Many thanks to everyone who is reviewing, reading and or lurking. Here's another update for your reading pleasures. Hope you all enjoy!
Lokigirl: Thank you so much!
Doreenthatshot: Glad to see you back. As for this story, it will stop within the next few months placing it about 5 yrs prior to AotC. I have a sequel in the works that will take us to the AotC time period. Thanks so much for reading!
Stanfield Skywalker: Nice to see you back as well. No worries about missing a review. Just happy you are still reading. Glad you like Ilianya and as for Obi-Wan, he is getting rather scruffy looking as we speak. Thanks for reading!
ThoseWereTheDays: Glad you found us. Welcome to the story! Glad you like the attention to Anakin's and Padme's friendship. I always felt that in the movies their 'love' was a bit contrived and not very realistic. Hopefully in this story and its sequel I will do it justice. Thrilled that you like how Dooku's fall came about. He is definitely an interesting character and I've enjoyed writing about him. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy this update!
Nini the Electrocuted Sheep: Padme was out of options so hopefully her decision won't have too many consequences. Thanks so much for reading!
K3tiq: Unfortunately, the droid army will be of the PT era although having HK around would make things quite interesting. And T3 is definitely still around. Thanks for reading!
Emerald Green Queen: Glad you found Padme's decision and inner struggles believable. Despite some off canon twists that we've already experienced, I felt this was the greatest one and was 'concerned' how everyone would react. Also happy to know that you are liking how their friendship is progressing. And yes our friend Veruna is back and now with an open minded companion. They are both bound to cause trouble. Your memory is quite good. Yes, the woman Ilianya speaks to is the Force, the same that Qui-Gon stood with. Ilianya will play a very pivotal role in this and NC's sequel so she won't be going anywhere soon. Thanks for spotting the goof ups. Still bonking my head over missing them. Thanks again for the lengthy review and hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ghostreaper181: Yes, the Exile is alive and well. How she came to living as long as she has will be revealed in time. As for her path, she's a mixture of both ds and ls, which I am contemplating working on in a 'prequel' story about her just after defeating Traya. I'll let out some more details as soon as I've got some chapters worked out. As for Obi-Wan, your instincts serve you well ;). Thanks so much for reading.
NothingFeelsGood: Thanks so much! Will do!
Pokey: Thanks and that she is!
Kenobifan: Glad to see you join us here. Welcome to the story! Hope you enjoy catching up.
Mizra: The King is not dead, he just went into hiding so he can cause problems. Happy that you liked the Obi-Wan/Adi interaction. He's definitely placing a lot more on himself than he should. Thrawn was a guy and in the last chapter Ilianya was talking to him to tell her what she was about to do. Thanks for reading!
Fortune Zyne: Yup. Not looking too good for him.
Zinkrich: You are too kind. I am honored and humbled by your kind words. Glad you are liking the development of Padme's and Anakin's friendship. Thanks for reading!
Delta T: Thanks so much!
Quillian: Thanks so much. I try to stay as best as I can on top of the EU books. While some are great, others leave a lot to desire. That doesnt mean though I can't take some ideas and run with them :). Thanks so much for reading!
Lochar: Glad you liked the avatar. I thought it would be much more interesting to personify the Force rather than leave it as a complete abstract. Gives a lot of lattitude in how Force sensitives react to her. Thanks for reading!
Leaning ever so slightly forward to get a better view of her scurrying opponents, Cordé Naberrie gripped her blaster more tightly in anticipation of their assault. The combat obstacle course was the last and most rigorous test for every candidate wishing to become a handmaiden. It had often been the deciding factor for those who were accepted to serve the crown since apart from being an assistant the monarch, a handmaiden may be required to defend her with her life.
Cordé had always held a near reverent respect for the handmaidens. Throughout her schooling on Naboo, she could never learn enough about the more famous assistants to the reigning Queen and how they made their own unique contribution to the mystique of the service. Had she not been away to school when Padmé was elected, Cordé would have tried to enlist as one of her attendants. Shaking herself out of her reflections, Cordé shifted her focus to the other two women in her group, motioning for them to make their move forward.
The older one, a twenty-one-year-old named Dormé Travalen, had immediately impressed Cordé with both her knowledge and her singular wit. Dark haired and dark eyed, Dormé was the eldest amongst the group, but her poise and experience serving as an aide to Naboo's Coruscant Ambassador Marri had easily made her the front runner for one of three coveted positions. One couldn't help but immediately like her since she treated everyone with the same kindness. Cordé grinned to herself as she knew that Dormé would work well along side her cousin.
