The Bantku people used a synthetic light source to create the illusion of day and night in deep space. When the pseudo morning light appeared, both the Chancellor's entourage and the elders of the tribe knew what that meant. It meant that the time of hospitality had ended. Now it was time to get down to the reason why they were here… the weapon. The delegates gathered in a large tent in the center of the village. It was The Tent of the Elders. It was a spacious pavilion with all the regal beauty that a grand palace would possess. When all arrived they were presented with a grand breakfast. A table was filled with fruits and pastries and delectable meats. The members of the Tribe set on one side of the table and the Chancellors party set on the other. They were seated on the ground with colorful pillows. Servants quickly attended to the needs of the vistitors. They refilled empty beverages almost instantly and made sure that the table never looked as though it were becoming empty. Bantku girls fanned the elders and the distinguished Senators and digitaries. The Senate guards and several Bantku Tribe warriors stood outside the tent to make sure that all inside remained undisturbed for the duration of the discussion. A few women and children were allowed to sit in on the discussion, but even most of the family members of the Great Sheik had been dismissed from the function. Ambassador Hadarah and the Great Shiek's head wife were the only females from the Tribe seated at the banquet table.
It had been hours and the negotiations were still not going favorably for the people of the Bantku Tribe. The Senators and Representative from the Republic were still extremely wary of the usually secretive people. "The Bantku have never been known as weapons specialist," Bail Organa commented he glanced at the Shiek. " I mean no offense when I say this, but your tribe isn't very technologically savvy," He continued, "How can we even trust that this product you have invented will actually work?"
"Are people have always been known as quality traders throughout the galaxy. We would not offer something for sale that was not of good quality," the chief minister expressed.
"Desperate times do push people to desperate measure though," The Speaker of the House narrowed his eyes. The Bantku could not merely rest on their laurels to impress him. "And pressured production often becomes faulty."
"Ekon, studied in a University on one of the moons of Naboo, he is a chemist and knows much about engineering," The Sheik spoke up.
"I have also brought a scientist of the highest caliber with me from Coruscant," The Chancellor explained as he pointed to the female scientist who had been pivotal in the creation of a special bomb that was now being used at large by the Republic army. "It is not to slight you Dr. Ekon, but we must be sure," The Chancellor expressed.
"No, it is fine Chancellor," Ekon spoke up. "I would be honored to have a colleague review my discoveries and see what we are truly on the verge of," the middle aged man inclined his head toward the leader of the scientific board from Coruscant.
" Chemical compounds and measurements can be discussed at a later time," Mon Mothma spoke out abruptly. "It is not just a worry over the function of the weapon that concerns me. For almost a century the Republic has offered the Bantku people friendship and protection by asking for you to join with the millions of systems that make us up and only now do you chose to be part of us," She crossed her arms over her chest, "How convenient."
"The Bantku never spat at the friendship of the Republic. For many generations we have been considered a territory of the Republic," Hadarah's father, one of the tribes leaders explained.
"But now that you are on the verge of collapse you want all the rights of a full citizenship? That is a tad convenient," expressed one of the Chancellor's dignitaries.
"We have the right to maintain the sovereignty. We are traders. By aligning with the Republic we would have cut off trade with other world that were not members of the Republic," The Sheik explained. "because of trade federation regulations," the royal man added as he cut a sideways glance at the salamander like senator who represented the Federation.
"But now you want only to have dealings with us?" The Chancellor asked in a gentle questioning voice.
"Yes Supreme Chancellor," The Shieks voice was low and he looked down away from the vicious stares of the crowd around him. "now it doesn't matter who we are allowed to trade with for we have nothing to trade, save this weapon" the king almost sounded broken.
" You seek only to use the Republic to your own ends!" Mon Mothma expressed with vehemence. "The Bantku are no different than the trade federation. They want to get a foothold in the Republic only to make us in debt!" she told her fellow delegates. The Senators nodded in agreement.
