CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Siobhan sat at her desk in her office, gently massaging her temples to alleviate her headache. In the early morning hours following the Ball, two significant news stories emerged that could have serious consequences in that part of the Galaxy. In Jarvana, a constitutional crisis has arisen after the newly elected Prime Minister, Shoan Randell, was involved in a serious accident and fell into a coma while being transported to the hospital. Complicating matters further, he had not appointed a Deputy Minister to assume his responsibilities during his absence. An emergency session of Parliament was convened to discuss how to proceed in this matter: holding another election or appointing someone by the outgoing Prime Minister.
The second issue involved a new tax bill affecting ranchers and farmers on B'Tanz. After hours of tense discussions, no agreement was reached with the Assembly. Even the Head of State, Prince Jarraz, failed to unite the two parties. Concerned about this situation, the Prince sought assistance from Senator Organa-Solo, hoping that her diplomatic skills could facilitate the negotiations.
A whirlwind of activity swept through the bustling newsroom, filled with the hum of excitement and a sense of urgency. Producers expertly maneuvered intricate holograms that showcased the latest news updates, their fingers dancing across the controls with precision. Holo-camera operators stood poised, streaming live shots from both planets, the split screen illuminating viewers' faces with breathtaking visuals. With their animated expressions and captivating voices, holo-anchors delivered breaking developments as soon as it was verified. Meanwhile, a group of interns darted about, eyes wide with a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration, as they eagerly executed the tasks assigned by their supervisors, fully immersed in these momentous news stories.
Siobhan closed her eyes momentarily, needing time to recover from the hustle and her headache. The pain reliever she had taken earlier was beginning to take effect, but standing, along with her lack of sleep, did not help.
Arvaa, her assistant, appeared on the hologram. "Siobhan?"
"Yes?"
"Mrs. Dermain is on her way to your office."
"Oh no," she groaned. It was the last thing she wanted—an argument with her sister-in-law. Siobhan knew why Chavi was upset; the breaking news coverage had preempted all non-news shows.
"Someone tried to stop her, but she screamed at him to get out of her way."
"It's nice to know she's in a good mood," she said sarcastically. "I'll talk to her, but I might be late for the meeting." After speaking with Arvaa, Siobhan pressed a button on her desk to lower the curtain over the window facing the newsroom. She did not want her employees to witness another argument between her and Chavi.
The door slid open. Chavi entered, her face flushed with rage. "Why is my show being preempted?"
"It's nice to see you too, Chavi," Siobhan responded evenly.
"Why has my show been preempted?" She repeated, sharply.
Siobhan frowned, a pained look on her face. "All non-news shows on this network have been preempted until further notice," she replied calmly. "We have two significant events happening simultaneously that could affect parts of the galaxy."
Chavi glared at the woman. "I have something just as important as those other news stories." The muscles around her jaw clenched, revealing her anger and impatience.
Siobhan's head jerked back, and she eyed the woman with skepticism. "You do?"
"Yes, I do," Chavi replied in a firm voice. "I think you should hear what I have to say."
In moments like this, Siobhan realized this matter would not be dismissed until someone listened. "Very well," she sighed, motioning for her to take the seat in front of her. "Go ahead."
"Do you remember, at the Ball, when the orchestra played that special dance? The one the Viscount requested?" Chavi's heart was pounding fast, barely containing her excitement. "I was sitting at a table near the dance floor when the Viscount escorted Mara Jade out to dance. They looked happy and serene. Then, I glanced over at the VIP table, and who should I see sitting by himself but Luke Skywalker?"
"Chavi." Siobhan rolled her eyes and shook her head. What kind of absurd thing was she going to say now?
"I was captivated by Skywalker," Chavi asserted. "He appeared upset, yet he couldn't tear his gaze away from them. His sister sat down beside him, and after exchanging a few words, he abruptly jumped up and left the room, with her following closely behind."
"Why should we consider that newsworthy?" Siobhan challenged.
"I think he was jealous. But that's not all," Chavi announced, vigorously nodding. "The Viscount and Mara left not long afterwards."
