Chapter 137

"Master Wulann, you shouldn't bother yourself repairing this house, for no Quelan will ever return to it. They are all dead. Shot by those troopers in white armor, when they wanted to prevent that their two son were taken away to work for the intruder. One of the many and most of them never came back. Our governors have been very lucky, for they could escape." Wogomnil said.

"Master Wogomnil, I'm your new neighbor," Wulann said.

He had walked over to the boundary fence that separated the two gardens and stretched out his hand to the old Quelan. Wogomnil put down his rake and walk to the fence.

"New neighbor, but you're a harvest men. Your family used to live at the foothill near the harvest men's community building, master Wulann."

"You're right, master Wogomnil, my family and me used to live there, but there's nothing left of my old house. It has been completely demolished. Only the foundations of the walls are still present. It would take months to rebuild it. I know what has happened to the Quelan family that once lived here. They had two great sons, good guys, and the parents were always very generous I've heard. Didn't they own one of the shops in Main Street?"

"They did. Their father was a good crafts man who has made many of my old furniture which has been stolen by the guy who also has ruined Ribana. But it's a good idea if some of the harvest family will repair the houses which otherwise will remain deteriorated, for then we couldn't never forget what has happened. You and the other harvest men has already helped many of us Quelans with more difficult repairs. That's good. "

"While we did that I saw this house, and as I say I had also seen what was left of my former house. So I had a chat with Manall, and I told him about this house and that the ones who had lived had perished. I've asked him, if I could restore this house for my family. Master Wogomnil, Manall told me that the governors have agreed with his plan that the harvest men's families are going live in Ribana, instead of rebuilding the group of house we once used." Wulann said with enthusiasm.

Now Wogomnil also stretched out his hand and shook hands with Wulann.

"That's really a good plan of master Manall, for the harvest men and their families are Quelans too. I bit you welcome, master Wulann, and I will tell my wife that we're having fine neighbors again. I remember that she often exchanged our vegetables for the beautiful fabric your wife can make. Maybe your wife should think, about selling those fabrics in the shop that once belonged to my former neighbor."

Wulann nodded in agreement.

"I certainly will tell her that, master Wogomnil. Might be a good opportunity for her and my three daughters to make some extra credits."

"Your daughters can also make those fine fabrics?" Wogomnil asked.

"Yes, my wife has taught them how to make it, and I must say that those girls have the talent from their mother."

"Your daughters will probably have to set up their own household, won't they?"

"For all three I've have made an agreement with some of the other harvest families, but my girls think, they are still too young to become responsible for their own household."

"So they haven't reached the age to become the wife of another adult young harvest man?" Wogomnil asked.

Wulann looked more worried and stepped closer to his new neighbor.

"Ever since my family has lived in Cantamaga among the exiled Quelans from Ribana, my girls have become more obstinate. All three have told me that they don't want me to announce their marriage in public yet, as is the custom when a girl reaches the age of fifteen. Master Wogomnil this is worrying me. My eldest daughter has already reached the age of twenty-one and still refuses to have her marriage with one of the adult young son of Domarr. The boy is twenty-eight and a hard worker, but he also doesn't seem to be in a hurry to take my Tiorinn as his wife. I even recently have heard that he has been seen in the company of a Quelan girl - I don't know whose daughter she is - very frequently. I have asked Domarr about it, but he told me that the agreement I made when Tiorinn was born is still valid. I'm worried, master Wogomnil. I have had talks with other harvest men and there are several who are struggling with the same problems. Their daughters postpone the announcement of their marriage over and over again. I even have heard that the son of Cornell, his eldest son, has announced that his marriage with Sumall, the daughter of Pohinn, no longer exists. Of course, Cornell is outraged, but Filann is an adult and can decided for himself, but it could mean that also other marriages will become void, canceled, what ever you call it. This can't be, master Wogomnil, we have always made those arrangements, but since many of the harvest children have grown up with the Quelans who came from Ribana there's a lot of unrest in the harvest families. Do you think I should talk to Manall about all this. I'm just one of the harvest men, I'm not a leader, but I want my three girls to be happy, and I want the arguments and quarrels at my home to stop. Master Wogomnil, you're one of the oldest Quelans, living in Ribana, what do you think about this? Should I indeed have word with Manall, who is a very wise man, or should I go the governors and asked them make those public announcements about the marriages of my daughters?"