"The Trade Federation has been a member of the Republic since the earliest days of it's conception," The Trade representative spoke up to defend his system.
"Yet only in recent years have you participated in the senate," Mon Mothma pointed out.
"Senator Mon Mothma, please." The Chancellor began his voice was patient and placid. "You have much passion my dear, but we must focus on the issue at hand. The Trade Federation is not to be attacked in this matter. We are discussing allowing this weapon to be part of the Republics arsenal." He reminded her. Mon Mothma composed herself and sat back in her seat.
"You accuse us of using you, but it is you who have used us. We are a protectorate system, but have we been protected? NO!" Hadarah declared. "Where was the Republic when Lexmar was being over run by separatist? Where was the protection we were promised as a territory wen droids came and decimated Tribal grounds? What help did the Republic send to us when they built their factories and poisoned the environment?" Her green eyes flickered with condemnation as she looked in the eyes of the noble senators.
"My dear girl," Tarkin spoke up, " As a territory system you must realize that your needs are secondary to that of Republic citizens," Tarkin said laughing as he held the cocktail in his hands.
Hadarah's green eyes narrowed, "And why is that Capatin?" she spat.
"You wanted protection and protection would have been readily available to you during peace time, but Ambassador this is war. The resources of the Republic are spread thin. We can't squander the tax payers dollars and aid to those who don't contribute to helping make the revenue for the Republic," He tossed his hand back looking to the crowd of delegates who all readily took his side.
"How dare you," the young Ambassador railed.
"The truth of the matter my pretty," Tarkin turned his head back to gaze into her entrancing eyes. He had yet to look upon her face fully, but he knew that she was gorgeous. "The Grand Army of the Republic is not a charity organization. Perhaps you should petitioned the Jedi Council for an intervention in your misfortune," He inclined his head to General Skywalker.
A dig, Anakin knew to be meant for the Jedi. Anakin gritted his teeth forcing himself to remain calm,dignified and aloof. After all, that was everyone expected a Jedi to behave. The respect Anakin had for Captain Tarkin fluctuated daily. Tarkin spoke anything out his mouth that he wanted to about the Jedi Order sometimes Anakin agreed and sometimes he wanted to tell Tarkin the type of fool he really sounded like.
"Yes perhaps we should have," She replied her eyes also looking at General Skywalker. Her jade pupils glistened with fury at the nonchalance that Tarkin place on the lives of her people. Her eyes implored the young Jedi knight to say something. Anakin didn't know if it was the Force allowing him to pick up on her thoughts or if it was the fact that her green eyes were mirrors to the depths of her soul. Still he remained silent.
"It was known before that you dealt with the Separatist, how can we trust that you haven't built a weapon for them one that is even more powerful?" questioned the Speaker of the House indignantly. He stood and pointed her finger accusingly in the Sheiks face.
" As you have pointed out Chancellor we are an unaligned system and if we did produce weapons for the Separatist we violate no treaty," The pudgy ruler rebuffed the rudeness that he had received in his tent with his curt reply, "and have the right to trade with who ever we please," the sheik responded coolly his arms folded on his fat belly.
"So you admit that you are still having dealings with the Separatist?" Mon Mothma insisted.
"Senator Mon Mothma you must calm yourself," the Chancellor insisted.
"I'm sorry Chancellor Palpatine, but I cannot sit back and have the Republic become any deeper entangled with these bureaucrats ," she huffed
"Our planet was attacked by the Separatists! They came and took over! They destroyed good farmland and the environment. They killed off most of the Anju. Lexmar is dying under their tyranny. Many of our brothers and sisters have died because of them. Why do you think we would do anything to help scum like that?" she countered with vehemence toward the redhead senator. Mon Mothma drew back almost fearful of the young woman's powerful anger.
"You have a home here in this asteroid belt is that not enough for you for now?"
"We have no food here! We will starve to death once our surpluses run out!" Hadarah's father one of the most respected elder spoke up.
