Chapter 5

OOC: I have been getting many questions about who else will be appearing in the story (there were be focus on the characters from the first story, with a few new beings here and there) and how it might tie into the Force Awakens. I can't give all the details away. I did say there would be a few elements here and there from the latest movie, but this is AU (alternative universe) EU (expanded universe) so things will be different.

"Luke, I am not an invalid."

"No, but you were falling through Coruscant traffic just a short time ago and you are pregnant," Luke replied as he pulled on a dark cloak. He was not dressed as a Jedi. He was dressed as if he was going to try to blend in with others on the lowers levels of Coruscant.

"You can't just expect me to stay here and do nothing," Ari protested.

"You will be doing things, just not running around."

Ari frowned at her husband. "Luke, the children need me and you know I am capable. It is more dangerous than we thought. Someone was using the Dark Side of the Force."

"And that is why I want you here."

"The children are safe. I know you worry because we are expecting twins, but you could use another pair of eyes. And another one who is sensitive to the Force."

"We have Taylor and Mara. A few others are joining us from the Temple on Yavin 4."

Ari frowned and folded her arms.

"That won't work anymore, Ari. We aren't ten anymore. And you are letting your emotions cloud your judgement."

"You can't tell me that your emotions are playing a part in it all. I can sense it Luke. All of us are scared and worried. The longer we argue, it means they could be even further away."

"I already told the other Jedi you would meet them here. And Taylor will come with me."

"And I get no say in this?"

"I will use military ranks to make you stay if I have to."

Ari was surprised. Though they weren't involved in the military, they still kept their titles. She frowned at her husband.

He sighed. "Ari, please. I love you and I do want you safe. It isn't just that. I need to know you are here to help. You are a wonderful Jedi, but I would feel better if you were the one here. Though Ben, Anakin and Hope are being guarded, I feel better if you are close by. You can also be here to help Leia as she needs. On top of that, both you and Mara are very smart and I know you both know ships. That will help us too. So, yes, I am trying to keep you safe, but it isn't because I don't think you aren't capable."

Ari sighed. She could tell Luke meant what he said and though she still wanted to go, she let go of the frustration. It felt it was an easier emotion than the worry and she knew that those feelings would lead to the Dark Side. She nodded slightly.

Luke wrapped her arms around Ari. "I love you, Ari."

"I love you too, Luke," she murmured into his shoulder. "I just feel so useless waiting here while the rest of you are going out and looking for information."

"Useless? Ari, you are many things, but you have never been useless. What about that mission to Dathomir? You were even further along with Tiri at that point. You met the Nightsisters and made peace with them. And what about that mission Ryloth? You had just gotten out of the medical bay and then you were gone and on that mission for almost a month. And that incident in Sullust. We were both trapped and injured and you turned the tables on those that would have captured us or killed us. Even though we were both soaking in bacta afterward, you saved us. You are not useless."

Ari chuckled a little, remembering their adventures.

"And you instilled so many of these things in our children. They are brave, smart, resourceful and stubborn," he added with a small smile, kissing the top of her head. "They might have the name Skywalker, but the Narabe side is strong."

Ari nodded, taking a deep breath before letting it out. "Go, Luke," she said as she stepped back. "But you better tell me as soon as you hear anything. If you get any leads, I will have access to a lot of information."

He nodded and tapped his temple before tapping hers. "I love you, Ari."

"I love you, Luke."

She watched as Luke strode out of the room. She took a deep breath and then let it out, readying herself.

Then, she went out to join the others. Luke, Taylor, Han and Lando were gone. Eean was talking to a few of the security guards that were arriving for extra protection of the three saved children. All three were quiet, staying close together.

Leia was talking quietly to Winter, her oldest friend who had survived the destruction of Alderaan. She had joined Leia as a companion when Leia was younger after the death of Winter's parents. Most had thought Winter was the princess due to her composure. However, the two girls had grown up and their bond had strengthened as they grew older. Winter had arrived as soon as she heard the news and had vowed to stay by Leia's side as well as be a personal bodyguard to the three children.

Mara was the one who seemed to be having the most difficulty. She was attempting not to pace around the room, but Ari could tell that was what she wanted to do.

"Mara?" Ari spoke.

Mara turned to her, hand on her lightsaber, clearly ready. Ari quickly walked over to her.

"You didn't go with the others?"

"No. I am waiting on some information. Not all Imperials changed their ways. I have some contacts that are going to get back to me. I know it takes time, but I don't like waiting."

"You think former Imperials might be behind this?" Ari asked, keeping her voice low.

"That's how they found me."

Ari winced, trying not to think about the children being turned into weapons, but she could imagine. Mara wouldn't talk openly about what she had been through, but there had been a few comments over the years that had given Ari an idea of what Mara's life had been like as she grew up.

"I hope you hear back soon. I am going to try do a bit of research."

"I think I will join you. I need to do something."

Ari nodded. She paused to hug her son and the others. They still seemed shocked, but hugged her back. When she got to her feet, Ben was holding onto her. "Don't go."

Ari knew there was a lot of work to do, but she sat back down with the children.

Start without me. I will be there soon she told Mara. She did want to be useful and she knew she would get to work, but she wanted to spend a few minutes hugging her son first. That was the most important thing at that moment.