CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"I don't need a babysitter, Han," Luke chuckled, the corners of his mouth curving upward in a playful grin.
"Babysitter? Really?" Han exclaimed, his eyebrows raised in surprise as he looked at Luke. "Come on, kid. You know me better than that!"
"Yeah, I know," Luke replied, his grin widening. "But seriously, what brings you by?"
"I was just in the neighborhood," Han said, leaning casually against the doorframe with a friendly smile. "Thought I'd drop in and say hi."
"And you brought Threepio along?" Luke raised an eyebrow, glancing at the shiny golden droid sideways. "You only do that when you need him!"
"I might have needed his help with something," Han admitted, a playful glint dancing in his eyes.
"Help with what?" Luke teased, clearly relishing the banter that he and Han always shared.
"Well, you know... just something," Han replied, his expression shifting slightly as he feigned innocence.
Luke stifled a laugh, choosing to let it slide for the moment. He appreciated Han's unyielding support—especially now when he needed it more than ever.
Just then, Artoo emitted a series of beeps, followed by a long, angry whistle. "Artoo," Threepio gasped, clutching his metallic torso in disbelief. "How could you say such a thing? Can you believe it, Master Luke? Artoo wants to know why the Viscount didn't make a formal request upon his arrival to Coruscant."
Artoo shot back more indignant beeps, clearly agitated. The droid's sudden outburst shocked Threepio.
"What a preposterous statement," he exclaimed, waving his hands in distress. "Artoo seems to think the Viscount has some ulterior motive for this visit."
Han and Luke exchanged uneasy glances, understanding that the droid had unwittingly vocalized their unspoken thoughts.
"Oh look, Sir," Threepio announced, his tone shifting to one of urgency. "The Viscount's entourage is arriving now."
"Okay," Luke whispered, a mix of anticipation and apprehension washing over him. "Here we go."
Moments later, two sleek air limousines glided to a stop at the entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the bright lights. A small group of dignitaries emerged, stepping out with an air of importance. Raisa appeared first, exuding confidence, followed closely by her two female assistants. Following them were Kohle and Marcus, and as if on cue, a chauffeur gracefully opened the door of the second vehicle. Sebastian stepped out, a smile lighting up his face.
"Master Skywalker," Sebastian greeted, extending his hand with warmth and familiarity. "It's wonderful to see you again."
Before Luke could respond, Sebastian stepped forward with a friendly smile and wrapped him in a warm embrace, following the Qui'Tanian custom of a handshake and hug. The unexpected closeness left Luke feeling uneasy as if something was amiss. Glancing at Marcus, he saw him wearing a sinister smile, the corners of his mouth curling in a way that sent a shiver down Luke's spine, making him question the true nature of their reunion.
"I'm pleased you could find time in your busy schedule to host us," Marcus remarked, standing at arm's length. "We're truly honored to visit the Jedi Academy."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Luke replied thoughtfully. "Perhaps in the future, you might consider visiting Yavin IV."
"I would like that very much," Sebastian said enthusiastically. He then turned his attention to Han and said, "General Solo, I'm delighted you could join us today."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," Han responded, offering a polite handshake.
"I believe you know everyone here," Sebastian continued, gesturing toward the group. "Except for the Senator's new assistants."
"Master Skywalker, General Solo, I would like to introduce my new assistants," Raisa said, pointing to the first woman and then the second. "This is Nanzanin Bolz and Milla Carmont."
"Ladies," Luke greeted warmly as he and Han shook hands. "Happy you could join us," he said.
"We are thrilled to have you here at the Jedi Academy," Nanzanin said enthusiastically.
"Thank you for graciously hosting us," Milla remarked, her appreciation clearly expressed.
"Thank you," Luke said confidently, maintaining eye contact with Marcus, whose cold gaze only strengthened Luke's determination to remain vigilant. "Shall we begin the tour?" Luke asked, feeling ready to proceed.
"Yes, by all means," Sebastian agreed, showing enthusiasm.
"Right this way," Luke instructed, leading the delegation into the building. Han followed closely behind, accompanied by Artoo and Threepio. Why do I have a bad feeling about his, he thought.
Luke sighed, noting that an hour had passed during the tour, yet it felt like he had been at it much longer. Sebastian appeared genuinely captivated by the Jedi narrative, which spanned from the early days to the present. While Luke wanted to trust him, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the Viscount and Mara.
