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It was a quiet day.

Very welcome, in Satine's mind.

While her semi-retirement could be rather boring at times, it was at the same time so relaxing. To do little side-projects, to have the time to be a real person and not think about the welfare of billions before your own. Well. She still did that, she just didn't think as hard on it as she used to.

There was nothing on her schedule for the day but peace and quiet. Some light reading, tea, lounging... perhaps a bit of shopping for the grandchildren. She heard dear Cora had taken a liking to the eldest Solo boy. Maybe she should get something for him, too. A small token of acceptance, of appreciation for looking out for her more scatterbrained grandchild.

She would have liked to do such things, anyway, if there hadn't been such an unexpected pounding at her door and a shout of, "Satine! Satine, let me in!" in a very familiar voice. What in the world could he be doing here?

Rushing to the door, Satine opened it, ready to give him a good tongue-lashing, until she took in his haggard appearance. Clothing a bit askew, hair mussed, eyes... wild. Something must have happened. Rather than reprimand him, she was going to ask him what had happened, but surprise further silenced her when he came forward and grabbed her up in his arms, hiding his face in her hair.

... if she hadn't been worried before, now she certainly was.

"Obi." She said quietly, soothingly, as she pulled him inside and closed the door before others could witness such an awkward moment. "Obi, what are you doing here? What's wrong? Come, sit down." Spoken, as she led him gently toward the sofa, pushing at him gently to get him to sit down. "Obi, let go. Let go. Sit down and tell me what's happened. I'll get you a nice cup of tea."

It took a bit more prodding before she managed to detach herself from him, and he finally sat. Thankfully, she already had that pot of tea ready and brought it out into the sitting room, pouring a steaming cup for him before sitting beside him.

Obi-Wan gratefully accepted the cup and had himself a sip, looking so lost, so far away. He shook his head and nearly dropped the cup as he set it down, trembling hands immediately going to cover his face. "Something's wrong." Was all he said.

Arching a brow, Satine had to resist a rolling of the eyes. That much was obvious. "Yes, so I can see. What is the matter, precisely?"

"Everything. Me. Everyone. Nothing is right, Satine, nothing is right. Nothing feels right. I can't feel the right things, only the wrong things.." He let out that string of words, so quick, that it nearly all blended together.

Of course none of it made sense. If there were 'feelings' of that sort involved, then this wasn't her arena.

"Obi-Wan. Why aren't you with Anakin? Why didn't you go to him if you're feeling something unusual? Perhaps you should meditate on it. I have a quiet room, if--" "NO! That's not it!" He let out a roar and stood, and with a fierce kick of rage, the coffee table went flying into the wall on the opposite side of the room, the table and teapot both shattering on contact.

Standing straight up, Satine felt wary, taking a small step back. He'd never displayed such anger before. Vaguely, she considered calling security..

"You would do that to me?" He turned and looked at her, that same rage still seething in him. "You would dare call someone to pull me out of here?" He'd read those thoughts of hers so easily. She'd forgotten that he could do such a thing, as he never had really seemed to, before. He tended to at least quietly give her some privacy.

"Shhhh." Lightly, she hushed him, raising her hands as she let out a disarming smile, slowly moving closer to him as one might a wild animal. "It's alright. I'm not calling anyone. It's just the two of us, Obi. Please... take a seat. Let's talk about these feelings. The wrong feelings that seem to be disturbing you so." Gesturing to the couch, she sat, and patted the spot beside her. Thankfully, he seemed to calm a bit, and did as she suggested.

Relieved, she placed a hand on his thigh, giving a soothing rub. "There we are. Go on. Speak. I will listen to everything you have to say."

The look he gave her was so unsure, and in some ways, so very vulnerable. As if he wasn't quite sure he could trust her. After a few moments of silence, he nodded and quietly began, "I've been.. having dreams. Dreams of the past, of horrible things. Things that I would rather forget. Sadness, loss, anger. Despair in its deepest form. Longing... and desire. All things I shouldn't feel. They're all the wrong things, Satine."

Going quiet, he leaned forward, face in his hands again.

Her hand shifted, going to rub light, soothing circles over his back. "... why are they wrong? They're all human emotions, Obi. Ones that you are quite allowed to feel. Maybe in your youth it was frowned upon, but you've been free of such restrictions for so long, why dwell on it now?"

"I don't know. I can't help it. It's like something has sunk its claws into the dark depths of my soul and its pulling everything to the surface. It's overwhelming. I've tried meditation, I've tried rest. But I can't... and Anakin doesn't care.." "So you have spoken to him about it?" She questioned, but the nervous glance he flitted toward her, then to the ground, said otherwise.

