Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Hey everyone! Thanks for all the amazing reviews. Enjoy this next installment and let me know what you think.
The Corellian Conflict: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 5/?
Padme sat at the vanity, brushing out her long curls. Anakin, as always, admired her beauty and the way her short, light blue nightgown clung to her gorgeous curves. Padme set her brush down and stood up, turning to her husband. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.
"Are you okay?" he asked. She nodded.
"I'm just worried about Breha. Why didn't she tell me she is sick?" Padme wondered.
"She probably didn't want to worry you. And she's probably in a little bit of denial too. She's going to be fine though. She'll be on her way to see the best healers in the galaxy in the morning," Anakin told her. Padme nodded and their lips met with sweet passion.
"Come on. Let's get some sleep. We have an early morning," he said.
"Yes. We get to listen to Xizor lie through his teeth all day long," Padme replied.
"Yes, but the day after that, we get to discredit him and all his witnesses," Anakin replied.
"What if we can't?" she asked. There was a good possibility that they wouldn't find their proof.
"Then we'll at least give the jury evidence that suggests that Xizor's argument doesn't give enough reasonable doubt to convict," Anakin replied, as they climbed into bed.
"Everything will be set right, you'll see, angel," he assured her. Padme cuddled against him and rested atop his chest. Safe and warm in his protective, strong arms, she quickly fell asleep. Anakin was not far behind her.
~*~
Padme hugged Breha tightly, as they stood on the landing pad the next morning. The only thing any doctors had been able to tell her was that she wasn't contagious.
"I'm so sorry for not telling you," Breha said.
"It's okay. You were just scared. You'll get the best care possible in the Temple and you'll be better in no time," Padme assured her. Breha nodded and hugged her young daughter.
"Be good for Daddy, my little one," Breha said.
"I'll miss you Mommy," Natalie said sadly.
"I'll miss you too," Breha said, as she fell into her husband's arms.
"We'll be home with you soon," Bail assured her. She nodded and they shared a tender kiss. Breha boarded the transport and it took off. They would now drop the children off with the caretakers and be off to the courtroom for trial.
~*~
Lauren held her head, as she stumbled to the door in her robe. She had definitely overdone it on the booze last night. She answered the persistent knocking and was surprised to see Prince Xizor behind it.
"Prince Xizor, what can I do for you?" Lauren asked, as he invited himself in. The door slid closed and he turned to her.
"I need you and your brat to get rid of some evidence," he stated.
"I've already done my planet a great disservice by helping you. I've committed treason by smuggling for you. Han and I are smugglers. We don't destroy evidence," Lauren said.
"Not even for ten million credits?" Xizor asked, with a smirk. Lauren's eyes widened.
"Ten million?" she asked. Xizor nodded.
"In advance," Xizor replied.
"What exactly do you need us to destroy?" Lauren asked.
"Documents and holo recording disks. It is imperative that Skywalker and his friends never get their hands on this information. It would ruin me. That is why I am offering ten million in advance, with the promise of an additional five million upon completion of the task," Xizor said. Lauren smirked.
"That's a hard deal to refuse," Lauren replied.
"You would be a fool if you did refuse. There are many others willing to throw out their morals in a heartbeat for this kind of money," Xizor mentioned, indicating that he would find someone else if need be.
"Fine. You've got yourself a deal. Han and I will destroy the information. Do you have it with you?" she asked. He scoffed.
"I'm not a bloody fool. I've hidden it in a locked case in the storage compartment of my ship," he said, handing her a key.
"Open the case and destroy the contents. If you mess this up, you and your son will have a price on your head so high that you won't be able to set foot near a civilized system for the rest of your lives," Xizor growled.
"Relax, your worship. Han and I are good at what we do; the best in fact. Your incriminating little discs will get fried…after I get my ten million in advance. I have a boy to provide for, you know," she replied smugly. Xizor smirked and reached inside his cloak. He pulled out a card and placed it in her palm.
"After you retrieve the case, find a currency station and place this in the card reader. Press the code 7-5-5-3 into the pad and the money will be wired into your account," Xizor stated. She smirked and pocketed the card.
"Pleasure doing business with you," she said. He smirked.
"Yes…I have that effect on women. Perhaps when all this messy business is over, we can get together for a drink…at my residence," he leered.
