Chapter 44AE
'The Tablet'
'Gar Tripper to the Rescue…Again'
'The Okikuti Diner's Club'
'Kashyyyk by the Baywatch'
'Tip for Tat'
'Sand Teens Single File'
The Tablet
Anakin boards the shuttle with Yoda after Isabel, Ana-Lena, and Kris who have settled in on the lounge deck. The old master makes his way slowly down the corridor. He knows a serious discussion is about to begin; one he is reluctant to have. They go into a small conference room. Anakin gestures with his hand and the door slides closed.
"Master Yoda, I need to speak to you."
Yoda sits quietly then nods.
"Questions you have. Questions you want answered….hmmm…think long and hard have you? There are answers but things you may not want to learn. Ready are you to hear some things in your past…about the time before you entered this world?"
"I want to know."
"Very well then, answers you shall have. Answers your former master did not share with you when you joined the dark side. Anakin thinks he knows the answers but he wants to hear it first from Yoda, whom he trusts explicitly.
Anakin puts the shuttle on autopilot shortly after takeoff from Naboo. The two sit in a room across from one another. Yoda takes a deep breath then sighs. He is weary. Anakin does not want to press the old Jedi Master but the trip he took with Han, earlier in the summer, still concerns him.
"Your former sith master and his own master dabbled in dark magic using midi-chlorians. Nothing happens as intended. Their lack of experience did not prepare them for unpredictable outcome. Their intent was to control life, as we know it. Something surprising happened. Lose control one does of powers when bad intentions you have. These two individuals were arrogant and stupid."
"Where did I come from? Is it true that I was a freak from some dark experiment?"
"You want to know the answer from your visit to the cave on Yavin4...hmmm? Found your mother they did when midi- chlorians became difficult to control. Innocent victim she was…and pure of heart when you came along. She fared no better."
"I know…she deserved a better life."
"Loved you she did. She always knew…special child you were. She sacrificed much. Yes, better life she deserved." He nods thoughtfully.
Anakin leans across the table in emotional whispers; he tells Yoda his feelings pointing to the table with his index finger as he stresses his concerns.
"This 'thing' they discovered destroyed my life! I destroyed others. I lost Padme; I initially lost my children, Luke and Leia. I was deceived."
"Yes, yes…Lost many you did…but new life you have. Troubled youth you had. Perhaps it was good that you suffered. You changed your life. Adversity can do this. Time is now to be thankful. Dwell on the dark times not. Helped others in your new life you have…Repented for your past… Regret not your new life." He glances at Anakin with a bit of frustration and taps his gimmer stick against the floor. "Why worry yourself about these things? It is the past. Everyone loves you...except those holding on to the old Imperial ways. They are envious of your status across the galaxy. Look at yourself. Happy you have become. Proud you should be."
"But had I known…the truth...these tragedies could have been avoided."
Possibly, yes. You were the chosen one Obi-Wan believed…Our old friend and your former master Qui-Gon was sure of this. Serious concerns Jedi Council had in those days when you were brought before us. There was much doubt during the dark times. Darth Sidious used this to his advantage. Valuable commodity you were."
"I could kill him...but I won't."
"Worry not about those who wronged you and used you for their own personal gain. Pay for their misdeeds they will. "
There is a long silence. Master Yoda rests his chin on the handle of his gimmer stick. Anakin ponders for a few minutes. He rethinks his life up to now. Exacting revenge would be fruitless and undo all the good he has done. He stands and bows reverently to Master Yoda.
"Thank you, Master Yoda. I am grateful for your advice and honesty."
Yoda nods.
"May the force be with you, my son."
"Would you like to accompany us, Master?"
"No...No...return to Jedi Temple I must. Put me on a transport shuttle."
"You should learn to drive, Master."
"Hmmm…why learn when a free ride I can get."
After Anakin connects Master Yoda to a ship heading to the Core Worlds, he thinks about everything that his mentor has told him. He has a wife who loves him with all his faults. His children bring joy to his life even when they disobey him. His life is good. He has no regrets about his life as it is now.
Anakin immediately rejoins his family in the living quarters of the shuttle. Everyone looks up as he enters the room. He claps his hands. There is an expression of peace and jubilance on his face.
"Hey, everyone, it's been a long summer for all of us. I was thinking that we should take a few days and head to the beach."
Kris' eyes widen.
"Really? Where?"
"I've set the ship for the Mid Rim. We're going to Kashyyyk."
"Are we going to take a sea shuttle to the swamplands?"
"No. We're going to the beach."
"Oh. Can I go surfing?"
"Yes. This is your special day."
Ana-Lena perks up after looking bored since the beginning of the flight from Naboo.
"Can I call Pep and…?"
Anakin points to her before she can complete her sentence.
"No."
"This is no vacation. What sort of summer is this?"
Anakin raises his eyebrows as his youngest daughter complains.
"Just slow your roll, young lady."
Ana-Lena mocks her father. Anakin sees this but ignores her.
Anakin decides to put the ship into warp speed because he wants to avoid squabbling between the two youngest siblings. The sooner they land, the better. They arrive on Kashyyyk the next morning before dawn.
After checking into the hotel, they have a few hours to rest. The family ventures out before noon to take advantage of the quiet beach before the rest of the tourists converge. Anakin and Isabel settle on the beach in comfortable cabana chairs. The warm breeze blows in from the sea. The Wartaki Islands is known for the beautiful pink sand and clear water. A few Wookies work on the fishing boats at the far end of the strand. Most stay away from the area that has become a playground for the wealthy across the galaxy. The local Wookies remain inland near the forest or on the bay side of the island where it is free of tourists.
Kris tries out his new surfboard. Isabel urges Anakin to spend time with Kris. Anakin agrees and leaves the comfort of his cabana chair. He had been reading the Galactic News from the E-Pads attached to the chairs. Ultana Anya, the famous news journalist, is interviewing reputed mob associate Aldo 'Big Sarlacc' Can'Apiz about alleged corruption in the paving industry. She questions him about mob kingpin Fausto Fat Bantha Mostachioli and tries to link him to Vic Jade. Anakin laughs at the responses from the burly Can'Apiz. Aldo jokes and tries to get Ultana to dance with him. His gyrating belly is hilarious and disturbing to watch at the same time.
