Binary Skies

Chapter 11: A New Mission

Laneet came by early the next morning to lead the two Skywalkers to a special meeting chamber the while Artoo stayed in the room. They were brought into a solarium that doubled as a cafe of sorts, one that was obviously reserved for exclusive clientele by the richly dressed Rodians, soft Bith symphony music, and quaint tables speckled throughout the room. A huge stain glass window stretched from floor to ceiling, casting the dining hall in a rich assortment of colors as sunlight filtered through the colored panes. White porcelain cups and saucers that rested on the tables were made to shine a dazzling array of colors, and Luke realized that, since he was wearing his white Jedi clothes again, he too would be cast in multiple colors. The conversations around the room amounted to nothing more than a soft hum, adding to the peaceful feeling in the air. Luke couldn't help but lean over to his father and make a quick comment.

"Am I the only one who finds it weird for everyone to be negotiating the purchase of deadly weapons in a serene setting like this?" he said in a hushed tone.

Anakin chuckled softly, grinning mischievously. "No, but it's got to be the best arrangement by far that I've seen."

Luke snorted in amusement, but immediately schooled his expression into a calm mask when he spotted Soonta, the sales executive they were to be meeting. He cleared his throat and approached the table, politely exchanging the usual pleasantries including answering an inquiry about how the two Skywalkers had slept—though she did not know Anakin's last name was Skywalker—after the server had taken everyone's orders. He expected to get right down to business, and was also ready to start negotiating when she caught him completely off guard.

"Forgive me if I'm intruding, friend Skywalker," Soonta said, "but I noticed something unusual as you sat down—a flash only, obviously not meant to be seen, but so interesting that I cannot help but ask, at risk of giving offense. Are you perhaps carrying a lightsaber?"

Luke froze. Apparently he hadn't taken enough care when getting dressed today and hadn't managed to make sure the lightsaber would stay hidden. His mind raced; lightsabers weren't prohibited, but their association with the Jedi made one guilty by association to the Empire. The Chekkoo's willingness to conduct some business on the side of the Rebellion might not extend to consorting with a sympathizer of the Jedi; they were stepping lightly on quicksand.

Luke folded his hands together on the table, retaining his cool head. "That's an interesting question," he said carefully, the muscles in his shoulders visibly tense, unfortunately. "Let us suppose purely for argument's sake that I am; would you be offended or scandalized, or perhaps feel bound to report me to Imperial authorities?"

As he spoke, Luke couldn't help but feel like the mark on his neck was burning him again. He ignored the sensation, and kept his gaze level with Soonta's.

"Far from it, far from it," she assured them. "I would have to confess that my views on the Jedi do not align with the official Imperial view."

Luke relaxed, albeit marginally. "Is that so? What are your views, then?"

"I can hardly give them words. I suppose I harbor doubts about the Empire's version of recent events. The victors' view of history rarely matches that of the vanquished, after all."

"So you don't believe the Jedi betrayed the Emperor?" Luke asked curiously.

Anakin stiffened a little, slightly miffed that anyone would dare suggest the Jedi were so low as to betray the...well, whoever the man was before he was Emperor. The Jedi were honorable! Even if Anakin didn't always agree with the way they did things, the Order was not made up of fools and backstabbers. However, he held his tongue, knowing full well that for him to go off on an indignant rampage would serve no good purpose here. Calm, remember? Isn't that what you just taught Luke? Anakin chastised himself.