CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"Forget it. I'm not doing it."
Luke's arms were folded across his chest as he glared at his sister. "When the protocol droid contacted me this morning to set up the tour, I didn't know what he was talking about. I was told they had spoken to you and it would not be a problem. Do you know how embarrassing that was?"
"I'm sorry, Luke," Leia apologized wearily. "They needed an immediate answer, and I didn't think it would be a problem."
As he paced the room, Leia followed close behind, pleading. "I should've told you when your two-day symposium ended, but I was so caught up in work that it slipped my mind. I know you're upset, but you should go through with it. Can you explain why you won't do this?"
Luke stopped, almost running into her. "You want a reason? I don't want to."
"Please," she begged. "This is a special request from the Embassy."
Luke huffed and turned his back on her. Leia sighed, recognizing her brother's stubbornness. "I didn't think you would mind. Besides, you've given these tours before on much shorter notice. What was I supposed to do, tell them no?"
"Yes," he replied vigorously. "Tell the Embassy I was called on a mission or took a vow of silence. Make up any excuse you can." With that, Luke walked to the door with a heavy silence.
"STOP RIGHT THERE, LUKE SKYWALKER!"
The hair on his neck stood up. He slowly turned around. His worst fears had been realized.
Leia put on her "Stern Mom" face, a look she gave her kids when they were getting too rowdy. With just one glance, they knew it was time to settle down. Her authority was strong, and even Han felt uneasy when she flashed that look his way. She smiled, gesturing for him to step up before her desk. Looking sheepish, Luke looked down like he had just been caught doing something silly. "I'm sorry, Mommy," he said with a playful tone, trying to lighten the mood.
They both erupted into laughter, and Leia's expression turned soft. "I'm really sorry, Luke," she said with a friendly smile. "I should have mentioned that you were unavailable."
Luke opened his mouth to respond, but the words just wouldn't come. Deep down, he knew she had good intentions. He appreciated all the effort she had put into making this alliance a reality. It made him feel good to support her. "Alright," he said with an upbeat shrug, "I'm in!"
"Are you sure?" Leia asked, her voice filled with caring concern.
"Absolutely!" he replied, nodding enthusiastically.
As they embraced, Leia could sense that Luke had something on his mind. "Luke," she asked gently, "is something bothering you?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Luke admitted with a sigh. "Ever since Sebastian appeared, I feel scattered. I've also noticed a strange sense through the Force that I can't quite place."
"What do you mean by that?" Leia tilted her head, intrigued.
"Occasionally, I feel a sudden chill that momentarily unsettles me," he explained. "It passes quickly, but it's disconcerting."
"Perhaps it's just the stress from everything you're handling," Leia suggested, hoping to offer some comfort while acknowledging her concerns.
"That could be it," Luke replied. "But I'm also worried about Mara. We haven't spoken since our argument, and I'm concerned she might not complete her studies. She's dedicated so much to becoming a Jedi."
"Don't underestimate her," Leia reassured him. "Mara is incredibly focused and determined to become a Jedi Master."
"I hope you're right," he said, feeling more at ease.
Leia placed her hands on his shoulders. "I AM," she affirmed warmly.
"Okay," he responded, although still looking a bit uncertain. "Maybe I should stop paying attention to Chavi's gossip."
"Chavi?" A glint of annoyance appeared in her eyes. "That woman can be quite bothersome," she remarked.
"I gather you're not a fan," he joked lightly.
"Not in the least," Leia replied as she poured herself a glass of water. "A stronger drink would be more appropriate right now," she muttered. Leia raised her glass. "Care for one?"
Luke shook his head. She took a sip and set the glass on the table with a little more force than intended, causing Luke to flinch. "Chavi has been questioning whether this treaty is valid or if I should be reelected to the Senate," she said with a slight grimace. "I can handle that kind of gossip. It's the innuendos I hate. Recently, Han and I attended a reception hosted by Senator Laru Kinall, where Chavi, her husband, and other journalists were also present. A waiter accidentally spilled wine on my dress. He was apologetic, but I reassured him it was an accident. Han was quick to help and brought me a towel so I could clean it off."
"So?" Luke prompted, curious to see where she was going with this.
"So," Leia grunted. "Chavi had a different take on the situation. She told her viewers that the waiter was flirting with me. Han threatened to beat him up and would have if others had not intervened.
"That's outrageous," Luke responded, his eyebrows raised.
"I agree," Leia confirmed. "Siobhan and Tristen reached out to apologize, mentioning that Chavi plans to make an on-air apology. Fortunately, other journalists have offered their support against Chavi's accusations." She let out a frustrated sigh. "Chavi contacted me to apologize and said she would set the record straight on what really happened. I couldn't bring myself to watch it. Neva did and told me she did apologize." Leia paused. "Sometimes, I wish I could be more like our father; he knew how to handle these situations."
Luke looked surprised. Leia quickly added, "Just kidding," flashing him a playful smile.
"Good to know," he chuckled, though concern still lingered in his eyes. "I'd better get back to the office and set up the day and time for the tour. Thanks for listening."
"Anytime," she smiled.
Leia shook her head thoughtfully after he left. "He and Han can sometimes be as troublesome as the children," she muttered.
Feeling a chill, Leia rubbed her hands up and down her arms. An unsettling disturbance enveloped her senses in a disquieting grip. As she reached out through the Force, she sensed a mysterious connection between Luke and Sebastian, its significance eluding her. Then, a voice began to resonate through her mind, accompanied by a faint, sinister laugh that haunted her once more.