Sighing heavily, she scooted closer, leaning her head against his. "Oh, you old fool. Why don't you talk to him? Correct me if I'm wrong - and I'm not - but a key aspect of any relationship is communication. If you're not talking to him, how will he ever know? He's not a mind reader." A pause. ".. well, I suppose he is, however, he can't see that far into you. Don't complain about him not caring when you don't give him the chance. It's selfish. And if that's the attitude you have around him, I can't say I blame him for--"

"For not noticing when I disappear for days?" He snapped at her, wrenching himself away as he stood. "Several times now! I leave, sometimes for a week, and he doesn't notice! Why should I be someplace where I'm not wanted? Not needed? Not loved! I.." He trailed off, trembling, feeling his blood warm with anger. "... I won't be without him again. It's happened too many times. I won't do it, Satine!"

At this point, she didn't have to be Force-sensitive to notice the buzzing in the air, caused by his sudden rage. It was palpable, made it hard to breathe. Or perhaps that was just the fear blossoming in her heart. A fear she thought she would never have: A fear of Obi-Wan. He was becoming unruly, unpredictable, unconsolable. She didn't know what to do.

"... he's been lost to me so many times. I've endured such loss." He went on, softly this time, with an eerie calm about him. "So many people that I've loved dearly. He's my last link to the happiest times of my life. And I will not lose him again. He is mine.." Blue eyes looking suddenly so distant, vacant, closed.

Satine took her chance.

As he was speaking, she'd slowly moved to the side table on the opposite end of the couch and slid open the compartment there. For him to not notice, she knew he must have been so far gone. The moment his eyes closed, she moved, catching him point-blank with the ray of a stun-gun.

He crumpled to the ground with no resistance.

Dropping the gun immediately, she went to his side, kneeling and turning him over onto his back, going to gently stroke his cheek. "Oh, Obi... what's happened to you?"

Letting out a heavy sigh, Satine stood and went to call for a transport. She needed to get him home, and hopefully before he regained consciousness. She had to get him to Anakin, who hopefully would be able to help. Something was gravely wrong, moreso than what showed on the surface.

She had a bad, bad feeling about all of this.

“Well, this is certainly a surprise. But not an unwelcome one, of course. I’m pleased to have you in my company, Grand Justice Solo.”

Leia nodded slightly and slid into a seat across from Sarai. It had been a day since the kidnapped children were returned to the Praxeum. There had been several things she had heard and noticed in that time, and she felt it was best to have a chat with Mandalore’s Duchess, who had gone out to town to relax at a teahouse; an old favorite of hers from when she had attended the Praxeum.

“You shouldn’t be pleased. I’ve nothing good to say to you, so I suggest you prepare yourself.”

Arching a delicate brow, Sarai was tempted to point out that she and Leia had never had a ‘good’ conversation, so really this was no surprise to her. However, ever-polite, she kept that negative thought to herself. She would never stoop to this fussy child’s level.

“Perhaps we should order a cuppa for yourself, if this will indeed be a trying discussion.” Sarai had just started to lift a hand to get a server’s attention when Leia sneered and slapped it back down. “Just shut up and listen to me, okay? I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to!”

Slowly, Sarai lowered her abused hand and was the picture of serenity as she folded her hands on her lap, intent on listening to whatever horrible things this troll had to say.

“I don’t like the way your daughter has been snooping around my son. I’ve heard she has a crush on him, that she follows him around like a lost puppy, wanting to be around only him. It’s off-putting to other people. She sneaks into his room like a stalker and takes his things! Your daughter has no place in my family, and I demand you put a stop to her shenanigans at once!”

Well. Sarai could say she hadn’t quite been expecting to have this conversation with Leia. In silence, she let the other woman fume for several seconds as she sat and had a delicate sip of her tea, mulling things over.

“... Leia, I believe we both know that you are transferring your dislike for me onto my daughter. You say she has no place in your family, just as I had no place when my mother brought me to meet my father for the first time? Such a childish thing to do, after so many years.”

“You are mistaken. I dislike her because she’s crazy. Though, if we’re on the subject, she could very well become a homewrecker, just like you. Breaking up happy families that had only just been reunited and were beginning to heal from old wounds. Robbing us for years of happiness we all deserved. Those of your blood seem to be quite skilled at such things.” Lifting her nose in the air, she was very much managing to look down on Sarai, despite her much smaller stature.

All Sarai could do in response was chuckle lightly, a hand going to cover her mouth to muffle it and hide her small smile. Goodness. She had twisted things around in her mind ever so tightly, hadn’t she? So full of contempt. Sometimes, Sarai was amazed it was Luke who had fallen to the Dark so long ago and not Leia.

“That was a very long time ago and it was a decision I had no power over, nor did you. It was between two men who cared for their children, just as it should have been. No one knows what is best for your children than you and your child. Have you spoken to Jacen about this? I have a feeling that he would disagree with your feelings concerning Cora. He is nearly an adult, just a few short months away from it. This decision is, essentially, no longer yours to make.”

