It's the week before finals. I got projects and a paper to work on, and what do I do? I work on my fan fiction because I realize that though most of it is in the final stages of editing, I still need to go over it again and actually publish it for you guys to read. *shakes head* Priorities, priorities. Please be so kind as to review after reading.
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine, nothing at all. I wouldn't mind writing Star Wars for George Lucas, but hey, what can a girl do?
In orbit around Alderaan…
The shuttle was taking forever. It had to have been at least an hour ago since she boarded. Ani Laminara held onto the hand strap with one hand while she shifted in place, adrenaline and anxiety coursing through her veins.
"Relax, Padawan," Luminara chuckled, low enough for only her and her padawan to hear. "It's only been seven minutes since we left the ship." Ani glared at her master's back.
"You're reading my mind again," she grumbled.
"You're exuding too much worry for me not to," Luminara replied. "And please, stop glaring at my back." Rolling her eyes, Ani complied. She focused on making her face a blank slate. Since she didn't have a mirror, she could only go by muscle memory and pray that it was as impassive as she meant it to be. Last thing she wanted was for her stepmother to be able to read her like a book.
Last time she read you was when you were four. You could hardly be blamed for not being able to mask your emotions, even with your ability to use the Force. Ani grudgingly conceded that point. That little, inner voice was right; some things just couldn't be controlled at the age of four. She hadn't arrived at the Temple until afterwards, and her mother's instruction had covered mastering her emotions, not concealing them.
"Master, when will we arrive at the mansion?"
"Less than fifteen minutes, more than ten," Luminara responded. "Calm yourself, young one." /Remember, we will meet her together. Our clone army will be with us. I will be there right alongside you. This is just the first meeting, introductions and formalities, so all should go as planned. Have courage, little one./ Ani savored the affection and love being sent through their bond. She knew the caring that flowed between them strengthened not only her own resolve to act as a true Jedi through this, but also eliminated most of her master's worry.
Rumors of Marana Kiln's deviousness and cunning had made their way to Coruscant, which had made their mission that more important. Whispers of illegal dealings that could not be confirmed, mysterious disappearances of a few who had directly opposed her, and the majority dealt with the why and how concerning her unopposed control over her seat in Alderaan's senate. Since she had gained her seat through her marriage with Toron Kiln, one of the most influential houses of nobles on the planet, she had never been run against. Ever. Strange, but it still was not unheard of considering the planet's inclination for peace and tradition. Yet it continued to strike her as odd.
Considering I am her step-daughter, and that we didn't part on good terms eleven years ago, that is not surprising, she noted. As ever, I must be watchful and mindful. Never telling what can happen on these… reunions. Breathing in and out in steady, deep breaths, she mentally repeated the be watchful, be mindful mantra as she attempted to calm herself, shrouded by the darkness inside the gunship.
Marana Kiln paced in her room, hands waving about, muttering to herself. Her contact in the Senate informed her about the Jedi team that was coming to see her about her request. Her step-daughter was on that team, the same one that her friend had requested eleven years ago and she hadn't been able to deliver on that request… until now. Her friend was nothing if not patient, however.
In the eleven years since, she had been informed on proper Jedi-capturing and keeping techniques, including electrocuting droids, Force deprivation collars, liquid midi-chlorian blockers, and tranq darts. She would need all of that at her disposal. Her step-daughter was almost here, and she was going to be hers at last. She had spent most of her life perfecting her technique to get her everything she wanted. Certain deaths and one particular marriage came to mind. There was little she hadn't gotten when desired. Being foiled when having her personal Jedi slave topped the sparse list of things she hadn't gotten yet still wanted.
She smiled at herself through the mirror. Sometimes the best things needed a little waiting for. The girl was well trained in the Jedi arts, yet not fully trained. Subduing her was going to be the easy part. Her friend was going to get his vial; she was going to get a bodyguard.
"Milady?" Finara asked, opening the door. She was one of Marana's personal maids, and ideal at that. She was loyal, yet not inquisitive. Always obeyed her orders, carried out her wishes, yet never nosed around. She was the best anyone could hope for. "The Jedi team and clone escort has arrived and are awaiting your presence."
"Good." Marana checked herself over one last time. Dress was as, if not more, important than deportment in this business. She adjusted a fluorescent blue-green pendant around her neck. "Are their rooms prepared?"
