Mara's waiting mouth.
"She's certainly a wonderful child. Isn't that right my little star?" Satine caressed her face before ending with a slight tickling of young Mara's neck. Causing her to giggle in joy and wave her hands happily as Padme just barely avoided the spoon being smacked by her tiny hands and flung everywhere. "So, you an Anakin will be taking some time to visit your family?"
"I haven't spent any time with them since this whole thing with the holocron and Luke started. They need some sort of an explanation. They didn't even know we'd gotten married."
"Yes. Then a week away ought to be perfect for you. You two enjoy that then. You'll leave the day after tomorrow correct?"
"Yep!" Anakin answered popping the P loudly as he picked Mara out of her chair as she started getting fussy and refusing to eat the last few bites of her meal. "That will give us tomorrow to see you and update you on what is going on.
"Does that include the extra bodies I sense nearby, paying a frighteningly amount of attention to you two. Specifically, Padme?"
"Yeah. Yeah that would be part of it." Anakin sighed with a wince as Padme lowered her head tiredly to the table.
"Then I can't wait. Though I think we'll call that for today. We need to get situated into our prefab shelter for now and get Mara down. She's due for a good nap. She stayed up as much as she could on the ride, wanting to gaze out at the stars as we flew."
"She likes flying!" Anakin excitedly asked.
With a wince Obi-Wan took Mara from Anakin. "At best I would say she likes the stars and the moving lights. We'll know later if she likes flying. Which I'm sure you won't encourage bad behavior with either her, or your own children when the time comes." His raised brow and droll look caused Anakin to blush.
"Of course. I'll be the holo-picture of responsibility."
"I'll believe it when I see it. And if I ever hear you gave the controls to one of our Children, or Mara and I swear you'll sleep on the couch till they are eighteen."
"Ah. That's not fair! The twins aren't even born yet!"
"No buts. Best behavior."
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Hello all,
I hope you're enjoying the story. With this new chapter I've also uploaded edited Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. There's some things removed, some things added. Mostly just to make it flow better and increasd the writing of the first chapter. As I was disappointed with Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. So I've updated those chapters with this update. You shouldn't miss any new information with the updates, but it also won't hurt anything to reread the first two chapters.