As the group paused to examine an account of the ancient Jedi warriors, Luke suddenly felt dizzy. A chilling laugh echoed in his mind. "Don't be a fool, boy," it taunted.
Then, as quickly as it came, it vanished. Luke rubbed his eyes, focusing on the tour once more.
They soon arrived at a small chapel. "This is our chantry, dedicated to the memory of the Jedi who perished as a result of Order 66," Luke explained, trying to convey the significance of the space.
"May I pay my respects, Master Skywalker?" Sebastian asked in a calm, respectful tone. "I would like to honor their memory."
The sincerity of the request touched Luke; not all guests took the time to acknowledge such a solemn occasion.
"Of course," Luke said, stepping aside to allow access. "Anyone who wishes may enter."
The group moved into the chapel, leaving Marcus outside. His posture was confident, and his back was turned to Luke and Han.
"So far, so good," Han remarked quietly.
"Yes," Luke agreed, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "I wonder why Marcus chose to stay outside?"
"I'm not sure," Han responded, "but something about him seems off."
Sebastian exited the chapel, his expression serious and respectful. "Thank you for allowing us this moment to pay our respects," he said sincerely.
"You are very welcome," Luke acknowledged with a nod.
"Who are the Jedi Masters who will accompany us to the Qui'Tan System?" Sebastian inquired, shifting the focus of the conversation forward.
"Masters Talia Ka and Olen Brenn have been chosen to travel to the Qui'Tan System. I will introduce you to them when they are out of class."
"Excellent. I look forward to meeting them," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. He paused, turning his gaze to Luke with an earnest expression. "By the way, do you know if Mara is here?"
The question hit Luke like a punch to the gut, leaving him momentarily breathless. "I'm not sure where she is at this exact moment," he replied cautiously, trying to mask his unease.
"Master Luke," Threepio interjected, his mechanical voice brightening the atmosphere, "Artoo knows where she is. Every student's schedule is meticulously stored in his database."
Artoo emitted a series of sharp beeps, sounding distinctly annoyed. "Such language, and in front of our guests!" Threepio gasped, his synthetic eyes widening in shock.
"Artoo, where can we find Mara?" Luke inquired, striving to keep his tone calm and collected.
The droid responded with two quick whistles followed by three precise beeps. "She's in the Great Library working on her thesis. I'll take you there now."
With a sense of purpose, Luke led the group down the dimly lit hallway, the air thick with tension as he sensed an impending challenge looming over them.
"Thanks for your help, Golden Rod," Han whispered, passing the two droids with a smirk.
"You are quite welcome, sir," Threepio replied, blissfully unaware of the sarcasm lacing Han's words.
In the quiet confines of the Great Library, Mara sat hunched over her computer, staring blankly at the screen before her. She had planned to dedicate the afternoon to finishing her thesis, yet her mind was tangled with thoughts of two significant men.
What am I going to do about Luke? Sebastian?
Just then, a soothing voice broke her concentration. "Is everything alright?" A female protocol droid stood beside her, her metallic features displaying concern.
"Yes," Mara replied, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, thank you."
The droid nodded before gliding away, leaving Mara to gather her belongings and exit the library.
As she rounded the corner of the hallway, she abruptly stopped her heart racing. Luke, Sebastian, Han, and the Qui'Tanian delegation were all approaching her. Oh hell. What are they doing here?
"Mara," Sebastian said warmly, his smile brightening his features as the group approached. "Good to see you."
"Hello, Sebastian. Luke, Han," she greeted, her tone neutral as she nodded to each of them. "What brings you here?"
"His Grace requested a tour of the Academy," Luke explained with a hint of nervousness.
"Oh?" Mara raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You never mentioned wanting to visit the Academy," she noted, sensing his comment was off.
"Well, I've heard so much about the Jedi that I thought it would be a great opportunity to see it for myself," he stammered, trying to sound convincing.
"His Grace had a cancellation in his schedule," Marcus interjected smoothly. "The tour has been arranged, and we are fortunate to have Master Skywalker showing us around today."
As Mara observed Luke, she noticed his demeanor—though he wore a pleasant smile, his posture showed subtle tension. "It's kind of Luke to take on the responsibility of showing you the Academy," she acknowledged.
