Work Text
Ben and Vestara Skywalker walked hand in hand down the ramp of their family ship, the
Jade Shadow.
Ben and Vestara Skywalker. Ben couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. Reaching the bottom of the ramp, he swept his bride up in his arms, spinning her in a joyful circle. He set her down and pulled her into a passionate kiss."Hey, you two, get a room!" Ben's Uncle Han Solo called from the ramp of the
Millennium Falcon
in the next parking berth."That's what Jag and I intend to do," Ben's cousin Jaina and her husband Jagged Fel strolled down the ramp towards her father.Allana Djo Solo appeared behind her Aunt Jaina. The ten-year-old wore an exaggerated pout with her arms crossed petulantly across her body."It's not fair," she protested. "Aunt Jaina has Jag, Little Ben has Vestara, Big Ben has Rey, Uncle Anakin has Tahiri, and Dad has Mom. Everybody has someone except me. I don't get Anji or Wynn.""Kid, listen to your old granddad." Han draped one arm around Allana's shoulders and the other around his wife, Leia. "Wynn Dorvan is way too old and boring for my granddaughter.""Han," Ben's father Luke scolded from the hatch of the
Jade Shadow, Ben's mother Mara by his side. "You shouldn't make disparaging remarks about Chief Dorvan's personality.""Yeah, well," Han replied, "he's still too old for her. I don't care if he is the Chief of State."The rest of the Solos descended the ramp. Allana's parents, Jacen and Tenel Ka led the way, followed by Anakin with Tahiri on his arm. Ben Solo hovered protectively beside his pregnant wife, Rey. Their Wookie friend, Chewbacca, brought up to rear, herding his charges to the hanger floor.The Skywalkers joined them. Vestara smiled at Allana."Your grandfather is right, Allana. You should find someone closer to your own age. You'll have a lot more fun."Ben wrapped his arms around his wife and pressed a feathery kiss to her cheek."Arrhh rahhr urr," growled Chewbacca.Ben laughed. "We know- don't worry. We're going to get a room.""A honeymoon suite!" Vestara added."That's right," boomed a cheerful voice. "The very best one on the
Love Commander,
too."Lando Calrissian strode across the spotless hangar bay in his white captain's uniform with its brilliant, royal blue cape. A team of gleaming droids followed him."LOV-3, make sure our guests' luggage arrives safely at their suites."The pink-tinted droid saluted. "Aye-aye, Captain."Chewie watched with narrowed eyes as the efficient droid crew members began hoisting and carrying off suitcases and knapsacks."Come on," Lando gestured for his friends to follow him. "I've got an entire hallway reserved for you crazy people. All the best rooms on the ship. Close to the honeymoon suite, but," he winked at Ben and Vestara, "not too close, right?""Thanks, old buddy." Han clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder."No problem. Why don't I show you your rooms and then you all can join me for refreshments?""Sounds good to me," Rey patted her middle. "Baby and I are hungry."Ben Solo gave his wife a gentle hug. "It sounds good to me, too. But I don't think our newlyweds are thinking about food."Everyone chuckled. Ben and Vestara looked down sheepishly, then glanced at each other.Half an hour later, the Solos, the Fels, Luke and Mara sat in Lando's private dining room, chatting and eating. Rey sat contentedly at Ben's side, tucking into a plate of fried nerf strips with Naboo Lake sauce, while Anakin and Tahiri shared a blue creamed ice."Uncle Lando," Allana sat down beside Lando and her voice took on its negotiating tone- gentle, firm, persuasive, "you are going to have to reconsider your 'no pets' rule, or I won't be able to have my honeymoon here. I plan to bring Anji with me, you know.""Sweetie, you won't be getting married for quite a while." Lando offered her a tray of delicately spiced powdered cookies. "Can't we discuss this later? Besides, I would've let you bring your
other
pet- provided you take care of him." He nodded towards her prized possession, the newly-constructed lightsaber hanging from her belt. "I can only afford so much security, you know.""If I brought Wynn, who would take care of Anji? Nexu sitters are hard to find. And, of course, there's Pocket. Wynn wouldn't want to leave her and you probably won't even let a fluffy little Chitlik onboard.""Honey, some beings have serious allergies to pets!""Because they have fur?" Allana motioned towards Luke, who was speaking with a newly arrived Bothan Jedi couple, recruited as her bodyguards. "I notice you allowed Yantahar and Yaquel on your ship and they have a lot more fur than Pocket.""They're not going to chew furniture or soil the carpets. Besides, I never heard of anyone being allergic to Bothans.""I never heard of anyone being allergic to Chitliks, either. Wynn takes Pocket everywhere. And neither Pocket or Anji has ever chewed the furniture or messed the carpet."Lando started to reply but was abruptly cut off."Captain Calrissian," a melodic droid voice floated through the carved, polished doorway."What is it, MIN-3?"An ocean-blue droid stepped into the room. "There has been a serious oversight, sir. We are harboring lawbreakers."Author's Note: Thanks for joining the Skywalker family on the
Love Commander!
Of course, they haven't even been aboard one night, and they've already found trouble. It's just how they are.This story is an AU, drawing heavily from Legends. I included Reylo (because I love them as a ship!), but the story focuses on Ben Skywalker and Vestara, with Allana, Mara and Luke as major side characters.Thanks for reading and God bless you!
