Chapter 35AE

'Thing 1 and Thing 2 Visit Grand Dad'

'The Best Dressed Sith'

'Letters from the Pit – Training Day 1'

'Skywalker/Dog Walker'

'You're Going to Look Good Because You Feel Good or I Don't Feel Good'

'His Master's Voice'

'Sith Boss'

'Poison-Tongue'

With the events of Father's Day etched deep in his memory, Anakin Skywalker resumes his role as supreme leader of the galactic military. He is reminded of that day when he walks from his limousine towards the headquarters entrance. The Galactic Military press corps waits on the plaza with cameras at the ready. Stormtroopers line the plaza to keep the crowds under control. Everyone notices his new look for the summer.

The fashion critics are all a-buzz on HoloNet after learning that the Dark Lord wears suits by famed men's designer Salvatore Melanani. As one critic remarks during a roundtable session on fashion icons, 'He is the only Dark Lord I would have the pleasure of being Force choked by. He has flawless fashion sense. I can't wait to see what his fall and winter fashion choices are. I'm sure his leather gloves will be by Melanani Hiver Pour Homme. '

The Famous Melanani slogan: 'I guarantee you're going to look good in a Melanani suit or I'll Force-choke myself'

Anakin has Leia and Isabel to thank for his summer wardrobe but he would never publicly credit them with it. The masses will think that the Dark Lord cannot dress himself. Leia and Isabel do not mind, as long as he wears what they buy for him.

Today he is wearing a grey suit with one of Leia's beautiful Father's Day oxford cloth shirts (the 'periwinkle' one). He carries a black tote over his left shoulder and a black leather briefcase in his right hand. Lieutenant Daine Jir meets him in the lobby to brief him on the days' events. They walk in a steady but brisk pace.

"She'll die before she'll tell you anything."

"Leave that to me."

"But, my Lord, she refuses to give her time of arrival."

Anakin stops and turns to the Lieutenant

"What did I just tell you?"

"To leave it to you, Sir."

Anakin stares down the officer then continues walking through the massive lobby. Daine Jir frantically tries to keep up with him.

"Great, so you're not hard of hearing, you're just stupid."

"Yes, Sir." The officer notices the black mesh tote Anakin carries. He reaches for it. "Shall I take that for you, sir?"

Suddenly a furry white face pops through the unzipped opening of the bag and barks wildly. Daine Jir jumps away, frightened to the point that he almost wets himself. Anakin continues towards the elevator.

"I've got it, thank you."

As Anakin steps onto a waiting express elevator, the Lieutenant stalls. Anakin yells at him.

"What are you waiting for? Get in here!"

Lieutenant Daine Jir nervously stands behind his boss. Anakin calmly stares at the floor indicator panel above the door. Skippy pokes his head through the tote again panting; and never taking his eyes off the lieutenant. Beads of sweat pour from Daine Jir's cap.

They arrive on the executive floor. The lieutenant breathes a sigh of relief. Anakin heads to his office.

"That will be all, Lieutenant."

Daine Jir salutes nervously as Anakin disappears behind the doors of the executive suite.

As soon as the door closes, Anakin lowers the tote to the floor and lets Skippy leap out to run around the reception area.

"Good job, Skip!" Anakin turns in a circle and speaks to himself in a quiet voice. "I sense something; a presence I've not felt since...uhm…Miss DiPesto, where are you?" He whispers to the dog. "Let's have some fun. Go get her, Skippy." Anakin is ready for some early morning excitement. He would never think of doing this if Gladys were still here.

Skippy sniffs until he picks up the scent of his prey. He runs to the copy room and in the galley area. He is barking again wildly. Anakin imagines the chaos going on in the office kitchen. He stands quietly in the reception area with a big grin on his face. Suddenly the barking stops. Miss DiPesto emerges with a demi-litre ceramic cup of coffee for her boss. The cup comes with a red silicone lid and sleeve.

"Here I am, Mr. Skywalker! Your coffee, just the way you like it, extra black with two sugars." She is cheerful as usual.

Anakin accepts the coffee. He does not know how to respond.

"Uhm…Thank you."

Miss DiPesto hands him his mail.

"Your mail, sir."

"Uhm…thanks." He is visibly confused. Suddenly Skippy re-emerges carrying a dog treat in his mouth. The dog rolls on the floor before settling in a comfortable spot next to Miss DiPesto's desk to enjoy his crunchy snack. She leans over Skippy as he focuses on his treat.

