Chapter 8

Jaina, Leia, Tenal Ka, Octa and Saba all sat up as one. They looked at each other, and climbed out of their beds quietly trying not to wake anyone else.

"I'm going to check on Vestara, I will meet you at the Shadow, if I know Shelley she's put the other two into Trances and is trying to meditate." Octa told them quietly sliding off toward the room where Vestara had been assigned. As she neared she could hear her crying softly. She knocked on the door. And a moment later it opened. "Come on, we're going to her now, and I know you want to be there." She put her arm around the girl and walked toward the Shadow.

As they approached Jaina was keying open the hatch when the ramp lowered they walked into the sitting room and there in the middle of the floor was Master Shelley Harris Skywalker meditating, tears streaming down her face. They all sat cross legged in a circle taking her hands were Jaina and Leia they all sank into the Force allowed comfort and love to permeate it. Then there were more presences circling around them. And sitting behind them forming a circle around them as well.

Luke felt his wife put him into a healing trance and knew why she had done it, she didn't want him to have to relive it over and over again. He felt calm, and loved. A hand on his forehead pulled him out of the trance he looked and Shelley wasn't there only Ben and Corran above him pulling him out of his Trance, he looked up and saw Kyp had pulled him out of his trance, then he felt them all in his sitting room. He and Ben sat up as one and follow Kyp and Corran out, there in a circle were the ladies of the circle of life from earlier today, behind them starting to circle were the rest of the Jedi on planet, even Joshua and Jeremy and Janette were in it, Luke looked over to the chairs and found Han and Jag sitting in them, Luke walked over to his brother in law.

"What are you guys doing in here?" he asked softly

"Well we we're woken by our ladies getting up and leaving, then all the Jedi got up left so we followed them, I'm not sure what's going on." He look from the circle within a circle back to Luke. So Luke explained very quickly what the vision showed, and why all the Jedi had woken up from it, and now they needed the peace only the rest of the Jedi could bring. Han and Jag shared a look and turned back to Luke with faces of shock and horror. Then Luke looked up and saw a very tired looking Allana walking in with motor behind here she walked over to the circle stepped through the first circle and into the second, as one the girls scouted so Allana could be between Leia and Tenal Ka. It couldn't have been more precise if they had timed it. Luke joined and finished the second circle right behind his wife.

For hours Han and Jag sat and watched in mild fascination as the group meditated, comforting one another. After about 3 hours Han and Jag fell asleep, sleep for about an hour and got back up, they were still going at it, Han quietly went to the kitchen and made some caf and brought Jag a cup as well. Finally about an hour later they began to move and come around, then they finished and almost as one stood up off the floor.

"How do they do that move all at once without doing anything?"

"I don't know kid, and I've lived with Jedi for 40 years."

Shelley wasn't crying anymore, but you could see tear stains down the faces of almost all of the Jedi in the room. Shelley suddenly left the room so fast Han and Jag about missed it follow quickly by Jaina, then the heard retching sounds even through doors, Han and the rest of the Jedi looked to Jag.

Hem, Hem. "Told you I did angry you cannot be will of the Force it was, no fault of theirs, took every precaution they did." Yoda said as he appeared. "Remember always in motion the future is, what you see today may never come."

The sound of sinks and doors being opened together Jaina and Shelley walked back in, Jaina froze midstride when she looked up at all the Jedi looking from her to Yoda to Jag, her heart began to pound and she thought she was going to be sick again. She was about to make run for it when her aunt put her arm around her pulled her into a hug, and spoke into her ear.

"We are not angry, and everyone else is just surprised, the master were there when Yoda said it had to be a person who I had trained and had a child and since we all knew you hadn't had one before, there was only one explanation. Yoda told us he spoke the words over you." Then gave her arms a little squeeze and stepped back, her Uncle was next telling her almost the same thing, told her he loved her after a few minute she finally got to Jag, and he pulled her into his arms she buried her face in his chest not even wanting to look at her parents.

"Jaina honey, look at me." She heard her mom say softly. She peaked at them from the corner of her eye. Her mom had tears in her eyes and her dad look like he was trying to decide if he wanted to hug her or kill Jag so she opted to chose for him and flew into her parents arms. "Its alright, we are not mad and no one else is either, just calm down, the panic isn't good for the babies. Shhh." Her mom was petting her hair.

"I'm scared, I've never been pregnant before or had a baby that depend solely on me for them to live." Tears streaming down her face.

"And that why you feel scared Jaina if you look in this room and ask anyone of the mothers what they felt like right now in your shoes they would tell you the same thing. It's scary knowing that if you do just one thing your baby won't make it, but that is why you have us, we are here to help you, to make things easier for you, do you honestly think your aunt isn't scared right now, and even worse after that vision? Ask her." Her Aunt stepped up to her.

