Chapter 33AE

'Cool Hand Luke'

'Norma Ray Shields'

'Baptism by Mustafar Fire'

'Burnt Offerings & the Five Families'

'Washing the Sins Away'

'The Three Tenners'

The school year nears the end. The Skywalker family prepares for the long summer holiday. Kris is packing for his 'banishment' to Naboo for summer camp. Ana-Lena returns home from convent school. She does not like what the Dark Lord has planned for her. She has her own plans and it does not include interning at the Galactic Headquarters. She makes it clear to her father how unfair it is that she and Kris have no rights as minors.

The young teen beauty sits in the same chair that sentenced Kris off to summer 'labor camp'. She has a stare-off wit her father.

"I can hold out as long as you can, young lady."

"It's not fair."

"Life isn't fair."

"Remember, years ago, you said, and I quote: 'I would never disappoint you, sweet pea.' Well?"

"'Well?' What?"

"What happened to that promise?"

"It's a two-way street, sweet pea. You kids have let me down, so I'm the real victim here. 'Well?'"

He mocks her. Ana-Lena pouts and folds her arms across her chest.

"Where's mum? Does she know about this? Why isn't she in here?"

"I don't need your mother as a witness to every decision I make."

"I don't think that's legal."

"Yeah, about that…" Anakin glances at a small legal pad on his desk blotter. He appears slightly amused as he pushes it aside with his index finger. "I read your list of demands."

"Well?"

"Well, Little Miss Skywalker, it ain't happening. I admire the effort. Cute! However, you will spend the summer being productive. You're not going to wile away the summer hanging out at the mall with your feather-brained girlfriends."

"I want to be taken seriously. I demand to be taken seriously! If I have to stand on the monument at Imperial Headquarters to make myself heard, I'll do it. It's gonna take, you, the Republic Armed Forces, The 501st Legion, and the Red Guard to get me out of there. "

"Well, the next time you want to be taken seriously, 'Norma Rae', you don't submit your list of 'demands' on a pink legal pad with flowers drawn in the margins. What's with this family, lately? Everyone comes in here trying to evoke their 'inner-lawyer' and not one of you has any legal expertise."

"I want to become an emancipated minor. I can do it, you know."

"Oh, really?"

"Really. I spoke to Leia and Uncle Ben about it."

"Is that so?"

"That is 'So'. Why, you don't believe me?"

"I believe that you believe it. Leia hasn't practiced law since she married 'Dumbo' and Obi-Wan is in no position to give advice. He's never taken the bar. The only bar he knows is the Outlander Club during happy hour."

"Uncle Ben is a great man. He knows a lot and he says minors have rights. 'I' have rights." Ana-Lena points to herself.

"What are your grounds? What's your hardship?"

"You consistently disregard my feelings. You humiliate me in front of my friends. You are a horrible dictator and I refuse to live under the same roof as you."

The Dark Lord almost laughs.

"You're moving out? I could use a little peace and quiet around here…" Anakin is enjoying this moment. He leans back in his leather chair and laces his fingers behind his head as he listens to his daughter state her case. "How are you going to support yourself?" He glances at the legal pad again and chuckles softly. Ana-Lena issues another threat.

"I'll join the military."

"I run the military; so technically, I'll still be supporting you. What else you got?"

"I have excellent grades. All I have to do is take the graduate's exam and I could be out of here in a month."

"I have some clout…that's the rumor anyway…I can arrange for you to take the exam tomorrow. You can get your IGD."

"Okay. Fine. I'll need time to pack my things."

"Whoa…stop right there. You are entitled to one piece of luggage. I own everything you have in your room. I'm being a nice guy by letting you take anything you can pack in one suitcase. You have money?"

"I have my trust fund…"

"Not till you're 21 years old."

"I can get married."

"You're not even 15 years old. No one will legally marry you…not if they want to live."

"I can go live with Nana and Pop-Pop."

"They don't have time for you. They're about to go on a cruise to Yavin 4. Anything else?"

"You're a horrible person."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Listen, I've got a lot of work to do so why don't you go up to your room and re-think your life. There is always Jedi training. You can complete that."

"I never said that I wanted to be poor! I hate you!"

She storms out of the room and force-slams the door behind her. Anakin can hear her calling for her mother.

"Mum? Who's 'Norma Rae'?"

Anakin reaches for the remote control and turns on the Pod racing championship (already in progress). He grabs the phone and speed dials Lando Calrissian. Lando's answering machine starts.

