Jaina's Rebellion
Chapter 3
Despite Jaina's newfound determination to earn herself the title of a Jedi, she still didn't understand why she had to go to the Alderaan Memorial Ball. Therefore, she simply resigned herself to the boring evening, stuck in an uncomfortable gown and making small talk with strangers. She would do it only to make her mother happy, no other reason. At least the cast on her arm was finally taken off that day.
She was surprised and overjoyed when Aunt Mara showed up at her door dressed to the nines. "Are you ready, kid? Need some help?"
"You're going with us?" Jaina guessed excitedly.
"Yes, I guess I'm filling in as the official Jedi Order representative at the party," Mara explained as she came inside.
"Why would the Jedi need a representative at this party?"
"You don't know?" Mara asked. "There are plenty of reasons. One is that a Jedi presence elevates the prestige of the event. The other obvious one is networking."
"Networking?"
"Yes. I can do your hair in traditional Alderaanian braids, would you like that?" After Jaina gave her permission, Mara took a hairbrush and started combing and parting the girl's hair for the elaborate hairdo. "It's important for the Jedi Order to have friendly relations with people at the top," she picked up the topic.
Jaina frowned. "But why? We have Mom, she's the Chief of State, what more do we need?"
Mara shook her head. "Think, Jaina. Your mother won't be the Chief of State forever. The next one might not like the Jedi so much. So it's important to have important people on our side. Having friends in high places goes a long way to keep the Jedi afloat. Can you think of another reason?"
While she worked on the braids, Jaina thought it over. She remembered something her father had said. When you don't know what it's about, it's always about… "Money?" she said aloud.
"You guessed it right. The Jedi Order needs sponsors. People who support our work for the galaxy, that give us the means to get supplies."
"I thought the New Republic funded the Order?" Jaina asked, wincing when Mara pulled a little too hard on her hair.
"Not entirely, otherwise the Jedi would be bound to obey the politicians. That was the cause of the old Jedi's downfall, so now we're going more independent. The New Republic is one of our chief donators and often asks us to do certain work to keep peace in the galaxy, but we aren't dependent on it to survive."
Jaina never thought about the Jedi this way. It was always adventures and lightsabers. She never realized what was needed to run an organization like the Jedi Order. It made sense to her that behind those heroic deeds there were supplies and money that made them possible. It wasn't as romantic, but it spoke to the pragmatic side she inherited from her father.
"And there's a third reason for a Jedi to go to the Alderaan Memorial Ball," Mara said.
"What is it?"
"Gratitude. Without Alderaan, the Jedi Order wouldn't exist."
"What are you talking about?" Jaina wasn't aware of any connection between Alderaan and the Jedi. "But Alderaan was destroyed before Uncle Luke restarted the Jedi Order."
Mara smiled mysteriously. "If you really don't know, I suggest that you listen closely to your mother's speech for tonight. I'm done," she announced, taking her hands off Jaina's head. The girl went to the mirror to check the results.
Jaina looked at the elegantly weaved braids, pinned on her head, admiring herself. The hairstyle made her look different, more mature.
"This looks amazing! Thanks, Aunt Mara!" she said brightly. "How are you so good at making braids?"
"Oh, it's just another essential skill in the arsenal of the Emperor's Hand," Mara replied with a playful wink. Jaina giggled.
That's when her mother strode it. "Jaina, are you ready… Oh, Mara, you're here?"
"I was helping with her hair."
Leia took a look. "Great job. I should have let you do mine too. Raincheck?" she asked.
"Sure."
"Anyway, I've got something for you," Leia said to Jaina and showed her a silver headpiece, shaped like interlocking tree branches with a green gemstone in the middle. "I had something like this when I was your age. My mother gave it to me. It was lost on Alderaan, but I had this replica made for you. What do you think?"
"Thanks, Mom, it's beautiful," Jaina said in awe.
"I'll put it on you. Hold still." Leia came behind Jaina and placed the headpiece on. It complimented the braids nicely. Now, in her white gown, with the sophisticated hairstyle and a work of art on her head, she really looked and felt like a princess.
"Threepio!" Leia called the protocol droid. "Fetch the holocamera! We're taking a holo of this!"
"Moom…" Jaina groaned with a blush.
"My daughter looks like a young noble lady, I need to have this immortalized on the holo, so I can show your father when he gets back from the Corporate Sector."
"So Han won't make it after all?" Mara asked.
Leia shook her head. "He has diplomatic immunity and still has trouble crossing the border."
Threepio showed up with the holocam and they took the pictures of everyone, starting with Jaina. Then they left for the party.
Mara touched Jaina's shoulder, drawing her attention before they entered the venue. "If you're curious about the Jedi Representative work, you can shadow me tonight," she offered.