"Your people's need for survival is well understood, Great Shiek and the Republic is willing to send you relief in a humanitarian loan," The speaker of the house replied.
"My people have never once begged. We will be indebted to no one. What we offer you is a fair trade." The Sheik insisted he looked only at the Chancellor.
"The price you have put on this weapon is outrageous. Especially, since it has not been tested it could very well be a dud! We know little about it," Oshnee reminded everyone seated around the Sheiks' great table.
"I think we have heard enough talk from each side. Now it is time that we see the facts," the Chancellor stated. "We have heard the promises of what the weapon can do, but not it must be proven to us. We must see this magnificent creation for ourselves. That is the only way to truly appraise its worth." The Chancellor explained and his delegates nodded and clapped for his wisdom. "I suggest, with your permission of course, Great Sheik, that we take a short recess from this debate."
The Sheik nodded his approval and it was agreed upon that they needed to take a few hours time away from the heated meeting. Delegates from both sides stormed out. The Chancellor remained seated. He looked somewhat pensive brows furrowed, hands covering his mouth as he thought. "Chancellor," young Skywalker spoke coming up behind him, "Is everything alright?"
"Mmm," The Chancellor looked up at him and gave a courteous smile though his lips remained tight. "This gathering didn't go at all the way I had intended it to," he explained.
"I must say myself I am surprised that so many senators seemed to have so much protest against it," Anakin shrugged then frowned deeply, but turned his head hoping that the Chancellor wouldn't catch his grimace. The senate were only concerned with the monetary cost of the weapon, but war had greater cost than mere credits.
"Some valid concerns were raised," Chancellor Palpatine admitted.
"They haven't even seen the weapon in action yet and they put it down. The disinterest is a little rash to me."
"Many decisions in this war have been made rashly, my boy," stated the Supreme Chancellor he sighed an rubbed his hands over his eyes. "We do not want to isolate the Bantku Tribes at this time. We don't want to make more enemies," Palpatine clarified.
"I agree, but the Bantku aren't much of a threat to the Republic." Anakin gave words that he hoped would reassure his mentor.
Palpatine shuck his head vigorously, "oh but they are my boy, if we reject the weapon, I do not think the Bantku will hesitate to sell it to the Separatists out of spite. Then we will be the ones to blame for our own demise," The Chancellor's face once again looked quite stricken.
Anakin didn't like seeing his old friend so worried, "Don't worry Chancellor I'm sure that once the senators' bellies have stopped grumbling they'll be able to think more reasonably," he flashed a playful smile.
The Chancellor's eyes crinkled and he gave a smile back. "Let us hope you are right Anakin," he muttered and patted Anakin's should as he stood.
"Aren't you going to eat something, Chancellor?"
"Oh I will my boy in due time. I have a few things that I would like discuss with Ambassador Hadarah, before the we are called back to order," the elderly politician explained. Anakin accepted his answer and excused himself.
Anakin found a small café that no doubt had been set up for traders when they would stop by to trade with the Bantku people. The proprietor of the establishment looked excited to have the business of the young Jedi. It had been brought to the young Jedj's attention that since the attack on exmar the Bantku had not been charging one another for good and services, not with physical money anyway. He was sure that the small business man was eager to have a paying costumer again.
Anakin's mind turned while he ate plate full of native delicacies. He wondered if he should inform the Jedi Council of the things that were taking place. The fact that there were Force Crystal's present was enough of a reason for the Jedi Council to send the AgriCorp out to investigate the matter. He wondered should he mediate this debate about the weapons issue. True he had not been sent to mediate, but that was part of his role as a Jedi. Still the council had insisted that he take a leave from active duty. He doubted that any member on the Council would think him stable enough after the death of his padawan to mediate. If they thought tthat then they would have given him a week or two at the most to recuperate and then sent him right into the field again. Maybe their distrust for him was warranted in this situation. A mediator was expected to be impartial having no stake in the matter either way. He could not fane impartiality. The very thought of the Separatists gaining a weapon that had those type of destructive capabilities was inconceivable. The Separatists would never have anything that could rip another person he loved away from him, he swore.
