Dynasty: Chunk Twenty-Seven
by Valerie Vancollie and Rebecca Thomson
Anjaleen laughed before she took a sip of wine to wash down the last of her main dish. "Is that really true?"
"Yes," Luke replied as he pushed his plate away, signaling that he was done. "Why would I make things like that up?"
"I don't know," Anja stated as a waiter took their plates. "It's just so strange."
"Which is why it's funny," Luke said.
"Will you be having dessert?" the waiter questioned as he returned with two menus.
"We'll be walking in the gardens first," Luke informed the man.
"As you wish," the waiter began. "However, may I suggest choosing a dessert first? Some of them take longer to prepare and choosing them now will assure them being ready when you return."
"Good point," Luke said at which the waiter handed them the menus once more before moving off to another table. "Let's see," Luke said as he scanned the list of desserts and stopped as his eyes fell on a certain item. "Rubarbh pie with blanso sauce. Father mentioned having had that once, he said it was very good."
"He's got good tastes, that's what I'm taking," Anjaleen replied before she realized how casually she had just referred to the Dark Lord and looked up to see whether Luke had noticed or not.
As she caught sight of his teasing smile, Anja realized that Luke had noticed but didn't mind. Briefly she frowned before pushing the issue aside. Vader was, after all, Luke's father and she was close to Luke so he probably just saw it as the way she referred to her own father around him and the way he replied to it. Selecting the rubarbh pie, she put her menu aside and took another sip of wine as she let her eyes stray back to the view before she turned her attention to Luke who was just putting his menu next to hers.
"Let's take a closer look at the garden," Luke said as he got to his feet and moved around the table to pull back her chair for her.
Luke took Anja's hand, escorting her off of the terrace and down the steps at the side of the lake. Glancing at her out of the corner of his eye as they started walking among the other people, he felt a shiver of expectation make its way up his spine. Now was the time. Everything was perfect and all he needed was a quiet spot where there was no one else.
Anjaleen smiled at the beauty and peace of the place as they strolled through the garden. The moments when she could simply relax and enjoy herself without all the pressures of the court or worrying about her future were few and far in-between. Now, however, she was completely at ease and savoring every moment with Luke. Looking at the flowers growing along the path as they walked, she recognized a few from Nastalia's and the Royal gardens, but there were a few she hadn't seen before.
As they reached a deserted area of the gardens, Luke looked around and saw the lake with the moons reflection off to the right through a few of the smaller trees. Spotting the bench surrounded by lilac flowers nearby, he smiled and the smile quickly turned into one of irony as he caught sight of the fountain on the other side of the clearing.
"Looks like we've done a full circle," Luke stated as he saw that Anja's eyes were also on the fountain, which was bringing up memories of his birthday party and their first kiss.
"A circle?" Anjaleen questioned as she turned to look at him. "Are we finished with something?"
"In a sense," Luke began and quickly hurried to continue as he felt a tinge of fear appear in her aura. "Anja, will you marry me?"
There was a brief silence as Anjaleen stood frozen in shock for a moment. When Luke had said that they had come a full circle she had briefly feared that he planned to end seeing her for some reason. The words that came out of his mouth next instantly chased that fear away. Although she knew that she had fallen in love with Luke, she hadn't dared hope that he would ask to marry her. She hadn't wanted to get her hopes up only to have them squashed if her father told her that she would be wed to Raphael. Now, however, hope flared through her.
"Yes," Anjaleen replied before giving a nervous laugh. "Yes, I will."
Luke beamed, leaning forward to kiss her as relief washed over him. Although he had sincerely doubted it, there had always been the possibility that Anja would have said no. It wasn't until now that he realized how much he had feared that possibility. Reluctantly breaking the kiss, he took her hands and brought her over to the bench, indicating that she should sit. Kneeling before her, he smiled at the look on her face.
"You won't see me doing this often," Luke admitted softly as he reached for the jewelry box in his pocket.
