Chapter 27AE

'The Good Wife and the Bad Dark Lord'

'An Intimate Dining Experience'

'It's Not Pizza, It's D'Jabba's'

'Sessions and True Confessions'

'Riddle Me This'

The hum of the lightsaber can be heard as it dangles along the side of the chair. The dull humming sound goes on for some time. The patient lies on the white leather chaise in the middle of the room. Just knowing that the lightsaber is charged is insulting. He finally speaks up, avoiding any violent outburst. He throws up his arms.

"Awh, come on, Doc, really? I mean really?" He flicks a leaf fragment from his black cashmere duster. "Where is the trust? You made me check my lightsaber with the receptionist."

"Trust is a two-way street, Mr. Skywalker."

"Oh, boy, here we go with the analogies. Could you turn up the heat in here?"

"Sure." She waves her hand at the thermostat panel on the wall. "Why don't we get started? Why did you feel the need to switch therapists?"

"Oh, don't get me started with that melon head! Okay, it's like this. He tells me, 'I'm listening,' but he's not listening. The next thing I know, he's telling me how crappy his life is with his ex-wife, his father, and his dopey brother…I don't care about his problems! Who the 'eff' does he think he's screwing with? That was my time! Then, he tells me that my hour is up."

"So you left?"

"Uhm…yes…soon after…I…uhm…choked him."

"You what?"

"He had it coming! You can't neglect your patient and then expect him to sit back and take it…would you?"

"That's how you solve all your problems, Mr. Skywalker?"

"I was under a lot of stress."

"Are you going to choke me if you don't get the results you want?"

"Heaven's no! You're my son's shrink. The good ones are hard to find. You look as if you're pretty smart. Besides, my wife would kill me. You're our only hope for Kris."

"Oh, wow, I'm glad you still have faith in me."

"Okay, don't get cocky."

"So, Mr. Skywalker, tell me about your first visit to your son's school."

"Who? What?"

"Your son Alex. You mentioned him the last time we talked. He's at Coruscant Institute of Technology…correct?"

"Oh, You've got to be specific, Doc. You can't go jumping around from topic to topic like that."

"I apologize."

"Apology accepted."

"Your son, Mr. Skywalker?"

"Okay, Yes."

"What's his major at CorTech?"

"Who knows? He must be majoring in the technology of parting me with my money."

"That's an excellent school. You must be proud of him. The Jedi Academy is graduating some excellent students. CorTech is a difficult school to get into."

"To answer your question, yes, I visited that campus and I was highly disappointed. When do these kids study? It wasn't even move-in day and these kids were partying like it as 1999ABY."

"So, tell me what happened."

"So, I visited the campus and the tour guide walks us pass empty kegs of Corellian Ale and a messy terrace. I asked the guide the reason and she told me it was a 'welcome to campus' party. Do you 'effing' believe that? Are you telling me that's where my hard-earned credits are going? I may as well throw the money in a big pile and set it on fire on a Mustafar fireball. Then, if that's not bad enough, my youngest daughter and her pals are sneaking off campus from her convent school to check out the cadets at the academy. What's a father to do? I always wind up looking like the bad guy."

"Have you considered giving her a bit more freedom to show you trust her?"

"God, no! Are you crazy?"

"The words 'flexible' and 'trust' don't seem to be in your mental dictionary, do they?"

"Is this a trick question?"

"There are no 'trick' questions, Mr. Skywalker. What really troubles you about your daughter going out and socializing?"

"That she might go out and socialize."

"Have you considered that perhaps this may not be the best approach?"

"Have you seen the pathetic losers out there? If she brings one of them to my front door I can't be responsible for my actions."

"No surprises there."

"I just want my kids to grow up and do the right thing."

"You mean 'obey' you."

"Of course! Am I right?"

"I'm impartial. I am only here to listen."

"If that's the case, I could be home telling this to my wife."

"She seems to be a reasonable woman. Have you tried to express these feelings to her?"

"Oh, sure."

"Does she have any thoughts on your dilemma?"

"Oh, she sure does! She's got an opinion about everything."

"What's the problem?"

"Humph! She gives me this superior look as if to say, 'Honey, you're an idiot!' She thinks she's right about everything. Everyone tells me, 'She's the voice of reason.' 'She really makes sense. You should listen to her.' 'Reason' needs to stop kicking me in the ass!"

"I sense a lot of anger. Why are you so angry?"

"Do I sound angry?"

"Yes, you do."

Tell me Doc, how many therapists do I have to visit in order to find one who agrees with me? Huh?"

