CHAPTER TWELVE
The luminous glow from the soft lights and candles created a warm and inviting atmosphere in the Grand Dining Room in the Qui'Tanian Embassy. Sebastian sat at the head of the table. Luke and Mara sat across from Han and Leia. Other invitees included Lando, Kohle, Mon Mothma, Raisa Sunman, the newly elected Senator from Qui'Tan, and Marcus Krille, Sebastian's friend and advisor.
Guests feasted on various Qui'Tanian delicacies, such as terrine of Maynalli soup, Leahian shellfish, and Prime Rib of Filkiet steak with accompaniments. Everyone was having a good time, with one exception: Marcus Krille. He conversed with those around him; however, Marcus occasionally stared at Luke. There he was: Luke Skywalker, the Hero of the Rebellion, skilled pilot, and Jedi Master. The stories of Skywalker's heroics were well-known; however, Marcus believed some of the stories had to be exaggerated.
Marcus shifted his gaze to Luke as the droids served the next course. He watched as Luke and Mara interacted with each other. They appeared to speak to each other in a hushed tone. She slapped him on the arm and grabbed his napkin from the table. Mara held the napkin near his face before tossing it to him. Luke shook his head, wiping his mouth. Mara gave him a smug look before eating.
Marcus's eyebrows shot up, astonished. Interesting, he thought. What's that all about?
During dessert, Han and Leia took turns telling how they first met. They verbally reenacted their tale, soon making their listeners chuckle at the ordeal.
"So," Sebastian shook his head in disbelief. "You escaped through a shaft, landed in a garbage compactor, and your droid stopped the machine from crushing you? That is one of the most interesting stories I have ever heard."
"And, I vowed never to take orders from a woman again, particularly from 'Your Worshipness,'" Han joked as he fondly remembered his words to a very stubborn Princess.
"Yes, my dear husband, you've done so well with that." Leia sarcastically retorted, with a twinkle in her eye.
"You are a remarkable woman, Senator," Raisa commented admirably.
"Please," Leia replied, "Call me Leia."
"I agree. My wife is extraordinary in many ways." Han took his wife's hand and kissed it. "Then again, she does have an extraordinary husband."
Leia rolled her eyes. "THAT," she emphasized, "is up for debate.'
Everyone laughed except Luke, who stared down at the table. Sebastian noted his demeanor. "You do not find that story amusing, Master Skywalker?"
Luke looked up to find all eyes were on him. "The story is amusing when I look back on it." There was sadness in his eyes. "It brings back a painful memory. My friend, Ben- Obi-Wan Kenobi- battled Vadar. He sacrificed his life so we could escape."
The room fell silent. Han shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he and Leia shared a heartbreaking look. They both knew how difficult it was for Luke to have lost such a close friend and mentor, even though the friendship had been brief. Han thought Ben was crazy at first, with his talk of the Force. Leia remembered how her Father, Bail Organa, had respect for the man.
"Yes," Sebastian broke the silence, a reverence in his tone. "My Father spoke of him. He had the pleasure of meeting Master Kenobi."
"When was that?" Leia asked.
"He visited Coruscant sometime after the Clone Wars. He was impressed with Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"I find it interesting, Master Skywalker," Marcus quipped. "Your father murdered your friend, yet you hold no anger towards Vadar." Marcus's lips curled into a sneer as he leaned back in his chair.
"Well," he paused. "I was angry at Vadar for killing Ben," his voice shook as he recalled that moment. "I was horrified when I discovered Vadar was my father. But, I sensed he had goodness in him. Palpatine tried to kill me because I refused to submit to the Dark Side. My father killed the Emperor. In the end, he became Anakin Skywalker again. He renounced his ways and became one with the Force."
"I am curious. What would you have done if your father had been held accountable for his crimes?"
Luke's eyes grew wide, and he cocked his head to the side. "I don't understand."
"After the empire's fall, there was talk of arresting those who served the Emperor." Marcus avoided eye contact with Luke. He rubbed his hands on his napkin before tossing it to a servant droid. Marcus glanced from Luke to Leia, waiting for a response. "What would you have done?" Marcus felt satisfied that the Jedi Master was at a loss for words. He calmly waited to hear Luke's answer.