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Ben and Vestara lay curled on the big plush bed, drinking in their love for one another and basking in their beloved's presence. Reverently, Ben traced the contours of her face. Vestara kept completely still, soaking in his adoration, not daring to move."You are perfect. Absolutely perfect," he breathed. "I love so much, but not nearly as much as you deserve to be loved."Vestara smiled while the rest of her body remained motionless. Ben's sweet words weren't true, of course. She knew she had more than enough faults. She also knew that she would spend the rest of her life trying to be worthy of Ben's love. Yet his words warmed her, washing over her in a gentle, soothing flow."Ves," he murmured. He pulled her closer, wrapped himself around her and tenderly fitted his mouth to hers.Just as they were about to lose themselves in their love, the wallcom buzzed softly. Ben scowled into the kiss as he reached out in the Force to turn it off. He relaxed into a smile, gently stroking her hair.Ben. Vestara.
The voice in the Force was unmistakable.
Not now, Dad.
Right now, Ben.
Open the door or I'll have to open it myself.Vestara gasped. Ben reluctantly broke off the kiss and rose."Stay right there," he soothed. "I'll get rid of Dad and be right back.""Something's wrong. Can't you feel it? And it has to do with us. What do you think we've done?""Absolutely nothing wrong." He caught her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. "Wait for me."He hurried into the sitting room, leaving the door partly open. A soft
whoosh
announced the opening of the suite's main door. Vestara lay where Ben had left her, peeking through the doorway and drawing on the Force to calm her pounding heart."Ben, I'm so sorry we had to disturb you," Luke began, stepping into the room with Mara and Lando following him. "But something very serious has just come up.""It couldn't wait until tomorrow?" Ben complained. "We're kind of busy right now.""Honey," Mara moved forward and laid a hand on her son's shoulder. "You have to hear this.""You see," Lando broke in, "the Galactic Alliance is suspicious of pleasure cruisers. After all, they make a pretty good front for shady goings-on."Ben sighed. "What's that got to do with Ves and me? Do you want us to catch smugglers?""Nothing that simple, Ben." Luke's voice was gentle but a tingle crept up Vestara's spine nevertheless. "Lando and Tendra have to keep careful tabs on all their passengers to assure the authorities that they aren't using underaged girls as companions for their guests or allowing anyone to keep an underage companion. It's been a problem on other ships in the past and Chief Dorvan is really cracking down.""Well, that's bad and he should crack down, but what do you want us to do?" Ben's forehead wrinkled in confusion as he spoke."Lando's computer systems run a check on all his passengers," Mara picked up the explanation.Icy fingers of fear gripped Vestara's heart. She jumped up from the bed, hurried into the sitting room and caught Ben's hand. To her surprise, Luke approached her and placed a gentle hand on her arm. She met his gaze with a puzzled frown."What did the computer find, Mama Mara?" Vestara asked."Apparently," Mara continued slowly, as if each word pained her, "it compared your birthdate according to Keshiri years with Galactic standard chronology. It seems that a year on Kesh is significantly shorter than our standard year."Vestara couldn't breathe. The room spun around her. Beside her, Ben stiffened in alarm before reaching out in the Force to steady her."You mean," she finally whispered, "that we're not really married?""We mean you're going to have to wait a few more years. About three and half years, actually." Luke slipped a comforting arm around her."Then Vestara's only…fourteen?" Ben asked, his eyes and face blank."Yes," Mara confirmed. Reassuring waved rolled over Vestara in the Force, doubtless coming from her no longer in-laws.Ben stepped half a pace away from her. He looked down at the hand he still held, then slowly released it. The blood drained from his face; his lips paled and trembled."She's just a child and I… I …Ves, I'm so sorry. I didn't know." Ben paused and swallowed hard. "I thought you were old enough."No.
She could not allow this to happen. They were so close, so linked in heart and mind. No Galactic Alliance law was going to change that."Ben, I don't care what the GA says. You're still my husband." Vestara threw her arms around his neck and anchored herself with the Force. No one was going to separate them.Lando stepped forward, clasping his hands awkwardly. "Um, Ben, Vestara, I don't enjoy any of this. I hope you understand that. The only good news I have is that you two acted in good faith on your wedding night. Tendra's talking with our lawyers and we don't think there will be any legal repercussions."Vestara managed a faint smile. Lando's wife, Tendra, kept him out trouble; she should be able to help Ben."Now that we've found out, though, if you two are intimate again, it could very well mean jail time for Ben." Lando gazed intently at them as if willing them to understand. "I'm so sorry I had to tell you. My records go straight to the Morality Bureau and this seemed like the best way to keep everybody out of trouble."Luke turned to his friend. "We don't blame you, Lando. I'm glad we found out now instead of later. I think we'd like a little time by ourselves now.""Sure thing. Let me know if you need anything."Once Lando had gone, Luke and Mara gently pried Vestara off Ben, pouring soothing Force waves over both of them."No!" sobbed Vestara."Sweetheart, we know you're upset," Mara took Vestara in her arms. "I promise we're going to work this out, but for now you two are going to have to stay in separate rooms."Vestara leaned into the embrace and took a deep breath. Mara was right. Getting hysterical would accomplish nothing."Ben will stay with us," Luke added, "and Allana has offered to share her room with you, if you'd rather not stay here by yourself."Vestara nodded. "At least we'll be next door to each other. Papa Luke, isn't there something we can do?""We'll do everything we can," Luke assured her. "I'm going to contact Chief Dorvan and see if he can double check the computer's findings with his databases. In the meantime, Lando has a special evening planned. We're going to be in hyperspace for two days, so we'll have stay at least until then. As long as we're here, I think you two should try to have some fun.""Let's get your stuff moved," suggested Mara. She probably hoped that keeping them busy would keep them distracted.Ben nodded mutely and headed towards the bedroom, where their bags sat. He was still pale and would not even look at Vestara. A cold ache stabbed her heart.