Anjaleen gasped as he opened the box and she caught sight of the necklace which was reflecting the moonlight. Although she had known it would be something with Kyrab jewels, the necklace lying on the velvet black lining of the box blew her away. Realizing that her mouth was open, she quickly closed it and reached up to take off the strand of emeralds she was wearing around her neck.
Luke picked up the necklace from the box, watching as every other Kyrab jewel turned from clear to red as the others turned yellow. Red and yellow. Love and excitement. Smiling with joy, Luke couldn't help but shake his head at how well the jewels displayed his emotions. Reaching up, he gently put the necklace around Anja's neck before taking the emerald necklace and placing it in the jewelry box.
As she watched Luke's movement and felt his gentle touch at her neck, Anjaleen beamed with love and joy, the yellow jewels of the necklace instantly turning purple to display her latter emotion as the red ones grew redder. For a moment she thought of her father and what he would say when he learned of her engagement as well as the fact that Vader would be her father-in-law, but she dismissed the thoughts as she looked at Luke. There would be time to think later, she would be with Luke and that was all the mattered to her at the moment.
"You've just made me the happiest man in the galaxy," Luke declared as he got up and sat down next to her.
"It's my pleasure," Anja replied as she met his lips.
When the kiss ended, Anjaleen moved a little closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder as she looked at the lake through the trees. Suddenly she thought of Nastalia and what her friend's reaction would be when she heard, or rather saw, what had happened tonight. Reaching up, Anja fingered the necklace knowing that while Kyrab jewels were lighter than most other jewels, they were by far the most expensive, thus her surprise upon seeing that the necklace was made up solely of that jewel.
"Much as I hate to break the moment, I think we should be heading back to the restaurant," Luke finally stated after a long stretch of silence as he looked at the young woman leaning against him.
"You're right," Anja agreed as she got to her feet and took the arm Luke offered.
As they made their way back, Anja was so deep in thought that at first she was oblivious to the stares being shot in her direction. When she saw them, her hand automatically went to her neck. Now everyone would be able to see her love for Luke. On the terrace once more, she saw the surprise on the faces of the diners who had seen them go away a dating couple and return engaged. Seating herself as Luke pulled back her chair, she sighed.
"Your desserts," the waiter said as he placed a plate before them before catching sight of her necklace. "Congratulations."
Anjaleen didn't even glance outside the shuttle windows as they sailed through space. She was too busy leaning against Luke, smiling, and talking about the future.
"Nastalia is going to be so excited. And I have to start making plans."
Luke laughed. "I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the idea. It may be some time before we actually can get married. I was told not to set a date."
Anjaleen gave a little pout, but refused to get discouraged. "It's all right. There's still a lot I will need to do." Suddenly, her necklace went sickly green with worry and fear. "Oh my, what is my father going to say?"
Luke gave her hand a little squeeze. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it. Father wanted me to contact him as soon as I asked you. I'll just ask him to talk to your father. We can't tell your father anything yet, but I'm sure we can work something out."
Nastalia was in one of her father's many sitting rooms, sipping an after dinner coffee and chatting with her mother. Her father and Nathaniel were on the far side of the room.
"I know you find Nathaniel's exploits interesting dear, but always remember that they aren't polite conversation for company."
"Of course, Mother."
"I know I shouldn't lecture you, you have more sense than that. But I do worry so, you leaving me and getting married." The older woman laughed. "And I do remember the stories your father used to tell me about all the battles he's been in. I thought they were exciting, that was until I found myself in the same town as a Rebel raid. I've never been so scared. After that, I didn't really want to know how much danger your father was in. For my own piece of mind."
Anjaleen and Luke walked in, and as Nastalia put down her cup, she noticed that Anjaleen fairly shone with excitement.
"Oh my..." Mrs. Bel-Zessa said. Nastalia blinked, and then caught sight of Anjaleen's necklace.
"Anjaleen, Luke- you didn't!" She gasped, rising to her feet, shocked yet happy. She walked straight over to Anjaleen and gave her friend a hug. Anjaleen's necklace kept swirling between red, yellow, and purple.