The other member of her team was the nineteen-year-old Versé Dayaden who was a fellow classmate at the University on Alderaan. Versé was taller than the rest of the group and had light brown hair and eyes. While she studied languages and political arts, she also served as an apprentice to Naboo's Alderaan Ambassador Amaro. They had taken several of the same classes together and became fast friends. In fact, it had been Versé that had convinced her to apply for the new handmaiden position, convincing her that it wouldn't be favoritism if she were selected after completing the entire application process. She feared that once the other applicants learned of her kinship to Padmé, they would treat her differently.
Cordé smiled at her friend, happy that were by each other's side as this ordeal drew to a close. Returning her focus back to the moment, at the corner of her eye she saw movement. The opposing team was about to descend upon their position. Cordé rolled forward instinctually as her opponent fired several simulated blaster shots in her direction. She took aim and returned fire, hitting her attacker dead center on her chest sensor.
She was about to stand when she heard a high pitched yell coming from behind. Seconds later, she felt all the air from her lungs knocked out while she was slammed roughly onto the ground. A tall, blond girl from the opposing team had somehow lost her weapon and resorted to hand-to-hand combat. Luckily, Cordé was an accomplished student of several forms of martial arts and proceeded to flip the girl off of her, quickly seizing the advantage by placing her in a lock where she had to submit.
Versé, who had been kneeling nearby, stood and went over to help her friend back onto her feet. They were about to share their relief when several more shots buzzed their ears. Cordé and Versé turned to see that Dormé had picked off the last of their opponents who had been about to take advantage of their lack of concentration. They both shot Dormé looks of appreciation when they heard a voice shouted out:
"That's enough."
The lights surrounding the obstacle course were reactivated and the three women stood at attention while Sabé and General Panaka approached. Cordé and Sabé shared quick grins of acknowledgement as the new Captain of security returned her focus to the entire group.
"That was very well done." Sabé turned to Dormé and Versé. "You two follow the General as he wishes to conduct his interviews with you both right now." She paused and looked towards Cordé. "Lady Naberrie, would you please follow me?"
Cordé nodded, waving at her companions at they left in opposite directions. Sabé pointed to a side exit, which lead into the Palace proper. Theed Palace always inspired awe and wonder from its many visitors. Cordé was no different. The only time she had previously visited was for Padmé's coronation. Despite being several years older, she remained moved by its beauty and splendor. What a dream it would be to live and work in this magnificent place that was filled with endless tales from the past.
She followed Sabé through several corridors which led into the private residence wing and up a large, winding staircase that led up to the Queen's office. Cordé had been transfixed with her new surroundings that shr nearly bumped into Sabé while she was pressing the code to gain entry to an apparently secured room.
Upon entering, Cordé noticed that a single antique desk sat in the middle of the room with several paintings hanging from each wall. She nervously turned towards Sabé, as the realization struck her where they were.
The handmaiden coyly smiled while she watched Cordé's amazement grow. "Her Majesty will be with you shortly."
Unsure how to respond, Cordé bowed. "Thank you, Captain."
Sabé wryly grinned. "No problem, Dé."
She couldn't help but smile at Sabé calling her by the nickname given to her by her family. Even if she was refused the handmaiden position, at least this opportunity would allow her time to visit with her cousin, as well as some longtime friends. Cordé had been away from Naboo for three years and now that her education was complete and she was home for good, serving the Queen would be a tremendous opportunity; but she didn't believe she stood much of a chance.
Cordé's head snapped up when she heard the door to the office creak open. Instead of her cousin Padmé, the regally adorned Queen Amidala stood silently in the doorway. Automatically, Cordé dropped to one knee while bowing her head. A moment of silence hung in the air until she heard the faint sound of snickering coming from the Queen's direction. Bravely, Cordé lifted her head to see Amidala trying to maintain her stoic persona behind her white painted face.
"No need for such pomp and circumstance. Please, sit down."
While Cordé dutifully obeyed, the Queen made her way to her chair. The two young women exchanged brief glances before Amidala picked up a large datapad from her desk. After taking moment to read through the information, she finally spoke. "According to this, you studied Galactic History and languages at the Alderaanian University where you were also a three time champion in martial arts."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Cordé answered proudly. "It would have been four, but my opponent during my first tournament surprised me with a Bothan half-hitch move."