"Yes, milady."
"Very good. I am ready." She gestured for Finara to lead the way. "Let's go greet our guests."
The foyer was not indecently large, but neither was it compact. It had enough room to fit at least two squads of clone troopers, if not a few extra, and the furniture was exquisitely carved with vases of flowers perfuming the air. The attendants had directed the two Jedi to sit while they fetched their mistress. The two Jedi, after the attendants left, had to order the clones to be at ease. Considering that they were located in the Core, there was one full ship and one partial in orbit, along with two Jedi Masters commanding those ships, it was highly unlikely that a Separatist attack would be coming.
The two Jedi spent their time observing the contents of the room for strategic purposes, not to mention observing their men who couldn't be at ease and were uncomfortably staring at their lavish surroundings. Fortunately, Commander Skee had switched the channel to encourage his men to partake in a clone-only conversation.
Luminara already had the layout and possible points of entry and exit mapped out in her mind, and her current concern was her padawan. Looking over at her young one, she noticed that though her head was still, her eyes flitted furiously. It had been eleven years since Ani had last been there, and though no child's memory was perfect there were bound to be some objects that would trigger memories, good and bad.
She nudged their bond, letting Ani know that she was opening her end. Once she did so, she realized that Ani was distracted by many of those memory triggers.
Mother's favorite rug… mother's tribal symbol painting from Mirialan… There was Mother's favorite spot to read in the mornings… Were a few of the thoughts running through her padawan's mind.
/Padawan?/ she asked. /Are you alright?/
/Yes, Master. Fine. Right as rain./
/If this is getting a little overwhelming, I can have you hang back with the rest of the men at the shuttle/ Luminara stated. /There's no shame in taking this slow./
/I… I know/ Ani replied /Oh frakking kark! I didn't expect to be so…/ There was a pause as Ani tried to gather her thoughts and emotions, controlling her sudden outburst. /I… I know you're right, Master. Right now I would be happier away from here; far, far away, not having to… remember. But nothing will fully prepare me for meeting my scheming stepmother face-to-face./ She met Luminara's eyes and gave a shaky grin. /Better in an official setting where I can focus on something other than my nerves, right?/
/Good girl/ Luminara responded with a tinge of pride. /The hardest part is taking the first step./ The doors across the room opened. /Remember, no matter what faces us, we will face it together./
/Yes, Master./ Ani sent back her love as two women strode in together. Both Jedi rose in unison and turned to face them, bowing as they did so.
"Greetings," Luminara said, straightening herself to look at the two.
"Ladies," Finara responded, inclining her head. "As you know, my name is Finara." She turned to the lady waiting patiently behind her. "This is Noblewoman Marana Kiln, wife of the late Toron Kiln and peacemaker between the beings of Alderaan."
She was frozen. Stiff, numb, it was hard to tell the difference between the two at the moment. The moment she had straightened, her eyes had met the rock-hard brown of her stepmother's. She refused to break contact, not willing to show weakness so soon. The words, "Marana Kiln… wife of Toron… peacemaker…" all floated in her head, pretty words to cover up what she knew hovered behind the sweet-looking face of the dark-haired lady in front of her.
"Marana Kiln," she heard Luminara speak, "I am Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, General of the Grand Army of the Republic." She sensed her master turn towards her. "This is my padawan, Ani Laminara, a commander of the Grand Army of the Republic." Years of training in decorum, both as an elite member and Jedi, kicked in, resulting in a bow that broke eye contact.
"Milady," she murmured, straightening. Marana was no longer looking at her; instead, she had stepped over the appropriate bounds for an initial meeting and was hovering close to her master.
"Thank goodness you both are here!" she heard Marana say. "I'm so relieved the Galactic Republic could spare Jedi for me. I would normally be flattered, but considering the circumstances…"
"Yes, so we were briefed," Luminara said. "You stole information from the Separatists, correct?" Marana scoffed, waving one hand in the air.
"Stole? Hardly! I had a friend who was deep in that organization; he gave me the information for safekeeping. I'll tell you – one look at the contents and I had to let your government know. Lives of many were at stake."
"As well as yours," Luminara replied. The woman shrugged.