"I don't know."

"Why not?"

"It's a ridiculous question."

"You're the smart one. Come on, Doc; give me a number! Geez!" He throws his head back on the headrest of the chaise.

There is a long silence. Anakin is visibly disappointed in this doctor. He looks up at the rotating ceiling as live images of the Tatooine suns are about to set. Dr. Melfi breaks her silence.

"I'm going to write you a prescription."

"Now we're getting somewhere."

'The Unscheduled Session'

Isabel has been losing sleep since the meeting with Doctor Melfi. Guilty feelings fall heavy on her shoulders. She feels compelled to confess.

Doctor Melfi greets Isabel as she enters the office.

"Mrs. Skywalker, it's so good to see you."

"Thank you for seeing me, Doctor. I won't take up much of your time. I know how busy you must be."

"Not to worry. Please, come in. Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, water?"

"Thank you, no. This won't take long."

The sit in the two chairs facing Doctor Melfi's desk. Isabel decides she would like some water. Doctor senses that Isabel is concerned about something. Isabel sets the glass of water on the coffee table and begins to speak.

"I had to come here because I have not been totally honest with you."

"About what?"

"When you asked if the incident with Kris was the first and only one…"

"Oh, that. I sensed that something was bothering you."

"I would never intentionally lie about something as serious as this but I felt I had to tell you…See, there was another…it was such a long time ago, I didn't think it was important."

"Tell me about it."

"A long time ago Kris burned his grandfather's hands."

"You're referring to grandfather Palpatine…"

"Yes. It happened so suddenly. I wasn't home at the time…."

"Go on…"

"Anakin thought it would be okay for Mr. Palpatine to babysit the four little ones. I wasn't sure he could handle four young children."

"You refer to him as "Mr. Palpatine? Sounds so formal."

"I'm sorry but I can't stand the man."

"I see. Would you like to relax on the chaise?"

Isabel lies on the chaise. It is comfortable and she speaks freely now. Doctor Melfi moves to her swivel chair and takes notes while listening to Isabel express her feelings. She is intrigued.

"So, what happened?"

"Well, as you may have observed, Kris is a curious and impulsive youth. He always liked to explore… My son is an independent soul…he gets into everything, it's ridiculous." Isabel laughs nervously before continuing. "I don't think the old man saw it coming. He decided to intervene and that's when he got…zapped." Isabel waves her hands in a matter-of-fact-way.

Doctor Melfi raises her eyebrows.

"Zapped?"

"Zapped! Force lightning. The old man wound up with second-degree burns up to his elbows. It left him practically helpless. So he was stuck at our house for a few days."

"How did that work out?"

"He was and is an intolerable old man."

"I see."

"I know I should try to get along with him but I just…I just can't do it."

"Is your husband helping you? Does he understand the stress you're under with everything that's going on in the house?"

"Anakin is busy in his den or at his office at headquarters."

"Doing what, may I ask?"

"Playing sabacc or watching pod races…Anakin does whatever he wants."

The doctor is busy taking more notes. The intercom buzzes on the desk across the room. Isabel raises her arm and glances at her watch.

"I apologize for taking up your time, Doctor. I should go. Do I pay at the front desk?"

"Mrs. Skywalker, you have shed light on the root of your son's problems. There is no fee. Thank you for stopping by today. " Before Isabel leaves her office, the doctor hands her a referral data card. Isabel reads it.

"What's this?"

"A marriage counselor. Good luck."

Upon arriving home, Isabel passes the den. Anakin calls her before she gets too far.

"Isabel, get in here."

She sighs then rolls her eyes as she reluctantly backs up and stands in the doorway.

"You rang, Master?"

"Come in…have a seat." He waves his hand and lowers the volume on the plasma screen.

Isabel sets her shopping bags on the floor as she settles into the armchair facing the Dark Lord.

"What? Couldn't find the mustard again?"

"I found it fine. Fending for myself in the kitchen has been a daily struggle but I manage. Did you stop by Doctor Melfi's office today?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I sensed it."

"Well, if you know so much, why ask?"

"I want to see if you're honest with me."

Isabel folds her arms across her chest. She is not pleased.

"Yes, I was there, so what?"

"You spying on me now?"

"What are you talking about? No one is spying on you. I went there to discuss Kris…" Isabel thinks for a moment. "Aha! You were there! When were you there?"

"That is irrelevant and you know it!"

"You big dummy! You went to see Kris' doctor?"

"I didn't see her about Kris, I went there for me!"

"For you?"

