Author's Note: Sorry that this took so long to get out to you all. My original plan was to include this with last weekend's bonus chapter, but I just couldn't find the time to get this posted. I hope the wait has been worth it though. Please review and let me know!
Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. The following work is not intended to add to, promote or distort this series. This is a work of fanfiction, and the author does not profit in posting. This is simply a writing exercise written for fun.
Tailing the woman was a trick, especially at her age. Her walking stick was hardly suitable for the terrain on Isis, what with it's harsh landscape. She couldn't use her connection to the Force either, as it would, naturally, alert her pray of her pursuit.
And Callista Masana was a tough one to track. She moved fast, for one, and had a determination that reminded the old witch of the princess in the future. Her hair bounced as she moved, climbing jutting rock after rock, and scaling multiple cliff sides in a day. The woman was certainly worth her weight in terms of ability.
Though what her mission was here, Pestilis couldn't even begin to imagine.
The wars were still a ways a way from this distant system, and there wasn't much in terms of established connections. In fact, Masana had taken great care to avoid the life that existed on this desolate ball of wasteland. At times, the witch had to back track, just to make sure she didn't lose her. That happened now in fact, as Masana wasn't around the rocky corner she should have been.
And it seemed her wonderings must have given her away.
"What do you want?" Came a determined, female voice from behind her. Slowly, Pestilis turned to face the woman, a slight grin on her features. Though it was not a friendly grin, and Masana was quick to register that, based on the danger she put into her tone next, "You've been following me for some time now... I think I deserve to know why."
With a chuckle, Pestilis dropped her walking stick and moved closer to the woman, her eyes lightening to that well known darkside hue. "Miss Masana... we have much to discuss."
Sensing the danger, the woman drew her lightsaber and ignited the blade, holding it between her and her foe. But a strange rumbling laugh sounded from all around her as a great smoke built up into the sky. And, as though in a storm of fire, this cloud landed behind her and reformed, twisting and turning until a man stood in its place.
With dark hair and a twisted beard, the man's red eyes eyed her up and down, and, finally, his grin faded. "This is not the one." he informed his comrade, "I've felt her presence in the future as a young woman... This is most peculiar. Perhaps there is another Callista Masana."
"Or perhaps this is the one we are looking for and she needs to die." The witch argued. "She's seen us anyway, we'd best eradicate her."
Smirking some, the man neared the now trembling woman. She wasn't sure what to make of this man, but the Force was telling her she should be running for her life right now. She just couldn't get her body to agree with that notion. When he was too close, she finally had control again and took a swing at him, but he caught her blade with his bare hands, absorbing the energy until the blade completely fizzled out.
In shock, Masana stumbled and fell backwards. "Now I know where I've seen you before!" The man grinned at her wickedly, "Callista Ming! My great-grandson was quite fond of you as I recall... He'll know your spirit when he senses it." And then, before Masana could process what he'd meant by that, he leaned down and began exhaling this peculiar kind of smog. It seemed to have that same fire inside it as the man's cloud had from before and it swirled around her, entering through her ears, eyes nose and mouth until the fire was coursing through her veins.
Then, the fiend stood up and regarded her, that same, terrifying expression on his face. "My gift to you, my dear." he grinned at her, "Shaetin venom to fill you with fear... and the only one with even the slightest ability to save you is Skywalker... seek him out for help."
And with that, he turned away, the witch close behind him.
Surprised more than anything, Masana raised her hands to find them trembling. That, and her nails had turned black, as though dead. What have you done to me?
Two days after Anakin had fallen into that strange state of being, Ahoska found herself walled off into her room. The other masters were concerned that she'd been emotionally impacted by her master's state, and they wanted to monitor her as well.
Anakin's temper, or whatever it was, had subsided, and he he had been subject to a battery of tests to explain his near catatonic and yet aware and dangerous state. Due to his power, he'd originally been walled off into his own section of the Medical Bay. Ahsoka had been present to his original fits and those that occurred once he'd been tied down. Whole machines were destroyed in the process and several had been injured restraining him. One lowly trainee nearly died.
