Chapter 17AE
'You Used to like it When You Were Four II'
'That Skywalker Kid in the Hall'
'Absolutely, Positively Nearly Dead'
'JAG: Jedi Advocate General'
The two wind up where they started when they arrived earlier. It is the massive docking bay hangar. Kris sees vehicles of every type lined up for a docking spot and some going on to other areas.
"Where are we going?" He becomes excited. "Oooh! Are we going to ride in one of those? This is so cool!"
They cross the bay to a different hangar and then slow down. Karol finally stops before he answers the boy.
"No, actually, you'll be helping this gentleman. Karol looks up.
A body laying on an elevated red mechanics creeper appears from under the Lambda class T-4a shuttle. Kris realizes that the 'body' is very much alive as it moves on the creeper.
"That's right, kid; you'll be working for me."
The mechanic presses a button on the control panel on the side of the creeper; the pneumatic mechanism lowers it to the floor. He sits up and then hops off 3 feet before it comes to a complete stop on the docking bay floor. Kris watches cautiously as the scruffy-looking man gives him the once-over. Kris observes him too. The man's thick dark hair already beginning to gray. There is stubble on his chin as if he had not shaved for a couple of days. He has a friendly enough face but he looks as if he could also become easily annoyed. Kris notices the name patch on the blue mechanic jumpsuit. It says 'L. Loneozner.' The man and boy circle one another. Karol stands quietly with his hands folded behind his back. His uniform is amazingly clean and neat after the escapades during the last 24 hours.
The mechanic scratches the salt and pepper stubble on his chin after sizing up his would-be apprentice. A smile forms on his face revealing his wrinkled skin.
"So this is the boss's kid, eh?"
Karol Needa smiles too.
"Yes, this would be him."
The mechanic seems amused as he sizes up the boy.
"How are you, 'Boss's kid'?"
"Fine." Kris regards him with some hesitancy.
The mechanic removes his dirty mechanic's gloves and extends his hand. There is a ring on his wedding finger. Kris wants to know what sort of woman would marry this scruffy-looking man with the unkempt hair. It looks as if it could use a good washing.
"The name's Fixer. You don't remember me, do you?"
Kris nods his head 'No' as he shakes hands with the rugged-looking mechanic. He notices Fixer's perennial Tatooine tan. It is probably from working under the intense Tatooine suns. His hands appear rough but Kris discovers that they are surprisingly soft to touch.
"No, I can't say that I do."
"I know your older brother Luke. We used to hang out together when he would visit his aunt and uncle on Tatooine. Nice lad, your brother. The last time I saw you, you were barely able to walk."
"I do pretty good now."
"I bet you do, kid. Rumor has it you're an amazing air surfer as well as on the water. Yep, you look pretty sturdy to me. So, ready to get to work?"
"Sure!" Kris looks around at all of the vehicles in the docking bay taxing to different hangars and points to a vintage X-wing. "Awesome. Are we going to ride in that? This is better than Jedi training class."
Fixer laughs.
"Oh, we're not gonna ride in that, kid."
"I'm not?" Kris is slightly disappointed but still hopeful. There are so many ships and other transport vehicles that he is bound to something exciting to tinker with in this massive hangar.
"Oh no, mate…you're going to be my apprentice today."
"Really? Doing what? His eyes light up as if it were Befana Eve.
"Follow me and I'll show you the beauty you'll work on."
"Awesome! This is great! Is it a Star Destroyer? I know! It's a TIE Fighter! Awesome! "
Fixer looks at Officer Needa.
"He seems to like that word." Fixer smiles and scratches his head as he repeats, what seems like Kris' word of choice. "'Awesome!'"
Officer Needa responds. He is slightly amused by Fixer's reaction.
"It appears so." He follows Fixer and Kris. His instructions are clear: Make sure that Kris performs the task that Fixer instructs him to do.
Kris happily follows Fixer into a small docking area in the far end of the massive hangar. Fixer gives the youth and once-over and decides it is almost time to burst Kris' bubble about the task in which he will be undertaking.
"Oh, you're not going to need that fancy down vest where we're going."
Karol Needa takes the vest from Kris.
"I'll take good care of it for you, Master Kris."
"Thanks." Kris gladly cooperates. He is about to see his surprise. "Sure. This is so cool!"
Fixer turns to Lieutenant Needa.
"No need for you to hang about Lieutenant."
"But I don't think I should leave."
"No worries, officer. You'll be wasting your time here. I've got this under control."
"Are you sure? Because I have specific instructions to…"
Fixer waves his hand and interrupts young Needa.
"Babysit…yeah; I know…Well, I'm sort of a pro where the Skywalker kids are concerned. Leave everything to me. My little offside here is good for a stay. Go on…go earn your medal somewhere else, mate."