'Good mornin' to you. You have reached Lando Calrissian. I'm not available at the moment. All payouts for last weeks' podrace were paid in full. Please see Boba Fett if you think you are owed more credits. If you are calling about the 'Raxus Hold 'em Hoth 45 Invitational Sabacc Tournament', the game is not fully operational yet…'

Lando's live voice picks up the phone.

"Hello, this is Lando."

"Screening your calls? Who's after you this time?"

Lando appears on the plasma screen.

"Heh-heh! Anakin, you son-of-a-Sith! How are you, buddy?"

"Hey, Lando, my daughter's trying to sue me." He laughs.

"I thought Leia dropped that lawsuit years ago."

"She did…it's my youngest."

"That Ana-Lena, she's a little firecracker, Anakin. You better watch out."

"Where did I go wrong? She used to worship me. My kids are turning against me, Lando." His tone changes. There is a bit of sadness in his voice. Lando tries to buoy his spirits.

"They're not turning against you, they're just bein' kids."

"I guess so…oops! The race is about to start. Who else is on the line?" Boba Fett, joins them along with a few other players. Anakin is preoccupied thinking about his children. His winnings have dropped. It is not a good day to be the Dark Lord of the Galaxy.

So much is going on during this time. This is the baptism for Leia and Han's twins. The Naberrie family is back in town as are Han's parents. The guests include Lando Calrissian and his wife Tendra, Chewbacca, Beru and Owen Lars, The Jade family, Fat Bantha and his entourage, Master Yoda, Isabel's family, Gladys and Uli, Nurse Ratched, Winter, Jar-Jar, and friends. Anakin looks out at the guests standing in the pews. He did not invite the heavyset mob boss, and he certainly did not invite the Wookie and Jar-Jar. Where did all of these people come from?

The priest invites the immediate family up to the baptismal altar during the ceremony. Luke, Mara, Obi-Wan, and Aunt Bunny are godparents. Threepio and Artoo join the group. It is getting crowded around the baptismal font. Ana-Lena is stuck between her father and Luke. She pouts. Anakin notices but he refuses to indulge her in her moody behavior; besides, if anyone should have the right to pout, he should. Ruwee Naberrie is standing to his right.

The baptism is being recorded. Famed holo-videographer Nigel Silver Stallion is on-hand with an assistant. He winks flirtatiously at Ana-Lena and he zooms in on her face.

The Jedi priest, Father Valentin, is young and has his own way of doing things. Besides being young, he is handsome and somewhat of a free spirit. The church attendance has increased amongst its female parishioners during the mid-morning Mass, the only time he officiates. The bishop assigns the Skywalker-Solo baptism to Father Valentin. It is more of a test to see if he can handle the more challenging members of the congregation. During the initial meeting with Han and Leia, Father Valentin sees a normal young couple. No one has informed him about the Dark Lord. He has nothing but praise when he sees the entire family step up to the baptismal font that morning.

"Before we begin the ceremony, I would like to invite the rest of the family to join the godparents at the altar. What a beautiful day it is to bring these two children into the Sacraments of the Jedi Order. May the Force be with you."

Everyone bows before Father Valentin continues.

"Name these children who are to be baptized."

Leia and Han respond.

"Jaina and Jacen."

Anakin purses his lips to keep from laughing. There is a long pause before the priest continues.

"Chaina and Jayson, welcome. Will the godparents please give their names?"

"Luke."

"Mara"

"Obi-Wan"

"Bunny. Hi, y'all."

Father Valentin is not sure he has heard her correctly. The younger Skywalker siblings try to suppress their giggles. The confused priest continues.

"Okay…Luke, what are you asking of God's Church?"

"Faith"

"Mara, what are you asking of God's Church?"

"Faith"

"Obi-Wan, what are you asking of God's Church?"

"Faith in the Force."

"Bunny, what are you asking of God's Church?"

"A New Hope….can someone turn on a fan or something? It's getting hot in here." Bunny starts fanning herself with a Mass card she picked up at the church entrance.

Father Valentin is briefly distracted when she fans her cleavage. He blinks nervously, and then continues.

"Ahem…What does faith hold out to you?"

All respond, "Everlasting life."

Aunt Bunny nudges Obi-Wan.

"Good answer, Babe." She continues to fan herself.