"So this is the infamous Skippy! He found me right away. It must have been my lilac perfume."

Anakin is disappointed.

"You know about him?"

"Oh, yes! Mrs. Skywalker told me. She sent over the dog treats."

"Oh…that was thoughtful of her. My wife; she thinks of everything. Uhm…thanks for the coffee."

"You're welcome!"

He looks on the floor at Skippy who is busily crunching on his biscuit. "Hey! You coming?" Skippy hesitates for a moment then follows his master to his office. As soon as Anakin closes the door, he looks down at the puppy. "Where's the loyalty? Huh?"

Skippy looks up at his master. His tail wags rapidly.

"You're shamelessly happy, aren't you? No more snacks for you this morning. And just so we're clear, You're 'My' best friend…'Not' 'the bubbly secretary's best friend."

Anakin sets the coffee on his desk. He removes his jacket and drapes it over the suit rack stand nearby. Isabel wanted to make sure his clothes are never wrinkled. He sits at his desk to check his mail. Anakin reads the front of each envelope quietly to himself while taking sips from his coffee cup. "Stackum, Dekkon, Cheetham, Wairum and Downe, LLP Attorneys…" He promptly tosses the envelope into the wire mesh wastebasket.

Obviously, Admiral Zaarin is hiring the big guns to pursue the lawsuit against Anakin. They cannot legally sue a minor but they can surely seek compensation from the Dark Lord…so they think. Anakin does not seem concerned and continues to check his mail. "Kuat Drive Yards Sales and Leasing…" The hologram showroom catalog features all of the newest, sleekest ship designs in all their menacing glory. Each model is ready for custom detailing. He sets the catalog aside. This is reception area reading material. He told Miss DiPesto a thousand times to leave these catalogs on the reception area coffee table. He examines the next piece of mail.

"CorTech…oh boy…" Anakin braces himself. Ever since Alex took that grunge band of his on the road, there was a big concern about his academic performance. Anakin takes a long breath as he opens the envelope. "What?!" Anakin reads the grade point average. "I'll be damned; he got a 4.0…I guess I owe him that new guitar. I have to stop betting against my kids. I'm losing money."

Anakin notices a large white envelope in the stack of mail. It is bulky with a bright red label attached. He reads the message: 'TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL ENCLOSED'. He rips open envelope and pulls out the colorful brochure.

'Welcome to 'Your Massassi Adventures' exclusive Yavin-4 travel packet. Explore millions of light-years of ancient history; Discover ruins of a lost civilization. Your 10-day accommodation and itinerary confirmation is…'

Anakin is bored after reading the first few lines of the brochure. He promptly tosses the packet in the wastebasket with the other bothersome mail. Anakin sorts through the rest of the mail. He does not want to attend a symposium on military morale and he certainly does not want to be interviewed by the probing HoloNet journalist Ultana Anya on her yearly news special 'The Ten Most Exasperating Leaders of the Galaxy.' The veteran HoloNet anchor has be trying to score an interview with the Dark Lord for year. This one interview has eluded the most seasoned journalist since the overthrow of the emperor.

Anakin tosses the letter in the wastebasket.

"Screw her. She's not going make me cry on intergalactic TV!"

He decides that he has looked through enough mail this morning when a small envelope slips from the stack onto Anakin's lap. He tosses the rest of the mail aside and opens the letter. The word 'Urgent' is written in blue highlighter on the corner and the back of the envelope. Anakin recognizes the handwriting immediately. He smiles and reads the letter (skipping over the greeting):

"I am writing this letter to tell you…I WANT TO COME HOME! The food is good; the cabins are clean. I made friends with the three other kids in my cabin (not that I had much choice) ... If you met them, I guarantee that you would have a greater appreciation of me as your son. It was a rough start. Also, the counselor is a real tool. Did you and Mum thoroughly investigate this place? Anyway, we have to get up at 6am and be ready by 6:45. That includes making my bed! This was a big adjustment.

Yesterday we had to go on a 'hike' and dig. I don't know what we were digging for but it has to be illegal. We get snarky notes on our pillows each night when we return to our cabin. Whoever is writing these notes needs to use a dictionary! Well, just got back to my cabin, and guess what? There is another note on my pillow! I don't know what else to do. The note is about chores for tomorrow…something about a cave. They must like giving us these riddles. I have no idea what we're supposed to do tomorrow; but I'm sure it's gonna suck; I can feel it. Can I come home now? I promise I'll make my bed every single day and even do chores."