“Every decision concerning him is mine to make! He is my boy! He will listen to me if I go to him and express my worries. Which I fully intend on doing unless you take that girl of yours and set her straight. I’d hate to have to do such a thing myself, Duchess.” That title, spat out so mockingly... even through the years, Leia hadn’t grown an ounce of respect for this woman. She couldn’t.

Heaving a soft sigh, Sarai went to refill her teacup, shaking her head.

“While your worries are completely unfounded, Corran and I did decide this morning that Cora will return to Mandalore. A child with such delicate sensitivities needs to be with her mother. And so, she shall be.”

“Good.” Standing, Leia leaned over the table, brown eyes narrowed. “She better stay there. Who knows what might happen if she tries to endear herself to my son any further.”

“A threat?” That slim blonde brow rose again.

“I do not threaten. I act. So be sure to tread carefully while in Republic space.” Smiling ever so sweetly, Leia stood up straight and turned around, walking right back out the way she came. That was far easier than she had anticipated. Such a foppish woman couldn’t even stand up for her own daughter. How weak.

Sarai waited until Leia was out the door before smiling and shaking her head, going to add a touch of cream and hint of sugar to her cup. Goodness, she truly did grow more vile over the years. It was quite a feat.

If Leia thought that she could threaten her with Cora’s well-being... well. She was rather tempted to take that bet. Just as Leia underestimated her, she knew she also greatly underestimated her sweet, eldest child. She was capable of so much, but it was hidden deep down within her. Perhaps that Mandalorian spirit would show itself in her girl sooner rather than later.

It would be quite the sight to see...

Nearly the moment Anakin left the room, Obi-Wan sat back up in bed, gazing toward the closed door. He could feel him departing, without even much of a second thought...

Letting out a soft sigh, he turned to search for his discarded bag that he’d thrown away so violently in such a sudden fit of unexplained - though not entirely unwarranted - anger. In the last several days, he had felt like he had been losing control of himself rather rapidly. There were old memories and feelings surfacing that hadn’t in decades.

Especially of one person in particular.

He pushed himself to his feet, crossing the room to pick up his bag and lay it on the bed, continuing to pack it full, though with much less haste than he had mere moments ago. While he didn’t know why he felt quite so compelled to leave, he knew precisely where he wanted to go. He had to see her. It had been far too long, and with her dominating his thoughts... he knew he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything else until he fulfilled this urge.

It didn’t take him long to finish gathering items to last him the weekend on his journey away. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, Obi-Wan left the bedroom, feeling that Anakin was otherwise occupied with his family, and would not notice his absence. He never did, anyway, be his trip two days or two weeks. And he actually had the gall to wonder why he seemed so unhappy lately? He had been able to sense those thoughts, but never had his husband ever bothered to ask. Usually, something happened; a child or grandchild interrupted them, or work came up... the chances that presented themselves were brief, and never taken.

His ship had seen so much use lately. It wasn’t a particularly large or even accommodating one, but it served its purpose. It was reliable and fairly fast; it got him to his destinations without a fuss, and it was quite stable, which was a relief to his easily-jarred stomach. Walking up the short gangway, he spared a single glance back toward the doors, thinking of Anakin. Would he be angry? Sad? Would he even care that he’d gone?

Probably not.

Closing the ship up, he went to sit in the pilot’s chair, setting his bag in the seat beside his. He strapped himself in and programmed the appropriate coordinates, resting back as he flew off, dashing into hyperspace once he was a reasonable distance from Naboo.

The flight wasn’t a long one, he was glad to see. Once he touched down on the planet, Obi-Wan headed immediately toward a very familiar place. A ship had crashed there so many, many years ago, during a wartime conflict. It was the place where he lost her.

His first love, Siri.

The area wasn’t very populated, and quite a bit of the wreckage remained, though scattered far and rotted. Some of it scavenged. For several moments, he merely stared at it all, thinking back to the day she died in the line of duty. It was without a doubt still his most difficult memory. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small blue warming crystal, allowing himself a faint smile. She had given it to him just before she passed. He had carried it with him every day ever since then. While in hiding and while not even entirely himself, this part of her stayed with him.

The love he had for her was deep, painful, yet so sacred. It had encompassed his entire heart and soul, but never did he act on it. They had agreed never to, afterall. The risk was too great. It would have potentially led down a road that they wouldn’t have been able to return from easily, if at all.

Sometimes he wished he could share in this with Anakin. Tell him that he understood his feelings for Padme and how much he missed her, that he once felt such a connection to someone as well, and no one else would ever be able to replace her. Not even him. It was something that the two of them had very much in common.

