The Process

The funeral scene from Legacy of the Force: Inferno by Troy Denning, adapted and shifted to Ben's point of view.

40 ABY, Jedi Temple, Coruscant

Ben keyed open the door and took one step into the corridor to meet Master Katarn, Master Sebatyne, Master Ramis, and Master Cilghal. They were waiting with good grace, not betraying the least hint of impatience. "We're almost ready," he assured them. "Just a few more minutes."

Master Cilghal dismissed his concern with a wave of her webbed hand. "We await Master Skywalker's convenience," she assured him, and seemed to speak for all of them.

Ben nodded, and closed the door again.

He might have been a little impatient himself, but he tried not to be. It was going to be a bad day no matter how they sliced it, and he wouldn't be sorry to put it behind him. Dad really needed to put it behind him.

He wasn't trying to seem heartless. If Ben could have his way, his father wouldn't have to be bothered by anyone or anything until he was good and ready, but those weren't the circumstances they lived in, and trying to carry on beneath the shadow of an impending funeral wore on a person. Best to get it done.

Dad wasn't bearing up well, at least to all outward appearances. He wasn't so catatonic that he couldn't dress himself—which was what he was presumably doing at the moment—but he was turned deeply inward, drawn in on himself so tightly as to exclude everyone else, even in the Force. He'd been that way for days. It had perturbed the Masters for sure, but Ben thought he understood what was going on. Dad hadn't lost himself. Dad was working.

Everyone said grief was a process, and if that was the case, Luke had simply accelerated it. He was confronting it, living it, pressing on those wounds until they couldn't possibly hurt any worse. He wasn't drawn inward out of self-pity or shame over Lumiya, although those things definitely had their place. For two people as intimately bonded as they had been, turning inward to face that Mom-shaped void in his heart was as good as sitting beside her grave, something Dad would always carry with him. That time was important, but unfortunately it was running out.

Ben was holding the fort as best he could, but the war wouldn't wait. He had been told what had happened at that Council meeting, about Dad trying to quietly resign in disgrace, and how the Council Masters weren't allowing it. He was also aware of the simple subterfuge going on, the way the Masters had closed ranks and refused to conduct or even discuss any official business without Master Skywalker's say-so at a time when Master Skywalker seemed about as useless as a hamstrung helogar. It gave a dysfunctional impression, one that might make domestic enemies careless.

It was convincing, and maybe too real considering the state Dad was in. Ben was aware that Luke hadn't slept last night, but had instead spent several hours sitting alone on the floor beside the cold storage unit in the medcenter. It probably had something to do with the imminence of the funeral, a compulsion to spend what time he could with her physical remains before he had to give them up as well. Some might see that as evidence of problematic attachment. Ben knew it was instead a slow act of detachment. Saying goodbye was also a process, sometimes a long one.

He clenched his jaw and blinked his eyes dry, putting that image out of mind. He didn't want to cry today. Ben knew he should feel sad, and deep down he did, but he was still too angry to grieve like that. Someone had to answer for this, and until he could be convinced otherwise, his list of suspects had only one name on it.

Jacen was likely sitting in the Morning Court right now beside his fellow conspirator-in-chief, Niathal. That thought alone made Ben's heart beat a tick faster, a tell he immediately tamped down. He could be excused for being upset or even angry at his mother's funeral, but Jacen couldn't be allowed to catch any whiff that he suspected him. That was a revelation for another day. He was going to need all the control he had ever learned to pull it off.

Ben hoped Uncle Han and Aunt Leia were going to make it. It would be good for Dad to see them, and Aunt Leia was supposed to be giving the eulogy. He didn't dare reach out to her in the Force for fear of causing tell-tale ripples Jacen might detect. If the Solos could just make it into the Temple precincts they should be okay. GAG had no jurisdiction there, not if Dad had anything to say about it. Getting them safely off Coruscant again after Jacen had been made to sit through the entire ceremony with them might be trickier. He wished Jaina could have been there, but honestly she might have had a harder time keeping still around Jacen than Ben would, and they didn't need a brawl today.

He didn't want to reach out to his father, either. Luke would either rebuff him or allow him into his pain for a moment, and Ben wasn't sure which was worse. He was relieved when Luke finally emerged from his room under his own power, sparing him the need to knock. Ben was at his side in a moment. "We're ready when you are, Dad," he said gently.