"I look forward to it," she replied, as he made his exit. She waited a few minutes.
"Han…time to get up now!" she called. They had work to do.
~*~
"Captain Jennings, is it or is it not true that you ordered your crew to fire on the Falleen cruiser?" Xizor questioned, as he approached the Captain who sat at the witness stand.
"Yes, but it was only a warning shot. It should have stunned them," the Captain argued.
"A simple yes or no answer will suffice. You fired on the Falleen ship with malicious intent and murdered forty of my people, didn't you?" Xizor yelled.
"Objection! He's badgering the witness!" Bel argued.
"Sustained. Changed your line of question, counselor," the Judge ordered.
"Of course. Tell me Captain, do you have a drinking problem?" Xizor asked.
"Objection! The Captain's personal life has no relevance," Padme stated.
"Your honor, the question goes to prove state of mind of the defendant," Xizor argued.
"I'll allow it. Answer the question Captain Jennings," the Judge ordered.
"I enjoy a few social drinks during my evenings," the Captain answered.
"Really? Because I was give a very interesting recording of you last night. I present to you, the Falleen's exhibit A," Xizor said, as he handed the holo disc to the judge
"Objection your honor. The defense has no knowledge of this evidence," Bail argued.
"I only just acquired it this morning, your honor," Xizor argued.
"The jury will see the recording," the judge decided, as his court officer placed the disc into a holo projector.
"What you're about to see if a simple security recording of the Captain's social ventures in the public lounge last night. We release him on bond and this is what he does," Xizor presented. The images were shameful, showing the drunken Captain stumbling around and yelling about filthy Falleen bastards. Padme, Bel, and Bail were horrified. They were trying to save this man's life and he had gone and made it even harder for them to do so. The Captain looked ashamed as well.
"I think this recording more than proves malicious intent on the Captain's part," Xizor said in disgust.
"No further questions for this witness," Xizor said, as he returned to his seat.
"You may step down. Call your next witness," the judge ordered.
"The prosecution rests, your honor. The Captain's little escapade last night has more than proved our case," Xizor replied.
"Very well. We are in recess until tomorrow," the judge dismissed. Bel glared at the Captain and removed the Captain's bars from his uniform.
"I am recommending you for dishonorable discharge, Captain. If we perform a miracle and somehow get you a not guilty verdict out of this, dishonorable discharge may not be the only punishment you're looking at. Your superiors will probably court marshal you for this! You've disgraced the entire Corellian military! You bond has been revoked," Bel said, as the Captain was taken into custody.
~*~
Anakin led Padme to the lift. Bail had stayed behind to try and calm Bel down. They were returning to their room to change before they went to get the kids. This afternoon, the new Correllian stealth fighters were being presented to the public and the Holonet was already swarming the place. Bel had asked Anakin to be present, as much of the credit was being attributed to him. He had reluctantly agreed. The lift closed and Padme sighed, as she leaned against her husband.
"Things aren't looking in our favor," she mentioned.
"Thanks to the Captain's idiocy. Xizor's going to get his way unless we can prove he was involved by tomorrow morning," Anakin replied.
"Do you think Daddy and Zia will find what we need by then?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, angel. But no matter what happens, I am sure about this," he replied, as he lifted her chin and pressed his lips to hers in a tender, sweet kiss. She smiled.
"Me too and I'll always be sure of our love too," she said, as the lift reached their floor.
~*~
Han stormed through the ship, as his mother sat at the data console, destroying Xizor's evidence.
"This is wrong Mom! We've done some shady things before, but we've never committed treason!" Han yelled.
"Han, he paid me enough to set us for life! Now stop throwing a tantrum and start helping me," Lauren snapped. Han glared at her, but sat down and picked up a disc.
"I don't like this anymore than you do. It's just business," she replied.
"Yeah right," Han mumbled.
"Here, take this box of scrapped data and put it in the trash compactor," Lauren said. Han pocketed the disc he was holding without thinking about it. He carried the box down the ramp and unknowingly, the disc slipped from his pocket and fell to the floor in the corridor…
~*~
The docking bay was bustling with social activity that afternoon. One of the stealth fighters was on display and drinks were being served.