What's going to happen to us?
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Seated in a plush velvet booth in the
Love Commander's Grand Dining Hall, Allana scowled at her comm link. Growing impatient, she thumbed it on and input the number she had called two dozen times in the last three hours. The same lilting Twi'lek voice answered."Hello, this is Desha Lor, taking calls for Chief Dorvan. May I take a message?""You can tell him the Chume'da of the Hapan Consortium does not like to be kept waiting." Allana spoke in her most regal voice."Princess," Desha's voice held an odd mix of anxiety and exasperation. "I'm terribly sorry to inconvenience you, but I cannot disturb the Chief. He's locked in a meeting, with two Jedi guards at the door. I will tell him you commed as soon as possible.""You said that last time. I suppose you still can't tell me what the meeting is about?""As I said before, it's classified.""And two Jedi are guarding the door. Wait a minute!" Allana had been wondering why her Ramoan friend Bazel Warv wasn't one of her guards for the cruise. "Tell Jedi Warv that the Chume'da must speak with Chief Dorvan immediately.""Chume'da, I have duties to attend to." Desha sighed. "I will ask Jedi Warv to inform the Chief as soon as he can."Allana heard Desha speaking indistinctly and Bazel grunting his reply in Ramoan. "He says that he would like to do what you ask, but he can't-" Desha broke off in the middle of her explanation."Chief Dorvan! You have a comm call waiting.""Who is it, Desha? We need to discuss some data I need you to compile." Allana heard Wynn's voice, faint and distant."Wynn!" Allana spoke loudly into her comm so that he would hear her. "I need to talk to you right now!""Allana, what's wrong?" Wynn must have taken the comm. His calm, soothing voice- her grandfather would have said monotone- could now be clearly heard through the speaker. "Are you worried about Anji?""No, it's not about Anji. I know you're taking good care of her. It's about a problem with one of your laws." She knew Wynn wanted the problem clearly defined; she, however, wanted to explain it so that he would clearly see what he needed to do."Which law?""The Marriage Reform law. You left out the people of Kesh in your list." Allana chose her words carefully, not wanting to remind her friend of his painful experiences at the hands of Sith from Kesh who had tried to take over Coruscant."The Keshiri are on the list. I remember having our xenoanthropologists research them after they joined the GA. It's nineteen standard years.""I mean the other Kesh people. Like Vestara. She's over eighteen Kesh years but she's fourteen in standard years." Allana tapped a button on her datapad. While she had been waiting for Wynn, she had also contacted her mother's best doctors and xenoanthropologists. The document on her pad contained their current consensus on marriage readiness for the people of Kesh. "My top researchers are confident that females from Kesh are ready to get married when they are eighteen Kesh years old. I'm sending you the document and they will be glad to share their findings with your researchers, too.""Allana, Honey," Wynn's voice was gentle. "I'm sorry about Ben and Vestara. I'll do what I can. Vestara is genetically just as human as you and me, though. I don't like to doubt your people, but I don't see how we can make an exception for Kesh.""Oh, Wynn!" The last pretense of royal dignity dropped from her voice and she sounded like any other pleading ten-year-old. "You've got to do something. They're hurting so bad. I can feel it in the Force. Please, Wynn.""I'll do what I can," he promised and she knew he meant it. Though they were light years apart, she could feel her friend's sincerity."Okay. I'm going to keep comming you.""You do that. Goodbye, Princess.""Bye, Chief."Allana looked up and saw her parents on the dance floor, gliding gracefully to the rhythm of the orchestra's music. Sensing her gaze, they danced towards her then slipped down beside her."Any luck, Kiddo?" Jacen ruffled her hair.She huffed. "Wynn Dorvan's moral standard might be a little
too
high. It wouldn't hurt him to change the law just a little. The Senate would do it, if he said.""Trouble in Paradise?" Allana's grandfather walked up, with her grandmother on his arm and Chewie at his side. "Does Mr. Perfect have a few flaws after all?""Grandpa!" Allana gasped in exasperation.The rest of the Solos left the dance floor as the Skywalkers entered the dining hall. The family gathered in a cluster of half-circle booths, then Luke turned to Allana."Is your grandfather causing trouble again?"Allana glanced at Ben and Vestara, who sat, drooping, beside Luke and Mara. "I was talking to Wynn Dorvan and you know what Grandpa thinks about Wynn."Ben and Vestara perked up and Luke raised an eyebrow. "You reached him? He was in a meeting, with Natua Wan and Bazel guarding