CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"That woman is the most insufferable, hard-headed, obstinate human being in the galaxy. I'll never know why I let her get under my skin." Luke threw his cards on the table. "She even brought up Callista. Can you believe that?"
Luke vented his frustrations to his friends during their bi-monthly card game at Lando's elaborate apartment on Coruscant. Except for tonight, it was a time to enjoy good food, a fun game, and good conversation. Luke's problems with Mara were the main topic of the evening.
"She just can't see how this will affect the other Jedi students. I mean, how can she be so blind? I see it; why can't she? You have any more of that Keran soda," Luke held up his empty glass.
"Help yourself." Lando jerked his thumb in the direction of the kitchen.
A collective sigh of relief was heard in the room. "Goodbye, winning hand," Han murmured sadly, throwing his cards on the table. Lando, Wedge, and Corran followed suit.
"Did we come here to play cards or complain about Mara," Wedge folded his arms.
"Hey, Lando," Luke yelled from the kitchen. "Do you have any more of those Randu sliders?"
"Yeah. In the freezer unit. Put it in the cooker for about three minutes."
"Han, please," Wedge begged. "Can you talk some sense into him?"
"I've tried," Han responded with a weary tone. "He came over for dinner last night. All he did was complain about Mara. Leia and I struggled to change the topic, but he wouldn't listen. The kids wanted to go to bed early. They never do that when Luke visits."
Luke walked back into the room with a glass of soda. "I changed my mind, I don't want anything to eat. No one is doing any work," he said, as he sat back down in his chair. "Teachers neglect their duties, and students act like they are on school break. And Mara's antics only add to the problems."
"Don't you think you're blowing this thing out of proportion?" Wedge asked wearily.
"Come on, Luke. Sure, some students and teachers daydream, but things are not terrible. And." Corran paused and glanced around the room. "Speaking of incidents, remember what happened last year after the graduation ceremonies?"
"Oh hell." Luke groaned. Having completed a challenging program, a group of students stripped to their underwear to swim in the reflection pool. "Yeah, well." Luke lifted his head. "It was an embarrassment, but only a few people witnessed the prank. It wasn't broadcast throughout the galaxy." He leaned back in his chair and let out a heavy sigh. "Why does that woman have to be so irritating?" Luke was surprised to see his friends exchange amused glances with each other. "Mind telling me what's so funny?"
"Come on, Kid. We all know what you're going through." Han chuckled before finishing his drink.
"What are you talking about?"
"You're jealous, Kid," Han said smugly.
"Jealous?!" Luke bolted upright. "You can't be serious?"
"I am."
"Come on. What do I have to be jealous about?"
"He is the heir to the Duchy of the Qui'Tan System," Wedge stated.
"I've met royalty before and never been jealous. Sebastian is no different."
"He did lead the Rebels in one of the final battles against the Empire," Corran added.
"Oh, so what? When the Rebels attacked, the Stormtroopers didn't put up much of a fight. The senior Imperial officers surrendered in less than an hour. No one in the Rebel Force sustained any casualties." Luke waved his hand in the air to dismiss the topic. "The battle was not a big deal."
"But it was a big deal, Luke," Wedge said solemnly. All battles against the Empire were a big deal. We lost a lot of good friends and colleagues in the fight against the Empire, not to mention the innocent men, women, and children who suffered from the Empire's brutality."
Luke slumped his shoulders and closed his eyes in pain. Wedge was right. To dismiss a battle, any battle, was an insult to those who served and lost their lives fighting for the Rebel Cause. Biggs Darklighter was one of those people. The man was his best friend, someone who had escaped the boredom on Tattooine to join the Academy.
Luke remembered the day his best friend had come back from the Academy. Dressed in his cadet uniform, Biggs had a massive smile on his face and beamed with confidence. But there was something about that encounter that was different. Instead of the fun-loving, wise-cracking, live-in-the-moment rogue, Luke found his friend to be a more sincere and thoughtful individual with a determined purpose in his eyes. The last conversation he had with his friend was seared in his mind.
