The Imperial pulled into the space port of the oversized meteorite that the Bantku Tribes were now forced to call their permanent home on schedule. It was a harsh looking environment of black rock and ice. It's high sloping craters and cliffs gave it the semblance of landscape. The Bantku people had long had small settlements on the space rock that had been designated for trade. They had buildings and shops and roads and roads and restaurants and other centers to try and make the cold lifeless asteroid look friendly enough for a pirate or smuggler or honest merchant to stop by for a few days to shop, but anyone would be hard pressed to want to reside on that chilly asteroid. Despite its frigid temperature something about it reminded General Skywalker of Tattooine. It was stark and harsh just like Tattooine was. But at least on Tattooine moisture farmers were able to flourish and make plantations, the Bantku couldn't grow anything on that spit of rock that they now lived on. They had set up large bio domes to provide breathable air and the people set up their simple tent dwellings there.
Once they exited the lovely cruiser, they traveled though a plasma glass tube path. The encapsulated path lead straight to the center of the village. Most of the Bantku people lived in gorgeous tent dwellings. They dyed the furs of the Anju and hung them to decorate their tents. They lined the insides of their abodes with rugs, drapes and tapestry of every dazzling color imaginable. The Shiek and only a few of the most prominent of the tribes members actually had structures that could not be folded up. The Shiek had an elaborate Palace. That looked like it was made from onyx stones, but more than likely it was just made of the material of the meteorite. Some of the tribal leaders had similar styled homes of breathtaking size and beauty. The Chancellor and his entourage were greeted by warriors who served the great Shiek and lead them to the Shieks palace. They marched through the village and women and children huddled by the flaps of their tents to catch glimpses of the outsiders. They waved flags and banners and called out in friendly greetings to the crowd of people from the far more civilized places in the Republic. They even threw flowers at their feet. All the officials from the Imperial had been slightly suspicious about coming to the Bantku lands. No one knew much about them and Hadarah had given the group a long list of dos and do nots when interacting with members of the Tribe. They were pleasantly surprised by the initial hospitality. Music was playing and the crowds of young and old cheered loudly for the visitors. Children rushed up eagerly and bestowed gifts on their new arrivals. They presented the Chancellor's delegates with flowers and necklaces made of Anju tusk and small gems. Young women threw flowers all over the ground so that the distinguished visitors wouldn't have to walk on the hideous black rock that was the meteorites landscape.
When Anakin stepped on to the cold meteorite ground, he could hardly pay attention to the excitement of the tribesmen and women. He was scarcely able to notice the beauty that was so desperately trying to be conveyed through the pomp and ceremony. Anakin was assaulted with Force Energy. It was neither light nor dark. It didn't come from a being. It wasn't harnessed or controlled just raw material. There were Force Crystals here. The locals probably were unaffected by the energy that radiated off of the material, but to any being that was Force sensitive it was a stifling feeling. It magnified every presence on the planet tenfold, especially for a Jedi whose senses were already more acute like Anakin. The Force washed over him, but not in a good calming way like being in deep meditation. The Force fell on him like being hit by durasteel making him feel heavy and off balance. Such a resource of Force Energy should be handled correctly and best if by the Agri-Corp. Though the asteroid was barren, with so much Force Material abounding the Agri-Corp could turn the ground fertile.
General Skywalker's thoughts were pulled from thinking of the Agri-Corp when he heard the loud horns playing. The Sheik and his family came out from the grand shining black edifice that they resided in to greet the Chancellor and his party. The Sheik was carried in a palanquin by several large fellows. His wives, sons and daughters followed behind him in the procession to meet the guests from the Republic. They were all fanned by a host a servants who carried feathers and giant leaves to keep the Sheiks family most comfortable.
"Great Sheik," Hadarah greeted the ruler of her people. She bowed before him all the way down to the ground and her entourage did as well. The Chancellors officers gave slight bends at the waist to the high chief but did nothing so humiliating as prostrate themselves on the ground before foreign royalty.
" Ambassador Hadarah you have returned unto your people again," The Sheik said from his high seat
"I have Great Sheik and not empty handed," she raised her head indicating the audience that followed behind her.
"You were sent to represent us to the Republic and here you bring representative of the Republic to us," the chubby man draped in regal, flowing, gold robes chuckled. "You were a most excellent choice for this assignment." He praised her and she lifted her head. Her face was cover, but he patted her head as he afforded her the comment.
