“Senator Bail Organa, I presume?” Serra asked.
“Yes, indeed,” he replied with a grin.
“Senator, I doubt you remember me, but-”
“Malik Ran, yes?”
“You do remember?”
“Of course! You’re the best medic in the Order, after all. We on Alderaan have long held Jedi Healers in particular esteem. The power to give life is such a magnificent gift, one that should always be celebrated,” Organa replied.
“Thank you, sir.”
“But of course. You have no idea how grateful I am to meet any Jedi that managed to avoid destruction. Now, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, young lady.”
“Serra Keto. What do you know of those events?” Serra asked. “All we know for sure is that Anakin Skywalker turned against us and led the 501st legion in an attack on the Jedi Temple.”
“Well, the only Jedi that I am certain survived, besides yourselves, are Master Yoda and Master Kenobi. My ship picked them up in space as they made their escapes. That was after I witnessed the attack on the Temple firsthand. Saw a young Padawan blasted into oblivion by a group of clones. It was, in a word, disgusting…
“The official story from the Emperor’s office is that the Jedi attempted to overthrow the government and assassinate its leader. Every last Jedi has been blacklisted as a result, with several intelligence committees being formed to try and track down any stragglers. I’m sure you know of my opposition to these policies, as well as the formation of the Empire, but I’ve had to be rather modest in my objections for the time being.”
“Of course, play your cards close to the vest,” Malik nodded in understanding.
“You know you’re risking execution with this game you’re playing, right?” Serra asked him.
“I am well aware of the potential consequences. The general public supports these measures, by and large. They blame the Jedi for starting the Clone War. But that will not stop me from doing what I know to be right,” Bail replied with conviction.
“Dear? You did not tell me we had guests!” came a sweet female voice.
The group turned to see a beautiful woman in her late thirties, walking with elegant grace to sit next to Senator Organa.
“My friends, allow me to introduce you to my wife, and the ruler of Alderaan, Queen Breha Organa. My love, meet Serra Keto and Malik Ran. They are friends of our Obi-Wan and Yoda.”
“How wonderful to have you here,” she said, shaking each of their hands. “I am so happy to see that you arrived unharmed. Sadly, that is no longer a guarantee for anyone in this galaxy…”
“Thank you, Your Highness. Senator, at the risk of seeming rude and forward, we need your help,” Malik said.
“I had a hunch,” he chuckled in reply. “How are you two surviving?”
Serra answered, “We managed to escape Coruscant in a ship the Jedi Council had hidden away for emergencies only. Got here by way of Ord Mantell, found some parts there to build a cloaking device, but we still need to find a safe port.”
“Well, you will always be welcomed as friends here, though I do not know how safe a port this will be for you,” Bail reasoned. “After all, Alderaan is one of the most frequented locations in the galaxy. Besides, the Emperor will be keeping a close watch on us, what with our political disagreements.”
“Still, we have not had any Imperial agents visit us yet, so I imagine you will be safe here for a few days at least. As far as I am concerned, you are welcome on Alderaan anytime,” Breha chimed in.
“That’s so kind of you,” Serra smiled.
“It is the least we can do after everything the Jedi have done for the Republic over the years. While I opposed the Clone War altogether, I have nothing but respect for the soldiers and Jedi that put themselves in harms way for the safety of the people. That is always to be commended,” Bail said. “Ah, but enough talk of unpleasant topics. Let us find our guests a couple of bedrooms to rest in.”
“Yes… thank you.”
Malik realized suddenly that his romance with Serra was still a secret. She took his hand as they followed the Organas, nervous for two reasons. First, she had no desire to sleep apart from Malik. Second, she feared the reaction when and if they told someone of their relationship. She was not ashamed of her feelings for him, but it was a taboo topic for Jedi nonetheless.
“Dear,” Breha whispered to her husband. “Do you not think they would be more comfortable in a room together? The way she is holding his hand… they appear to be quite close.”
“You think so? I was given to understand that such feelings are forbidden in the Jedi Order,” Bail replied.
“Perhaps so, but such restrictions have never prevented those feelings from surfacing altogether. I find it quite plausible that two young Jedi such as they could have fallen in love in secret. And besides, the Order as it was is gone, giving them a chance to explore those feelings.”
Bail chuckled as they turned a corner, leading the group to a pair of doors at the end of the hallway. “Here we are. Serra, you shall have the room on the left, Malik, the one on the right. You should be quite comfortable, but please do not hesitate if there is anything we can do for you. Now, unfortunately, these two rooms do share a single bath, located between them, so you will have to work that out.”
