Chapter 14
Politics and Power/A Night at the Opera
Time off. For the majority of people, these are two beautiful words. For some, it's quite the opposite, while others might have mixed feelings. Robin was of the latter group. He could appreciate time to rest and heal, (both physically, mentally, and emotionally), but he found himself disliking it when he had time left to kill and nothing to do, like at that very moment. It had been a full week since debriefing Luke on the tournament, and while the subsequent dismantling of the Hutt crime organization in that sector of the Outer Rim would take time, Luke had still congratulated Robin, Jaina, and Ben all the same. While suggesting the possibility of a commendation for services rendered for Robin as well as inferring that Ben's knighthood was drawing close. Jaina had been happy to just get back in the field again, more than happy to let both her cousin and colleague bask in Luke's approval and appreciation.
Sure, Robin could try chilling with his friends, except most of them were busy. Ben was busy with his own studies in an effort to get closer to Knighthood, and Luke had Grandmaster stuff to do along with personal errands. Han, Leia, and Master Sabatyne were off-world on a mission, and Master Horn was enjoying time with his family and had his Jedi duties to tend to. Maybe Robin would do something with Jaina one-on-one; he'd yet to properly ask her out officially. They'd just been hanging out as friends, which he was happy with. Robin had an easygoing approach to most things in life. What would be would be, and in its own time. Still, he was not perfect, and even his patience was getting a little thin. He decided that he'd ask her later that day, and if she said "not yet" or something similar, he'd at least know to wait longer and not have as much self-inflicted pressure.
Time off from field work was mandatory after any Jedi took a life, be it the first or tenth time. Masters and High Knights, (which is the rank just below Master rank,) were considered psychologically ready for such things, while low-level knights were not. At the moment, Robin was sitting in a sim chair, bored, having completed each of his favourite sims at least ten times over; the first Death Star attack run was the best, in his opinion. He groaned and considered hitting up the duelling club, but it wasn't holding much appeal right now; hardly anyone was there because most were busy with missions of one kind or another.
Robin hadn't been idle with his forced time off; oh no, he'd put it to good use, designing armour and learning all that he could of metallurgy and Force abilities that might help from the Jedi Archives with his knight-level access. He considered wearing Beskar chainmail under his standard Jedi attire. Strike plates to stop daggers, talons, claws, and possibly even teeth would eventually be woven into the liner. He only had ideas though, concepts, but no materials to create or experiment with, and given that his ideas were very ambitious. His armour wouldn't be made anytime soon, as advanced as his designs were, and the cost of the materials being as high as he'd been that morning after getting baked. "It's a start, at least," he thought as he reviewed his schematics and designs.
He'd stripped Kay's former weapon for spare parts; its crystal was a gift from Luke after it had been healed and purified, causing it to turn sapphire, a very rare colour compared with standard blue. Robin, in turn, gave it to Ben for when he eventually made his own personal lightsaber.
Robin had also unlocked a unique ability not every Paladin leader could say they possessed, a byproduct of getting closer to harmonic synchronization. It was called the Kings Double; it allowed the user to "temporarily break the Laws of Space and Time," as Shadow had phrased it, which Robin found to be annoyingly cryptic, and while Robin knew that he had the ability, he had not yet learned to use it. Hell, he didn't even know what it did, though he had suspicions. Like most things, he knew that answers would come in due time.
Robin logged out of the sim room and decided to take Einy, who was happily by his side, for a nice little jaunt. Robin would take the path less travelled, literally in this case, as he'd taken to changing his standard routes through and around the temple grounds. His "Admirers'' were a hodgepodge of slightly insane but useful fanatics mixed with people who held him in genuinely high regard for one reason or another, as opposed to just the flavour of the month. With the damn psycho fans regrettably in the majority, this had led Robin to look for increasingly different and difficult methods of avoiding the more zealous of his followers; he'd luckily managed to get in touch with the more… level-headed of his fans while making friends and allies both high and low. Robin was essentially pen pals with people across the galaxy; his influence was rising steadily, and whether he knew or not, (Robin does understand to an extent his pull on the galaxy at large, but he still has room to grow in terms of political awareness), so too was his status and power in the eyes of the common folk. His positive image even began helping build up more pro-Jedi sentiment, which the Order needed these days.