Wogomnil nodded with a serious frown.

"It's difficult matter, master Wulann. Among the Quelans who lived in Ribana this never has been a great issue. Before our only son married with Palina, he has had several other girl friends. He always introduced them to my wife and me, so we always knew with whom he had a relationship. Sometimes his friendship only lasted a few months, but when he became friends with Palina he became more serious, and so was she. When he told us that he wanted to get married with her we were happy and we gladly agreed with his choice, for she is a good wife. He now has two wonderful boys who are already married themselves, and we are getting along all very well."

"So your son made his own choice, and choose Palina because he liked her. That's indeed very different, master Wogomnil, if I compare it with how a marriage among the harvest families is arranged." Wulann said, looking a bit amazed after Wogomnil's story about the marriage of his son. "Maybe I should talk with Manall, may I tell him what you told me about your son's marriage, master Wogomnil?"

"Of course, for it's no secret. We are very happy with our daughter-in-law and our two grandsons with their families." Wogomnil said. "If I were, you I shouldn't consider to ask the governors for a public announcement while there's lot to do here in Ribana. We all are still busy, cleaning the mess the intruder has caused. Still many houses need repairs and it's the governors who have a lot of work on their sleeves, so announcing in public the marriages of your daughter doesn't seem a good idea, but that's what I think." Wogomnil said.

Wulann looked at the abandoned house he had chosen for his family and then he looked at his neighbor.

"Thank you, master Wogomnil for listening to what's worrying me. I'm going to have a look inside what has to be done here. Thank you, for being a good neighbor." He said.

"My pleasure, master Wulann. It's good if neighbors trust each other. I'm glad that this house will be the home of a family of Quelans again and don't forget to tell you wife about the opportunity to open a shop."

Wulann went over to the door, while Wogomnil got his rake again and get on in his garden.

Leia looked at Han who immediately sensed that something serious was bothering her.

"What is it, Leia?"

"Yarnick has handed me a classified message from Mon Mothma," She said.

"Yes, what does she want?"

"She wants two Jedi Knights to accompany her on a diplomatic mission to Lumeara."

"Wedge and Yarmod?" Han asked.

"In principle yes, those two, but Mon knows that Wedge has a new padawan learner and isn't the commander of Gold Squadron at moment, so she makes the suggestion to send Yarmod and Tama-Hin back to Irithim to take their place as pilots in Gold Squadron." Leia said and sighed.

"That's not really a bad choice, I should say," Han remarked. "Yarmod has been in Lumeara and he and Ian are getting along very well. When is our Supreme Chancellor planning her mission."

"Within seven standard weeks, Han. She asked to send Yarmod and Tama-Hin one standard week before the delegation leaves, to get briefed about the mission."

"And how long has she planned to be away?"

"She doesn't know. She knows from Wedge's former mission that the Lumearanian are very suspicious and certainly not fond of the Jedi Knights."

"Then I don't understand why she is asking for Ian and Yarmod to join her. She could take a whole garrison of New Republic Space Forces with her. Even I could give her company."

"Just in case, Han. Yarmod and Tama-Hin wouldn't only be two pilots of Gold Squardron, but would also be her body guards once she had landed on Lumeara. The Tychorion brings her in orbit around the planet and Yarmod and Ian would dock inside the frigate and accompany her and her advisors when she meets with the Lumearanian leaders."

"And Yarmod and Ian, two Jedi Knights, the Lumearanians despise, are going to be her bodyguards. I don't get it, Leia."

"Yarmod and Tama-Hin should wear their uniforms as members of Gold Squadron, Han."

"If troubles come up, those guys certain need their lightsabers. Don't tell me they have to leave those weapon in the vault of the Tychorion."

"Of course, they will have their lightsabers with them, but not openly. So they have to find a way to hide it, but within reach." Leia signed.

"Hey, but this also means the Ian won't be here when Liane is marrying Luke. That can't be, Leia. You can't again separate him from his sister and certainly not the occasion of her wedding. " Han said in a loud voice and looked at Leia, "Yes, I know what you want to say, that the Jedi's main task is to serve when necessary, but there are exceptions, and one of them is the marriage of a family member, Ian's only family member. And think of what Liane would feel when her brother isn't there. No, Leia, this is out of the question. Tell, Mon Mothma to postpone her mission for at least another three months or more, then Luke and Liane can enjoy their wedding together with their friends and Ian can be there too."