the door, when I commed.""I kept comming 'till I got through." Allana addressed her cousins. "Wynn said he'll do what he can. But, well, you know how he is."Tenel Ka tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table. "You know, Honey, Happan Queen Mothers used to have ways of dealing with stubborn men.""Won't work, Mama. Wynn's pain tolerance is almost as high as his moral standards.""You can't torture the Galactic Alliance Chief!" gasped Jag. "Imagine the political nightmare.""Of course not." Allana shook her head. "I love him and it wouldn't work anyway."Vestara looked down at her hands, blinking back tears. "Thanks for trying, anyway.""Maybe," Allana's eyes took on a gleam, "we could create a Happan birth record for you, Vestara- for eighteen standard years ago, the day before you got married.""It wouldn't make Vestara really eighteen," Ben spoke quietly, his gaze fixed on the table. "I appreciate everyone trying to help, but nothing can change what happened.""Ben." Mara reached over and squeezed her son's hand. "You haven't done anything wrong. None of us knew."A waiter droid rolled up to take their orders and soon the Skywalkers and Solos were partaking of the finest delicacies the Galaxy had to offer. After the meal, a collection of the Galaxy's best performers entertained Lando's guests. Ben and Vestara even manage to smile during Mikal and Mally's well-known Power Converters comedy routine.When dance music began playing again, the Solos and older Skywalkers glanced at each other uncertainly."Hey, we're fine," Ben assured them."Please, we'll feel even worse if you all don't dance on our account," Vestara added.The Solos paired off and Luke led Mara to the dance floor. Chewie rumbled something about being hungry again and headed to the buffet table. Allana stifled a yawn, waving her Bothan escorts over."I think I'll go to my suite, comm Wynn and go to bed. Uncle Lando has an eleven o'clock curfew for kids, anyway. Good night, Ben. See you in little while, Vestara." Allana hugged them both, grabbed Yantahar's furred hand, waved to her parents and bounced off to her room."Ben," Vestara asked slowly, "can we have a dance? Please? I don't have to be eighteen to dance."Ben looked into her pleading eyes. "Okay."He gently took her hand and led her to the floor. Holding her almost at arms' length, he guided her through the steps."Ben, relax. It's not illegal for you to dance with me.""I know, Ves. I just don't want to hurt you."Blinking back tears, Vestara gazed up at him. Come what may, she knew that Ben loved her. Surely, he always would. She leaned towards him, ignoring the tensing of his body as she rested her head on his shoulder."Excuse me, Miss." A prissy mechanical voice interrupted. "All minors under eighteen must be in their rooms by eleven o'clock. This is your fifteen-minute warning."Vestara fought the urge to splatter the droid across the polished floor with the Force. She would have been considered an adult on Kesh. Ben's hand on her waist tensed even more.Willing herself to be calm, she thanked the droid, before grabbing Ben more tightly."I'm not leaving you until I have to."They continued to dance, Ben with mournful eyes and gentle hands; Vestara with a death grip on her beloved."It is eleven o'clock," the droid interrupted again. "All minors must go to their rooms.""You have to go," Ben agreed, stepping out of her embrace. "It's time."How can he just let me go?
Vestara wanted to scream, cling to Ben and refuse to leave. Instead, she squeezed his hands in a silent goodnight and followed the droid to Allana's room. When Vestara rang the small door bell, Allana keyed the door open from the inside. Vestara stepped into the small sitting area. She found her suitcase and quickly readied herself for bed.Entering the bedroom, she found Allana sitting on a plump twin bed with a comm link in her hand. Vestara claimed the other bed. Allana waved with her free hand as she continued speaking into her comm."But she's from Kesh. My mom always says 'we have to consider planetary differences'.""She's right. But, Allana, Honey, these laws are meant to protect innocents all over the Galaxy. I know the Jedi understand the importance of that.""Of course we do. And I'm glad you're cleaning up the bad stuff. I just want to fix things for my cousins. I'll talk to you later. Bye, Wynn.""Goodnight, Princess."Allana flicked off her comm. "Wynn's researchers are going over the data I sent and they're checking the GA research, too. I just know they'll figure out something." She kicked off her fluffy slippers and wriggled under the silky, pink duvet."Thanks," Vestara managed a smile. "I'm glad we've got you to help us. I wouldn't even know where to start."Allana smiled back. "I'm glad to help. Goodnight, Cousin!"
Ben! Ben, look at me! I need you. Please hold me.
I can't. You're only a child. I have to leave.
No! Ben, please!