Signed, your youngest and most adorable son,

Kris

P.S. – Mum, please…HELP!

Cc: Isabel Skywalker

Anakin stares at the letter. It takes a moment before he realizes he is not alone in the office. The visitor speaks.

'So, are you going to spring him loose, Ani?'

"Hello, Qui-Gon. This is a pleasant surprise."

The Force ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn sits in the windowsill playing with Skippy.

'I love this dog! What a great gift. Luke loves you.'

"I know."

'So, I hear a trip is in the works.'

"Don't remind me."

'So, what are you going to do about Kris?'

"Absolutely nothing. He's going to stay put until I find a reason to pull him out of that place. He'll have to ride it out."

Another spirit appears in the office.

'Anakin, you thought this dog was going to go 'ape-sith' on your secretary? Ha-ha! Ruined your morning, didn't it? He did go crazy on that Lieutenant. Now that was some funny 'sith'!'

"Hello, Master Windu."

'I like a little dog with a big attitude.'

"I expect it to remain that way, as long as the women in my house don't break his spirit by dressing him up or painting his nails."

The intercom light flashes. Anakin waves his hand over the telephone console and speaks.

"Yes, Miss DiPesto?"

"Your ten o'clock is here and Admiral Motti is waiting."

"He's still alive? Okay, I'll be out in a minute."

Anakin emerges from his office. Two people are in the waiting area to see him. Admiral is anxious to speak to him and immediately stands to greet him.

"Your Lordship, finally! We should get this meeting started. I have called Governor Tarkin and a few other top brass officials …"

Anakin barely acknowledges him. Instead, Anakin invites his other guest back inside his office.

"Well, Mr. Chelchuk, you finally made it for your ten o'clock appointment. Come to my office, we have much to discuss."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Skywalker." Arnold follows the dark Lord.

Anakin points to Miss DiPesto.

"Are you typing? We've got a lot to do today."

"Yes, Sir!" Miss DiPesto smiles her toothy grin.

Tagge, Tarkin, and another officer arrive and are none too pleased about the rebuff. They know complaining to the dark lord will only make matters worse so they murmur amongst themselves in the corner.

Anakin and Arnold disappear behind closed doors.

"You know that this is a great responsibility, Arnold. I am putting my full trust in you."

"I won't disappoint you, sir."

"I know you won't. Here's his leash, incentive snacks, and that plastic roll is for…"

"I got it, sir."

"So, how are those candy sales going?"

"Great. You must carry a lot of weight because as soon as I mention your name as my sponsor, people were purchasing anything I had available. One customer actually paid for the empty box. My school will have the biggest summer math competition yet!"

"You're great with math and I'm better with sales strategy. Let me know if anyone gives you any grief. I'll shake 'em down…I mean, I'll use my power of persuasion."

"Okay." Arnold catches a glimpse of Skippy repeatedly hopping against the window. He suspects the canine suffers from sudden onset OCD.

"Is he okay?"

"Ohh, he's fine…just playing with his imaginary friends." Anakin raises his voice so the two Force ghosts will stop their antics.

Arnold pretends he understands but has no clue about the true nature of these 'imaginary friends.'

"Oh…"

"Okay, so, watch out for those sidewalk monitors. They love handing out tickets. Those 'Curb Your Dog' signs are set up as a trap."

"It won't happen on my watch, sir."

Anakin digs in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. He hands Arnold five 10-credit bills.

"Here's a retainer…just in case you require refreshment or something. Skippy, it's time to go!"

Skippy stops playing and hops off Qui-Gon's lap. He runs over to Arnold.

"Hey, Skippy, it's so good to see you again, pal!" He clips the leash onto Skippy's harness.

"Don't take any 'sith' from the building personnel. If anyone messes with you just say 'hold'. Skippy will know what to do."

"Yes, sir. You know what, Mr. Skywalker? This is going to be the best summer ever."

"I'm sure it will be." He sends the boy on his way and closes his door.

As soon as Arnold and Skippy leave the office, Admirals Tagge, Motti, Governor Tarkin, and an unnamed commander stand in anticipation. Anakin takes a deep breath, opens the door, and steps out to greet them.

"Gentlemen! Good morning. You're early."

Motti speaks. He is in no mood for any antics from the Dark Lord.

"We had an appointment. We've been waiting for half an hour."

"Oh, well come on in; let's chat."