Jaina enthusiastically nodded. "I will!" she chirped with a wide smile.
As expected, there were many formalities to observe at the ball and Jaina had to perform them well. Threepio's etiquette drills finally came in handy. But exchanging pleasantries with even the dullest of people was worth seeing Aunt Mara in action. She was gliding across the room, smiling like a holostar and chatting up people effortlessly. Jaina would have wiped her eyes to check if she wasn't dreaming, she'd never seen her aunt this sociable in public.
Finally, the time for speeches came. The guests filtered into the auditory and took their seats. Jaina remained next to Aunt Mara. The first speaker was the New Alderaan President. Jaina tried not to fidget through his long-winded ruminations about surviving planetary destruction only because he'd had luck and left to visit family on Chandrila the same day.
"If I waited even an hour later, I would've been killed by the Death Star superlaser," the President concluded. "It was luck or maybe the Force that had saved my life so I can talk with you all today."
Then, at last it was Leia's turn to give a speech. She stepped up on the dais, looking regal and powerful, but also gentle and welcoming in a flowing, long-sleeved blue gown and a headdress draped with a semi-transparent, delicate fabric. The coloured pattern was handstitched on the dress to resemble Alderaan as it had been seen from space. She didn't wear any jewelry, but a few gems were tastefully embedded in the fabric around the collar.
The audience greeted Leia with a round of enthusiastic applause. Jaina clapped her hands for around ten seconds, then leaned forward in her seat, focusing on her mother. Leia raised a hand.
"Thank you. Thank you, everyone," she said and the last of clapping tapered off. "It's wonderful to see you all here again at Alderaan Memorial Ball. Thank you for coming." She took a small pause, her expression turning serious. "I was there, on board the Death Star, forced to watch as Governor Tarkin ordered to fire on my planet. In front of my eyes my parents, my people, my world, everything and everyone I ever loved was destroyed by the Empire." Leia's voice rang clear and true through the auditory, entrancing those who listened as she told her tale. Her eyes were misted over with the old pain. "I was in shock. The scale of this atrocity was so enormous and I just couldn't understand the reason. Why did it happen? Alderaan was peaceful. It stood for everything good and just in the galaxy. The Alderaanian people were artists, craftsmen, visionaries, lawyers, doctors, scientists, philosophers and free thinkers. But we didn't just enjoy our life in peace and prosperity, we aimed to bring it to the rest of the galaxy. We ran charities and mercy missions and we provided support and education to those less fortunate than us.
"And that's precisely why Tarkin couldn't let us live. Alderaan's mere existence was an anathema to the Empire. We proved that universal peace can be achieved through cooperation, not subjugation; friendship, not fear; freedom, not slavery!
"My father, Viceroy Bail Organa, was one of the founders of the Rebellion. My mother, Queen Breha Organa, secretly gave aid to the cause. But Alderaan had no weapons! My father and then I after him were members of the Imperial Senate. We tried to find a diplomatic solution, influence the Empire towards peace despite the futility of such an endeavour. We exhausted every non-violent option but nothing worked. And it couldn't have.
"Tarkin tried to make me believe that the destruction of Alderaan was a punishment for the royal family. It wasn't. From the very beginning, the Empire eliminated all those that advocated for peace. Starting with the destruction of the Jedi Order, the ancient guardians of peace, the Empire killed entire cultures, slaughtered billions of innocent beings for their beliefs, because those very beliefs and principles were the greatest threat to it! Emperor Palpatine and Governor Tarkin knew Alderaan had no weapons, that we were a peaceful world, a valuable asset to the economy at the very least, and they didn't care. That's because they waged war against ideas of freedom, justice, democracy, public dialogue, cooperation! Those were the enemies they hated and despised the most. Those principles were what they were really trying to destroy.
"Alderaan wasn't the first or the last of their victims. We remember the Jedi Order, Caamas and so many others that suffered before us, as well as those that came after. Alderaan welcomed the Caamasi refugees with open arms. I myself led a mercy mission there and saw the devastation wrought by the Empire, even though at that time I had no idea it was responsible. Those actions of solidarity might have made us a target for the Emperor's wrath sooner, but they were just and right. Alderaan's compassion and courage to help is the example the New Republic strives to follow every day.