"I thought she wasn't half bad so I got an appointment."

"Didn't you call her a quack?"

Anakin laughs nervously then points his finger at her.

"Don't try and turn this around. So, what did she say?"

"You go first."

"No, you go first."

"I'll go first."

"Don't tell me what to do."

"Okay, I apologize. Go ahead, dear."

"She said I need meds. I'm under a lot of stress."

"Is that right? Humph…"

"It's your fault! I get no support from my family. Don't give me that look, Isabel"

"What look?"

"The look you give me when you think I'm an idiot."

"Oh, okay."

"So, what did the doc say?"

"She said you need to spend more time with Kris and we need to go to marriage counseling."

"Again? We went a few years ago."

"Well, obviously it didn't take."

"Man…! This is all your fault."

Anakin bangs his hand on the desk. He takes notice of the shopping bags on the floor next to the chair.

"I see you sought a quick remedy for the devastating news. How was your shopping spree?"

"It wasn't a shopping spree."

Anakin mocks her using a falsetto voice.

"Mercy me! I can't handle all this bad news; I need to buy some new shoes to calm myself down!"

"That sounds nothing like me! I was going to surprise you with this but you have a toxic attitude today. Here, enjoy your gift, you ingrate. Dinner is at 6."

Isabel stands up. She drops a shopping bag on Anakin's desk then takes another bag and leaves the den.

Isabel avoids Anakin. He hears her preparing dinner in the kitchen. She enlists Threepio to keep the Dark Lord at bay until dinner is served.

Anakin stands in the doorway.

"Bel, there you are. Listen…I" Threepio blocks the entrance.

"Sorry, Master but Madame Isabel asks that you stay out of the kitchen."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. She says your negative energy will make her soufflé drop."

Anakin ignores him and looks over the droids' head to speak to his wife.

"Bel, don't be ridiculous. Talk to me."

Isabel directs her response to Threepio.

"Tell that miserable creature in the doorway that dinner is not ready yet."

Threepio 'translates.'

"Madame, his lordship is adamant about speaking to you."

"Tell his lordship that he needs to clean his ears."

"I can hear you just fine!"

"Madame, his lordship says he can hear…"

"I know."

Anakin grabs Threepio by the neck and pulls him through the door sending him crashing into the wall of the alcove leading to the dining room. Anakin confronts Isabel.

"See what you made me do?"

"Shut up."

She chops some vegetables on the cutting board.

"Will you stop for a second and talk to me?"

"No."

"I can make you."

"And I can cut you." She grips the Corellian-made chef's knife.

"Fine. I'll see you at dinner."

Kris arrives home accompanied by his sponsor, Kyle Katarn. Anakin sits in the living room reading the Coruscant Times. His custom-made Eames-style lounge chair is a slight reclining position. He hears something.

Kris drops his rucksack on the floor in the living room.

"Hi, Dad."

Anakin lowers the paper and gets a glimpse of Kris and Kyle.

"Hello son." He glances over at the rucksack.

Luke's old Jedi Academy classmate Kyle bows respectfully to the master of the house.

"Good afternoon, my Lord."

"Kyle. Dropping off my impressionable young son?"

"Uhm... sort of…Mrs. Skywalker was gracious enough to invite me to dinner."

"Did she now?"

Kris interjects.

"Dad, Kyle's got a new speeder. It is the coolest thing I've ever seen!"

"You win the Mos Eisley Lotto?"

"No, I'm not that lucky, my lord. I've been saving my credits, plus I received a bonus last year."

"Oh…a bonus no less." Anakin is distracted by something in the entranceway. "Kris! Were you raised by Sand people?"

"No…why?"

"So, what are you going to do about that rucksack?"

Kris gets the hint.

"Oh. I'll take it upstairs."

"Good boy."

Anakin reads his paper. He realizes that he is alone in the living room with Kyle. He almost regrets the thrashing he gave Threepio earlier. He peeks over the top of his newspaper. Kyle is leaning over reading the other side of the news daily. Anakin almost jumps out of the chair.

"What the hell?"

"Oh, sorry, Mr. Skywalker. Just looking at the headlines. Heh-heh! Gee, that was funny. I've never seen you jump like that." He stops talking for a moment. He can tell that Anakin was close to sucker punching him through the newspaper. This is a good time to get out of the Dark Lord's way. "I'm going to say hello to Mrs. Skywalker." Kyle awkwardly points towards the kitchen then backs away until he is out of the Dark Lord's view.