"Now that you are here," Sebastian said, his tone soft and inviting, "I have a special question for you." He led her a few steps away from the group, creating a sense of privacy while remaining within earshot.
"Mara, would you honor me by being my consort for the Celebration Ball?"
The invitation stunned Mara and the whole group. Why had he chosen to ask her in front of everyone?
The reactions varied; Luke felt a knot form in his stomach. He understood now why Sebastian had arranged the tour: it was a setup to see Mara and ask her to go to the ball. Raisa glared at the Viscount while her assistants averted their eyes in embarrassment. Kohle held back his comments, and Han clenched his fist, wanting to protect his friend.
In contrast, Marcus wore a confident smile as he absorbed the scene. He realized that Luke harbored feelings for Mara, and he couldn't help but feel satisfied witnessing this moment unfold. It would create an interesting dynamic if Sebastian and Mara became a couple.
After silence, Mara blinked, processing what had just happened. "Why," she asked softly, "didn't you reach out to me on the holo-net?"
"I would have," Sebastian replied carefully. "However, I thought it would be more personal to ask you while I was visiting."
Mara glanced at Marcus, recognizing the smile on his face. It dawned on her that this scheme likely originated with him rather than Sebastian.
Her gaze then returned to Luke, who seemed lost in thought, focused on smoothing an imaginary spot with the toe of his boot. She could sense his discomfort, and it was painful to witness.
Looking back at Sebastian, she sensed a shift in his demeanor. His arrogant attitude toward Luke felt misplaced, and it disturbed her. This wasn't the Sebastian she remembered.
At that moment, she felt an unwelcome presence looming over her thoughts: Callista. The memories of Callista's taunts and insults came rushing back, adding to her frustration.
Her anger simmered as she observed Sebastian's behavior, which embarrassed Luke in front of others. Despite her frustrations with Luke, he didn't deserve to be treated this way. She realized she needed to take action to protect her friend.
I will not be a pawn in this game anymore.
"Oh, Sebastian," Mara said with a bright smile, "it would be an honor to be your consort for the Celebration Ball."
Luke's heart dropped at her words. The thought of them together at the ball filled him with unease. Han placed a reassuring hand on Luke's shoulder, sensing the internal battle he was facing.
Marcus held his head high, pride swelling as he realized his plan had worked. Luke was embarrassed, and Sebastian was pursuing the woman he loved. The viscount would owe him a favor.
"But..." Mara's voice wavered.
"But?" Sebastian asked, curiosity piqued.
Mara asserted, "I observed that you dedicated most of your time to discussing politics and various issues. I want to be clear: I wasn't upset because this was not a date, so to speak."
Sebastian opened his mouth to respond, but she raised her hand, signaling him to pause. "I wasn't upset or angry about that. Let's be clear: it wasn't a date but a gathering of friends. So understand me; I wasn't offended at all."
The entourage murmured in disbelief, unaware that Mara was rejecting his invitation. What was happening here?
Han nearly laughed out loud but pretended to cough instead. This was one of the funniest things he had seen in a long time.
"Han," Luke said, his friend's unusual reaction piqued his curiosity. "What's happening?"
Han stepped in closer to Luke, a knowing look on his face. "Don't look now, Kid," he said firmly. "Sebastian is getting dumped, big time."
"What?" Luke replied, taken aback.
"She's turning him down," Han stated, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Huh?" Luke exclaimed, his brow furrowing as he shifted his gaze between Han and Mara. "I don't get it."
Han sighed, shaking his head in mild exasperation. Despite Luke's impressive skills with the Force, he still had much to learn about women. "Listen, kid," he replied, mixing amusement with patience. "She's rejecting him. Just watch closely, and it'll become clear."
"So," Sebastian asked, breaking the moment, "I suppose you won't be at the Ball?"
"Who knows?" Mara shrugged, exuding confidence. "I might be there; I might not. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go. Enjoy the rest of the tour."
With a soft smile, she adjusted her bag on her shoulder, feeling a surge of pride. As she walked past the group, her head was high and her gaze steady. Han caught her eye and winked reassuringly; she returned the gesture, grateful for his unwavering support—it acknowledged her strength in navigating the situation's awkwardness.
Raisa frowned at what she had just witnessed. The Viscount's behavior had been utterly out of character; he had acted strangely. As Mara walked by, Raisa nodded in approval. "Well done, Miss Jade," she thought, appreciating how Mara declined the invitation without putting Sebastian in a humiliating position.