Entertainment hour is over. It is time for some father-son bonding with Kris.
Anakin teaches Kris the finer techniques of surfing. The two are enjoying their time together. Kris is a fast learner and performs some daring stunts on the waves. Anakin smiles. smiles. He is proud of his child. Fatherhood has been good to him. Unfortunately, the proud fatherhood moment fades and a tremor in the force causes sudden aggravation. Something along the beach is beckoning his attention.
Kris calls his father to observe his latest trick on his new board.
"Hey, Dad! Watch this! Hey, Dad! Look what I can do!"
Anakin is distracted by something else.
Missing for two hours after arriving at the hotel, Ana-Lena decides to visit one of the trendy boutiques. Anakin has forgotten about her until now. Isabel returns to the hotel suite to search for her. It turns out that Ana-Lena is on the beach after her shopping spree.
The lifeguards are distracted as she walks along the beach in a ruffled fuchsia bikini. She has her cell phone clipped to her arm and the earbuds in her ears. One of the guards watches as she stands as the water's' edge. The frothy tide rolls over her feet. She feels a stinging sensation in her foot.
Three guards rush over with their rescue tubes and buoys. Another blows his lifeguard whistle.
"How can we help, ma'am?"
Ana-Lena hops on one foot and examines her toe.
"I think I cut my toe."
"Guys, get her out of the water…stat!"
Meanwhile, there is an adult swimmer who is caught in a riptide and calling for help.
The lifeguards carry Ana-Lena to the first aid station.
Another lifeguard uses his medical school lingo to impress his beautiful 'patient'.
"She's got a code 917 seashell laceration to the left foot. Who's got the old guy out there in the riptide?"
One of the other lifeguards shouts from across the room at the supply cabinet.
"That's Sten."
The med student is Hart Qel-Droma. He looks into Ana-Lena's eyes.
"So, you're not from around here are you?"
"No. I'm on vacation with my family…well, part of my family."
"Part of your family… I see. First time here?"
"I think I was here as a small child. I don't remember much…just visions."
"Visions? Like hallucinations?"
"Are you making fun of me?"
Hart grins.
"I'm teasing you. But seriously, you should stay out of the water for the time being. That cut needs to keep dry. Can you remember that?" He smiles and gives her a wink.
"Ha-ha…you're teasing me again aren't you?"
"Just checking to see if you're paying attention."
"I see. One of my brothers is a medical student."
"Do I know him?"
"I don't think so. He's on Coruscant."
"Well, you tell him we took good care of you on Kashyyyk. Actually, I attend med school on Corellia. I'm working here for the summer."
"My brother-in-law is from Corellia."
"Should I know him?"
"I don't know. He's…"
Another lifeguard walks over and interrupts.
"Hey, Hart, want to look in on the swimmer in bed two?"
"Uhm…sure. Be right there." This enchanting patient distracts Hart. "Miss, I will be right back. Don't hop anywhere."
Ana-Lena is flattered by the attention she is receiving.
"You guys are so nice. I promise to stay right here."
"Are you from heaven? I think they're missing an angel"
"Oh…you are so sweet." She looks around the room as she sits on the exam table. "So this is what your first-aid station looks like…awesome."
"Yeah…glamourous, right?"
Hart steps away for a few minutes. He clumsily backs away through the curtain separating the exam tables. The curtain is almost tangled around his face. He swipes the curtain aside.
Ana-Lena hears his colleagues taunt him as they witness this.
"Real smooth, Qel-Droma!"
"Yeah, we could use your help over here."
"Alright! I was just taking care of a patient."
The other lifeguards roll their eyes. The older swimmer in Exam Area 2 stares at them.
"Hey, what about me?"
Hart examines the medical chart for the man.
"Well, good news…you're no longer drowning."
"Gee, thanks! I could have figured that out for myself."
"We need you to stay out of the deep water, Mr. Childsen."
"That's 'Lieutenant Childsen' to you."
"Sorry, sir. I meant no disrespect. Listen, you're not young anymore. Just stay close to the beach. We go through this every year you come here."
"I know how to swim, kid."
"Not through a rip current."
"I competed in the10k Marathon Swimming on Ataria Island five times."
"Did you win any of them?"
"That's irrelevant."
"Well, your days of competitive swimming are over. Lie down and get some rest."
Hart returns to his teenage patient.
"So…you're ready to go. When you're all healed up, we have a job opening for a beach guard."
"Really? How much does it pay?"
"Twelve credits an hour plus tips."
"Will I be the only girl guard?"
"Well, sure…until Cam Wesell gets back."
"Is she on vacation?"
"Sort of…she's having surgery."
"Ohhh…"
"Nothing serious. She just wants to fill out her swimsuit. Sometimes you chicks have the wrong idea about what guys are interested in. Let's put it that way."
"Wow…I never got paid to work before."
"What are you, rich?"
"Well, like my dad always says, 'I'm rich…you're not.' He's trying to make a point."
"Hah! Your dad sounds like a real card!"
"Oh, he's a laugh a minute, my… Dad!"
Hart laughs.
"Hah Hah!"
Hart Qel-Droma does not realize that the change of tone in Ana-Lena's voice has nothing to do with her joke but about her father.
There is a commotion in the first-aid station. A boogie board flies out of the door. Anakin is in a 'gracious mood' today. He has not injured any of the lifeguard staff. Ana-Lena, however, is dragged out the door by the arm.
Lieutenant Childsen pokes his head through the exam curtain.
"Hey, what's going on out there? You boys horse around too much. I could have died out there on the water!"
Sten shouts back.
"Yeah! And every year we bring you back to life."
"You should thank me for keeping you kids employed."
After an embarrassing exit from the first-aid station, Ana-Lena is back at the hotel with her parents. Isabel follows them into their hotel suite. Anakin paces the floor. Isabel watches as the father and daughter bicker.
"What's going on?"
Anakin speaks first while Ana-Lena sulks.
"I'll tell you what's going on! Our daughter thought it would be a good idea to fraternize with the lifeguards."
"Oh, Daddy! Don't be ridiculous! They were perfect gentlemen, even the one who kept calling me 'ma'am'…and I'm young!"
Isabel has questions.
"Where did you get the swimsuit?"