In his youth, his time on Mandalore, he had been able to get his mind off of it, with the presence of Satine. She was so spirited and strong, so stubborn, just like Siri. At first he thought his feelings were misplaced, that he was merely transferring his feelings for Siri to Satine, but he did come to love her in her own right. There was a longing there that remained, even to this day, but it didn’t consume him quite like his feelings for Siri. She was absolutely irreplaceable.

Letting out a soft breath, he allowed himself to sit, eyes focusing on the spot where she’d laid as he felt her spirit leave the physical realm and join with the Force.

Anakin had been there that day. He could remember feelings that his former padawan didn’t think that he’d truly loved her, for he did not kill the one who murdered her. It was the path to the dark side, and no matter how he’d so desired to bring an end to the bounty hunter’s life, it would not bring Siri back to him. It would not bring her peace. It was not the way they had chosen to lead their lives.

How things had changed.

From time to time, he’d wonder how absolutely ashamed she was of him. The answer had to be quite, he knew. The things he’d done in his life since then could not be forgiven. From deception, to the dark side, to murder, to the lust for power... even though he’d been coerced into some of those heinous acts, he still committed them. They were his sins to own, and he would carry the weight of them forever on his shoulders.

He didn’t know how long he sat there, mulling over ancient feelings, but he knew it must have been hours. By the time he snapped out of his reverie, the sun was low in the sky, and it would soon be dusk. Obi-Wan knew he couldn’t very well stay out in the open on Azure overnight, thus he reluctantly picked himself up from the ground, intending on heading back to his ship, when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Frowning, brows knit tightly together, he strode closer to the ship to more closely inspect the small item that had caught his attention.

Could it be--?

Taking a knee, Obi-Wan picked up the small cylindrical item, blue eyes opening wide. Flicking a switch on the device, he was further shocked when a stream of soft violet flooded his vision.

It was Siri’s lightsaber.

There had been no time to recover it that day; a cursory glance at the time had turned up nothing. To think that it had been hidden in this very spot for all these years, just waiting for someone to come upon it. For him, perhaps.

Extinguishing its glow, he felt a tremor run through him. “Oh, Siri,” he began, “How I miss you. The years have been hard, only harder as I’ve grown so old. Not a day has passed that I haven’t thought of you. Wished I could see your face. That I could hold you close and keep you safe, that we could try to live our lives on our own terms. Together.”

… then again, that was what they’d chosen to do, wasn’t it? They’d chosen the Order over each other.

Smiling as he was caught in nostalgia, thinking of her disapproving gaze and her calm determination, he could only shake his head as he continued back toward his ship. There was so much more to say to her, but not here. Not now.

One day they would see each other again. When it was time for him to rejoin the Force and be at peace, he knew she would be there waiting for him. Ready with quite the scolding, he was sure.

Once again, he found himself ascending the gangway of his ship and taking seat in the cockpot, her lightsaber still in hand. After a moment of thought, he decided that his next destination was not a return to Naboo, but an impromptu visit to Mandalore. To seek comfort and wisdom from a great friend; the only person in the galaxy capable of delivering both advice and criticism without hurt and making him feel like a fool.

Well, a complete fool, anyway.

Saying goodbye silently to Azure, he held his new keepsake close to his heart, allowing the ship’s autopilot to do the work while he caught a bit of rest. After such soul-searching and reliving such heart-crushing guilt, he very much needed it.

"This is so beautiful..."

Sarai breathed softly, overlooking the balcony of her new palace on the shores of Baroonda.

It was a purchase she'd made quite some time ago, anticipating many holidays to be spent here, but with Corran and the children living on Naboo, they'd never actually managed to use it. Even now, with the children so grown, they wouldn't be interested in family gatherings on the beach.

They were so old now, their personalities forming and changing. They were becoming their own people and she was missing so much of it. While she was happy for their training on Naboo, and that they always had their father there with them, she wished that she hadn't been so open to allowing them to go to school so far from her. Especially when her schedule was as full as it was.

She still managed to visit for a week every quarter, and at least one weekend a month. During the long summer holiday, they did return to Mandalore, but it wasn't enough to satisfy her lonely mother's heart.

This view, the foamy waves crashing against the white sand, the vivid orange and pink of the sunset, shadows cast about... pinpricks of stars beginning to appear in the sky.

It was a view she should be sharing with Corran.

"It really is. Aren't you glad I convinced you to come here?" Said a voice, a man's, that certainly was not her husband.

Turning around, Sarai smiled and gave a delicate nod to her friend. This really had been a great idea. She had originally planned on surprising her family, but there had been a scheduling conflict, making her unable to go quite as far as Naboo. Rather than staying home, however, Fenn made this suggestion to her, and it had sounded ever so splendid!