Mara reciprocated the nod. "That's how you do it, ladies," she muttered to Nanzanin and Ludilla.
The room fell silent. Sebastian looked utterly stunned. Nothing like this had ever happened to him before.
"Shall we continue the tour, Your Grace?" Luke asked, breaking the tension.
"I'm afraid we have to cut the tour short, Master Skywalker," Marcus interjected, wanting to ease the embarrassment by removing Sebastian from the situation. "His Grace has a meeting with the delegation from Teredal."
"That meeting is tomorrow," Sebastian said, calmness betraying his tension.
"No, sir. I changed it."
"You're telling me about this now?" Sebastian snapped, irritation sharp in his voice.
"I… uh," Marcus stammered, clearly unsettled.
"I'm afraid Master Krille is mistaken, Your Grace," Kohle said, pointing at Marcus. Irritated but eager to defuse the awkwardness, he added, "I spoke with the ambassador early this morning. He confirmed that the meeting is set for tomorrow."
Sebastian glared at Marcus. Leaving now would only intensify his embarrassment. "Master Krille," he said coldly, "Master Skywalker has graciously agreed to take time out of his busy schedule for this tour. We are continuing." Turning to Luke, he added confidently, "Master Skywalker, we're ready to proceed."
"Yes, Your Grace. Right this way," Luke replied, matching Sebastian's resolve.
As they moved down the hallway, Luke couldn't help but admire Sebastian's determination to press on despite the humiliation of Mara's rejection. The awkward exchange between Marcus and the Viscount had been hard to witness, but now there was a sense of purpose to their steps.
Luke's face glowed slightly. Although he felt he shouldn't be enjoying the situation, he felt relief for the first time since Sebastian's arrival.
Leia giggled as Mara recounted her amusing encounter with Sebastian during the tour. "Han couldn't stop laughing when he got home! He told me what happened, and you know I was dying to hear all the juicy details at practice," Leia said, a wide grin on her face.
After an intense lightsaber practice, the two friends relaxed in the sauna. Leia poured more water onto the hot stones. "What was Sebastian thinking, pulling something so silly?"
Mara took a deep breath, soaking in the warmth, and wiped her forehead with a small cloth. "I suspect Marcus egged him on. It doesn't excuse Sebastian, though! It was a foolish stunt."
"You handled it brilliantly, especially with that oath you took. That was impressive!"
"What bothers me is that Luke invested so much time in giving the tour, and then Sebastian tried to undermine him. How could he do that to Luke?" Mara turned to Leia, a fierce expression on her face. "Sebastian came across as an arrogant fool who thought I would accept his offer. I refuse to let anyone treat me like a prize. I'll decide if I want to go to the Ball; thank you very much!"
Thirty minutes later, the women returned to the locker room to get dressed. "So, I take it you'll be there?" Leia asked, arching an eyebrow.
"What?" Mara replied.
"At the Ball," Leia clarified.
"I don't know," Mara shook her head, her confidence unwavering.
"Oh, come on," Leia said, sliding her dress over her head. "You've never attended."
"I have," Mara shot back. "A couple of times."
"I remember those times," Leia rolled her eyes. "The first time you attended, you left early because you were tired. The other time? You showed up in your flight suit after a completed mission."
"I attended many balls and formal events while serving the Emperor," Mara said as she put on her pants. "I was always on duty for him. I guess you could say those events remind me of those times."
"He is dead. You are here," Leia pointed out. "Why not attend?"
"What will Luke and Sebastian think?" Mara asked.
"You'll be there on your own. You have no obligation to either of them. Come on, join us at our table."
"Perhaps," Mara shrugged.
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a definite maybe." The two friends laughed. "By the way, how's Neva doing?"
"She's doing an excellent job," Leia smiled. "Neva is very efficient and gets along with everyone. I introduced her to Winter when she contacted me yesterday, and they hit it off beautifully."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"I have to get back to the office and respond to some diplomats," Leia said. "What about you?"
"I worked on my thesis yesterday and decided to take today off. Maybe I'll go to a museum or see a holo-movie."
"No, you won't," Leia stated.
"What?" Mara raised an eyebrow. She only heard her friend use that stern, motherly tone with the children. "What are you saying?"