"Great Sheik, allow me to present to you Supreme Chancellor Palpatine," the veiled woman stated while she rose and gave a sweeping motion behind her pointing to the Chancellor. The Chancellor stepped forward and the Great Sheik was helped down off of the palanquin by his servants. A few gasps could be heard amongst the crowd as they watched this. His head wife clutched her chest and even let out a squeak For the Sheik to lower himself from a position of power was something that had not happened in many moons. The Great Sheik was definitely a man of regality. He had all the external trimming of pomp and fanfare. His court wore their best garments. He was surrounded by stately warriors and beautiful women, and a host of children which seemed as if they could have started a separate tribe in their own right, but for all his elegance and grandeur he seemed dwarfed in the shadow of Palpatine. Palpatine had no women hanging from his arms or sprinkling petals by his feet. Though the Senate Guard was present they were more so there for the protection of his delegates rather than for himself. He didn't have musicians serenading his every step. He didn't need such things. He had power. Power was far more impressive than any of the ornaments that the Great Sheik had donned himself in Anakin believed. "Chancellor Palpatine," the esteemed ruler of the Bantku Tribes spoke and bowed in the presence of leader. "It is an honor to have you and so many of the nobles of the Republic come among us. It has been a little while since we have received such visitors."
"That is a matter that we soon hope to rectify," The Chancellor admitted. " It is an honor for us to be here as well. Ambassador Hadarah represented your people in such a marvelous way that I had to come and see your plight." He turned to the beautiful green eyed politician, "A woman of her keen ability is much needed,"
The Chancellor and the Sheik both began to present their party members to each other one by one. The Bantku people were most generous and gave gifts to all of the delegates the Chancellor brought. "Master Skywalker," an intelligent voice spoke from behind him. Anakin turned around to find a thin man of the Bantku Tribe. He was most certainly not a warrior, he was thin and frail looking. "This dagger comes from my home," the man offered. "I hope you are pleased with it."
Anakin studied the artifact. It was an antique by most standards, but the hilt of it was well crafted with intricate designs and symbols He imagined it was made from the tusk of an Anju. It was small and delicate. "I… could not in…"
"Master Jedi," Hadarah came up behind him she rubbed her hand smoothly up and down his back in a gesture that was too familiar. She even was so bold as to allow her small fingers to rest on his neck right above the shoulder blades. He shrugged his shoulders forcing her to remove her digits from their resting place. Hadarah cleared her throat before she continued.
The intelligent sounding Bantku man stepped up and stood next to her. He slithered his hand tentatively around her waste and looked on her adoringly with affection. "We are so happy to have you back safely. I was very concerned for you being so far from home for so long," he stated boldly a smile wide on his slim face. He was several years older than her. He appeared to be twice her age atleast. His jaw lines were drawn in and he had gray hair around his temples and sprouting here and there from his beard. Surely this was Hadarah's father Anakin thought.
"it is good to return home again," Hadarah looked back at this older gentleman. She was polite, but her tone didn't house half of the warmth that his did. "Of course I was more than up for the challenge of going to Coruscant if it was what was necessary for the tribe," she explained. Her jewel tone eyes didn't hold the middle aged man's adoring gaze.
"You are so much braver than I Hadarah," he giggled slightly he let his hnad fall from around her side, "Perhaps it is youth that makes you so bold?" he shrugged
"Perhaps," Ambassador Hadarah shrugged back and moved away from this middle aged tribesmen, "Allow me to introduce you both," she began clearing her throat as she gestured her hands to both the Jedi and her friend from her tribe." Ekon, this is Jedi Knight and General in the Republics army," he voice took on an airier tone, "Master Jedi this is Ekon. Ekon is a scholar. One of our sister tribes is a little more advanced than we." It seemed reasonable, Ekon wasn't wearing the garbs of the Tribe. He had on standard Coruscanti clothing. "He is of them, but came to live among us during the overtake of Laxmar. During the invasion many of his tribesmen died. The survivors were scattered and have taken refuge among our people and another tribe or our people. We were very fortunate to have Ekon come to live among us. It is his findings that are part of the reason you are here today." Anakin nodded. Ekon was crestfallen. Hadarah had given an excellent introduction of him, but still Ekon's eyes begged for the beautiful young woman to say more. "Ekon is my intended," Hadaran announced properly. She didn't seem overly impressed Her features were covered but from the neutral look that was in her eyes Anakin could only imagine to look that was on her lips underneath of her coverings. Anakin's face didn't show any emotion, but his body stiffened ever so slightly. He would never have guessed that the lovely ambassador would have had that scrawny man who was twice her age as her fiancé.