The priest looks at Bunny then continues. He breathes softly in the face of each child, and follows up the gesture with these words:

"Depart from Jacen and Jaina, unclean spirit of the Sith, and give place to the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Receive the sign of the Jedi Order on your heart. Put your whole trust in the heavenly teachings. And lead a life that will truly fit you to be a dwelling place for all great Jedi. Let us pray. Lord, if it pleases you, hear our prayer, and by your inexhaustible power protect your chosen ones, Jacen and Jaina, now marked with the sign of the Jedi. Let them treasure this first sharing of your sovereign glory, and by keeping your commandments deserve to attain the glory of heaven to which those born anew are destined; through all great Jedi before us."

As the ceremony progresses, a gentle breeze flows from the open windows of the church. The priest has finished with Jaina. Obi-Wan has completed his part. Father Valentin holds Jacen over the baptismal font and addresses Luke.

"Do you renounce the Sith?"

"I do."

"And all his works?"

"I do renounce them."

"And all his attractions?"

"I do renounce them."

Father Valentin hands Jacen to Luke.

"Jacen Linus, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…."

The front doors of the church fly open with such force that the water in the font ripples. A dark figure appears and charges up the aisle. The red guards at the door are surprised and slow to respond. Several of the guests gasp in horror. A monk and one of the Red Guards follow in hot pursuit, grabbing the intruder's robe. The intruder struggles and pulls free, slapping them away.

"Wait! Wait! Wait, godammit!"

Han throws his arms up muttering to himself.

"I don't 'effing' believe this! Siths! I hate Siths!"

The guests gasp at the blasphemous shadowy figure. The robe falls to the floor. Anakin closes his eyes and tries to contain his anger while he mumbles to himself.

An out of breath Palpatine glances behind to see his cloak on the floor in the aisle. He leaves it and hurries to the bottom step of the baptismal altar. The monk and guard try to hold him back as the old man tries to step up onto the altar.

"Unhand me, you fools!" Palpatine makes eye contact with Anakin. Anakin returns a disdainful stare. The second red guard catches up with the other guard and the monk. They yank Palpatine by his collar and plop him down in the pew. Anakin frowns at the old man before turning away. Palpatine quiets himself, as he does not want to be tossed out onto the cathedral square.

Father Valentin is a bit shaken by the disturbance and cannot recall if he has completed the sacrament.

"Uhmm…Take this burning candle as a reminder to keep your baptismal innocence. Obey the Jedi commandments, so that when our Lord comes for the joyous wedding feast you may go forth to meet Him with all the saints in the halls of heaven, and be happy with Him forevermore."

"Amen"

Go in peace. Go lightly, Jaina Holly and Jacen Linus, your godparents, Luke, Mara, Obi-Wan, and Bunny, and may the Force be with you…always."

"Amen"

A flustered but relieved Father Valentin meets the other family members and guests. Palpatine weaves through the crowd and extends his hand to Father Valentin.

"Hello, I am the great-grandfather of these fine younglings you blessed here today…ahh!"

Before Palpatine can say another word, Anakin yanks him away and corners him in the confessional. A 'discussion' takes place.

"Anakin, why are you being so rude? Isn't it bad enough I never got my invitation? Did you forget my address?"

Anakin has a tight grip on Palpatine's shirt collar.

"Shut up! I have had enough of you today. You didn't get an invitation because I never sent you one!"

"Anakin, you're choking me. Why are you being so cruel? I am an old man who just wants to share this momentous occasion with his family…and you're wrinkling my shirt."

"You listen to me, you old bugger, I desperately want to toss you out of this place but I don't want to ruin this day for my daughter and her husband. I would love to kill you now but it is not the Jedi way. The only good thing about killing you here is that I can confess it at the same time."

Palpatine observes their surroundings in the confessional.

"You don't want to do anything you'll regret later, Anakin. Your temper always gets you into trouble. I implore you…"

"Quiet! I need a moment to think. Sit!" He drops Palpatine onto the velvet-cushioned bench. Anakin leans in close to the old man. A prayer book falls off the kneeler.

Palpatine tries to distract an infuriated Anakin.

"This is a nice little confessional…surprisingly roomy…is it a group confessional?"

"Didn't I tell you to shut up?"

Meanwhile, the guests can hear the two men arguing. Someone enters the priests' compartment of the confessional and slides open the screen. Anakin freezes. He did not expect that confessions were being heard during the baptism ceremony. Someone whispers through the lattice screen.

"Everything okay in there?"

Palpatine nervously speaks.