"Finally!"

The men immediately gather round the conference table in Anakin's office. Qui-Gon and Mace Windu decides to hang around to observe the meeting. Anakin takes a seat at the table. He notices the unidentified commander but continues.

"Well, gentlemen, to what do I owe this pleasurable visit?"

Tagge begins.

"Lord Vader, the Joint Chiefs and I are concerned about the lack of military reinforcements on Geonosis…Governor Tarkin, Admiral Motti and I plead for you to re-think your strategy…"

Anakin interrupts him by holding up his hand. The officers recoil, expecting that he is about to 'force-choke' one of them.

"Gentlemen, I assure you, the number of troops posted on Geonosis is quite sufficient. As a matter of fact…I am withdrawing the number of stormtroopers by five thousand and naval and army troops by two thousand"

Tagge is outraged.

"What?!"

Motti echoes his disappointment

"That goes against the Ziost Convention! There have been no discussions with the Joint Chiefs!"

Anakin gives a flippant answer.

"Who said anything about sabotage?"

Motti expresses his displeasure.

"Lord Vader!"

Tagge is furious.

"We will not take this sitting down!"

Grand Moff Tarkin tries to defuse the situation.

"Admirals, enough of this. We need to work together. Lord Vader, there has to be some transparency. The military feels you are working against them with these secretive operations."

Anakin stands. He pats Motti on the back. The men stand, thinking he is about to show them some strategic maps. Instead, Anakin leads them to the window.

"Of course not. Well, isn't this a beautiful summer day to have lunch on the plaza?" He immediately leads them to the door. Thanks for stopping by, gentlemen. We should get together like this again sometime." He stops for a moment and finally acknowledges the fourth officer. "And who are you?"

"Oh, me? I'm nobody, sir."

"So they brought you along as a 'buffer' in case I became 'unreasonable'? You're smart to stay quiet, Commander 'Nobody'. Admirals Tagge and Motti could learn a thing or two from you."

"Yes, sir."

"Well! I won't keep you from your duties, gentlemen. I'm glad we have come to an agreement."

Anakin pats the Admiral Tagge on his shoulder as he ushers the men out of his office. Tagge tries to turn to Anakin in the doorway.

"But…"

"Great meeting!" The door slams shut.

Qui-Gon stands beside Anakin.

'Well, they left happy.'

"I did hear them out. "

Mace laughs.

'Yeah, out the 'M-effing' door!'

They all have a good laugh.

The light on the telephone console flashes. Anakin freezes. He knows who it is.

"Are you two staying around for this?"

'Why? So she can grill us too?'

While Anakin, Mace, and Qui-Gon discuss whether the latter two will stay, Miss DiPesto receives the next visitor.

Leia stops by headquarters with the twins to meet Han for lunch. She pushes a deluxe Corellian-made stroller into the reception area. Miss. DiPesto smiles when she sees them.

"Good morning, Mrs. Solo!"

"Good morning, Miss DiPesto. How are you?"

Agnes leaves her desk and hurries over to the stroller. She leans in close

"Oh, I'm great! Look at the little babies! Hello, little ones! They're so cute….are they identical twins?"

"No."

"They should be. I bet I can tell who's who. This is Jaina and the sleepyhead is Jacen."

Leia is impressed.

"Wow…you're one of the few people who can remember their names."

The intercom light on Miss DiPesto's phone console flashes.

"Really?"

"Your boss in there refers to them as 'This' and 'That'. He hasn't remembered their names yet."

"Oh, well…he's a busy man. Your father works so hard. He has the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders."

"Yeah…Sure he does." Leia would laugh except for the fact Miss DiPesto truly believes this to be true.

"Poor man…everyone wants a piece of him."

"He's familiar with threats."

"What threats?"

"Oh, nothing."

The intercom light flashes again. There is a pause then it flashes again. Leia notices but says nothing. There is a loud beeping sound just before Anakin's voice yells over the intercom.

"Miss DiPesto! Have you finished typing that treaty yet?"

Miss DiPesto hurries back to her desk.

"Oh, one moment, Mr. Skywalker."

"One moment has passed…you're late!"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Skywalker."

"Let's go! Chop Chop!"

Leia rolls her eyes then leans across the desk and presses the intercom button.

"Daddy, we can't wait out here all day while you concoct your phony treaty."

There is a long silence. The door opens. Anakin walks out of his office and presents a stack of documents to Miss DiPesto. He makes sure that Leia sees this.