Knight Skywalker proceeded to try and focus on his meal. It was delicious. It was spicy and tangy and had a little bit of sweetness to it. Just like that drink he had shared with Ambassador Hadarah. He had slept like a baby after drinking that. He tried to imagine that it had been other things. The pounding headache he had that night from the assault of raw Force Energy, the chilled atmosphere of the asteroid, the filling food he had eaten all night, but that Jambolla hadn't helped any.
A few large Bantku soldiers strolled into the little café. They were escorting a noble woman who was cloaked of course, but the amount of jewels she wore over her garbs revealed her wealth. Anakin knew all to well it was the ambassador. He tried to overt his eyes in hopes that she wouldn't see him. "Master Skywalker, may I join you," A sensual voice asked coming from behind him. A shiver shot up his spine as he heard her cool tone call to him. She didn't wait for him to reply she immediately took a seat in the booth with him.
Anakin sighed in relief at least she was covered. She was adorned in a lovely aqua ensemble and that had like blue swirls as a design. "My lady," he said standing as she took a seat, "The Chancellor was looking for you… he wanted to meet with you. Did you speak with him?" his words came out rushed and anxious.
"Yes, I did , we met." Hadarah's words were clipped and her entrancing eyes shifted back and fort nervously. She put up her had signaling for the waiter. She placed her order quickly. "What did you order?" she asked Anakin cordially. The young Jedi was almost taken aback by her casualness.
"Just some soup," the young knight responded and he ladled the contents around.
"it is not to your liking?" the Bantku woman inquired. She looked at the bowl the contents had hardly been disposed of. "Shame. I was under the impression that you enjoyed our cuisine last night."
"No, it isn't that my lady, it's very good," the young Jedi scooped a spoonful into his mouth, "I just don't have much of an appetite," he explained.
"Really?"
"I have a headache," Anakin said dismissively. After the fact he was surprised he had shared it with her. He didn't even tell Padme when he was feeling under the weather that quickly. Usually she'd have to keep asking him until he was just so annoyed that he just admitted he wasn't feeling well.
The young ambassador sighed, "Me too. The squabbling of these delegates is enough to give anyone a headache," she went on. The waiter came back and poured a cup of tea for the lady and "Do you mind?" she asked as she pulled out one of her expensive Felucian smolder sticks Anakin did mind. When he was about 15 he had dared anoher padawan Farris to buy some Felucian Smolder Sticks. It didn't take much it was easy to convince the vendor o sell it to them with a bit of Force Persuasion. Well the two of them were caught by Madam Jocasta Nu. They were in a remote corner of the library but they should have known that the old librarian would check ech and every crevice before she left for the night. She dragged Anakin out by his ear, to Farris she was much more gentle. She chidd him verbally saying how he should not be so easily influenced by his peers. She then lead him to the Healers ward being that Farris started to immediately have an allergic reaction. Obi-wan was not pleased when he was woken up in te middle of the night to find hs apprentice squirming from the pain of his ear being twiste to the point where he felt like it would fall off. Obi-wan told the elder that he would handle it. At first Master Kenobi said nothing he just merely went to check on Farris. When he returned he gave a brief report on Farris' status. Anakin was relieved to find that the other padawan was ok. Farris was far from what Anakin would call a friend but he hadn't wanted harm to come to him physically he had merely wanted the goody-two-shoes to get in trouble for once. That hadn't been successful. "So you like smolder sticks, Anakin?" Obi-wan asked he inclined his auburn eyebrows and looked at his padawan teasingly.
"Yeah," Anakin said quickly too quickly, he realized the mistake and clapped his hnad over his mouth. "I mean I was just curious, Master" e tried to look down and sound contrite.