"Congratulations," Anakin managed to say. "Marriage is a beautiful thing," he added trying not to seem so shocked or repulsed by the notion of lovely Hadarah being suited with a man in his 50's.
"And what do you know of marriage master Jedi," the scholar said pleasantly teasing the younger, stronger man.
"Well I've attended a few ceremonies," Anakin remarked back.
Hadarah was quick to change the subject, "Did you make this yourself, Ekon," she asked as she stuck out her hand to hold the dagger.
"It is a family heirloom," Ekon spoke trying to maintain some base in his voice. Seeing Hadarah's loveliness had always made him feel a little weak. Seeing how she had touched another man made him feel inadequate. He knew that their was a great gap in age between him and his soon to be bride, but he had tried to win her over best he could.
"I am sure Master Skywalker will not refuse," she placed it in the Jedi's hand. Anakin looked into her emerald eyes and held a curious gaze. He couldn't see her whole face, her nose, lips and hair were covered, but he could imagine the type of smile forming under the veil. The type of smile a person carries when the have a secret. Without much thought his prosthetic hand took hold of the gift. "Remember how important gift giving is in our customs," she whispered and brushed her fingers with his glove.
That night, the Bantku Tribe threw a huge banquet in honor of the arrival of members of the Imperial. The Bantku celebrated communally. They had their parties over large bonfires. The bonfire was made right in the center of the tribe. Huts and tents were open and people freely went in and out bringing food, utensils, rugs and other goods for all to share at the great feast. They grilled the little bit of Anju meat they had left and served it to their guest.
The Bantku had shown much honor to their guests bringing out lovely pillows and mats for them to sit on. They gave them preferred seating right in front of the pedestals where the Great Sheik and his family set. The Elders of the Tribe sat on elevated seating around the Sheik's box as well. Ambassador Hadarah had been invited to join her leader in his special seat because of the good service she had done for her people.
The tribal leaders not only extended themselves by preparing a fine meal and giving good seats to the Chancellor's entourage, but they also provided entertainment. Children played around happily; dancing, singing while waving their maracas in the air to the songs they knew. Some of the men entertained the tribe and the guests by wrestling or juggling. The women danced.
They danced around the fire shaking their shapely forms left and right. Their arms became elegant serpents that hypnotized prey with their movements. Anakin was all too familiar with their tribal dances, Ambassador Hadarah had not hesitated to educate him of such. "OH yeah!" Oshnee cheered boisterously after having several strong drinks. He started to get up to grab at one Bantku maiden who had been particularly flirtatious toward him.
"Senator Oshnee," Bail said with a start as he observed the younger dignitaries behavior. "Please have some couth. The Chancellor.." He began but he was paid no mind, Oshnee dashed forth leaving splattered meat and fruit on the ground and ran to dance with one of the dancing girls who eagerly embraced him running her hands down his face. Anakin Laughed this buffoon had been chosen over his wife to represent the Republic. He understood that Senator Oshnee was wealthy and had greater influence on the queen of Naboo than Padme did, but this man was far from a diplomat. He watched Oshnee with the Bantku dancing girl, he tried to imagine Padme doing something like that to him. He tried to think of their many passion filled nights when nothing stood between them; not distances, not war, not politics, not the Jedi Order, not the clothes on their backs. He loved her every part of her she was beautiful, a perfect angel, but her face was not the one he saw and her body was not the one that he envisioned next to his.
"Enjoying yourself, Master Jedi?" asked the scholar. He was seated amongst the foreigners. (Ambassador Hadarah had invited her family to come and share her seat amongst the royalty of her people and yet had not included her fiancé.) He didn't look Anakin in the face as he spoke rather he looked down at the basket of food he was eating out of. Ekon wasn't a very impressive looking man. He was well into his middle aged years from what Anakin could tell. He was tall and skinny, he looked underfed.
"Yes, you all sure know how to throw a party," Anakin smiled over at Ekon.