"Oh, Padre, so good of you to hear confessions…"

"Mr. Skywalker, you okay?"

Anakin looks towards the screen. The voice does not belong to the priest. He still has a tight grip on Palpatine.

"Who's there?"

"It's me, Mr. Skywalker, Fausto Mostachioli…you know…Fat Bantha."

"Oh, uhm…hi…"

Palpatine whispers loud enough for the guests to hear.

"The mob guy?"

Anakin signals for Palpatine to stop talking. He responds through the screen… It is an awkward moment.

"Uhm…Hey, Fausto, what's up?"

"That old Sith givin' you trouble? I can take care of 'em for you. You familiar with the causeway near the Count Dooku Spaceport? I'll bring Aldo with me…we'll get the job done, stop and pick up some cannoli and be back in time for the reception."

Anakin pretends to consider the offer. A worried Palpatine pleads with Anakin.

"Anakin, you wouldn't…You know what 'those types' do to innocent people? Once they get a hold of you, you're never heard from again. Look around, Anakin…we are in a place of mercy and forgiveness. Don't give in to those people. They're lowly thugs. Remember the dark side."

Fat Bantha hears this. He presses his pudgy face in the small confessional screen.

"What do you mean by 'Those people?' I have a mind to reach through this here window and give you a breathin' treatment from which you will not recover. Tu Capisce?"

Palpatine cowers in the confessional. Not many people can instill fear in old Palpatine, but Fat Bantha can. He looks to Anakin.

"Anakin, you wouldn't cause bloodshed on the day of the twins' baptism…would you?"

A few moments pass before Anakin extracts Palpatine from the confessional. The old man stumbles out, straightens his suit and TagMart vest just before he greets the rest of the family with unwanted hugs and kisses.

"Leia, Han! It's a glorious day for a baptism!" He throws his arms around Leia.

Leia and Han back away. Leia mouths to her father, 'Fix this now!'

Anakin shakes his head in dismay. Father Valentin greets the family and guests as they leave the church. As Father Valentin heads back inside, Anakin crosses the aisle to speak to the priest. He is about to hand Father Valentin an envelope when Professor Solo approaches from the back of the church. He also has an envelope and gently pushes Anakin's hand away.

"Padre, his money is no good here. It would be my honor to make the offering today."

Ruwee Naberrie re-enters the church and offers a cheque as he blocks Solo's access to the priest.

"Father, please accept this offering from the Naberrie family. It includes a dedication to my daughter, rest her soul."

A commotion erupts. Leia overhears the men arguing. She hands Jacen to Beru and storms back inside the church.

"What the…" She sees the men converging on the young priest. "What's going on?"

Anakin waves her away.

"Nothing is going on. I am in the process of making a gift to the church."

"No, No, No! You three are not going to ruin this day for me! All of you, back away, you're embarrassing me."

A few other family member re-enter the church.

An hour passes. During the reception at the Galaxies Garden Restaurant, family and friends mingle. Anakin sits at a corner table sulking. Isabel applies an ice pack to his left eye.

"Oww…oww…oww! Easy!"

"Serves you right for getting in the middle of an altercation."

"I was only trying to help."

"And look what it got you! A black eye and a bruised ego."

"This has never happened to me before. It's humiliating."

"Well, I'm sure Father Valentin appreciates the large donation. He has never seen three parishioners so passionate about giving money to the church; but I am surprised that Han's father and Ruwee wound up in a fistfight. Ruwee is usually such a calm and sensible man. "

"See? Everybody has a dark side."

"Well, it was a good day for the church. Thirty- thousand credits is a lot of money."

Someone approaches the table. Anakin looks at her with his good eye.

"What do you want?"

"I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't mean to hit you."

"Where did you learn to punch like that?"

"Let's just say, convent school isn't a total waste."

"I guess I don't need to worry about you after all."

"That's what I've been trying to tell you …like forever." Ana-Lena playfully nudges her father.

"Well, watch it next time."

"I was trying to help. No one takes a swing at my father and gets away with it."

"Do me a favor and stop helping. Look at me…I used to be beautiful." He lifts the icepack to show his daughter the damage.

"I love you, Daddy."

"I know."

She kisses her father on his forehead but it is still too close to his bruised eye.

"Ow! Ow! Careful!"

"Oops! Sorry."

"Go away…You kids cause me nothing but heartache. By the way; you're still not getting emancipated!"

