Chapter 138

Liane followed his lead and They started running and used their Force abilities to support their limited physical strength. It took them not much time to reach the foot of the steep path. They stopped and Liane looked up and pointed to the cave entrance. Ian nodded. At a much quieter pace they walked up the path side by side. When they reached the plateau in front of the cave they sat down while both silenced. After some minutes Ian looked at his sister.

"Lorann took me here the first time we made a walk together." He said smiling, "not really a walk, for Lorann ran all the way when we had reached the plains. I had some difficulty to catch up with that twelve year old Quelan boy. He waited for me at the foot of the path, but immediately ran up hill when I caught up with him.

I felt so overwhelmed with what I saw him using the Force during his run. Once here he didn't show any fatigue.

We sat here together for some time and he asked me about the Force and if it was difficult to learn to use her power. He had witnessed a few times how Wedge had been instructing Chati, learning her Force telekinesis, and he asked me if I could do what Chati was learning. I acknowledge and he eagerly asked me to show me, so before we went back to his grandfather's house I used telekinesis on some stones here. Lorann was mesmerized.

He told me about the stories his grandfather had told him about his old Jedi friends, our father, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker. I sensed how he believed those stores, and he asked me if I was his Jedi friend like his grandfather had had two Jedi friends. It pleased him that I agreed that I was his friend.

He also wanted to know about how I have been healing Nori, for Chati has told him about what she had seen. I told him about our healing skills we have inherited from Severini. When I said that curing Nori had been the first time I had used those skills, he said that he was sure that I also had cure his grandfather while we're traveling to the campsite on Myr. I admitted that I had given his grandfather my help and told him that he hadn't beware of my help, because I hadn't been physically in the room where he and his grandfather were sleeping.

While we were talking I felt how his admiration for me was growing. I had his full trust, but I warned him that I was just a Jedi Knight who had been recently initiated and that I had to learn a lot more about the Force and it's use. I told him that I wasn't ready to be responsible for a padawan, like Wedge had made Chati his padawan. I clearly felt how disappointed he was after what I said, for he clearly hoped that I would teach him more about the Force and its use. I tried to reassure him, saying that probably another Jedi Knight could take him as a padawan learner. His answer, Shaayla-Car, devastated me, for he simply announced that he would wait for me, until I had learned enough to take him as my padawan, for he only wants to learn from me.

Ever since Lorann said that to me those words are reverberating in my mind. That's why I didn't come back to Myr with the second group, although Luke had told me that I couldn't be Lorann's Jedi master at the moment. Luke, more or less, urged me not to teach Lorann anything and I kept to Luke's wishes, for I felt it wouldn't be right, if I would do it, for it would do harm to Lorann and myself if I should consider myself his Jedi master and thought I could teach him how to use the Force like we do, Shaayla-Car."

Liane put her hand on his.

"All the time you have kept to your promise, Tama-Hin, but after Leia's blunt denial that Lorann isn't the responsibility of the Jedi Knights, you had to speak up, for Luke and I have heard what action Leia and Wedge took, after Cornell threatened his youngest son to announce his marriage with the daughter of Wollin, Kalinn."

"Cornell was angry about what had happened in the nut forest. It was the first time that Lorann and I had joined Wedge and Chati. Chati had told Lorann that some Urams joined her and Wedge and that they had been feeding them. Wedge confirmed Chati's story and Lorann and I went with them. It was a revelation of Lorann who immediately became friends with some young Urams which sat themselves on his arm while he held some fallen nuts in his other hand.

Governor Mugin told Cornell that Lorann and Chati were meeting the Urams in the nut woods. Lorann's father became outraged, as Leia told me later and he gathered a group of his man to kill the Urams and get Lorann and Chati to safety. Wedge, Leia and me prevented the slaughter of the Urams and master Manall and master Kamalin came over and calmed down Cornell and his men, but later that day Cornell sought me out and asked him if I had become his son's Jedi master. I denied and told him that it's Luke's prerogative to ask a Jedi Knight to take up the training of a padawan learner. Still enraged Cornell threatened Lorann to announce his marriage. Leia and Wedge stepped up and Leia devised the plan to ask master Kamalin to talk to Cornell and ask his permission to let Lorann make those drawings which are on display now in the main hall of the administration building."

Ian looked aside and Liane nodded.

"I have seen several of them, Tama-Hin. Lorann has a very keep eye and a sharp hearing."

Ian nodded.