"No more so than usual," Marana laughed. Her eyes hardened. "Besides, I am part of the Galactic Republic, even if I am one noble on a planet full of humans and many other species. I need to do my part to help democracy triumph. I did come home once to find my place ransacked, which made me realize that the sooner the data was in your hands, the safer it – and I – would be."
"When will my padawan and I be able to look at this information?" Luminara asked. Ani felt her master's eyes rest on her for a brief second before returning to the woman. As taught, Ani had her eyes focused on the two women in front of her, one eye per speaker. Finara was standing close to her stepmother, close enough for a whispered message or two. Marana waved her hand in a dismissive motion.
"Soon," her gut clenched with that one word. "I have a close friend working on it now, who has great skills in this part of the business."
"You have a great many friends, Milady Kiln," Luminara stated.
"Of course I do!" Marana exclaimed. "Woman my age needs some friends to keep her company, liven up her life, maybe even provide some entertainment." She chuckled. "But enough of this. You and your apprentice must be hungry. I'll have Finara show you to your apartments."
"We have also brought some of our squad along, just in case of trouble," Luminara said. "Would it be too much trouble to house them here as well?" A wrinkle was evident in Marana's brow.
"Is that necessary?" she asked. "I don't want to advertise your presence here, and I do think that two Jedi are all that are necessary."
"They are good men," Luminara said firmly. "They are the best of our best, and they can be trusted." Ani sensed the nudge in her direction. Swallowing her butterflies, she spoke.
"Besides… milady," she added hastily, realizing belatedly that first names were not a suitable address. "There might be a spy amongst your staff. You did say your place was ransacked once. At the very least there may be bugs planted so the intruder will know when to strike again." Marana's gaze turned to meet hers again, and she had to force herself to continue. "Also, who knows the other times a stranger may have come in without making a mess to find your data. Our men have experience in dealing with infiltrators and the like, not to mention have seen combat. A few have experience with gadgets and can help us comb your mansion for any spying devices, perhaps even set up a few traps to catch any more intruders. They will be perfect guards."
"Alright," Marana said, inclining her head though not breaking eye contact. "I'll have Finara make up rooms for them after she leads you to yours." She then turned to Luminara. Ani breathed out slowly, not realizing that she had held her breath in for that long. "After you both are refreshed, I trust that you both and your captain of your forces will meet me in the dining room for a light snack."
"We will be honored," Luminara said, bowing. Ani followed suit, still numb from the conversation.
"Good. That will take place in two hours from now." Marana smiled. "Meanwhile, I will speak with my tech to check on his progress." She turned to her maid. "Finara, after you show these two to their rooms, please make up the other rooms for these ten… eleven… wait, thirteen men present."
"Location?"
"Around the Jedi's quarters for now; we can always change it later." Ani did not miss the hard stare being leveled at the maid. Curiosity nagged at her. Was that just an ordinary order being spelled out, or was there a deeper meaning behind it?
"Yes, milady," Finara replied, bowing her head. "Come with me," was all she said to Luminara and Ani before heading towards the stairs off to the right. Without a word, both women followed her.
"General?" They turned to face Skee. "Permission to come along?"
"I'd say so." Ani Laminara smiled at her master. "Since it is likely that the men will be quartered in the same hallway as us, it would be beneficial to get our commander's perspective on it." Luminara nodded, raised an eyebrow and gestured for the commander to continue.
"With respect, General," Skee addressed, "it is my directive to secure the area and ensure the safety of both of you and our allies. Considering the vital information this woman is keeping, I concur with Commander Laminara's assessment. I should go along and ensure that our prospective rooms will be secure."
"Sound reasoning, Commander Skee," Luminara approved. "I am all for it, if Madam Kiln would not mind." The woman in question waved her hand in dismissal.
"Do what you must. My only concern is that the information remains safe and that your stay, however necessary, will be short."
"All understandable concerns," Luminara responded. She gestured to the servant. "Continue, Finara. My padawan, clone commander, and I will be right behind you."
"As you wish," the woman stated, resuming her course up the grand staircase.
The hallways were just as remembered. The carved doors, the wall coverings, even the floorboards underneath her feet were the same. Except for the modernization of the lamp fixtures and the fresh paint gleaming in the white light, this could have been the exact same hallway she walked down as a four year-old.
