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Out Of The Ashes (Part 2)
(continued from Another Sky #7)
CHAPTER 5
There was no fanfare to greet the goodwill delegation from the New Republic. Leia, dressed in a shimmering white tunic overlaid with a conservatively tailored overskirt, strode forward, flanked only by her brother. Luke's hand went instinctively to the butt of his lightsaber as an obviously military detachment approached. The others, about thirty paces back, except for Wedge and Artoo, held their positions. Wedge and Artoo had stayed on board, keeping the ship in a pre-flight sequence in case any trouble should arise. Leia, ever the princess, radiated a regal disapproval as the military's commander greeted them.
"I am Chief of Security Taloop, at your disposal. On behalf of all Kaftyk, we welcome you and your delegation to our world. If you will accompany me, we will escort you to your accommodations."
"I am Councillor Organa-Solo, High Plenitentarate of the New Republic," Leia began. "The governing officiates were unable to attend?" she asked.
"They are most preoccupied with finalizing this evening's banquet preparations. It is being held in your honor." Taloop was impressed by the obviously high-ranking official sent to his world. Hesitantly, he peered beyond her to the darkly dressed man standing silently.
"This is the honored Jedi Master Skywalker?"
Luke inclined his head and regarded Taloop gravely.
"At your service."
As the team rode in the air limousine towards the only tall building visible - an impressive ivory-colored tower - Leia unofficially opened dialogue briefly. Her colleagues listened in admiration as she then skillfully guided the conversation into discussions of Kaftyk's natural wonders.
Taloop went on to explain his government's reluctance to mingle in interstellar affairs. It began when Kaftyk had received several other envoys decades ago... those visitors had turned out to be fronts for illicit organizations.
"We would not so dishonor ourselves by trading with such thieves. That taint would plague the next seven generations!" Taloop had exclaimed.
Their lodgings were located in an upper level of the ivory tower. They were shown to individual suites; this floor had been cleared exclusively for them. Each room contained a bedroom, receiving area, oversized bathroom and droid alcove. The wall replicators were currently being repaired by R2-D2 and C-3PO to avoid any embarrassing ailments.
The team had gathered in Leia's suite, where C-3PO seemed ready to overheat. R2-D2 was working on Wedge's unit, so were unable to assist in the adjustments here.
"Where is Artoo when I need him?" he complained. "Oh dear, oh dear."
"I thought you were fluent in six million forms of communications?" Vetek called out. "Try a little diplomacy!"
C-3PO half-turned and replied disdainfully, "Sir, that would not help. This one's primitive dialect is also not included in that figure. However will I comply?"
The group chuckled at C-3PO's beleaguered tone as they adjourned to their suites to change. There wasn't much time remaining until their presence was required down on the first level. They agreed to meet in Leia's room after donning formal attire.
Ariadne was the first to arrive at Leia's. Having once possessed longer hair than even the princess', she assisted Leia with the intricate style she'd chosen. That completed, Ariadne sauntered back to the receiving area. The door sensor announced visitors, and parted at her command. Everyone else, including Wedge, who'd just made it back, entered and sat down. The pilots seemed especially uncomfortable with their stiff outfits. Much of their time was spent in soft flight suits, or in Luke's case, a diaphanous robe.
Luke's eyes widened as he took in Ariadne's transformation. She smiled at his unspoken compliment, then turned away, embarrassed. Leia had requisitioned an appropriate wardrobe for her aide after the first training mission; the Alliance needed to maintain a certain decorum in the political arena. Tonight, she wore a long black dress, gathered only at the bodice and belted simply. Her long tresses hung in a single braid wrapped with a shiny cord.
Leia came in sporting a white dress similar in cut to the one she'd worn at the landing site, only this one fell to brush the ground. It was intricately embroidered with gold filigree. A wide golden torque completed the look. She looked every bit the Princess. As before, the others were slightly in awe of her.
Leia surveyed the men's appearance, satisfied with their formal tunics over the shiny black pants. Luke was the exception, as usual, wearing only a slight variation of his usual black attire. His collar was embroidered with the same design as the Princess', only in a gleaming black wire. The ever-present lightsaber dangled at the usual cant, this time enhancing the outfit with its silvery gleam. Leia fervently hoped its use would not be required this trip.
"Okay, High-Whatever-We-Are," Leia stated, "time for a final briefing. Vetek, did you bring the info diskettes?"
Vetek shook his head, the light catching on the wide streak of gray at his temple. It had been highlighted silver for that occasion.
"No, it's in my room."
"Then let's all go over there and review it one more time," Leia instructed. "Oh, Ariadne? Luke? Could you please get the gift offerings from my bag, then meet us at Vetek's?" Without waiting for a reply, Councillor Leia-Organa-Solo herded everyone, including C-3PO out the door.
Luke grinned and said to Ariadne, "I think my sister's up to something."
"Seems that way," she replied. "Now, where is that bag she was talking about?"