Luke barely nodded. He had made the effort to be clean and impeccably dressed in the gray mourning robes that matched Ben's own, but he looked like a man who had sat up all night in the morgue, little more than a sad shell of his former self.

Ben bristled interiorly, blaming Jacen for that too. He wasn't aware of the particulars, but he had sussed out that Jacen had been trying to press his advantage in the last week, trying to bypass Dad and strongarm the Council into providing Jedi resources to war effort, essentially usurping command of the Order in a military capacity. The Council Masters had stymied him, as per the plan, presenting a united front of hostile apathy. And now Jacen was probably downstairs, resenting the delay and the waste of his precious time.

Calm, Ben reminded himself. He needed to be calm.

"Come on," he whispered, sensing that his father could use a bit of sympathetic encouragement. "It's almost over. Let's just get downstairs for starters."

He didn't get much acknowledgement, but Luke did lift a hand and lay it on his back, and Ben could feel his appreciation. Then they both raised their hoods and joined the Masters in the corridor.

Just getting to the Morning Court seemed to take longer than it should have, but all the while Ben was establishing his equilibrium in the Force. He had to be strong for Dad, but also on guard against Jacen, and the baseline he settled on was probably more angry than might befit a Jedi. Jacen had always said his emotions could make him powerful so long as he used them and not the other way around. Time to give that a try.

Ben avoided focusing on his mother's shrouded body on the pyre as they entered the open-air court, and instead took in the crowd at a glance. He recognized several of the friends and dignitaries seated in rows behind the kneeling Jedi Knights—Uncle Lando, Talon Karrde, Booster Terrick and Mirax Horn, Malinza and Petra. Hapan Queen Mother Tenel Ka was kneeling with the Jedi rather than seated with her entourage, and Ben admired that about her. There was Niathal and the other high ministers of state, but the seat beside her was conspicuously empty.

His breath threatening to catch in his throat, Ben took another surreptitious glance around and couldn't see Jacen anywhere. It was no good looking for him in the Force; the man had become a shadow. What Ben did sense in the Force was Aunt Leia, still outside but very near, and that was some small relief.

They took their places beside the pyre, and there was no ignoring it anymore. Ben had spent a lot of time with his mother's body at the crime scene, but seeing it this way brought the reality home to him like nothing else could. She was bound up to the neck in white gauze, her hands folded across her chest, her features blank and peaceful, her graying red-gold hair flowing freely over the logs beneath her. It was something they both needed to see, but Ben hated that they had to see it, that this would be their last memory of her. He hated that Dad had to stand there looking at it, and was just glad Jacen hadn't dared show his face after all, because at that moment Ben hated him too. He wasn't sure he could have hidden it.

Still the ceremony failed to start, and Ben was distracted by the sense of violence nearby. Many of the Masters had turned toward the closed doors, obviously feeling the same thing. Then he realized the Solos still hadn't come in.

Ben didn't consider leaving his father's side, but he was impatient to know what was taking so fragging long. Master Sebatyne finally stepped away to inquire of Masters Horn, Hamner, and Durron. Ben didn't try to eavesdrop, but their whispered conversation went on for a while. Maybe it was too much to expect this day of all days to go off without a hitch.

Finally, Master Sebatyne returned and leaned toward Luke as delicately as a Barabel could. "Leia and Han were delayed," she hissed. "This one will start."

Luke looked up, but couldn't seem to take his eyes off Mara's body. Ben answered on his behalf. "That's good," he said. "Mom would like that." Saba had always been one of Mom's best friends. At least they could get started.

The hush deepened again as Master Sebatyne took her place, her powerful frame dominating the lectern. "We have come to this sacred place," she began, projecting her voice through the Force, "to say farewell to our dear friend, to a fierce warrior and a noble dispenser of justice. Mara Jade Skywalker was one of the brightest stars of the Jedi Order, and we will miss her."

She turned to address the Jedi kneeling in ranks in front of the rest of the audience. "Her light has been taken from the galaxy, but it has not been extinguished. It lives on in us, in the times we shared the hunt, in the lessons she taught us as a Master." Then she looked directly at Luke and Ben. "It lives in the love and counsel she gave as a mate, in the sacrifices she made as a mother. As long as our hearts beat, her light lives inside us."

Dad seemed to appreciate that, as much as he could just then, but Ben kept his eyes fixed on the floor. He was trying to keep a lid on that anger that was quickly growing into rage. They weren't supposed to be here. It wasn't supposed to be like this, and no number of well-intentioned platitudes could change it. Mom deserved justice. A life for a life, like Dad had said.