"Wow…this is quite an event. I'm so proud of you," Padme gushed. Anakin smiled.
"Thanks angel, but I think the credit goes to Corellia's engineering team. They did an amazing thing with my design," he said.
"Exactly. Your design. They're amazing," Padme told him.
"She's right. I daresay your design will revolutionize the Republic's military fleet," Lauren said, as she approached with a drink in hand.
"Hello Lauren," Anakin said politely.
"Anakin," she greeted with a nod, ignoring Padme completely, as they approached one of the many displays. This particular one displayed the intricate engine that was inside each stealth.
"I'm not easily impressed, but this engine almost takes my breath away. I do believe you should have given engineering as a career more of a chance, Jedi Skywalker," Lauren leered. Anakin shrugged.
"I enjoy working with machines, but being a Jedi is my true calling," Anakin replied.
"If you say so. It's too bad…we could have made a great team…on Corellia's engineering team that is," she added quickly, tossing a challenging stare toward Padme.
"Well, all the credit for my design should go to Padme," he said, looking at his wife.
"She's my inspiration. She and our children, of course," he said, causing Lauren to frown.
"We do make a good team, don't we?" Padme asked, as she purposely slid her arm slowly around her husband's waist.
"The best," Anakin replied, as he pecked her on the lips.
"Take that, you man-eating bitch," Padme thought darkly, with satisfaction. Lauren's advances bounced harmlessly off her husband like durarubber.
"This Sentry technology is very intriguing. It's one thing to build a blaster with such power, but completely different when it comes to an engine. How did you manage it?" Lauren asked.
"Well, I can't really tell you exactly how it works. My original plans and the blue prints for this one are locked away for safe keeping since we can't risk the technology falling into the wrong hands. I originally built the Sentry blaster for Padme's protection and the idea developed further. That's when I started making modifications to my own star fighter until a similar design to these stealth fighters became the result. My personal engine has a few modifications, even more speed for one and my favorite insignia carved into the face of the engine," Anakin explained.
"Insignia?" Lauren questioned. Anakin smiled, as he showed her the angel insignia on his own Sentry blaster.
"I named it Sentry for a reason. Sentry in ancient Nabooan means Guardian Angel. Considering that an angel was my inspiration, I couldn't think of a better name," Anakin said. Lauren looked like she was sorry she had asked.
"Well, the specs on this model are impressive. All this ship talk is probably like a foreign language to you, Padme," Lauren mentioned, with a smirk. This was one thing she had in common with Anakin that his wife didn't.
"Sometimes, but Ani teaches me what he can. And he's a very good teacher," Padme purred, as she stroked her hand along the back of his neck. The purr in the back of his throat was so low that only she could hear it. But the look of love he held for her in his eyes spoke volumes to Lauren. She looked away from them. It wasn't fair! When Padme was in the room, it was like everyone else didn't exist to him. Men weren't often known for such devotion or commitment. She hoped that Padme knew how lucky she was to have a man like him. And it seemed from the way she doted on him with the same devotion, that she did. But Lauren knew that even if she had a ghost of a chance with Anakin now, which she didn't, she knew she wouldn't if he discovered her involvement with Xizor. He would try to arrest her if he knew, which meant that she and Han had to leave Corellia before the trial finished, just in case Xizor got desperate and named her.
~*~
Han sat at the bar, despite the bartender's disdain.
"Look kid, I know you're not old enough for the hard stuff. Now beat it," the bartender said.
"Serve him anything he wants. I'll vouch for him," Xizor said smoothly.
"Y…yes, your highness," the bartender stuttered, looking expectantly at Han. The young smuggler looked at Xizor with scrutiny. Han wasn't stupid. Prince Slimy wanted something. But that didn't mean Han was going to turn down a glass of fine Corellian scotch.
"Scotch. Make it a double," Han ordered. The bartender glared, but served him.
"Vodka tonic," Xizor ordered and was also served promptly.
"Whaddya want?" Han asked.
"Were those discs destroyed?" Xizor asked. Han gulped the alcohol down and set the glass down for a refill, which he received.
"Yeah, yeah," Han replied, looking bored.
"Good, because I have another special assignment," Xizor replied. Han rolled his eyes. Did this guy ever do his own dirty work?