"Lorann not only is a good listener, he sees what's been telling. He sees details he can't know and yet he makes drawings so detailed that the Quelans immediately recognize their own house in Ribana. Only those who are gifted as Force-users can do this, Shaayla-Car. Lorann is a Force-user and he deserves to be trained as a Jedi Knight, but his future is so uncertain and I fear that if we won't continue to support him, his father will find an opportunity to ruin Lorann's dream. I want to ensure that Cornell refrains from ruining Lorann's future. I know that master Manall will also stay alert, but Lorann needs the support of the Jedi Knights to keep his father from making a wrong decision."

"And when Leia put the Supreme Chancellor's mission before what you feel is right, you stepped and told us that you take Lorann as your padawan learner, although you know that Luke won't agree, Tama-Hin," Liane asked.

"He won't agree, Shaayla-Car, for he knows that I'm aware I'm not ready to be a Jedi master, but again I have rejected what a Jedi Master thinks I have to do."

"Why did you call Leia, master, Tama-Hin?"

"Because she once reminded me what the main task of the Jedi Knights is, as if I'm still her padawan learner.

I know what comes first for us Jedi. That counts for all of us, but also for Leia Organa, despite she is the Supreme Chancellor's envoy and advisor, and in that function she also could have opted to join Yarmod and go to on that mission to Lumeara. That would have solved a lot of discontent. Wedge wouldn't have to bother himself with what he should, I could continue to support Lorann and ... and I don't know if you have realize it, it wouldn't have interfered with your wedding plans." Ian said and sounded convincingly.

"If you or Leia would go to support the Supreme Chancellor, it would always have impact on the our wedding plans, Tama-Hin. Leia is Luke's sister, you are my brother, whoever be away Luke and I will certainly decide that we will wait until one of you comes back, either you, or Leia."

"You are aware of the consequences of the Supreme Chancellor's mission?" Ian asked.

"Immediately when Luke and I heard about it on Myr. We hadn't time to discuss what we should do, but I'm sure that our wedding will be postponed, Tama-Hin."

Ian put his arm around Liane's shoulders.

"That's so unfair to you and Luke, Shaayla-Car. You and Luke want to marry and this mission is ruining the future you both want."

"Ruining, no Tama-Hin, at most delaying the official part of what we want, while we have decided to have our wedding officiated here on Palomintar Four by Toallin and Mugin. There's still a lot to do in Ribana, so we won't announce our wedding at short notice. Like you, Luke and I will stick to what we once promised this community. Our personal wishes aren't that important." Liane said with a grin.

For a moment Ian looked into Liane's happy radiant eyes.

"Do you mean ... " He started to ask, while Liane nodded with a smile.

"Yes, I do, my dear brother. I am already Luke's wife and he is my husband, not officially but that does not detract from our happiness." Liane laughed. "I love Luke, and he loves me and he often proofs that to me."

Now Ian started to laugh too.

"Then Udine was right, Shaayla-Car. I should have warned our parents."

They both got a fit of laughter, but after a while Liane looked more seriously at her brother.

"We'd better go back, Tama-Hin. I'm sure you know what you have to do, don't you?" She said.

Ian nodded.

"I will tell Luke, that I will join Yarmod on the Supreme Chancellor's mission to Lumeara, Shaayla-Car, for that will also give me that opportunity to learn more about the Force and the way have to serve my ally."

"Tama-Hin, and Luke and I will take care of Lorann, that's a promise. Luke is fond of him. Lorann admires him and he also is fond of me. I want to learn what the young Quelan already knows about the Force, for Filann and Cemall have told us that Lorann as a young boy often hid himself so no one could find him, but his elder brothers also told us that Lorann gleefully looked at a search party looking for him as he appeared among the group all of a sudden, because no onr didn't notice him."

Ian looked amazed.

"Do you and Luke think that Lorann used ...

"Altos supor." Liane nodded. "And that's what I want to find out. Tama-Him, Lorann is intriguing you, but I'm also wondering what this boy can do with his slumbering Force skills, and so is Luke, so we both will keep an eye on a very strong Force-user and a potential future Jedi Knight.

"Why, Leia, are you treating Tama-Hin as if he is still your padawan learner, for you know he isn't. He is a fully-fledged Jedi Knight with his own points of view." Luke asked his sister.

"Yes, Luke, he is a Jedi Knight, but he doesn't seem to realize what it means to be one." Leia said.

Han snorted, but Luke shook his head.