Ekon's grin came out more as a wince and he turned his attention back to Hadarah. She was no longer positioned with dignity at the side of the Great Sheik where she was well covered up. No, one of her friends had pulled her off the pedestal and asked her to come and join the women who were dancing around the bonfire. "We like to celebrate." He admitted. "We have many festivals, the festival of the first births, the hunting season, the ceremony of first hunt and adult hood, marriages," he gulped.
Anakin understood Ekon's nervousness, he would be no better at concealing his feelings if he saw Padme dancing all around other men.. He had almost wanted to choke Clovis for standing so near her. "Many occasions to celebrate," Anakin replied feeling guilty.
"Soon we may have one more," Ekon said thoughfully. "If all goes well at the weapon presentation a celebration like this could last a month!" Ekon grinned "I think you will find the weapon to your liking master Jedi," Ekon proposed.
" I'm sure I will Ekon, but I am not the person you need to be most worried about impressing. The senate will decide about the weapon," Anakin reminded the tribal man.
"But Hadarah she had made it seem as if the Chancellor was looking strongly to your opinion," Ekon blurted out anxiously. He had tolerated his fiance's flirtatious gestures with this Jedi only because she had made it seem as if the Jedi was the one who would be approving the weapon for military use.
Anakin couldn't help the ego trip that such words took him on. In the Temple everyone was always telling him to mind his place, be respectful of those who were over him, but here it seemed that many of the cards were falling on his table. It was an honor that the Chancellor had done him and though he knew that truly such decisions weren't with in his jurisdiction the thought of them being so was very appealing. " I am here as a consultant and I will help in the matter in whatever way I can, but the senate is the office that approves weapons not the Jedi Order," Anakin explained.
Ekon was silent for a moment he was about to speak when the ambassador came into the conversation her body and facial features were only masked by sheer coverings and were very much so visible to the eye only they were now colored pink. "Master Skywalker would you do a demonstration for the people?" she asked energetically. She was out of breath from the vigorous dance. Anakin smirked at the question. He had gone to several places where the nobility of the land wanted to see some Force Trick or another, usually he didn't mind, he actually liked to do it, Though Obi-wan said it was frivolous to use the Force for entertainment. Anakin started to get up, but the oppressive weight of the Force on this planet made him wonder if he should exert himself so.
"I don't know…" he muttered slowly.
"Don't be shy, Master Skywalker, everybody here would love to see it, especially little Kieza," the ambassador tugged mildly on a child's arm who was standing behind her pulling the girl up front to stand by her side. The little girl was adorable. She was a very young child, probably only about seven years old. She was thin with raven black hair and light colored eyes that looked up hopefully at the young knight.
"Please Master Jedi," the little girl said hopefully. "H-h-hadarah told me a story once that said…said Jedi could levi…make things float in the air and then my older brother Shiza said that wasn't true," the little gril explained nervously and she looked down at her bare feet that were tattooed just like the older woman's hands that she stood next to. She looked back up at the ambassador whose eyes crinkled with affection.
"Well Shiza hasn't met very many Jedi has he?" Anakin asked uncrossing his legs and beginning to get to his feet. Little Kieza's black curls shuck right along with her head. "And I'm sure Ambassador Hadarah is much wiser than he," Anakin shrugged and winked at the emerald eyes that stared back at him.
"So you'll do it?" the little tribal girl asked folding her hands tightly together.
"Who am I to deny the request of so beautiful a lady?" Anakin reasoned stretching and then bending down and pinching the young Bantku Tribe girls brown cheek. Child giggled and then dashed to take the seat where the Jedi had just left.
"Splendid!" Hadarah chimed in a breathy voice. She walked Anakin over to a tribal man dressed regally. He was taller than his pudgy monarch. He was handsome and chiseled . Ambassador Hadarah called him father. "Master Skywalker has graciously agreed to grace our people and off world guest with a little show," she said taking Anakin's hand looking back at him and giggling.
Hadarah's father the chief elder of the Bantku people looked Anakin in the eye, then inclined his head. "You are too kind master Jedi. I have heard how you have twice indulged my daughters," he said pleasantly.
"I beg your pardon sir?" Anakin eyed the elder curiously.
The elder let out a hardy robust laugh and somehow in the undertones Anakin could hear the resemblance it bore to his eldest daughter, Hadarah's. "First you escort adventurous Hadarah about on the dangerous city streets of Christophsis ," he began and he pinned the ambassador with a scolding yet playful little glare.