"Other people left around that time," she responded wearily. "So what?"
"I hurried back to my friends, I told them what was happening, and we decided to follow them. That is, except for Pala," she said, smiling. "Dara lives not far from Embassy Row. We got in the air limo and followed them to the Embassy." Chavi leaned closer to Siobhan to whisper. "They got out and went inside. Mara was there for hours."
"You mean," Siobhan enunciated each word as if she understood the concept, "You and your friends stayed in the limo, waiting to see when Mara Jade would leave."
"Yes and no," Chavi shrugged. "We stayed for half an hour. I had my driver pick us up and take us to Dara's home, but the droid stayed and watched the entire thing. Guess what happened?"
Siobhan's eyes appeared vacant. What outrageous conclusion would she draw now?
"Mara Jade left hours later. The Viscount was with her, and they kissed before she departed. Do you know what this signifies?" Chavi grinned, her eyes sparkling. "They're engaged!"
"Engaged?" Siobhan exclaimed, taken aback.
"Yes!" Chavi responded enthusiastically.
"Just because they were kissing doesn't mean they're engaged."
"Oh, come on, Siobhan. Put two and two together. What was the special dance he requested at the Ball? I've heard they've been spending a lot of time together. I'm telling you, they're engaged."
"Chavi," Siobhan replied, frowning as she covered her eyes. "This is nothing more than idle gossip."
"It isn't," Chavi insisted, pointing to the closed door. "We need to get this on the air. Now." Chavi got up and paced back and forth in the room. "Think of it," she beamed. "We would be the first with that exclusive. Imagine what we could do with a story like this! I could do an entire series on the wedding plans and interviews with his friends." Her expression soured at the mention of Mara. "I don't know how to deal with Mara, but I can work around that." She waved her hand dismissively, as if brushing off a speck of dirt. "I guess we'll have to focus on the Viscount's family. Goodness, it would be much better than the depressing stories you're running now!"
Siobhan slammed her hand down hard on her desk. Chavi jumped. She stood up and came from around her desk, her gaze fixed on the woman. "Chavi." Her voice was strained, barely able to contain her contempt. "If you were a newly hired journalist…" Siobhan raised her hand. "No. If you were a first-year journalism student presenting a story like this, I would demand at least three credible sources. If you did not have that but insisted on airing that story, I would firmly suggest you rethink your career choice."
Siobhan took a breath before continuing. "These so-called depressing stories you mentioned will affect a large part of the Galaxy, possibly leading to food shortages and perhaps a civil war in that region."
"Wait," Chavi stuttered.
"No, you wait," Siobhan snapped. "Have you forgotten the last few weeks? Have you forgotten about Marcus Krille?"
The mention of the man's name sent a chill down her spine. Her lip curled in disgust. As far as she was concerned, that matter was in the past. Chavi knew that Siobhan would never let her forget it.
"Our professional relationship with the Qui'Tan System is strained. If I allow this bogus story to air, we will not only face a lawsuit, but our reputation will also be in the gutter," Siobhan stated sternly.
"We'll see what Tristen has to say about this matter," Chavi countered, not concealing the warning in her voice.
"I am in charge until he returns from Jarvana. And, I know he would agree with me."
Chavi's eyes grew wide. "I thought he was at his conference?"
"He left when he heard about the accident. Tristen and Shoan are friends from school."
"Why didn't he call me?" Chavi asked, her tone frenzied, a cold gaze in her eyes.
"I'm not sure," Siobhan said as she walked to her desk and sat down. "As far as this so-called exclusive you have, until we receive an official announcement from the Embassy, we will not interrupt our programming for trivial matters. You will be notified when your show will air. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do. You can see yourself out." She turned her chair around, signaling that the matter was settled.
Chavi's face flushed with anger. It was bad enough that her husband had changed his plans without telling her, but for this woman to act all high and mighty was more than she could take. She wanted to dig her sharp nails into Siobhan's face. How dare she dismiss me like this? The Ice Queen needs to be brought down a peg or two. Then, she remembered what her parents had taught her: when someone attacks you, find where that person is vulnerable and strike where it hurts the most.