"Impossible, Han, diplomatic missions like this, and certainly this one to a system that has been supporting the Empire during the Civil War is too important. Mon Mothma can't postpone this mission, but Luke and Liane can postpone their marriage until Tama-Hin will return to Myr."

Han looked at his wife as if she was making a very indecent proposal.

"Luke and Liane should postpone their wedding, because the Supreme Chancellor has to go on a mission to a system that once belonged to the wrong side. Why doesn't that system ask for support from Coruscant, if they don't trust the Jedi Knights."

"I have to discuss this with all the Jedi Knights, Han. Can you call Luke and ask him to come over to the Falcon?"

"What about Wedge and Ian, Leia? They are on Tyr at the moment?

Let's talk to Luke first, Han. we have to make a decision, for Mon's mission is already planned."

Han went over to his comsystem and called his brother-in-law. Luke responded immediately and look at his friend.

"You don't seem to be pleased to contact me, Han. What's the matter?"

"Leia wants to have a meeting with all the Jedi Knights. She's got a classified message from Mon Mothma."

"I'm on my way, and I will take Yarmod and Shaayla-Car with me," Luke answered.

"Fine with me. See you, kid." Han said and closed off the connection.

Some minutes later Luke, Shaayla-Car and Yarmod Martan entered the Falcon. Leia greeted her brother and the others, before she explained what the message of the Supreme Chancellor was. Yarmod immediately nodded.

"I've been on Lumeara with Wedge. He convinced the Lumearanian leaders who had made contact with Irithim about the situation the system is in, to accept the good intentions of the New Republic. As Wedge's padawan I have been in all the meetings he had with the leaders. Their reaction were always very suspicious, sometimes even hostile, but I sensed that they hadn't another choice than to contact Irithim, for their call for help to Coruscant was rejected. I suggest that we should discuss this matter with Wedge too, for he has lead the negotiations and send a report to Mon Mothma."

"I can lift off, Leia and fly to Tyr immediately, so we can pick up Wedge and Ian," Han said.

"Wedge won't leave his padawan behind, Han, and I don't want Chati to be involved in this yet. We also shouldn't forget the relationship between Tama-Hin and Lorann." Luke said, "but going to Tyr as soon as possible is a good option, but we have to inform Mugin, master Woldrin and master Manall. We can't leave without telling them that we have to go to Tyr for a meeting with all the Jedi Knights."

Luke stood up.

"I'm going to the administration building to tell Mugin and master Woldrin. Yarmod, Shaayla-Car can you go back to master Manall" He said and left the Falcon, followed by Yarmod and Liane.

Han looked at Leia and looked at Chewbacca.

"Chewie, prepare the Falcon for lift off, the moment those three Jedi Knights are back."

Chati and Lorann looked at each other when they left the nut wood with Wedge and Ian. They had seen Oltomyran among the canopy of the nut trees, while they had been feeding the younger Urams with fallen nuts. Wedge looked at Chati.

"Oltomyran talked to you, didn't he, padawan?" Wedge asked.

Chati looked up her Jedi master.

"He had a confusing message, master. I don't know what he meant, but he said that only two of us will be feeding the young Urams, for a healer has to leave."

Lorann looked at her.

"That's an odd message, Chati. Master Kenobi, do you know what it could mean. Does master Oltomyran mean you, when he mentioned that a healer has to leave. I don't hope he meant that you have to leave."

"I don't know either, Lorann," Ian said, but he looked concerned at Wedge.

'I have a bad feeling about it, Wedge,' He said, after they allowed Chati and Lorann to walk ahead of them back to Cantamaga.

'Stay focussed, Tama-Hin', The older Jedi warned him.

When they entered the administration building Toallin was waiting for them.

"I've got a message from Mugin, Ian. Luke wants you and master Antilles to meet the others at the Millennium Falcon. They are on their way to Tyr."

"They aren't joining us in Cantamaga, Toallin?" Ian asked.

"No, master Antilles, there was a special request for Luke, if you will not take Chati to the Falcon with you." Toallin said. "That shouldn't bother you, for I can tell my daughter to get herself busy in my quarters. I hope that nothing serious is turning up."

"Ian and I will inform you after our meeting, governor." Wedge said.