"I told my mother about it and in turn she has told my father," Hadarah explained and pretended to pout about it.
"A woman should keep no secrets from her husband," The elder replied giving a snort to let these two young people know that he was serious about the words he had spoken.
"And should a man keep secrets from his wife?" asked young Skywalker his tone jovial.
The elder seemed as if he was really considering the matter. No doubt this regal man had counseled many young people of the tribe and it was obvious that there were no rhetorical questions in his mind. All questions needed swift and decisive answers. "Sometimes a man has to keep things from his wife in order to protect her," the elder stated. The very nature of he and Padme's relationship was that of a secret. Their marriage was a secret, but there had been few secrets between them. Sure he kept some things about the war from her, but Padme was still a civilian and yes he had spared her the details of Lux Bonteri's well deserved execution., but that was about it. But maybe just maybe he should keep these things from her as well. Perhaps it was best that she not know about the way Hadarah found ways to demurely touch his body and how he had almost welcomed it. Padme didn't need to know about the fact that even as he was speaking here with her father they were holding hands and how he hadn't yet tried to remove his from hers.
"Father will announce you once the male dancers are done their routine," Hadarah stated finally letting go of his hand. "I want to go, sit by Keiza she truly has the best seat in the house," the Bantku Tribe ambassador pointed out with a sight giggle in her throat. She then proceeded to walk back to the circle where all were gathered sitting on an ornately woven rug. She pulled the young girl into her lap. She took her seat next to Ekon, but though he seemed to slightly inch closer to her the ambassador hardly seemed as if she noticed her intended existence. Her eyes, which were the most visible part of her face, solely on Anakin.
As soon as the male dancers took their seats once again among the members of the tribe and the Chancellor's entourage Anakin took stage in the center of the circle. He knew he was supposed to feel uncomfortable with all eyes on him, but he felt invigorated by the expectant eyes, by the wild applause, by the gasps and sighs as they marveled at the tricks he had shown them. "He's really good Dara," Little Keiza whispered to her big sister.
Anakin noted how everyone seemed to marvel at his display people seemed to be on the edge of their seats watching his control and precision with his blade. He couldn't help the smug satisfaction that came over him. He hadn't done anything too elaborate really, he had just performed an advanced saber kata, though he did so while remaining in the air most of the time. The whole exercise from start to finish was about 15 minutes long if executed properly. In that whole performance he let his feet slam against the black rock only 12 times. Now he had rehearsed it to perfection times before where he only had needed to use the ground to regain his balance about 9 times, but the strong presence of those unharnessed Force Crystals made that difficult. When he had completed his task sweat dripped down his brow, but he wasn't even out of breath.
"Isn't he the one they call the 'chosen one," asked a young boy who was tall and gangly looking. He flopped by lady Hadarah and snuggled close to her resting his head on his shoulder.
"Shh, Shiza" Hadarah turned to the male child and cautioned, "let him concentrate."
He powered down his saber trying to remain focused on what he was doing now. He was supposed to be showing a doubting youngling just what a Jedi could do. The youngster's question had slightly broken his concentration. Chosen One. He scoffed to himself as he thought about the monikers people had labeled him with. Chosen one, Hero with No Fear, he cringed at the titles. They only brought to surface how far from those things he really was. Anakin had many fears. Chosen One. What was he chosen to do? Chosen to watch those he loved die. It stung to think of all the power he was supposed to have and how in the times when it mattered most it had not helped him achieve his goals. The Force had revealed to him his mothers death, but he hadn't saved her. The Force had guided him to Ahsoka, but in the moments just before they could have escaped he failed her and watched her fall to the ground. His blood begin to boil as he heard the name replay in his mind, Chosen One.
Anakin knew he was capable of performing any move, defeating any foe and fighting with the tireless effort of a machine, but still for all his power that was not enough. His power had not gotten him to Ahsoka quick enough and his power had not kept her alive. He was powerless to stop the death of someone he loved. That one power was out of reach. It was one last kata he had left to master. He had a feeling that it would cost him something to discover this. Just as mastering the Force for levitation had involved a few headaches, but it had been so worth it.
His mind was called back from those thoughts as he heard the crowd cheering, whooping and whistling, the Bantku seemed to like to let out a yelping sound that sounded like a little narf pup. A young Bantku Tribe boy, a warrior in training by the looks of the war paint that he had on his forehead and chest cried out "Again!" Soon others began to holler, chanting wanting more and more from him.