Robin suspected that Ben had done something to try and boost his confidence or some such foolish, albeit well-intentioned scheme, and it went awry. Ben was a funny, kind, and, of course, mischievous young man, not always a good combination, though usually relatively harmless. "Mind some company?" Ben asked from behind. Robin gave a "let's go, I'm pissed off" look, which he was, though more with the situation than Ben himself. Ben winced at the look because it didn't suit his friend. Robin looked tired, haggard, and strung out, especially in his eyes, which were not as bright as they usually were. "I'll try to fix…" Ben gestured at the bedlam not far away, "...this." Ben finished, looking like he was really sorry for the disturbance. Robin let it go. He imagined that Ben would feel guilty enough on his own; he wasn't going to make it worse. "How about just not creating the problem to begin with?" Robin muttered, still a little bit grouchy.
"What did you even do?" Robin asked, his curiosity piqued. Ben grinned, despite himself. "I leaked my report to the Council, anonymously. Nobody saw your face because of that mask. Which I now understand was half the point, to begin with. It's surprising that so many went and figured out the mystery fighter was you, though; the leaked version had been altered for this express reason. Your name wasn't supposed to come up at all. I edited it out, and your voice should have been altered. I broke into the programming of the clip, and I can prove that it wasn't my doing. I mean, yes, I leaked a clip, but it was altered somehow. But there's no way of knowing who though… Maybe a council member recognized you and thought that they'd be doing you a favour? Then again, not everyone likes you by association with my dad, so it might also be an enemy. Like I said, your privacy should still be solid. Most curious…" Ben trailed off, deep in thought regarding how his stunt had been so horribly corrupted. "At least Robin's using the negative as a positive, even if his life is more inconvenienced these days," Ben contemplated. Robin was also deep in thought, digesting Ben's words.
If this was Ben's handiwork gone wrong, it sure was strangely out of character since he was honest when he screwed up and Robin had sensed no deception in Ben's words. "I'm not sure how or who, but maybe an outside source is involved? It seems like someone's trying to sow seeds of discord by elevating me to higher levels than are warranted. Psychological warfare. You tried protecting my identity… An-Dru's gone, and his old cronies are too cowardly and stupid to do anything like this. An outside source is what makes the most sense. Kay's dead. Perhaps it was his father? Then again, Grand Kord Vol would not want people to know of his late former pupil's defeat and loss in the tournament. Hmmm. plenty of suspects…" Einstein interrupted Robin's train of thought, "Stop or you'll drive yourself crazy. We lack the necessary data, and there are too many unknown variables. Shadow and I can think about it for you." Einy said this telepathically. Einstein was right, of course. "Let's put it on the back burner for now, eh, Ben?" Robin said, smiling at his friend as they paused in their walk.
Robin looked up to where he knew Luke's office was, hidden for security purposes to look like the exterior of the Jedi Temple. He sensed that Luke was with Master Corran Horn and General Wedge Antilles (an-ti-leez). Luke had introduced his old friend to Robin, as he had with many other high-ranking officials at his post-knighting party a few weeks prior. The three ace pilots were all formerly, or in Wedge's case, still with and running, the elite Rogue Squadron, as well as being three of the founding members of the elite piloting squadron-turned-military program. "Hmm, maybe we have war games or joint training exercises ahead." Robin silently mused as he and his companions went back to the academy. Ben went his own way, but not before saying, "You really should ask Jaina out already, man; I think she's done waiting," wearing a grin as large as the second Death Star before heading to class. "That's the idea. I'm done waiting too." Robin thought resolutely, reminding himself of the business he had to do before he could ask out Jaina. (You all saw this coming, or should have anyway.)
"So that's the guy busting pilot simulation records, huh?" Wedge asked from behind the one-way window afforded to Luke's office, feeling a trifle annoyed with his old friend. He'd had plans for an up-and-coming pilot for half a year now, and Luke wanted his former apprentice on the roster instead." Wedge had learned to listen to his old friend over the years. He was rarely wrong. "Not just any Sims, Wedge. Our Sims, our battles, from the Rebellion all the way until now. Robin isn't just beating them.. he's destroying them." Corran remarked while a silent Luke nodded in agreement and produced a folder clearly labelled Jedi Knight, S. Robin. Inside were records that were normally locked up for review only by members of the Jedi Council and those the Grandmaster deemed fit with sensitive information. Wedge was one such outsider Luke trusted with not only his life but that of his former student.