"Well why don't you have another," Obi-wan offered the box to him Anakin hesistated and said no, but his master insisted. And when he finished the first stick Obi-wan insisted again and again until Anakin had smoked almost half a pack. Anakin felt sick. After that he never smoked another smolder stick again. Despite his little story, which Padme always found amusing, it was obvious that ambassador was most likely going to do as she pleased. She always did. She peeled back her veil and quickly placed it in her lap. Then she lit her poison of choice. She smiled as she blew a purple smoke ring over to the side.
"I understand that you are concerned about the negotiations my lady… but must you smoke at the table?"
"Negotiations? Negotiations!" Hadarah scoffed ignoring the later of the Jedi's commentary she continued in voice that held mockery under it's silvery tones, "I hardly call what is taking place a negotiations!" she shook her head her eyes glancing across the room and taking note the establishment. It wasn't crowded the men and women and children were in their tents eagerly awaiting news about what their fates would be. "I gave my people such hope. I told the Sheik that the weapon would be easy to pitch. That we would join the Republic by noon and finally our tribe would have the relief we so desperately need. What does the Republic want to loose this war!" she growled and slammed her thin fist on the table. "No," she went on, "They just want to see our people starve to death on this Force forsaken rock!" After the outburst she immediately went back to puffing on her smolder stick. The drag she took this time was longer, deeper and more satisfying.
The rock was everything but Force forsaken. There was a large deposit of Force energy on this place. Though prolonged exposure could have repercussions for future generations of Bantku boys and girls "You must have factored in some resistance," Anakin offered. It honestly pained him to see her in so much distress; smoking, trying to ease her nerves, drumming on the table in an unsteady rhythm and darting her eyes back and forth to the kitchen impatiently waiting for her platter. Hadarah had always presented herself as calm, lighthearted and intelligent. She was still dignified of course, but she was frazzled and worked up. He was also troubled by the way the delegates seemed so willing to overlook the possibilities of a new weapon. They didn't want a new weapon, but yet they had no problem asking the Kaminoans to create more clones. Most of the senators had no problem raising taxes among there own planets to fund the war. They didn't mind asking more and more Jedi to lay down their lives. So many brave Jedi had fallen like Ahsoka.
"Resistance, of course," Hadarah breathed out the smoke from her stick gaining some composure once again. "Still, I did think I'd have some support," her emerald eyes stared him down.
" There is much suspicion now in the senate. There is also a lot of debt," Anakin added trying to lighten the mood. Hadarah's face remained firm and Anakin adequately corrected his expression, "I'm sure many will rally to your cause once they see the weapon in action. Surely you can understand some of the skepticism being that they don't really know if the weapon works," Knight Skywalker offered
"Perhaps," the ambassador said in a thoughtful manner. " I myself have only seen one demonstration of the weapon. But it is potent. To risky to use often." She explained.
"Why is it so risky?" Anakin inquired further as he watched her lips form perfect "Os" as she puffed ring after ring.
"It is complicated and technical. I am no scientist. I don't understand all the jargon. I think there are some harmful radioactive side effects," she shrugged. "Ekon explained it to me. Something about the way the element is being processed. Obviously we don't have state of the art refineries here," she expressed. "May I ask you a question?" the distinguished woman of the Bantku asked.
"Of course," Anakin said with genuine concern.
"Why did you not speak?"
Anakin had not expected her o ask him that, "I beg your pardon?" he asked trying to remain aloof.
Hadarah shuck her head, she almost laughed before she went to take another drag and then returned to the conversation "It is a very simple question," she shrugged and thought of how to rephrase her statement, "We were in that meeting for hours. You said nothing. Am I to surmise that you have no thoughts on the matter?"
"It is really not my place to set policy my lady," Anakin answered feeling proud of himself for his direct and honest answer.
"I must disagree Master Skywalker. You were present in the meeting and you more than any of those senators know what is needed for the war. Does the thought of a weapon that could help you achieve victory have no appeal?" she implored him.
"I'm intrigued by the idea Ambassador, but I was not sent by the Jedi Council to condone weapons or negotiate treaties," Anakin explained.