"I think it's the clothes bag in her bedroom. I'll go check." He went in to look, then called out, "You know, I'm not looking forward to this party. We're going to be stuck there all night!"
Luke re-emerged, balancing the parcels. He set them down on the couch, then joined Ariadne on the window seat. It was stuffed with the most mis-matched pillows he'd ever seen, and he usually didn't notice such things. They were loudly colored, too. He tugged at the high collar, wishing he could remove it now. The single decoration, a medal, swung from the pin at his breast It caught Ariadne's eye.
"What was that for?" She gestured at the decoration.
"This? It's from the first battle I'd flown for the Rebellion. They gave it to me after I'd blown up the Death Star."
"Ah, yes," she nodded. "We heard about that on Cleff. Legend has it, using the Force, you'd destroyed the monstrous weapon single-handedly."
Luke stiffened. "Not quite. Many people fought there; I was just one of the lucky ones who survived." His blue eyes lost focus as he recalled the faces of his slain comrades; one in particular, Biggs, had been a childhood friend. They used to target womprats back in Beggar's Canyon on Tatooine.
"I'm sorry."
The Jedi blinked.
"It's okay. I was just remembering a good friend of mine from where I'd grown up. He'd been killed covering me. I'd have been dead too, if Han hadn't come to clear my tail."
"The story also states that the great Jedi Order was reborn on that day. Who fired the shot that destroyed the battle station?" She paused as Luke pointed to himself.
"Our Composers Guild," she continued, "has been contracted to write a ballad of that event."
Luke gaped in dismay. "It's not like that at all! I'm just a kid who got off some backwater moisture farm to join something big."
"You're doing yourself and everyone else who dies a major disservice by denying your pivotal role in all this." She frowned as he snorted.
"I suppose you're honored to be talking to the Great Jedi Warrior." Luke stood, pacing angrily. Ariadne moved swiftly to block his path, suddenly angry with him.
"Luke, all I said was that one of our Guilds had been contracted to record the battle orally, in the form of a song," she retorted. "That's a tradition that goes way back in many civilizations. Also, I fail to understand why you get so worked up whenever somebody acknowledges your part in the Rebellion's ultimate victory! You've accomplished some pretty extraordinary feats for a 'backwater moisture farmer'. I honor all that you've done and your crucial role in resurrecting the Jedi. People need something to believe in. You've managed to restore the Jedi hope that the galaxy had thought gone forever! Remember this: if you hadn't become a Jedi Knight, your father would've had no shot at redemption, and the Emperor would have continued destroying entire worlds!"
"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, Sir, Madam," Both of them turned sharply at C-3PO's voice, "but Princess Leia had sent me to inform you both that we will be late if we don't depart now."
"All right. Tell her we're on our way." Luke turned and met Ariadne's brown eyes. "Thanks."
"For what?" She stared at him puzzled.
"For your point of view. Come on - Leia hates to be late."
They arrived at the reception hall on the main level of the Ivory Tower, and were greeted by numerous dignitaries milling about. As they wended their way inside the crowded room, Leia spotted the heads of state she'd spoken with over the subspace channels and led the others to the table at which they were to be seated .
During the seven-course meal, entertainers performed while conversations continued at a feverish pitch. The High Governor's son had been seated next to Ariadne and was currently monopolizing her attention. She stared down the table of glitterai while attempting to devise a way to encourage Ratson to converse with another. She observed Vetek down at his end of the row conversing animatedly with his group. Leia was also engrossed in conversation, with the planet's ranking officials. She herself had mingled a bit before being seated next to the annoying person on her right. Glancing at Luke, she noticed him staring directly at her trying to smother an evil grin. As she pondered the location of his ankle, his eyebrows shot up. Were Jedi telepathic? Unfortunately Skywalker was seated diagonally from her, three chairs over. Out of range for now; she vowed revenge for later. She made a face as he threw her another teasing look, then proceeded to ignore him the rest of the evening.
Leia had observed her brother and aide's discreet interplay with interest. Perhaps the party wouldn't be so dull after all. Bail Organa's daughter had been involved in politics since turning fourteen, and had yet to attend an ambassadorial function that didn't end one of two ways: hostage crisis or boredom. Leia could count on one hand the notable exceptions.
Of her team, only Vetek seemed to truly relish the proceedings. Wedge looked as if he'd rather engage a Gundaark hand-to-hand, and Luke appeared to echo the sentiment. What had happened? On, the number one son of the planet was still trying to elicit Ariadne's undivided attention for the evening, and Ariadne was ignoring him, and Luke. Wait - Leia stifled a laugh as her two favorite colleagues glanced each other's way, and upon meeting gazes looked hurriedly in the other direction.
Chief Taloop had also noticed Ratson's unwelcome attention bestowed upon High Ambassador Organa-Solo's aide. That idiot had been groomed from birth to assume a significant role in the future governing body. He wanted no such dallying people dictating policies from the ruling Tower. Like most spoilt children from families of influence, Ratson displayed an appalling lack of interest in Kaftyk's economic stability. That boded ill for the next generation.