Anakin snaps back with a question of his own.
"Yeah…where? Shall I look at my bank statement?"
"Probably…"
"Don't get flip with me, young lady."
"Oh, you can call me 'ma'am.'"
Isabel is calm but serious.
"This is no time to joke Ana-Lena."
Anakin huffs and puffs before laying down the gauntlet.
"And you're grounded!"
"We're on vacation. How can you ground me?"
"Don't play innocent with me, young lady. I want to discuss your whereabouts this morning."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You are associating with people you don't know. You betrayed my trust. Take her away!"
Ana-Lena has a confused look on her face as she turns to see to whom he is speaking.
"Who are you talking to, Daddy? Are you okay?"
"You're forbidden to go back to the beach."
The hotel is on the beach! Oh my God, I can't believe this!"
"You took part in behavior that I do not approve of and I won't tolerate disobedience. Stay in the room."
"Mum! I can't believe this!" She shouts at her father. "You were never this strict with Luke and Leia."
Anakin yells again.
"You leave them out of this!"
Isabel speaks again to calm the situation.
"Ana-Lena, you have to behave responsibly. There are a lot of predators out there."
"I can take care of myself."
Anakin stands firm.
"You're a minor and my responsibility."
"This is not fair."
Isabel interrupts.
"Stop talking and listen to your father."
"Why? Because Daddy's paranoid and has attachment and control issues?"
Anakin points his finger at her.
"Don't push me, Ana-Lena."
She turns to her mother for support.
"Mum, I'm being treated like a prisoner. I was humiliated on the beach. I had a legitimate injury. See?" She lifts her bandaged foot. "I can't have fun, I can't date…Don't I have rights?
Anakin interrupts.
"Oh, don't you start that emancipation nonsense because I'll settle this right now."
"Pepper-Ann is dating."
"Pepper-Ann has a vivid imagination. What boy is going to listen to that chatterbox all day long?"
"How come Kris gets to have all the fun and I'm stuck here in a hotel room?"
"Because you fail to obey orders and you used my credit card without my authorization."
"No, I didn't. I put it on your account."
Anakin is stopped in his tracks as he hears her answer. He throws his arms up out of frustration.
"It's the same thing!"
"Well, I'm a minor. I don't have that kind of money."
Anakin feels he is on the losing end of this argument.
"Isabel, what do you think we should do about this?"
"We can't lock her in here, Anakin. You didn't have to embarrass her in front of all those people. Let's trust her to behave from this point and take it from there. We'll start a clean slate."
"Trust?"
Ana-Lena nods in agreement with her mother.
"Yes! TRUST. Thanks mum."
"Oh, this is not for your benefit, young lady. I'm trying to keep your father from locking you in here and making everyone miserable."
"But, I didn't do anything wrong."
Anakin continues to exact punishment.
"You came on this trip to see your brother…so you're going to spend time with him."
Ana-Lena folds her arms and yells in protest.
"Chah!"
Anakin stares at his daughter. He points at her a he turns to Isabel.
"Did she roll her eyes at me?"
"Let it go, Anakin."
"She's getting worse than Leia."
Isabel remains calm but is serious about what she wants from her daughter.
"Ana-Lena, you're going to change into some clothes and have lunch with your brother."
"Little 'Killer Rehab'?"
"Stop calling him that!"
"Alright! Fine. I'll go play with the little ex-con. Can I at least have some money to pay for his lunch? He inhales food like a sarlacc inhales insurgents."
Anakin checks the messages on is data pad. All of the messages are from Headquarters on Coruscant. He continues to speak to Ana-Lena. "Put it on my account. You should be good at that by now."
Ana-Lena changes into a sundress then goes to seek out her little brother. She finds him sitting on the beach.
"Hi, parolee. Why are you sitting all alone?"
"The older surfers didn't want to take a chance bringing a kid out on the big waves. I'm as good as they are…better."
"Well, they'll never know what awesome is, now will they? So…you want to go have something to eat?"
"With you?"
"Of course with me."
"You never invite me anywhere."
"Well, I am now."
"You have money?"
"Are you coming with me or not?"
"I guess." Kris suddenly becomes excited about the idea of dining with his sister. "Can I pick the place?"
"Sure…I don't care."
Kris stores his surfboard and changes out of his wetsuit in the cabana. He emerges wearing a pair of khakis and a long-sleeved t-shirt. They wind up at a trendy malt shop.
The establishment used to be a non-descript greasy spoon patronized mostly by surfers and lifeguards. It was called 'Bindo's Surfside Diner'. The place got a remodeling upgrade once the tourism boom started and the resort became a popular honeymoon destination spot much to the dismay of the local surfing community. A protest started when developers arrived to convert the diner into a bistro with a dress code. The floors of the diner used to be covered with sand but new health and safety code regulations stipulate that the floors must be clean and free from organic debris from the beach. This incensed the regulars who were mostly surfers, lifeguards, and wait staff. They were not going to tolerate another place where their kind would be shut out as patrons. The new management finally gives in and decides the place has a retro charm. The tourists liked it just as it was. After some minor changes, it reopened as 'Wartaki Beach Dinette.'
Ana-Lena watches as Kris slurps a berry malted. She appears bored until visitors approach their booth.
"Hey, it's the little surfer kid. Great moves out there on the water, buddy."
Kris looks up from his malted glass. He is surprised that the pro surfers are speaking to him. Ana-Lena cautiously looks up from her plate. Two of the surfers she recognizes. They are the lifeguards at the first aid station. Kris glances across the booth at his sister. He looks at the surfers again. This is his validation. Someone appreciates him.
"Thanks."
"So, where did you learn your surfing skills, buddy?"
"My older brother."
"Oh yeah? Cool. Hey, you wanna talk about surfing maybe later today or tomorrow?"
"Okay."
"Mind if we join you in this massive booth? We usually get dibs on the big booths, but, as you can see, tourists are-a-taking over."
"Sure."
They sit down before Ana-Lena can protest. The waitress takes their order. Several minutes later, a few more of the lifeguard staff approaches the booth. The surfers recognize them immediately. It is Hart Qel-Droma and someone with shaggy light brown hair with blond highlights.
"Everyone, look who I found on the way in here."
Sten waves to the additional visitor.