"Well, mom is over there drooling over that Jedi, so go ask her," Han replied. Xizor smirked.
"No, this little mission is just for you, kid. And it pays one million credits," Xizor replied. Han nearly choked.
"I'm listening, but I ain't killing' anyone for you," Han replied, as he wiped his mouth on his sleeve. Xizor chuckled in amusement.
"It's nothing like that. I just want you to make nice with your mother's good friend Bel Iblis. Tell him of your interest in the Sentry design and steal the blueprints," Xizor said.
"You want me to steal the design?! That's suicide! No deal; keep your money," Han refused. Xizor frowned.
"That's a shame…especially for your mother," Xizor leered.
"What about my mom?" Han growled.
"Well, I would hate to see her arrested if the Jedi found out that she smuggled illegal chemicals off Corellia and into the hands of the Imperial Underground. They'd send her to Kessel for such a thing, you know," Xizor said.
"She smuggled those things for you!" Han growled.
"Yes and do as I say and I'll make sure she remains safe," Xizor replied.
"Fine. I'll get you the blueprints, but then you leave us alone," Han growled, as he stalked off in search of Bel Iblis, leaving a smug Xizor behind.
"Time to check your ship and make sure you destroyed everything, Solo," Xizor muttered, as he headed for the guest landing bay.
~*~
Jayden rummaged around in his room that he shared with Jenna on his parent's Nabooan Star Skiff.
"What are you looking for Jay?" Natalie asked.
"Something for you. It is your birthday," he replied.
"But we're not celebrating until we get home," Natalie reminded.
"I know, but I want to give you my present now," he replied.
"Oh Jayden, you didn't have to get me anything," she said.
"Actually, I made it," Jayden replied, as he found what he was looking for.
"Here," he said, as he handed her a small, velvety purple pouch," he said. She opened it and pulled out a trinket that was attached to a lanyard. Natalie gasped, as she looked at the pendant. It was carved into the smooth, round piece of wood. It was intricately carved to look like a flower and painted with shiny, vibrant purple paint, her favorite color. On the back, carved were the letters J and N with a heart between the letters.
"Oh Jay, it's beautiful!" she gushed.
"Dad taught me how to carve and mom got me the sparkly purple paint, since I know you love purple," he said.
"I love it. It's the best present ever!" Natalie gushed, as she threw her arms around him.
"Really? You really like it?" he asked. She nodded.
"I really love it. Thank you Jayden," she said, as she kissed his cheek, making him blush furiously.
"I'm glad you like it. We should get back though, before our parents worry," he said. She nodded, as they joined hands and walked down the ramp where Artoo waited for them.
"Thanks Artoo. You can lock the ship up again," Jayden said. Natalie kicked something with her foot.
"What's that?" she asked. Jayden picked up the disc and brushed it off.
"Looks like a data disc. Can you play this, Artoo?" Jayden asked curiously. Artoo whirled and Jayden slipped it into Artoo's slot. A hologram of Prince Xizor speaking to a cloaked figure appeared.
"It seems like you might pull this plan off after all, Prince Xizor," the Sith Lord said.
"Yes Master Tyrannus. Corellia will be successfully framed for the attack," Xizor replied.
"They must not find out that your associate self-destructed the ship on your orders. If they do, you're a dead man," the Sith Lord threatened.
"I assure you, they will not find out," Xizor insisted.
Jayden and Natalie looked at each other in disbelief.
"We've got to get this to my Dad. Come on Artoo!" Jayden said, as he took Natalie's hand. They stopped dead in their tracks, as Prince Xizor stared at them murderously.
"You brats better give me that disc if you want to keep breathing," he growled. Jayden stood in front of Natalie.
"Not a chance, sleamo. We're going to tell my Dad exactly what you've done!" Jayden yelled. Xizor drew his blaster and pointed it at them.
"Don't bet on it, kid. I can't wait to see the looks on your parent's faces when they find your dead little corpses," Xizor snarled.
"Jayden…" Natalie whimpered, as she clung to his back.
"Don't worry Nat…I'll protect you," he promised, as he drew his light saber. Xizor smirked.
"Your youngling level of skill and your stupid light sword will be no match for me, brat. Say goodnight," Xizor sneered, as he fired three blaster bolts at the two children…