Needa is reluctant to leave but takes Fixer at his word.
"Okay…I'll take his vest upstairs to his father."
Kris barely notices as Lieutenant Needa leaves. He is more curious about his exciting task and pokes his head in the dark the room.
Fixer turns on the lights in the private docking area. Kris cranes his neck to get a look at the vehicle. Another mechanic hands something to Fixer. Fixer presents it to Kris. Kris does not understand why he has a bucket and sponge and a container with a familiar red label. He slows down when he sees what is in the hangar. Fixer urges him closer.
"Okay, let's get to work, sparky. We don't have all day. Wax on, wax off. Come on…chop-chop."
Kris is definitely disappointed. He murmurs angrily to himself. His annoyance is not with Fixer but with his father.
"Not cool. Not cool at all." He walks slowly over to his father's speeder with the bucket and the container of 'Galactic Fantastic Speeder Shine.' He recalls watching the commercial for the product on the holovid while watching pod racing with his father. The loud, muscle-bound, over-exuberant pitchman lauding the attributes of the latest product:
'Rishii Maze here to tell you about a brand new product from Tagge Industries. Do you have a starship that has had too many close calls with oncoming ships? Is heavy intergalactic traffic scratching up your new military hardware? What about tons of non- gravity-resistant meteor rock hurling past your ship leaving nicks and dings on the titanium finish?" Well I have the solution right here in this single bottle of Galactic Fantastic Ship&Shine." I'm here on the top-secret docking bay of DS Space Station III. There are fleets of vehicles in this hangar. Watch as I dump a 12-ton meteor rock on this brand new Kuat Star Destroyer. Now, that's a nasty dent. That's going to take lots of maintenance droids and man hours to repair but how are you going to go into battle when your equipment looks like a hunk of junk? I just apply this 20-foot roller applicator dipped in some Galactic Fantastic Ship&Shine…and look! No sign of dings, scratches, nicks, or dents! No sanding, no tools, no droid labor. Dries virtually invisible! Watch me repeatedly shoot at this AT-AT with this Imperial-issued blaster.'
Blaster shots ricochet across the docking bay. Background sounds of camera crews crying in agony as shots hit a camera operator in the torso, other crew members scramble for cover. The video transmission goes grainy then silent. Another camera operator takes the place of the wounded crewmember and the commercial continues. The unflappable Rishii Maze continues his pitch:
'Are we back on? Okay. Other cleaners have harsh fumes, not Galactic Fantastic with its thick no-drip formula. So call right now and order a drum; and if you're one of the first 66 million callers, you'll receive Galactic Fantastic for the home. It's great for speeders, swoop bikes, and droids! You get the 'Galactic Fantastic Ship&Shine', the 'Speeder Shine' for the home, one free Cloaking Device decal, and a 500,000 credit off coupon towards any ray shield installation. The roller applicator is free! Got a blaster hole? Fill it! Got a dull Speeder paint finish? Shine it! Got a ding? Rub it out! Get all this…a 1000 credit value for only 19.95!'Here's how to order!'
Phones at the order center light up at viewers dial the toll-free number 1-800-Order-66. Anakin was on the phone too, but it was not to place an order. He called to find out how the pitchman got access to board the space station, a highly classified area. Heads would roll later on.
Just thinking about this makes Kris angry. Stupid commercial! How could this be happening to him? He knows that his father is getting a big laugh upstairs right now.
Kris reluctantly begins to polish the speeder as Fixer closely supervises him. The mechanic makes him redo some areas where scuff marks remain. Is this the lesson his father is teaching him for the unauthorized joyride he took in the family driveway? It's just unfair and unbefitting a Jedi Padawan.
Fixer takes another look at the vehicle.
"Well, kid, I know that this isn't your idea of fun, but it does teach you something."
"Yeah, don't piss off my dad."
"No…I mean it teaches you discipline and good workmanship. But I have to hand it to your dad; he has a good sense of humor sending you down here." Fixer runs his hand along the right rear door and examines a few more scrapes. "This is your handiwork, eh?"
"My dad can hold a grudge. You can barely see the scratch." Kris promptly walks over and applies more polish. The Speeder Shine is so effective that there is no sign of the damage. Fixer laughs.
"You sound a lot like your brother Luke." He continues checking the speeder. "Hmmm…good job…Hey, ever think of becoming a fulltime mechanic when you leave the academy? There will be plenty of job openings in a few years. When you get out of school this is the place to be.
"No, thanks."
"Fair enough…okay…wait here and I'll give you the supplies for your other tasks."
"Other tasks?"
