Chapter # 10
"We're in big trouble," Luke sighed, closing the door after Nirice left.
Mara nodded her head in agreement, stretching out on the couch. "I had no idea being a part of an extended family would be so exhausting. Do you think she'll do as you advised and keep our conversation to her self?"
"I hope so. If Ben finds out what she wants to do he'll grab his kids and head for the Unknown Regions," Luke said sadly. "I couldn't bear to lose them now…"
"Let's just get through the ceremony tomorrow and then decide if we should even approach him with the subject," Mara suggested. "Luke, you know what this means? If Abby and Nirice are both Force sensitive then the rest of the hoard probably is, too."
"Yeah," agreed Luke. "This just keeps on getting better."
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The day of the dedication ceremony was radiantly sunny, as usual on Tatooine. Luke dressed in his Jedi robes thinking it most appropriate, while Mara wore a special emerald outfit purchased just for the occasion.
"Looking good, my love," admired Mara, as Luke entered the living room.
"Hey, that's my line," he laughed.
"Are you ready to be immortalized?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," groaned Luke, taking his wife's hand and bringing to his lips.
Mara seemed to hesitate and then smiled. "I may not say it much, but I am so proud of you Luke. Not only for the lives that you have touched through the years, but also for the love that you have given me. You gave me back my heart, love."
"What did I just say about stealing my lines?" smiled Luke leaning in for a quick kiss. "I think my heart beat true for the first time when you agreed to marry me." Luke pressed his forehead to hers. "Now, before we get incredibly mushy, we'd better be going. We've got a legion of people to impress."
"Lead the way, Oh Mighty One," replied Mara.
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"Seven minutes and counting," called Rachel, as she helped Caleb into his new shoes. Why did it seem like they were always running late?
"We're never going to make it on time," said Ben pulling Emia's hair back into some semblance of a braid.
"Have faith, dear husband."
"Owww! That hurts, Daddy," whined Emma.
"Sorry, baby. Just how in the world did I end up with hair duty?" mumbled Ben. "Nirice! Get Abby and meet us down at the Hotel entrance. That liaison guy should be there at the temple to take us straight to our seats."
"Okay, Dad!" shouted Nirice in response. "Where's Tiann?"
"He's already down there talking to the driver about the vehicle we're riding in," said Rachel.
"Figures," said Nirice as she and Abby flew out the door.
"Let's go, Ben. Leave Emia's hair, I'll do it on the way," said Rachel.
Ben grabbed Caleb and Emia by the hand as Rachel hurried out the door as fast as a very pregnant woman could go. Taking the stairs and making it to the entrance, Rachel scanned the area for their first born son.
"Over here," shouted Tiann, waving both arms.
Racing like a rancor was after them Ben and the kids made their way to the vehicle and got in with Rachel following close behind.
"Hit it!" ordered Rachel to the driver, as they sped off. "Gee, I've always wanted to say that! And it looks like we're going to make it on time after all. Emia, let's get to working on your hair, child."
Rachel took a calming breath while braiding her daughter's hair and noticed Ben staring out the window. "It's going to be fine, Ben. I know you've been doing a lot of thinking since we got here and I trust you to do what is best for all of us."
Ben smiled and nodded. "I hope you're right. I didn't know I'd be feeling so many different emotions all at once, but I am glad we came."
"So am I," replied Rachel. Perhaps there is hope for Ben and his parents after all.
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Luke and Mara sat in their assigned seats to the right of the temporary dais constructed for the ceremony. Looking around Luke noticed friends and loved ones, government officials and Jedi from all over the galaxy. Han and Leia were on the front row with the audience, while Jacen and his family were seated behind them. He could sense Jaina was somewhere, but was not seated with her brother and his family as yet. Probably visiting with other masters, thought Luke.
"Do you see them?" asked Mara nervously, concern showing on her face.
"No, not yet." answered Luke. "I thought they were supposed to sit with Han and Leia, but it looks like those seats are already taken." Could Ben have changed his mind about coming? he wondered.
"Maybe they requested seats elsewhere," said Mara, still looking around.
At that point the music began and Lan Wiandell, the Galactic Alliance's Chief of State walked to the podium. "Honored guests, esteemed heads of state, members of the Jedi Order, friends and family, it is my privilege to be here today to honor a man the universe can never thank enough for his tireless work to protect and serve his fellow sentients."
"That's you, farmboy," whispered Mara.
"Ask anyone here and they can tell you how this dedicated servant touched their lives in some capacity," continued the Chief of State. "As a Jedi Master, pilot, Commander, leader or friend, the name Luke Skywalker is synonymous with the word freedom itself."
Luke looked up with relief to see Ben, Rachel and the children following Hathan Gowin to their seats towards the back as applause broke out.
The Chief of State continued. "So it is only fitting that the newest Jedi Academy on his home planet of Tatooine, bear his name. His legacy will live on in the hearts of sentients everywhere, Gentle beings, may I present Jedi Grand Master Luke Skywalker."
Luke rose to the shouting and thunderous applause, as the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Leia's face beamed, while Mara blinked back tears.
Rachel reached over and squeezed Ben's hand. "You must be very proud of your father," she whispered.
"Yes… I am," said Ben, squeezing back.
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Luke looked out over the crowd and felt the tears begin to well, as they continued to applaud. Raising a hand, he waved. "You're all going to have to sit down now, or we'll never get to the cake and ice cream at the reception," he joked.
Laughter broke out among the crowd as they took their seats.
"So many memories come to mind as I look out at the sea of faces here today," Luke said. "As a matter of fact with the exception of the Dune sea, it's the only sea here on Tatooine."
More laughter followed.
"As I listened to the description given by Lan Wiandell, I thought he must be talking about another man, because he left out the three roles I consider most important in my life. That of husband, father and grandfather," said Luke smiling, looking down at Mara and then to the back of the audience, hoping to catch Ben's eye.
Mara smiled. I love you, Luke!
"And I guess I better add brother to that list, or the former Chief of State will have my hide later on," said Luke winking at Leia. "You greatly honor me and my family with your presence here today and with your outpouring of love. Thank you all for coming."
Luke took out his lightsaber and with a flourish ignited it, cutting the ribbon that ran across the entrance. "Friends, I welcome you to the Skywalker Jedi Academy."