Anakin overhears Isabel's enthusiastic response when Kyle appears in the kitchen. Kris comes downstairs and watches his father mimicking them. 'Hey, Mrs. Skywalker! You look as beautiful as ever. Gee whiz, I can't wait for dinner. Everything smells great! Can I help?' Anakin switches to an exaggerated imitation of Isabel. 'I don't mind if you do, Kyle. You're so polite and helpful.'

"Are you okay, Dad?"

Anakin clears his voice.

"Uhm…I'm fine! Did you wash up for dinner?"

"Yeah!

"Have a seat."

Kris sits across from his father. Anakin sets the newspaper on the end table. Kris anticipates his father's next comments.

"What's up, Dad?"

"I've been told that I need to start spending more time with you."

"Oh…Okay."

"You can sit next to me at dinner."

"Is that it?"

"You should be privileged. You'll be near the head of the table in the presence of greatness."

"Yeah, every night. Big Whoops."

"Wha-?"

Just as the Dark Lord is about to respond, Li-An and Alex walk through the front door.

"Hey, Dad!"

Soon, everyone is at the dinner table. Anakin Opens a bottle of red Corellian wine and fills his glass. He stands and walks to the other end of the table and attempts to fill Isabel's glass. She places her hand over the glass.

"No thanks."

"Move your hand before I spill the wine on it, Darling."

Alex calls out.

"Dad, I'd like some wine."

Kris chimes in and holds out his milk glass.

"Me too, please."

Anakin ignores them then returns to the head of the table. He sits down and folds his hands.

"Kris, would you like to do the honors?"

"Uhm…sure!" Li-An gives him the 'Thumbs Up' signal. "Nub Lub, thanks for the grub!"

Anakin is not amused.

"Great! Let's keep going downhill." He looks at Alex and Li-An as they giggle. "You're not helping, guys."

"Sorry, Dad."

"So, Alex, how's life at CorTech?"

"It's cool."

"Just cool?'

"Yeah…life on campus is fun. I like my profs…"

"Profs?"

"Teachers."

Kyle breaks up the awkward moment.

"Mrs. Skywalker, dinner is fantastic. This is restaurant caliber cuisine. I'm savouring each bite… Awesome!"

"Thank you, Kyle."

Anakin snorts a comment.

"How do you know what it tastes like if you're scarfing it down like a rancor?"

Isabel gives Anakin a dirty glance then speaks to Kyle.

"Ignore him, Kyle."

Li-An tastes his shaak steak.

"Mum, you've outdone yourself. This is so good. Thanks for going to all the trouble."

"You're welcome, sweetie. I'm glad someone appreciates my efforts around here."

"So, Dad, when are you going to make your mark in the kitchen?"

"I'm not allowed in the kitchen."

"What? Mum, is that true?"

"Your father is being silly."

"Tell your mother she knows what she did."

"Tell your father he's a big baby."

"She threatened me with a knife."

Kris stops chewing and stares at his parents, his mouth agape. He finally finds his voice.

"Geez, mum, really?"

"Your father is ridiculous, I was chopping vegetables."

Kyle looks at his plate.

"And, I must add that they are chopped beautifully."

Li-An passes the wine bottle to Kyle. Kyle fills his glass. Anakin watches as the bottle is passed to Alex. Alex checks the label.

"Ohh, this is the good stuff! Kyle, you should see my dad's wine cellar. It's awesome."

Kris turns to his father.

"Can I have some wine while you go to the cellar?"

"No. Drink your milk."

"This is so unfair."

Li-An changes the dinner conversation.

"Cool shirt, Dad. It looks new."

"Thanks. It was a gift from your mother."

"It's rockin'!"

"She thinks I can't dress myself."

Isabel responds.

"Tell your father that a simple 'thank-you' would have been nice."

"I'm wearing it. Isn't that 'thank-you' enough?" He grabs the bottle of wine from Kyle. "Haven't you had enough? My son needs a sober master."

"Yes, Sir."

"So, Kris, how was your training today?"

"Okay. Kyle taught me some battle techniques…can I try some wine?"

"No. We've got to figure out how you'll spend your summer when school is out."

"Oooh, my friends are going to Wartaki Beach. Can I go too, Dad?"

"Oh, must I remind you that you're still grounded?"

"Really? Through summer too?"

"It's no picnic for me either but you need to have a learning moment."

"I don't want to be stuck in the house all summer."

"Oh, you won't be…you're going to Tatooine to stay with Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru."

"What? Mum! Please, anything but that! Can I have some wine? I need to calm down."