"Yep, I've got my orders to keep you busy, mate." Fixer stuffs his work gloves inside his back pocket. He steps away for a moment. When he returns, his little 'grease monkey apprentice' has disappeared.
"Where….?" He turns around then smiles and scratches his head. "Oh geez…"
Fixer is not sure if he should be worried for himself or humored that the youth was crafty enough to escape his watchful eye.
Kris has a good memory when it comes to finding his way back from a strange place; the problem is when he gets distracted. The fun begins with what he finds during his 'detour'.
He discovers the storm trooper's barracks on the sub level. He tiptoes inside pass the rows of lockers and pokes his head around the corner. Several troopers remove their helmets. He discovers that half are clones. He finds this amusing, especially when they line up side-by-side at the washbasins. They shave and comb their hair in sync. After a few minutes, he grows bored and moves on.
He arrives at an unattended staff elevator. Two storm troopers are nearby and heading in his direction. Kris waves his hand. One of the troopers looks down the corridor.
"What was that?"
"Not sure…let's check it out."
The troopers disappear down the corridor. Kris hops into the waiting elevator then presses a button. As the elevator goes up, Kris playfully practices some of his Jedi jumps, flipping upside down touching the bottoms of his feet to the upper walls and ceiling of the elevator. The elevator raises a few floors then stops. His heart starts beating fast and he lands back on the floor of the car. The doors open. Several naval officers enter. They barely glance at the boy. One office presses the 25th floor button then continues to stare straight ahead at the door. By the expression on their faces, Kris senses that they do not like children; there is neither a smile nor friendly face from any of them. One officer whispers in the ear of the other.
"What's he doing in here? That's all we need, another Jedi brat walking the halls."
Kris stands quietly on the left side of the elevator watching the display panel. He waves his hand. Suddenly all the floors light up on the display. The officers suddenly notice that this elevator is no longer an express. Another officer frantically presses the 25 button to no avail. The other officer shoves his colleague aside.
"Must be a computer glitch. Let me try." The officer tries keying in a pass code on the control panel, again with no result. He curses. Blasted elevator!"
Kris casually holds onto the side rail watching the officers fumble and panic. The elevator stops but does not open. Each time it reaches a floor, it makes that 'ding' sound. Another officer opens the emergency box above the display panel and grabs the red emergency COMlink.
"Control room over…Control room…is anyone there?"
A voice responds. The speaker sounds bored.
"Control room. What seems to be the problem?…over."
"We're stuck in the elevator at IMP – 68…over...stopping but doors fail to open…over."
How many people are with you?...uhm…over"
"Four officers…over."
"Four? No one else?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Just us."
"Are you absolutely positively sure?" There is a long pause. "…over. "
The office becomes annoyed with the questions and delay in helping them.
"Yes! I'm sure! Send someone to fix this bloody thing and get us out of here! Who is this?"
There is a click. The COMlink appears to have gone dead. Kris is still standing behind the officers. There is a big grin on his face. The officers try to get someone on the COMlink once again.
"Hello! Control! Is anyone there? Can anyone here us?" The officer turns to the others. He is confounded. The officers behave as if they are on a sinking ship and have the sound of panic in their voices.
One of the officers turns to look at Kris who has been watching gleefully as the officers try to communicate to someone from the outside. He corners Kris, grabs him by the collar of his shirt lifting the child off the floor.
"You little brat! What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything. Let go of me." The elevator slows then speeds up again, only this time it is going down and fast.
"Tell us how to fix this!" The officer points to the display panel.
"You had better let go of me. Do you know who my father is?" The boy gasps and attempts to pry the officer's hand from his shirt. He stares at the nameplate on the officer's uniform: N. Tork II. You're in big trouble, 'Dork'!"
The bullying officer has a high forehead and a face that looks as if it had been in too many bar fights in Mos Eisley. He is as unpleasant as he is stupid.
"We don't care who your father is…We…"
Just as the officer is about to torment the boy some more, the elevator door chimes and the doors open. Kris wriggles out of the officer's grasp kicks the officer in the groin before cutting loose and runs out of the elevator and down the corridor. The other officers consider going after him but then they realize where they are and start to laugh. They file back inside the elevator. Officer Non Tork is writhing on the elevator floor in agony. The force of the kick must have been powerful because Tork is lying in a heap, whimpering like a crippled old woman.
The elevator chime sounds. It appears to be working normally. The doors close. It is unusual for the elevator doors to open here. This level has been closed off for years. The officers suspect that the boy will never find his way back.
Kris turns to look at the large pillar to see what floor he is on right now. He has never been here before; nevertheless, he keeps his voice down to a whisper.