Obi-Wan had been there until Anakin was sedated, paling with every minute as his former Padawan lashed out over and over again. With her Montrals, Ahsoka overheard him talking outside the doors a few times about Anakin's state and outbursts, and she didn't like what she'd heard. Many times they spoke of what Anakin was shouting in his fits, and most of the masters seemed upset by his statements.
After her master had been sedated, she followed Obi-Wan to the high council chamber to talk with him. He was just as shaken as she was, but was kind enough not to show it. She'd asked him if this ever happened before, and he assured her it had not. How the man was able to stay calm was beyond her, but he soon left her behind to enter the emergency meeting. It was closed, but that wouldn't stop Ahsoka from trying her best to help her master.
She tuned her Montrals in and listened as closely as possible for any hint as to what the council wanted to do with her master. She often heard raised voices, primarily of Master Windu, who had trouble stomaching betrayals. And to him, a violation of the code was perhaps the worst of betrayals. Many others spoke out against her master, accusing him of absolute insubordination on many occasions, and reminding others of his often unconventional solutions to problems. Master Fisto had been kind in pointing out that Anakin's effectiveness was unquestionable, and that his many successes should not be discounted.
But Obi-Wan hardly said a word, and that bothered her. It bothered her a great deal.
Without a second thought, she'd barged into the council and made one important decree, "His delirious statements have nothing to do with the problem at hand!" And her heartfelt statement seemed to silence the rabble that the masters had been reduced to. "My master is in trouble and you all have the gall to sit here and contemplate his sincerity! His loyalty! You all saw his life readings... His heart rate has been elevated too long, and the sedative hasn't brought it down. He could be dying!" She paused as each master glared at her for her insubordination.
"This is a closed session!" Master Windu reminded her sternly, while Ki-Adi-Mundi sat forward to regard her, "You should not be here, my dear!"
Plo Koon, being the kind master that he was, stood and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder, "We are well aware of your concerns Ahsoka, but this is not the place for a Padawan to deliberate-"
"-No." Master Yoda interrupted her, "Correct, young Ahsoka is... Caught up in our own judgmental nature we are. Bring focus to us she has." He smiled at her, sorrow in her eyes, "Assure you, we can, that, on your master's health, we will focus." And Ahsoka took that to heart as a powerful promise, which brought a calm smile to her face, if only for a brief moment. But that soon faded as Master Kenobi finally spoke up.
He'd sat the whole time, his blue eyes locked on the floor tiles as he thought, probing the Force for an answer. And, at last, Ahsoka's outburst brought him one word, "Empathy."
His single word practically froze the whole room, making many brows both raise and furrow simultaneously. As if to check himself, Ki-Adi-Mundi inquired, "Empathy?"
Confident in his answer, Obi-Wan nodded, "We all know how in touch Anakin is with the Force... it's possible that he might be channeling someone with similar power, feeling their worries and pain." Suddenly the whole council sat back, save for Master Unduli, who leaned forward, touching Obi-Wan with the Force to feel his certainty.
"That would certainly make sense," She pointed out, "but a case such of this has not happened before, by my recollection."
Yoda nodded, "An answer in the archives there might be." He then turned towards Obi-Wan, "Perhaps, there, a solution, you will find." The red-headed man nodded back to him, determination in his eyes. Then, swiftly, Obi-Wan rose and glided out of the room with purpose, making Ahsoka regard him in awe. She'd never seen a man so set in his path before.
She then turned back to the council, "I'll go help him!" She instantly volunteered, but was surprised to find every master shaking their head in disapproval.
"If there is a solution to be found," Master Ti informed her, her eyes gently assessing her, "we must trust that Master Obi-Wan will find it... in the meantime, Master Koon will escort you to your quarters for meditation."
Stunned, Ahsoka shook her head, "But I don't need to meditate! I need to help my master!"
Plo Koon pulled her into a half hug, "And you cannot do that until you are calm. Calmness prevails, my dear Ahsoka." And with that, he bowed to the other masters and pulled her out of the council chamber.