"I see." Amidala looked up at her briefly before returning her focus onto the datapad. "You were also an assistant on our Alderaan Ambassador's security staff. She speaks quite highly of you and I value her opinion."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I learned a lot from her staff, as well as from our Alderaanian counterparts."
Amidala nodded once and then stood up to pace about the room. "I would like to hear your thoughts regarding the duties of a handmaiden."
Cordé thought before answering. "It is an enormous honor to serve the delegate of our people in any capacity that she or he deems prudent for their needs. Like you, we too are representatives of Naboo and whether we are here in the Palace or on a far away planet, our actions should never bring shame or dishonor to our people." She paused to catch her breath. "Aside from the Naboo themselves, serving the Queen is also our primary responsibility. And if the need requires, we shall give our lives so that she might live to continue to protect our world."
A look of concern filled Amidala's face as she continued to stare at Cordé. "And what if the Queen didn't want you to make such a sacrifice?"
Cordé turned to face her. "Then I would remind her that while I am bound by duty to protect her life, I would gladly make that sacrifice, but it would be out of friendship instead of obligation."
A crack of a smile broke through the Queen's white painted face before she returned to her chair. Once again, she picked up the datapad and read silently. "It says here that you wish to fill the chief handmaiden's position, if you are selected."
"I will serve in whatever capacity your Majesty wishes."
Amidala grimaced. "I'm afraid that position has already been filled."
"I understand, Your Highness."
The Queen raised her hand to prevent Cordé from leaving or saying anything further. "But, given your area of expertise and your willingness to serve, I am forced to conclude, reluctantly, that you are perfect for the job of being my decoy and bodyguard."
Cordé could not help but smile at her declaration, yet she was troubled by Amidala's statement. "May I ask why you are reluctant, Your Highness?"
Amidala tossed the datapad on her desk and sighed deeply. "While I care for everyone who is under my charge equally, you are my blood, Cordé and it is hard for me to willingly place you into potentially grave danger. If it was possible, I would have found a way to dismiss you, but both General Panaka and Sabé are completely impressed with you and your abilities making that impossible."
"I see," Cordé muttered in response.
"Please cousin, do not judge me too harshly. I am only concerned for your safety. Many people have died in the service to the monarch."
Cordé nodded. "I don't, Your Majesty, but I will not accept this post if you show me preferential treatment. I want to be regarded in the same manner as the others."
The Queen grinned. "I think you know me well enough to realize that won't happen."
"Then I humbly accept your offer, Your Majesty."
Amidala rose and extended her hand. "And I am honored to welcome you into my inner circle, Cordé." The stoic continence of the Queen instantly disappeared as a large smile filled Amidala's face. "Now that we're beyond all the pretense, come and give your cousin a hug."
Cordé smiled as she quickly embraced Padmé, her cousin and Queen as they were about to embark on new adventures at each other's sides.
Dressed in their flightsuits, Anakin Skywalker and Miles Ubein hurried through the winding corridors of the Palace en route to the Master shipbuilder's office. After the enactment of the Naboo Defense Force act, their mutual friend, Ellisé Bibble had been assigned there as an apprentice to the chief engineer during the mornings until she headed off with them to flight school in the afternoons. However, on this day, Marshall Olié had called for an earlier gathering so that the pilots could take their new starfighters out for simulated dogfights.
Upon entering the shipbuilder's drafting room, Anakin stood in wonderment at the different holographic blueprints that filled the room. Dozens of potential starships hovered about in the air, but the one that caught his attention also had captivated Ellisé.
"That is quite a ship!" Anakin observed.
Without turning around, Ellisé answered, "I think so too. After all, I did design her."
"I don't believe it!" Miles retorted in disbelief.
The sixteen year old Ellisé turn her head enough so he could see her roll her eyes. "I'm not just another pretty face here, Ubein. I happen to do serious work."
He huffed loudly, causing Anakin to step between them. "No one said otherwise. Although…" he returned his attention to the hologram, "if you keep the main stabilizer supports there and there the ship will be unable to withstand a re-entry burn." Ellisé's face flinched angrily for a second prior to re- reading the blueprints. Anakin, meanwhile had walked over to the holostation's keyboard and entered in a series of equation, causing the image of the ship to change. He pointed to several portions along the wing. "See, if you reconfigure the supports and add another two and a half feet to the width of the ship, not only can you withstand re-entry, but the amount of gravity force it can take will increase geometrically."