"What do you mean when you think that Tama-Hin doesn't know what it means to be a Jedi Knight?" Luke said.

"He doesn't realize, that our main task is to serve. That when ask for his support he should commit himself to a request."

"Without considering the consequences, Leia, without considering what is expected of him, what he sees as his task. A Jedi Knight has to decide for himself, and what I heard that's exactly what Tama-Hin Kenobi is doing."

"By telling us, that he will take Lorann Radilan as his padawan, Luke. He is not ready to be a Jedi master," Leia said.

Luke laughed.

"Why aren't you looking behind those words. You're a Jedi Knight yourself, my dear sister. Tama-Hin knows that he isn't ready, but he felt humiliated, because you, once again, reminded him, what our main task is. He even gave you a precise answer. Haven't you heard it?"

"He stubbornly kept saying that I had made a promise that I would prevent that Cornell would have a twelve-year old boy get married to an eight-year old girl." Leia snapped.

"You have missed what he said, Leia. for he formulated precisely what is expected of us. I have to remind you that Tama-Hin Kenobi is absolutely aware of his task as a Jedi Knight, for I heard him say, that its the task of the Jedi Knights to defend those who can't defend themselves, and that's exactly what the Jedi Knights should see as their main task."

"Luke, I've got a urgent request for Mon Mothma to send at least two Jedi Knight back to Irithim to escort her to Lumeara. Is that unreasonable. All the Jedi Knights have stayed on Palomintar Four after Trevor Matrik had been send back to Coruscant. The Jedi Knights have to serve the New Republic."

Luke raised his hand and shook his hand.

"We're not serving the New Republic, Leia. The New Jedi Order is serving all the systems in this galaxy and not a specific governmental body. That was the mistake when Palpatine took over, for the Senate of the Republic thought they could dictate what the Jedi Council should decide. The New Jedi Order is independent and neither controlled by the government at Irithim, nor by the Provisional Coruscant Council."

"I'm Mon Mothma's special advisor, Luke, she depends on my Force knowledge to make a decision."

"That's right, but that doesn't mean that the Supreme Chancellor can order you or me to take immediate action. She requests and we should consider how to fill in her request. That means that we have to consult the Jedi Knights present and listen carefully to their points of view, and weigh the options we have. Tama-Hin was right to ask you questions about how long the mission to Lumeara would last, for his question stems not only from his concern for Lorann, but also because he realized what it would meant for Shaayla-Car and me and our wedding plans, and you should have been aware of it. For it meant that we had to postpone our wedding, right?"

Leia was silent and looked at Han who looked at her wit a significant look.

"It was you who sent Tama-Hin back to Tyr, Leia," Luke continued, "because he refused to accept that you demanded that all our friends should leave Shaayla-Car and me alone. You did that with a good reason, but Tama-Hin's refusal wasn't wrong, for he was concerned about what he had seen and what the Force was trying to reveal to him. I admit that he wasn't one with the Force when he looked at Shaayla-Car and me, but after I talked with him alone he became aware of his misinterpretation. While on Tyr he took it upon himself to support Lorann Radilan without teaching the boy any Force use, as I had asked him. He has taken that task very seriously and Lorann has become a friend. Tama-Hin has built a strong relationship with Lorann Radilan and it's my believe that that relationship will prosper when Tama-Hin has decided for himself that he is ready to take the responsibility to take Lorann as his padawan learner.

Leia, you surely must have been aware of Tama-Hin's great potential as a Jedi Knight. I even know you were. The two of you always were getting along well, but I sense that you find it difficult that your former padawan has grown into a Jedi Knight who has a right to tell us what's on his mind. "

"He announced he will do so, Luke," Han said.

"No, Han. He said that to make us all listen to what's concerning him, and that's right. For we have an obligation to Lorann and we all have to make sure that that young Quelan boy will become one of us in the future."

"How do we proceed now, Luke?" Han asked.

Luke looked at Han and Leia composed, but with authority.

"As the Supreme Chancellor requested. Yarmod and Tama-Hin will go back to Irithim and join Gold Squadron. On Lumeara they will safeguard the delegation of Irithim with revealing themselves as Jedi Knights. Their Force skills, like yours, Leia, will prevent that the Lumearanian leader will make unacceptable requests or threaten the New Republic's delegation."

Leia looked at her brother.

"You want me to join Mon Mothma, what about Han and Chewie." Leia asked wondering.