They walked down the halls together silently and entered her quarters, Master Koon gesturing that she entered first. Seated on the floor, they meditated quietly and then talked a bit about what she'd experienced in the medical bay. And Master Koon was very accepting of all her personal feelings, to her relief.
It had been a terrifying sight, witnessing her master destroy nearly every room he'd entered, crushing it beneath his awesome strength. Until this moment, she'd never truly realized how powerful her master was. His abilities were astounding!
And they felt just like Jacen and Jaina Darklighter.
Though she'd discussed her wonder at her Master's true powers, she'd kept her own observations to herself when it came to this theme. Or, at least, she tried to. Master Koon did eventually ask her, as though gently interrogating her, if she did believe her master had a son.
"A son?" She echoed back and then thought on it for a moment, throwing her earnesty into the Force. Smiling to herself, she added, "He doesn't strike me as the fatherly type, truth be told. Too impatient for a little kid. I'll bet Master Kenobi is right about that Jedi empathy stuff."
Plo Koon chucked a little bit and nodded, "I tend to agree with you... but we'll have to see what happens when he's himself again." Sensing that Ahsoka was now back to a state of 'fairly-calm', he stood and turned towards the door, "I'll visit with you soon, little Soka. But in the meantime, if you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to seek me out."
Bashful at how kind the Kel dor was being, Ahsoka nodded with a slight flush and wished him well as he departed.
Her eyes then turned towards the faithful Artoo, who sat in her room, trembling in fear for his beloved master. "You said Jacen Darklighter is Anakin's son." She pointed out to the droid.
Pulled from his reverie, Artoo suddenly hopped to and fro, scrambling towards Ahsoka as he whistled.
"You really believe that, don't you?" She inquired again, turning her eyes to the ceiling as she listened to Artoo's response, "But why?"
Eager to answer her question, as the droid believed her to be a trusted friend, Artoo singed his retort carefully, his optics often glancing towards the door when he sensed a person pass by with his sensors. And Ahsoka listened with open ears. She wanted answers as much as Obi-Wan did, who was right now likely scouring the archives in search of an explanation for his former Padawan's behavior that did not result in his expulsion from the Order.
Once Artoo finished his explanation, Ahsoka sat up and regarded him, "Well... you've convinced me." She brought herself to her feet and moseyed to the door, "Let's go find Jacen and make sure he's all right then."
Stunned at first, it took the droid a little extra time to process Ahsoka's candid statement. And, once he did, he nearly ran a Youngling over to catch up with her. His whistles only served to make Ahsoka chuckle some. "I know exactly how to find them Artoo." She informed the droid without turning back.
And something in her voice made the droid actually believe her.
Seated in the archives, Obi-wan sped through yet another article on empathy. He was certain that was the reason behind his former Padawan's behavior. It just had to be.
Anakin doesn't have a son, he kept reminding himself, forcing every doubt that could come to light clear out of his mind. But that did little to quell the council, which was all too eager to expunge his name from their ranks, despite his numerous good deeds. They viewed his delirious state as nothing more than a mechanism to a confession of deliberate disregard of the Jedi code.
Anakin was a mover and a shaker, which was both a celebrated and disliked feature in any Jedi. It made him a target for ridicule as well as a reason to cheer. Many of the odd Jedi in the order felt this conflict head on, and, unfortunately, Obi-Wan was hardly innocent in his assessing of others a little too judgmentally. Even Yoda was partial.
But the way the council had deliberated his outbursts made Obi-Wan fear for him. Fear that their greatest warrior, his brother in arms would soon be gone. Discharged. Dishonored. Or worse, dead from their lack of action.
He couldn't bare that thought.
When his comm clanged, Obi-Wan was pulled from his thoughts. "Kenobi here." He replied to the bell.
"Master Kenobi." Came the gruff voice of Knight Krell, "I just wanted to inform you that Knight Skywalker just left the infirmary. Perhaps you should catch up with him before he disappears..." Obi-Wan swallowed at that thought. "He seemed rather distraught." Krell soon added when there was no reply.