"I'm especially pleased to see here today a representative of the Jedi Order. For centuries, the Jedi were the staunchest of allies to Alderaan and their loss was an immeasurable blow. The Empire sought to wipe them out completely, but the Jedi walk again among us now. They are the living proof that the Empire failed in destroying what it hated and feared the most. The Jedi survived the purge and the relentless hunt after, and under Luke Skywalker's leadership they were reborn to continue in their ancient mission of safeguarding peace in the galaxy. I'm glad that Alderaan also had its part in bringing back the Jedi Order." At those words, Jaina increased her attention to her mother's speech. "My father, Viceroy Bail Organa, at a great personal risk smuggled Jedi Masters Yoda and Kenobi on Coruscant so they could send a warning to the surviving Jedi. He aided them both when they went into hiding, so they could prepare their successor when the time was right. He also took in a Force-sensitive child, despite all the risks involved, and raised her as his own daughter. And now I'm proud that my own children are following the Jedi path. It is my sincerest wish that just like in the past, the Jedi Order and Alderaan will be the pillars of the Republic.
"We're gathered here, at Alderaan Memorial Ball, to remember the tragedy. But Alderaan isn't dead! Just like the Jedi aren't dead, just like Caamas isn't dead! The planet may be gone, but we survived, we rebuilt, we are Alderaan! As long as we are here, our friends are here, and our children are here, I know Alderaan will live on. Our culture, our principles and virtues, our achievements will never be forgotten and continue bringing light to the galaxy. That's what I believe in."
A thundercrash of applause rolled over the auditory. Roused by Leia's speech, beings stood up, clapping in a frenzy. Jaina remained seated, her brown eyes fixed on her mother as if she saw her for the very first time. In a way, she did; before then, Jaina only thought of her as Mom. But beyond that there was a princess of a destroyed world, a charismatic leader and a master of verbal swordplay. Her words that day touched everyone's hearts, but for Jaina, it felt more than just that. They exposed a deep flaw in her that she wasn't aware existed.
"Great speech, wasn't it?" Mara asked her.
Jaina nodded, growing pensive again. "It was incredible. And there were so many things I didn't realize before…" Her head was still reeling from the revelation upon revelation. It made her feel so frustrated with herself, so ashamed of how she'd acted in her own ignorance…
"Don't dwell on it too much. You will learn soon enough," Mara advised.
Jaina looked at her wide-eyed. It was as if her aunt could read her mind… could she? Jaina wanted to follow the advice, but she wasn't sure she'd be able to.
The rest of the evening she was distracted by her deep thoughts, then in the speeder on the way back home she finally got the chance to talk with her mother.
"Mom, will you… tell us more about Grandpa Bail? And Grandma Breha… and Alderaan?" she hesitantly asked.
Leia turned to her in surprise, then a warm smile brightened her face. "I would love to," she said.
Jaina smiled back shyly.
.
Epilogue
In the last couple of days Mara had her own tough nut to crack, but the more she considered all the cons, the clearer the path became to her. She was the kind of person who preferred planning and preparation rather than making snap decisions, however all her meditations pointed her in one direction. Luke said to 'trust the Force', so she did. Isn't this what being a Jedi was all really about?
Before she left, Mara informed Leia of her decision, then she knocked on Jaina's door.
"Come in!" the girl called from the inside.
Mara found her working on a datapad at her desk. That swoop racing report was underway.
"Hi." She closed the door behind her. "I came to say goodbye before I leave."
"You're going? Already?" Jaina asked with a clear disappointment as she stood up and came closer.
"Yeah, I need to get those supplies to Yavin IV sometime this year," Mara said wryly. "Can't let those perishables stink up my ship."
Jaina gave a small chuckle. "Then I guess you need to hurry," she replied.
They looked at each other unsurely, both feeling something unnamed between them, a sense of anticipation. Mara cleared her throat.
"Well, there's something I need to ask you before I go."
Jaina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What is it?"
"It's an offer which you can refuse, alright? This will be entirely up to you," Mara prefaced. Jaina nodded, feeling even more curious. "Jaina, it wasn't coincidence that I came to Coruscant at this particular time. I was pulled here."
"Pulled? Like by the Force?"
"Yes. Something like that. And now I found the reason. It's you."
Jaina stared at her aunt in confusion. "Me, but why me?"
Mara took in a breath and looked the girl straight in the eye. "Jaina, I would like you to become my Jedi apprentice. Please, just think about it. You don't have to decide right now-"
"Yes!" Jaina blurted out, her shock transforming into a fierce joy in a second. She rushed forward and hugged Mara tightly around the middle. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Mara's eyes softened and she returned the hug. "Well, that was fast. Are you sure, Jaina?" she asked, pulling back. "This is a big decision. If you prefer someone else to be your teacher, like your uncle, just say so."
Jaina shook her head, grinning madly. "No! Don't take it wrong, I love Uncle Luke, but you're the coolest Jedi ever. I want to be your apprentice." The girl paused, biting her lip as she looked away for a moment. "And I also felt something in the Force. Maybe it wasn't just a lucky coincidence that I went to your ship when I tried to run?" she proposed.