"Jaina, I know how you feel, right now because I'm in the same boat, the terror that is eating at you, but you must never feel alone because you're not, we are all here and some day you'll hold a little baby in your arms that is yours and Jag's and that's all you'll worry about, the fear you have right now, will vanish the moment that baby is put into your arms, and your world shifts from 2 people to 3 or 4, and you have your own family to do anything you want with, trust me." Then her aunt stepped back into her uncle's embrace.

"Now since everyone is awake why don't we go change and meet in the mess and eat, okay." Luke said as he took Shelley by the arm and lead her down the hall, as everyone but Ben and Vestara left, the two of them looked uncomfortable.

"Well, that was a pretty strange and terrifying vision." Vestara said

"I agree."

"I don't want to be married in eight months." She told him

"Well neither do I, but if the vision was right, then it was an order and that's that."

"Yeah, I guess." She looked down at herself.

"Do you want me to see if I can find you some clean clothes?"

"If you wouldn't mind, I would love a shower and clean clothes." Her eyes rolled up in her head as if in love with idea.

"Alright give me a minute."

Ben walked to his parent's room knocked on the door. And a moment later his dad opened the door he only had his pants on his Jedi robes were discarded, he handed him a set of his moms Jedi robes in tan.

"Luke can you come and help me, I'm still having problems moving." Luke smiled at his son. And shut the door as Ben walked away.

"Yeah sweetheart I'm coming." He heard.

He walked up to Vestara and handed them to her, she looked down in middle surprise at the clothes.

"Jedi robes? But I'm not a Jedi yet."

"In this family it rare you see us in anything else, unless your Mom in which case she wears Queen Jedi robes."

"Queen?"

"Yes, she was the Queen of Naboo, so she has specially tailored gowns for her Queen robes."

"Wow, okay so where is the shower?"

"You can use Amelia's for now, it's right next to mine." He pointed at a door.

"Thanks."

Luke walked to the fresher where Shelley was having trouble getting her shirt off over her head, Luke knew her sitting in a cross legged position for so long would make her hurt today, he'd never had the pleasure of helping her undress after hours of meditation practices with her all those years ago. He walked up behind her and he let his finger play with the hem of her shirt as he kissed down her neck, he heard a sigh and her head tilted to give him access. After a few minute they were so consumed in each other they didn't even notice they were undressed and in the shower. There was banging on the door in the bedroom.

"Dad will you stop necking mom in the shower everyone is going to be at breakfast already, Vestara and I are going to head over there just don't take to, long I don't want to have to explain this to a room full of Jedi, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian. Though the Jedi probably already know since there you know, Jedi." That was worse than Ben and Vestara, knowing they had been making out in the shower was all the master and apprentices knowing as well, was like having a bucket of ice water pour on them. "Much better, see you in a few minute." They could hear his laughter, but they could feel his amusement and smugness through the Force.

"You know I think he's spent too much time with my brother in law." Luke groaned as his head fell on her shoulder.

"I agree with you there. Come on, lets go before we really get it. Just remember that time we caught Kyp and Octa going at it in the utilities closet in the Temple when she was pregnant with Jeremiah, so if he starts you can always bring that up."

"Oh your evil, I love it."

Five minute later he was in his traditional black Jedi robes and Shelley was in a light purple and cream Queen Jedi gown. As they walked in the held there heads high and keep their faces from turning red by use of the Force, when Kyp started snickering. Along with half the male Councilors.

"Masters Skywalker, it's so nice of you to join us." Kyp let out a full belly laugh until Shelley's eye fell on him. And he stopped dead.

"Master Durron, It would please me greatly if you shut your mouth, I remember a little incident, oh what was it Luke 8 or 9 years ago? A utilities closet, Masters Hanger bay entrance." Octa and Kyp had both stopped laughing and every Master was looking at them with something between amusement and dismay.

"And you didn't lock the door? Geez kid I thought, I had taught you better than that. I remember the one time I went into.."

There was a collective 'Don't.' from almost every Jedi in the room. Now is was Shelley and Luke's turn to laugh at the multitudes of red faces in the room.

"I did know we had a bunch of exhibitionist within our Order, Grand Master. What are we going to say if that ever goes public?" Giving him the hint he needed.

"Blame it on Kyp and Octa?" Everyone got a laugh out of that one even Kyp and Octa, who were taking it in stride. Octa walked over to her.

"I can't believe you told everyone that." She said trying and failing to contain her smile.

"Well your husband was the one who started it, I'll keep my mouth shut about other things if he keeps his." She gave her a meaningful look. "Think cockpit of an X-wing." She paled nodding and ran over to him she told him, and he too paled. He looked over at her and nodded.