"I'm talking about the talk happening at the Academy and other places, Luke. I made some new friends, out-system friends. We agreed about how certain things are developing…when we reach one of the peripheral systems, we will jump ship and join the Alliance."
Luke had thought Biggs had lost his mind. The Empire was too strong, and the Rebels were nothing more than a rag-tag group dissatisfied with how things were going. He closed his eyes and remembered his friend's passionate statement.
"You should have heard some of the stories I've heard, Luke, learned of some of the outrages I've learned about. The Empire may have been great and beautiful once, but the people in charge now…it's rotten, Luke."
Luke could not believe his friend was so serious about joining a cause doomed to failure. Yet, there was something about his passion, his drive that Luke envied. He wished to escape his uncle's moisture farm and attend the Academy. Biggs was leaving early the following day. His friend's last words were etched in his mind.
"I'll keep a look out for you, hotshot. In the meantime, try not to run into any canyon walls. So long, then, Luke."
"So long, Biggs," Luke murmured.
"What?"
Luke awoke from his daydream. "I was thinking of Biggs," he whispered. "You're right, Wedge." Luke's tone was solemn and apologetic. "I'm sorry for what I said."
"I hate to end the evening, but I promised Mirax I'd be home early tonight." Corran rose from his chair. "We have some friends coming in tomorrow, and I said we'd meet them at the transport area at 0900."
"I need to go as well." Wedge nodded. "Early morning exercises with The Rogues." He patted Luke on the back. "Don't worry, Luke. Things will work out."
"Thanks Wedge. You too, Corran."
Luke watched as the men left. "I'm sorry I ruined your party, Lando."
"Aw, forget it, Luke." Lando gathered the empty plates and utensils."Everyone's entitled to an off night." He gave Luke a wink and a smile before disappearing into the kitchen.
"Yeah, thanks, Kid." Han's tone was a mix of sarcasm and humor. "I was winning for once."
"Sorry. What came over me? I can't believe I disrespected our friends and colleagues like that."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, kid," Han patted Luke on the shoulder. "You said something before you could think about it. We've all done that before."
"I know, but…" He slammed his fist on the table, a look of agony on his face. "I don't know what's going on with me. It seems as though I can't get a handle on anything. I snap too easily."
"You're just going through a rough time, that's all. It'll get better," Han assured Luke.
"You sure?"
"I'm sure, Kid. Don't worry."
The doorbell rang. "Want me to get that," Han yelled.
"I'm on my way," Lando said as he opened the door.
A young, dark-haired man dressed in a servant's uniform stood in the hallway. Two droids stood behind him. They each held a large box in their arms.
"Good evening, Mr. Calrissian. I am Stellan Wentz, chief groomsman to the Viscount Sebastian Al'Guion," he said. "May we come in?"
Lando nodded and stepped aside. "What can I do for you?"
"His Grace would like you to have this gift, with his compliments." Wentz waved his hand in the direction of the droids.
"Thank you. Just set it over there." Lando pointed his finger at the elaborate bar opposite the room.
"This is for you," Wentz said, handing him a small envelope. "It's a message from His Grace."
"Thank you."
Wentz bowed his head, and he and the droids left.
Lando opened the envelope to read the message out loud. "'Thank you again for your help in a certain matter. Enjoy this with my compliments.'" He stuffed the envelope in his pocket and clapped his hands together, rubbing them up and down. "Well, let's see what we've got here."
Luke and Han watched as Lando carefully opened the box. He produced a bottle of cognac filled with a light amber liquid.
"Is that what I think it is?" Han's jaw dropped as he stared in amazement.
"You are so right, my friend." Lando laughed. "Traivinian Cognac"
Han carefully selected another bottle from the crate and examined it as if it were a priceless piece of art. "Leia and I had this at a dinner Queen of Naboo hosted. We had never tasted anything like it before. This is the first batch produced since the drought."