Vestara woke with a strangled cry. "Ben!"A soft light shone beside her. The bedside lamp was on. She sat up. Allana was watching her with eyes full of concern."Bad dream?" she asked.Vestara nodded. "I'm so scared. I don't mind waiting for Ben. I'd wait a lifetime if I had to. But something is wrong with him. He's never acted this way before. Maybe…he won't want me.""I think I know what's wrong with him." Allana turned to sit more comfortably on her bed. "I think Ben feels dirty- like he's a terrible person because he married you. He's confused and afraid that he's going to hurt you. But he loves you and that won't ever change."Vestara stared at her. "Where did you get those ideas?""I sensed it from Ben. I know because it's the same way Wynn felt when that cheap holojournalist tried to make him feel dirty.""What happened?""Well, you know Wynn always takes me to the ice cream parlor when I'm on Coruscant. We always share a big ice cream soda- one glass, two straws. A couple of months ago, we went in and before we could order, a holojournalist came in with a camera. He thought he took holos, but I used the Force to flash his camera. Then he said things like 'only a warped, dirty person would use ice cream to seduce a little girl.' He tried to get Wynn to say something back, but Wynn just told him that he would be arrested if he didn't leave me alone. So, he left and do you know what Wynn did?" Allana shook her head at the memory. "He tried to order two sodas for us. It broke my heart. He was afraid that he was doing something wrong by sharing a soda with me. It hurt him so bad just to think about hurting me.""But you changed his mind somehow. What did you do?" Vestara leaned forward."I told him I wasn't having any of it - that there isn't anything dirty about our friendship. Then I told the soda jerk droid that we wanted our usual. We had our ice cream and I got him to take me for a walk in the Senate Park." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I even talked him into climbing a tree with me."Vestara arched her eyebrows. "And it worked?""He did feel better after that. It took him a few more days to get all the way over it. Firmness and patience, that's what it takes to manage a man, Mom always says.""All right, then. In the morning, Ben and I will share an ice cream soda and then climb a tree.""Uncle Lando won't let anyone climb his trees. Maybe you should do the rock-climbing wall on the Rec-Deck."Vestara laughed. "Sounds like a plan. Now I just have to convince Ben."
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Luke stared vacantly at his waffles. Idly, he pushed a slice a Meiloorun around on his plate with his fork. Mara laid a gentle hand on his arm and he brought his gaze up."It's not your fault, Love." Her green eyes locked with his as she placed a steaming cup of hot chocolate in front on him. "Here, drink this. It might take your mind off of them for a little while.""Thanks, Dearest." Luke sipped the chocolate. "It's just that I can't help feeling responsible. How could I not have realized she was only twelve when we met her? I could have saved them both from this heartbreak.""It's going to be all right. They're both good kids and we're going to work through this." Mara pinned him with a no-nonsense look."Papa Luke! Mama Mara!"The Skywalkers turned towards the door of the breakfast room. Vestara hurried across to join them, casting a surreptitious glance at Ben, who was still choosing his breakfast from the long buffet.Luke slid out from the circular booth to let Vestara sit between himself and Mara."Good morning, Sweetheart," Luke greeted his almost-daughter-in-law with a hug and a fatherly kiss on the top of her head. "What would you like for breakfast?"Vestara glanced again at the buffet and pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I don't suppose there are any ice cream sodas?""Not for breakfast, Honey." Mara eyed Vestara curiously as she handed her a mug of hot chocolate."Well, then, anything that can be easily shared." Vestara lifted her chin, determination shining in her eyes. "I have a plan."Luke looked at Mara and shrugged. As he made his way back to the buffet, Allana bounced over, with Yantahar and Yaquel trailing behind."Good morning!" she called cheerfully, balancing a tray on one hand and waving with the other. "Can I sit with you? I can't get Mom and Dad to wake up and I want to eat breakfast with my family.""Of course!" Mara patted the seat beside her. Allana slid into the round booth and Mara turned to the two escorts. "I think we've got it for now. Why don't you two get some breakfast?"The three girls sipped their hot chocolate while they waited for Luke. When he returned with a tray loaded with waffles and fruit, he had Ben in tow. Luke started to slide in next to Vestara until Mara caught his eye, stopping him."Please sit by me, Ben." Vestara's voice trembled.Slowly, Ben eased himself into the seat. Luke sat beside him."Ben," Mara admonished when she saw his plate, "you have to eat something."Ben prodded the small slice of Meiloorun "This is something," he muttered glumly."Oh, Ben." Vestara neatly halved the steaming stack of waffles and scooped one half onto Ben's plate. "Try some of these." She added a generous helping of fruit on top.Ben managed a tremulous smile. "Thanks."Mara grabbed a mug from the center of the table and started to pour Ben a cup of hot chocolate, only to find that the warming pot was empty."Here, share with me," Vestara urged, sliding her mug towards Ben."Sorry." Allana tapped her mug. "I guess I took the last cup. I'm just in the mood for hot chocolate this morning." She looked meaningfully at Vestara."Okay, girls, what are you plotting?" Luke leaned forward on his elbows and cocked his head.Allana widened her eyes and blinked innocently at her uncle. Before she could reply, a suave young voice floated over the top of the booth."If you like that chocolate, you should join me for a cup of Dad's latest brew."Allana turned her head fractionally in the speaker's direction, favoring him with a brief glance."Good morning, Chance.""It's a good morning now that I've seen you, Chume'da." Lando Calrissian, Jr.