The eulogy didn't continue, and a murmur was growing in the crowd. Ben looked up, afraid he could guess why. He wouldn't . . . He wouldn't dare!

But he did. Jacen was striding up the center aisle like he owned the place, inexcusably late, dressed in his flashy black uniform and boots with that ridiculous Darth Vader cape billowing from his shoulders. Ben hated the sight of him, and hated himself for ever thinking it was an impressive look. It looked different now, ominous and terrifying, not least of all because of how insidiously Ben had been drawn into it all. Yes, Jacen had a lot to answer for, and now he had the gall to interrupt Mom's funeral to swan through the crowd.

"Excuse my tardiness," Jacen announced to the entire assembly, waving a gloved hand demurely as if everyone was there primarily to see him. "I was detained by urgent matters of state. I'm sure everyone understands."

Oh, shut up.

Jacen didn't even have the good sense to look apologetic and slip into his designated seat. Instead, he continued to delay the whole ceremony while he walked up to randomly greet Queen Mother Tenel Ka who was still kneeling with the other Jedi. Not only was it thoughtless and rude, but Jacen was doing her the disservice of showing her special partiality while she seemed to be trying her best to keep a respectfully low profile.

"Thank you for coming, Queen Mother," Jacen said, every word grating on Ben's nerves. This wasn't Jacen's party, and he didn't have to thank anyone. Dad would thank her for coming afterwards. This was about Mom, for Dad's benefit, not some political meet-and-greet. "In these times, I know your journey couldn't have been an easy one."

"Master Skywalker was an extraordinary Jedi and an uncommon friend," Tenel Ka replied, remaining in place. Ben imagined she was also painfully aware of how tactless the conversation was at that moment, knowing that her personal regard for Dad bordered on reverence. "We would have endured worse to be here."

Jacen continued, oblivious. "I'm sure your presence here is a great comfort to Ben and . . . Master Skywalker."

Why the pause? Ben wondered. Why the pause, rodder? Had Jacen been in the bad habit of neglecting to show Dad even the most basic respect? Ben knew he had. If Tenel Ka was quietly holding him to a higher standard, Ben could have kissed her.

She nodded, cold and perfunctory. "We can only hope so."

Ben drew several deep breaths, the only way he could tolerate the sound of Jacen's smug voice. Jacen's time was coming, he told himself. He'd finally overstepped, and soon he'd get what was coming to him. That was the only comfort he could manage in that place and at that time that was supposed to be about Mom, Mom who was lying dead in front of him, but who was unbelievably being upstaged by her probable killer. Ben closed his eyes to stop his blood boiling.

Then he opened them again, realizing in a flash of angry disbelief that Jacen had not finally taken his seat nor slipped in to kneel with the other Jedi, but was standing on the other side of Dad. Ben actually saw red. He used to think that was just something people said.

The other Masters were visibly upset, and the Force rumbled with it. Fortunately, Master Hamner stepped up and made the first move before Ben could lose all self-control. "Jacen," he said, an unsubtle note of reproof in his voice, "you know you're not a Master. Your place is with the other Jedi Knights . . . should you care to assume it, Jedi Solo."

"I think that's where we misunderstand each other, Master Hamner," Jacen said. He pulled aside his cloak to reveal the fact that he wasn't wearing a lightsaber, as if that made any difference. "I'm not here as a Jedi."

"You're still standing in the wrong place," Master Katarn insisted like the old soldier that he was, stepping up to reinforce Master Hamner. "This is a Jedi funeral."

"A funeral I'm attending as family," Jacen explained, keeping his tone low to contrast the hostility of the Masters. "I'm only here to comfort my cousin and uncle."

"To comfort them?" Master Durron snarled, echoing Ben's thoughts exactly. "You expect us to believe that?"

I'm sorry, Mom, Ben was thinking, lamenting the circus unfolding all around them. I'm so sorry. We'll make it up to you somehow. Jacen won't get away with this.

"It is the truth," Jacen said.

Master Durron abandoned all attempts at diplomacy and grabbed Jacen by the arm to drag him away, eliciting an audible gasp from the crowd.

"Wait," Luke said, lifting a hand to stop them. It was the first word he had spoken all day. "Jacen is welcome to stand with Ben and me."