"I don't understand. What's so special about this cognac?" Luke asked, looking from Han to Lando, clearly puzzled.
"Luke, this is the rarest cognac in the galaxy," Han enthusiastically explained. "Legend has it that the grapes were a gift from the gods to the king for some sacrifice or something."
"The fruit has to be harvested as soon as it becomes ripe," Lando explained. "This process can take four to seven months. A single bottle costs over fifteen hundred credits. Come on, Luke, have a glass. I promise you won't be disappointed."
"Okay," Luke conceded. "Pour me a shot."
Han and Lando burst out laughing. "Hey, what's so funny?" Luke was irritated that he was not in on the joke.
"This isn't your average, everyday soda, Kid. It's Traivinian Cognac."
"I'm sorry, guys. I forgot how worldly you two are regarding the finer things in life," Luke said sarcastically.
"You don't gulp it. You savor the cognac." Han put his arm around Luke's shoulders. He waved to Lando and made the following statement in a formal tone of voice. "Mr. Calrissan, our young friend, needs to be instructed on the proper way of drinking cognac. Would you do the honor of teaching Master Skywalker the correct way of imbibing this fantastic liqueur?"
"I certainly will." Lando mimicked Han's stature and tone. "The first thing to do is select the right glass." He took three glasses from the shelf behind him. "I like to use a snifter because the narrow top helps keep the aroma in." He uncorked the bottle and poured the amber liquid into one of the snifters. "Some will drink it straight out of the bottle, but the taste improves after a few minutes." Lando wrapped his hands around the glass. "Warm the glass for about 6 to 10 minutes to get the full taste. This helps to keep the aroma in. Swirl the cognac around, and you're ready to drink. So, what do you say? Are you ready to try your first glass of Traivinian Cognac?"
Luke gazed at the bottle, feeling remorseful for his earlier words. His ongoing issues with Mara had soured his mood. "Luke?"
"Huh?"
"Can I pour you a glass," Lando asked.
"No thanks."
"Come on, kid," Han said. "It's early. Stay and talk for a while."
"No thanks, Han. It's been a long day. I'm tired. Tell you what." He pointed to the glass and then the snifter. "I'll have a glass next time I'm here. I promise."
"Okay, Luke. Have a good night."
"Good night. Enjoy your cognac."
"Boy," Han shook his head after Luke left. "I haven't seen him this bad since Callista left him."
"You are right." Lando poured the cognac into two snifters.
"So, tell me," Han asked. "Just what was this 'certain matter' Sebastian referred to?"
"It has something to do with an incident a few years ago." A mischievous grin appeared on Lando's face. "On Deriz 7."
"DERIZ SEVEN?!" "The mere mention of the most hedonistic planet in the galaxy made Han laugh. "Are we talking about the same place? The planet that is an adult playground where anything goes?"
"Not everything," Lando countered.
"I don't mean things like murder or assault," Han added. "I was talking more about things like gambling and drinking," he said with a mischievous smile. "And, uh, other adult pleasures." The two men laughed. "What's the story, if you want to share it."
"Sebastian and I kept in touch after the Ancient Artifacts mission," Lando said, casually twirling his glass. "It turned out that we were going to be on Deriz Seven simultaneously, and agreed to meet. Remember Myla Symoin?"
"Yeah, I remember her," Han nodded enthusiastically. "She was one of the smartest and toughest people I ever knew. And one incredible bounty hunter, probably the best in the galaxy." He paused. "Well, after me, of course!"