Leia put her foot on the locker room bench and waved her hand. "You do the same thing whenever you get time off. Why don't you do something different?"
"Such as?" Mara chuckled.
"Why don't you treat yourself to lunch at the Brennzan? You can go shopping afterward."
"Leia," she laughed, "I'm not one of those rich society women who have nothing better to do but lunch and shop."
"Precisely," Leia said. "You need to do something that's totally out of character. It makes things more interesting."
"I don't know," Mara mused. The idea was intriguing—doing something different.
"Didn't you say Karrde paid you for that last mission?"
"Yes," Mara nodded. "Plus, the Ultans gave me a generous bonus," she added. "You know, I need some new clothes," she mused. "I've wanted to try Brennzan."
"It's settled then," Leia said. "You have lunch, and I'll call Jena. She can select some clothes for you to try on. And..." A devious smile formed on her face. "Her boutique has very nice lingerie."
"What?"
"Oh, come on, Mara." Leia gently nudged her friend's arm. "Every woman should have something a little bit... I don't know, naughty in her wardrobe." She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"That's easy for you to say. You have a husband."
"So? Every woman wants to feel a bit sexy at times," Leia winked. "There's no reason why you shouldn't."
"Okay," Mara nodded. "Go ahead and contact her. Tell her to pick out some evening wear." She held up her hand. "In case I decide to attend the Ball."
"I'll still put you down for a definite maybe," Leia chuckled.
The two friends embraced. "Enjoy your afternoon," Leia said, moving her finger up and down. "And don't forget about the lingerie."
Mara finished her soup, and moments later, Cael, her waiter, appeared at her table. "How was everything?"
"Delicious," Mara smiled. "That was the best soup I've ever had."
"It's one of the chef's specialties," Cael said as he removed the bowl and spoon from the table. "Shall I interest you in some dessert? We have a wonderful chocolate torte."
"I'll pass on dessert. However, when you get a moment, I would like a cup of tea and the check."
"Very good," he responded.
Mara nestled into a cozy corner of the restaurant's solarium, a tranquil haven bathed in soft, natural light. Oval-shaped openings in the partition provided glimpses of the lively dining room, allowing her to observe while keeping her presence discreet. The walls were adorned with vibrant red flowers and cascading green ivy, creating a natural curtain that partially shielded her from the other patrons.
As she took in the serene ambiance, highlighted by the gentle trickle of water from a small waterfall spilling into a tranquil pond at the entrance, Mara felt a calm wash over her. The soothing sounds offered a welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Suddenly, her heart raced as she caught sight of the hostess guiding Chavi's friends to a nearby table. One of the women was carrying a large shopping case. The solarium's mirrored doors stood ajar, granting Mara a perfect view of the group while keeping her presence secret. She could hear every word of their conversation.
"The waiter will be with you shortly," the hostess announced warmly as she gracefully distributed menus to the group. "Enjoy your lunch."
"I've never seen Chavi in such a bad mood," Dara remarked.
"Can you blame her?" Kateena replied, sitting down and opening the menu. "Almost every segment was a disaster."
"I couldn't believe the Evweillan feline snapped at her," Kateena continued, growling. "Just imagine what would have happened if that animal had bitten her."
The animal would have died, Mara thought.
"If you ask me, it was her fault," Pala noted. "The zookeeper told her not to touch it."
"Don't let Chavi hear you say that," Kateena admonished. "She's angry enough as it is, especially after giving that on-air apology to Senator Organa-Solo the other day. Tirenne wants her to apologize to her in person."
"She'll do that when hell freezes over," Dara joked, and the women erupted into laughter.
Mara fumed at the comment. Just then, Cael returned and set a cup of tea and the check on the table before her. "Sorry about the noise. Those ladies can get a little loud," he said.
"That's all right," Mara said to the waiter. "I'll be leaving soon anyway." She glanced at the check, opened her wallet, and left a generous tip on the table. "That should cover everything."
"Thank you," he said with a smile, pleased with the generous gratuity. "Enjoy the rest of your day."
Mara nodded as she sipped her tea. Cael approached the women's table. "Good afternoon, ladies," he greeted. "What can I get you to drink?"
"A bottle of your very best Chardonnay," Dara replied.
"That cooking segment was a disaster," Pala remarked after the waiter left. "Who came up with that idea?"
"Neva," Kateena hissed. "I don't know why Chavi let her stay on as long as she did."