"Thank you, master Antilles, would you ask Luke if he could see me for a moment. I have to discuss something with him, concerning his upcoming wedding."

"I tell him," Wedge said and looked at Ian. "We'd better take a speeder and go to the plains. I sense that the Falcon will arrive any moment now."

As Ian wanted to get one of the speeders Lorann came running over to him.

"Master Kenobi, you're not going to leave me, do you?" He asked sounding concerned. "I have been thinking about what Chati has heard. Master Oltomyran talked about a healer who has to leave. There is only one healer on Tyr, that you. Are you going to leave Tyr, are you going to leave me?"

Ian kneeled in front of the agitate young Quelan.

"Lorann, yes, I'm a healer, but I don't know if Oltomyran meant me. Shaayla-Car is also a healer, as you know. She is going marry Luke and together they will on their honeymoon. It's likely that Oltomyran meant her, for she and Luke wouldn't probably come back to Palomintar Four soon."

Lorann sighed relieved, but looked also a bit sad.

"I don't want her to leave Palomintar Four too, master Kenobi, but I understand that she and master Skywalker want to be together after they get married. Will she come to visit us with master Skywalker after they had finished their travel together, for I'm sure that she wants to know how we all are doing."

Ian saw that Kamalin was walking up to them.

"Lorann, master Kamalin want to go home now. It's time for you to go as well."

"Will you let me know, what this is all about, master Kenobi?" Lorann asked and Ian heard an anxious tone in the boy's voice

"As far as it will concern you and me, or Chati and her master we will certainly tell you, Lorann, and now I want you to go with master Kamalin and stop bothering."

Lorann walked over to his schoolmaster and Ian heard what he has been telling the boy. For a moment the schoolmaster looked at Ian and shared an imperceptible look. Ian took the speeder and drove to the end of the market square where Wedge stood waiting.

"What was the matter with Lorann?" Wedge asked while he took the passenger's seat.

"Lorann fears that Oltomyran meant that I will leave Tyr." Ian said and looked aside. "I think, I have, Wedge, and I have to find a way to reassure the boy that I won't leave him for good, but I have a feeling that I will be separated from him for many months."

"We'd better await the meeting in the Falcon, Tama-Hin. Luke certainly wants to inform us about something special, as he explicitly asked that Chati should be with us. This is a consultation between the Jedi Knights only."

Wulann entered the harvest men's main tent and looked for Manall. He saw the new harvest men's leader who was talking to Wollin and Cornell. Both nodded, seemingly agreeing with what Manall told them. They walked away and Manall looked at Wulann and beckoned him to walk over.

"Wulann, you were looking for me, weren't you?" He said and pointed to a crate. "You have been working cleaning up one your new house I've heard."

"I have. It a very good house. The garden is overgrown, but I already have fixed that. The house itself is undamaged except for broken window, but that's an easy fix, but I want to talk to you about something else that is bothering me for several years." Wulann said.

"Yes, Manall. In the beginning I didn't notice what's going on, but while my family and I were living in Cantamaga I have become aware that the Quelans who has lived in Ribana had a different way of life. When we still lived around Myr, I never noticed that, but at Cantamaga I have noticed that Quelans have a much different way of interacting with each other. They talk more freely with each other, their relationships with other Quelan family are more open, and especially the relationships between young Quelan boys and girls are so much different from what is tradition among the harvest men's families. Those Quelan boys and girls meet each other frequently in public, form friendships and while they grew up together those friendships are developing between couples who simply tell the parents of both families that they want to get married and set up a new household. What has amazed me is that those young adult Quelan boys chose a Quelan girl who is only slightly younger, sometimes even older than they are. They are of the same age. Also most of the Quelan girls have already reached the adult age." Wulann told Manall

"I sense that you're worrying about the open way the young Quelans made their own choice to chose their partner?"

"Worrying, yes, a bit, because it's very different from what is normal among harvest families. I have begun wondering if what is normal among the harvest families is a good way to arrange marriages between our young harvest boys and girl. Manall, I only one of the many harvest men, not one of the leading families like yours, or those of master Wollin and master Roshann, but what I have noticed have made me aware that those marriages between Quelan boys and girls give their parents and themselves a lot of happy feelings, while in some of the marriages between harvest families which are arranged between the fathers aren't always ... what should I say ... successful, good relationships... Manall, I don't know how to express what I see among the marriages among the harvest families."