"What did you say?"

"That if he kept his mouth shut so would I, about the incident with the x-wing."

"He didn't?" she nodded

"That's where she got pregnant with Kathy."

"Oh so good. Do you have little black book of these deeds I could look at?"

"No sorry there all locked up in here." She pointed to her head. "That way it can't be deleted, or thrown away."

"Good plan."

"Luke, old buddy, the SA is here and waiting orders, I've been contacted by Daala again she is wondering if I had seen you yet, I told her no that an emergency had come up a diverted you from rendezvous but that you were due today for the convening of the Council, she asked where, I told her that was undecided as of two days ago. Should I contact her and tell her we are meeting here or what?"

"Yes, tell her she'll have an Audience in three days time. Not before, there are many things going on, don't tell her about the two new marriages I want those as a surprise, and the babies or Vestara."

"Alright old buddy I'll call her after breakfast."

They eat for a few minute when the Holonews came on.

"This Javis Tyrr, Yesterday reports from Hapes that The Queen Mother Tenal Ka and The Solo's disappeared, Taryn Zel is acting in her cousins stead with her Jedi Fiancé Zekk acting as her personal guard, no word as to where they went when they left even Jedi Zekk said he didn't know but the Queen Mother came to their room and told them she had been called away. And also yesterday Galactic Empire Head of State disappeared with Jaina Solo, General Baron Soontir Fel is acting in his son's stead, only saying he had been requested for a mission only he and Jaina could perform they flew out in their personal fighters to meet up with Master Shelley Harris where even he couldn't say, he spoke to his son this morning they had meet up and would be return after the High Council had reconvened, stating The Sword of the Jedi was needed at the meeting. When we find out where they are or when they will be back to both Hapes and the Empire will let you know."

"Well I'd say I have all of five minute before Daala is calling me. What do you want me to say Luke?" She turned and looked at her husband as he looked thoughtful.

"You were on an assignment toward the Maw, and found something that would require experienced Fighter pilots navigating Black Holes and unfriendly space, so you called in the two you knew could do it with you, you finished and are awaiting my arrival on Kessel."

"Very well, husband, it will be done."

Beep, Beep.

"Motor says he has an incoming live holo message from Chief Daala for Master Harris." C-3PO said.

"Alright lets go to the conference room." She walked holding Luke's hand. "Just stay out of sight. Motor authorization Skywalker-Harris-Naboo."

"Master Harris, it's good to final see a face from the Jedi High Council, I was hoping I could get an update on when the Council is going to reconvene?"

"Chief Daala were on Kessel awaiting the Grand Master's arrival with Jedi Skywalker, I spoke to him about an hour ago, I was going to let Lando talk to you since he was the one that asked, we will be reconvening tomorrow and will make a place for you to meet with the Jedi High Council in three days time, were doing some things for the Jedi before we meet with Jagged Fel or Tenal Ka…"

'The Jade Shadow is requesting permission to land, all Masters of the Council to landing zone.' Could be heard in the background. She was amused by Lando's thoroughness.

"Well it looks like the Grand Master is about toooooo….." Shelley went down in a heap on the floor.

"Motor cut feed." Jaina called. As she ran to her Aunt.

Luke was at her side an instant after the feed ended, as was Master Cilghal. Her face was deathly pale. "What's wrong now? This can't be happening, what's wrong with her."

"I think she needs to rest, she's been doing too much, and she was up all night meditating with the rest of use."

"Okay, I'll take her to bed." He picked her up. "Master Sebatyne, will you call Daala back tell her will meet with her in three days."

"Of course, Grand Master." Motor beeped. "Motor connected to Chief Daala authorization Jedi-High-Council." Beep. "Chief Daala this iz Master Sebatyne."

"Yes, Master Sebatyne I was speaking to Master Harris and she seemed to pass out, is she alright?"

"Yes, she has been unwell for the past few days, the Masters last night were all meditating there was a vision that pasted through the whole Order, we watched as one of our own died after giving birth, there was a lot of information to process, the whole of the Order pretty much joined in meditation all over the Galaxy."

"Who was it that passed, Master Sebatyne?"

"I'm sorry, we are not ready to speak of it, perhaps when you come in three days."

"Very well, I will see you in a few days, perhaps if I get there before the three days, you'll be able to get me in earlier?"

"I make no promises, Chief Daala, we will have many things to deal with before we deal with any of the governments…"

'All Master of the Council too landing zone, Jade Shadow has an approach vector.'

"I must go, good day, Chief Daala."

"Good day, Master Sebatyne." The image disappeared.

Chief Daala's office.

"Nek, get my flagship ready."