- Chance to his family and friends- strode around the booth and into view. The twelve-year-old wore a smaller version of his father's white uniform, complete with a brilliant blue cape. "Seeing you is like watching the sunrise over the lakes of Naboo."Luke and Mara managed to hide their smiles."Did your father tell you to say that?" Mara asked gently.Chance dropped his gaze and fidgeted nervously. "He… just gave me a few pointers.""Aunt Mara," Allana protested, "don't embarrass him! Can't you see he's trying?""Do, or do not. There is no try."Allana ignored her uncle's jibe and smiled coyly at Chance. "My cousins and I are going to the Rec-Dec after breakfast. Would you be my escort? You know the ship so well.""Your wish is my command, Chume'da." Chance straightened, regaining his composure."Wouldn't you know it?" A grumpy voice joined the conversation. "He's using his kid to angle for the one thing he doesn't have- a royal title.""Grandpa!" Allana clapped her hand to her head. "Chance is just being nice."Han strolled up with Leia on his arm and carefully surveyed the young Calrissian. "Humph. Maybe he is, but I'm still going to have a talk with Lando.""You just don't want me to get married," Allana pouted. "You think Wynn is too old and now you think Chance just wants my title.""Allana, Honey," Leia interrupted gently, "you're only ten. You don't need to worry about finding a husband yet.""I know, Grandma. Chance and I are just going to play, that's all. Honest!" She smiled at Leia before addressing her cousins. "So, Ben and Vestara, you're coming with us, right?"Now it was Ben who squirmed uncomfortably. "I don't know. I really should get my stuff packed for tomorrow.""Ben," Mara's voice was soft but firm, "you hardly unpacked anything. Why don't you go with Chance and the girls? You might have fun."Mara slipped her arm around her son's shoulders and gave him an encouraging squeeze.Ben looked at Vestara, his eyes deep pools of anguish. "Do you really want me, Ves?""More than anything, Ben.""Four-player ping pong!" Allana announced as she skipped to the shelf displaying the Table-top Game Room's extensive equipment collection. Grabbing four paddles and a ball, she returned to the table and flashed Chance a playful smile."Us against Ben and Vestara, okay?" She held out the paddles.Ben and Vestara both reached for the proffered paddles. Their hands brushed and his face flushed pink."Sorry," he whispered.Vestara bit her lip. Last night he had at least danced with her. This morning, he was afraid to even touch her. Clearly, she had a lot of work to do.Chance served the ball. Vestara sent it back to Allana, who caught it and sent it flying to Ben. Tweaking it with the Force, he hit it to Chance."Hey, no fair using Jedi powers!" Chance protested.He barely blocked the ball. It spiraled wildly down the middle of the table. Ben and Vestara leaped for it at the same moment and collided, landing on the floor with Vestara on Ben's lap.Vestara giggled. "I think table top tennis is my new favorite game.""Vestara." Ben's voice was soft but commanding. "This isn't appropriate. I'm sorry."Vestara's mirth vanished. She clambered to her feet and stood facing Ben."Maybe we should try the rock-climbing wall," she suggested.The nature of the rock-climbing wall meant that each pair of climbers had to be close together. It was simply expected. The
Love Commander
was, after all, a ship of romance.Reluctantly, Ben surrendered his paddle and followed the others to the rock-climbing wall. Allana and Chance arrived first and grabbed the first two harnesses."Here you go!" Allana nudged the next two towards Ben and Vestara."Help me in?" Vestara tried a coy smile.Hesitantly, Ben took the harness and held it out for her. Balancing herself with a hand on his shoulder, she stepped into the lightweight harness. Ben stiffened under her touch, then used the Force to slip into his own harness."Come on, slowpokes," Allana sprang up the wall with Chance at her side. Swiftly, they ascended, leaving Ben and Vestara to talk in private as they climbed."Ben," Vestara began slowly, "I know you feel bad about what happened, but it's not your fault. And you don't need to feel dirty, either. You didn't do anything wrong- we both thought we were married. Please, Ben, don't shut me out. I don't know what I would do without you!"Ben slowly met her gaze. "I don't want to lose you either. But I can't stand the thought of hurting you. We've just got to wait-"Ben broke off as his harness lurched."Are you okay?" Vestara reached for him."I may not have fastened my harness all the way," he admitted.With a gentle pop, the straps separated and Ben tumbled the short distance to the floor, using the Force to break his fall."Ben!" Hitting the release on her harness rope, Vestara lowered herself beside Ben."I'm fine," he assured her, "but Uncle Lando should really do something about those slippery synthetic rocks."From halfway up the wall, Allana called to them, "Now what happened to you two?""It's just not our day for athletic activities, I guess." Vestara unfastened her harness."Why don't you try the Arcade?" suggested Chance. "There's not many ways to have accidents there.""I think we should," Vestara agreed.The Arcade was located in a separate room built of a flashy, metallic material whose composition and origin Lando kept secret. Vestara suspected he did not know what it was. According to rumor, the
Love Commander
and its many wonders had come from some mysterious other galaxy.Inside the Arcade, Ben and Vestara claimed a pod-racing console and settled in for a game.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mara and Luke sat on the Star Deck in a comfortable lounge chair, enjoying the holographic projections of ocean views from Naboo. Mara snuggled up in Luke's embrace. He kissed her hair and murmured, "Why don't I tell you about how I don't like sand? It's course and rough and irritating.""And it gets everywhere, I know." Mara kissed his cheek. "Farmboy, despite what your father's Force ghost may have told you, that's not romantic.""Hmph," he grumped. He began kissing her face and neck, softly and rhythmically. Relaxing under his tender caresses, Mara decided to check on Ben. Slowly, she reached out in the Force, driven by maternal instincts."He's going to notice," Luke chided between kisses. "But since you peeked, how is he?"Mara stiffened and Luke stopped kissing. "Reach out for him," she whispered hoarsely.Luke did. He gasped. "I can't feel him!" He jumped to his feet, then stopped, alarm rolling off him in the Force. "But I can feel
that.