With the galaxy recovering from war and his people possibly opening up to trade, their future leaders would have to be completely committed, using all their resources. It wasn't that Ratson wasn't smart; he was extremely intelligent. He just needed to prioritize. If his interest could be piqued by the fairly attractive woman, then perhaps that interest would be channeled into other interstellar areas.
The Jedi's presence was a relief to all assembled. No one knew why that ancient order of galactic peacekeepers had fallen silent these past several generations. Judging by Master Skywalker's relatively youthful appearance, the Jedi had only recently resumed its training. However, Taloop had difficulty in determining the man's age; the boyish features had a few lines, and the ice-blue eyes seemed to contain many secrets.
The remainder of the evening proceeded smoothly. Upon exiting though, the too-handsome Ratson came up and attempted to take Ariadne's arm. As she deflected the maneuver tactfully, he offered to give her a tour of the local night life. As she opened her mouth to decline, Luke came up and linked her hand through his arm. Evidently, he'd been aware of her predicament, for he steered her out of the building hurriedly as Ratson made to pursue. Turning a corner, they giggled like kids - they'd seen Ratson thwarted by the stream of exiting dignitaries
They continued to walk, enjoying the fresh air and somewhat chilly night. Stepping onto a dimly-lit pedestrian way, they paused to take in the moonless sky. The stars were very bright against the dark backdrop. Arms still linked, Ariadne felt Luke shiver as they resumed meandering along the path. He'd grown up on a desert world. She moved closer.
"Thanks for the rescue. It's nice to have been saved by a genuine knight in shining duralloy. I owe you one."
He grinned. "Lightsaber, you mean. That guy really had you cornered tonight!"
"So did your dinner companion." She hadn't missed the exotic female's attraction to the Jedi.
"I didn't think you'd noticed."
"Hmph." Ariadne snorted. "I also owe you a kick in the ankle for enjoying my predicament with 'Sir-Son-of-a-Rat'."
"What? No way!" He laughed, then lapsed into a comfortable silence that lasted the rest of the walk. As they passed under a lamp, Ariadne again noticed how beautiful his blue eyes were. She then looked away, realizing just how aware of this man she'd been lately.
He possessed a core of goodness that shone like a pure light. Her empathic instinct had returned, attuning itself to him so strongly that she was immediately aware of Luke entering a room sight unseen.
Troubled by the return of such emotions, she attempted to resolve the disloyalty she now felt for enjoying Skywalker's company so much. Both husband and children lay dead; how could she want to 'rejoin the living', as dear old Koob had once put it? They had arrived at the Tower; upon reaching her suite, she bid Luke goodnight at the door. He squeezed her hand firmly as their arms disengaged. Despite her mood, she found herself smiling brilliantly in return before entering the rooms. She fell asleep wondering if his thoughts were on her now.
The next morning, everyone awoke early, and opted for a communal breakfast in the Tower's cavernous dining area on Level Two. They talked and laughed as if they were on vacation instead of being only four hours away from an extremely important negotiations session. Vetek led the merriment, as usual. Leia too was clearly enjoying the time away from the castle; back on Coruscant she was hounded every waking and sleeping moment. All that was missing was her husband.
That aggravating ex-smuggler was the love of her life. They never got enough time to spend together, a situation they were both determined to remedy. Han and Leia had acquired more personnel in their respective sections and were busy training the people to assume portions of each's tremendous workload. Since having children, their priorities had begun to shift, by necessity. Unfortunately, that resulted in even less time for the two of them. She vowed to do something about that upon their return.
The group left the building to do some sightseeing around the brightly decorated city until the midday opening ceremony began. This meeting would set the tone for the rest of the negotiations between the two governments. Arriving alert, but relaxed would only improve the first impression.
The session began with wishes of prosperity to both sides, then the talks commenced in earnest. Ariadne spoke first, briefly explaining how the Empire's fall and the New Republic's subsequent rise to power had occurred. Her mellifluous Entertainer's voice projected to the farthest reaches of the chamber, breathing life into the historical anecdote.
Leia took the podium next, the former princess of Alderaan arguing eloquently that without a centralized government, interstellar crime lords would seize the opportunity to undermine further already fractured business alliances. The economic discord that would undoubtedly follow would ignite territorial disputes and wars. The renegades would be the only ones to profit by such a badly fragmented galaxy. That would result in an incalculable cultural and commercial loss, spiralling the known civilizations back down into the Dark Ages.
Vetek then supplied figures and mathematical equations that illuminated specific gains by adopting a unilateral trade agreement. He had R2-D2 holographically display an algorithmic model designed to demonstrate where in all this Kaftyk had to gain. C-3PO explained with him that having an allied front would significantly minimize the hazards to freighter routes by the aforementioned.
The team assembled together to field questions by the Kaftyk representatives as the Floor Controller opened the session to debate. Vetek handed her the disks containing the previously outlined points when Leia began the closing speech.