"Just when I thought you were cool!" Ana-Lena walks away in a huff.

Isabel is sitting at a table with Obi-Wan, Bunny, Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie, and Li-An and his date. Jobal compliments Isabel on coordinating the reception.

"Isabel, this is absolutely lovely. You did a remarkable job. This is a beautiful restaurant."

"Thank-you, Jobal. I wanted to help."

Aunt Bunny takes a sip of water.

"Oh, That sure did hit the spot. I'll tell you, that church was so hot. I was burning up like a Mustafar barbecued eopie frying in a vat of grease. Was anyone else hot?"

Across the private dining room, Father Valentin arrives. After at first respectfully declining an invitation to the reception, he realizes his presence is urgently needed, especially after the incident in the church. He offers a blessing to the group and then begins to mingle. Maggie Jade catches up with him.

"Oh, Father Val, I was just talking to my husband Vic, We would love for you to come over for Sunday dinner."

"You are Mrs., Jade, correct?"

"My, what a good memory you have." She pinches his cheek. "You are absolutely adorable, but we need to fatten you up. Mama Carmella makes the best Shaak parm on the planet."

"Oh…well, thank you. You are too kind. I could never pass up a good meal."

"When can you come over?"

"Well, I uhm…need to check my calendar. A priests' work is never done; you understand."

Vic agrees.

"Father, we understand. You are a busy man…baby's to bless, people to bury, sins to absolve. Your hands are full with God's work. Just pop on over anytime you wish. Here's my card. The home address is on the back."

Father Valentin reads the card:

Vic Jade & Sons

Road Paving Contractor and Carcass Removal

'We make problems go away'

The graphic on the card depicts a road with a chalk outline drawn on the galactic highway and two 'workmen' loading a 'bundle' onto a trash compactor.

"Oh…thank-you. Interesting graphics."

"That's my son Vic Junior's artwork. Kid's got talent. He learned from that online art course. You know the one where you practice tracing the boga. Remember, Father, anything you need, you just say the word."

"I will keep you in mind. Thank you, Mr. Jade."

Father Valentin continues to circulate the room, greeting the other family members and guests. He sees someone who needs a kind word. He approaches the troubled soul sitting alone in another corner of the room near the bar.

"Mr. Palpatine, I couldn't help but notice the pain you must be feeling. It is unfortunate what happened to you today. You feel abandoned and misunderstood. I can listen to your confession tomorrow morning before the 9a.m. Mass. It can cleanse the soul more than that Rummy tonic you're holding."

"What?"

"Wouldn't you feel better if you were to speak to someone? I am here to offer you peace and salvation."

"You don't know me! Go to H…!"

Luke intervenes.

"My apologies, Father Valentin. He's not himself. He hasn't taken his medication." Luke takes the drink away from Palpatine. "Come on, old man. Let's take a walk."

"Did you see that, Luke? He tried to use his Jedi mind tricks on me. We're surrounded by evil-doers."

"You're drunk. Let's go get you some coffee."

"My favorite grandson. You're a true friend, Luke." Palpatine pats Luke on the shoulder as they leave the room.

"No I'm not. I'm just trying to keep you out of trouble. It's my job."

"Well, you're one cool guy. You're so good and polite. Anakin is lucky to have a son like you. You have a good relationship with your father, don't you?"

"The best…most of the time..."

"I wonder where I went wrong with Anakin. Perhaps I spoiled him too much?"

"No, you were a crappy influence on him and you ruined his life."

"I did the best I could as a single parent."

"You're sticking to that story?"

Luke takes Palpatine into the next room where a barista is serving coffee beverages. He orders a carafe and brings it to a small table. He sets a cup in front of Palpatine. The old Sith takes small sips from the porcelain cup. Threepio joins them at the table.

"Awww, come on! Luke, does he have to be here?"

"He makes for a grumpy drunk. Not at all the jovial inebriate that Master Obi-Wan is."

"Quiet, you metallic chatterbox!"

Luke shouts at both of them.

"Cut it out! Both of you."

Palpatine remains quiet for a moment but is compelled to explain himself.

"You know, Luke, I wasn't always this way…okay, yes I was…but there were extenuating circumstances. I had a miserable childhood and I never got along with my father. Then one day I met someone who changed my life. Did I ever tell you about 'Plagueis the Wise'?

"Too many times. Keep drinking."