"Of course, but you were not sent by the council at all, were you?" she inquires sweetly she toyed with her smolder stick and chuckled knowingly.
"I…I…how do you know?"
"The Chancellor informed me that he wanted you with him," she shrugged.
"I'm supposed to be on meditative retreat. The Council condone my coming only to pacify me until they decide I am ready to go back into active duty," Anakine explained to her his voice dripping with distain.
"But you are here," Hadarah interjected quickly.
"As the Chancellor's guest," Anakin pointed out
"Are not all the others," the lady replied wittingly. Anakin started to speak and then shut his mouth. Hadarah was good no matter what he said he'd imagine she'd have some argument. Anakin liked a healthy debate but he couldn't keep at it for hours as he imagine the woman before him could. "Ah-ha! You are silent!" Hadarah pointed out a playful laugh coming out of her. "I mean no disrespect Master Skywalker. I do not presume to tell you your role as a Jedi, but the Chancellor asked you come for a purpose and not just mere security I am sure. The Chancellor told me that he had selected these delegates because he trusted them to look out for the interests of the Republic the best. The Jedi have often been heeded for their wisdom. I'm sure that if the other delegates thought you were in favor of the weapon many would follow through with the deal," Hadarah suggested. Anakin remained quiet, "besides, do you really feel that the Senate should have jurisdiction in these matters?"
"In matter about a potential weapon of mass destruction? Why yes, my lady," he responded in earnest. "if such things were not regulated than planets could take up arms and use them against each other at will. Then we would be in an even bigger war than the one we are fighting at present," he explained to her.
"But the weapon isn't for any individual planet or government use. It is for the Republic army. The weapon will be in the hands of the most trusted and capable beings in the galaxy... people like you Anakin Skywalker. The Jedi will be the ones using the weapon. Therefore I believe you do have a say," she reasoned. Young Skywalker couldn't deny her logic.
"What would you have me do?" Anakin asked his voice low and he avoided eye contact. He raked his spoon through his soup.
Hadarah slinked her hand across the table and lightly brushed her flesh against the young Jedi's, causing him to look up at her."You know what to do. Think of your apprentice," she whispered.
Anakin pulled his hand away from her touch like it burned. "What?" he asked a hard look in his eyes. "Ahsoka is dead!" he reminded her harshly.
She didn't seem to be that offended by his rough tone. "I know," she replied softly, "Like my brother," he put her hand to her heart and held the smolder stick away from her face. "But what did they die for?"
"You mock her death?" Anakin growled.
"No, no. please," the ambassador said putting her hands up in front of her. "My brother died tragically after torture, just like Ahsoka did. He died fighting for our home. He died with the hope that his sacrifice would keep other from having to fall. I only supposed that maybe Ahsoka did too."
Anakin breathed, he relaxed. He forgot how much Hadarah understood. Her jade eyes reflecting the passion and sorrow that he himself knew. "She was always ready to do what needed to be done if she thought it would bring this war closer to an end." He explained
"Then she would want the Republic to have what we offer," the Bantku Tribe Ambassador whispered.
"Weapons don't win battles, my lady"
"But they could even the odds," Hadarah countered. " My people were forced to flee for our lives because we did not possess the technology that Count Dooku had with his droids. My brother, though a very skilled and capable warrior could not over come the fire power of the droid armies. This is a technological war, if the Republic expects to win they will need technological advantages," she stated.
"I understand and agree with you position…but"
"There can be no but with that Master Jedi. Think of all those who have lost their lives in this war. Like my brother." Her voice quivered and she let out a pent up sigh that flowed into a sob. Her hand flew to her mouth to try and stifle the emotions that were erupting forth from her. Her green eyes filled with tears that brimmed to the top and then splattered out of her eyes.
"Ambassador," Anakin voice was and tender, he reached his hand out across the table. His hand managed to brush her shoulder. The gesture was meant to be comforting. He hated seeing women cry.