"I'm glad Chavi fired her. It's outrageous that she demanded more credits when she hardly did any added.
"Not to mention her flirting with every man at the station. No wonder she couldn't do her job," Kareena said.
Mara fumed; Neva did more work than any of them combined. How dare they lie about her?
Chavi stormed into the restaurant, her expression furious. Cael had just finished pouring the wine and pulled out her chair, but she ignored him. "Shall I pour you a glass of wine?" he asked.
"No," she snapped. "Get me a Baltini. Make it a double."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied in a humble tone.
Mara shook her head in disgust. She hated it when people were rude to servers.
"You're in a mood," Dara noted. "What's wrong?"
"Ugh," Chavi sighed, taking a sip of water. "You girls took off right after your segment, and honestly, the production team laughed at how messy the show was." She rolled her eyes. "But the worst part? Tirenne wanted to talk to me after the show was over. You won't believe what he and his annoying sister, Siobhan, made me do! They forced me to apologize to Senator Organa-Solo," she said, frustration clear in her voice. "I've never felt so embarrassed."
The women leaned forward, their eyes fixed on her. "There he was, speaking to the Senator on the holonet. Siobhan was waiting for me when I walked in. She whispered that I was there to apologize to the Senator."
"Did you?" Pala asked quietly.
"Yes," Chavi hissed, slamming her hand on the table. "I hated doing it. I felt like a child being forced to apologize."
"What did she say?"
"I said I was only joking; surely, others would think the same," Chavi replied, mimicking Leia's tone with exaggerated flair. "'I accept your apology,' she said sharply. 'However, in the future, I suggest you clearly label your jokes and facts separately. Your profession prides itself on delivering accurate information, and your deceptive remarks could lead to misunderstandings with serious consequences. Might I suggest you leave the humor to comedians and actors in the entertainment industry?'"
Mara couldn't help but chuckle. Leia has more strength and intelligence in her little finger than all of you put together. You wouldn't stand a chance if faced with Leia's challenges.
"The nerve of that woman," Kateena fumed.
"How dare she speak to you that way?" Dara seethed.
"I've never liked her," Pala spat. "Who does she think she is?"
Mara couldn't help but chuckle. "That woman has more strength and intelligence in her little finger than all of you put together. If you had to face Leia's challenges, you wouldn't stand a chance."
"Forget about her," Chavi said, seizing the menu with a decisive air. "Let's have a nice lunch. What are you girls ordering? I'm going for the Aletinian soup."
"Ooh, that sounds wonderful," Dara nodded enthusiastically. "I'll have that as well."
"Me too!" Kateena chimed in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Pala leaned forward with a knowing smile. "I never thought I would enjoy cold soup, but when I tried it, I was hooked. It's the most popular dish on the menu. Just a heads-up, it takes about an hour to prepare, but it's worth the wait."
Cael returned, placing a drink in front of Chavi with a polite smile. "Would you like to hear about our daily specials?"
Chavi replied, "We will have the Aletinian soup and some freshly baked rolls."
"I must inform you that your order will be delayed by at least forty-five minutes. I apologize for the inconvenience," Cael said.
"Why?" Chavi snapped, her tone sharp enough to cut through glass.
"Several diners placed their orders before yours; unfortunately, you'll have to wait," Cael explained apologetically.
"Look, idiot," Chavi fumed, anger flashing in her eyes. "Do you know who I am?"
Mara cringed at Chavi's sudden change in demeanor. The fleeting moment of empathy had evaporated. She hated it when people took their frustrations out on others.
Cael said, trying to defuse the situation, "I'd be happy to get you something else."
Undeterred and brimming with entitlement, Chavi declared, "I told you what we wanted." Her voice echoed in the restaurant, drawing the attention of nearby diners. "Do you know who I am?"
An elegant gentleman approached the table, his salt-and-pepper hair perfectly combed and dressed in a suit that exuded sophistication. "Hello, ladies. I'm Stannis Orunt, the manager of Brennzan. How can I assist you today?" His voice was smooth and carried a hint of charm.
Chavi, unable to hide her frustration, stood up with a defiant air. "That idiot says we must wait for the Aletinian soup," she declared, pointing to Cael with furrowed brows.
"There is no need for name-calling. That will be all, Cael," Stannis said, maintaining his composed demeanor. "I can offer you something else in the meantime."