"Do you condemn the way the Quelans from Ribana can choose their partners, Wulann?" Manall asked.

"Not really, but in the harvest families some unrest has aroused, because harvest youngster also have noticed those differences and they are talking about it with their parents. It also has happened in my own family. My three daughters have all reached the age to make a public announcement that they will become the wife of a harvest boy from a family with whom I had arranged their future marriages at that time. My eldest daughter is already an adult young Quelan woman, but since we are living at Cantamaga, she over and over tells me that I should not announce her marriage with a son of Domarr. To be honest, Manall, my daughter Tiorinn has never shown an interest in her future husband, and I also have heard that Domarr's son is often seeking the company of a Quelan girl from Ribana. He has often been seen in her company. Recently one of my other daughters told me that she has seen him with that Quelan girl together while they were embracing and kissing each other while they had sneaked away for a walk all alone. Manall, this surely isn't a good start for the marriage of Tiorinn and Domarr's son, for he can't feel affection for my daughter if he is having a secret relationship with Quelan girl from Ribana. If I will asked the governors to announce my daughter's marriage in public she will become a unhappy wife." Wulann said and sighed deeply, looking with some despair in his eyes at Manall.

"Have you also been thinking about a solution on this matter yourself, Wulann?" Manall asked friendly.

Wulann leaned over to Manall and whispered:

"Yes, I do, but I cannot tell others about it, although I have heard that the same problems I have in my family also play a role in other Harvest families. My wife and I have had intense conversations with our daughters about the traditional way marriages are arranged within Harvest families, but that has only made them more rebellious, and that seems to be the case in other Harvest families as well; I have even heard that this is the case in your son Cornell's."

Manall nodded.

"What do you think could solve these problems among the harvest families, Wulann? What would you like that your daughters would do? You said, that your eldest is already twenty-one, how old are the other two?"

"Namian has just become twenty and the youngest Yvala is nineteen. They all should has their own household by now, but they don't want me to announce their marriages in public as is the custom."

"Let's have a look at this matter from the point of view of the Quelans who lived in Ribana, before they were taken to Cantamaga. Can you imagine what they think about the arranged marriage the harvest families agree upon?" Manall asked.

Wulann nodded.

"I can, Manall, for Tiorinn is still a close friend of Mayan Fonaldris, the governor's daughter."

"Chati, you mean, Wulann," Manall said with a smile, "A remarkable Quelan girl, don't you think."

"To be honest, Manall, I have long seen her as a rebellious Quelan woman, but after I have been working with her while we were working on our project to get the river back to Ribana I think she is a hard working Quelan women, who dares to put her life in danger, for I'm told that she went inside that underground riverbed and enter the cave system, because she wanted to tell the intruder he has to leave our community in peace." Wulann said and Manall heard the appreciation Wulann still felt for Wedge Antilles' padawan.

"So you didn't object that Tiorinn met with Chati Fonaldris again after she returned to Tyr, when the intruder has left and the occupation of Ribana had ended."

"No at all, Manall. I have worked together with her on Myr and as I said it admirable what that Quelan woman has done. She is a good example for some of our young harvest boys.

"Is she also a good example for our young harvest girls, Wulann?" Manall asked.

For some moments Wulann was silent, but then he nodded slowly.

"You're right, Manall. Mayan ... eh Chati Fonaldris is an example for all the Quelans, for I know that since we had arrived on Tyr she always has been making plans to find a way to free Ribana and get the Quelans back to Myr. No other Quelan woman, girl, man or boy has been so open about what she wanted to achieve. Tiorinn admires her, although several of Mayan's other girl friends are still telling my daughter, that Mayan is weird. Tiorinn has told us that one of the Jedi has become her friend and will make her a Jedi Knight too. That certainly is rewarding for what she has achieved on Myr, for she never refused any type of work we have to do while we were working on our project."

"I hear the appreciation you feel for the governors' daughter, Wulann. Tell me, wouldn't it be great if all Quelans would always feel that appreciation and happiness for their own children?"

"Yes, that would feel good and it would save a lot of unhappy arguments, like my wife and I have had with our girls, but what should I do with the announcements of the marriages of my daughters, Manall, for that's what I'm struggling with."