Master Durron was astonished, and not the only one. "But Master Skywalker, Jacen is just using the funeral to—"

"It's fine." Luke wasn't having any argument, and those two words ended it. He motioned the other Masters back to their places, and they obeyed. "I want Jacen here."

Ben was confused, and so was Jacen, if he knew him at all. But Dad was serious, and he turned to offer his hand. "Thank you for coming, Jacen."

"Mara was a great Jedi and a loving aunt," Jacen replied, accepting the gesture. "I would have never missed the chance to show my respect for her."

Ben said nothing. For the moment, he was invisible, and he scrutinized every twitch of Jacen's features.

"I'm glad," Luke said. "It's time we healed this rift between us." Then he turned back toward Mara's body. "I think that must be what she's trying to tell us."

"Tell us?" Jacen asked, looking very nervous for an innocent man.

Ben looked, too, and after a moment recognized what everyone else saw, that Mom's body had begun to glow, growing translucent, returning to the Force after all.

Luke put his hand on Jacen's shoulder. "She waited until we were together," he said. "I think there's a message in that, don't you?"

"Uh, yes . . . of course."

No! No, no, no, no! Ben had to bite his tongue. Mom was sending a very definite message, but Dad was missing it. Ben immediately understood and agreed with her outspoken opinion that somehow Dad was still too innocent for his own good. She was identifying her stanging murderer, not trying to encourage some nonsense reconciliation!

Of course Jacen was happy to play along. "I think that must be exactly what Mara is telling us," he was saying, squaring his shoulders as if he were imagining that heroic image all over tomorrow's holozines. "We can't save the Alliance without working together."

"Good point," Luke said. "I'll try to remember that this time."

"And so will I. I promise."

Ben wanted to throw up. I'm sorry, Mom, he thought again. Don't worry about Dad. I hear you. I understand. I'll take care of Jacen. I'll take him for you.

And then he'd take his kriffing scalp for a trophy. But Ben didn't address that last part to his mother.

Meanwhile, Luke had been trying to get Saba's attention. He seemed more at peace and more in command of himself than he had all week, which was good, but the whole thing was still enormously frustrating. The sooner they got this over with, the better. "Maybe you should continue," he was saying. "I'd like to finish before Mara is completely gone."

Completely gone . . . Those words unexpectedly formed a lump in Ben's throat, all that repressed sorrow stirred up by the exhausting effort of containing his anger.

"Yes, please forgive this one," Saba apologized. "She was . . . distracted."

Master Sebatyne seemed uncertain how to begin again. Ben saw her looking over the audience, at them and Jacen, and back again, her scales ruffling in agitation. Saba didn't entirely understand human emotions like grief, but she understood outrage, and she wasn't blind. For a breathless moment, Ben wondered if she was going to use the occasion as an excuse to give Jacen a public verbal beating. Kriff it, the funeral was already ruined, and he had a feeling Mom would approve.

"Surely," Saba finally began, her gravelly voice slightly more bombastic than before, "this one speaks for everyone here when she sayz how glad she is Colonel Solo could spare a few minutes to honor his noble aunt."

Oh, here it comes, Ben thought, feeling the first glimmer of satisfaction he had felt for a long time. The crowd didn't miss the shift in tone, and reactions varied. This would definitely make the holozines, and may not be quite the flattering return to grace Jacen intended.

"And it iz good that Colonel Solo arrives at this point in our remembrances, because the greatest gift Mara Jade Skywalker left us is the lesson of her life—a life that began under the darkest of shadowz. As a young child, Mara was taken from her parentz and shaped into pure spy and assassin, and her keeper set her to doing terrible thingz when she was barely old enough for the hunt. She did them because she believed they were right, because she believed in the dream of a single galaxy with one justice, a galaxy bound in peace by a single fist."

It was hard not to see the comparison when she put it that way, and Saba was staring directly at Jacen now, on a hunt of a different kind.

"That fist belonged to Emperor Palpatine, and his dream was one filled with darkness. It meant the deathz of billionz and the enslavement of trillionz, the end of freedom and the silencing of dissent. It brought fear to those it claimed to protect and misery to those it pretended to serve."

Funny how the people who screeched the loudest about peace always ended up the bloodiest.

"As Mara's missionz carried her farther afield, she began to see the evil in her master'z dream. For a time, she tried to carry on, telling herself that evil was necessary to bring peace, that some must suffer before all could live in harmony." Saba finally turned away from Jacen and back to the assembly. "We all know how that ended."