"My thanks to you Krell," Obi-Wan attempted to sound positive, despite the fact that on the inside he was torn to pieces, "I'll catch up with Anakin shortly. Kenobi out." And with that, he sat down and sighed.
Stretching his senses out into the temple, Obi-Wan sought out his brother. Anakin was moving fast, nearly sprinting towards the docking bay. He's trying to leave Coruscant! Obi-Wan realized, springing to his feet.
He bolted out of the archives towards the nearest flight of stairs, despite many protests, and jumped as high as he could towards the floor he knew Anakin was on. Rounding a corner, the two nearly plowed into one another before registering that they were about to collide. Anakin fell on his backside, slamming his still disoriented head. Obi-Wan could only watch as his pupil glared up at him with malice in his eye.
"Get out of my way Obi-Wan." the young man warned.
Crossing his arms, Obi-Wan stared at him curiously, "Why?"
Turning away to glare at a small mouse droid passing by, Anakin took a deep breath. "I have to get to Tatooine." He replied sternly.
Surprised by his answer, Obi-Wan had to ask, "To your son?"
Suddenly filled with all sorts of shock and anger, Anakin pulled himself from the ground to glare at his brother in arms, "I don't have a son!" He replied while filled with so much emotion, he didn't know which way to send it into the Force. The walls began to whine at this lack of control. "But..." he suddenly remembered as he swallowed a lump in his throat, "I do have a brother."
Shocked more than anything, Obi-Wan uncrossed his arms and began pulling at his beard... his nervous habit, "Darklighter." He replied, to which Anakin nodded, his eyes still glued to the floor, "Well, is it possible that..." His thoughts were pulled back to his research about Jedi empathy powers, "Maybe this son you've been prattling on about is your nephew?"
Anakin halted, his jaw suddenly dropping as he furrowed his brows together.
"I mean," Obi-Wan continued carefully, noticing the weakness of his former Padawan's demeanor, "Jacen is married... and as brother's you could be bonded to feel his pain through Jedi empathy."
Shaking his head slowly at first, Anakin felt compelled to relay to his master what Ahsoka had uncovered, "Jaina is our sister, not his wife." That information certainly made Obi-Wan's brows furrow, but his confusion was not to be cured, as Anakin sped forward with his desires swiftly, "Which means that my trip to Tatooine is so much more important!" He took two more steps forward, staring his master down, "I need to understand this Obi-Wan... I need to know what my identity really is. Who is my family, and why are so many relatives crawling out of the woodwork now? Surely you understand this!"
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan shook his head once more, "I strongly advise against this Anakin." He warned, "The Jedi Council has viewed your statements the last two days as a confession of disregarding our code, if you leave now, you're basically telling them that you have a son." He then paused as he watched Anakin process this information, "Even if you don't."
After a time, Anakin had to reply, "But I don't Obi-Wan." But even as he said that, a part of him said he was lying to himself... that there was a reason he felt so strongly that he had to find someone so very close to him. Someone important to him. In fact, he felt like the most important person in the galaxy to him, but Anakin didn't dare voice those impulses to Obi-Wan.
But he pushed all that aside as he realized what his longtime friend had just told him, "Wait! I was out for two days?!" Obi-Wan nodded slowly, careful not to move to quickly and startle his still disoriented friend. Anakin looked horrible, with dark circles around his eyes and a paleness unlike him to his skin. He was clearly still sick.
"I have to go to Tatooine." He reinforced his decision with more reasoning, showing that he had considered this trip well before this new crisis, "So much has happened recently, that I feel I must in order to understand who I am." He then paused and stared his friend down with ocean blue eyes that screamed help me! "I'm lost Obi-Wan."
Realizing that he really had no choice, Obi-Wan let out a deep sigh and nodded. It amazed him how happy he was to feel Anakin's relief and thankfulness in the Force.
Even as he felt Anakin's presence run deep into the bowels of the hangar, he felt the agony of realizing what his friend just threw away. There was no way for him to convince the council that Anakin was childless now.
So forlorn was he, that he didn't sense the approach of Master Yoda beside him.