"Wulann, for the time being, our governors won't allow any announcement in public about marriages between the sons and the daughters of harvest families, not until we will all be back in Ribana, harvest men with their families and Quelans from Ribana alike. The governors want all Quelan to pay their attention on repairing, restoring and cleaning up Ribana, so that our town will become again what it looked before we were driven out. Our governors are too busy with other matters that have more priority at the moment."

Wulann looked at Manall and laughed.

"I must confess, Manall, that I'm very glad it's not up to me to make decision for what has to be done to make our town a good place to live again. So for the time being my daughters' marriages are postponed. Well, if I tell them I'm sure they will thank our governors for that decision."

"Wulann, not only your daughters are thankful, but you too, for you want your girls to became a happy wife of another Quelan, don't you?"

Wulann's olive green skin slight colored.

"My daughters' happiness come first, Manall, even if that would mean that they wouldn't marry the Quelan harvest boys I once agreed upon."

"Wise decision, Wulann. How's the work on your house going on? Did you meet with old Quelan Wogomnil?"

"Yes, I think that we will be getting along well together. He has different points of view, but I like to discuss those difference with him. It good to remain open to other Quelans visions. Thank you for listening to me, Manall." Wulann said as he rose.

"Thank you for telling me, what on your mind, Wulann." Manall said and shook hands with him.

Manall watched Wulann while he left the main harvest men's tent and smiled serenely.

The six Jedi Knights were gathered in the control room of the Millennium Falcon. Han and Chewie had joined them, but Han has told Luke that he wouldn't interrupt the discussion between the Jedi. He would listen and would give his opinion after they had come to a conclusion.

Luke presided the meeting and looked at his sister.

"Leia will you tell what's in the message the Supreme Chancellor has send you? Wedge, Tama-Hin, the others have already heard part of the message, but my sister will give all the detailed information the Supreme Chancellor wants."

Leia read the full message she had received from Irithim. The other five Jedi listened attentively. After Leia had finished Wedge looked at Luke and his sister.

"Luke, although the Supreme Chancellor explicitly says that she understands that she is aware of the obligations I have for my padawan, I sense that she would appreciate it if I would take the command of the Gold Squadron again."

"That's right, Wedge. What do you think about that?" Luke answered.

"That's difficult, Luke. I have taken Chati as my padawan learner only a couple of months ago. She is doing well, very well, I should admit, but she can't accompany me on a mission to Lumeara, yet. If I commit myself to take the command of Gold Squadron again it would mean that I have to leave my padawan on her own, here or on Irithim. Here, would be an option, but I know that when I tell her that I would be away for several months, she would doubt my decision that she would be my padawan learner. I can't leave her on Irithim either, for she doesn't know what she should do there, for it's completely unknown to her. Luke, I see only one option. I will send the Supreme Chancellor my full resignation and tell her and general Madine that I will never will take the command of Gold Squadron again."

"If you resign, Wedge, like I have done, you will regret it," Luke said. "You also have promised Chati she would become a member of Gold Squadron one day, like your former padawan also has been."

"Thank you, Luke, for understanding what I mean," Wedge answered.

"Leaving Chati on Myr with her family for the time Wedge would be away, is an option, Luke," Leia asked.

Luke should his head.

"I have to disagree, Leia. It is as Wedge remarked, Chati would feel doubts about her future as Jedi Knight, not to mention that the influence of the traditional way of the Quelan community could influence her and have her made a decision she would regret when Wedge returns. Do not under estimate the pressure of Udine who still dreams to see her daughter wed and have her own house hold.

Wedge has to stay with Chati and continue with what he has started. A Jedi master and his padawan forms a union which should be interrupted as least as possible."

"You just said, Luke, that I would regret if I would resign, but if you want me to stay here I don't see what else I could do." Wedge said.

"You have discussed with general Madine and the Supreme Chancellor that you wanted temporarily lay down the command of Gold Squadron, for you want to go to Corellia with Chati. They more or less have accepted your request, haven't they?" Luke asked.

"Yes, the Supreme Chancellor even told me she thought it a splendid idea and would ratify my request." Wedge answered.

"Right, I will send the Supreme Chancellor your answer and add my comment to it, that a Jedi master should always look after his padawan and that I want my view to be respected, also by the government at Irithim." Luke said.

Leia looked at her brother.