"As we have discussed today, your world has much to offer the New Republic as we do to you. Please think over what we've talked about today, then bring any questions you might have to the meeting tomorrow. On behalf of the Alliance, my associates and I wish to thank you for extending us the opportunity to speak with you concerning these matters. Good evening."
At the signal from the Controller, they left the hall in the direction she'd indicated. The team immediately went upstairs to change into more comfortable attire, then dine together and discuss the day's work and their impressions of the people's reactions.
Everybody entered Leia's room slowly - the entire team had come down with a collective migraine. They didn't bother with dinner. Instead, they returned to their ship to see if the 'The New Covenant's' med-scanners could provide any diagnosis. After scanning everyone, the computer deduced that everyone was functioning perfectly. The team sarcastically thanked the computer for its help, then re-emerged from the ship to find that their pain had lessened considerably. They decided it was due to the intense diplomatic process, and not the food, as nobody seemed to be manifesting any other symptom. Ariadne was somewhat unconvinced, though. Luke had maintained a low-profile, observing the negotiations very carefully for any negative feedback. His headache had been just as excruciating. He'd walked straighter to the ship than the others only because he'd employed a pain-control technique. As proficient as Leia was becoming with the Force, that was still a weak area. She found that out when she gave birth to her twins. Luke had yet to cope with a pain of that magnitude, she'd asserted to her brother.
The next day dawned clear and bright - very bright, due to the miasma of colors and patterns that were the Kaftykkans' idea of decorating. Vetek couldn't understand how a supposedly color-blind world would even think of using colors, to which Ariadne replied, "Since they are achromasiac, how could they know what they were using?"
The group repeated the previous day's routine, steeling themselves for the extremely difficult set of negotiations to come today. Scheduled were individual points of contention that would require the hard sell. Again they concluded that a relaxed mind would help them deliver more forcefully. Dispensing with the tour guide, the group headed out to search for their own landmarks.
Ariadne's mind was light years away. Ignoring the riotously-colored scenery, she realized that the growing feelings for Luke Skywalker could not be dispelled. This trip had brought them far closer together unexpectedly. They'd been comfortable around each other right from the start, but now... she'd lain awake for hours, trying to figure out the conundrum. After all she'd lost, how could this be? Of course coming to Coruscant had been the catalyst for the healing to begin. Luke had been a part of her life with the New Republic; this was the third such mission together. Yet, this particular voyage had them seeking each other out often. She gazed down at their clasped hands. Squeezing it brought a delighted smile in response. This thirty-eight-year old man had extraordinary depths, and Ariadne found herself wanting to explore every one.
The marathon session had also lasted well into the evening. Afterward, the Alliance's delegation found their headaches returning. Of the group, Luke and Ariadne were again affected slightly less. Everyone knew why the Jedi was partially exempt, but couldn't deduce Ariadne's reason. They attempted to find commonalties, but the only thing any of them came up with was Vetek's flippant remark that Luke and Ariadne were the only team members holding hands - perhaps all should try that.
Deciding to take a walk, the group discovered that their migraines had eased under the dark sky. Wedge immediately set Artoo and Threepio scanning the food, air and water supply in the Ivory Tower. As before, everything checked out.
When morning finally arrived, everyone slept late. R2-D2 had set the windows' light receptors to opaque on Luke's command, so no sunlight disturbed the afflicted group. Perhaps extra sleep would help.
After breakfast, they went out to search for some clues. Unfortunately, the collective migraine resumed much earlier this time. They now sat inside a low domed structure, open arches everywhere admitting gentle breezes. The interior had been painted light grey. There had been indications outside that this was a religious structure, but nothing identified what was being deified. At this point, nobody cared enough to inquire. The cranial pressure began to ease slowly, giving Wedge the energy to comment.
"I still don't see anything out of the ordinary to cause this. Neither do the droids. How about the Force, Luke?"
The Jedi shrugged. "Doesn't work as a med-scanner. I can't sense anything amiss, though."
Vetek cradled his head in his hands. "I haven't noticed anybody hostile towards us. Everything about this place also conforms to human specs. The only thing weird is their total lack of co-ordination! It's downright surreal."
Leia groaned.
"That's to be expected from a genetically achromatic race."
Ariadne bolted upright, then immediately regretted it. She gratefully accepted Luke's steadying hand and loan of a shoulder. Through closed eyes she stated, "Color's the problem - the cause of our headaches."
Four pairs of eyebrows shot up simultaneously. "What?"
" Well," Ariadne elaborated, "my home world is primarily comprised of musicians and some artists. Our interpretations of those medias have been occasionally quite bizarre, though nothing as widespread as all this. Being bombarded by the color spectrum like this has overloaded our receptors. They can't compensate until dark, or the removal of color. The intense sunlight aggravates the condition by reflection, especially those hideous neons."
"Great," Vetek complained, "so how do we go about stopping our brain cells from being cauterized? Hey - what about filtering lenses - wearing them?"
