14
CHAPTER NINE
CORUSCANT-PRESENT DAY
Luke Skywalker rushed into his office. He fumbled through a stack of data cards and papers, looking for his notes. Artoo beeped, but Luke shook his head.
"Not now, Artoo, I'm late for a meeting with the Jedi Council. I just came in to get my notes."
Artoo beeped several times and whistled. Luke sorted through the data cards and papers on his desk, half-listening to the droid. "Did she say what it was about?"
Artoo beeped again. Luke gathered his notes and headed out the door. "Okay. Tell her to stop by my office sometime tomorrow afternoon. I'll be here."
The droid whistled. As Luke walked to his meeting, he felt a slight disturbance in the Force. What was it about the Royal Visit that was making him so uncomfortable?
The Jade's Fire glided into the Calaxian transport hanger before it stopped at Docking Bay 27.
The Ultans descended, and Mara followed close behind. Before she could speak, Kaina gave Mara another one of her bone-crushing hugs.
"Mara, dear, that was such a smooth ride."
"Thank you," she cringed, gently pulling away from the woman's grip.
"Grandma! Grandpa!"
A young boy and girl ran up to the Ultans. Kaina and Binz happily greeted the children with kisses and hugs. The boy was a bit chubby, with messy hair and mischievous eyes. His sister was slender, and her black hair fell to her shoulders. Both children wore grey shirts; the boy wore black pants, and the girl donned a skirt that fell on her calves.
"Mara, I want you to meet my grandchildren." She put her hand on the boy's head. "This is Win. He's eight years old." She put her other hand on the girl's head. "And this is Dilys. She just celebrated her sixth Life Day. Children, this is Miss Mara Jade. What do we say when we meet someone?"
"Hello, Miss Jade," they answered in unison.
Her smile froze in horror as the two children rushed over, almost knocking her off her feet. They wrapped their arms around her waist and hugged her tightly. With the still frozen smile, she gently pulled them away from her.
"Win, Dilys. Let's not hug Miss Jade too hard."
Mara noticed the woman who appeared. She held hands with a small boy who seemed to be around four or five.
Kaina took the toddler's hand. "And," she proudly announced. "This is my other grandson, Tate." She leaned down to whisper in the boy's ear. "What do you say to Miss Jade?"
"Hi." Tate shyly waved his hand. He then buried his head in his grandmother's dress, giggling hysterically.
Kaina's tone changed as she waved her hand to the woman who stood nearby. "This is my daughter-in-law, Arnelle." Her matter-of-fact introduction did nothing to hide her true feelings.
Arnelle gave Mara a half-hearted smile as she extended her hand in greeting. "It's very nice to meet you, Miss Jade. I've heard so much about you."
Mara winced and shook her hand. She was sure the Kaina bragged about her, and it made her uncomfortable. She felt sympathetic towards Arnelle. Having Kaina as a mother-in-law could not be easy. "Please call me Mara. I've heard so much about you." She immediately regretted her statement.
Arnelle made a face. "I'm sure you have," she replied, with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
"I'm going to play Luke Skywalker in my school play," Win announced. He jumped up and down with excitement, grinning from ear to ear.
Mara lifted the corner of her mouth. She stared at the boy. He looked nothing like Luke. "You are?" Her snarky tone quickly changed. "I mean. You are," she cheerfully noted..
Dilys put her hands on her hips with a know-it-all look. She took a step towards Mara. "The only reason he's going to be Luke Skywalker is because the teacher likes him." He retaliated by sticking his tongue at her.
"Win!" Arnelle admonished. "What did I tell you about sticking out your tongue?"
"She started it," he pointed to Dilys. "I'm going to be Luke Skywalker because I'm the best in the class," he said in a bratty tone.
"Naw uh," Dilys stuck out her lower lip defiantly.
"Uh huh," Win shot back.
"Naw, uh."
"Uh-huh."
"That's enough, you two," Arnelle stepped between them. "What did I tell you two about fighting? They're not always like this," she apologized to Mara.
"Well," Mara shrugged. "Kids will be kids." What else could she say?
"Mommy," Tate tugged on his mother's dress. "I'm hungry."
"Okay, sweetie, we're going home. I have luncheon all planned for us."
"I thought we'd go out," Kaina countered kindly, grandmotherly.
"I told you I was going to have lunch at the house," Arnelle responded through clenched teeth. Her voice was calm, but her pressure was starting to rise. "And Tate needs to take his nap afterward."
"I'm not suggesting anything formal," Kaina stressed out the last word.
"I'm sure Arnelle has gone to a lot of trouble for us," Binz said. "Let's not ruin her plans." He gave his wife a stern look to diffuse a potential argument.