Completely amazed, Ellisé looked back to Anakin and then the ship several times before finally admitting, "That's…incredible. How did you know that from just looking at it?"
He shrugged and released a lopsided grin. "I've just always been good at fixing things."
"You should work here, Anakin. I'm sure Chief Braxt could pull some strings if you wanted."
"I wish I could, but unfortunately my schedule won't permit it," Anakin regretfully admitted. His entire focus at the Academy was to become an engineer so he could design and build starships. The new defense act abruptly halted his progress, but he hoped in time that he could return to complete that goal. Yet Anakin was not resentful of his new duties since he felt the High Protector title was in name only for too long. The moment had finally arrived for him to live up to that bestowed honor.
Ellisé smiled sadly and moved over to a nearby desk to retrieve her helmet. Securing it under her arm, she led both Anakin and Miles to the main hangar. "I can't believe that you are going to serve as the Queen's main military advisor after your training. You know in theory it means that you will be the head of Naboo's entire military, answering only to her."
He grinned. "That won't be for some time…until long after the off-world advisor finishes building the army and teaching me. It might take well over a decade."
"Still," Miles interjected. "You have to admit it is a pretty wizard thing."
Anakin snorted. "It sounds great, but as Padmé is so fond of saying, positions of great responsibility walk hand in hand with tremendous sacrifice."
"I still am amazed that you can call Her Highness by her first name, let alone are close friends with her…and her handmaidens," Miles said with a glazed look.
"More like a certain blonde one to be more specific." Anakin joked, nudging his elbow into Miles' side.
"Be quiet!" Miles retorted.
Ellisé evilly grinned at him. "Awww…Somebody has a crush on someone who doesn't even know he exists."
Before Miles could conjure a sharp insult, Sabé approached from the opposite direction. They halted immediately and in unison they nodded their heads to her in acknowledgement. "Captain."
Sabé returned the gesture. "Anakin, may I speak with you private?"
"I'll meet up with you both in the hangar," he said as Ellisé and Miles resumed their bickering while he walked away. "Something wrong, Sabé?"
"I just received word from our squad on Corellia. They are ready for insertion."
Anakin paused and leaned against the wall. "I've been studying the different approach vectors to Cato Neimoidia and even with my ship's cloaking shields, the neutron radiation surge that it generates will be great enough for their sensor buoys to detect."
"Is there no other way?" Sabé asked, folding her arms tightly against her chest.
"I do have an idea, but it is somewhat…reckless." Sabé silently urged him to continue. "Instead of using one of the charted routes, I can plot a direct jump from Corellia to Cato Neimodia so that we will emerge on the far side of the planet nearest to their moon whose gravity field should hide our presence."
"I thought that direct hyperspace jumps were almost impossible?"
"Perhaps for some pilots, Milady," Anakin boasted. "I've done it enough times in the simulator that I could calculate it now with my eyes closed."
"So you've never done it before?" Sabé asked, concern growing in her voice.
He shook his head. "No, but if I made a mistake in the simulator, it would accurately tell me if I was dead or not. I never did make one though, and that's without an astromech helping me. I'm sure our Queen would allow us to take Artoo for this mission."
"That's the problem," Sabé interrupted. "We can't go to her about any of this. It is up to us to make the decision and to see it through."
"The more time we talk about this, the less we know what the Trade Federation is up to," Anakin pointed out. He then placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Sabé, I know I can do it. I just need for you to believe in me."
She remained silent. On countless occasions, Obi-Wan had boasted about Anakin's prodigal skills with ships and mechanics and how he seemed to do things normally dubbed impossible for his age with comfortable ease. He believed in him and she had seen herself how Anakin defied the odds and won the pod race on Malastare. Who was she to deny his talent?
"Of course I know you can do it, Anakin. You are quite the talent pilot." She paused to give him an earnest look. "Remember, we are responsible for twenty-five other lives aside from our own. We have to be sure that this will work without a single flaw."
"Give me two days with Artoo and I will have everything ready."
Sabé nodded in concession. "Very well. I will signal our team on Corellia to prepare for our arrival."
Graveyards were one of those places that, after a period of time, people tended to avoid for fear of stirring awake the resident spirits. This in turn made them ideal places for hiding things of importance. Ilianya didn't need to open her eyes when she sensed that her ship had entered the Malachor system. Despite the eons that had passed since Revan's horrific deed on the fifth planet, she could still feel the aftershocks of that event echoing throughout the Force.