The Admiral and the Grand Moff exchanged glances before Nathaniel rose to congratulate the couple.
"Skywalker," Nathaniel said, as he watched Anjaleen go into a vivid description of what had happened that night, "you amaze me. I had absolutely no idea that's what you had in mind."
Luke grinned, "That was the idea. I like being unpredictable."
The young Admiral shook his head. "Court is going to be stunned."
"I know." Luke said. "But they can learn to live with the idea."
Nastalia's eyes got wide as she thought of something. "Oh, Anjaleen. What does you father say?"
Anjaleen blushed bright red, even as her necklace turned red and green.
Nastalia and Nathaniel looked at each other, realizing that Mr. Winiterure didn't know. This could be very bad if he decided his daughter shouldn't marry the young Skywalker. It would be a scandal.
Luke just shrugged. "Lord Vader is going to talk to him."
Nastalia mouth formed a little 'o' as Nathaniel replied, "well, that takes care of it, doesn't it?" The two shared an incredulous glance at each other while Luke reached out and took Anjaleen's hand. She smiled as her necklace turned back to red and yellow.
Pouring over the holo-map of the museum, the Commander sighed. Her Lieutenant reached out and squeezed her shoulder. "I know you want to come," he said, "but you're the only one with the contact codes for the rest of our cells in the system. You need to stay here and arrange our transportation out of the city."
Commander Jasno sighed. "Lieutenant, I know you're right, I just don't like it. But I will stay here while you lead the strike on the museum."
"Good. It's settled then. Diversionary strike here from a bomb set on a timer," he pointed at the location on the map, "and the team will then punch through security around the sponsor's display hall, snagging the device. We'll be out in no time."
"May the Force be with you."
The Grand Moff frowned as he watched the interaction between his daughter, her fiancé, and his two guests. It was now clear to him that Mr. Winiterure did not have a clue as to the extent of what was going on between his daughter and Skywalker, nor of what had transpired this evening. Briefly he considered calling Miss. Winiterure's father now, despite the fact that he might order his daughter home, but then he froze. Skywalker had said that Lord Vader would speak with the man and that meant that Skywalker was either lying or that the Dark Lord was interested in the situation. From what Nastalia had told him of Skywalker and what he had seen so far, he doubted it was the first one and the possibility of it being the latter made him shiver. If the Sith Lord was involved then he had the potential to get hurt by informing Anjaleen's father of the events, but he would look bad if he didn't.
The Grand Moff sighed, deciding that his original plan was probably best. He could contact Randolf Winiterure after the actual festivities were over so that he knew what to expect when his daughter returned home. Making up his mind he moved over to were the newly engaged couple stood.
"Congratulations," the Grand Moff stated and got a smile from Anjaleen.
"Thank you," Luke replied, having sensed the man's thoughts and liking the conclusion he had come to.
"Getting engaged at a wedding," Nastalia said as she smiled at Luke. "You do like irony, don't you?"
"Talking about irony," Anja said as parts of her necklace shimmered blue with humor. "There was a fountain in the garden where Luke asked me."
"A fountain?" Nathaniel repeated, remembering what Nastalia had told him of what had transpired at Luke's birthday party. "Did you plan that?"
"No," Luke admitted.
The Grand Moff listened to the conversation, wondering what they were talking about, but then dismissed it. Now that he knew what to do, he could actually observe the two together and from the way Anjaleen and Skywalker were acting it was clear that they were in love. He'd be able to tell even without the red, yellow, and purple shimmerings of the Kyrab jewels on the necklace. Now that he thought about it, he realized that the engagement gift by itself was proof that Vader approved of what Skywalker had done. There was no way the young man would be able to afford such a gift himself. The Sith Lord had clearly been the one who had paid for it. Suppressing a sigh, he was pleased that he didn't have to deal with this kind of stuff on a daily basis.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Luke said as he stopped outside the door to Anja's chambers and kissed her. "Goodnight," he murmured as they parted.
"Goodnight," Anjaleen replied before she entered her room.