Let's get to the
Shadow.""Ben, I've tried to comm you ten times!" Mara scolded frantically over her comm as she followed Luke into the hangar. "Where are you?""Sorry, Mom. We're in the Arcade. I guess the pod-racing was kind of loud.""I couldn't feel you," Mara explained more calmly. "What else are you doing?""Nothing, honest. Maybe it's Uncle Lando's weird Arcade room.""Maybe." At a sudden thought, Mara reached out for Vestara but could not find her either. "I was just checking. Mother's prerogative. Have fun in the Arcade."She switched off her comm and looked at Luke. "It might work."Luke blew out a breath. "Bluffing Sith?""Uncle Luke, what's going on?" Jaina raced up behind them, tucking her slinky black robe more tightly around herself. Jag followed in a slightly disheveled lounge tunic and pants.Luke raised an eyebrow at the couple, hiding a smile. "You two didn't have to interrupt your activities. Your old uncle and aunt can handle a few Sith."Jaina crossed her arms and frowned at Luke. "So Jag and I want to start a family, okay? But from what I sensed, that's not just 'a few Sith' out there.""They're here for Vestara, aren't they?" Ben Solo asked, hurrying into the hangar with Rey in tow. "Do you think they found out somehow?"Damp clothes clung to his big body and he had a wet towel draped over his shoulder. Moisture drops clung to his dark hair. Beside him, Rey was dressed in fuzzy, pink pajamas, yawning and rubbing her eyes.Mara surveyed the couple. "It's likely that it has something to do with Vestara."Luke nodded in agreement, then chuckled. "You could have finished your sanisteam, Ben, although I admire your devotion to familial duty. And you really should have let your wife finish her nap.""But you need us," Jacen asserted as he and Tenel Ka joined the group. They were dressed in elaborate Hapan swimwear, with complex, jewel-studded geometric patterns adorning both the tops and the bottoms."Of course, he does. Sith are a serious matter," agreed Anakin Solo, walking in with Tahiri on his arm and a space tennis racket over his shoulder. The pair wore coordinating blue and white sailor-themed tennis outfits."Kid, I hope you don't plan to fight Sith with a tennis racket." Han stepped into the hangar with Leia and Lando. Both men held sabbac cards and Leia carried a cup of ambrosia.Lando turned to Luke. "You want to tell me why a Sith ship is following us through hyperspace?""We think they're here for Vestara," Mara sighed."We'll know for sure when we talk to them," Luke added. "Artoo! Quit flirting with that little maintenance droid and get over here."Artoo blew a mechanical kiss to the little pink astromech he had been helping and joined Luke and Mara at the
Shadow."Wait a minute." Han held up a hand. "Are you two going to launch in hyperspace? That's crazy- even for Jedi!""We can't find out their true intentions through a comm call," Mara explained. "We need to be physically present to see through their deceptions and we can't drop out of hyperspace in the middle of nowhere with a Sith ship following us." She smirked. "It
is
crazy, Han. That's why
Luke
is flying.""We need all of you to stay here unless we call for help," Luke instructed. "And if Ben or Vestara comms, tell them both to stay in the Arcade.""The Arcade?" Leia questioned dubiously."Yeah." Luke shrugged. "Mara thinks we can bluff the Sith.""Jade Shadow
to Sith vessel. This is Luke and Mara Skywalker, requesting permission to come aboard," Luke called over the comm."Permission granted,
Jade Shadow," the Sith apprentice managing the comm station confirmed.Luke guided the
Shadow
through hyperspace into the Sith ship's docking bay. He lowered the ramp and walked out with Mara and Artoo. He and Mara wore their lightsabers on their belts but kept their hands off the weapons.A tall Sith in dark robes waited for them at the foot of the ramp."Greetings," he said. "I am Saber Gevel Kai, cousin to Vestara Kai. I suppose you are wondering what we are doing here."Among Vestara's tribe, a Sith Saber was the equivalent of a Jedi Knight, Luke had once explained to Mara."You are here for Vestara," Luke stated bluntly."You are perceptive," Gevel Kai acknowledged. "When my master, Lord Daka, learned that Vestara had been given to your son as a child bride, we felt it was our duty to take steps to protect her."Luke's eyes narrowed. "Where did your master get this information?""From a trusted source," Gevel replied cagily.Mara brushed the Sith's mind with the Force and caught a hazy image of bureaucrats at work on computers.
The Morality Bureau.
Reaching out to Luke, she knew he had caught the image as well. When Wynn Dorvan found out that one of his bureaucrats had broken his trust, he would turn the entire organization inside out and upside down to find the culprit."I didn't think Sith trusted anyone," Luke retorted. "Why not check out the information yourself? Search the
Love Commander
with the Force - you won't find Vestara."Artoo slipped away from the group as Mara added, "Maybe your trustworthy source isn't really so reliable after all."With the Sith distracted searching for Vestara, Artoo rolled around a corner and plugged into a socket. Breaking through the codes, he downloaded all available files from the ship and began sorting through the information. Most of the data was time stamped. Artoo ran a synthesizing program to convert them to standard time.Suddenly, he gave a delighted shriek and sped back to Luke.