"Level Five. Detention block 'C'. 'C'-twenty-three. What's this?" He had no idea that there was such a massive holding area at the headquarters. Of course, he heard they existed onboard the old space stations but never imagined they would be here on Coruscant.
Kris continues walking. The corridor is quiet. One of the old plates is from 18 years ago. It is mounted on each of the locked doors. He stops and reads the painted stenciled letters: cell twenty-one-eight-seven. There is a defunct MSE-6 mouse droid wedged sideways in the door. A splinter of light falls across the black granite floor.
Kris can hear muffled voices. He tiptoes closer and sees several of his father's high-ranking officers talking. After listening in for a few minutes, Kris decides he needs to hurry back to inform his father. As he creeps away from the door, a red signal light pulses on the mouse droid.
The officers turn their attention to the door. Kris turns on his heel and runs. There is another set of doors straight ahead. He sprints towards them. The doors automatically close cutting access off on the officers who are in hot pursuit. Kris watches as the doors close and he is out of reach. He is untouchable. Someone is faster than he is, however, and is able to head him off in the opposite direction. He looks up. His mouth drops.
"I knew it was you. Boy am I glad to see you!"
"Same here, kid."
"How did you know?"
"No one in this building wears Jedi Sprinters, kid."
It is his brother-in-law Han Solo. Han points to the latest fashion trend for millions of kids on Coruscant: Jedi Sprinter running shoes. Kris catches his breath He sees something in Han's hand that belongs to him.
"Oh, yeah. You were funny as heck on that COM!"
"I'm glad you think so. I hate those things."
"Who is officer Non Tork? He tried to strangle me...but I got him good, the big ugly oaf!"
"Oh, the guys in my command call him 'Non-Human' Tork. He's not exactly pleasant to look at. He's a transfer from Krypton."
"Hey, what are you doing with my down vest?"
"Don't ask. Let's just say, I possibly saved a young lieutenant from an untimely demise."
Kris takes the vest and puts it on. He looks down. "Hey, Artoo!"
Artoo has been hiding around the corner while Han took the lead down the corridor. The astromech droid whistles and chirps.
"I had things under control, Artoo. I can take care of myself. Thanks anyway."
Artoo chirps the he had things under control as well but Solo takes too many risks.
"Well, I'm glad to see you're okay, Artoo."
Han urges him along down the corridor.
"Okay, enough with the greetings you two, let's get out of here." Han glances up at the black endless ceiling. "This floor gives me the creeps."
"Yeah…but wait. I have something to tell you."
"I have news for you too; you're a wanted man, pal."
Artoo whistles in agreement with Han. Kris replies with some hesitancy.
"Oh…"
"I hope you have more to say than 'Oh' when we get upstairs."
"I've got plenty to say…hey, wait…what are you doing here? I thought you went home with Leia."
"I did but your family and their 'feelings' take up a lot of my time. We were almost home when she sensed trouble brewing."
"Why did it take you so long to get home?"
"She wanted to stop at the market to satisfy one of her 500 cravings. Then with three vats of ice cream and a container of Kashyyyk fried oysters in the back seat, she decides to get all hocus pocus on me." He mocks Leia in a high-pitch voice, which sounds nothing like her but it makes Kris laugh. "'It's my little brother; we need to help him.' "
"So, she likes me."
"You're her kid brother, she adores you. She would be inconsolable if anything were to happen to you. And, by the way… you're still a wanted man. I just wanted to remind you of that before we go upstairs."
Han gets little reaction from the boy. He leads Kris to a little-known exit off the floor to avoid detection lest someone try to follow them. When questioned how he knows about it, Han reveals that several years ago he studied the plans and 'discovered crap that would make your hair turn white.' This elicits typical juvenile giggles from Kris.
They arrive back on the executive floor some 5 to 10 minutes later. Two paramedics are packing up medical equipment. Three other medics transport a gurney. Kris sees the medics securing an I.V. drip to Admiral Demetrius Zaarin. An oxygen mask is covering the Admiral's face. Kris stares but says nothing. Anakin is speaking privately to the chief paramedic in his office. He glances over at his son from where is standing and continues to speak to the chief paramedic. The two men walk to the door and stop. Anakin is speaking.
"Thank-you, gentlemen."
Once the paramedic team is out of the office, Anakin turns and stares at Kris. He heads back towards his office as he summons his son over. "You! We need to talk, young man."
Kris hesitates before stepping forward.
"Where's Miss. DiPesto?"
"Don't you worry about Miss DiPesto. Get in my office."
"But, Dad…"
Han raises his hand.
"Excuse me, don't I get a 'Thank-you'?"