Briefly she stood next to the closed door as she fingered her necklace. Then she heard a door opening before there was the sound of someone gasping. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw that Rachel stood on the threshold of the door, looking at her with shock written all over her face.
"Mistress?" Rachel finally inquired as she stepped forward and let the door close. "He asked you to marry him?"
"Yes," Anja stated, the jewels instantly flashing bright yellow as her excitement rose once more. "He asked me and I said yes!"
Luke entered his own room and went straight for his com and sent a message out to his father on the Executor. Receiving no direct response, he knew that Vader was probably occupied with something else, so he punched up the number for his grandfather.
"Yes?" Jamison questioned before he realized who was on the other end of the transmission. "Skywalker. The Emperor has been expecting a call from you. I'll contact him and transfer your call."
"Very well," Luke replied, smiling as he stepped out of the projecting circle so that he could no longer be seen on the other end.
So, his grandfather had been waiting for his call. Luke briefly wondered if there was something Palpatine knew that he wasn't saying. He hadn't, after all, appeared that interested in Anjaleen at first. Quietly he shook his head knowing that if his grandfather knew something there was no way he was going to find out unless the older man chose to tell him. Suddenly the holo before him shivered and Luke instantly stepped into the projecting range once more before an image of his grandfather appeared in the air before him.
"Your Majesty," Luke said, bowing.
"Luke," the Emperor acknowledged. "What was her decision?"
"She accepted."
"And so the first Empress is chosen," Palpatine stated, causing Luke to straighten.
Although he knew that somewhere along the line he must have realized that, Luke hadn't truly given it any thought. However he was instantly sure that his grandfather had. Thinking about it, he was sure that Anja would be good for the position as she knew politics and knew how to handle herself in court.
"Grandfather," Luke began. "Now that you bring it up, I was wondering. When will I be able to inform Anja of my relationship to you?"
"Soon," Palpatine replied as he studied his young grandson. "Before the marriage definitely, but we shall see how things run with her father first. And before your complete heritage is revealed there is the matter of your father's health that has to be discussed first."
"As you wish," Luke responded, relieved that it would be before the marriage.
Luke didn't want a secret as big as his grandfather's identity to be kept hidden from his wife as that would only cause a rift in their relationship as it would imply a lack of trust when she finally did learn of it and that was the last thing he wanted. He loved Anja and trusted her. He did, however, see the reasoning behind waiting a while longer. His thoughts were interrupted by a beeping. Glancing sideways he saw that he had another call, one from his father.
"Father," Luke stated as he anticipated his grandfather's question.
"Give him the news," Palpatine ordered as he moved to cut the connection. "And bring the holocron back with you when you return."
"I will," Luke replied and instantly accepted the new call when the holo of his grandfather faded away. "Father," Luke greeted as a holo of Vader replaced the vanished one. "Sorry for the wait, I was busy with grandfather."
Vader dismissed the explanation with a wave of his hand and asked, "Her decision?"
"She accepted."
"Good," Vader declared. "I shall assign several men to guard her home when you return to prevent any assassins from carrying out their job."
"Thank you, Father," Luke replied, feeling relief flood through him.
Now he no longer needed to worry about what Ra'chealla would try to do to Anjaleen when she was at her home. That still didn't solve the problem though as Anja was not going to remain in her home indefinitely, but it was another step in the right direction.
"I also want to see the young lady," Vader continued. "And no doubt her father will have questions for both of us about your future."
"Anja mentioned that," Luke agreed.
"Invite her and Randolf Winiterure over to the castle for tea the afternoon you return," Vader stated. "That way we can get his questions and doubts out of the way immediately."
"As you wish."
Anjaleen sighed as she got into bed. The evening kept repeating itself in her mind and she still couldn't believe what had happened. However, despite this fact and her immense joy, her worries weren't far away. Although her hopes were high where her father was concerned, as he had the final say on her engagement, there was always the possibility that he'd say no. But circumstances made that unlikely as Raphael had seriously injured his relationship with her father with their confrontation the day she had left Coruscant.