"I am. The sea air, the view, the-- oh, goodness, absolutely everything is ever so wonderful here." She took in a deep breath and spun around on the balcony, puffy skirt of her gown flowing out wide.

Fenn laughed, going to catch her and spin her around again by the hand, before dipping her and lifting her up again, much to her surprise and amusement.

"Now, now, good sir. I fear you may be getting a bit too excited." She chided him lightly, for how freely he had taken hold of her. But, it was all said with a smile, and she hadn't movd out of his grasp quite yet.

"Do forgive me, Duchess. I'm merely protecting you from the perils of boredom. Don't you like to dance?" He raised his brows at her, going to twirl her again and lead her in a fun trot. He was tempted to make a remark about how different, better, it must be to dance with a man who didn't have two left feet, and who actually had an inch or two on her... but he decided perhaps that would be a bit inappropriate of him.

"Oh, how I wish I could argue with you!" Sarai moved with him as he led her, starting to hum a proper beat, a song that she was fond of. They continued to dance, sharing smiles and turns, until the sun had dipped fully beneath the horizon and she found herself in his arms, being held with her back against his chest, staring out at the view in silence.

She wasn't quite sure when she'd stopped singing or when they'd stopped dancing. All she knew was that this was really, very wrong.

Taking a breath, she shook her head and cleared her throat, stepping away from him as she ran a hand through her hair.

"I must prepare for bed. I've become quite fatigued."

Well, that was sudden. Fenn looked upon her skeptically, but slowly nodded. "Of course, Duchess. Sleep well. I shall see myself out." After a deep bow, he turned on his heel, going to leave her to her own and retire to his own room for the night, feeling a vague sense of disappointment. He was getting closer, worming his way in, for sure...

Next time, he'd have to up the stakes.

Once she heard the door close, Sarai lifted her skirts and went to sit on the balcony railing, staring out at the water, her heart tightening in her chest. A small tear trekked down her cheek, her hand lifting to delicately swipe it away.

That had been too much for her to handle. They were good friends; Fenn had been there for her for the last several years. As a protector, a confidante... nothing more than that. She had never considered him to be anything more, but now she saw that perhaps he did not feel their relationship was quite so platonic.

The poor man. Had she done something to lead him along? She didn't think so, but being so close to someone, as they had been... well, all you needed was time for feelings to develop.

"Oh dear, what have I brought upon myself..?"

Sighing heavily, she laid back on the thin railing and closed her eyes to think.

What a sticky situation. Perhaps this time away would not be so relaxing afterall.

"Is the tea to your satisfaction?"

"It never is, but I suppose it'll have to do."

Exchanging wry smiles, Satine and Obi-Wan sat back and got comfortable, ready for the exchange of wits they always seemed to have whenever they were together.

They were both a bit too smarmy and sharp for their own good.

The two were seated on the balcony at Satine's apartment on Mandalore. Ever since Sarai took over as Duchess many years ago, she had preferred to distance herself from the political arena, though she served as her daughter's most trusted advisor.

"I'm surprised you came to see me. Isn't your anniversary coming up? It's been such a long time..." A slight pause. "Twenty years?"

"Nineteen," Obi-Wan corrected, having a sip of his tea as he gave a light shrug. "Anakin is too busy to really make plans with. He doesn't even know that I'm here right now. I'd rather not busy myself with plans that won't be noticed or appreciated. It doesn't seem worth the time."

At that, Satine raised a slender brow, curious. "Too busy? For his husband? Are you sure you're not being overly sensitive? You can be so emotional, sometimes.." She shook her head and sipped from her cup.

"Excuse me? Emotional? I'm a Jedi, I can't be overly emotional." He smirked faintly, mirroring her, sipping his tea.

"A former Jedi, you mean. Sometimes it's difficult to remember that you ever were one... you're so different from that man that I once knew. Fewer half-truths, but far more hyperbole. Perhaps it's something that naturally comes with old age."

"Or it's possible that the sour picture you painted of me many years ago was full of inaccuracies but, oh excuse me, that would mean that you were wrong about something. And we both know that that just simply isn't possible." Smiling smugly, Obi-Wan tipped his teacup to her.

"I can be wrong, you know." A pause, and she flashed him a smile of her own. "But in this case, I am not. What I am... is worried. About Sarai."

The moment their daughter's name came up, his smile disappeared and he sat up straight, instantly concerned. It took a lot to make Satine worry, about Sarai especially. "What's wrong? Has something happened? Is she alright?"

"Oh, calm down. She's fine. As far as I can tell, at least. But I don't like how she's been forced to live all these years. She's a strong girl with a big heart and it's a crime that her husband refuses to live with her and keeps the children away." Satine's expression darkened, clearly bitter about the grandchildren all being away, for most of the year.