Mara's eyes darted from Arnelle to Kaina. They looked like two angry vornskrs, ready to fight to the death. A lightsaber could not cut the tension between the two women. She had an idea.
"You know, Kaina, I know it's none of my business," Mara said cautiously. "You did say that your husband's back was bothering him and that he needed to sit in the refresher tub. I mean, you don't want Binz to suffer, do you?"
"She's right, dear," Binz anxiously agreed. "I would like to sit in the refresher tub after luncheon."
"I did prepare that soup you both enjoy," Arnelle announced cheerfully.
"It's settled then," Mara stated. "You head home, and I'll ensure the cargo is delivered." Thanks to the Force, some of Leia's diplomatic skills had rubbed off on her. Crisis averted, she thought.
Kaina looked from Mara to Arnelle to Binz. If anyone besides Mara had interfered in this matter, she would have given them hell to pay. But, deep down inside. she knew that Mara was right. Her husband needed his rest. Arnelle's soup was one of her favorites. And she did not want to fight in front of the children.
"Very well." Kaina scowled as she folded her arms in defeat. Mara bit her lip to keep from laughing. She looked like a spoiled brat not getting a toy.
"Good. Let's go home, I'm starving." Binz was relieved. "Come on, kids, let's race," he playfully challenged the children. "The last one to the speeder is a rotten Usoni bird egg."
"YAY!" Win and Dilys ran to the speeder, with Tate slowly following behind. Binz scooped the toddler in his arms, and raced to catch up with the children.
"Binz, you be careful," Kaina yelled. She threw her hands up in disgust and muttered, "I guess I have four grandchildren." Kaina spun around to face Mara. "We'll expect you around 1800. See you then."
Kaina followed the group to the speeder. Arnelle conveyed a grateful look to Mara before leaving.
Once they were gone, Mara wearily rubbed her forehead and rolled her eyes. "Maybe I should have some whiskey now," She muttered. "It'll help get me through the evening."
A transport speeder pulled up alongside the ship parked in the next hangar. The droids started to unload the cargo from the speeder onto the waiting vehicle. Their merchandise contained costly evening gowns protected by holo-covering.
Mara supervised the operation. She lightly touched her finger to her lips. The ensembles were elegant. However, not one outfit could compare to the one Selah had given her.
THE QUI'TAN SYSTEM-YEARS AGO
Mara walked to the Duchess' office. It gave her a welcome break from studying the data pads that Lando had sent. The task gave her some time to sort out her feelings for Sebastian.
The doors to the office were wide open. Mara gently knocked. Selah glanced up and smiled. She got up from her desk to greet the woman. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Not at all, my dear. Thank you for coming at such a short notice. Any word about the repairs on your ship?"
"Yes. I got the word from Jex this morning. The storms have cleared. We go back to work in the morning."
"That's good to hear."
"Am I on time, my Lady?"
"Corinne," Selah embraced the older woman. Four protocol droids followed her inside the office. One carried a large garment bag; the other had a shoebox in his hands. The remaining two droids carried a full-length mirror they placed in the corner of the room. "Mara, I would like to introduce you to my dressmaker, Corinne Kessmer. This wonderful lady created my wedding gown."
Corinne was twenty years older than Selah. She wore a floor-length brown dress with long sleeves and matching shoes.
"It is an honor to meet you, Miss Jade." Corinne took Mara's hands into her own.
"Thank you," Mara blushed. She stared into Corinne's brown eyes. Her eyes had a zest for life that younger people could only hope for. Her fingers were frail, but Mara could feel the strength and skill in her hands. Corinne was young in spirit. She possessed a vitality that Mara hoped to have when she reached the woman's age.
"I hope you like the dress I made for you. The shoes I brought will complement the outfit," Corinne gave the droid a nod. He held the garment bag up, unzipped it, took out the outfit, and held it up for all to see.
Mara gasped when she saw the dress. "Oh, my word," was all she could say.
"Corinne," Selah breathlessly exclaimed. "You have outdone yourself."
"Thank you, my Lady." Corinne bowed proudly.
"Please, Mara, try it on. My dressing room is this way," Selah gestured to a side door.
Mara soon emerged from the dressing room. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, not believing what she saw.
The material was of soft gold shimmer silk. A slight slit that came up to the left knee, which showed off Mara's beautiful leg. The neckline came down to the middle of her breasts but did not expose too much as a bejeweled brocade held it together, while the back of the dress was in a V-shape that fell to the middle of her back. Mara relished the softness of the fabric that gave her freedom of movement. The dress complimented her slim figure. Her satin, high-heeled shoes matched the outfit and were stylish and comfortable.