"Fine. I'll go," she said. She was about to leave, but paused. "Oh, by the way," Chavi announced, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her body. "You'll never guess who joined Dara and me for dinner last week: your ex, Haakin, and his lovely young wife, Mabli."
Siobhan's eyes widened with surprise. She immediately went on guard, as she was familiar with this tactic: Chavi would try to get under her skin.
"Dara and I walked in, and who should be there waiting for a table? Haakin and Mabli. I invited them to join us because I wanted to hear all about their baby, Baylon. Mabli explained that this was their second night out since he was born," she continued. "She just loves being a mom." Chavi had a talent for hiding her vindictiveness behind pleasant conversation.
Siobhan swiveled her chair to face the woman, projecting an air of nonchalance while a storm of anxiety brewed within her. "Yes, I know," she said, her smile both warm and tentative. "You must remember that Haakin and I are friends, intertwined in the same social circles. I truly believe Mabli is a remarkable woman, and I couldn't be happier for them."
Chavi lowered her gaze, an artificial kindness glimmering in her eyes. "She longs to have another child, but her doctor has advised her to wait at least a year after giving birth," she elaborated. "Mabli shared that they recently acquired a new speeder, spacious enough for ten passengers. Haakin playfully remarked, 'Now Mabli, don't go getting any ideas about filling that speeder with that many children.'" Chavi laughed heartily, a chime of mirth in her voice. "His law firm offers paternity leave, and he's wisely chosen to take it. Haakin hopes to cherish those early moments with his son—after all, work will always be waiting, but the fleeting infancy of a child is a precious gift.
Siobhan felt as if she had been slapped in the face. "Yes, Haakin told me he was going to do that. I agreed that it was a good idea," she said slowly.
"I've taken up too much of your time already," Chavi said. "I have things to attend to. See you later." Chavi paused. The door slid open. "You know, Siobhan, I envy you."
"Envy me?" She lifted an eyebrow, puzzled. "Why?"
"Because you're so dedicated to your job," Chavi replied. "Then again, what else do you have? It's not like you have a family or anything to worry about."
Siobhan clenched her teeth. She stayed calm but felt a strong urge to beat the woman senseless. However, any display of aggression would only satisfy Chavi.
"When I married Tristen and became a stepmother to his children, Kacai and Eamon, it was one of the best times in my life," Chavi smiled.
Siobhan pressed a finger to her lips to prevent herself from saying something she would regret. Chavi was not unkind to the children, but did not invest much effort in building a genuine relationship with them. Kacai and Eamon were teenagers with their own interests and friends. If they needed any guidance or advice, they would go to their father or their aunt.
"I know many women balance both," Chavi continued. "But the fact that you don't have anything else means you can work without worrying about the children's school grades, health, or future."
"See you later," Chavi said, a vicious smile on her face as she walked down the hall. "That'll teach that Ice Queen not to mess with me," she mumbled on her way to the exit.
Siobhan slammed her fist on the desk. "Damn you, Chavi," she murmured cursed under her breath. "Damn you to hell."
Siobhan endured so many doctor visits that she eventually lost count. Each diagnosis was the same: she would not be able to carry a pregnancy to term. This ongoing frustration took a toll on her marriage, and by the time she and Haakin filed for adoption, their relationship was effectively over. Their divorce was finalized a few months later, but at least it was amicable. Siobhan immersed herself in work and took care of her mother. After her mother's passing, Haakin offered his support, for which Siobhan was grateful. They maintained a cordial relationship and never spoke ill of each other.
Siobhan flinched at the sound of her comm-link. "Yes?"
"Siobhan," aarva said, "Everyone's waiting for you in the conference room."
"I'll be there in a moment."
Siobhan pulled a small makeup bag from her desk drawer. She applied a little powder to her face and a fresh coat of lipstick.
"Well," she sighed, staring at her reflection. "There's work to be done." She closed the drawer, picked up a stack of data pads, and left.
"I shouldn't have agreed to do this," Leia lamented while packing her travel bag. "I'm needed here."