"Think of a Ahsoka. What would she want?" the Ambassador question boldly and started to wipe her tears. When done she covered the hand that lingered on her shoulder with her on.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Anakin snapped. His thoughts went to his happy apprentice. A young girl full of vigor and energy who was always willing to fight for the Republic. She was never afraid to take the risk if she thought tat innocent lives would be spared. In the end she had given all she could for the Republic. "She can't want anything! She's gone!" With weary blue eyes Anakin stared into the jade green pupils of the ambassador, "What can I do for her now?" Anakin railed despite the collected manner of the beautiful young woman he was with. "I couldn't get to her in time! I couldn't save her," he broke. "I already killed him," he explained his expression contorting as he saw himself decapitate Lux Bonteri once more.
"It is not enough, is it?" the Bantku Tribe Ambassador asked. Anakin shuck his head losing vocal ability for the moment as he listened to Ambassador Hadarah's sensual accent. "It is this war that has killed her not just the person. You have ended a life, but you haven't ended the cause. With this weapon you could end the cause and then she could rest in peace," the ambassador explained breathlessly.
Rest in peace? Anakin's mind puzzled over the thought. Obi-wan said Ahsoka was at peace now that she was in the Force, but Anakin hadn't believed that for a second. How could anyone be at peace when they had been cut done so young? She was restless soul aching because she had been slain before her time. His master would say no one is cut down before their time, but that was just a stupid cliché that Jedi used constantly to try and numb pain. Hadn't Qui-Gon died too soon and his mother. She had barely tasted freedom before she was bound again and left to rot. He liked the Bantku philosophy much more "I wasn't brought here to…"
"Of course you were." Hadarah said her green eyes half-lidded as once again she reached her hand out to hold his. Anakin put a gloved hand out across the table without much thought. "The Chancellor brought you here because he thinks highly of you." She whispered as if telling a secret, but there wasn't anybody else around. "He believes that you have great influence," she purred allowing her hand to linger on his prosthetic limb a little longer "You are powerful Anakin Skywalker. Help the Republic. Have compassion on the plight of my people, sign for the weapon," she implored now leaning over into his ear. Her breath was warmer since she had been smoking the smolder stick and the rich earthy smell of the drug was on it. She quickly pushed herself away from the Jedi as the waiter came and carried the plate to her. She went to eating her food and ate with much gusto which seemed to be her fashion. She enjoyed a hearty meal.
"Ambassador do you really think this could put Ahsoka's soul at peace," Anakin asked forcing himself to stare at the brown soup and not at the deep emerald eyes that he knew were peering sensuously at him from across the table.
Hadarah considered her words, "My people believe that when a person's last cause is complete then they can finally rest in the Forces afterlife," she shrugged. "If a woman dies in child birth then she can rest in peace because he last mission was to giver her husband a child. My brother's last mission was to take back our homeland. I do not believe he is at peace," she hung her head, "but I am hoping that soon he will be. You made it seem as though Ahsoka wanted to end this war. I believe this weapon will turn the tide in the Republics favor and so it could put her at peace," Hadarah seemed solemn and wise when she explained the beliefs of her people. "I must go," she said quickly.
Anakin caught her by the wrist and trying to hold her at the table. He didn't want her to go he liked the discussion they were having. He liked discussing things with her and all and all that made him uncomfortable. He release her wrist realizing that he must have been grabbing it a lot more forcefully than he had intended because she was wincing. " I'm sorry," he said quickly.
The Bantku Tribe woman slowly massaged her wrist and then twisted it nimbly moving it with serpentine grace. "Think nothing of it," she smiles at him, "You are strong man," she expressed and chuckled slightly, "Luckily, I don't break easy," she quipped and continued to head out the restaurant.
"But your food," Skywalker called.
"You eat it," She said sweetly patting his cheek and rubbing her fingers down his jaw line before walking from the table. She put her light blue veil back across her face only in time to conceal her grin.