"Okay, Miss DiPesto, I have approved this section of the treaty. Where is section 5A?"

"I'm still typing it, sir."

"Well, I don't have all day, Miss DiPesto. You stop typing, the galaxy goes to hell in a hand basket…, and there will never be peace, all because of you. How does it make you feel that the fate of the galaxy is at your mercy because you took a typing break? Get those fingers moving!"

Anakin looks at Leia.

"See? I'm working."

"Well, if that's the case, we won't disturb you."

"No, no…come on in…bring the critters in with you."

Leia rolls the stroller into his office. She looks around. It has been quite some time since she was last here. She notices several news holographs of her father posing with various government officials.

"Peace treaty with Sector Hapes. When did that happen?" Jacen wakes up and she lifts him from the stroller and peruses the 'gallery' of 'Who's Who'. Anakin stands behind her.

"So, admiring my wall of fame?"

"I was going to say, 'Wall of Shame' but actually, I'm quite impressed. Look at you! The grand statesman, shaking hands with the Prime Minister of Geonosis during a peace treaty signing. Daddy, you're becoming a real diplomat."

"See? I can broker a peace agreement with our toughest adversaries."

"I wonder how you managed that…was your military threatening to invade?"

"Let's just say I made them an offer they couldn't refuse."

"Ohhhh…Fat Bantha, eh? I can smell the stench of his cologne all over this."

"See, Leia? That's where you're wrong…he wasn't even at the peace treaty signing."

"Was he sitting outside in a limo with his henchmen?"

"Did you come here to fight with me?"

Leia decides not to quibble over semantics with her father. She changes the subject but this may be more volatile than brokering peace treaties.

"Don't be ridiculous. I was in the building and I wanted to stop by to say 'Hello.' I haven't seen you since Father's Day. Would you like to hold your grandchild?"

"No…." She forces Jacen in Anakin's arms. He holds the baby as if he is holding moldy traladon cheese. The baby smiles then burps up a globule of sour milk. Anakin makes a face that is quite telling. Leia watches him then takes the baby.

"Fine! Give him to me! You are pathetic!"

"I'll hold him next time."

"When?"

"Five….six years."

Leia is disgusted with her father. He has held babies before. It is the idea of this one being his grandchild that makes Anakin squeamish. He exhales a relieved 'sigh.' Leia does not stay angry for long. She smiles.

"So…are you ready for your adventure with Han?"

"I swear this had better be worth it. I spent all Saturday morning at the Manarai Mountain Camping Shop trying on boots fitted and selecting gear. With all the crap I bought, one would think that I was spending a year on Yavin4."

"Mum said you put on a fashion show."

"She lied! She just happened to catch me trying on stuff. I must admit; I looked really cool in those dirt-digging clothes. Hey, I've got a question for you. Why are you letting Han go on this trip? Don't you need him to help you with Jaime and Mason?"

"You're determined to get their names wrong, aren't you?"

"Well, it's your fault. You gave those poor kids names people can't remember. If they had normal names like…uhm…say….'Anakin'…they would be set for life."

"Nice try."

"I guarantee you; no one is going to give those kids a job with those names."

"They'll be just fine. So, what else did you buy for your trip?"

"I bought an inflatable raft. Dumbo said I wouldn't need paddles to go up the river."

Leia giggles. Anakin is confused.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Oh, guess who I bumped into at the camping supply store? That wacko event planner of yours."

"Roulf? Really? What did he buy?"

"How the hell do I know, Leia? He couldn't be doing much. He was with Theo. They were wearing lederhosen and clogs. He was probably getting hiking boots. Maybe they're taking a trip along the Elarian Trail. They will never make it out alive! Anakin laughs at his own joke.

"Don't underestimate Roulf; he's fit for the outdoors more than you think."

The conversation is interrupted by a commotion outside his office. He knows that this is a threat to his happy day. Leia senses it too. All she can think of is 'Poor Miss DiPesto.' The only thing left to wonder about is who will emerge as the victor.

"I demand to see him now!"

"I am sorry, Mr. Palpatine but he is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed."

"Well, I am going to see him one way or another!"

"Wait! You can't go in there-.

Before the old man can enter Anakin's office, the door swings open. Anakin yanks the old emperor by his red TaggeMart vest. Leia sits in the window holding Jacen in her arms. Qui-Gon sits beside her. They laugh.

Anakin slams the door while Palpatine continues to raise his voice.