"What about me?"
All eyes were on Mara. She slightly lowered her head; her green eyes were laser-focused on Marcus.
Marcus froze. It was not the response he had hoped for. He placed one hand over the other to keep from trembling.
"I served the Emperor and carried out his orders," Mara stated."After his death, I wandered the galaxy, trying to find out who I was and what to do with my life. I met Talon Karrde and joined his organization. We became good friends. As a result, I made friends, some of whom are here tonight." Mara smiled warmly at Luke, Lando, Leia, and Han. "If Vader had lived, he would have made amends and lived a good life."
"You have made a fine point," Marcus acquiesced. "I suppose I never saw it that way," he said, a fake smile on his face. "Forgive me."
"I'm glad you see it that way," she answered with a hint of sarcasm.
Sebastian cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Lando, are you up for a game of Sabaac?"
"When is he not up for a game of Sabaac," Han joked.
"Let us retire to the library for a card game, tea, chocolates, and the finest Qui'Tanian Liqueurs."
As the guests left the room, Marcus lagged. His attempt to embarrass Skywalker had failed. He did not want to spend another minute in the same room with Skywalker or Miss Jade, so he returned to his quarters.
Luke, Han, and Leia sat in an air limo on their way home. They left thirty minutes after the card game started. The Solos said they had to go home to care for the children, while Luke explained that he needed to be at work early in the morning.
"Who the hell was that Krille guy," Han fumed. "What an idiot."
"He and the Viscount are childhood friends," Leia explained, rubbing her forehead. "His sister and mother were killed on Alderaan. His father died in prison. Krille survived only because he was working for his uncle, a friend of the Emperor."
"I don't like the guy," Han said. "What do you think, Kid?"
"He seems like someone who enjoys making trouble," Luke huffed. He was irritated at Marcus and himself. Luke wanted to ask Mara to leave so they could talk. But Mara was having a good time and did not want to spoil her fun. Besides, he would see her in the morning. Luke stifled a yawn. He stared out the window, hoping for a good night's sleep.
Mara smiled as she proudly set her sabacc cards on the table. It was the third game in a row that she had won. After Luke and the Solo had left, she joined Sebastian, Lando, Kohle, and Raisa in a friendly card match.
The other players gasped and groaned. Sebastian shook his head and tossed his cards on the table. "I can't believe you beat us again. Did you use your Jedi sense to win?"
"Nonsense," Mara leaned forward, put her elbows on the table, interlaced her fingers, and rested her chin. "You're just a lousy player, that's all."
"You should be happy the Solos left early," Lando said. "Han's one helluva sabaac player. So is Mon Mothma. She can give you a run for your credits."
"I must say goodnight," Raisa said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jade."
"Good night, Raisa."
"I think it would be a good idea for us to retire as well," Kohle stated after Raisa left. "We have a busy day ahead of us." He took Mara's hand. "It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss Jade."
"Likewise," Mara smiled.
"Master Calrissian," Kohle acknowledged.
"Good night, Sir," Lando replied. The two men shook hands.
"Lando, it was good seeing you again." Sebastian and Lando exchanged the Qui'Tanian embrace as they said goodbye. "I'll send you a gift in the next few days."
"I look forward to that. Good night. Mara, I'll wait for you in the air limo." Before he left, Lando gave her a wink.
Once the men had left, Sebastian took Mara's hands and gently kissed her. "You don't know how happy I am to see you again. Could we get together sometime for lunch or tea?"
"That would be nice, but I'll have to check my schedule," she said. "Good night, Sebastian."
"Good night, Mara."
Sebastian watched from the window as Mara soon emerged from the building. The media gauntlet asked questions, but she ignored them and got into the vehicle. Sebastian waited until the air limo departed to return to where Kohle was waiting.
"She is a remarkable woman, isn't she, Kohle?"
"Yes, Sir. She certainly is."