"No! Get out!" As soon Kris steps into the office there is shouting. Anakin force-slams the door. "So, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"But, Dad, I have something important to tell you. Admiral Tagge and some other old guys…"
"Shut up! Sit down."
"But…"
Anakin stands against the front of his desk.
"Care to explain?"
"Uhm..."
"I knew what happened the moment you walked in, and I didn't want to believe it. I was hoping…just hoping to see a surprised or upset expression on your face. I saw none of that when you walked in here."
Anakin pauses then paces the floor. He stops and leans forward with a stern but anguished look on his face. "What were you thinking?"
"But, Dad, he was so mean to Miss DiPesto and he hurt her feelings…then he broke her candy dish and he didn't even say he was sorry, and then he was rude to you. He was too mean to live…."
Anakin does not want to hear anything else from his youngest child.
"Stop it! Just stop it!" He slaps his hand against the desk. Kris flinches. He has never seen his father this angry before. He never yells at any of the Skywalker children the way he is yelling at Kris right now. Anakin shakes his finger at Kris. "That was not your call to make. I was going to take care of him…Kris," Anakin pauses for a moment. He is clearly heartbroken. "I wanted the best for you."
"But what he did wasn't right."
"It's not the Jedi way, Kris! You're supposed to uphold the law, not break it. You're supposed to make peace with your enemies, not kill them!"
"But you did…"
"Don't even go there. That was a different time. Do what I say, not as I do."
Anakin rubs his forehead, clearly bewildered as how to deal with this situation. He paces the floor. Kris is sobbing. His cheeks are red and tears flow down his angelic face. Qui-Gon sits quietly in the large window with his arms folded. Kris looks over at him. Qui-Gon sighs then looks away. He does not wish to interfere.
At this moment, someone bursts through the door.
"Mr. Skywalker, Sir…"
"Oh, look who it is! This is a great time for you show up. Finally! The late Kyle Katarn."
"I left the Jedi Temple immediately. I felt a tremor in the Force."
"Oh, shut up! Where were these tremors when my twelve-year old was sucking the life out the Admiral? Where were you when I my speeder wound up with 1600 credits worth of damage?"
"Wow, 1600 credits…Man, you got ripped off." Qui-Gon considers the remark then nods in agreement thinking that maybe he did pay too much. Fixer is a sub-contractor for Tagge Industries. Anakin allowed the deal to go through so he can secretly keep a watchful eye on the operations. Anakin prides himself in one thing; his integrity. He is fully prepared to pay for work performed on his personal equipment…perhaps not 1600 credits worth.
Anakin has little patience for any flippant remarks. He stares at the person who brazenly burst through his office door.
"Well? I'm waiting."
"Uhm…"
"What?"
"I…"
"What? I didn't hear you, Kartman."
Kyle will take almost any amount of ridicule but he has his limits and he is not afraid to let the Dark Lord know.
"It's 'Katarn', sir. When are you going to get my name right? You have been calling me everything but the right name since I was at the academy with Luke. I am a Master and I deserve respect. In fact, I should file a complaint."
"I'm the one who should file a complaint for bad service and poor Jedi Padawan mentoring. Listen Kyle, how are you going to help my son?"
"I'm doing more than you could ever do, and for your information, I'm a damned good Jedi Master."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"Listen, he'll have to go before the Jedi Council. Master Yoda and the others will determine whether Kris will remain in the program."
"He's just a boy. I would gladly take the fall for this but everyone in the Jedi Order must know the truth by now."
"Dad, you'd do that?"
"Quiet!"
Kyle interjects.
"None of this would have happened if you were a better father."
Anakin is incensed. He stares down Kyle.
"What did you say to me?"
"Just sayin'."
Qui-Gon shrugs his ghostly shoulders. Anakin is annoyed. He thought Qui-Gon was there to support him. Anakin lets the Force Ghost have a piece of his mind.
"Oh, you're a great help!"
"I'm here as a silent observer."
"Oh, now you're silent. All the other times, you're flapping your lips like a varactyl."
"A varactyl doesn't have lips." He looks around to elicit agreement. Qui-Gon wants to lighten the somber moment. "Am I right?" He winks at Kris.
Kyle tries not to laugh. Kris has stopped crying. He smiles back at Qui-Gon then raises his hand in agreement. Anakin gives him an angry stare.
"Put your hand down! This is no time to joke. Sit up straight."
Kris sits up in the chair. His feet barely touch the floor in the big chair. He is small for his age and the cuteness quotient is palpable. It is eerily quiet right now. There is a knock on the door. Han pokes his head inside.
"What's going on in here? I heard shouting. Is everything alright?"
Kyle and Anakin shout back.
"Get out! Close the door!"