Obi-Wan looked surprise, not having expected to hear such a thing come out of her mouth. He hadn't heard her say even a single negative word in regard to Corran before. "A crime? Satine, now you're the one that's being overemotional--"

"I most certainly am not!" She bit back at him, setting her teacup back onto her saucer harder than she needed to. "Sarai is a wonderful person, a spectacular Duchess, wife, and mother. And as such, she does not speak about her true feelings. I don't need to be Force-sensitive like the lot of you to know how it hurts her deeply to have her most loved ones far away from her, constantly, and by their choice."

... this was very new. Obi-Wan was unsure of how to respond. He tried to humor her, nodding slowly. "... well, I'm sure it must be difficult for her to be away from her children. Just as it was for you when she came to live with me."

"That was a very different situation, Obi. I had many years with her, I raised her in a way that I--" She paused, lowering her eyes. "--in a way of which I thought you would be proud. I wanted you to be able to look in on her from the beyond and it would bring you peace."

A fond smile came to Obi-Wan's lips. Satine didn't show this soft side often, but when she did, it just reminded him how much he cared for her. His hand came forward and rested over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "And you did a spectacular job. When she was in my care, I wanted nothing more than to raise her to be a young woman that you would be proud of."

Turning her hand over slowly, Satine laced their fingers together, her blue eyes lifting to meet her companion's. "... and you did a fine job. But that does not rid me of my fears. She needs her family, Obi. I don't like her here all alone, with no one but herself to confide in." She hesitated, then continued, "... well, no one except for him."

"Him?" Obi-Wan's brows furrowed, suddenly rather concerned. He didn't like the way she'd said that.

"Yes. Fenn Shysa. They met several years ago when she, against my judgment but I won't get started on that now, agreed to allow a new military group to form here on Mandalore. The Mandalorian Protectors. Sarai insists that having a strong authoritative force is in the planet's best interest, but I still do not approve. They spend more time together than I am comfortable with. Especially when her husband lives on another planet."

"Satine.. you don't think--" He began, startled by what this implied. "No, no. Don't be dramatic. I don't feel anything questionable is happening between them, but there are rumors running about. What if those whispers eventually reach Corran?"

"Well, it might actually convince him to come to Mandalore and stay, at least for a while. It could be a blessing in disguise." "I don't think so. I think this could be very, very bad, if it continues. For a multitude of reasons."

The two sat in silence, staring across the table at each other, both sets of brows furrowed, lips pressed into thin lines. Eventually, Obi-Wan gave her hand a squeeze and then released it, going to take her cup and refill it for her, adding cream and sugar to her liking.

"Then... perhaps we should become those meddling parents that children are never fond of. That would be a refreshing change of pace for us." With a dry chuckle, Satine gave a light shrug, taking her tea and watching him as he refilled his own cup.

"You mean we should be the 'bad guy' in this situation? Well that is a rather exciting notion. I've never gotten to be the bad guy before." "Though you would play one uncannily well!"

He laughed, lifting his tea cup to Satine, who followed suit.

"To our dastardly deeds." "May they never find out, lest we be banned from our grandchildren for the rest of our natural lives."

With that, they gently tapped teacups and sipped, their cups hiding their respective smiles, but not the shared mischievous look in their eyes.

Breakfast meeting with Uncle Bail
Reorganize the Senatorial candidate list via sector and restructure jurisdictions based on population
Make preparations for Ryoo and Pooja’s visit
Actually REMEMBER to eat lunch today?
Plan for a family Baroonda trip to be had next praxeum break
Call Jaina
Find an anniversary gift for Han
Find a birthday gift for Annie
Structure funding plan for temple restoration and museum conversion
Make appointment to see Queen Rekaja over Naboo’s 50-year peace celebration with the Gungans

Leia sighed heavily, looking over her to-do list, checking off her lunch reminder as she nibbled pensively on a slice of apple. Day in, day out, so busy. Always. Every second of every day, it felt like. The days when she was a normal Nabooan girl seemed so far away and, really, that was because they were. She could hardly remember what it was like to have no responsibilities. Or fewer of them, anyway. With a family like hers, there was no such thing as having zero responsibilities.

Daddy and Luke always caused trouble, Uncle Ben was always a little down. Things were disorganized and chaotic and while the boys could deal with that sort of craziness, it had always driven her nuts.

Despite how busy she always was now, she could honestly say that her life was actually less stressful than when she was a child. Growing up with her aunt and cousins had been wonderful, but there was always a standard set for her: following in her mother’s footsteps. She’d been raised to do that, to maybe replace the Naberrie daughter that had been lost. While she was quite happy in politics, she sometimes wondered what line of work she’d have gone into without that influence.