"Good idea," Leia said tiredly, " but these people probably haven't needed to invent those. I wonder where we could locate such items?"
"Wait a minute!" Wedge exclaimed. " You know the gifts we'd presented to the parliament yesterday? Those achromatic lenses are similar to what's used in our ships viewports."
"Wedge, you may have just saved our cranial shells! " Leia stated.
" Question is, will our hosts permit us to borrow back a few to provide a small demonstration."
" Well," Vetek quipped, " we could request the negotiations be held in the dark night, like the hominids of Benki IV. Those plasma-ingesters are truly creatures of the night."
The others rolled their eyes upward as Vetek proceeded to elaborate.
Ariadne being from a world of 'bizarre interpretations' smirked as she stood carefully. She was to first to recover, thanks to that upbringing. Luke, drawing on the steadying influence of the Force, did likewise.
They meandered around the large, circular building, noting the multi-tiered rotunda risings upward, inlaid with mosaic stone panels. The whole area seemed to be constructed of local woods. This was an acoustical musician, singer or orator's dream. They stopped to scrutinize the only alcoved portion of the room. An antique of some sort lay swathed in gauzy veils. There were no identifying placards on the plain hangings to either side of the object, but Ariadne didn't need any. She stared at it, reverently pushing aside the thin wrappings.
" What is it?" Luke had noticed her mesmerized expression and trembling hands.
" I don't recall its name, but this is the forerunner to all modern synth-keyplexes and other related instruments down through the ages." Gently raising the lid, she carefully depressed three keys. Her eyes closed in appreciation as the beautiful chord sounded and held for several heartbeats. She turned to her companion, eyes sparkling.
" Luke, do you know I've never even seen one of these outside a museum, except on a holo? What I wouldn't give to be able to play just one song!"
He smiled at her enthusiasm as she grasped his arm for emphasis. As he opened his mouth to tell her to go ahead, heavy, rapid footfalls approached. Sensing danger, the Jedi spun around and moved to cover Ariadne as the lightsaber was unclipped, all in one fluid, lightning maneuver. Ariadne tensed, knowing his unerring instincts and looked about to locate some weapon.
Leia, Wedge and Vetek reached them moments after a tall, imposing man confronted Luke and Ariadne. He was flanked by several robed guards.
"Who has dared touch the Latna?"
Leia interceded smoothly, "We were compelled by its beauty to come closer and appreciate it."
The angry-faced older acolyte ignored her and again demanded, "I ask again, who has touched the Holy Ones' Voice, and by what right?"
" I did," Ariadne replied. " I was drawn to it and was seized with an overpowering urge to hear its song. I beg pardon if I have offended." She had a bad feeling about this.
Their robed interrogator leaned forward menacingly.
"None but the consecrated may evoke its might. You are all taught that from early youth."
The princess tried again. "We are strangers here from a far away place. If you contact the Ivory Tower, they will confirm our identities."
The cold ascetic leaned forward to press a tiny button set in the wall.
"That is similar to what the vandals pleaded. However, they had incurred the full penalty, their sentence determined by the failing of the Proving."
A group of modestly dressed monks appeared, headed by an older man. He strode forward as Leia's team edged closer still. "Where is the transgressor?" The leader stared hostiley as Ariadne gestured in reply.
"Why is touching that artifact a crime?" Luke inquired, "and what is the 'penalty' that the other was referring to?"
The other's lip curled scornfully. "Do they neglect the catechisms so much now? This Latna is the Voice of the Holy Ones. In the Beginning, they left a manifestation for us to access Divine Inspiration to discern Their will."
"As I told your aide," Leia interrupted, "we are strangers and know not of your ways. No offense was intended; nor blasphemy. We have been at the Ivory Tower since our arrival several days ago. If you call, security Chief Taloop will confirm this."
"The Tower has no jurisdiction over our affairs," the monk growled. "However, we will contact him and inform the Security Chief of this one's Proving."
Leia glanced at Ariadne, not liking the sound of that. She wracked her brains for another possible angle. A religious confrontation was the last thing expected.
"The Proving," the head acolyte stated serenely, "determines the worthiness of those who stand accused. To touch the Latna, unskilled and unconsecrated, is to incur the wrath of the Law." He pointed to the stunned musician. "You will come with us now to prepare for the examination which will commence shortly. You will be sentenced in accordance with the prescriptions. Oh, and to answer your companion's question, the full retribution is death." He turned away, signalling the guards and monks alike to escort Ariadne.
Ariadne, who'd stared down angry Wookiees in her time, gazed impassively at them.
" I possess the skills - the Divine are infinite in their reach. Do you deny their presence outside these cloistered walls?"
The leader stopped to throw her a withering look.
" As you were unaware of your crime, I rather doubt your claims to skill and reception of the Spirit."
She lifted her chin and said, "Then let the Proving begin."
The religious leader gestured to her colleagues. "Your companions may witness the proceedings. Otherwise, they are free to go."
Luke stepped to Ariadne's side."We will accompany her."