"Hey, Trip, how was your trip?" He laughs at his joke.
Gar Tripper rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
"Hey."
Hart places his hand on Gar's shoulder.
"Glad you could join us. Did my brother hang around?"
"It's all cool. They finally let us go two days ago. Val said he had to do paperwork before the Sergeant would release him. What's going on here?"
Kris recognizes the voice. He is delightfully surprised.
"Gar!"
"Oh, hey, kid! How's it going? Never figured I'd see you again."
Gar Tripper smiles at Kris but nervously slowly backs away from the booth when he sees Ana-Lena. His enthusiasm dissipates.
Kris urges him over to the booth.
"Wanna join us?"
"Uhm…Looks like a full house. We'll take another booth."
"Why? There's plenty of room." He immediately figures out the problem. He looks across the both at his sister. "Ahh…It's okay. There won't be a problem. I promise." He gives Ana-Lena a knowing look. She squints back at him.
The waitress arrives to take orders from the new guests.
The waitress is a stout petite woman with doughy cheeks and red kewpie doll lips Her dark auburn hair is pulled up into a neat bun held in place by two blue combs. Her blue and white waitress uniform is immaculate.
She pulls out her order data pad and stylus from her apron pocket.
The other members of the group shout out their orders. Gar hesitates. He eventually takes a seat in the booth after his friends unabashedly settle in and grab menus. Kris makes everyone change places so Gar can sit beside him. Gar tries to avoid eye contact with Ana-Lena. He takes a menu while the others wait for their food. The waitress waits for him to make a decision. She speaks in a doll-like voice.
"Good afternoon, surfer boy. What are you having today?"
"Uhm…"
"Would you like to hear our specials?"
"Are they any good?" He reads her nametag. "Tangina…nice nametag."
"Yes, it is…Ever since management spruced up the place they gave us new uniforms and these swanky nameplates."
"Nice. So, you recommend the grub here?"
"Yes."
"You eat the food?"
"Sure, I do. How do you think I keep this beautiful figure?"
Gar pretends to sound skeptical.
"Uhm…okay, let's hear the specials."
"We have Okikuti snapper grilled or poached with green salsa, chips or rice and a side salad. We also have shaak burger platter with blue milk cheese and Mustafar fries…We also have a Felucia chef salad with grilled duck, eopie ham, and roast bantha rolled in slices of jerba cheese over mix greens, roasted red peppers, onions, cucumbers, and olives. You choose the salad dressing."
Gar smiles as he continues his witty banter with the waitress.
"It all sounds so appetizing. What are the fancy people having?" He looks across the booth at Ana-Lena. Ana-Lena stares at her brother.
"There's nothing fancy about him. We're almost done."
Kris looks at his sister.
"No we're not!" He slides his empty malted glass to the center of the table and looks at Tangina. "I'll have a refill, please."
Tangina pretends to snarl at him.
"You sure you can handle it, fella? That's your third one." Tangina winks at him.
"Sure I can!"
Ana-Lena is losing patience with her brother.
"You had better not blow chunks on the way back to the hotel. You're already an embarrassment."
Gar scans the menu.
"I'll have the snapper...poached. That sounds both healthy and chic."
Tangina smirks.
"Slow your roll, pal. She ain't even looking at you."
"Trust me, it's better that way. Now, getting back to the menu; I like to try new food so impress me."
"You're full of bantha fodder, you know that don't you?"
With all the commotion and multiple conversations going on in the booth, Ana-Lena does not hear what Tangina and Gar are saying to one another.
Tangina takes the menu and other diners in the booth engage Kris in conversation about surfing. Gar pretends to look at the beverage and dessert menu while ignoring Ana-Lena. Ana-Lena takes out her phoneand sends text messages to Pepper-Ann. A sly smile creeps across her face.
Tangina returns and places a dish of fresh spicy olives and a small breadbasket on the table. Gar dips the bread into the olive dish. The sweet olive oil is a welcome taste on his tongue. Ana-Lena looks at her phone messages but speaks to Gar.
"You know, you can talk to me. I don't bite."
"That's okay. I kinda like my life."
"So where are your friends?"
"What friends? Ohh...from camp? They're traveling I suppose. Are you here with your family?"
"That's the story. Sooo…you're going to eat that entire bread basket?"
"No…just the bread….until my food arrives. The basket has too much fiber. It's a joke."
"Well it wasn't that funny. You're eating like a starving bantha."
"Sorry I don't live up to your standards. Aren't you kind of young to be so cynical?"
You just don't want to talk to me."
"That's a possibility."
"What did I ever do to you?"
"Listen your highness, your very presence is aggravation for me."
"You hate me because you don't like my father."
"Listen, sweetheart, I don't know you. I just know that anyone who associates with you and your family, it spells trouble."
Tangina returns to the booth with Gar's order.
"Okay, hot stuff…Here's your fish with salsa, rice, and side salad. Bon Appétit!"
"Thanks."
Gar prepares to enjoy his meal. Ana-Lena watches as he wolfs down the most of the contents of his plate.
"Is that your first meal since you left Camp Perlote?"
"Does my eating bother you?"
"I just don't want to listen to you belch like and acklay."
"You know, I can find another table."
Kris overhears their conversation.
"Gar! Don't leave. She can't scare anyone."
"Does she always get her way?"
"No. So, how long are you staying?"
"Just a couple of days. A bunch of us are going to a concert."
"Really? Who are you going to see?"
"The Krayt Dragons."
"Ooooh…wow! I'd love to see them."
"Maybe when you're older. There's going to be drinking and use of illegal substances. Not by me of course, but, I'm just saying…It's not the type of crowd for kids."
"I wanna hang out with you cool guys."
Gar laughs.
"Oh ho! No! We're not the kind of 'cool' you want to be around. Haven't you learned anything from that wacky camp this summer?"
Ana-Lena looks across the table at her brother.
"See? Listen to this guy. He's in college."
Gar resumes eating and continues to ignore her. The other diners at the table talk amongst themselves.
"So guys, what should we do later?"
"I'm going to go back to the beach and sleep off this lunch until the evening."
"You know the tide comes in before dusk and it's going to be a big one. Who's game?"
Sten reaches across the table and dunks a piece of bread in the olive oil dish.