"Alright! Geez. I was just checking in on the kid…"
"Get out!"
Han quickly closes the door. He opens it again.
"Hey, there's a messenger here…Want me to sign for it?"
Anakin Force-slams the door in his face. The force of the door must have hit his nose. Han can be heard on the other side of the door yelling in pain.
"Ouch! That hurt! You almost broke my nose! I think it's bleeding! It is! Where's the first-aid kit around here?"
Kris raises his hand.
"Dad, how much longer do I have to stay in here? Can I use your bathroom?"
"No!"
"But I have to go, Dad."
"I wasn't created yesterday. I cannot trust you. If I let you go, there is no telling what you will do, you little escape artist. You stay right where I can see you."
Kris folds his hands.
There is silence. The father, son, and the Holy Force Ghost sit and wait for Kyle to come up with a solution that will satisfy the Jedi Council.
Out in the reception area, Han leans against the door eavesdropping. Miss DiPesto has returned from her extended break. She watches him with curiosity and excitement.
"Do you hear voices?"
"I don't hear a thing. Oh, there's a package for you." He nods in the direction of her desk. A large package wrapped in turquoise cellophane sits on her desk. "Oh, I used up your box of tissues."
"Your nose is bleeding."
"Really? I didn't notice."
Meanwhile, a resolution is being worked out in Anakin's office.
"Does Mom have to know?"
"I'm afraid so. She's going to be devastated."
"Tell her I'm sorry."
"Go. Be brave and don't cry. None of my kids cries in front of the Jedi Council."
Kyle steers Kris towards the door. Kris turns to see Miss DiPesto. She smiles sweetly and winks; then whispers to him.
"Whatever it is, it'll get better."
He nods with a sad expression on his face then follows Kyle out of the office.
Anakin summons Han into his office. There is a somber expression on his face when Han looks at him.
"Han, I need to speak to you please."
Han whispers to himself.
"I've got a bad feeling about this." He holds his nose with some ice wrapped in a towel.
Han disappears behind closed doors with his father-in-law. The phone rings as the two sit down. Anakin looks at the display. He points at Han before he picks up the phone.
"I want to talk to you about some infomercial concerning someone by the name of Rishii Maze…Know anything about that? Think about your answer while I take this call."
Hour later:
The day turns out a lot differently than Anakin had hoped. It is now late afternoon. He has an appointment to keep.
He waits in his speeder. He feels ridiculous parked outside the gate under a large willow tree. This is the agreed meeting place but it makes him look like a stalker. Luckily, he is not waitng for long.
Someone walks up to the vehicle and opens the passenger-side door. A couple of Storm troopers are 'forced' to the ground in a heap in the vicinity. Anakin pretends he does not see this. He mutters to himself.
"What the hell is going on with my kids today? This is embarrassing." He flips open his phone. "Yeah, it's me…Ani…yes…will you shut up and listen? Send a crew down here to pick up these troopers. It's a mess….oh? Really? How soon?" He glances at the unconscious troopers lying on the lawn. "…Another four hours? It'll be dark by then…okay, but people will start complaining. There are strict ordinances in this district. Yeah, they will be alright for a few more hours. I just hope the nuns don't freak out when they see this." He turns off his phone and rolls his eyes. "Moron! After all these years he hasn't taken diction lessons?"
The passenger sits next to Anakin.
"You're embarrassed? I had 'Dumb and Dumber' shadowing me all day."
"Oh, you poor thing. Some girls would kill for their own security detail. You know that what you did is an act of aggression…unnecessary. You're causing me a lot of extra work and now I have two troopers out of commission."
"They were annoying me. I gave it a lot of thought then reconsidered given the day's events; they're useless. At least Jar-Jar would have kept me entertained. Drive on; I need to be back before curfew."
"Yes, ma'am."
A short time later, Ana-Lena sits across from her father at Twi'lek Licks Ice Cream Parlor. Several other customers are at the popular ice cream establishment. Ana-Lena slowly eats her Bimmisaari Red Tea and Endor Raspberry gelato. Anakin is somewhat agitated as he speaks, barely touching his dish of Yavin Nut fudge.
"I don't understand, Ana-Le...you used to love it when you were four."
"That's just it, Daddy. I was four. It's humiliating now. Why can't you just be cool?"
"I thought I was being cool."
"Daddy, Look at me, do I look four years old?"
"I refuse to answer that. You are the only one of my two daughters who I saw when she was born. I was around when you sat up for the first time. I was there when you cut your first tooth. I missed all that with your sister. Can't you cut me a break?"
"Gee, Daddy…I didn't know you were going to get all mushy on me, in a public place no less."
"Do I embarrass you that much?"
"When I'm trying to get a date…yeah!"