"If you do not consider it responsible for Wedge to retake command of Gold Squadron, then we must discuss the second option that Mon Mothma mentioned: sending Yarmod Martan and Tama-Hin Kenobi back to Irithim, so that they can become Gold Squadron pilots again under the command of Gold One. On Lumeara they, instead of Wedge and Yarmod, have be Mon Mothma's special guards, but also should disguise themselves, so they won't recognized as Jedi Knights. They have to dress up officers of the New Republic's space fleet, for the Luemearanian seems to be very suspicious about the Jedi Knights.

Wedge, can you tell us more about that first visit you made to Lumeara with Yarmod?" Leia asked.

"The Lumearanians believe that during the Clone Wars a group of Jedi Knights have been killing some thousand Lumearanians in secret, because they suspected them of being supporters of the Separatists.

When I was at the Jedi Archive I have searched for evidence about the event but I haven't found nothing that mentioned it.

If it's a made-up story of the Lumeaanians themselves I also can't proof, but the result is that the Lumearanian leaders have supported Emperor Palpatine when he issue Order 66 which resulted in the assassination of several Jedi Knights who were on a mission at that time on Lumeara.

During the reign of Palpatine Lumeara has been loyal to the Empire and also during the Civil War.

After the imperial fleet was defeated near Jakku which marked the final end of the Empire, Lumeara was deprived of its imperial support and decline of their way of living set in after some years. They have issued several requests to the Provisional Coruscant Council for help and support, but their requests were rejected. Finally the leaders took the step to ask support at Irithim.

Yarmod and I have been on Lumeara for almost nine months.

We had to act very carefully, and had to disguise ourselves as New Republic's consular representatives who were sent on a diplomatic mission from Irithim. It took us more than half a standard year before we've got a first audience with the Lumearanian leaders.

During that first meeting we heard their accusations against the Jedi Order and we were interrogated, for they had heard that that there was talk of a New Jedi Order.

They assured Yarmod and me that if ever a Jedi Knight would set foot on Lumeara that they will held him or her accountable for what they call the massacre of Lumeara. After those intimidating threats Yarmod and I became even more careful about our true identity.

It took us another three months of diplomatic meetings before the Lumearanian leaders accepted the credentials the Supreme Chancellor had given us. We've got a promise that the government of Lumeara would send an diplomatic invitation to the Supreme Chancellor for a meeting on a higher level."

All the while Yarmod had nodded while Wedge was telling the others what problems they had encountered on their mission. Ian looked at Luke and Leia. Luke nodded.

"What do you think, Tama-Hin," He asked friendly.

"I agree that Wedge has to stay with his padawan, and that leaves only the other option the Supreme Chancellor mentioned. Yarmod and I should return to Irithim to support her. I understand that the Supreme Chancellor has planned her mission to Lumeara soon. Is already known how soon she will schedule her departure on Irithim." Ian asked.

"Within seven standard weeks," Leia answered.

Ian nodded.

"That means while the third group will be on Myr for the last restoration and repairs?

Luke, Wedge and I have discussed what we would do when the third group would go to Myr, for Toallin and master Kamalin have told us that the harvest families stay on Tyr until their houses will be rebuild.

Toallin and master Kamalin will also remain at Cantamaga to settle things that are necessary. What do we know about the progress that has been made to rebuild the houses of the harvest families, for Wedge and I understand that there's not much left of those group of houses near the harvest men's community building. "

"Did the governor inform you that Manall has become the new harvest leader?" Luke asked.

Wedge and Ian nodded.

"After the harvest men will have returned to Tyr with the second group, Manall wants to call the Harvest Council. He wants the Council to decided that the harvest families will choose one of the abandoned houses in Ribana. Houses of which the former inhabitants will never come back because they perished during their struggle to reach the western harbor, or because Trevor's occupation force has killed them.

Manall, in consultation with the governors and the chair and vice-chair of the Council of the Elders, has expressed the wish that the harvest families will join and live among the Quelans in Ribana and form one community." Han commented, while he made and apologizing gesture to Luke. "He already has ordered his grandson Filann and deputy-leader master Roshann to start with the demolition of the harvest men's community building which Roshaan's men had begun to restore."

"That's a good initiative, but what master Manall wants will probably needs time. I understand that the harvest men's community has a very traditional way of life," Ian said, "This will probably not be solved during their stay here on Tyr between the return of the second group and the departure of the third group, I guess."