Yes, they did, and the crowd murmured accordingly. Ben couldn't believe how blind he had been. Never again.

Jacen was glaring now.

"After the Emperor died, there were those who would not relinquish his dark dream, who attempted to keep the Empire alive and even restore Palpatine's clones to power. Mara was not one of them. After the Emperor'z death, she wandered the galaxy for many years searching for a new life, and she began to see more clearly what she had been, the evil she had done. Then fate placed her life in the handz of a man she had once considered an enemy—a man whom she still felt compelled to kill—and during their difficult journey together, she began to understand that there was another way, a way filled with freedom and love and trust."

In full swing, Saba extended her arm toward Luke. "Mara once told this one that all it took to lift the Emperor's veil from her eyes was a long walk in the forest with this man. That after she had come to know Luke Skywalker, it was easy to step into the light."

Oh, cripes. Ben felt that lump begin to express itself in tears, and he quickly turned aside to wipe them clear. Dad didn't seem to care, just stood completely still and let the tears roll down his face, a final salute for Mom as the last vestiges of her disappeared.

When she was gone, Luke closed his eyes and sighed, and Ben felt him lay his arm across his shoulders. "She's with the Force now, son," he whispered. "She'll be with us always."

"Yeah, Dad," Ben said, grateful his voice was steady. "I know."

"And that is the lesson of Mara's life," Saba concluded. "If we wish to live in goodness, all we need to iz open our heartz. If we wish to bring justice and peace to the galaxy, all we need do iz step into the light."

With that, Master Sebatyne left the podium, bowed to Luke and Ben while managing to exclude Jacen, and took her place at the foot of the empty pyre. Rather than set it alight, since the body was gone, she led them all in a formal recitation of the Jedi Code.

Ben joined them, taking some comfort in that act of solidarity with beings who weren't under Jacen's thumb. "There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no death; there is the Force."

And there is justice, he thought. There will absolutely be justice.

Jacen marched up to Saba immediately. "A touching eulogy, Master Sebatyne," he said, taking no care to disguise the edge in his voice. "Very instructive. I'll remember it for a very long time."

Threats? Really?

"Good," Saba replied, unbothered. "This one only hopes you come to understand it as well."

A gasp and a titter swept through the near spectators, so Jacen had to respond. "Your humor has always been a mystery to me, Master Sebatyne," he said, now looking as angry as he probably felt. "It's a wonder I haven't taken offence before this."

"And I hope you'll forgive us now," Luke said, stepping in to smother the conflict. "None of us are quite ourselves today. Please don't let that stop you from joining Ben and me after the ceremony. I meant what I said about healing the rift between us."

Ugh, no. Ben couldn't wait to have Jacen out of his sight, and having to endure a social hour with him, chatting over cheese and crackers, sounded horrible.

"That would be best for everyone," Jacen said. He looked at Ben. Nauseated, Ben shrugged and looked away. Jacen's gaze lingered, but fortunately not for long. "I'm afraid I can't join you today, Master Skywalker," he said. "I'm due topside earliest."

Luke frowned. "Maneuvers?"

Jacen looked impatient, and glared at the assembled Masters. "No, I'm accompanying the Fourth Fleet into action. I'm surprised the Council didn't tell you. I requested StealthXs."

Ben bit his tongue again and tasted blood. The ceremony wasn't even dismissed yet, and already Jacen was begging off for more important things, posing as the great war hero, berating Dad to get involved. It reminded him too much of the first time he had killed someone, had actually cut a living man into pieces, and rather than offer any words of reassurance Jacen had grumbled at him for failing to search the body. Ben had grown up hearing stories of Jacen's compassion, his sensitivity, and his empathy. Now he was just cruel, and he seemed to have nothing but contempt for those who were still compassionate and sensitive. He had tried his level best to teach Ben that same cruelty.

Well, Jacen didn't have to worry about getting any compassion from him.

Luke cast a questioning look at Saba, who just nodded, confirming Jacen's request. "We didn't think you should be disturbed," she explained.

Dad's face fell, as if he blamed himself for the Order's failure to respond. Dad always blamed himself. It's not your fault, Ben longed to say. It's him! He knew he'd need to pursue his investigation alone, if for no other reason than he wouldn't be able to keep quiet much longer if he didn't get away from Dad.

"You can fill me in later," Luke decided, waving it off.

"We'll be happy to," Master Hamner said, shooting a sharp glance at Jacen. "There are a lot of things you need to know."