The acolytes closed in.
Luke, at Ariadne's other side, stiffened, ready to take some action, but was topped by her restraining hand on his lightsaber.
"It'll be all right," she tried to assure him. "If I can meet their expectations, and I believe I can, we'll be out of here shortly."
The Jedi Master nodded. This was Ariadne's area of expertise. He drew a deep breath and willed his muscles to relax. They could not afford to jeopardize the trade agreement, but neither did he want the woman who had come to mean so much to him harmed in any way. If she couldn't accomplish what was required, some sort of diversion would be required to pull Ariadne out. A thought occurred to him... perhaps there was another way. Luke moved to confront the accuser, his gaze boring into the other's. He intoned solemnly.
"You will release the woman. She is forgiven. All is well."
The older man's eyes glazed over a she repeated, "I will release the woman... she is forgiven... all - aaah!" He backed away hissing, "Be-gone, demon - away at once!" Complex signs were hurriedly drawn in the air.
Eyes blazing, Ariadne stepped in front of Luke.
"He is not a demon! Now, you are delaying us. Is there to be a Proving or not?"
Ariadne gripped Luke's hand tightly as they were herded into an adjacent structure of similar design. However, this one had no open arches, and was solely illuminated by the sunlight that streamed in from the tiered, domed ceiling. It shone down upon a much larger version of the musical instrument in the other building.
She stared at the forbidden Latna, suddenly feeling unequal to the challenge. She hadn't truly played for years, and had lost touch with her musical center. The stakes were so high - the success of the mission, her friends' continued welfare, her very life.
After all this time, she'd finally come to terms with the pain, begun to love again.
Ariadne angrily blinked back tears - she had never been a person who cried, and wasn't about to start now. The rust obscuring the Gift seemed unbreachable.
Motivation... Inspiration - there lay the key. Glancing up at the man she loved, his grim profile was the only motivation needed. The Inspiration? Ariadne prayed silently to the God of her people. She hadn't prayed in a long time.
Luke put an arm around her shoulders.
"Don't worry, we'll figure out something. We always do," he whispered.
She shook her head. "I don't want you or anyone else risking themselves over my stupidity. Got it?"
He grimaced in reply, the grave concern lancing through her haze of misery. A wave of anger engulfed her being, blotting out doubts of the impending ordeal. 'Damn it,' she raged inwardly, 'I am eighteenth in a long line of the Gifted! They are with me now, just waiting to be summoned to provide the necessary spark! I will not disgrace them, or myself. Time to teach these robed monsters a lesson.'
A bell sounded, and the team was led to stand in front of a seated panel of what appeared to be judges. Leia, Vetek and Wedge encircled Ariadne in support as one of the seated called out.
"You who have accompanied the accused may now take their places in the witnessing rows behind us." They moved to comply as Ariadne spoke.
" I have not communed with the Divine Influence in years. Do you deny me the right to re-establish rapport?"
" We do not. The Conclave of Nine seek only truth of intent. You are hereby granted two dualrems."
That translated to twenty minutes of practice. Little time before the chamber probably filled with a hundred or so of the mysterious sect. Good thing she'd drunk nearly half the decanter of Clarinin tea at breakfast. Vocals required a well-hydrated throat passage.
Well, a performer she'd been, plying her trade in the time-honored ways of teaching, and playing intimate cafes. A few times she'd been involved in large festivals, interacting with an enormous group of talents. If necessary, she could pull a 'prima donna' act here. Sometimes, an offense could be used to one's advantage in out-righting another.
Luke empathized with his colleague's inner struggle. Recalling Leia's brand of encouragement seemingly centuries ago, swinging through enemy crossfire inside a Death Star, he kissed her cheek.
" For Luck," he stated simply.
Ariadne was not content with the chaste peck, and turned slightly to meet his lips. Brief though the kiss had to be, it provided heady inspiration. He caressed her cheek. "I'll be with you; the Force will guide you."
Their eyes spoke volumes as two guards stepped forward.
Head held high, she brushed past them to ascend the tiered ramp solo. The anger resurfaced as she approached the dusty instrument. A touch of the unelectrified keys brought a twinge of disgust. Playing a loud, discordant note, she called out, "This Latna is in terrible disrepair! And the dust - why I would not permit even a first-year novice to apprentice this! The Holy Ones must be quite displeased! I will not seek Their presence on such an outrage as this!"
The head judge smiled wanly. " It is as you say; you have passed the first trial. Therefore, the Latna shall be restored to its full glory immediately. Then you shall be Proven."
" I seek no Proving," Ariadne declared haughtily, "only vindication."
The tuning and cleaning only took an hour and a half. Only four guards were left posted. Ariadne's friends had left the hall to locate any strategic exits, should the trial go awry.
She descended the dais to take a seat and slumped back in the dark viewing chair. Head hanging back, she reviewed the memories of music learned, then dredged up some compositions of hers from the cobwebbed recesses of her mind.