"Corinne," Mara said breathlessly, "I have worn many lovely dresses in the past, but nothing like this one. It is the most beautiful gown I have ever worn."
"I am so glad you love it, Mara," Corinne's eyes shined brightly, and the two women embraced. "Let me change back into my clothes, and I'll bring it to my room."
"You needn't worry, Miss Jade," Corinne stated. "I will deliver your dress and shoes to your room."
After Corinne and the droids left, Mara turned to Selah with a tear in her eye. "Thank you so much for this wonderful gift. I will treasure it forever."
"You are so welcome, my dear." Selah and Mara kissed each other on the cheek and embraced warmly. A sense of calm filled Mara's consciousness. For the first time, she felt what it was like to have a mother's unconditional love.
Mara studied the holo-chess board before her. They had finished dinner and retired to the library to play holo-chess. Mara gave him a smug look as she successfully captured his Stormtrooper piece. He looked from the board to her in disbelief.
"I never saw that move coming," he said slowly. "Well, it's still early in the game," he reasoned.
"We will see," she joked. "How did you enter the emperor's service?"
"We had very little interference from the Empire. The outpost was relatively quiet. Captain Daz worked hard but took time to attend the ballet or symphony. My parents attended most of those events where they encountered Daz. She soon developed a rapport with them."
"One day, my father received a holo-message from General Luxle. He wanted to know if Captain Daz was causing problems."
"Problems?"
"Luxle said she and Captain Villon had a 'misunderstanding.'" Sebastian chuckled at those words. "It stemmed from the Villon's belief that Daz was an extraordinary soldier. He wanted to 'mentor.'"
"Mentor!" Mara laughed. "That's a nice name for it."
"Daz reported him to his superiors. However, she did not know that Villon was dating Luxle's daughter. Two days later, Luxle called Daz into his office and assigned her the new Imperial post in the Qui'Tan System. She was reluctant to accept, wanting to file a complaint against the captain. The General suggested she take the position and keep quiet about the complaint. If she refused, she would receive a dishonorable discharge."
"Why not demote her, give her a low-level position on a remote planet?"
"The General saw it as a promotion. Daz graduated in the top five in her class," Sebastian explained. "She came from a military family. Daz did not want to embarrass her family, so she took the offer."
"Makes sense," Mara nodded, moving her holo-chess piece to her left.
"After graduation, we all went our separate ways. I attended a three-month military training program at the Academy on the Imperial City. Marcus took a job with his Uncle Hernan's shipping company on Chadena. Evonne began her studies to enter medical school. Darby was in school and learned how to fly."
The two fell silent as they each studied the board. Sebastian reached for his Jedi Knight to move two steps to his right. Mara paused before moving her fortress three steps forward to capture his Emperor chess piece, winning the game.
Mara triumphantly leaned forward with a big smile of satisfaction. "Sorry," she boasted.
His eyes grew wide with disbelief. "How?" Sebastian examined the board, shaking his head. "I didn't see that coming."
"Another game," she teased.
"Not for a long time," he lamented. "How about taking a walk with me?"
"I'd like that."
The bright star systems illuminated the nighttime sky. They strolled down the walkway, which overlooked the ocean. The silver moon shone softly on the water. Mara and Sebastian walked to the parapet and gazed out upon the sea. They listened to the soft waves gently splashing on the jagged rocks below.
"What happened after you returned home"?"
"To my surprise, Marcus had arrived the week before. His uncle hired him full-time. He was packing his things for his new apartment in Chadena. Before he left, he asked me if I could talk to Darby. She had become an outspoken critic of the Empire. We warned her to practice discretion. Darby thought of me to be her second older brother. Perhaps I might persuade her to be cautious in her views."
"My father became ill. My mother and I took over some of his duties. I was too busy to talk to her." Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut. "I regret not talking to her." His tone was flat and distant. "Then again, I don't know if she would've listened to me."
"Not long after Marcus left, Captain Daz held a reception for some visiting Imperial officials. My parents could not attend, so I went in their place. The Krilles were in attendance, along with Darby. The evening was going well." Sebastian made a face. "That is, except when Armand Isard and his daughter, Ysanne, arrived."
"Not a very pleasant woman," Mara scowled.
"You knew her?"
"Let's say that she and I had an intense hatred for each other." Her green eyes burned in anger at the thought of that woman.
"Oh." Sebastian immediately regretted saying the woman's name. "I did not know you knew her."
"Forget it." Mara's tone and eyes softened. "You did not know."
"The evening was going well. I noticed Darby standing alone in the corner. I thought she might like some company. But when I said her name, Darby flinched, her face grew pale. I apologized, but she waved it off, claiming she was tired from studying. Captain Daz overheard our conversation. She suggested Darby might want to lie on the couch in her office. The captain led her away. It was the last time I saw her."