"So, guys, what's the plan?"
"We all hit the waves at dusk."
Kris chimes in as he takes a slurp from his malted.
"Dusk is awesome."
Ana-Lena rolls her eyes at him.
"Better not."
Gar continues eating.
"You better not, kid. Your big sister will lose her babysitting gig."
"Yeah, she's lousy at it too."
"Sooo…what time do you toddlers have to be back at the hotel?"
"You mean I can't go surfing with you guys?"
"Sorry, kid. I don't want to get into any Dark Force entanglements with your folks."
Kris sulks. This is not the vacation he had in mind. Ana-Lena picks at her salad. Gar notices.
"What's wrong, Empress; your eopie food not hitting the spot?"
"I'm not really hungry. I see you scarfed down your daily special."
"A boy likes to eat."
"You eat like a goat. I don't think they need to wash the plate."
"So far you've called me three different farm animals."
"And?"
"I figured you might want to be nice for a couple of hours."
"I can be nice."
Gar is doubtful.
"Sure you can."
"Is this an inherited trait or is this all you?"
The group hangs around at the diner until late afternoon before the dinner crowd arrives. Tangina programs the dinner menu on her data pad. She clears the dishes from the booth and has a new set of menus tucked under her arm.
"So, are you staying for dinner? I have three new specials.
Hart laughs.
"Is this the *'sith'*…I mean stuff that didn't sell yesterday?"
"Listen, potty-mouth, I don't have to let you rest in here for four hours."
"Fair enough, Tangi."
Tangina turns to Gar.
"So, are you having dessert or are you just gonna hang around. Will I get a tip that correlates with my fine service?"
"You'll get a fabulous tip. I got my camp cheque today so I'll pay for this motley crew of mine."
"Even the young lady and the child?"
"Sure…why not?"
Ana-Lena speaks up.
"I can pay for myself and my brother, thank-you."
"No problem, but I would be a cad if I didn't pay for a lady and child."
Kris laughs.
"She's no lady."
Ana-Lena warns her brother.
"Cut it out!"
Tangina watches as the Ana-Lena and Gar battle for the cheque. Gar grabs the bill that Tangina tallies on the data pad. His face turns pale and he releases a shallow sigh. The tab, plus Tangina's tip adds up to a large percentage of his camp counselor stipend. He had planned to use part of his pay as a down payment on a speed bike. There is a slim chance of this happening now. Ana-Lena watches him as he scrutinizes the bill.
"I can take that."
"No…no, it's cool."
Kris is too busy chatting with the surfers and lifeguards to notice what is going on.
Suddenly there is a rousing cheer and the surfers scramble out of the booth, leaping over the partition. Kris joins them.
"Hey, guys, wait for me!"
He is gone before his sister can grab him.
Gar, meanwhile, already hands Tangina his card for the lunch tab. Tangina is impressed. Ana-Lena leaves the booth to catch up to her brother. She stops suddenly and turns to Gar.
"Thank you…really."
Tangina agrees.
"Yes, I thank you, too. You're a good man."
Gar is quiet as he prepares to leave the booth.
"I know."
Ana-Lena leaves to catch up with Kris. By the time she is outside Kris and the others have piled into a dune buggy and venture out to the beach. The tide is high as it comes in that afternoon. The surfers grab their boards and head out into the water. Hart Qel-Droma turns to Kris.
"So, what do you think, little buddy?"
Kris studies the tide as the waves build.
"Ohhh…Probably the next 10 swells north to northwest. It'll be a good one…over 3 meters."
"Okay, I'm taking your word, little guy." He turns to the remaining surfers who are waiting to swim out into the water. Most of the beachgoers have returned to their hotels as an overcast sky cools the air. "Our little buddy says the next 10 swells is when we should go out. Looks like rain too." He glances up at the sky. "Yep…looks like a storm is brewing."
"Can I go out with you?"
"No, little bro. You stay on the beach. We don't want to lose track of you if the swells get too unmanageable."
Hart and the other surfers make their way into the water. The tide pulls them out to the sea. As predicted, the rains come. Kris stands at the waters' edge and tries to get a view of Hart and the other surfers but they are no longer in sight. The rain and wind come in hard on the beach. Kris had hoped to get more use out of his new wet suit. He is about to head to the cabana to change back into his clothes. This day is not working out for him.
Gar ventures out of the diner and onto the outdoor patio area. It is empty due to the rain. He can see Ana-Lena heading for the beach. Tangina walks out onto the patio and stands with Gar. She is just tall enough to see over the rail.. The white canvas awning above them ripples violently in the wind. The wind blows Tangina's perfectly coiffed hair out of place.
"Why don't you go after her? She's going to get soaked." Tangina hands him an umbrella.
"What am I supposed to do? She's not the type who wants to be rescued."
"It's the gesture that matters. Besides, you're right, she's just a child. That's why you need to help her. Here's the umbrella, take it. It's the least I can do since that nice tip you gave me. Listen, if you want to come back and work at the diner, you're welcome. The tips are good. Zeke misses you working in the kitchen."
"Thanks but the camp gig wasn't so bad. It was actually therapeutic."
"You're full of it."
Gar groans then takes the umbrella from Tangina. He runs to his dune buggy in the parking lot and drives along the beach. He locates Ana-Lena in the distance and swerves ahead of her. The rain is coming down hard. She will not hear him. He is wrong. She turns just as the buggy speeds ahead. She is not pleased.
"Are you crazy? You could have run me over with that thing!"
"I could have but I didn't. Get in!"
"I don't need your help."
"Get in or I'll mow you down! Your brother's out there."
"Fine!" She gets in the vehicle. Gar cruises along the waters' edge. The wheels of the dune buggy sends globs of wet sand flying behind it. They search for any sign of Kris on the beach. Ana-Lena is worried and angry.
"If he went surfing in these conditions, my dad will kill him."
"Don't worry. We'll find him. He's a smart kid; he won't do anything stupid."
They continue on another mile along the stretch of beach. Gar sees a crowd of people in the distance. Ana-Lena panics and leaps out of the vehicle before Gar can stop.