Chavi's determination was evident. "I'm listening," she replied, arms crossed.
"Our chef prepares a delightful Jaymalon soup, a cold soup similar to the Aletinian one; your lunch, including the wine, will be complimentary." He smiled warmly.
Chavi's expression softened into a satisfied smile. "That works for me. Thank you, Mr. Orunt. I'll be sure to mention you on my show," she said with a hint of gratitude.
"Thank you," Stannis responded graciously, nodding and taking their order before returning to the kitchen.
As he left, Mara shook her head in exasperation, clearly frustrated by Chavi's assertiveness and her willingness to make demands. Oh well, she thought. I'm sure he's dealt with horrible customers before.
"I just picked up my dress from Jena's boutique for the Ball," Dara gushed excitedly. She reached under the table and pulled out a large, decorated shopping case, almost causing it to crash into Chavi's legs.
"Hey!" Chavi exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. "Watch it!"
"I'm sorry, Chavi," Dara replied, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She felt a twinge of guilt for being so careless. "I'm just so thrilled about the outfit I picked out."
Chavi crossed her arms, a severe expression on her face. "You need to put that somewhere safe so we don't trip over it," she ordered.
Dara nodded obediently and carefully shifted the case to a corner near her chair, ensuring it was out of the way. "I can't wait to try it on," she said, her eyes sparkling. "I just know the Viscount will notice me."
Kateena, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow and looked at Dara with a skeptical expression. "And why do you think he would notice you?" she challenged, her voice dripping with doubt.
Dara straightened up, her confidence returning. "Because my family is prominent and wealthy," she declared, a proud smile spreading across her face as she thought about her status. "People pay attention to us. I would make a fantastic consort."
"My family is just as wealthy as yours," Kateena countered, smirking. "My uncle is an ambassador to Corellia."
"Your uncle is an attache to the ambassador to Corellia," Dara shot back.
Pala let out a quiet sigh of relief. She was glad to have a boyfriend and be exempt from this competition. "Chavi, what are your thoughts on this?" she asked, hoping to diffuse the tension.
Chavi, confidently sipping her drink, spoke up. "There is only one person I think the Viscount wants to ask: Mara Jade," she declared with certainty. "It's true," Chavi confirmed, leaning back with a knowing look. "They have a history together; he might want to rekindle that connection."
"I don't see what he sees in her," Dara giggled, amusement dancing as the conversation took a lighter turn, leaving an air of intrigue hanging over the table.
"I think she looks ordinary," Pala agreed.
Their conversation revealed their competitive natures and differing opinions on social status. "Common? That's another new one," Mara thought to herself.
"I have it on good authority that the Viscount still cares about Miss Jade," she declared confidently.
Mara raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. How could she possibly know that? Was she merely guessing?
"That's not true. Sebastian is the kind of man who keeps women like Mara Jade around for his own pleasure. He reminds me of those who marry wealthy, cultured women yet have someone like her on the side for enjoyment."
A wave of indignation surged within Mara. Sebastian is honorable, and it was outrageous for anyone to make such baseless claims!
"And what about Luke Skywalker? I hear she's making a fool of herself around him," Kateena said, clearly pleased with herself. "Mara Jade is nothing like Callista Ming. Callista was a true lady."
"I agree," Pala countered firmly. "I knew Callista. She and Skywalker were meant for each other. It wouldn't surprise me if Mara Jade had a hand in their breakup."
"I heard Mara Jade used to be a 'dancer' for the Emperor," Chavi said with a tone of suspicion. "We all know what that suggests."
The women erupted into laughter. "I'm sure she's still 'dancing' for many men," Dara sneered.
"Absolutely," Chavi nodded. "I wouldn't be shocked if she was involved with Han Solo."
Mara's green eyes flashed with fury. Spinning a tale about Han and Leia was terrible, but insinuating that Han would be unfaithful was utterly vile. Han would never cheat on his wife, and the notion that Leia would betray her friends was appalling. How dare she make such an outrageous suggestion?
"You know, if that woman were here right now," Chavi insisted, "I'd tell her exactly what she is: an immoral person who wouldn't think twice about hurting others to get what she wants."
Mara clenched her fist, wanting to teach these women a lesson, but how? Then she spotted Dara's shopping case. Cael was walking toward their table, carrying a massive tray with four large soup bowls and a plate of rolls.