"There is no dating in the Jedi Order."
"You act as if I'm going to do something crazy."
"Oh, I trust you…I just don't trust these boys. I know what each of them is up to."
Ana-Lena smiles.
"What's that guy up to over there with the green Endor mountain hat?'
Anakin squints across the floor of the blue and white tiled ice cream parlor at a group of boys sitting together. He zeros in on one of the boys.
"Sociopath."
Ana-Lena giggles.
"How about the guy with the striped university muffler around his neck?"
Anakin is starting to enjoy this game.
"Dumb as a box of Mustafar lava rocks. Those idiots attend the prep school down the road. You are too good for them. This place is full of weirdoes who have no idea how to please a woman. Don't let me catch you talking to any of them."
Ana-Lena laughs.
"Daddy? You're terrible….but funny."
"If the day comes and you turn 30, don't you hook-up with a loser. I don't want to have to kill him."
"Thirty, Daddy? Really! You are truly out of touch. People never wait that long to date."
"Well then, I had better be absolutely nearly dead."
"No….I want you alive and well for that day."
"Why? So you could watch me suffer?"
Ana-Lena laughs.
"Of course. That's what fathers are supposed to do."
"I'll see what I can do. I think I've suffered plenty already."
"She sees someone heading towards their table. Ana-Lena twirls a spoonful of ice cream on her tongue. She points at the person with her spoon.
"Hey, how did 'Scooter' here qualify for ice cream? I thought he was on punishment." She looks at her little brother. "How's it going, you little murderer?"
Anakin will have none of this.
"Cut it out. Leave your brother alone. He's had a rough afternoon."
Kris sits beside his father. He is sipping a chocolate ice cream soda topped with a mound of whipped cream, chocolate flakes, nuts, cherries and gummy Ewoks. It is his own creation from the 'Create Your Own Stargazer Ice cream Dessert Bar'.
"Master Yoda says you have to be nice to me. I'm a troubled youth."
Ana-Lena snaps back at him.
"No, he said you were in deep trouble."
"He talks backwards, it's left to interpretation." He adjusts the straw in the tall glass so the liquid is not blocked by all the 'add-ins'. His sister watches in disgust.
"Yeah…right. No wonder you're a mess; look at the junk you're eating. Dad, how did 'Scooter here qualify to get ice cream?"
"Will you stop? Leave your brother alone, he's had a bad afternoon."
"Little assassin wannabe. You scraped by this one."
Anakin again calmly tells her to stop. He seems to have a lot on his mind.
"Come on now. Enough."
Ana-Lena has never seen her father this quiet before.
After their father-daughter chat, Anakin drops her off at school. She gets out of the speeder and looks over at him.
"What? You're not going to walk me inside? What sort of lame father are you?"
"I didn't want to assume…" He smiles softly then gets out of the speeder. He is happy that his daughter has extended this invitation to him. As he walks around the front of the vehicle, he points to Kris who is in the backseat. His tone changes as he speaks in a stern voice. "Don't move!"
Kris remains silent. This is not the time for back talk or flippant remarks. He is belted securely in his seat.
Anakin walks with his daughter up to the great statue. Ana-Lena turns then runs back to the speeder, catching her father off-guard. Kris is listening to his E-pod when his sister reaches through the open window. She throws her arms around his neck and kisses him almost strangling him in as the shoulder strap of his seatbelt gets stuck.
"I love you, little brother."
"I know. Let go of me."
"I promise not to ignore you when I'm with my friends."
"Okay, cool. Will you tell Son'ya to talk to me next time?
"Good grief, No!"
"That's okay. I met someone ten times hotter than she'll ever be."
"Right….I'm sure she'll be crushed. Okay…gotta go."
She pretends not to be interested. She rubs his head then rejoins her father who is waiting on the steps at the main plaza. He looks around with his hands in his coat pockets. He looks down at the ground pushing a pebble with the toe of his mahogany jackboots.
"So, I guess I'll say goodbye to you here. I don't want to be 'uncool' by embarrassing you in front of your classmates."
"You don't embarrass me, Daddy."
"Oh, well…that's a change."
This is a landmark moment for Anakin and his youngest daughter. Someone has paid him a compliment today.
"I still keep the holovid of our father-daughter duet when I was four. Soni says it's 'ultra-fab'. She even says you have a nice singing voice. She said that if she didn't come from a broken home, she would have loved to do the same routine."
"Well, please tell Miss Antilles, 'Thank-you'…I think."
Ana-Lena turns serious now. She discreetly glances at her little brother who is sitting in the backseat of the speeder.
"Daddy, look after Kris. He's so vulnerable and innocent. He's so sweet, even when he's being a pain. His intentions were good. Help him, please."