Ben was on his guard again, and Luke stiffened. Jacen could have been made of stone.

Luke turned back to Jacen, choosing to tackle one thing at a time, especially while all the guests were still watching them. "I understand—duty calls. But I hope you'll think about what happened here today."

"I will be thinking about it," Jacen promised. "You can be sure of that."

"Good. May the Force be with you."

"And with you."

Yes, go. Ben didn't watch as Jacen walked—stomped—out, but he could feel him moving other hapless guests out of his way with the Force. Dad watched him go, and the furrows on his brow only deepened.

Master Hamner took to the lectern to officially conclude the ceremony, hopelessly derailed though it was. "Thank you all for helping us to celebrate the life of Mara Jade Skywalker," he announced, the crowd beginning to seethe with people ready to move on. "Let us keep her example in mind during the difficult days to come. To conclude our memorial, all are welcome to join us at a remembrance feast in the Hall of Peace."

Rather than go directly to the reception, Luke moved toward the courtyard's rear exit, signalling for Ben and the Masters to follow him. Ben took that as an encouraging sign. Dad was still inwardly miserable, but his mind was clearing and he seemed ready to get back to work.

When they were all gathered beyond prying eyes among the ferns of the rear lobby, Luke first rounded on Saba. "Was that really necessary?" he demanded. "We're not going to bring Jacen back into the fold by antagonizing him in public."

"We're not going to bring Jacen back at all," Saba insisted. "Jacen is beyond saving."

"That's not your call," Luke reminded her. "Mara held on to her body for a reason. She was trying to tell us that if we want to save the Alliance, we have to work with him, not against him."

"I don't think so." Master Durron wasn't convinced, and probably still wished he had dragged Jacen out at the start. "Saba's right. Jacen was just using Mara's funeral to make himself look more important to the Order."

"Don't you think I know that?" Luke asked. Okay, Ben amended to himself, Dad wasn't innocent so much as grotesquely optimistic. "It still gives us an opening—and it will be better for the Alliance, for the Jedi, and for the galaxy if we guide Jacen rather than fight him."

"No, Dad, it won't," Ben spoke up, unable to keep quiet any more. "In fact, I don't think Mom meant the message for you at all—if there even was a message."

Luke turned to him, confused. "Of course there was a message. Why else would your mother wait until Jacen arrived to return her body to the Force?"

The temptation to tell him was almost overwhelming, building inside him like pressure in an air tank. Ben just shrugged and looked away. "I don't know, but I don't think she was telling us to trust Jacen."

Dad's eyes narrowed, suspicious now. "Ben, what aren't you telling me?"

Ben felt it, that luminous gravity emanating from his father that might have easily drawn the truth out of him. He forced his mind to be calm, maintaining that thin veneer of manufactured sincerity, recalling everything Jacen had taught him about successful deception in the Force. Then he looked his father in the eye, and lied. "Nothing."

Luke didn't seem entirely convinced. Ben was sure he hadn't let anything slip in the Force, but parents had instincts that had nothing to do with being Jedi. Ben made himself numb, masking the festering guilt. Luke let it go for the moment, turning instead to Master Horn. "Is anyone going to tell me what's going on?"

There were many awkward glances exchanged among the Masters, and their continued solicitude seemed to be trying Luke's patience. Another encouraging sign.

"You said you had a lot to tell me," Luke reminded Master Hamner. "Start telling."

"We didn't want to upset you during the funeral," Master Hamner explained. "But a unit of GAG troopers tried to arrest Han and Leia. That's why they didn't make the funeral."

"They let GAG catch sight of them?" Luke asked with a scowl. "The Solos?"

"It happened inside the Temple," Master Hamner specified. "Less than an hour ago."

Luke's scowl vanished as he drew himself up in affronted disbelief, a look Ben was pretty sure was mirrored on his own face. "A GAG squad, in here?"

"On Level Six," Master Durron said. "The Solos were coming in from the Ministry of Justice mezzanine."

"Why didn't anyone tell me about this?" Luke demanded. He was on the verge of being angry, but the way the Masters were still frowning and shifting uncomfortably, Ben thought they might still be having second thoughts about telling Dad at all. Forty minutes ago he'd been barely functional, and now he was trying to cold start all drives at once. Luke seemed to realize that, and his frustration dissipated into a frown of self-recrimination. "Forget I asked," he decided. "Where are they now?"