"Anakin you must do something about that secretary. Gladys would never have treated me so horribly. This one is impossible. I demand you fire her!" His tone changes when he sees Leia and the twins. "Oh! Leia's here!" He smiles and turns to walk over towards the window.

Anakin blocks Palpatine's access to Leia and the twins.

"Listen, old man, you do Notbarge into my office and abuse my employees!"

Leia gathers the twins and pushes the stroller out of the office. She would secretly enjoy seeing her father and the old man battle it out, but she has the babies with her. Things could get ugly.

"Sorry to bail on this exciting chitchat but I have to go downstairs to meet Han. Bye, Daddy. Oh, by the way, you look very handsome today in your new suit. I see you're wearing the cufflinks Han gave you for Father's Day."

"Thanks."

Anakin only glances at her for a moment as Palpatine distracts him with his rant.

"Anakin, I needed to speak to you. It's important."

"Oh, really? How important is it for you to disrupt my office?"

"I used to work here at one time, Anakin. I ruled the empire….I"

"You're no longer in power and you are not welcome here!"

"Oh? Just like, I was 'unwelcome' at your house for Father's Day? And before that, at the baptism?"

"You are unwelcome because you make everyone unhappy!"

"Everyone? Really, Anakin?"

"Yes, Everyone. You are no longer welcome in our house and you are not welcome in this building. Some officers will arrive shortly to escort you out of the building and off the grounds."

"Anakin!"

"Go back to your little job and leave my family alone."

Just at that moment, two stormtroopers arrive accompanied by two naval officers who handcuff the old man and escort him away.

After the commotion is over, Anakin steps outside his office to check on Miss DiPesto.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes. Thank you. I tried to stop him but he was persistent."

"Yes, I know. Well, it's not your fault. It's my fault for not giving orders to the security staff. It will never happen again…I promise."

"Am I fired?"

"Hell, no! You need to finish typing!"

"I was just wondering because you fired me last week."

"And, as I recall, you were re-hired you after lunch. I've got to keep you on your toes. No one sits on their laurels around here."

He manages a smile.

After the expulsion from the Galactic Military Headquarters, Palpatine shouts to the remaining press corps on the plaza. He is willing to speak to whoever will listen but they have packed up their cameras. One daily tabloid is curious enough to hear what old Palps has to say and decide to interview him. Old man Palpatine has a better idea and cuts the interview short.

About an hour later, someone is at the front door of the Skywalker home.

Artoo has just returned from a mission with Luke. The family is pleased to have the astromech droid home again. The house is still quiet. The older children are gone. Ana-Lena is spending her summer doing charity work at the home for the elderly and Kris is away at camp. Hobson the butler is getting on in years and is not as quick as he used to be around the house. His mind, however, is as sharp as that of a young man. The revered butler has a permanent room downstairs next to the dayroom. Anakin and Isabel keep him on to give him something to do. The children enjoy Hobson's frank observations and dry wit.

Threepio looks through the peephole then backs away, startled. He goes into a frenzy. Artoo takes over and scans his monitor to identify the visitor at the front door. He makes an alarmed whistling sound then beeps and chirps something to Threepio.

"But he's not leaving, Artoo. He keeps pressing the doorbell…ignoring him has not deterred the old buzzard. Perhaps I should just tell him to leave." Just as Threepio opens the door, Palpatine jams it with his foot and pushes his way inside.

"It's about time someone answers the door. I have been waiting in the hot sun! My skin is delicate and fair and I am not as young as I used to be. Where is everyone?" He stares at the two droids. "Is this the extent of the help around here…two decrepit droids?

Threepio is insulted.

"Sir! Why are you here? You cannot be here…his master's orders were quite clear."

"Rubbish the orders!"

"His lordship said that you are not to come within 40 meters of the front door."

"That is ridiculous! I would be outside the gate"

"Precisely."

"I would like to speak to Isabel! I demand to speak to Isabel!"

Hobson arrives at the door and intervenes.

"Listen old fellow, you must leave now or else."

"You're as old as I am! How dare you!"

"Yes, I believe I am; but unlike you, I am beloved by this family and in return, I remain their loyal servant, which gives me the utmost pleasure of turning you out!"

"You're not going to speak to me that way."

"Sir, you have been warned."

Artoo opens a small compartment on the left side of his body. A long thin metal rod protrudes from the slot. The rod makes a loud zapping sound. Palpatine is hit with a jolt of electricity. His body goes in to a spasms but he immediately recovers.