Wedge took the proffered file. It was thick and heavy, but this kid's scores couldn't be that high, Wedge silently reasoned. His old friends had to be exaggerating; they couldn't all be that good. One glance later, Wedge's eyes widened comically as he read, causing Corran to chuckle and Luke to outright laugh; the first sound he'd made during their entire meeting so far. "These scores. They're all at the top three percent minimum, oftentimes tied for first or second. But how? You said in your messages that Robin's never flown any starships or starfighters before."
Wedge was beside himself, unable to comprehend the information before him. Corran grinned and said, "Keep reading, Wedge. Robin's not only an amazing pilot but also a strategist and tactician. As far as how he's that good… Luke, do you mind taking over?" Corran gestured to Luke, who finally decided to speak. "Robin was a pilot back on his homeworld, and while it was only in the auxiliary forces, he still understood enough of piloting and was skilled enough that he could've easily had a great career as a pilot high on the chain of command. He reads books on strategy and tactics for fun, and his brain is like a sponge. However, he recently had a mission involving his first kill. As things stand, he's going crazy on mandatory leave, and he'll grow worse as time goes by. Corran and I think that he'd do well in Rogue Squadron's auxiliary forces. Patrol will keep him busy, and we'll find out if he's right for a position on the active roster. Win-Win. If you don't think he belongs for any reason, you can boot him out yourself, Wedge." Luke said, which was quite the endorsement. "Personally, I wanted him with our Jedi Forces reserves, and I still do, but Luke talked me around. I'll supplement whatever I can on the topics you don't have time to cover. This lets you both focus on missions and flying patrols rather than lessons. Robin learns better with on-the-job training, it seems." Corran said with a grin, knowing that he was the same when it came to learning, even now as a Jedi Master.
Wedge just sighed and nodded his head. "Ok, but his more practical pilot training regime is up to my discretion as well as his position should he qualify. If he's really as good as these simulation results suggest, he'll be able to handle me putting him through his paces. One last thing: while he's with me, he prioritizes Squadron work over Jedi business, barring emergencies or overlapping agendas. He will take the classes required of all cadets after I test him out and he returns. Corran, you'll be handling those classes. He can take them here alongside his Jedi training, agreed?" Wedge asked. "Can't ask for anything more fair," Corran said, nodding. Luke grinned "That's perfect, Wedge. Thank you." Wedge smiled back as he rose to leave. "If these records are any indication, I'll be the one thanking you. Be careful; you two, the Sith are playing the long game, capitalizing on the split in public opinion on Jedi. Politically savvy Sith are never a good thing… for anyone." With that, Wedge gave Robin's personal file back to Luke and left. He had a pilot to let down and a new wingmate to train and teach. He prayed that Luke was right again. He didn't want to have another death haunt him; he had plenty of ghosts already.
Kesh/Sith Embassy, Coruscant
The Circle of Lords, presided over by Grand Lord Vol, had assembled on Coruscant in the newly acquired Keshirian Embassy. This granted total immunity from prosecution while on the premises, as the Sith and their practices were protected under religious rights, just as the Jedi were; it was one of Vol's best-acquired perks from playing the system. The Circle had much to discuss, or so Vol had said in his summons.
While the Jedi were scrutinized more and more by the public and government alike, negative sentiments were secretly stirred up by the Sith manipulations and openly from the Abeloth incidents of only a few years ago, wherein many powerful, high-ranking Knights and Masters had been driven to a temporary state of madness. Abeloth, once known as the Mother, was a celestial being of immense strength and power; she had made the victims think that everyone had been replaced with replicas. The sickness that struck mostly Jedi and some Sith abated once Abeloth had been destroyed in a Jedi-Sith joint venture by the Skywalkers and Khais, Sith natives of Kesh. They had gone with Luke and Ben with the intention of stopping Abeloth, while at the time pretending to seek a peaceful way to keep their culture from dying while secretly looking to betray and kill the Skywalkers once Abeloth was no longer a threat; and the Skywalkers were too fatigued after destroying Abeloth.