“Thank you, Senator.” Malik smiled, seeing that the arrangements gave them ample privacy and allowed them to continue spending time together.
Seeing Serra a bit apprehensive, Breha wrapped her in a warm hug in front of her door. “Be at ease. You are safe here.”
“Thank you,” Serra whispered, grateful for her kindness.
Serra opened the door, finding the room to be far more than a bedroom. It was a luxurious suite with an eating and lounging area separate from the bedroom itself. She turned to profess it to be too much, but the Organas had already left. Plopping down on one of the sofas, Serra let out a huge sigh of exhaustion; she felt truly relaxed for the first time since leaving Coruscant. Soon, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught her attention.
“Perceptive, aren’t they?” Malik asked with a smirk.
“What? You think they set us up like this on purpose?” Serra wondered.
“No doubt. Didn’t you see the gleam in the Senator’s eye when he explained the bathroom accommodations? He knew damn well what he was doing.”
“So… I guess that means they know…”
“They suspect, but they’re too polite to confront us about it. Serra these are good people, and they’d never call us out like that; it’s unbecoming of our hosts.” He moved to sit next to her, unsure of what he was about to ask. “Does this mean… you’re having second thoughts?”
“No!” she replied instantly. “I guess… I just worry what people will think of us.”
“And since when have you worried about what others think of you?” Malik asked with a laugh.
“HAH! Ok, good point.”
Scooting closer to her, Malik took her hand. “Listen, I know I’ve been the slow one so far in this relationship; you’ve been practically dragging me along the entire way. But I know these feelings are real, and I do want to be with you. If that means we’re discovered and looked upon with disapproval, I’m just fine with that. But only if you are, too.”
“Huh… who’d have thought I’d be the hesitant one by this point?” Serra mused with a giggle. “I could use some fresh air to clear my head. Walk with me?”
“Love to.”
Departing their quarters, the couple strolled leisurely through the palace, admiring the artwork and sculptures adorning the hallways. Serra was entranced by it all; she felt so at peace in spite of the turmoil plaguing the galaxy. As they continued their stroll, the Jedi soon arrived in a beautiful outdoor courtyard. A large, ornate fountain stood in the center, giving the grounds a feeling of serenity. Watching the sun begin to set over the horizon in the distance, a pair of voices soon broke their concentration.
“It is without a doubt the best decision you’ve ever made, Dear. Even if it was without consulting me.”
“You would have done the same thing. Ah, my friends! It seems you needed some fresh air as well?” Bail Organa called from the other side of the courtyard.
“Understatement of the century,” Serra replied. “Thank you again for your hospitality. Your home is so beautiful; I could stay here forever.”
“You are too kind,” Breha said.
Seeing a tiny baby wrapped in the queen’s arms, Serra cooed, “Aww, I don’t think we’ve met, little one.”
“Of course! This is our daughter, Princess Leia,” Breha replied.
“She’s beautiful…” Sensing a strange maternal instinct, Serra began to feel a desire to connect with the child. “May I?”
“Please do. Just mind her head.”
“Oh my, you are just a cutie,” Serra gushed, taking the girl in her arms.
“Impressive,” Bail remarked to Malik off to the side. “Leia seems to have taken well to Serra’s touch. Most people other than us cause the child to scream at the top of her lungs.”
“Yeah…”
Watching Serra hold the tiny child, Malik began to see her in a whole new light: that of a mother. He saw the love in her eyes, the dedication she would show towards a child of her own. Even after everything they had been through together, she had never appeared more beautiful to him than in this moment. No further doubts lingered in his mind.
“You alright?” Bail asked.
“Huh? Oh, yes I’m fine.”
The man just smirked at him. “I see that look in your eye, my friend.”
“What do you mean?”
Giving him a light slap on the shoulder, Bail said, “You need to tell her how you feel about her. Believe me, you’ll live to regret it if you don’t.”
“Is it… that obvious?”
“Perhaps not as much as you fear. My wife and I are quite perceptive.”
“I… I’m certain I love her, Senator. That much is clear. Still, we both are hesitant in all this. After all, we’re breaking the Jedi Code, everything we’ve ever been taught. Even though we know exactly how we feel about each other, we still experience inner turmoil coming to terms with this,” Malik explained.
“Well, I am no Jedi, but I can speak with some authority on matters of love. In all the galaxy, there is not a more powerful force out there than love, I argue not even the Force itself.”
“But singular love is still an attachment. Attachments lead to jealousy. Jealousy leads to anger. Anger leads to the Dark Side. This is ingrained in every Jedi.”
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