"An interesting question we have." The ancient startled Obi-Wan from his thoughts, his eyes trained on the door Anakin had just passed through. "Why cry out for a son Skywalker does not have? Why have siblings pretend to marry? A deep conspiracy I sense here."
Obi-Wan turned to the sage wearily, "A conspiracy?" He wondered, not understanding what the aged Yoda meant, "You mean against Anakin?"
Yoda nodded, "Not adding up, too many things are." he decided carefully before turning around, "Entered the temple, a great darkness has... Skywalker as its target, I sense." He then turned back to Obi-Wan, his expression thoughtful, "Go with him, you should... His guide through pain, you must be."
Obi-Wan sighed and turned to his feet, "I've learned it is often best to let Anakin approach you when he needs it." He informed the wizened master, "Preemptive strikes often shut him down."
Yoda nodded, somewhat understanding, "An unwise decision this is." He pointed out, and then, with new candor added, "Then be here for him, you must. With both ears open." The small green ancient then resumed his travels, his staff clicking with every step he took, "The only one with ears, you are, in this temple... Listen carefully."
In hearing this, Obi-Wan turned back to Anakin, hurting at the fact that he knew Yoda was right. No one else would give him the time of day after this: no one.
And so, he summoned his courage and took a step forward towards the hangar.
Ahsoka sighed as she neared the door to Padme's apartment, hoping that she was making the right decision. Carefully, she reached up and rang the small bell, her heart pounding in her chest. She was very uncertain of this, even with the loyal Artoo by her side.
Slowly the door opened and Dorme peeked out, surprising Ahsoka with just how much she resembled the senator. Ahsoka never really understood the whole handmaiden thing. "May I help you, Master Jedi?" She inquired carefully, her brown eyes laced with suspicion.
Trying her best to appear cheerful, Ahsoka smiled widely and asked sweetly, "Is Senator Amidala home?"
In sensing her non-threatening demeanor, Dorme smirked back and then pulled the door wide, "Senator... A young Jedi is here to see you."
All Ahsoka heard was a thump, rumble and then the youthful woman came into view. Despite the regal appearance of the senator, with her hair twisted into large rings and her sparkling gown pressed properly, her presence in the Force showed her intense agony inside. "Oh! Ahsoka!" Padme gasped at the sight of her, shuffling to the door twice as fast now as her smile grew along with the worry in her eyes, "Come on in! Please!"
Dorme bowed to the two women and closed the door behind Ahsoka before retreating towards another room. It continued to amaze Ahsoka how formal and devoted all of Padme's handmaidens were. She could sense how strongly they believed in this average woman with more than average abilities to inspire others.
"Is there any reason for your visit today?" She inquired carefully, though Ahsoka was certain there was a glimmer of panic in her eyes. This formality was a cover, she just knew it.
So, in a quick moment of inspiration, Ahsoka simply informed the woman, "Master Anakin collapsed while on the way back to Coruscant... Last I heard, he's in intensive care."
Taken aback at first, Padme's jaw dropped. Ahsoka could sense all sorts of emotions exuding from this regal persona. Confusion. Suspicion.
Fear.
And it was then that Ahsoka realized why her master was so difficult to track down some days. He was here with the senator. He was in love and she was reciprocating. This was far more than she'd suspected and she was about ready to chew Artooie out for holding back on her. No doubt he knew this.
"I see" Padme wondered carefully, the fear in her eyes growing double.
Swallowing and trying to be more careful, Ahsoka revised her approach, "There is more."
Padme sat back on her brown sofa and turned to face out the window before collecting herself and confronting the youth before her, "Well... if there is, you'd best spit it out... I'm not sure I can take the suspense."
Thrown for an excuse to be there, the young Togrute threw out the only idea she had, "I've been having visions of you in danger" Ahsoka lied to her her, hoping her instincts were correct. The shock on Padme's face spoke volumes. "-Umm, Aura Singh... she returns and... it's soon too."
"I see." Padme gasped, amazed at the allegation, "Aura Singh,... I thought she was dead."