Now, not all Sith are like the long-dead Emperor Sidious after all, and while the Dark Side is known to corrupt, nobody has truly studied the effects of the Dark Side enough when used in good ways and created from a good source. Anyone who had died long ago, and took their secrets with them. Even the Sith Saber Vestara Khai, (the Sith equal to Padawan rank,) and Ben's former secret girlfriend, were branching into the light, living in the grey middle ground. Having been forced to choose between her father and a chance at peace, Vestera killed her father Gaver and helped the Skywalkers escape the Sith trap, seeking sanctuary with the Jedi, though she remained a proud Kesh Sith. Luke had promised that Kesh would retain its Sith culture, as most were not megalomaniacal psychos, barring the members of the Circle of Lords and their Apprentices.
The Circle of Lords had unofficially labelled the Khai family traitors, while officially they were still considered part of the Sith tribe, in the hopes that Vestera would return to save her mother, Lahka, who was being held prisoner under the pretence of protecting her. This was, (of course,) a trap for Vestera and her new Jedi friends, one that had unfortunately not yet borne fruit but would remain in place until it did. Vol was the last to arrive at the meeting of the Circle, despite his calling them together, a standard control move. Now the fateful meeting of The Circle of Lords would begin.
"Hail, brothers and sisters of the Dark Side, and thank you for attending." Vol began. "There are many points to address during this meeting, so let's crack on. Item number one-" Vol was interrupted by a cough and a raised hand. "Yes, newly appointed Minister of Resources and Logistics, High Lord Malekyth?" Vol asked, irked but masking it well.
"Thank you, Grand Lord Vol. I'm going to cut to the chase: Most of our best were killed by the demon Abeloth; even if they were alive and here, we would still lack everything a good military campaign needs. I'm sorry to say this, but as things stand, we must live with the Jedi under government scrutiny. Respectfully, if this meeting is about our campaign to retake the galaxy, we should stop here. We need time to recoup our losses… people are a precious resource." There were murmurs of agreement from the Circle.
"In addition, following your lead, Grand Lord, we tried to stack the odds in our favour at Wabba's tournament to gain more sway over the galaxy and instead lost a big chunk of our best up-and-comers, Lord Kay included. Such losses could have been mitigated, had we won at least. But you told Lord Kay to play with the boy, and he died a loser despite being one of our best." Malekyth finished to more murmurs of agreement.
Vol wasn't pleased with the current direction of the conversation. "Are you suggesting it's in some way my fault Kay and the others were killed?" Vol asked with ice in his voice. "No, Grand Lord. I believe High Lord Malyketh is outright saying it's your fault. I'm inclined to agree." High Lord Kaiser spoke from his position at the table.
"We are at war! Losses are expected-" Vol was interrupted again by a loud bang from Kaiser, who had punched the solid metal table hard enough to dent it deeply. "My son Kay is dead because of you and your growing obsession with Luke Skywalker's newest pet project! He died so that you could see the Prodigy's darkness, except he didn't truly show it. Your own report indicated that the Jedi held back his Dark Side. Now.. the Pure Knight, the Shadow's Bane, is champion and has a large, ever-growing following because of it, he's already set the dismantling of Hutt activity in motion. Now the Jedi have more power and influence, not less, and their public image is getting better. Now I only have my son's head left as a reminder that he ever existed because Wabba had his body incinerated and sent back. His head, it's all that remains of my son. Old man, if you can't explain what you're doing and why, in a satisfactory manner, I'll be calling a vote of no confidence against you. I'm sure many of us here would second it; we've all lost family because of you. Best make sure it doesn't come to that, Darish." Kaiser said, no honorific title or respect, no fear, just Vol's first name, spoken with pure venom in his voice.
A vote of no confidence among the Sith generally led to the death of the person who'd lost his or her subordinates' trust and confidence. The Sith philosophy dictates that the strong take the initiative while the weak follow, or are left by the wayside. Nothing was weaker than a leader with no confidence from their subordinates. Vol took a moment to compose himself and his defence, both mundane and mystic. "I believe that the man who killed your son, High Lord Kaiser, is a Paladin named Robin Stace, and I'm learning everything about him to turn him to the Dark Side before he can cement himself as an ally of the light. The last thing that we need is for that accursed clan to return to the galaxy working against us. You're right… We've lost much of our strength and power, which is why turning the boy is, in my opinion, of paramount importance. With him, we wouldn't need the numbers for any kind of campaign, and he would more than make up for our losses."