"I never thought I'd ever see her again," he whispered. Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut as pangs of guilt filled his consciousness. He was here to represent the people of the Qui"Tan System. His father and his people depended on him to succeed. "Forgive me," he said, sitting at the table. "I don't know what I was thinking."
"Sebastian."
The minister's soft, paternal tone meant one thing: He was about to get a lecture. Kohle was the only person allowed to address him by his first name if he felt the man needed sound advice. His loyalty and service to the family were beyond reproach.
"I don't have to remind you that every dignitary will evaluate you as the heir to the Duchy." The minister took a seat across from Sebastian. "Some have serious doubts regarding your ability to rule. However, your parents have great faith in you, as do I. In these last few years, you have become more mature and have fulfilled your duties. You have learned a great deal since."
"The incident," Sebastian interrupted. "That was a long time ago," he reasoned. "I learned from that mistake."
"I don't know if Marcus has."
Sebastian jumped out of his chair, his back to the minister. "He apologized for what happened. Don't forget I was as much to blame as he was."
"His arrogance and stupidity tend to cloud his judgment," Kohle replied sternly. He paused a moment to regain his composure. "I know he is your friend, and you want to help him. But I am concerned about his temperament. That question he posed to Master Skywalker and the Senator. What was he trying to accomplish?"
"I do not know," Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. "I will speak to him."
"I still have serious doubts about you choosing him to be a part of your counsel. Even your father has misgivings about Marcus."
"He has had some setbacks lately," Sebastian remarked. The business deal he had been working on for months failed, and he and Maia called off their engagement."
"I am sorry to hear that," Kohle replied sadly. There was no need to continue this conversation tonight. He hoped he was wrong about Marcus. "If you will excuse me, Sir," Kohle rose to his feet and rubbed his eyes. "I am tired and wish to retire for the night."
"Good night, Kohle."
After the minister left the room, Sebastian poured a glass of brandy. Marcus was his dearest friend. His entire way of life had been stripped away, and Sebastian wanted to help. He recalled the moment Marcus wanted him to speak to his sister. Deep down inside, he believed things might have turned out differently if he had talked to Darby. Perhaps he could have reasoned with her, telling her she was putting herself and her family in danger.
"I'm not the only one who wants a brandy before bed."
Sebastian glanced up to see Marcus had entered. "I finished a holocall with my cousin, Nolan," he poured himself a glass. "That man doesn't know when to shut up. Sorry about not being at the card game tonight. I wanted to be prepared for tomorrow's meetings."
"Why did you ask Master Skywalker the question regarding his father," Sebastian asked.
"I was curious," Marcus shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "I didn't see the harm." He knocked back his drink. Marcus could not understand how the Jedi Master could forgive his father. He still harbored resentment towards Darby.
"I do not want any ill will between our delegation and the Skywalker family," Sebastian stated firmly. "I think you should formally apologize to Master Skywalker and Senator Organa-Solo."
While Sebastian explained his reasons for the apology, Marcus shuddered at the request. The question was innocuous. Skywalker appeared more confused than angry. If it had not been for Mara, the Jedi Master would have answered the question. It made him loathe Skywalker even more.
"I will send my apologies in the morning."
"Good." Sebastian put his empty glass on an end table. "Good night, Marcus."
"I think I will turn in for the night as well."
The two men walked to the turbo lift. "I must say, Miss Jade looked lovely this evening," Marcus said. The doors opened, and they stepped in.
"All the ladies looked lovely this evening," Sebastian responded.
"I could not help but notice how fond she is of Master Skywalker." Marcus shifted his eyes to watch Sebastian's reaction. "They were laughing and joking with each other."
"They are friends," Sebastian said. "I enjoyed speaking with Master Skywalker. He is an interesting man." The turbo doors opened. "See you in the morning," he said as he stepped out.
"I wonder if there's more to their friendship," Marcus wondered out loud.
"What do you mean?" Sebastian asked, but the doors had closed. He shook his head. It's nonsensical, he thought. I saw two people having a nice time. Sebastian dismissed the remark as he entered his quarters.