Master Horn was the one with security comms in his ear. "We don't know, he admitted. "They escaped into Fellowship Plaza, and Leia's been Force-flashing the security cams."

"Not the Solos," Luke clarified. "I mean the GAG squad."

"They're gone, chasing Han and Leia."

"Can we be sure?" Luke persisted. "If we don't know where Han and Leia are—"

"How do we know the GAG unit iz still chasing them?" Saba suggested, understanding the logic. "You think the arrest attempt was a diversion?"

Wouldn't put anything past Jacen, Ben thought. If he was brazen enough to stomp all over Mom's funeral and violate the sanctuary of the Temple, taking drastic action against the Council wasn't too far fetched.

"I think it's a possibility," Luke said. "The way I've been hiding from my responsibilities—"

"You haven't been hiding from anything," Master Hamner protested. "Your grief is more than understandable."

"Thanks," Luke said, sincere though a bit flat. "But the fact is, I've left us vulnerable. With everyone focused on finding Mara's killer and worrying about me, there'll never be a better time to cripple the Jedi."

"Then we'd better find that unit fast." Master Durron, always the first to jump, headed for the lift. "If we don't hurry, there'll be a whole battalion—"

"It's okay," Master Horn insisted, catching him by the arm and pulling him back. "Temple security spotted them. They're outside, escorting Jacen across Fellowship Plaza."

An unexpected reprieve? Ben was still tingling with resentment, and had almost been ready to welcome a hostile invasion during Mara's remembrance feast. If he couldn't take Jacen himself, it surely wouldn't hurt to have Dad and all the Masters at his back. But maybe not today.

Master Sebatyne was gnashing her teeth, and Ben supposed he wasn't the only one spoiling for a fight. "Jacen changed his mind about seizing the Temple?"

"Who knows? We have reports of a lot of heavy hoversleds moving away from the Temple—but that doesn't mean they were carrying GAG troopers."

Most likely they were, Ben knew. Jacen had actually been ready to attempt the second coup of his career. What had changed his mind, they might never know. If Saba hadn't called him out so plainly, if Dad had seemed a bit more apathetic, if there had been fewer guests . . . or if Dad hadn't publicly offered to reconcile with him. Ben's stomach clenched as he realized that had to be the reason. No one could roll in and depose someone he'd just recognized as an ally, especially not after it had been witnessed by so many influential members of his own government.

For whatever it was worth, Ben decided, Dad's innocence or optimism or whatever it was certainly had its place. Maybe it was the Force. It spoke through Dad from time to time, sometimes in complete sentences, but usually in more subtle ways. Maybe his misinterpretation of Mom's message had been intended, what Dad had needed to believe at the time to unknowingly prevent a disaster. Maybe that was okay, because the more obvious meaning had been meant for Ben all along.

One message, two different reads to accomplish two different purposes at once. This Jedi business could be heady stuff.

But that still left Jacen, who would just shelve the idea until a later date. He would still come for them eventually. "So what are we going to do about it?" Ben asked, prodding the Masters for some direction. "We can't let him get away with trying to arrest us."

Dad turned and looked at him with an unexpected expression that was half delight and half amusement. "We, Ben?" he asked. "I thought you wanted Jacen to be your Master."

Ben felt himself blush, which just made him angrier. "I might have made a mistake," he allowed. "I'm entitled. I'm fourteen."

Dad didn't laugh at him, and barely even smiled, but there was an overwhelming sense of what Ben could only describe as solidarity about him. "You don't have to be fourteen to make mistakes," he said. "I've been making plenty."

"If you say so," Ben said, shrugging it off. "And that's not an answer to my question. You're not going to let him get away with this, are you?"

Luke thought about it for a minute, and then his frown twisted itself into something almost sly. "Actually, I think we will."

"What?" the Masters chorused.

"This is a poor time for jokes, Master Skywalker," Saba protested. "We have serious troubles."

"That's true," Luke agreed, also perfectly serious. "And so is what I said to Jacen about working together. Somebody's got to take the first step."

"Right into a trap," Ben muttered.

"Maybe." Dad put a hand on his shoulder, and for the first time in what seemed like a very long time, there seemed to be more confidence in his touch than misery, almost the way things used to be. "But Jacen isn't the only one who knows how to set a trap," he said, turning them all toward the reception in the far hall. "And it might be nice to surprise him for a change."

The story continues in In the Shadow of His Wings: Many Ways to Disappear (Chapter 19).