Not that it mattered. In any other life, she likely wouldn’t have met Han. She loved that smarmy reformed-pirate more than anything. More than anyone. He made her a better person and she liked to think she did the same for him. Plus, he gave her the three most wonderful children that anyone could have asked for.

The twins’ birth was difficult. She didn’t remember much, only that her body had been put through so much stress from carrying two children that she nearly didn’t make it. One moment she was in horrifying pain, and the next? She was opening her eyes to Han’s worried face.

The thought of that brought a smile to her lips. He was so cute when he was worried. It was something he didn’t do often, and showed it even more rarely, but she knew. She could always tell what he was feeling, and that wasn’t just because of the Force. Everything about him, Leia knew, accepted, and adored. Right down to the way he still tended to barter and haggle when they were out and about somewhere. While he had his fair share of greed as well as access to her account, he was still him. That would never change.

Discarding her list for now, she focused her attention on her computer, bringing up a series of photos. They were all of her family; Han, the twins, her little angel Annie. Perusing through them, she’d smile and linger on the ones she’d managed to get of Han shortly after the twins were born. He was on the couch in the parlor of their Naboo palace, dead asleep, nearly falling off the cushions with Jaina in the crook of his arm and Jacen had somehow managed to scoot his way down between his father’s knees and was in serious danger of getting punted into the floor.

There was another when they were a bit older... she was pregnant with Annie at the time, she was fairly sure. He was on the floor with them in the nursery, sleeping with Jaina and Jacen, holding their little hands. She’d covered them with a blanket and let them be, not wanting to disturb them. And also because she wanted to take a zillion pictures!

Maybe those were actually the days she missed most... the two years she had between being a queen and being a senator. She had the time to be pregnant and start their family and be with her babies and her husband. They were nearly all grown now, and she still wasn’t entirely sure where all of that time went. How it happened. Sometimes she’d hoped it was all a dream, that she hadn’t missed their whole lives going by, that they were still just children that wanted to see Mommy.

Blinking away a few tears, Leia shook her head. Silly thoughts. She didn’t much feel like working anymore, though. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take a small break. A nap, even.

Nodding to herself, she got up, deciding to ditch out on her work and go back to their suite for a much-deserved catnap. If she was lucky, Han would be there, and they could get a little quality time, before duty called once again.

The last few months had been fairly uneventful as far as business went. Day in, day out, queen stuff, politician stuff, daughter stuff. Occasionally sister stuff.

And, every few weeks, girlfriend stuff. Though that wasn't exactly what she considered her relationship with Han Solo to be, it was the closest thing to what they were doing. Not exactly friends, not exactly lovers. Just two people that laid eyes on each other and had to have each other right at that moment. Talk never needed to happen, rarely did.

It surprised her that as time went on, Han tended to stay a bit longer, rather than leave immediately like the first time. It was nice to have her bed not grow cold so quickly. Most times now he waited for her to fall asleep to leave. Except today.

When Leia awoke, she felt heavy and tired, but over all of that, she felt a bit too warm. And trapped. Peeking brown eyes open, her vision took a moment to clear, but when it did. She was very surprised. Han was there. Still there. In bed. She'd cuddled into his side during the night and he'd stayed right there beside her and fell asleep.

Wow.

Unable to help a bit of a giddy smile, she carefully crawled on top of him and laid there, some messy hair falling into her face as she reached out to delicately trace his jawline with a finger, then his lips. She'd never seen him sleep before... he was so handsome and even when lost to dreams, he was strong and didn't seem the least bit vulnerable. She liked that.

She was content to lie above him beneath the sheets and watch him, wondering if staying the night was planned or not. Likely not. And when he woke up to her gorgeous face, she wanted to see the shock and terror that would inevitably show when he realized what he'd done~

Obi-Wan was in the kitchen, digging a spoon into a dish of bread pudding, scooping it into a large bowl for himself.

“This is the only thing I eat, because I’m a picky little child~”

He said, taking a big bite of it into his mouth with a grumpy frown. The accent he used was just terrible; an attempt to imitate Anakin’s, but didn’t sound like him at all.

The argument had started a few moments ago and… he had no idea what it was about. Why they were arguing or what the significance of any of this was. All he knew was that Anakin had frayed his last nerve today and he would pay! Somehow!

Leaning against the counter, he gave a light, nonchalant shrug and started out the window with a conceited smile on his face. “I’m going to leave my dishes in the sink too, you can clean them later. Since you know, you’re the girl and all.” Said in his most passive-aggressive, snarky tone.

“While you’re at it, pour me some milk. I can’t have my bread pudding without my weird blue milk.”

It had been a long couple of days.