Mara pursed her lips and nodded. She'd thought about that too. "For all we know, it could really be the will of the Force, leading us to each other."
"Well, I'm happy it's you, Aunt Mara. Really," Jaina said brightly.
Mara eased her expression into a lopsided smile. "Me as well."
"I'll be the best apprentice to you, I promise!" the girl exclaimed, unable to contain her youthful enthusiasm.
"Oh, you better be or I will make you. I won't go easy on you, Jaina. You're my niece so I will be extra hard. You think you're up to it?" Mara asked with a challenging glint in her eye.
Jaina bobbed her head up and down. "Absolutely." She gave her aunt a cocky Solo look, strikingly similar to her father's. "Bring it on… Master." Then she squinted. "So, when do we start?"
Mara's lips curled in a smirk of her own. "First, you need to complete that report on swoop racing. It won't write itself, will it?"
Her newly-minted apprentice groaned. "Do I have to?"
"I think you know the answer to that," Mara replied with amusement. "After you return to the Academy, we will begin your apprenticeship."
As they talked about the future they were going to step towards, the Force around them settled, lightly vibrating with harmony and joy. And, hidden behind the door she pushed ajar, Leia looked upon the two of them and smiled to herself. Her daughter was a handful but she would be in good hands. Leia couldn't think of a better teacher for Jaina.
Except me… A regretful thought crossed her mind, summoning a brief ache in her heart, but Leia quickly banished it. It was no use dwelling on possibilities that could never be. For a short while she remained, watching Jaina and Mara talking excitedly. Then Leia quietly left.
.
Mara's departure for Yavin IV was on schedule. After she said goodbye to all the kids, Leia flew her to the spaceport.
"Mara," Leia said when she parked the speeder. When the woman turned to her curiously, she took her hand in her own. "Thank you," she said. "For agreeing to be Jaina's Master."
Mara tilted her head.
"Don't thank me. Thank the Force… and yourself. It wasn't really my idea. I was only following a gut instinct," she replied.
"You have good instincts," Leia remarked. "Jaina will do well under your instruction."
Mara's green eyes bore into her, seeing more than they probably should.
"Hey," she began softly, then she squeezed Leia's hand before releasing it. "Just because I will be her Master, doesn't mean you're off the hook. She still has many things to learn from you."
Leia accepted the reassurance with a small nod. Hearing that from Mara made her feel better. "Of course. Thank you," she said through a tightened throat.
"Any time, Leia. Any time."
.
Jaina's month of punishment stretched on forever, but at last it was done. She'd completed her report in less than two weeks. In the remaining half of the month Jaina and her brothers managed to stay out of trouble and finally it was time for them to return to the Jedi Praxeum to continue their study of the Force. Jaina was positively ecstatic about becoming Mara's apprentice.
While Jacen and Anakin went ahead, clambering up the landing ramp of the Millennium Falcon, Leia held Jaina back.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked.
"Eh?" Jaina made a sound of incomprehension.
Leia pulled out a silver cylinder from her purse. "You're going to need this."
"My lightsaber!" Jaina exclaimed in delight, then paused. "Are you sure… I can have it back?" she asked with uncertainty.
"Yes, that was our deal, remember? Your punishment is over. And I imagine you'll make a poor Jedi apprentice without your lightsaber. Now take it."
Jaina picked it up gingerly from Leia's hold. She tested it out, the purple blade springing out from the cylinder. The girl gave it a swing, then retracted the blade. Then she put the weapon on her belt. Jaina grinned; with the familiar weight of the lightsaber on her hip she was ready to face the next trials and challenges of her apprenticeship. But knowing that she had her mother's confidence was even better.
"Thanks, Mom," Jaina said.
"You're welcome," Leia replied, looking at her daughter intently. She brushed some of the girl's unruly hair back in a motherly gesture, then pointed to the ship. "You need to get going or you'll be late."
"Mom…" Jaina fought with herself, then gave her mother a quick hug. "I'll miss you," she whispered.
"I'll miss you too, sweetie," Leia replied softly and they parted. "Be good to your Master."
"I will," Jaina said solemnly and they shared a smile.
"Jaina, you coming or not?" Jacen called from the top of the ramp.
"Coming!" Jaina shouted his way, then turned to Leia. "Bye, Mom."
"Safe travels."
Jaina went up to the ship and waved to her mother. Leia waved back.
The landing ramp closed and the Millennium Falcon lifted off the pad and flew out of Coruscant, heading towards the stars and the distant Yavin IV, where the Jedi Academy awaited the students of the Force.
The End
AN: Thanks for reading! Please review!