Isabel and Anakin respond.

"No!"

"I'm telling Dr. Melfi you're sending me to child labor."

Isabel looks across the table at Anakin as she speaks.

"Relax, Kris. Your father and I need to discuss this first. Nothing has been decided. Right, Anakin?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Anakin gulps down his wine.

Kris s relieved that his mother has intervened. His spirits are up for the moment.

"What's for dessert, Mum?"

Anakin is looking forward to Sunday dinner. These intimate weekday dinners leave him vulnerable and there is no one to force choke.

'Sessions with Yoda – A House Call'

Isabel is calling Anakin to hurry up. She secures the earring in her right ear.

"Anakin, we're going to be late. Come on."

"I'm coming! We're probably his only appointment. He's in no hurry. I don't know why we have to sit here and be grilled by him again. We're adults. We can work this out on our own."

Anakin comes downstairs. He adjusts the cuffs of his dress shirt. His dark blue designer suit displays his excellent physique. Isabel runs back upstairs when the doorbell rings. Anakin calls her.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to change my shoes. Go get the door."

There is an annoying tapping noise on the front door. It does not stop. Anakin storms towards the foyer to get the door.

"Who the hell is stopping by this time of the day? I don't believe this. Old senile bastard! I'm coming already! Stop knocking on the 'effing' door!"

He opens the door. Isabel comes downstairs and stands with Anakin as the visitor enters the house. There is a 'click-clack' sound on the floor. The visitor stops and looks up at Anakin.

"Take so long you do to answer door."

"What are you doing here? We were on our way to the Jedi Temple." Anakin examines the door for damage.

"House call better. Many distractions at Jedi Temple." The gimmer stick clicks against the marble floor again. Isabel smiles.

"How are you, Master Yoda?"

"Rest I need. Long trip to Skywalker home."

"Please, come in and sit down."

"Okay, proceed with your counseling we must."

Master Yoda sits with the beleaguered couple and prepares to counsel them. Isabel and Anakin anticipate his first words of advice. The aged Jedi Master appears to be in deep meditation. Anakin stares then rubs his forehead. The Dark Lord feels a headache coming on as he and his wife wait. Isabel crosses her legs and lets her shoe dangle from her foot. They hear snoring. A smile creeps across Anakin's face.

"I don't 'effing' believe this. Hey! Papa Smurf…wake up!" Anakin snaps his fingers.

Master Yoda opens one eye and then whacks Anakin on the hand with the gimmer stick.

"Respect for your elders you must!"

"Hey! Listen, are you going to counsel us or can we tend to other things? You're dozing off."

"Respect your wife you must. A sacred pact Marriage is."

"Yeah, yeah…I remember. Listen, we got dressed up to meet with you at the Jedi Temple, so, could you speed this along? Please?"

Isabel leans over to speak to Master Yoda.

"Would you like some tea, Master Yoda?"

"Tea…mmmmm…would be nice…yes..."

"I'll be right back."

Anakin stands and speaks to Master Yoda.

"Excuse me." He storms into the kitchen. Isabel presses the automatic tea dispenser. The hot liquid fills the silver teapot. "Bel, have you lost your mind? There's no time for tea and biscuits!"

"It's called hospitality."

"It's called insanity. It's not an 'effing' Bimmisaari tea social."

"Are you calling me crazy?"

"No."

"Place the tea on the tray. You need to watch your language! She slaps him on the shoulder with the biscuit tongs."

"Ouch! Will you stop? All I'm saying is…" He places the lid on the teapot. "This is not good."

They return to the living room. Yoda sips the tea and munches on a teacake. Anakin watches in horror as crumbs drop onto the newly reupholstered ottoman.

"Sooo…Master Yoda, you came to provide counseling for us?"

Yoda chews a bit before responding.

"Why fight with wife?"

"I run a peaceful household. She never does what I ask…oops."

Isabel gives Anakin a dirty look. Yoda turns to Isabel while giving Anakin a look of disapproval.

"Okay, Isabel, What most annoys you about this one?"

Yoda points to Anakin with his gimmer stick. This annoys Anakin so much that he imagines grabbing the stick and snapping it in two. Isabel expresses her grievances.

"You want to know what bugs me about him? He spends all of his time in that den playing Sabacc, pod race gambling, and other nonsense…"

Anakin interrupts.

"I tried to get you interested in sports…"

"Gambling is not a sport!" She continues her rant. "Master Yoda, he leaves me to deal with that impossible father of his, and he never helps with the children."