He hadn't even noticed how he had caused the fruit baskets to rise in the air. He mentally separated the fruit out of the baskets and pushed the baskets back to their designated places. Now a large collection of fruit hovered in a swirling vortex in front of him. "Who's still hungry?" Anakin asked a good-natured smile etching over his face. All the children jumped up pointing and yelling. Anakin let out a hearty laugh and sent muja fruit sailing their way. He propelled it out fast at them and the kids had to be fast in order to catch it. The younglings in the camp jumped up dived, snatched and scurried eagerly trying to catch a piece of force propelled food in their mouths. Anakin received a standing ovation from the young and old alike. When he was finished all who gathered gave him a standing ovation. He bowed politely to his audience before slipping back to take his seat.
"That was incredible!" the little boy resting on the Ambassador's shoulder exclaimed when the Jedi took his seat once again.
"I told you Shiza I told you!" little Keiza pointed out almost falling out of her sisters lap with excitement. The young knight and the noble woman laughed.
Before the evenings festivities ended there was one last act of ceremony that needed to be carried out. The Bantku people traditionally ended celebrations by a allowing the members of the Tribe to partake in a communal drink. They shared a very special drink, Jambolla, they called it.
The drink was used to symbolize a connection. During the birthing ceremonies new mothers and fathers would drink a full cup and a dab would be sprinkled in the infants mouth symbolizing the connection that the new family would share. When a young man or woman of the Bantku went on their first hunt and came back successful they would take their first drink as a man or woman of the tribe. Couples also used this drink too at the betrothal and nuptial ceremonies. Despite the fact that the alcoholic nectar was strong even the younglings of the tribe were allowed to partake in small sips on a night like tonight. After all tonight was a very special night all the tribe members hoped. It was a night that would hopefully bring survival to their culture. They had not brought out the Jambolla in many moon revolutions. The nectar could only be gathered from a very special plant that grew on the high mountains on Lexmar. They feared that with all the pollution that the separatist brought with the droid factory that all the flowers had died and Jambolla would be lost to them forever.
The Great Sheik had requested that the drink be brought out and shared amongst the people and with the strangers amongst them. The elders and leaders of the tried railed against such a suggestion. To have outsiders partake of the sacred beverage was unheard of, but the Sheik was obeyed. To push the envelope further the Sheik wanted the elders and members of his own household to share the drink with the members of the esteemed committee that the Chancellor had brought with him as a symbol of forging a connection with the Republic. Two of the Sheiks strapping sons brought out the sacred beverage. It was stored in ornate barrels. All the adults of the tribe began to slowly get up from their seated positions. Children who were still awake followed suit with their parents; they rose and dipped their wooden bowls and cup into the sweet looking nectar. There were many more tribesmen than there were delegates and so most of the tribesman shared the drink amongst themselves, being that the Great Sheik was having his family doing most of the Nectar sharing. He had a very large family. The Great Sheik had 9 wives each one of them providing him with numerous children most of which were well of age to participate in the governmental matters of the Tribe. The Sheik also had several siblings all of which were esteemed elders and leaders in their own right among the Bantku people. There were more than enough royal family members, elders and warriors to share the sacred liquid with the strangers, Ekon observed. Hadarah would be free to share a drink with him. Ekon had hurried to fill his glass ready to comeback and share it with lovely Hadarah. They had not yet had their betrothal ceremony. The crisis which the Bantku Tribe had fallen under was a much more urgent matter than officially verifying that they were to be joined in matrimony. Hadarah had a special role to play in saving their people. She was dedicated to that cause it would have only seemed selfish he would interfere with her responsibilities to her tribe for his own need to know that he had managed to gain the hand of the most beautiful creature this far in the Out Rim. He loved Hadarah, but he also was ready to be considered a man in the Tribe of the Great Shiek. (In his own Tribe he had never had a success in the his hunt. Being so he had never been given the full rights of a man. He was a disgrace and had been sent away. It seemed to be a misfortune that he should go and study amongst other peoples of the galaxy, but his misfortune had given him the knowledge to become of use to the Bantku once again. He alone was educated enough to know a valuable minerals the asteroid possessed enabling him to build the weapon that could save the Tribe. Allowing him the opportunity to prove his manhood once more; if he married a woman of The Great Shiek's Tribe he would be a man by default.) Now was a perfect time for he and Hadarah to proclaim the bond they would form before the whole tribe.