Sifting through these, she came across a beautiful, unfinished piece. The melody was in place; it merely required lyrics. Ice-blue colored eyes sprang into her mind's eye - yes, it would be perfect! Now, if only her singing would be equal to the task.
A gentle pressure on her lips broke the reverie. Opening her eyes, she lost herself in those blue depths. They kissed again, more passionately this time, then shared a peaceful embrace until the others returned.
The repair crew completed their work as Leia, Wedge and Vetek rejoined them. Not wanting to squander a millisecond of practice, Ariadne stood to go rehearse. She gazed steadily at her friends.
" Well, this is it. With five-plus years off the circuit... I'm going to miss you all very much."
Leia threw an alarmed glance at her brother. "Listen, if it goes the wrong way, we'll get you out."
Ariadne grinned as the irrepressible Vetek began to sing a well-known parody of Imperial Stormtroopers. Covering her ears, she pleaded in mock horror.
"Hey - sing in tune! I can't afford to be tone-deafened right now!"
Vetek assumed a hurt expression. " If she can hear that much, the guilty party should have no difficulty in being exonerated."
Wedge flashed her a thumbs-up as she left to meet her destiny. Luke accompanied Ariadne to the foot of the dais, where she stopped him from going further.
" Don't come up. Force knows what other infractions we'll commit. Probably be denied bathroom privileges next."
The Jedi Master frowned disapprovingly. "You'd better get serious about this. I need you back in one piece." He framed her face in his hands. "I love you."
" I love you too. We'll satisfy their damn requirements and get back to some unfinished business." Ariadne gazed searchingly into his beautiful blue eyes, seeking a way to lessen the deep concern found there. She ran her fingers through his silky blonde hair, then ascended the ramp.
Luke's handsome features filled her mind's eye as she sat down on an ornately-carved stone bench. Her spirits further buoyed, Ariadne launched into a multi-octave diatonic scale run. Flashing her friends a mischievous grin, she then played a completely out of kilter piece, being certain to err in all the wrong places. Not yet satisfied with the assembling monks' pained expressions, the once-troubadour continued in the same, exacerbating the agony to perfectly pitched ears. In doing so, she ascertained that which was needed - which judges she'd have to be extremely careful with. Okay - only three with true tonality, and the other six seemed to only possess the relative. That theory was confirmed upon completion of the bizarre melodies. She flexed her fingers, feeling the increased blood flow through the wrists impart a crackling energy. A teacher at heart, she knew how to probe for weaknesses, as well as developing a tensile strength.
In her twenties, Ariadne had occasionally been able to access flashes of creative genius, and she now hoped that spark of greatness would boost her singing and playing now. A tapestry of a lifetime's course and accompanying beliefs would be woven to enthrall the audience. When a sung note pierced her meditations, she defiantly returned it, intensifying the sound to near sonics. The reverberations were pleasing - without artificial amplification, constant projection would be required to compete with the Latna's strength. A sedate keyboard artist she wasn't and couldn't be.
That core of creativity began to shine as she began the set. Luke's love had dissolved the final barriers to that place, completing the long road to emotional recovery. Such an aura of goodness emanated from the man; he had many untapped strengths. That potential was hindered by the deeply buried anger that flared from time to time. She suspected that his own emotional scars would have to be resolved before he could proceed further in that direction. Well, if nothing else, she'd find a way to return the favor and help him do that. If she survived this.
The Conclave had informed her that three hours of continuous play were required just before the Proving had commenced. They had once more inquired by what right did the Latna test her. She'd replied in a trained contralto, "By my Gifts from the Holy Ones, bestowed upon my familial line seventeen generations ago. The skills have been passed on in full measure to the eighteenth."
That had seemed to satisfy them, for she had then proceeded without interruption. Nearing the end of the first interval, she glanced over to where her friends were seating on the edge of their seats. They had been joined by Taloop and his cronies.
The Conclave of Nine signaled the end of the first hour by standing at the end of one of her pieces and intoning, "We accept your application and now seek to confirm the Divine's Shadow upon your immortal soul." The bony acolytes then raised their arms high in the air chanting, "Oh Holy Ones who remain unnamed, You delivered us out of the Darkness into the Light of your Wisdom. We now seek your will in determining the truth of matters through the holy Gift commended into your servants' hands and no other. Reveal the accused's true purpose." The one in charge then nodded in her direction, and she resumed the recital.
Leia had suffered the government officials' mumbled apologies, but when they continued at the end of the first set, she silenced the cowards with a glare. They hadn't even lifted a finger to halt the trial. At the few mistakes made initially, the group had held their breaths, then released the tension upon hearing Ariadne alter the tone to fit, then improvise her way back on track. The only reason Leia had even heard the deviation was that the Clefforian had entertained her children with these same songs. Otherwise, there was no telling. No musician herself, she did enjoy listening to it and could at least tell when something was off.