Vol continued, "I know it sounds insane, but when that boy turned up out of seemingly nowhere, the Force shook in a way I haven't felt since Paladins were active. The Force trembled when he was Knighted. He may even be the Paladin King for all we know, as, according to my research into the lore surrounding Paladins, he's stronger than even fully trained Paladin initiates were said to be. I'd know… my Master was a former Paladin initiate. I've been moving the pieces on the galactic board, positioning them so that when the time comes, the Republic's new incarnation, the Galactic Alliance, will destroy the Jedi for us and even provide us with resources. We're capitalizing on negative public images set by us and aided by Abeloth, the only good thing that came from her existence. I set the pirates in motion so we could swoop in as the Galactic Alliance's new "heroes." Their volunteers are aware that if captured, they will be disavowed. I even have a spy tailing Skywalker's pet. Don't worry, Kaiser. Stace will join us or die. Satisfied?" Vol finished his explanation, his left hand hovering over his lightsaber and Sith sorcery at the ready. High Lord Kaiser looked furious beyond imagining, barely restraining himself, and Malyketh was wearing a stupefied look that transformed into a calm, cold one. That wasn't a good omen for the Grand Lord. The other High Lords looked murderous, or as though they thought him mad.
"I call for a vote of no confidence in Darish Vol's capability as Grand Lord," Kaiser said with a malicious smile. "Seconded," the entire circle chorused. Vol stood and drew his weapon, simultaneously casting incredibly powerful Dark Side spells with hand gestures. The first spell killed three in moments, but they were still junior lords compared with the rest. Vol's second spell was more difficult to shrug off for the stronger Lords, as he conjured tendrils of darkness that destroyed flesh on contact, but he'd been injured while casting and was favouring his left side. Weakness, just a little, like blood in shark-infested waters, emboldened the High Lords to redouble their efforts against Vol, dispelling or countering his dark tendrils with the tendrils of his opponents. Vol was going to die, but he'd be damned if he didn't try to take them down with him. "Bring it, you ingrates!" Vol yelled in defiance and rage. It didn't take long for him to be overwhelmed, but he took satisfaction in killing half of the Circle first.
The last thing that Vol heard before he died was Kaiser: "You're right, Vol. Turning the Paladin, if he is indeed one, is of paramount importance, or his death. Either way, your work will be continued by myself and Malekyth. You just won't be around to see it come to fruition. The boy shall become mine and take my son's place as our champion, or die. Goodbye, Vol… and thanks for the promotion.'' Darish Vol's last sight was a half dozen crimson blades as they all took a pound of flesh, piercing, tearing, and rending Vol until he was a pile of mincemeat and clothes. (Not unlike when Cesar was assassinated by multiple people simultaneously, including Brutus and Cassius; yes, I know Shakespeare. Who doesn't?) Vol was dead. All of the Junior level High Lords were as well. "The loss was worth it though, to cut out the cancer that is, or rather had been, Vol." Malaketh thought. He watched as the newly minted Grand Lord Kaiser took Vol's position at the table. They would continue with the machinations already in place and carefully rebuild their glorious empire, starting with the Circle of Lords.
The Scarlet Blade Opera House, Artisan sector, Coruscant
It took an extra month because of Rogue Squadron training and patrols before Robin asked Jaina on a formal date, (with witnesses and everything!) She said yes and chose to go to the opera. They met outside of the Blade Opera House, each decked out in their best civilian formal wear, him in a tux and her in a gown, respectively. The opera being performed was a historical play, a long but good one, and a tragedy at that, at least up until this moment in time. Robin and Jaina were only about halfway through the performance, which was a beautiful, amazing, and tragically true story of galactic war, politics, espionage, lies, betrayals, and lost love. It was currently the climactic ending of The Revenge of the Sith and Rise of the Imperial Empire, act three of the six-act play.