Ahsoka swallowed, realizing her error there, "Well, I could have been mistaken when I said that." She pointed out, "But, fact of the matter is, your life is in danger."
Padme sighed once more and nodded, "Well," she then stood up, "Thank you for informing me." She then moved towards the door and gestured to it in a informing way, "I have to prepare for a summit on Alderaan, so, unfortunately, I must cut this call short."
Jaw dropped, the Togruta stood up, "But your life is in danger... you can't just throw caution to the wind!" When Padme made no reply, and Captain Typho entered the room to assess the commotion, Ahsoka stomped over her way and added, "As it is, Jacen and Jaina Darklighter already debugged your vacation home and the four of us fought off General Grievous."
Eyes wide, Padme brought a hand to her head, "Grievous?... But why would-"
"-Senator!" Ahsoka drove home, "You need to heed my warning... you should not go to that summit."
Staring at her sternly, suddenly, Padme retorted in kind, "Many threats have been waged against my life, Ahsoka, but I will not give them the honor of extinguishing it while I am breathing. I will continue to live my life, business as usual..." She then added with softer eyes, "It's the only way I could survive this position."
And with that, Ahsoka's eyes were pleading, but it isn't just your life at stake anymore!
When Alderaan came into view, Leia could not help but let her jaw drop. After nearly ten agonizing years without it, the sight of the glistening blue globe nearly made her heart stop. In space, she could see it all, the snowy peaks, the vast oceans, the green forests. Home. Sensing her joy, her brother could only send her a slight smile as he flew in to the space.
"You'll have to guide me." He informed his beloved sister, "Or better yet... why don't you fly?"
Turning to her brother a moment, Leia pulled her jaw back to her and nodded to him, her eyes still wide in wonder. It pleased Luke to see Leia this way, radiant, awestruck, happy... it only worried him how much this experience may affect her heart, something he'd learned to be very fragile despite his sister's hardened exterior.
Gently, Leia took control of the small golden skiff, a grin plastered on her face as she navigated familiar space and nearly sang out long lost protocols. She was going home!
When soft fluffs of cloud swooped past to reveal the mountainous landscape known as Alderaan, Leia felt a sense of sheer, untainted joy. The first true joy she'd felt in her recent life. And, with a slight grin, she pushed the controls and brought the small skiff closer towards the sea of trees that encapsulated the old castle and capital of the peaceful world. She felt like the long lost princess, returning home to her majestic castle, and laughed at the irony of the notion.
As they neared the landing platform, where many other ships were disembarking, Leia glanced at her brother, who was staring comfortably out the window towards the rolling mountains she'd grown to cherish as a child. "It's a lot like mother's home world." Luke noted kindly, his voice showing no sign of dislike, "I can see why you miss it so."
With a slightly melancholy grin, Leia nodded, "I'd give anything to save it." she pointed out, "Which we could easily do."
Luke shrugged, "I'd rather consult someone wiser before intentionally tampering with the time line Leia." he compromised carefully as she docked their ship. Rolling her eyes, Leia shut off the ignition and let out a sigh. Her brother then added as she collected herself to argue back, "For all we know, what have done thus far has inadvertently saved this land and our actions could counter that." Leia frowned at her brother a moment, not believing a word of it.
"Somehow I doubt that just meeting us has changed father's path." She pointed out with that familiar bitterness from before their excursion to the past. And she was out of her chair before Luke could retort. He could only laugh to himself as he watched her stomp out.
But, as he did, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirrored panel across from him. To his amazement, all the raggedness of his skin and bones form had faded away, revealing the young man beneath that dread curse. But more had been lifted than wrinkles. His hair in particular and lightened a few shades and even began to curl as it once had when he was still young and naive. He always thought the look made him appear like a kid, and, when he began leading others, he combed out the locks to give him a more distinguished look. Up until now, he never considered letting the hair dry and twist, and was starting to wonder if his high fashion sister was starting to rub off on him.
"Are you coming?" Leia's voice rumbled from outside the ship, making Luke chuckled.