Earlier in the week, he'd met with his sister, who just as expected had traveled from Naboo to Coruscant to see him. He knew that if he hired someone as cocky and loudmouthed as Han Solo that he would be caught and she would correctly suspect that he had something to do with the break-in.

While he did absolutely need the information to find out who Isard's sleeper spy was in the praxeum, he needed her for one other very important task: transporting Master Yoda to someplace safe. Shortly after arriving at the Temple, he had found out where he was being held. It was just a matter of time before he had a window to covertly free him.

Once that opportunity had come, Luke had not hesitated and done it immediately, quietly ushering the old Grand Master off, handing him over to his sister, knowing that he would be safe with her. The praxeum was the only safe place for him, now, with how things stood. As much as he'd deny it, he needed the protection of his father and uncle.

After that, he'd analyzed the data that he had hired Han to procure. He had several leads that he had meant to follow, when he overheard that Isard was planning a full assault on the praxeum. Of course, that was a ridiculous idea from both viewpoints. The praxeum was more than equipped to take out several dozen men with his father and uncle alone, not counting any of the instructors or students. And losing those men for such a stupid cause was not strategically sound.

But then he heard exactly what the reason was for her strike: stealing Corran back and killing Sarai.

That just would not do at all.

So... he'd decided to have a little 'discussion' with her, that ended in his lightsaber impaling her heart. After about four seconds.

He couldn't just leave her body around, but she didn't deserve the respect of a burning or burial... so he'd taken it upon himself to sneak off back to Naboo and plant her body in his father's office. Not to frame anymore, but just let it be clearly known that she was no longer a threat to any of them. The engagement ring was placed in a box and set outside of Corran's room in the medical wing.

It was the day after that, now, when Luke decided he was feeling nostalgic and he went home. To the first place that ever really felt like a home... the apartment they'd all lived in together, in 500 Republica.

He always liked it here. He missed the lush greenery of Stewjon, but it really was a good place to grow up, that he loved and appreciated very much. As he walked through the livingroom, toward the large transparisteel windows, he smiled. Such a spectacular view... and faint, happy memories.

Memories of a better time, when he and his father were closer.

Sighing, he pulled his data pad out and began to scroll through the information he'd procured, going to follow up on those leads he had in mind. Even if it made him sad, he could think more clearly here than... really, anywhere else.

If only you could go back in time..

Luke had been waiting for this moment…

Weeks had passed since the wedding, since he’d seen Mara. In that time, he’d relocated from Tatooine to Coruscant, to his new Master. Though he referred to him as such, he didn’t exactly agree with his methods. For instance, while his escort picked him up in Mos Eisley, other soldiers had gone to the Lars family farm to dispose of his aunt and uncle so they couldn’t report his sudden disappearance to his father.

Sensing they were in danger, he knocked out his escorts and hijacked the speeder, racing back to the farm just in the nick of time to slay their would-be assassins. Immediately, he rushed his aunt and uncle from the farm, putting them on a transport to Stewjon, sending his other Uncle Owen a message to please look after them until it was safe for them to return.

Only then, did he meet back up with his escorts, flash them a charming smile, that was far too like that of his Uncle Ben, upon their awakening, and tell them that NOW they could be off~

He laid low for the most part. Concentrating all of his focus on his training, every lesson, learning new ways of combat as well as how to control the darkness within him and using it as a tool rather than letting it consume him and letting it use HIM as the tool. He’d taken quickly to these methods, soaking up all of the information and the different techniques, making them his own. But in this entire time, throughout it all, he’d been alone.

Truly alone, with no family or friends. He was very lonely.

He wanted Mara.

Thus, the very day Ysanne Isard came to Coruscant to meet him, and she spoke of the terrible things she’d done to Corran and what she planned to do to others if she could get their hands on them… including the woman he loved… he decided she had to go. Not now, not immediately, but soon. And, he had to get to Mara before she could.

Similarly to what happened to Corran, Mara would be ambushed by several men, interested in gagging and tying her up. There were five of them, knowing she’d be a challenge, and they very nearly didn’t succeed, but one man managed to get the rope around her waist and trap her arms to her sides, then it wound around her legs to completely incapacitate her. A cloth was tied around her eyes to blind her and she was silenced with another cloth over her mouth.

They took her straight to their ship and blasted off into space, immediately making the jump to hyperspace. Within ten hours, they were unloading her and transferring her to a room at the Temple. The old council room, specifically. Luke was sitting in one of the chairs, watching the sun begin to set, his presence no longer hidden from the Force. He wanted her to feel him and know that he was here for her. Upon arriving with Mara, she would be ungagged, untied, unblindfolded, then shoved into the room to see him.

Feeling her before he saw her, Luke had stood up. Seeing her, a bit disheveled and likely irate… just made her so much more beautiful to him. He smiled from where he was, going to let her get the first word in. She always liked that.