Robin hadn't truly appreciated the events that Luke and his family were connected to until that night. He hadn't grown up with Luke Skywalker or his father Anakin as legends in everybody's minds. They'd reached the point in the tale where Anakin Skywalker fell to the Dark Side, not from hate, anger, or vengeance, but from love and desperation born from his inability to suffer more loss; the need to keep his wife Padme alive was eating him up. The manipulations by the Emperor didn't help matters either, playing on his emotions from when he lost his mother at the beginning of the Clone Wars or when his saviour, Master Qui-Gonn Jinn, died fighting Darth Maul during the Battle for Naboo in Part One of The Phantom Menace.
In this act, Anakin's love, Padme, wanted nothing to do with him if he wouldn't turn from the darkness. She begs Anakin to turn away from the Dark Side, but his rage clouds his otherwise sound judgement, and he lashes out, choking her with the Force. Now Anakin, the newly dubbed Sith Lord Darth Vader, fought with his old Master, and brother, as well as somewhat of a father figure, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Robin was entrapped by the music, story, and skills of the duelists; obviously, they were all experts at their craft.
When intermission occurred at the end of the third act, the curtains closed and people stood to stretch their legs; it had been a long time to stay sitting. He and Jaina stood, fortunate that they'd kept the feeling in their legs, unlike some who stumbled about first. "Let's go get a couple of drinks from the bar and some air," Jaina suggested, with Robin silently agreeing and following.
"So what's new? How's time off treating you?" Jaina asked. Robin smiled. "When I'm with you, it's fantastic, though when I'm on my own, it's not so great. Mum is joining the Order soon, and that's good, but she's been crazy busy these days with extra pirate activity. I've been going stir-crazy, but you keep me from losing it." Robin said, taking up his whiskey and toasting Jaina. (Naturally, others helped Robin not go crazy from boredom, but he's on a date and trying to impress.)
"How did you like life with Rogue Squadron?" she asked. Robin thought about his time with the Rogues, running patrols, scaring away pirates and old-world Imperial officers who wanted to return to the Empire's "glory days", making more friends, and swapping stories. He'd enjoyed it.
Robin smiled while composing his thoughts. This was supposed to be a night out for fun, not for brooding on delusional xenophobes or power-hungry fools. "It's been busy, interesting, and enjoyable. I've even made some friends. They helped me shake a tail I didn't even know I had. Believe it or not, An-Dru was spying on me for someone, though he wouldn't say who. He only said he'd been following me for awhile, hiding his presence. He didn't tell me willingly, but a powerful mind-trick combined with his weaker will got him to spill that tidbit before he regained enough focus to fend me off. He seemed terrified of his boss when pressed, which might be part of how he escaped. Luke and the Council wanted him in custody given his history with the Order, but he escaped, luckily without injuring anyone. So yeah, that's a run-down on my training with the Rogues. I've heard they want me as a full member one day, even if only as an auxiliary pilot. I'll probably start taking formal classes soon, Luke and General Antilles both told me it's my choice. I wouldn't mind getting back to Jedi business soon though." A comfortable silence came over them.
Robin sipped his whiskey while he composed his thoughts, word by word. He had to ask her his question, but he had to do it right, and tactfully, or he could come off sounding like a total dick. "Why choose this particular show, Jaina? It's fantastic, but I get the sense you chose it for another reason." he asked casually as she thoughtfully took a sip of her whiskey.
"I wanted you to see. To see and understand what you'll be getting into if we evolve our relationship beyond friendship. My family has a powerful connection to both the light and the dark. Tonight is a peek behind the curtain of the Skywalker bloodline. My grandfather fell, my uncle fell, and both were redeemed, but not my brother. He chose to die in the darkness, unredeemed. He was my twin brother, and I'm scared I'll end up falling and hurting those I care about like he did. I suppose I'm also offering you an out. I'd hate it if something happened to you or your mom because of my family's curse."
Robin sipped his whiskey before replying, slightly angry at Jaina's outlook, even though he understood it to a degree. His feelings bled into his voice. "Wow. Jaina, no offence, but you're a genius, a prodigy, and you seriously think that? You're not cursed, and neither is your family. You're all amazing people! But even if you were cursed, I'd say, "Who cares?" My mother and I aren't so weak as to fall because of your family's checkered past. I don't want an out. I want to get whatever part of you that's still scared… to die. I want you free from your mental prison."