It was here where she first had learned how to sever her connection to the Force, which had saved her life given her proximity to the tens of thousands, including Jedi who had perished at that terrible moment. Despite wishing to avoid the place where her quest began millennia ago, Ilianya had to retrieve a few relics that she would need to use to complete the task issued by the Force.
If she could not touch the Force, the seemingly endless echoes of her footfalls would have been enough to frighten her out of her skin. Yet she knew that no life had graced these halls in ages. The feeling of death added to the grim darkness of this place, which hadn't diminished any throughout the ages. Perhaps she should have engaged the mass shadow generator destroying what remained when she had the chance, but after centuries of decay, even that doomsday weapon turned to dust.
"But without this place, you would never have learned about the Force's true nature."
Ilianya swiveled about to see nothing but empty space. Extending her awareness once again, she sensed no life.
"Ah, but life isn't always captured within flesh and bone."
Becoming concerned, she yelled out, "Show yourself or leave me be. I have no use for restless specters."
"Even if the restless specter was your old teacher come back to offer you one more lesson?"
Ilianya spun around and froze instantly when she saw a human figure dressed in a black robe standing behind her. When she lifted her hood, Ilianya muttered, "Darth Traya."
"Darth Vengeance…The years have been overly kind to you."
"I am no longer a Sith or a Jedi for that matter," Ilianya declared. "I follow my own will."
"And is that why you made the deal with the Force to help the Chosen One? Because you wanted to?"
"What of it?" She angrily snapped.
"Your little centuries go by so quickly, don't they? I sense that a great darkness has engulfed your beloved Republic and this time, it will not survive the night."
"That is of no concern to me." Ilianya retorted. "Once I have accomplished my task, the Force will make me mortal."
"After all these millennia, you are still the naïve fool, Exile. Do you really believe that the Force will simply forgive you after everything you've done to injure her?"
Ilianya nervously straightened. "She gave me her word and I believe her."
"And how many times in the past did she promise you something only to take it away, much like a parent taking a child's favorite toy in punishment?"
"My fight with the Force is over. Now I only wish to follow her until I can end this so called existence of mine."
"Oh, is it? Even though the Chosen One has finally arrived, you are going to simply walk away?"
"What are you talking about?" Ilianya demanded.
"The Jedi of this time are weak and pathetic. With the Chosen One, together you could extinguish their light from this universe forever and destroy the Sith for good measure! Defy the will of Force as you did in ages past. Show her that you are beyond her reach."
"You are speaking about a grudge that died long ago, Traya. As you can see, I am no longer that terrified child that you once betrayed in order to enact your revenge."
"The end is coming soon, Exile. It is reverberating throughout the Force like a plucked string. The Force itself fears what is to come and is manipulating you once again."
"Be gone, spirit." Ilianya abruptly demanded. "I will no longer listen to your nonsense."
"Nonsense, you say? Very well, my pupil. But I will not promise never to appear again. As the darkness grows, so does my power."
The Exile blinked rapidly as the dark figure disappeared from sight. Evidentially, her return to this place had inadvertently awakened one of the spirits. She preferred to expedite her task before more arose. Ilianya hurried to the innermost chamber of the Academy. Upon reaching a solid stone wall, she summoned the Force which caused it to retract, revealing a small doorway. She entered and the room's lights activated, filling the room, revealing two large sarcophagi with a small, stone box separating them.
With a wave of her hand, the stone tops withdrew revealing two functional stasis fields that held a droid in each. One was a red armored assassination droid while the other was an ancient astromech. A slight smile tugged at the corners of Ilianya's face as she withdrew from within her cloak a shiny new motivator that she promptly inserted into Teethree-Emfor. The diminutive droid came to life and a cacophony of clicks and whistles erupted from him. Ilianya patted his head. "It is good to see you too, my friend."
How long have I been asleep?
"Almost three hundred years."
How did I end up here?
"You had a busted motivator which was hard to replace.
I suppose I should run a full diagnostic on myself and HK-47?
Ilianya smiled. "Perhaps later. HK's central processor is disconnected."
Why?
"We ran into some trouble about two hundred years ago and I couldn't repair the damage to his main power systems. However, one of these days I plan to fix him up properly."