"Man! What is wrong with this chick? This nightmare gets worse by the minute." He stops the buggy and hops out following her to where the crowd has gathered. He can see the panic on her face. She regrets being a bad big sister. As Gar chases Ana-Lena, he can make out the people on the beach. It is one of the surfers, not Kris, lying on the beach. He is relieved. The other surfers return to the beachdropping their boards in the sand. They decide not to tackle the swell that has grown to 4 meters. Someone is leaning over the unconscious surfer. The others look on then there is cheering. Sten and Hart pat Kris on the back.
"Kid, you're awesome!"
The surfer is revived and tries to sit up as the crowd surrounds him.
"Oh…man. A wipe out." He looks up at Kris. "You saved my life."
Ana-Lena pushes through the crowd. She frantically shakes Kris.
"Are you crazy? You could have been killed! You're so reckless! You have a cut on your forehead."
Kris is calm as he reassures his sister.
"Relax, Sis, I'm fine."
"But I'm responsible for you."
The surfers help the medics load the injured surfer into the ambulance. One of the medics assures the group that their friend will be okay. The other medic applies a bandage on Kris' forehead. Ana-Lena is drenched.
After the crowd disperses, everyone agrees to call it a day. Kris returns to the cabana and changes out of his wetsuit.
No one is on the beach. The tourists have returned to their hotels or to the promenade where the shops are located as they seek temporary shelter from the storm. Gar offers to take the Skywalker children back to their hotel. He decides that he could drive by the hotel and drop them off in the lobby. This is not the case.
Ana-Lena and Kris remain quiet during the ride back to the hotel. Ana-Lena is thinking how she will explain her wet clothing and the sand in her hair.
Gar slows down as he pulls into the valet drop-off in front of the hotel. Ana-Lena remembers that she has her sparkly pink mobile phone with her. One thing she has never received is a call from her father on the phone…until now. She purses her lips and sighs when she sees the phone light up. She is surprised by the tone in his voice. 'Tell your 'chaperone' to come with you.'
She looks straight ahead as she speaks to Gar.
"My father wants you to come upstairs with us."
"Why? Isn't he satisfied that you're alright?"
"No. That's not enough for my father. You had better come upstairs with us."
Gar rests his head on the steering wheel.
"I hate when stuff like this happens."
A valet holds open the driver-side door.
Gar will not relinquish his data key to his vehicle. Ana-Lena assures him that he will get it back.
"You'll get it back. He's going to park it for you."
"I can park it on a side street."
"It will be fine."
"If he wrecks it, I'm suing the hotel."
Gar looks up at the 5-star luxury hotel. It looks glamourous even under the overcast sky. He had never been inside the Wartaki Millennium Resort Hotel. He has seen wealthy vacationers enter and leave but this is his first time he has ever stepped across the threshold of this palatial structure. He imagines what the inside looks like: Probably overly ornate wallpaper and crushed velvet carpeting and gold furniture. Gar is pleasantly surprised. The place has none of these features. The hotel is not gaudy at all.
The elevator operator looks at the three young people who are soaked from head to toe with sand encrusted clothes and shoes. Two middle-aged adult passengers board the elevator. They are dressed for a cocktail party. The couple notices the disheveled threesome. They move to the far left side of the elevator. When the couple arrive at their floor, it is amusing to watch as they gingerly tiptoe out of the elevator avoiding the wet sand.
The elevator ride is awkward as the toffee-nosed operator watches as sand lands on the floor of the normally pristine elevator. Ana-Lena, Kris, and Gar remain silent during the ride up to their floor. Gar looks down at his sand filled sandals. The elevator finally slows to a stop. The elevator operator announces the floor. He is a tall, thin man with short blond hair. He speaks with a deep monotone voice.
"Penthouse Suite. Door opening. Stay on the paper please."
Gar cannot resist speaking. It was strange having to remain silent during the ride.
The doors open and a vacuum droid is in the foyer ready to inhale the sand trail they leave behind. A sheet of brown craft paper magically unfolds like a carpet.
Gar looks at the elevator operator and smirks.
"Smooth ride. Thanks chief!" He digs in the soaked pocket of his cargo shorts and finds two 50-centime coins. He tosses the coins to the elevator operator.
The elevator operator tips his hat and nods.
"Good evening Miss Skywalker, Young Master Skywalker..." He gives Gar a once over and addresses him with a condescending "Sir."
The door closes. The three giggle as they walk away from the elevator bank. Kris mocks the elevator operator's stuffy manner. He performs an exaggerated bow.
"Sir...Hah...hah...hah!"
Gar whispers.
"Gee, is he always this uptight? And what's with the paper on the floor? What are we? Cats?"
Ana-Lena covers her mouth as she giggles.
"Yes. I think children and teenagers annoy him. They tolerate us because our parents have money. He's probably insulted by the tip you gave him."
"How much was be expecting? All he did was press a button. We could have done that!"
Ana-Lena smiles.
"A lot more than you tossed to him. Heh heh heh!"
The laughter fades as they approach the door to the penthouse suite.
The door opens. The Dark Lord stands in the doorway towering over them. Ana-Lena is afraid of what will happen next. She immediately feels the need to explain.
"Daddy, It's not what you think. We didn't do anything wrong!"
"What's wrong is you took a 5 hour lunch. Come inside and get cleaned up."
Anakin grabs Kris and examines the small wound on his forehead. He stares at Gar who is not sure what to do. Gar stands at the door with his hands in his pockets then nervously folds his hands behind him. He clears his throat. Anakin continues to stare at him.
"So, is this how you bring my children home?"
"I did the best I could, sir."
Ana-Lena storms past her mother.
"Don't let Daddy be mean to him. He's been nothing but nice to Kris and me. He didn't have to drive us back to the hotel."
Isabel is calm as she looks at her two disheveled children.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of things."
Ana-Lena turns to her parents before disappearing into her room.
"Kris saved someone's life. That's how he got hurt. Gar had nothing to do with it."
Isabel makes sure that Kris and Ana-Lena are settled in. She returns to the sitting area of the hotel suite and hands Gar some towels.
"You can't be very comfortable. You're drenched. Why don't you go freshen up? May I get you some coffee or tea? Have you eaten?"
"I'm good, Mrs. Skywalker. Thanks. Shall I use the service entrance when I leave?"
Isabel shows him to a guest bathroom near the front door.
"No, of course not. You are soaked. Please stay so you can dry off. Anakin, give him a dry shirt."