"The Guardian will be ready in a few hours, are you sure you want to go so early they may very well not have time to meet with you before the allotted time, they gave you."

"I will go and if I have to wait, then so be it. I have been told by many that its best to show up and wait for them to come to me, then wait and show up when they give me the time of day."

"I have known Jedi for a long time and showing up when they say, is probably best in this situation, remember we can always lose them if we insult them, but I will do whatever you say."

"We'll leave tomorrow then."

Kessel

Shelley woke up in her bed, she looked down and she was in her purple night tunic, and she knew she hadn't put this on, she rolled over put her arm out on Luke's side of the bed, it was cool. She sat up and looked around, nothing. She got out of bed pulled on her robe at the end of the bed, walked over to the fresher pulled a brush through her hair, quickly braiding it, walking into the hall, she made it to the living room, and saw him asleep on the couch, watching the holonews it looked like. She walked back down the hall opening Ben's door, he was asleep. She went back down the hall and to the kitchen, opening the refrigerator pulled out some soda water, she was almost finished with a glass when a hand came from behind her and pulled her to Luke, he began to kiss her neck.

"Sweetheart, are you feeling any better?"

"I don't know, I don't remember what happened, I was talking to Daala, that's the last thing I remember."

"You went down, Cilghal said you just over did it meditating all night, with the Council. Which you and I haven't talked about yet, come on lets go sit down and we'll talk." She refilled her glass, poured some Blue milk for Luke and walked to the couch where he had fallen asleep. "Why don't we talk about your vision for some reason I have a feeling you had more than the rest of us."

"Most likely the only thing different from yours and mine, was when I grabbed you and hugged you, I was trying to turn him, when I fell into the Force I already knew I was dying, I was bleeding internally I was already dead, I told you all goodbye and that was it, I held on until Hayden was born, once he was out, the Netherworld of the Force called me home."

"Well, we'll make some changes so your home on Courasant for the last part of your pregnancy, you'll just have surgery instead, I won't lose you if we can help it."

"Very well. What part of the vision do you remember the most?"

"You tell Vestara you would be there when it happen was the part that caught my attention save the actual births and your death."

"She was pregnant, I told her when she had her child I would come back to be by her side."

"Grandchildren, I'm not ready to have grandchildren. I'm too young to have grandchildren, no strike that, Ben is too young to have children." He said agitated

"Well, your sister is the same age and she has an 8 year old."

"That's why I said, Ben is too young. Come on let's go to bed." He stood reached down and pulled her up to him, kissing her hard and passionately. "I want you, let me take you." He said into her neck after breaking the kiss to breath so continue to kiss down her neck.

"Then take me, just be gentle." She kissed him and let him feel through the Force, her desire and her trust that he would do his best not to hurt her then was necessary.

"I promise." He pulled her into his arms and carried her down the hall. Into their room shut and locked the door. He set her down and slowly began to take her robe off and let it pool around her ankles same with her shirt and her pants, she began working on his robes which he'd not changed out of in a few swift motion his robes also pooled on the floor and his pants followed then they were both in their undergarments, hers came off, her legs hit the back of the bed, and he lowered her down kissing her all the way down until he was on top of her. She reached between them and slide his undergarments off as well, she shifted up the bed, eliciting groans from him, he crawled up her body, placed a knee between her leg and started to separate them, out of instinct she closed them. "I'm not going to hurt you, I'll be as gentle as I can be." He saw the nervousness in her face and in the Force. She relaxed her legs and allowed him to get closer, he could tell she'd never done this before because she wasn't relaxing all the way, he knew he'd hurt her at least some, but they needed to be joined it would cement there bond completely, he started to enter her and felt every muscles in her body rebel and lock solid. He lent down and began to kiss her passionately till she started to relax and began to move again slowly until he hit what was left of her barrier. He kissed her check. "I'm sorry this is going to hurt, there's nothing I can do about that, but stop and give you a minute then you'll start to enjoy yourself, and every time after this will be nothing but pleasure." She nodded and he entered her fully in one swift motion and stopped once he was seated. A single tear came out of her eye, he kissed it away. The rest of their night was spent in passion filled lovemaking frenzy. Luke woke with Shelley in his arms, he heard a soft knocking on the door. He slid out of the bed, made sure she was covered all the way, pulled his robe off the end of the bed and pulled it on, as he stepped to his door and opened it slightly.

"Yeah Ben what is it." He asked in a whisper

"Um, the Master's want you to know, they are planning on beginning the Jedi High Council in about 3 hours, if that's okay with you." Ben kept his eyes on the floor.

"Yes, I'll make sure your Mom is up."

"Okay, I'll let them know." He turned quickly and left the ship.