I see. My sensors need some minor adjustments. Can you detect any other damage on me?
Removing her datapad which possessed an active sensor unit, she quickly surveyed Teethree's systems. "Apart from a little rust here and there, you are in tremendous shape for a four thousand year old droid."
I'm sure it is all thanks to you.
Ilianya nodded. "Enough reminiscing. We can get caught up later. Right now we need to get back to my ship."
I'm right behind you, Master.
For the first time in years, Ilianya actually felt happy. Seeing her old droids reconnected her with the past making it seem not as long past as it truly was. However, one task remained that she had been stalling since her arrival. Taking a deep breath, Ilianya opened the stone box between the sarcophagi and reached inside. When she removed them, two silver handled lightsabers were shaking in her trembling hands. Without conscious thought, her thumbs hit the activator switches, immediately causing the weapons to spring to life. The type of crystal that she embedded in each had given both lightsabers a silver white blade, making them difficult to see when swung quickly.
Satisfied that her weapons still functioned, Ilianya deactivated them and clipped them on opposite sides of her belt. Once she arrived on Naboo, they would have to return into hiding until the Force commanded otherwise. For the next three weeks it would take to reach the distant world, she could occupy her time by refitting Teethree with all the new upgrades she had recently acquired. It kept her from dwelling too much on the past.
After concluding her business, Shmi Skywalker decided to stay in Mos Eisley to shop at the outdoor markets while Ruwee Naberrie met with some old associates at the local tavern. This place held an odd nostalgia about it given the squalid conditions in which she and Ani had lived in before Gardulla lost them to Watto. Still, she couldn't help smiling when she saw the places where her son liked to visit. Many of the shopkeepers were also slaves, but they had always been extra generous as Anakin had always found a way to befriend them.
A small part of her actually missed those simpler days. While Shmi had no objection to the new life, she did miss the times when it had been only the two of them against the universe.
"You know if you continue to stand out under the suns for too long, they will burn you to a crisp."
Shmi jolted and turned to see the source of the rough voice. Her initial trepidation disappeared as a smile grew across her face. "Cliegg Lars, now this is a surprise."
"How long have you been on Tatooine?"
"About a day," she replied as they politely shook hands. "My associate had to meet with some friends so I thought I'd take the opportunity to do some shopping."
"Been meaning to do some myself," Cliegg answered. "Would you mind if I join you, Madam Skywalker?"
"Of course," Shmi replied, hiding her mirth. "What brings you up to Mos Eisley?'
"I needed to come to pick up some supplies for the farm. Darn things are always breaking out there."
While thumbing a wood carving, Shmi asked, "I would imagine moisture farming is a frustrating trade. The desert is not known to be very forgiving to equipment or people."
Cliegg sighed deeply. "Almost everyday either Owen or I are out on the perimeter trying to get something to work that was never designed for what we're using it for."
"Owen?'
"My son," he answered, proudly smiling.
"You're married?" Shmi queried, slightly cocking one of her eyebrows.
"I was," Cliegg answered, his expression noticeably dropping. "She died."
Shmi reached over to gently touch his forearm. "I'm so very sorry, Cliegg. When did it happen?"
"Been a few seasons ago. Owen was barely out of diapers when Rheia came down with an incurable case of Tolian flu." Shmi gazed at him sympathetically as he continued, "So it's just been the two of us since then, but we do well enough. Thankfully, we pull in enough to keep the homestead in decent shape and keep our food vats full. What more can a man ask for?"
She nodded, shaking slightly when she realized that her hand had remained resting on Cliegg's forearm. "It makes me happy to know that you both are doing well," Shmi said, casually withdrawing her hand.
Cliegg's smile grew. "If it wouldn't be too forward, would you care to join us for dinner tonight?"
"I don't think I can. We are supposed to return home tonight."
However, Cliegg was not deterred. "Owen's running around here somewhere and there is a nice out door restaurant that serves the best bantha steaks on all of Tatooine. What do you say?"
"Well, I suppose it would be alright," Shmi relented. "Besides, I'm sure my friend won't be finished at the tavern for a few more hours."
"Great!" Cliegg said, almost yelling. "Let's try and find my son so we can eat."
Shmi smiled as she followed him. She didn't know why but throughout their entire discussion, her heart was racing a thousand light years a second. There would be no harm in getting to know them. It was only dinner.
TBC-Thoughts, comments, suggestions and reviews are always appreciated!