"What?"
Isabel looks hat her husband. Anakin leaves the room. He returns with a light blue cotton shirt. It is one of the shirts that he received for Father's Day. He hands it to Gar.
"Go on…put it on. You can't go around all night with what you're wearing. You'll catch pneumonia."
Gar freshens up. He is glad to be out of the rain. The laundry service droid launders Gar's clothing in less than five minutes. He receives his cargo shorts dry, warm, and fresh smelling but there is something different about them. He emerges from the guest bathroom and begins to explain what happened and why Kris and Ana-Lena are late returning to the hotel.
Anakin sits quietly and stares at Gar. Gar is uncomfortable and immediately on the defensive.
"Listen, I don't know what your daughter told you but I had nothing to do with this. All I did was drive them back to the hotel.
Ana-Lena returns. She has showered and dressed. One would never have known that she had arrived in her disheveled state. Kris returns as well. Anakin looks at them.
"Well, at least you look presentable for dinner."
"Where are we going?"
"Oh, you're not going anywhere. You're in for the night. We're having room service. Mr. Tripper, you're invited to join us this evening."
"Oh, I can't…I gotta…" He can see Ana-Lena nodding for him to accept the invitation. It is not in his best interest to refuse. "Thank you. It would be a pleasure to dine with you."
"Good answer." Anakin exits the room.
Kris is excited to know that Gar is staying.
"This is awesome! You get to have dinner with us!"
Gar smiles He raises his fist with mock enthusiasm to cheer the occasion.
"Yea! Really, kid? Is this the highlight of the evening for you?"
"Well, yeah. You're a cool guy."
Ana-Lena looks at Gar. His mop of hair is combed neatly. She can see his blue eyes. His cargo shorts are clean and neatly pressed. Ana-Lena responds with quiet amazement.
"Wow. You actually look great. A new shirt and your pants are clean."
"The shirt is your dad's but my shorts are all flattened out."
"It's called ironing, a process obviously lost on college men. You should be glad. No more wrinkles."
"I liked the wrinkles in my pants. It's the style. My clothes have no longer have character."
Kris looks at Gar.
"Well, I like the wrinkles. I wear my pants the same way."
Ana-Lena rolls her eyes.
"Said the 12 year old boy."
"Don't pay attention to her, Gar. I'm glad you're staying for dinner. Here's the menu pad. Order anything you like…anything."
Gar takes a quick look at the menu and almost tosses it back at Kris.
"Uhm…I have no idea what to order. I don't know what half the stuff is on the menu."
Ana-Lena grabs the menu data pad.
"I'll order for you. Everything is good on this menu. Trust me, you'll love it."
"My speed buggy is downstairs…I really should…go. What is if gets wrecked?"
"My father will kill the valet…I'm joking. You dune buggy will be fine."
Dinner arrives half an hour after Kris enters his selection.
A team of waiters prepares the dining table and brings in the food. The staff stands by to seat everyone. Gar feels awkward as he arrives at the table but he is hungry. He is seated between Isabel and Kris. Anakin and Ana-Lena sit on the opposite side of the table. The table looks elegant. Gar is not accustomed to such finery. Apparently, wine is going to be served. The sommelier presents the wine to Anakin. Anakin tastes the wine. The sommelier fills Isabel's glass. He wants to spend time along with his family. Kris grins as he presents his glass to be filled. His father grabs the wine bottle and skips his two children. They snarl quietly. The sommelier takes a silver carafe from the cart. He serves Kris and Ana-Lena Bimmisaari Tea Fizz. Gar would actually prefer this as well but Anakin fills Gar's glass before he can refuse. Anakin decides to dismiss the staff. He raises his glass to propose a toast.
"Thank you for bringing my children home safely. Prosit."
Gar shrugs.
"Cheers."
Anakin lifts the lids of the chafing dishes. He sees a platter with a shaak Corellian, grilled summer vegetables, potato rosettes, green salad, and a lemon scallop and land shrimp appetizer.
"Who ordered this?"
Kris grins and then points to his sister.
"Ana-Lena did."
Ana-Lena points to Kris.
"Kris ordered the 3-kilo lobster Bisellian."
"Hmm…interesting." He turns to Gar. "So, Mr. Tripper, what is your goal in life besides surfing and hanging out with your friends?"
"Uhm…well, sir…" Gar stops eating and sets his steak knife on his plate. He wonders how long it will be before he is able to take another bite of the shaak Corellian. Ana-Lena was right. The food is good.
Kris who has the 3-kilo lobster on his plate, munches on a buttery ear of corn, and sucks the juice from a lobster claw the size of an oven mitt. There is a twice-baked potato that he has yet to tackle. Gar is distracted as he watches Kris eat. Anakin takes notice.
"That's my pride and joy over there. So, Kris, you decide to reward yourself with a lobster, eh?"
"Gee Dad, aren't I allowed any perks? I'm a hero."
"Really, sport?" Anakin is almost amused as he looks at his young son slurping the garlicky butter sauce from the lobster claw. Kris is wearing a ridiculous lobster bib. Anakin is speechless as Kris justifies his extravagant meal.
"Well, yeah. I saved a lifeguard."
"Fine. Enjoy." Anakin returns his attention to Gar. "So, Mr. Tripper, what are you majoring in at university besides parties and keggers?"
Isabel stops him.
"Anakin!"
"I apologize. I was being presumptuous. So, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"To serve and protect in your fine military, sir."
Kris stops chewing. Ana-Lena giggles. She knows he is joking. Kris thinks he is serious.
"What?"
Anakin scowls at Gar.
"Are you mocking my military?"
Gar quickly rethinks what he has just said.
"Oh no, sir. Never."
Kris smiles.
"We did a lot of that at camp." He salutes to Gar. The two of them laugh. Gar clears his voice and stops laughing. Anakin is not amused.
"Is that what you do? Mock a member of the military?"
Kris chimes in to defend Gar.
"Dad, Sergeant Gunderson was mean to us. He yelled at us. He said he wasn't afraid of you. Vern does a great impression of 'Hartless Wolf Gunderblast'"
Isabel scolds Kris. She almost laughs when she hears the nickname that the campers gave to Sergeant Gunderson.