And, besides, Anjaleen knew her father's greatest concerns were that she would have status and be adequately provided for. Who better to give her both than Luke, son of Vader? Despite the fact that she knew Luke probably wouldn't tell her father that information yet at this point, she knew that he wouldn't allow Randolf to break off their engagement because he felt that she wouldn't get that which she needed with him. Luke would find a way to make sure he knew that she was in good hands.
Anjaleen relaxed and was just about to drift off when she sat up in bed as another thought invaded her mind. Ra'chealla. What would Buchanan's daughter say when she heard that she had accepted Luke's proposal? Or rather, what would she do? Although Anjaleen knew that Ra'chealla couldn't go any further than what she had already tried, she had hoped that the other would perhaps stop with what she had done so far.
Anjaleen bit her lower lip, worried. She would have to return to Coruscant after the wedding when Luke went back, there was no avoiding that. The thought of having to watch her back once more didn't appeal to her, but she didn't want to spoil Luke's time here talking about it. Besides, there was nothing to be done about the situation at the moment anyway. She might as well enjoy her vacation and talk with Luke about the situation on the return trip. She was sure that he would come up with something.
Nastalia shook another hand in the receiving line at the entrance to the main hall. The hall was decorated in red and yellow, wide arrangements of native flowers graced each of the tables surrounding the dance floor. Nastalia, as the bride-to-be, was dressed in a matching red and yellow dress that went well with her black hair.
"Nathaniel, this is Miss. Bella Treck. We went to the same boarding school."
"Oh, good to meet you." The young Admiral smiled, shaking her hand. Nastalia thought that he looked ravishing, he was wearing his dress uniform and looked terribly stunning. She sneaked a peek at Skywalker and Miss. Winiterure sitting at the head table and smiled when she realized that she wasn't the only one who was looking their way. The whole room was taking glances at them from time to time.
Over at the table, Luke turned to Anjaleen. "I hope everyone gets here soon, I'd like to start dancing before too long." He fiddled with the gem-encrusted cuff of his black and blue outfit.
"Yes, maybe we won't be watched as much then." Anjaleen was glad that she had worn her light blue dress, it went well with Luke's outfit and showed off her necklace.
Luke gave Anja a little smile. "You'll have to get used to that, my dear. People watch me all the time." Anja sighed.
The music swayed, sending the dancing couples around a complicated circle. Anjaleen was in Luke's arms, giddy with happiness as her necklace changed between red and yellow. Nastalia was in similar states, dancing in the arms of her Admiral. (*Click here to see Zawiah's illustration*) More sedately, but just as graceful, were Nastalia's parents.
Luke was glancing around, scanning the crowd. He had spent time last night and this morning in meditation, and was wondering at the nagging worry that kept popping up. He couldn't pin it down. The dance ended, and the three couples began walking towards the head table.
"Anja," Luke said, "I want to take a walk around the museum. Something isn't right."
"Luke, are you sure?" Anjaleen asked, having only to look at Luke's thoughtful expression to realize something was going on. Perhaps it was a Sith thing, she reasoned, and quickly said, "Yes, it would be nice to spend a little time alone."
They had only taken a few steps past their table when Nastalia said to them, "you're not leaving, are you?"
"Oh no," Anjaleen said. "Just the noise. I wanted a little quiet."
The Grand Moff exchanged glances with his wife. They had spoken the other night about keeping a good eye on Skywalker and Anjaleen, for their own good. They shouldn't really be alone too much. "Perhaps," the older man said, "we should all go with you."
Luke just nodded, sensing the other man's thoughts.
They walked the halls in silence, Luke stopping and looking around occasionally.
Nathaniel cleared his throat. "Perhaps if we went back and got some punch?"
Anjaleen looked at Luke, who was staring down a corridor. "I'm not thirsty," she said.
"Well, then-"
A distinct 'whump' was heard behind them, then the sound of screaming. The Grand Moff and the Admiral turned back towards the main hall, worried looks on their faces.