"Yes, princess." He replied snidely as he moseyed towards the ramp.
Apparently Leia had heard that comment, because she glared at her brother while he strolled her direction. He couldn't help but laugh at her, her brown hair curling wildly around her head in the wind, as she stared at him in a way that made him wonder if he was safe.
"Took you long enough." She pointed out as she turned to walk side by side with him. He merely shook his head and continued further, wordless. She didn't need to know about his discovery. Or, at least, he thought she didn't until she made a comment near the front doors. "I like that look... the wild boy one... it suits you." Luke chuckled as he heard that, shaking his head.
"Only because it matches my wild girl looking sister." He pointed out, to which she smirked.
She crossed her arms as they approached the front gate of the palace, where several dignitaries and aristocracy were lining up to prove their passage. "Wild looking am I?" she wondered a moment before reminding him, "You know, curls are dominant in our family... even father seemed to have some." Luke grinned and nodded his agreement.
"I noticed that too." He informed his sister as the dignitaries before them entered the door, leaving them to provide their credentials next.
Turning to the guard, Leia smiled and waved her hand, "We are guests of Senator Organa." It seemed the people behind them hadn't noticed her obvious suggestion, or rather, Luke was using the Force to make them focus in on a distant bird.
"You are guests of Senator Organa." the guard echoed, even as his superior looked on.
"You will have someone escort us to him." She ordered once more as her brother smirked. His eyes turned to the furrowed brow of the superior, who stepped forward with interest.
"And why would that be, if you don't mind my asking?" The gentleman inquired. He approached in blue diplomatic garb and an expression of authority. Though Luke did not recognize him, the elation he felt in his sister indicated that she did.
"Captain Raymus Antilles!" She grinned at him, "It's a pleasure to s-meet you!"
Antilles, a tall man with dark hair, stepped forward to regard Leia, "And you are?"
To that, Leia nearly cursyed, "My apologies, sir, I am Jaina Darklighter, and this" she motioned to Luke, who also nodded, "is my husband Jacen. We were Senator Organa's guards on Coruscant." Antilles nodded with a grin.
"I've heard much about the two of you from the Senator." He replied, stepping the side to gesture that they follow him. The twins nodded to him and followed suit, climbing up a small flight of stairs and heading towards what Leia recalled was the library. "He'd hoped you two would arrive," he added with a smile before pointing out, "Though it would have been easier if you'd used your invitations."
The twins paused a moment and glanced towards one another inquisitively. One would not had to have been Force sensitive to read their very thoughts.
Intrigued, Raymus stepped forward and suggested, "He said he'd left it with your driver on Coruscant... did the man forget to give it to you?" Thinking back, Luke shrugged and then, as an epiphany struck him, he held his hand up in the "one moment" sign and reached into his cloak. There, he found the silver box they'd received before.
I forgot about that, Leia recalled, watching her brother open the small box carefully. Inside, they found two holographic invitations with specific chair numbers. He passed these on to Leia. Underneath them, however, he spotted an even bigger surprise in the form of two silver, rectangular fobs.
Raymus stepped forward to explain them, "Because of your stellar service, Senator Organa felt it appropriate to give you each a master key to all the rooms in the palace." Luke nodded and passed one of the keys on to Leia. He understood the implications of these keys.
"That is quite a responsibility." He pointed out to Raymus, who nodded with a serious face.
"Indeed." He replied before gesturing forward, "Now, please come with me. There is someone here who would very much like to meet you."
Curious more than not, Luke turned to his sister, who shrugged as she turned to follow the man once more towards the library.
Author's Note: Again, so sorry for the delay! This is the first day I've actually gotten a chance to even look at my story this week.
I'm sure you're all confused about Callista Masana/Ming in this story, and I wanted to clear up her role here. Remember how there was a lot of corrupted data in the future? Well, you'll see later how it mixed up the identities of a few different people with the same name. I mean, let's face it, how many of us have searched our name and gotten someone else in the results? It's perfectly probable and allows me to create a great distraction for the twins at a pivotal moment.
Anyways... please don't forget to review!