"Leia?"
She gasped in surprise, looking up to find Neva standing before her desk. "I apologize," Neva said reassuringly. "I truly didn't mean to startle you."
"That's alright," Leia replied, regaining her composure. "What is it?"
"I planned the reception," Neva said. "Are you sure you're okay? Would you like a cup of tea?" she asked with a smile.
Leia chuckled and responded, "Just a quick reminder from your first day: you only get refreshments for me if you get something for yourself first."
Neva nodded. "I was just about to make some tea. I'll make two cups, and then we can go over the plans for the reception?"
Leia smiled. "That would be wonderful."
"I saw your brother a few minutes ago. How is he?" Neva inquired.
Leia's expression turned uneasy. "He's fine."
"It must be amazing to be a Jedi," Neva said with awe and reverence. "Reaching out to the Force like that must be a fascinating and wonderful blessing."
Leia watched Neva leave the room and whispered, "Yes, Neva. It can be a wonderful blessing, but sometimes it can also be a terrible curse."
Kohle strode down the hallway, his face contorted with anger. No one dared to impede his progress. Ignoring the droid's objections not to proceed further, he forcefully threw open the door to Marcus's office.
"Kohle, it's good to see you," Marcus greeted warmly. "How's your family?" Despite his friendly tone, Marcus couldn't conceal his underlying excitement, fully aware of the reason for Kohle's visit.
"I came from a meeting with His Grace," Kohle fumed. "He plans to visit the Jedi Academy."
"What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong?" Kohle exclaimed in disbelief. His body shook with rage. "He plans to ask her during the tour. That is highly inappropriate."
"You saw how she reacted when she saw him in the Senate," Marcus replied confidently. "It was all over the holoverse," he sighed. "They are two friends who haven't seen each other in years. Neither is involved with anyone, so why shouldn't they be together?" Marcus explained as if he were talking to a child. "Furthermore, women appreciate it when a man confidently invites a woman to be his consort."
"Not all women appreciate that kind of attention; I am confident that Miss Jade does not welcome something like this directed at her.
"How do you know?' Marcus asked. "You're overreacting."
"I am not overreacting," he replied, strained. "I want to spare Sebastian from embarrassing himself."
"The only one who will be embarrassed is you." Marcus rose while glaring at the minister. "Your time is almost over, and you can't stand that I will take your place. If you don't mind, I must return to work." He sat down to work at his computer.
Kohle's body quivered with frustration. It seemed unproductive to continue debating with the man, but he and Sebastian were steadfast in their determination to pursue this risky endeavor. Kohle began to take his leave but paused to stare at the man.
"I would like to offer some advice. When advising the Viscount or anyone in power, it is important to focus on suggesting what he should do rather than what he can do," Kohle stated. After he left, Marcus chuckled, "Poor, foolish old man."
After retreating to his office, Kohle poured himself a rare indulgence—a stiff whiskey. Sebastian refused to reconsider his plan, which Kohle believed was influenced by Marcus. Kohle recognized the Viscount's right to choose his advisors but was deeply troubled by the idea of Marcus becoming Sebastian's chief advisor. He feared the potential impact of Marcus's influence on the Duchy's future stability.
"I hope I am wrong," he whispered as he drank.
Leia sat in bed, hugging her knees and staring into space. It had been several days since that meeting with Luke. The vision had not returned, but it lingered in her mind.
Han walked into their bedroom, wearing a robe and pajama pants. "The kids are finally asleep." When Leia did not respond, he knew what was on her mind. "Are you still worried about that sense you had?" he asked softly.
"Yeah, I can't help but think it ties Luke and Sebastian together." She buried her face in her knees. "Oh, Han, if only I hadn't signed that treaty, maybe none of this would be happening."
"Hold on a second, Princess," Han said. "This treaty is one of the best things to happen for the New Republic in ages," he reassured her.
"True, but..."
"No 'buts' allowed," Han said softly, a warm smile on his face. "You had no way of knowing about Sebastian and Mara's connection or the impact it would have on Luke. Please don't be hard on yourself; this isn't your fault."
Leia reclined against her pillow, sighing. "It just hurts to see my brother in so much pain and confusion."
"I care about Luke too, sweetheart." Han removed his robe. He slipped under the covers and wrapped his arms around her. "All we can do is be there for him when he needs us."
Leia rested her head on his chest. "I wish I could be with Luke when he gives the tour."
"Why not?"
Looking up at him, her eyes filled with affection and a hint of sadness, she replied, "The delegation from Naboo is arriving that morning. I need to be there."
Han kissed her forehead and held her close. "I get it, sweetheart." He paused momentarily, then asked, "When is the tour?"
"Day after tomorrow, around 9 a.m."
"I can take care of it!"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I was supposed to do a cargo run that day, but I can switch it to tomorrow morning instead. The Falcon is all set to go. I can grab someone to co-pilot with me. This way, I can be there for Luke. I'll even take Threepio along; he and Artoo can be extra support!"
"You'd do that for me?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
"Of course! I'd do anything for my Princess," he said, kissing her forehead.
A playful smile crept onto Leia's face. "Han," she said teasingly, "do you need to do that cargo run first thing in the morning?"
"I think I can be convinced to put it off for a few hours," he replied with a wink.
They shared a passionate kiss, and everything else faded away at that moment.