"Oww! Blasted droid!"

Threepio hits Palpatine with the weekly flyer from Endor-Greenfoods Market. The flyer has been on the table all morning, undisturbed. Suddenly Isabel appears in the foyer.

"What's going on, Hobson? Threepio, what are you doing?"

Palpatine fends off the elderly butler and two droids to get to Isabel.

"Finally! Someone with a voice of reason. Isabel, I need to speak to you."

"What is it? You are aware that Anakin has banned you from this house."

"Isabel, please, I need your help. If I may have your attention for a moment…"

Isabel stares at the former emperor. There is a long silence before she agrees to see him. She points to a chair in the foyer. It is clear to Palpatine that he is not invited beyond this area of the house. There is no invitation to sit on the terrace under the lemon tree near the tranquilly of the koi pond. Isabel folds her arms and waits for him to speak.

"Isabel, I implore you, make Anakin listen to reason. It is unfair that I am banished from seeing my grandchildren and great grandchildren. You and Anakin are all the family I have. I am an old man living on a pension, living out the twilight years of my life. Don't I deserve the smallest consideration?" He coughs and clears his throat. "Ahem…ack!"

"I have to respect the wishes of my husband which means I also need to look out for our children. We have agreed that your presence here is stressful to the family. I am sorry but I cannot help you."

Palpatine goes into an awful coughing fit. The sound he makes is unsettling. Artoo remembers that sound from decades before. He is suspicious of the old man.

"Would it be an imposition to request some tea or light beverage of some sort?"

Isabel signals for Hobson to bring something. He returns with a pitcher of Bimmisaari iced tea.

"Is this what you drink these days? Well, I suppose it's better than nothing." He takes a sip. "Actually, this is delightfully refreshing." His drinks the rest of the tea in two gulps." Ahh! May I?" He holds out his empty glass for another serving. Hobson looks at Isabel then refills the glass for the former emperor. Isabel waits for Palpatine to take another sip of the cooling beverage.

"You should know that Anakin will be home soon. He won't like it if he finds you here."

"Will you at least express my concerns and tell him how sad this makes me?"

"I will let him know. I am busy today so I will need to ask you to leave, now."

"I'll go but Anakin should know how much this is hurting me."

Palpatine gets up to leave. Hobson snatches the drinking glass from Palpatine before he opens the front door and bids the old sith farewell.

"Off you go now, old man." The elderly butler guides Palpatine out the door.

Later that afternoon, Anakin prepares to leave for the day. He hands Miss DiPesto a large stack of documents.

"I've looked through this. It's perfect. You may send copies to the Galactic Senate."

"Right away, Mr. Skywalker."

"You've done a good job today, Miss DiPesto. You never cease to amaze me. I am impressed. Take the rest of the day off."

Miss DiPesto looks at the clock on her desk.

"Fifteen minutes early? Thank you, sir."

"I'm feeling magnanimous today. How long will it take you to distribute this packet?"

"About fifteen minutes."

"Wonderful. Well, I'm heading home. If that dopey Lieutenant Daine Jir stops by looking for me, tell him he's fired."

"Really?"

"No! I'm joking. He should be waiting for me in the lobby. If he's not, I'm going to choke his ass." Anakin looks around the reception area then whistles. Skippy pops out from under the coffee table. "Skippy! It's time to go home. Let's roll!"

Miss DiPesto waves to the dog.

"Bye-bye, Skipper-roo!. Good evening, Mr. Skywalker."

"Good evening, Miss DiPesto. Thank you"

Across town at HoloNet Entertainment Network. The ratings have plummeted since the creation of a 24-hour pod racing and Sabacc channel on a competing network. A male intern at HEN calls his boss over the intercom.

"Ultana?"

"What? I'm in the middle of a acu-botox treatment. Can't this wait?"

"You know that interview you've been trying to get?"

"Yes? So what? He's turned me down…again."

"I may have the next best thing."

Ultana opens the door to her office and shoves the esthetician out of the way. There are approximately thirty krayt dragon venom-dipped acupuncture needles protruding from Ultana's face. She charges through the door to speak to her intern. She can barely speak as the venom slowly takes effect.

"Iva already sproken to those impossible droids. They're useless. No one in his inner circle will come near us. Who could you posshibly have otter than the von I vant?"

"Trust me. You want to speak to this source. Your ratings will go through the roof!"