"That's not our concern, Tama-Hin," Leia said. "What Manall decides for the Quelan community is up to him and the other leaders. It's not up to us."

"You're wrong, Leia. Wedge and I are responsible for two Quelan Force-users, and one of them is the grandson of master Manall, and the other is the daughter of one of the governors. Any decision of the Harvest Council might have effect for Lorann's future as a Force-user, and Wedge wants to discuss Chati's future with her father," Ian protested.

"Tama-Hin, Wedge is Chati's Jedi master, and he will stay with her, you're not Lorann's Jedi master. Lorann is master Manall's or master Cornell's responsibility." Leia responded.

Ian frowned.

"Is that all you have to say, Leia?

Haven't you forgotten what happened just after the first group returned and Cornell threatened Lorann to announce his marriage with Kalinn in public. I thought that you stepped up for the boy, for it was you who has asked master Kamalin that he should have a word with Cornell and convince him that Lorann should make those drawings about the restoration of Ribana.

And now that you're getting a message from Irithim, you're turning your back on the boy. I know you're the Supreme Chancellor's advisor and member of the High Council, but you're also a Jedi Knight and you have made a promise, that you would prevent by all means Lorann's untimely marriage.

There also is something else I haven't heard anything about: how long will the Supreme Chancellor's mission to Lumeara last?

Wedge just told that he and Yarmod have been on Lumeara for nine months. Yarmod and I are supposed to be the Supreme Chancellor's guards, but we shouldn't reveal ourselves as Jedi Knights. What is expected of us, when this diplomatic mission won't bring what the Supreme Chancellor expects." Ian said calm but with emphasis.

"It's up to you and Yarmod to decide in which way the Supreme Chancellor has to be safeguarded, Tama-Hin," Leia answered, "That's why she has asked for two Jedi Knights to support her."

"And if we need to safeguard her and have to make ourselves known as Jedi Knights. Won't that be the end of her mission and endangering our position?"

"If that would be the case, you certainly will find the Lumearanian government as your enemy, Tama-Hin," Wedge said and nodded.

"Leia, I want to know how long Yarmod and I will be away from Palomintar Four." Ian said.

"Tama-Hin, I can't tell," Leia said with a sigh.

"So you want to send Yarmod and me on a mission of which the outcome is uncertain and on which we shouldn't reveal that the Supreme Chancellor is escorted by two Jedi Knights, right, for if by accident we are discovered as Jedi Knight, we will be held accountable for what has happened during the Clone War and of which isn't real proof. Couldn't that means. Leia, that the Lumearanian government will have Yarmod and me put in detention and prosecuted?" Ian said.

"You know what the main task of the Jedi Knights is, don't you, Tama-Hin Kenobi, or do I have to remind you again." Leia snapped.

"No, you don't have to, Master, but I'm now reminding you of your promise, for you are also forgetting that you are also bound to what we see as the Jedi's main task. You have promised a young Quelan boy who we all have recognize as a great Force-user that he could count on your protection, the protection of a Jedi Knight. The protection of all us Jedi Knights. You, Wedge, Yarmod and I, we all have witnessed what has happened.

Master, we can't let that boy down, he trusts the Jedi Knights, his future depends on us. We are Jedi Knights and it's our task to defend those who can't defend themselves." Ian said and look at Luke, before he continued.

"If you, Leia, will not step up for Lorann Radilan and keep your promise, I will. I take Lorann as my padawan learner so I can stay with him and guide him along the Jedi Path."

After Ian's last words the group of Jedi became dead silent, only Chewie grunted something to Han, but Han raised his hand and shook his head to his Wookiee friend.

Finally Luke looked at his sister.

"Leia," He said and his voice sounded sternly, "I want to talk to you in private. Now!"

Leia rose and looked at her husband.

"Han, I want you to join Leia and me," Luke said and stood up.

The three of them left the control room of the Falcon and went to the private quarters in the aft of the ship. Yarmod looked at Ian and wanted to rise too, but Liane beat him to it, as she already walked over to her brother, while she gestured to Yarmod gestured to stay seated.

"Tama-Han, join with me, please. Let's go for a walk outside," She said and reached out her hand.

Ian looked at her, smiled and rose. Together they walked down the ramp and left the Falcon.