"He said he would make me great…but I made myself great. I did, you know. He never really helped me. He sucked as a mentor. I worked my ass off for him! I never learned to give love, Luke…it's not my fault. I'm depraved on account I was deprived. I never had a healthy relationship with a woman…I know I had a hand in ruining your father's relationship with your mother…Anakin was close to his mother…I guess I was jealous…If I could do it over I would make things right…"

"Okay, now you're starting to piss me off. Shut up and drink."

"Deep down inside of me there is good."

"Well I'm not digging to find it. I am here to get you sober and then take you home."

"Luke, I am so sorry."

Palpatine breaks down and sobs. Luke stares blankly at the pathetic old man. Palpatine looks up from his coffee cup hoping for some sympathy from the Jedi knight. Luke is not impressed.

"Keep drinking."

Back in the private dining room, Ana-Lena weaves through the crowd in search of someone. She sees her target but someone stops her…a 'roadblock'. He is a big, cigar-smoking 'roadblock'. Ana-Lena tries to walk around him but he jumps from side to side in an effort to get her to stop. He has a big grin on his face.

"Hey, girlie! You look bootiful…gee...you grew up. Remember me? We used ta sing together. You were a tiny tot." He lowers his hand to his knee. "It's me! Your Uncle Aldo!"

"My'what'?"

He starts to sing:

'I eat tattoo-ine minestrone

just to be with her alone

Ana-Lena

Ana-Lena

the waitress at the pizzeria…'

Aldo pauses and waits for her to recognize the song hoping that she will join in. Ana-Lena gives 'fake' Uncle Aldo a blank stare.

"Okay, that was creepy." She darts out of his path to get to her destination.

Aldo looks around. He is confused. A few of Fat Bantha's henchmen stand nearby. Aldo shrugs his shoulders.

"What happened? She used to be such a jovial little girl."

"What can I tell you, Aldo? Kids today don't appreciate the classics…they're into that hippity-hoppity music."

"Oh yeah…wit the cute little rabbits and the eggs. They listen to those holiday songs year-round? I don't know how they do it."

Isabel leaves Anakin's side in order to mingle with the guests. A familiar face appears and sits beside him.

"I hear someone is being moody today of all days. How are you, Anakin?"

Anakin looks up as Gladys takes a seat. Her smile seems to make all of his problems disappear for the moment.

"Gladys! How are you? Are you fed up with retirement? When are you coming back to work? I bet you're feeling guilty leaving me without adequate office support."

"Agnes is doing quite well so stop behaving like a child. I know what happens when you 'really' don't like someone so cut it out."

"Miss DiPesto is okay. She drives me up the wall sometimes but she's working out… I guess. So…did you witness that catastrophe of a baptism?"

"It was lovely. That new priest is so kind to invite everyone up to the altar. Anakin, you're building quite a network of families."

"It's not the families I want."

Gladys ignores him and keeps talking.

"The Naberries must have loved the dedication to their daughter. Han's family is now part of your family. The Nor's, the Jade's, the Solo's…You are doing wonderful things. I am so proud of you."

"But…"

"But 'what', Anakin?"

"I know something else is coming so let me have it. My 14-year old social-activist daughter has already assaulted me. Look at my eye! She cold cocked me! You're going to say something. Let me have it while I'm still down."

"Anakin, sweetheart, your family, and friends have only the best intentions in mind. They love you. Sometimes love comes in the form of a bitter pill."

"I'm not taking any more pills. I'm becoming irrelevant, Gladys. No one fears me anymore."

"Oh, Anakin!" Gladys gently pats his face and smiles. "Of course they do."

"Don't patronize me. Who?"

Without missing a beat, Gladys answers his question.

"Your staff, your armed forces division...that pitiful little man who used to work for the former Emperor…"

"Oh, I know that. I'm talking about people who matter."

"Ohhh…I see…well, dear, it's like this; people who matter are the ones who truly love you and therefore don't fear you."

"What kind of sense does that make?"

"Are you still in therapy, Anakin?"

Anakin lifts the ice pack from his eye.

"What are you trying to say, Gladys?"

Anakin wants the day to end quickly. There are too many cheerful people in the room…and his youngest daughter is chatting with Cadet Cort Needa. He is tempted to raise his hand to invoke the power of the Force. Someone stops him with a few taps on the hand.

"Ow! Stop hitting me with that stick!"

"Nice couple they will someday make."

"Someday is one day too soon for me."

"Trust your daughter, you must. Let go of the things you love."

"Get the hell out of here!"