Different elders and members of the Sheiks family went to share drinks with the delegates from the Republic. The Sheik shared a drink with the Chancellor. The Chief Warrior of the Bantku Tribe, a relative of the ambassador was going to share a drink with the Jedi, but Ambassador Hadarah sauntered over and intercepted the act. " Uncle would you allow me?" she asked giving only a subtle indication with her eyes of what her intent was.
" Hadarah I would think you would wish to drink from the same cup as Ekon tonight,"her warrior uncle stated. He had been there when Ekon traded the knowledge for what was needed to build the super weapon in order to obtain a bride of choice. Ekon was restless for his pretty young bride.
"Oh Uncle," Hadarah laughed she searched throughout the crowd for her older groom to be, "My duty to this tribe comes before my duty to Ekon, he is not yet my husband," Hadarah said and her tone was low and bitter.
"Of course," the mighty man bowed to her will. He had always had a softspot in his heart for the young ambassador. She was the daughter of his sister. His sister had been her father's first wife. She had produced two children one was now dead. Hadarah was very special to him for this reason. It was for that reason that he tried to make her father reconsider the request of Ekon. He knew that Hadarah could never be happy with a man such as the scholar from another tribe. "You are most worthy to have the honor of sharing this cup with our guests my niece it is you who have brought the Republic here," he was practically wrapped his rock solid bulky arm around her,
"You are too kind," she stated respectfully and touched his arm that bulged with muscles.
"No little one, you have done something great. Your brother would be so proud," The bigger man's eyes glistened.
" I do this for his honor. He did not deserve to die like that. He should be here. We should all celebrate together," she expressed anger coming out in a coarse tone as she clenched the thin neck of the glass.
"In time he shall be avenged," Hadarah's uncle assured her and patted her on the shoulder. He then moved to go and share a drink with another relative of theirs.
With that she continued on her way to Anakin. He was beautiful with his dirty blonde hair, bright smile and confident gait. He was like looking at a young stag. Though Hadarah had not participated in a hunt in some time her mind and eye were always those of a huntress. She knew how some hunters went after weak prey. They chose game that could easily be brought down because it was feeble, maimed, sick or old, but she had never been that type of game chaser. No, she set her eye on higher heights. When she had prepared to go out on The First Hunt Ceremony at age 16 her father and mother had taken her out a few times in the months prior to the ceremony. Her father always told her to chase a baby Anju, the chubby creature could hardly escape on its spindly little legs and she always felt guilty bringing down such a prey. It hardly stood a chance. It made pitiful cries when it died. It wasn't fun at all to hunt for such game. A few weeks later she remembered asking her older brother to take her. It was late at night, her parents and other siblings were asleep. Her parents had not taken her hunting in quite some time, they didn't need to hunt. Their cupboards were filled with good meat and her father and mother had tried to assure her that their would be plenty more opportunities t hunt before the rainy season set in. They said that by the spring she would be more than ready to participate in the First Hunt Ceremony. It perplexed her older brother as to why she wanted to go on the late night hunt, but none the less he took her to the plains. The Anju came out in large herds at night. Her brother had pointed out a sickly looking bunch and told her to shoot one, but young Hadarah wasn't interested in having those weak things for her prey. " I want to hunt a good one," she insisted. " I want to hunt something strong. It doesn't take much skill to capture one of these, besides the meat will be tough and the pelt won't be any good to sell," she explained. Her brother obliged her request with pleasure. With that she and her brother walked across the plains of Lexmar searching for the perfect quarry. They searched high and low; late into the night until they found a worthy beast. Hadarah never forgot that Anju bull. He was quite a sight to behold. He had a thick coat of a deep red shade, he bound and leapt through the air snorting and kicking and making a spectacular display, the others swarmed around him lowing as if encouraging him to show them more. That was a creature worthy of the chase. She looked at the young Jedi a slow grin crawling across her features: he was worthy of the chase, the young ambassador confirmed to herself. "Share a drink with me, Master Skywalker," it was not request the way she stated it.
Anakin looked at the proffered glass held gently between her index finger and her thumb. Her other hand rested on her hip accentuating her perfect figure. The thin, glittering, pink veil could not hide the enticing smile that had formed on her lips. She stepped closer when Anakin hesitated. Her body swayed sensuously when she walked and before he knew it she was only inches from him.