Skywalker nodded, still looking down the other hall, which led to the west wing and the private display. "Diversion." He whispered, "no wonder I couldn't track it. This way." He started to walk down the corridor, away from the main hall. Anjaleen began to follow, but was stopped by the Grand Moff.
"What are you talking about, Skywalker?" The Grand Moff huffed. "We should go back there, and help. There's nothing down here."
"No? Then who is that?" Skywalker pointed down the hall, and a figure dressed in black carrying a large blaster stepped out from behind a statue.
"Oh look." The black clad man said, looking at Skywalker. "Vader's pet. My lucky day."
"Only if you want to die, Rebel scum." Skywalker said back.
"That's Alliance Member to you," the man said as he lifted his blaster. Nastalia screamed.
The Rebel fired at Luke, wide grin on his face. Luke was grinning back, feral light beginning to glow in his eyes even as he quickly removed his hidden lightsaber and effortlessly deflected the shot. The Rebel's eyes widened, and Luke reached out one hand, grabbing the blaster from the Rebel's hand with the Force. It sped through the air, landing in Luke's outstretched hand. He quickly tossed it at Nathaniel, who caught it. The young Admiral quickly brought it to bear on the Rebel.
"Why are you here?" Luke asked, eyes cold. The Rebel just turned and ran towards the west wing. "Shoot him." Luke snapped. Nathaniel let out a quick series of shots, and the Rebel slumped to the floor.
Luke turned towards the entrance of the private wing. "This way, he was the guard." Nathaniel and the Grand Moff followed, the three ladies nervously waiting at the entrance, not wanting to leave without protection.
"Are you sure?" The Grand Moff whispered in the empty display hall. He didn't want to doubt Skywalker. The young man was carrying one of those red blades like Lord Vader, and did seem know how to use it.
Luke looked around, eyes falling on the empty display table that the Jedi holocron had occupied. "The Jedi device." He snarled, motioning with one hand. The Grand Moff swore. Luke closed his eyes, scanning with the Force. He suddenly sprung at the construction barricade between the display areas and the Alderaanian display area that was being taken down.
He buried his red blade into the thin plastic wall, sending smoking pieces slipping to the floor. As he worked, he snapped orders. "Grand Moff, close off this city. They don't think they have far to go, their contact must be close. And tell Anjaleen, there aren't any more Rebels behind us, this was their target. I want them to go back to the others and stay with them. You should go with them, I want the citizens calmed, and ready to evacuate if I need them to leave. Return with reinforcements." He stepped through, Nathaniel following, the Rebel's blaster ready in one hand.
The Grand Moff turned back to the entrance to the private display hall, taking his comlink. He opened the link, and began to give orders. "This is Grand Moff Bel-Zessa. I hereby order you to close off the capital city. I don't want anyone or anything to enter or leave. This shall be effective immediately. There has been a Rebel attack on the Museum, and they can't be allowed to escape. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir. This is Major Herom, Chief of City Security. We will do as you order. Shall I send personnel to the Museum?"
"Yes. But try not to shoot our own people. Skywalker and Admiral MacNelly have gone after the Rebels." The Grand Moff cut the link.
The Grand Moff looked at his daughter, Nastalia's engagement stones had gone sickly green with worry. "Father, will he be all right?"
"Of course." The Grand Moff motioned for them to leave. "I was told to take you to go back to the others. Everything will be fine."
"But the Rebels will shoot at him." Nastalia fretted as she turned.
"They'll never get past Luke's blade." Anjaleen confidently said, only the scattered green stones between the red of her necklace giving away her worry. "Lord Vader trained Luke. Nathaniel will be perfectly safe."
"Yes. Yes, of course." Nastalia said, she turned to her friend. "He's Sith, isn't he?"
Anjaleen gave Nastalia a mischievous smile. "I didn't see anything, did you?"
The Grand Moff cleared his throat. "No, we didn't. Now, I don't want you three anywhere near here any longer. We're going to leave. I was told to calm our guests. They are probably a little scared by now." He shot a meaningful look at his wife. Anjaleen knew much more than she had ever let on.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail Rebecca or me at valeriev84@hotmail.com