"Two days later, Darby and her mother left Qui'Tan. Aria was visiting a friend, and Darby was to visit the university." His voice cracked. "They were on Alderaan when it was destroyed."
"I am so sorry," she whispered. Mara took his hand into hers, gently rubbing his shoulder. A touch of sadness echoed through her body upon hearing the news. She immediately pushed that emotion aside for fear her Master would be displeased.
"We were all in shock. I tried to get a word to Marcus, but there was interference. 'Sebastian.' Evonne came into my room. She was trembling, tears in her eyes. 'Darby sent me a holo message the day before she left. I was too busy to hear it. Until now. You need to see this.'"
"I activated the message. Darby's image appeared. 'Evonne. You are my good friend. Days ago, I accessed some Imperial files. I came across this—the true nature of the Empire. Imperial forces, led by Darth Vadar and the 501st, raided a village on Tez. It was suspected of being a Rebel stronghold. Vadar ordered the rounding up of the village elders. He demanded they give information about where the Rebel encampment was located. They said they knew nothing. Vadar killed the elders and ordered the village destroyed."
Mara covered his eyes. She knew how ruthless Vader could be. In his mind, his failure to extract information reflected his ability. They may have been telling the truth, but in Vader's eyes, he had disappointed his Master. The destruction of the village was a way to atone for this failure.
Sebastian turned away from the parapet. "We could not believe what we heard. There had always been rumors of abuse. Darby had evidence the rumors were true. She was going to Alderaan to meet a Rebel contact. Darby had information on Rebel sympathizers within the Imperial Forces. One such person was Captain Rayna Daz."
Mara stood unblinking as she tried to process what she had just heard. There were high-level Imperials involved in illegal activities, but one was a Rebel sympathizer.
"I don't believe it," she muttered, horrified.
"Neither did we," Sebastian answered solemnly. "We were not prepared for what happened next."
"Brennan was grieving, but, he did receive visitors expressing their condolences." His lips grew thin in anger. "Ysanne wanted to pay her respects."
"I'm sure she did," Mara said sarcastically.
"She accessed Darby's computer and had proof of Darby's support for the Rebels. Palpatine, along with a large contingent of Stormtroopers arrived. We were confined to the Palace."
"And the message?"
"Evonne destroyed it before our confinement. Captain Daz was brought before them. She claimed Darby had lied, but Ysanne pointed out that the captain had taken Darby to her office to access the files."
"Palpatine agreed. Daz and Breccan were arrested. They were taken back to Imperial City to stand trial. We never saw them again.
Mara turned away. There was no trial, she thought. They were tortured and executed not long after arriving.
"What about Marcus?"
"Palpatine ordered him arrested," Sebastian said. "However, his Uncle Hernan was a close ally of the emperor. He swore Marus was not a Rebel sympathizer and convinced Palpatine to have the man stay in his service. The emperor agreed."
"Palpatine summoned my family. He accused my father of being lax and of not being aware of those who were Rebel supporters. My father reiterated his support for the emperor. That is when I spoke up. I said my father was loyal to the Empire as I was. I offered myself as a devoted servant to advance his cause to prove our loyalty to the Empire."
"The emperor said nothing. I believed he was studying me. He said he noticed something unique about me, and it would benefit from my service to him. I had an hour to bid farewell to my family."
"One thing puzzles me," Mara asked. "How could you hide your true intentions? He was strong in the Force."
"Evonne and I were given special religious training under the supervision of our high priestess, Xael Syrle. We learned a unique meditation that would allow us to resist anything, including the power of the Force."
Sebastian rubbed his eyes aggressively. His breathing was slow and difficult. "Mara, will you forgive me? All this talk has made me quite tired."
"I understand," she nodded. "I'm going to stay out here for a bit."
"Good night, " Sebastian kissed her cheek. She watched as he disappeared into the Palace.
The night had become chilly. Mara looked out at the ocean, reflecting on his story. Sebastian risked his own life to save his family.
The wind picked up a bit, and Mara decided to retire. She returned to the Palace, reflecting on everything she had heard that night.
Mara was in a deep sleep. She dreamed she was wearing her new gown. She danced joyfully and gracefully but stopped a man appeared. A clouded mist hid his face.
Mara stopped dancing. It was not Sebastian. She took a few steps towards him.
The man slowly walked towards her, his face still hidden. He stopped in front of her and took her hand.
"Who are you?" Mara asked.
"I will see you soon," he whispered into her ear.
Mara opened her eyes. The man's voice was the same as when she arrived at the hospital. His tone was soft and reassuring. He made her feel happy, secure, and at peace.
Who was he?