"Chew your food."
"Oh yeah, sorry. I don't want to find any kernels at the other end."
This remark makes Ana-Lena groan in disgust.
"God! Mother, does he have to be so disgusting? He can be so embarrassing when we have company."
"Hey, I'm 12 years old. What do you expect?"
Gar tries to hold in a chuckle. Anakin turns to Gar.
"I see he makes you laugh. I have four more offspring gifted with various levels of humor used to embarrass me."
"Well, all I can say, sir, is that you have been very gracious."
"Thank you. My children are not as appreciative. So…getting back to you, what are your career goals?"
Ana-Lena rolls her eyes.
"Gee, Dad…Talk about beating a dead tauntaun with a light saber…"
Gar interrupts and responds to the question.
"Well, sir, my major is in mechanical engineering."
"Okay…impressive. What are your grades like?"
"I do okay."
"It's a competitive galaxy out there. I hope your grades will back you up. 'Okay' does not sound promising."
Isabel interrupts.
"Anakin, we're not here to assess his GPA."
"Well, I'm just giving him a dose of reality."
"Gar seems like a bright young man and I believe he will do just fine."
"That's my wife. Always looking for the good in people."
Kris looks at his father.
"He is good, Dad."
After dinner, Anakin and Isabel leave Gar and the children at the dinner table to enjoy some dessert. Kris decides he is too stuffed from his lobster dinner to finish his ice cream sundae. Ana-Lena orders a tri-colored sorbet of grapefruit, muja, and Felucia orange. It turns out to be the perfect choice. Gar enjoys this.
This is the first time that Ana-Lena notices a genuine smile on Gar's face since arriving for dinner. The three are relaxed enough to joke and laugh. Ana-Lena takes out her cell phone and takes a selfie. She catches Gar off guard.
"Gar! Say 'Hi!'"
"What?"
Kris pokes his face in the viewer and holo-bombs the image. Gar looks around confused.
"What are you doing?"
Ana-Lena writes a text message. A beeping sound comes from the phone. Ana-Lena reads the reply message before she responds: 'What do you think?'
'Scruffy kind of cute. Looks stunned! LOL He has dreamy eyes but my dad would die if I brought him home.'A-L, U R Awsm!- Pep-A
Ana-Lena notices that Gar has that worried look on his face from when he first arrived. She knows that he is concerned about his dune buggy speeder.
"You worry too much."
"What makes you think that?"
"I can sense that you're stressed."
"I'm okay."
"So, why were you so rude to the waitress today?"
"Rude? Oh, Tangina? Hah-hah! We go back a long time."
"How long? She could be your mother."
"I've been going to Wartaki Beach for years since high school. A bunch of us saw a 'Help Wanted' sign at the diner. We all got work there during the summers. I worked until my junior year before I got the camp gig. Tangi's been great. In a way, she's been like a mother...to all of us."
"So, you've spent every summer here?"
"Just about. So, I think I had better be on my way. Thanks for the awesome dinner. Your parents are really cool."
"Yeah, even my dad can be awesome at times."
She goes to her father to discuss the money Gar spent on her and Kris. Kris has fallen asleep on one of the long sofas in the suite.
Gar is ready to leave. He pulls away from the table. He walks out onto the balcony where Anakin and Isabel are sitting watching the waves roll in from the sea. He clears his throat.
"Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker, Thanks for the hospitality. The dinner was the best I have ever had…except for my mom's of course…I would never forgive myself if I didn't say that. Uhm…anyway, I had better get going. I've over-stayed my welcome and I promised to meet my friends in the morning.
Isabel stands and shakes his hand then gives him a warm hug.
"Well thank you for being so helpful and returning Kris and Ana-Lena to us. I know that they can be a challenge."
"It was the right thing to do. They're great kids…really."
Isabel and Anakin glance over at the sofa to see Kris sound asleep. Isabel leaves Gar and Anakin at the front door. Anakin tries to appear relaxed and nonthreatening as he stands in the door with Gar.
"So, I want to compensate you for your efforts today."
Gar holds up his hand.
"I cannot accept your money, sir. I would have done it either way."
"Kris is fond of you."
"He's a good kid…great surfer too."
"My daughter is only 14 and too young to…"
Ana-Lena overhears her father. She force speaks to him from her room.
"Fifteen, Dad!"
"Not yet!"
Gar continues to express his gratitude for the dinner.
"Thank you for dinner…and shirt. I hope I did not give you the impression that I had an interest in your daughter. I was simply being polite. Thank you again and goodnight, sir."
Gar bows respectfully.
"Goodnight, Mr. Tripper."
Gar salutes and heads down the hall to the elevator bank. Anakin closes the door. Ana-Lena returns to the room. She folds her arms across her chest.
"Gee, Daddy, what a way to go. You insult him and then you let him go without paying him. You are so embarrassing."
"I tried! He wouldn't take the money."
"You didn't use your 'amazing' powers?"
"Hey1 I didn't want to be so garish. It's not my fault he was too proud."
"He needs the money, Dad."
"Relax! I'll get his account number at the university and repay him that way."
"You promise?"
"Yes, I promise."
"Just for the record, all the lifeguards thought I was older than 14 and they offered me a job."
"Did you tell them that you were not of legal age?"
"I thought you would like the idea of me working."
"Then you are mistaken. It's late. Go to bed!"
"It's nice to know you care, Daddy. Don't forget to take care of Gar."
"I said I would. Get out of here."
Ana-Lena gives her father a big hug."
"I love you, Daddy."
"Yeah, I know."
Anakin keeps his promise. He does some investigative work the next morning. He secretly pays Gar's tuition. He discovers that Gar is, indeed a good student but his work hours cut into his study time. He convinces his Sabacc-playing buddies to contribute a portion of their winnings into a scholarship fund for deserving students.
The summer turns out better than Anakin had hoped. Kris enjoyed his camp experience; Ana-Lena did not mind tagging along with her parents to Camp Perlote and Kashyyyk; Isabel finds that Anakin can be great company once she gets him away from his den and pod racing. The couple's workshop seems to have worked…so far.
Autumn will arrive soon. There is a lot to do before the holidays. Anakin has a few matters to settle but there will be a few surprises ahead...both good and bad…and ugly…from a certain point of view.