Which it was; there was no doubt there. She bit her lip. Memories of this place had been better than coming back, no matter what she had wished throughout her stay at the Jedi Temple. Coming back only sharpened the physical and mental pain from long ago, trying to resurface what she had tried so hard to bury, to keep from seeing the light of day.
Focus, her mind instructed her. You are on a mission, nothing more. Remember the parameters, the guidelines, and make sure you stay close to your Master. The faster you get this done, the sooner you can return to the Temple and the Clone Wars. She breathed in, held it in a moment, then breathed out silently. The last thing she wanted to do was to draw attention to herself in this place.
"These are the rooms we have to offer at the moment," she heard Finara say. Pulling her thoughts together, she caught the look her master sent her and nodded back. Luminara motioned open the door in the middle of the right side of the hallway.
"Padawan, come take a look."
"Coming, Master," she replied. Brushing past Finara with barely a nod, she stepped past the doorway into the interior. Woah… Her eyes widened, taking in everything all at once.
This was my parents' old room. Everything had been left as she remembered it. Part of her was surprised that it remained undisturbed for so long, but all she could care about right now was that it was intact. She stepped closer to the bed, reaching out with one hand to caress the sheets. Her father would work, leaning on the pillows while mother would read to her here, especially that one story that had been her favorite. Full of the stuff that formed healthy children, the wars, the blood, the dead and ultimately the lessons taught through the characters had helped her retain some sanity after her mother's death.
She felt her lips curl into a slight smile. The stories she remembered as a child had been more interesting than the ones at the Temple. Yeah, she was their only child, but due to their status she had to grow up faster than most. That was why the stories meant more to her now. You were right, Mother. The stories did have a purpose.
"Padawan?" She felt hands wrap around her shoulders and turn her around. Dazed, she noticed her Master's worried look. Had she zoned out for too long?
"Padawan, we aren't in sight of anyone. I had Commander Skee look into the room across from this one." Sounds gradually became clearer, sharper, distinct. Ani's eyes struggled to focus on Luminara. Suddenly, as she was doing so, she felt as if a wave of cold water had swept over her.
"Master," she whispered, shivering. Next thing she knew she was being held tightly in a hug by her Master, and gradually warmth crept back into her body.
"This was my parents' room," she croaked, blinking back the wetness in her eyes.
"I know," she heard Luminara respond. They remained that way for a couple minutes, hearing the clone commander discuss the finer points of tactics with the maid. Luminara pulled back and cleared her throat, indicating Ani was to meet her gaze.
"Finara pointed this out to me as a good location for me to stay in. If you would rather –"
"No," Ani cut in. "You can have it, Master. We won't be staying long anyways. Besides, I would rather you have it." She shuffled her feet nervously, yet kept eye contact. "You understand," she finished softly.
"Thank you," Luminara finally said, hands giving her shoulder a final, soft squeeze before returning to her side. "I am honored."
/And I am proud/ she said through their bond. /More than you know. This choice was not easy for you, but that is the way of healing. You will find the peace you so desperately seek/
Not trusting her voice, Ani nodded. Just then, the clone's head popped through the door. "Generals, I have scouted the other rooms in this hallway. If both of you are finished with your conversation, I will take you to the ones I have found to be sufficient for our mission." He glanced around the inside of the room. "This one is a bit overdone, but its location across the courtyard from the tech room is indispensible. One of you should take it." He gave a small smile. "You can use the Force to fly across if need be."
"Master Luminara will be taking this room," Ani stated, grinning at the clone's obvious discomfort in being surrounded by such lavish conditions. "She can fly further than I."
"Not for lack of trying, Padawan," Luminara pointed out. "Perhaps now, while we are here, you will practice those concentration exercises I tried so hard to teach you back at the Temple." Ani gave her best innocent look.
"I can only do so much, Master," she responded. "Besides, it was either Force concentration or extra blade work, and Master Windu was only going to be there for only so long. He did have other classes to appear in too."
"How many times have I told you, Padawan, to set your priorities?" Luminara raised an eyebrow at her padawan, who shrugged in response. "Never mind. I will think of something to keep you busy." She hid a smile at the muted groan she heard. "Now, Commander Skee, lead on."
"Yes, General."