"I promise."
She hugs her father. Anakin holds his daughter close. He envelopes her with his long coat and he kisses her forehead. Anakin does not let go immediately. His little Ana-Lena is growing up too fast for him. A long quivering sigh comes from deep inside of his chest. He pulls away first not wanting to embarrass her. Ana-Lena does not mind the long hug, even if her friends are watching. She smiles up at her father as she adjusts her pink fluffy tote on her shoulder.
"Well, I'd better go. Thanks for the ice cream."
"You're welcome…anytime."
"I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too, Sweet Pea Jr."
Ana-Lena rolls her eyes and smiles.
Ana-Lena turns to head toward the archway leading to the chapel. Anakin walks down the steps. He turns slightly to glance up at the statue of the Our Lady. He whispers:
"Thank you."
The engraving at the foot of the statue where the flowers lay reads: 'Dedicated in Loving Memory of Shmi Skywalker.'
Ana-Lena is almost near the chapel doors. There is a big smile on her face. She turns to wave goodbye to her father as his speeder leaves.
That evening while freshening up for supper, Anakin tells his wife everything. Isabel listens quietly and does not interrupt with a barrage of questions as she usually does when there is a problem. Anakin waits for her reaction.
"So, there it is. How do you feel?"
"Do you want me to talk to him?"
"That would be good. He's scared. Kyle said he thought Kris was going to wet his pants in front of the Jedi Council. They said he did well though. It's you he's afraid of now."
"Me? I'll talk to him when things settle down."
"Don't yell at him. I've yelled at him enough to last him a lifetime."
"I don't yell."
"No, but you lecture."
"No…I lecture You."
"I stand corrected. He feels ashamed having to face you about this."
"I will never be ashamed of my children.
Dinner at the Skywalker house that evening is a quiet affair. It is just Anakin, his wife and his youngest child. There is a signal on his phone. It is a text message from Karol Needa. Anakin mutters to himself.
"Calling me at dinner? I'll kill him." Isabel looks at him. Anakin adjusts his comments "I'm joking…relax. I will not harm a hair on 'Poindexter's' pointy head."
All of the ponies ran as predicted. Anakin said that the young officer could have a third of the winnings. Officer Needa had never handled so much cash in his life. There was no place to spend credits on the space station. There is a lot that he could do with this windfall. Anakin goes to his study and calls the officer.
Anakin finishes up with his conversation with the officer and resumes eating his supper. His phone rings again. This is a call he has been waiting for. He abruptly leaves the table again and takes the call in his study.
"Yes…yes…I understand…of course…It's my duty as a father… I agree…I will do as much. What was that? Oh, I expected this. I know…It's a serious matter. Thank you. Good night."
Anakin returns to the dinner table. Isabel and Kris look at him. His eyes do not reveal what he is feeling right now. Isabel knows not to ask. She is not sure that she wants to know the outcome.
Soon dinner has ended. The table is cleared. Everyone has left the dining room. Isabel stops by the laundry room after the servants have left for the night. She notices the other yellow down vest belonging to Kris that he was wearing the day before. It hangs on the rail above the laundry cart. It is clean but it has that distinct scent that tells her it belongs to her youngest child. She is as anxious as she was when Li-An almost died at the hands of the Yuuzhan Vong as a toddler when he stowed away on Luke's ship. She could not bear for anything to happen to Kris…no matter what he has done.
The house is eerily quiet. The living room where family and guests gathered daily is empty. She switches off the lights but leaves on the one leading to the terrace door. The Felucia lemon tree plants still give off their fresh aroma as winter quickly approaches. She wraps the bantha cashmere shawl over her shoulders and slides open the door.
"Anakin, it's getting late."
"I know. This shouldn't take long."
"Okay…not too long. It's cold out here." She goes back inside and slides the door closed.
Anakin sits on the edge of the raised koi pond. It was a gift from the Sullustan monks. They helped 'Old Grand Palps' find his way to 'salvation'. There is a series of prayers etched into the slate stones around the rim. It is a meditation pond. The fish swim close to the surface as if to observe. Anakin looks up towards the lemon tree plants and speaks.
"Continue."
"The Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.''
Anakin speaks.
"Again."
"Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others." There is a long pause.
"Again."
"Dad, I'm tired."
"It's now or I wake you up at 5 o'clock in the morning."
"The Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others….I'm sorry, Dad."
"I know you are, sweetheart. Again, and don't interrupt."
"The Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect…"
Anakin listens while gazing up at the night Coruscant sky. The stars twinkle brightly and dance around the moon. The air surfer board is propped up against the side of the koi pond. There is a dent in it.
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