Robin's voice grew less heated and a touch gentler, and his expression softened as he continued. "I get it. Your family has a past that scares you… Mine does too! We should exchange family trees someday. You might feel better knowing where my family comes from." Robin said, in an attempt to help her understand, that he would stand firm and resolute. He understood why some might feel such fears, despite not feeling them himself. He wouldn't push it, but he wouldn't budge on the matter either. (Unstoppable force, meet an immovable object.) "I do appreciate that you care as much as you do, but I think you overdo it sometimes, Jaina." He chuckled at the irony of his own words; he knew that they were two of the same.
"Let's grab our drinks and enjoy the rest of the show… intermission is about to end." Robin put his arm around Jaina's shoulder in a gesture of intimacy, affection, and solidarity. "What's this part called?" he asked. "A New Hope, then The Empire Strikes Back, and finishing up is The Return of the Jedi," she replied readily enough. "Bet they'll write epics about you soon," Robin said with a chuckle. "I hope not. I like my privacy. I'll gladly let you have the accolades and attention," she responded, smiling.
The remainder of the show was amazing; by the end, Robin and Jaina found that they were holding hands, a new development but certainly not an unwelcome one. Most times, it's the little things that hold the most significance, at least in Robin's admittedly minimal experience. When the show was over, the young pair decided to walk home together and just enjoy each other's company as long as they could. Robin would drop her off first and then go to Luke's, which was not far away.
"Remember to kiss her goodnight. Aim for her cheek or her hand. Yes, it's cheesy as hell on earth, but we're not on earth anymore, and that way, if she wants something more, it's in her court, and she won't feel pressured." Shadow advised, ready to help out with guiding Robin's instinctive side if things went that far. "Down Shadow. Nothing's going to happen past a goodnight kiss. It's our first date," Robin reasoned. Shadow just made a pfft noise. "Right. She essentially said that you're it for her, and you reciprocated… strongly. She's got it bad, my man, and so do you. One plus one equals..." Shadow didn't finish because he didn't need to; the huge smile he wore while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively was more than enough of a hint. "Yeah, I get it. Yes, it's a nontraditional and unconventional first date, but still, shut up. At least until I've actually kissed her. Then you can yammer all you want." Shadow was still prepared to help out or crack wise, depending on how things went, though he was at least quiet now. (Shadow is instinctive by nature; in this example, we're talking lust, Reader. Now back to the story).
The duo arrived at the front entrance of the Solo residence. "So here we are, and I can't believe I haven't told you how amazing that gown looks on you, Jaina. I'm an idiot," Robin said with a mildly nervous chuckle. She didn't blush like a dumb teen, but she seemed flattered by the compliment. They were still holding hands, so he lifted her hand and gave it a chaste kiss. She was confused by the gesture. "What the hell was that? Call that a kiss? Honestly, why so tame? Jeez-" she was cut off by a kiss on the lips, still tastefully chaste, though with far more energy and passion than a simple peck. She looked dazed and surprised, and frankly, he was too. "Nice job!" Shadow whispered in his head. "Better?" he asked, feeling a little bold, and Jaina, now only slightly glassy-eyed, (and a tiny bit weak-kneed, not that she'd let him or anyone else see the effect he'd had,) replied, "I can work with that. And we'll improve on it too. Goodnight, my Pure Knight," she teased, chuckling, knowing full well that he didn't like that moniker as much as he should, no matter how complimentary it was. His romantic side was pure in nature too; he hadn't put her in any situation she didn't want. He was a gentleman and true to his word, letting her set the pace, and knowing him as well as she had come to, he'd continue the trend.
Jaina closed the door after stepping in, thinking something that not long ago would have been very out of character for her. "Why not invite him in?" Her inner monologue asked. She attributed the thought to the high of a successful, wonderful first date. (After which she realized in horror how long it had, in fact, been since she went on a date). Add in the booze, plus the lateness of the hour probably didn't help stop such thoughts. She went upstairs to sleep, feeling energetic yet exhausted at the same time. Joy and desire, oh how she'd missed those feelings. It was a warmth she thought that she'd forgotten, spreading from her core outward and suffusing every cell as she drifted off to sleep.