This renders Anakin speechless. He feels emotionally wounded by her remarks. Yoda listens intently then ponders for a moment. He looks over at Anakin and laughs quietly.

"She's got you there…hehhehheh…hmmmm."

"Oh, so you're going to gang up on me, hey?"

Yoda leans on the handle of his gimmer stick, sighs for a moment, then points to Anakin.

"Do you love your wife?"

"Of course I love my wife. That's a stupid question!" Anakin calms down as he realizes his anger is getting in the way of progress. His anger turns into contrition. "What must I do, Master Yoda?"

Yoda looks at Isabel but he is still pointing to Anakin.

"Do you love this miserable creature?"

"I never stopped loving my husband. I don't like him sometimes but I still love him."

"Hmmmm … long time can take in counseling to fix what is broken in your marriage." Master Yoda reaches for another tea cake. Anakin notices this as more crumbs spill on the furniture and floor.

"What if Isabel packs you a box of tea cakes?"

"Hmmmm…Stand…Hold hands."

Anakin and Isabel hold hands. They wait for further instruction. Yoda stands and hits Anakin in the shins again.

"Oww! What is your problem?" He moves closer to his wife. Yoda rolls his eyes.

"Mind what you have learned. Save your marriage, it can. Marriage is what dreams are made." Yoda looks up at them. "Still cakes I get?"

"Uhm…sure."

"Okay. I declare your marriage saved."

"That's it?"

"Yes. Soon will I rest. Return to the Jedi Temple I will. Earned it, I have. Twilight is upon me."

"You're not going there to die in my house, are you?"

"No! Rush hour traffic back to town…twilight it will be when I get back. This fancy neighborhood you live…too far from town it is. Over 900 years am I."

Anakin is eager to usher the old Jedi master out of the house.

"Yeah, well let's get you on your way before your heart gives out. Don't forget your cookies."

Isabel hands Master Yoda a pastry box filled with cakes. Anakin sends him off in an express air taxi. Anakin returns to the house and closes the door. He looks at the clock.

"Kris won't be home for a few hours. It's just the two of us."

"Want to help me in the kitchen?"

"Oooh, kitchen privileges…" He wrings his hands like a lecherous man. The crumbs on the floor and ottoman suddenly distract him.

"Artoo could have been useful right now. He could be vacuuming this mess instead of gallivanting across the galaxy with Luke."

"Well, he's emancipated. He can come and go as he pleases. Anyway, we have a vacuum cleaner."

"All I'm saying is that he chose Luke over us."

"No…he chose Luke over you."

"Fine! You love getting in the last dig, don't you?"

"Are you going to help me in the kitchen or not?"

"Why don't we check out those new shoes you bought instead?"

"Okay, Mr. Shoe salesman."

"Are you going to make me earn my commission?"

"I sure am."

"Ooooh…"

Isabel leads her husband up the stairs.

'Thank You for Your Patronage, Mr. Skywalker'

Late Afternoon -

Kris arrives home from school. There is no Jedi training today. The house is quiet as he tosses his rucksack on the floor near the sofa.

"Mum, I'm home! Hello?"

Kris leaves the living room in search of his mother. He checks the kitchen. "Mum?" There is no sign of food preparation and no aromas of food cooking on the stove. There are no dinner rolls baking in the oven. Kris decides to check the den in search of his father.

"Dad?" He walks back through the living room sulking like a lost child. He stops at the foot of the staircase and looks up. He rolls his eyes then sighs heavily.

"Aww, man! They're not fighting anymore. I'm going to starve tonight." He whines. "I have nothing to eat."

Kris returns to the kitchen and grabs the phone from the wall panel. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Kyle taught him that. He presses some keys on the panel. A menu appears on the small plasma screen. He still has the phone as he casually walks back into the living room and plops on the sofa. He begins to speak into the receiver.

"Hi, I'd like two large Corellian pizzas delivered to 620 Faleen Hyper Drive…make one with the works and the other with munch-fungus…uhm…credit of course…Mr. Skywalker…yes…I'm fine, the troops are fine…Could you please throw some Rodian soda in that order?…uhm…Ewok cola and cherry fizz…you have that 15 minute delivery guarantee right? That's cool…You're very welcome. May the Force be with you too."

Kris ends the call and takes out his ePod and begins to play 'Clone Invaders' as he anticipates the delivery of a delicious, piping hot Mustafar-coal oven pizza. 'Papa Jabba's' is the biggest pizza chain on Coruscant. The order taker on the phone was so respectful. The Skywalker name has its advantages. Life is Good.