Cael placed the tray on a serving stand and served Kateena and Pala first. Mara closed her eyes and moved the case a few feet from the table using her Jedi senses. He didn't see it and tripped, splashing soup on Dara, but most landed on Chavi.
The women screamed. Cael scrambled to his feet. "I'm very sorry."
"You idiot!" Chavi screamed. "Look at what you did!"
"I'm sorry; it was an accident, I promise."
Stannis rushed over to the table with towels in hand. "Mrs. Dermain, I'm sorry about this mishap."
Chavi yanked the towel from Stannis. "I demand that you fire this idiot immediately!" She pointed at Cael. "He's incompetent! Look at what he did to my dress!" she exclaimed.
"Sorry, ladies. It's not his fault."
Chavi looked up, and Mara stood nearby, arms folded, wearing a calm expression. "The waiter is not responsible for this," she said.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Chavi snapped.
"I just finished lunch," Mara replied. "Unlike you, I'm not wearing mine."
Chavi's eyes narrowed, her glare sharp enough to slice through the tension in the air. "How dare you insult me? Don't you know who I am?" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with venom.
"I do," Mara replied, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "But honestly, it just doesn't matter to me."
Chavi sputtered, her face flushing with anger. "How dare you! You are a pathetic excuse for a human being!"
"Really?" Mara's smile widened a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I was just thinking the same thing about you."
"OOOH, you—" Chavi faltered, struggling to find an appropriate insult.
"It wasn't your fault, Cael," Mara said, gesturing toward the floor with a slant of her hand. "That is."
The offending case lay not in the corner but precariously behind Dara's chair. "As you can see," Mara continued in a soothing yet authoritative tone, "the waiter didn't see the case and tripped. It was an accident."
Cael let out a relieved sigh as the tension eased from his shoulders. Chavi, however, directed her anger toward Dara. "How could you be so careless as to leave your bag there?" she demanded, her voice rising in frustration.
"I didn't do that, Chavi!" Dara protested, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Keep an eye on that stupid bag of yours." Chavi pivoted back to Mara, her voice low and threatening. "You had something to do with this; I know it."
"Go ahead, Chavi, tell her off," Kateena piped up, her enthusiasm palpable.
"Yeah," Dara added, emboldened. "Give her a piece of your mind."
"By all means," Mara replied coolly, her gaze unwavering as it locked onto Chavi's. "Give me a piece of your mind."
The two women stood toe-to-toe, the tension crackling like electricity. Chavi prepared to unleash a cutting remark but faltered. She was used to bullying and intimidating others, but Mara was different. There was an unyielding strength emanating from her, a bold confidence that left no room for fear. Chavi felt her resolve waver as a slight tremor ran through her. Here stood a woman who would never be subdued. Perhaps confronting Mara was a miscalculation.
Chavi lifted her chin defiantly, her pride momentarily masking her vulnerability. "I would say something, but I am a lady and don't say such things."
"You could've fooled me," Mara retorted with a sardonic laugh.
"OOOOH," Chavi shook her fist at Mara and pounded the towel on the table, the sound echoing in the tense room. "Come on, ladies. We're leaving." She turned sharply to Stannis. "I will never set foot in this place again."
"I'm sure Mr. Orunt will appreciate that," Mara muttered, a sly grin on her face. She opened her wallet and handed Cael some extra credits. "Here you go. Consider it hazard pay."
As the women shot Mara angry glances, they made their way to the exit, but not before having to navigate past the grotto.
Mara thought, I hate to do this, but they deserve it. A mischievous spark ignited in her mind.
Instantly, she tapped into her Jedi instincts and used her powers to trip Chavi. Chavi stumbled, tumbling into the grotto with a gasp, and the other women caught off guard, careened after her, splashing into the pond.
"What the hell?" Chavi shrieked, her voice piercing through the laughter of the diners. "I will sue this place out of existence!"
Observers chuckled at the unfolding chaos, amused by the slapstick display. Cael and Stannis hurried over to assist the women; concern etched on their faces.
Mara strolled by with casual confidence, pausing to glance down at the floundering women. "Ladies, if you want to clean up, you should head to the washroom, not the pond," she said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness.
In retaliation, Chavi splashed water in Mara's direction, but Mara merely walked away, a wicked smile lingering as she exited, leaving the chaos behind her.