He thought about the treat that she was offering him. He could smell the drink as soon as the big vile had been open. The Bantku made strong drinks. Most of the Chancellor's party was already intoxicated and although Anakin wasn't drunk the strange feeling that the leaking Force Crystals on this planet magnified the effects of the strange alcohol he had already been served. Still he didn't want to seem rude. After all this was a gesture symbolizing peace and new found friendships. The whole operation with the Bantku was delicate. The Bantku were distrusting of outsiders and didn't take kindly when their gifts weren't accepted. He was taking this drink for the sake of the mission, in the name of diplomacy. It was a necessary part of negotiations he explained to the disapproving scowl that he imagined Obi-wan wearing in the back of his mind.
He reached out his gloved hand slowly to take the drink. "Thank you my lady," he smiled at her, "what is it?" he bent over the glass and looked at the swirling thick golden drink that almost looked like syrup.
"Don't be nervous," Hadarah whispered, "I will drink first," she explained as she lifted up the veil and brought the cup to her lips. " It is Jambolla." She took a long sip from her vessel and seemed to enjoy every moment that it caressed her tongue. She licked her lips slowly when she was done. "Mmm. So good," she purred now handing the glass to Knight Skywalker.
Anakin watched helplessly as her tongue continued to lick the sweet residue of the beverage off the sides of her mouth. She was mesmerizingly beautiful. He tried to quell the feelings that such acts caused in him. He was a Jedi he was controlled (that should be true, but at times he knew it was the furthest thing from the truth). He was married, he was committed (that was true. It had been true one hundred percent of the time, but) He was a man prone to temptation and weakness (That was always true) Ambassador Hadarah was stunning.
She was still holding the drink in her hand presenting it to the dumbstruck Jedi. Anakin slightly shook his head clearing it from the strong suppression of Force Energy that seeped from the asteroid or maybe he was clearing it from the alcohol, or maybe trying the shake Hadarah's exquisite form from burning in the back of his mind. His hand finally touched the glass. She laughed a little before speaking, "When you share this drink with me it will symbolize trust," Anakin nodded and brought the drink closer to his chest, "It will be symbolic of respect we share one for another," He took the glass to his lips. The Ambassador slipped her hand from behind her back and touched the one that his hand dangling by his side. "And connection," she breathed in a raspy sultry tone. Her emerald eyes had been down cast for a long time while she spoke but now the glanced up at his. He quickly closed his eyes and took a sip of theJambolla. It was good. It was sweet like nothing he had tasted before. "You like?" she asked a genuinely curious.
"It's delicious my I am not surprised, everything I tasted here tonight was wonderful." He smiled at her.
"Imagine that there is still so much here you haven't tasted," she quipped.
"Maybe that is for the best." He began looking at her seriously,
"I wouldn't want to over indulge," Anakin explained
"Even a Jedi must make room for indulgence sometime,"
"but sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad for you," he cautioned her.
"I have yet to see that," Hadarah shrugged pleasantly. "There is not so much left," she stated looking into the glass. "Why don't you finish it," she suggested. "We have not brought out the Jambolla in many moon rotations," she explained. "It is costly and the plant from which it grows we can no longer access. It is lost to us on Lexmar. It is even possible now that the droid factories have killed all of the delicate Makoka flowers" her voice fell a little and she put her hand to her heart seeming overcome with emotion."Who knows when we will taste such divinity again,".
"Soon my lady you can not give up hope that one day Lexmar will be returned to your people. I'm sure the delegates from the Senate want to invest in what your tribe has to offer." Anakin corrected her.
"A hope is all that is for now, but still have this drink and in battles to come if there is a fight to be had for the saving of my poor home y remember what you are fighting for," she grinned temptingly giving the drink back to Anakin Skywalker. Without much more thought he swallowed the remainder of the contents. The Ambassador's lips maintained a casual smirk, but her green eyes flickered like an ignited lightsaber with delight.
Ekon had watched much of the exchanged between the woman he was due to wed and the young Jedi knight. He burned with jealousy, but what could he do. He was no warrior or hunter, no match for a Jedi, especially one so skilled. With defeat he dropped his glass of Jambolla on the desolate rocky ground. Its valuable contests spilled over into a crater on the asteroid.