The second round was delivered flawlessly. Ariadne varied it with songs that waxed philosophical, singing how petty quarrel were futile in the face of all being washed away by the sands of time. She then drew upon the vast wealth of hymns from her own people's Creator. The True God's face was revealed in glorious harmonies. Vocals were then incorporated into a haunting lament of a lost love. The sorrow at separation was expressed with a soulful farewell to the dead one, moving the assembly. Luke had heard this on their journey here and realized it was her way of finally making peace with the past.
The final hour contained only three pieces, then an epilogue. The first song stressed the smallness of insignificant lives to the Eternals, and the small ones' survival and success anyway, covering a portion of one such life. That fed into a song that spanned her own life, speaking of a difficult life enriched by a plethora of experiences and the birth of her children. That in turn was marred by the tragedy that befell the family. She sang with all her heart of the frozen five-year journey seeking revenge while sinking into hopeless apathy. She then charted the path that returned her to life with a renewed sense of purpose. That purpose transformed the shroud's buried agony into light, the warmth of friends returning the ability to love. The song ended on a hopeful note as it described the incredible sensation of falling in love again unexpectedly.
Crossing a musical bridge, the Clefforian began to weave the second ballad's spell. It was a tribute to her love of the ice-blue eyes. The joy emoted forth spent her remaining energies as she neared the final verse and refrain. How she would complete the final piece, an epilogue of epic proportions was unknown.
As that thought caused her to falter, a sudden warmth suffused her being. It was as if Luke was beside her, or being folded into an intimate embrace. The Jedi had somehow linked with her, lending strength. She welcomed the Force's energy now coursing through her veins as well, and sang out joyfully.
" I'm sailing across an ocean blue. My voice, a silvery breeze, calling out to You. From the stars in the sky, I wish upon every night . To the dreams of love that we share Til the morning's light I'm drifting Across an expanse of stars .My love for you, a shining light, reaching out to my Eyes of Ice Blue. I want to walk the skies beside my love,to roam beyond the edge of infinity..."
A joyfully sung note held up and down a scale accompanying the closing coda. Suddenly embarrassed, she couldn't glance Luke's way. The subject of her tribute acknowledged the message by projecting the strength of his love for her. Glowing from the Jedi's, and her own brand of magic, she rallied her reserves. Shaking out aching fingers, wrists, tendons and arm ligaments, she breathed deeply and focused to prepare for the finale. She'd leave the religious order reeling with the seven-movement creationist epic.
The intricate harmonies enthralled her as always, igniting a supernova in her deepest being. It radiated forth in an explosion of thunderous rejoicing. An inner fire blazed in her mind's eye, blocking out external vision. Eighteen generations of talented singers, composers, instrumentalists and one powerful Jedi fused into a single expression of divine light and love. The sensation lasted until the last note faded. She remained oblivious to the outside world a few minutes longer, savoring the release.
Trembling, sweat dripping from her brow, she bowed her head to rest it on the keys. A standing ovation from her friends and the Kaftykkan officials forced her to make the ultimate effort to stand. Breathing deeply, she held fast to her waning strength as she stood and bowed slightly to the Conclave of nine only. Bright spots clouded her vision as she reached out a hand to the Latna to steady herself. She awaited the Judge's verdict.
The Enclave's leader approached Ariadne slowly, stopping at the foot of the stage. He returned the bow in kind, then said, "We apologize for the grave insult. It has been said that the Divine sometimes lurk in hidden vessels; we have seen that demonstrated this day. In recompensance, we offer the gift of a smaller Latna to carry their Voice back amongst the stars. I honor the Holy Ones' presence within you." He bowed again, and then turned to exit the chamber. The others of the sect followed suit.
Ariadne stared in wonder as she carefully made her way down the ramp. Leia, Vetek, Wedge and Luke met her at the bottom, each embracing her. Luke hugged her last, holding her tightly as she buried her face in his shoulder. She'd finally come home.
CHAPTER 6
One week later, the goodwill delegation departed from Kaftyk on a triumphant note. The parliament had made the decision to join the New Republic, and signed the trade agreement. As the team's first duty to the new world, they'd brought the church and state into accord for the first time in nearly a century.
Leia felt more satisfied than she'd been in a long time. Not only had Ariadne's faux pas resulted in a wildly successful outcome to their mission; she now had a new sister-in-law. Having met among the stars, they'd deemed it appropriate to be married in the infinite interstellar outback. Leia had never been so glad to be an official witness to something as Luke and Ariadne's taking off their lifemate vows via subspace communication. Everyone had celebrated for hours after. Luke and Ariadne had gone to their cabin, and were now presumably celebrating their joining in a more personal fashion. She doubted that she'd be seeing much of them the remainder of the voyage home. Leia finished transmitting a message to her own husband, apprising him of the all-around good news. She was eager to return to Coruscant and renew her marital ties with Han.
Luke and Ariadne lay nestled in each other's arms, basking in a warm afterglow. She'd thanked him personally several times for his contribution to her success. They fell asleep, content in the knowledge that they'd continue to walk the skies together for years to come.
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