"Absolutely!" chuckled the two men. "Myla purchased a shabby hotel and some adjacent undeveloped land and transformed it into the renowned L'Avalan Hotel and Casino on Deriz 7. The place offers spacious, stylish suites, fantastic dining, and VIP services. I was looking forward to staying there because Myla wanted to discuss business matters. Sebastian and Marcus were also planning to stay there. Sebastian had just completed a six-month military training mission, and the trip was Marcus's idea." Lando made a face. "I found out that Marcus contacted various places, restaurants, and clubs, asking for the VIP treatment. Now, most establishments keep things hush-hush, but gossip does manage to get out. That can attract the wrong people."
"You're talking about tabloid holo-reporters," Han said. "I heard the authorities cracked down on those guys," he said.
"We were about to go to dinner when Marcus arrived with some new friends: two men named Aero and Forrest and a woman named Circe. Marcus met them at the roulette table at the casino and suggested they join us. Circe flirted with Sebastian, Marcus, and even with me during the dinner. They asked many questions about us but were not forthcoming about themselves, which made me uncomfortable."
"In other words, you had a bad feeling about them," Han joked.
"I did," Lando nodded. "After dinner, Aero suggested that we go to another casino. I declined. `As I walked to the turbo-lift, I saw Myla talking to security. She informed me that the authorities wanted Aero and his friends. Not only did they use falsified documents when they arrived, but the trio had also conned several patrons from another casino. I told them where they were headed and ran to the entrance to find them. Luckily, they were still waiting for an air limo. I told Sebastian and Marcus that an urgent message needed their immediate reply. Marcus told the group to go ahead and said he would meet them later."
"They would have been conned out of their money," Han said. "Or worse."
"Not to mention the embarrassment it would cause," Lando added. "They were grateful for what I did." Lando raised his glass. "Now, it is time to enjoy this wonderful cognac."
"To good friends," Han toasted.
"To good times yet to come." They gave a nod, swirled the liquid, and drank.
"Oh, man," Han said. "That is definitely the best drink in the galaxy."
"You know it, my friend," Lando agreed.
"By chance, did Sebastian ask about Mara?"
"He hoped she was doing well," Lando replied. "When I saw him a year or so ago, he didn't ask about her."
"That's good, but..." Han shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe some of Leia's Jedi sense has rubbed off on me, but I have a strange feeling about all of this." The two men drank silently, concerned for their friends and wondering how the situation would unfold.
The air limo drove down Quester Street, heading towards the Obsidian Nightclub. The line to get in ran down the street and around the corner as hopeful patrons waited for the security droids to grant them access to the famous discotheque on Coruscant.
The vehicle slowed before coming to a halt outside the club. A droid doorman opened the passenger-side back door.
"I'll call when it's time to pick me up," the woman said to the droid air-limo driver. She exited the vehicle and entered the club.
"Good evening," the hostess greeted.
"My guest is waiting in a private section. My friend, Dara Lestrich, reserved it for me."
"Yes, of course. Your guest has already arrived. We have sent over a bottle of champagne." of champagne."agne, compliments of the house."
The two women walked past the bar and the crowded dance floor until they reached a long, quiet hallway. Private rooms could seat up to six patrons, with large black glass to ensure privacy. The room was soundproofed to drown out the noise from the club so the guests could speak to each other in a normal tone.
Moments later, the woman took the seat opposite her guest.
"Good evening, Mr. Krille. I am Chavi Dermain," she said.
Marcus pulled the bottle out of the ice bucket. "Shall I pour you a glass?"
"But of course," Chavi replied with a wicked smile on her face. "I must admit, I expected a servant or some assistant, not someone so high up in the Viscount's inner staff."
Marcus handed the glass to Chavi. "I would like to learn more about Luke Skywalker, not just his accomplishments, but something more personal," he said.
"Because I dislike Luke Skywalker and his sister, Senator Organa-Solo. Their father was responsible for all the harm he caused my family. And, if I can cause them some harm, all the better by my point of view."
Chavi raised her glass. "It seems we have something in common. I dislike them as well."
"It looks like this will serve to our advantage." Chavi and Marcus clinked glasses and drank.