I found something! I found something!,
he tweetled."Whoa there, Artoo! Hang on," Luke soothed. He addressed the Sith. "You didn't find her, did you?""No. But we know your son took her in marriage." Gevel stepped closer to Artoo and bent to inspect him. "What was your droid babbling about?""He's an old model," Mara explained. "Sometimes they malfunction.""I must ask you to leave our ship." Gevel straightened and crossed his arms. "I must consult my master. You have no doubt hidden my cousin, but we will find her."The Sith turned on his heel, leaving his followers to ensure that Luke and Mara departed. The two Jedi boarded their ship and glided back into hyperspace."Okay, Artoo, what was so important?" Luke asked as he guided the
Shadow
back to the
Love Commander's docking bay. "If you're going to tell me that Sith Lord Daka wants Vestara for himself, we figured that much out already."Well, he can't have her.
Artoo flipped on his projector displaying what he found.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"I win again!" Vestara laughed."You always do," Ben smiled."Allana, Chance, do you want a turn?" Vestara leaned around her seat."Maybe when we finish our dance off," Allana giggled. "The Arcade was a really good idea, Chance.""Thanks, Chume'da." Chance flashed his own version of his father's smile. "I'm glad you approve."The chime of Ben's comm interrupted the playful banter. Ben huffed as he flipped it on with the Force."We're fine, Mom. And we're not doing anything besides playing arcade games.""Honey, we need to see you right away," Mara's voice was gentle, reassuring. "We'll meet you in Lando's office."Up in Lando's office, Ben, Vestara, Chance and Allana hurried through the sliding doors to find Chance's mother, Tendra, beaming at her computer screen."'On behalf of Chief Dorvan and the Galactic Alliance, the Morality Bureau sends its sincerest apologies,'" she read aloud from the screen, adding, "It seems that the people of Kesh were not particularly helpful or welcoming to Chief Dorvan's researchers. Somehow, they missed that important detail."Luke and Mara turned to smile at Ben and Vestara."Hey, newlyweds," Han teased as Leia shushed him."I think you two might be needing this after all," Lando held up the key to the honeymoon suite."What…what are you all talking about?" Ben stammered. "What's going on?"Luke patted his son's shoulder. "Show them, Artoo."The little droid beeped and projected an image of a ship while Luke explained. "Some Sith Lord was trying to take Vestara for himself and sent her cousin in this ship to chase us. Apparently, Chief Dorvan needs to plug a leak or two at the Morality Bureau."Vestara gasped and Ben's hand went to his lightsaber.Allana's face puckered in a frown. "I'll let him know right away.""He already knows, Honey," Mara assured her. "And, Ben, there's no need to worry. This is
good
news.""That's right," Luke agreed as Artoo changed the image to show a stream of written records. "The Sith couldn't sense Vestara in Lando's weird, apparently Force-blocking, Arcade room and they left. But not before Artoo got this. Pause it, please, Artoo."A rather nondescript record list hung in the air."Notice the dates on this provisions list. It covers about one Keshiri year with a variety of time stamps for each day. Now, to make his processing more efficient, Artoo synthesized the dates with standard time, taking into account differences such as length of hours, days and years. The next image, please, Artoo."The dates on the list shifted to Galactic standard form. The record now included many more days, but now showed about one standard year."You see, kids," Luke couldn't keep the grin off his face, "years on Kesh have fewer days, but days on Kesh are much longer than standard days. A Kesh year is only about one standard day shorter than a Coruscant year."Ben and Vestara stared at each other, speechless."You turned eighteen standard years old the day before your wedding, Vestara," Mara squeezed her daughter-in-law's hand.Slowly, Ben turned and pulled Vestara into his embrace. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she melted into his arms."I'm not a child bride," she whispered.In answer, Ben fitted his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss."Get a room, you two," Lando indicated the key on his desk with a trademark smirk, "and you can get back to your honeymoon that we so rudely interrupted."The next morning, Ben and Vestara Skywalker awoke in the bedroom of their honeymoon suite. They lay still and silent for several long moments, full of joy, love and contentment too deep for words. Finally, Ben spoke."I guess we'd better get going, Ves. Allana has a full schedule planned for us."They joined their family for breakfast, their radiant smiles in marked contrast to the previous day's sadness. Luke and Mara greeted them with hugs. As they settled in to enjoy their warm, fragrant waffles, Luke asked, "Vestara, I was wondering how you never noticed that Coruscant days are so much shorter than Keshiri days. Do you know?"Vestara blushed. "Well, your years do have more days, so that made it feel similar, I guess, but…""But, what, Sweetheart?" Luke encouraged her.She glanced at Ben, her blush deepening. "I
did
notice, but … I thought they just seemed shorter because I was so in love."Luke and Mara melted into tender smiles at Vestara's sweet confession and Ben kissed her cheek. All four Skywalkers wrapped their arms around each other in a big family hug."I love you, Ben.""I love you, too, Ves.""I love you, Farmboy.""I love you, too, Mara. And we love our son and daughter-in-law.""Thanks, Papa Luke. We love you and Mama Mara, too."In a nearby booth, Han poked his syrup-covered waffles. "I've got to talk to Lando about all this sickening, sweet, sticky stuff he allows on his ship."He shot a meaningful glance at Luke."You should try it sometime, Han," Luke returned, kissing Mara's cheek."No, thanks. I'm
not
a Skywalker."Luke chuckled and the four Skywalkers cuddled closer, glad to be a family together.