Han sat on the bed. "You know why," he replied. "Prince Jarraz needs your help to settle the matter."
"I know, but can't it wait a few days?" Leia threw her hands in the air. "Whenever there's a problem in the Galaxy, I'm the first one they call. Why me? Other capable diplomats can handle situations such as this one."
"You know why. Most ranchers and farmers fought for the Rebels, as did most of the members of the Assembly. They respect you, as does the Prince." Han shook his head. His wife rarely, if ever, complained when she was needed to assist with a crisis. "This isn't about going to B'Tanz; you're worried about Luke."
Leia rubbed the back of her neck. "I am," she whispered. "I've tried reaching out to him through the Force, but nothing."
"I'm sure he's fine," Han reassured her.
"You don't understand." Leia looked at her husband, her voice deepened. "I could sense the Dark Side. That's why I'm worried."
"Excuse me, Senator," Threepio announced. "Master Luke is on the holo-gram wishing to have a word with you."
Leia and Han rushed past him, nearly knocking the droid over. They were relieved to see his image. "Luke!" she exclaimed. "Where have you been? Are you alright?"
"I'm okay," Luke asserted, his voice steady and resolute. A hint of regret crossed his features as he continued, "I truly apologize for putting you through this. I felt the chilling presence of the Emperor, and I knew I had to leave immediately to deal with the situation."
"That's all I need to hear," Leia declared, her voice firm as she pounded her fist into her palm, the sound echoing in the tense atmosphere. "I cannot abandon you in a moment like this."
"NO," Luke yelled. "I told you I'm fine."
"What?" Han's jaw dropped, disbelief etched on his face. "You can't be serious!"
"I am." Leia opened her travel bag and began removing items, tossing them on the bed. "I refuse to leave Luke when he needs me most, especially now."
"He's " a grown man," Han replied, his brows knitted with concern as he leaned closer. "Luke can handle himself. The Prince, the ranchers, the farmers, and the Assembly are counting on you. You can't let them down.
"They'll have to find someone else," Leia replied resolutely, her eyes narrowing. "My place is here, by my brother's side. How can I walk away?"
"How can you go back on your word?" Han pressed, his voice rising in urgency.
"Hey, everyone," Luke loudly interjected, raising his hand with an easy smile that tried to dispel the tension. "Leia's brother here. I've got this. You're needed on B'Tanz."
Leia took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she glanced from Luke's reassuring presence to Han's anxious demeanor. "Alright," she said, her voice steady and resolute as she covered her eyes with her hands. "I'll go."
"Good." Han breathed a sigh of relief.
"I did a Jedi meditation," Luke added. "Everything is fine. I'm back at work, busier than ever." Luke glanced over at Han. "And I will be at Lando's card game this week."
"Good." Han smiled. "Maybe I can get my credits back," he joked.
"What about Mara?" Leia blurted out. "Have you talked to her?"
"Yes," the corners of his mouth lifted upward. "I spoke to her. She's coming to my office tomorrow."
"I'm so glad to hear that!" said Leia with a warm smile.
"I wanted to wish you all the best on B'Tanz!"
"Thanks! You take care of yourself, Luke," Leia replied cheerfully.
"May the Force be with you," he said with a grin, "for both of you."
The call ended, and Leia breathed a sigh of relief as she repacked her travel bag. "I feel so much better now," Leia noted, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
"All the Kid needed was a little time for himself." Han put his hand on her shoulder.
"What do you think Luke and Mara will talk about?"
"Oh, it'll probably be a pretty boring conversation," Han chuckled as he kissed her forehead.
"Really?"
"Absolutely!" Han said playfully as he grabbed her travel bag. "Come on, let's go say goodbye to the kids. I'll keep a close eye on Luke and Mara."
"Thanks for being so supportive," Leia said, nodding gratefully. She gazed into her husband's eyes. "I love you so much."
"I know."
"And I know you know that I know," she teased, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"And I know that you know that I know," he replied with a playful grin.
They shared a sweet kiss and headed out to spend some quality time with the children.