"Leia, now your making the same mistake you have been accusing Tama-Hin, as you put your personal attachment to Han and Chewbacca before your duty as the Supreme Chancellor's special advisor. Han and Chewie also know their duties and can still help on Myr, Leia, and the Supreme Chancellor will be all too glad if you announce that you will accompany her. Being a member of the delegation will also give you the opportunity to support Yarmod and Tama-Hin, for I want you to remember that this will be their first mission as Jedi Knights. Don't tell them what they have to do, listen if they come to you, but let them decide for themselves. They will appreciate your knowledge."

Luke saw the dismissive look in his sister's eyes and turned to his brother-in-law.

"What do you think, Han?" He asked.

"Well I will miss the company of my wife for while. Maybe I should offer Mon Mothma to bring her to Lumeara with the Falcon, but I expect she will reject that offer, but I agree with you, kid, that Chewie and I can still be useful helpers on Myr. Do you have considered the consequences for you and Liane?"

"Shaayla-Car and I will have to wait a bit longer to get officially married, Han, but I'm sure that my 'naughty pixie' has already come to the same conclusion. We will wait until Leia, Yarmod and Tama-Hin will return to Myr. We can only wish that their absence here won't be too long."

He looked at Leia and Han.

"Do we agree?" He asked.

Leia nodded.

"In hindsight, this is a very good solution, Luke, although I have to admit that I will miss Han, but we know that as Jedi Knights sacrifices are needed." She said. "Let's get back to the others, so we can tell them what we have discussed. " Leia said.

"I'm glad you came, Luke. Are you and Shaayla-Car staying on Tyr again?" Toallin asked.

"No, Toallin. The Millennium Falcon came to Tyr, because we needed to consult Ian and Wedge, but we will go back to Myr, after I have seen you, for Wedge told that you wanted to discuss something concerning my marriage with Shaayla-Car."

"Where is you future bride, Luke? Didn't she want to join you?" Toallin asked a bit surprised.

"What we had to discuss with Wedge and Ian was a bit difficult, Toallin, because those two Jedi Knights are very concerned about their two Force students, but we have come to a good agreement, although it will mean that three Jedi Knights will temporary leave the Palomintar System." Luke answered.

"Three of my friends have to leave?" Toallin asked, looking concerned.

"Yes, the Supreme Chancellor at Irithim has scheduled a diplomatic mission and has requested the support of three Jedi Knights."

"To avoid troubles, I guess," Toallin said.

"Let's say, just in case. So, my sister, Yarmod and Ian will go back to Irithim to join her. Unfortunately there is no outlook when they will be back, but they will keep those who will remain here informed."

"So, master Leia and Ian will be away, together with Ian's friend Yarmod." Toallin concluded and looked at Luke. "That is a huge set back for your plan, Luke. Haven't you considered to ask the government of the New Republic to reschedule that mission at a later date."

"The Supreme Chancellor got an invitation for a close time period. Yes, my wedding plan has to be postponed until they will be back, but there's enough to do, Toallin, and with what master Manall has in mind the upcoming time will be very important."

"Sure, it is, Luke. I already have agreed that the third group will probably leave until the Harvest Council has decided about Manalls's proposals."

"Are you sure, that's needed, Toallin, not that I want to interfere with your decisions, but the third group certainly wants to do their share in the restoration of Ribana."

"Do you know what Manall wants, Luke. It's very drastic, but Mugin and I, and also the Council of the Elders are fully agreeing with him."

"I've heard that he wants the harvest families to start living in Ribana among the other Quelans, for he wants them to form one community. That's indeed a big change, Toallin.

"That's not the only thing he wants to change, sure, he wants the harvest men to clean up the abandoned house of those Quelans who will never live among us, and tell their families that they will live in those house among the other Quelans. That will meet some opposition, I fear, but the harvest men can tell their wives that their old houses are demolished completely and that it would take months, probably much longer to rebuild them. So those abandoned houses form a good alternative. I'm sure that most of them will choose to live in Ribana and they will convince those who might have doubts.

However, Manall, also wants to change the way the harvest youngsters will choose their partner. That's a huge change, for that means that their fathers no longer can agree on forehand with whom a young harvest boy will get married.

Manall wants the same rules for the harvest youngsters as we already have in Ribana among the Quelans for as long as I can remember. The young Quelans of Ribana have always made their own choice, even Mugin and I did that when we courted Udine and Carmona Geroldine, and what I know is that even our mutual parents have made their own choice long ago.

Manall certainly will get opposition, but I'm sure that the young harvest boys and girls will support him, for since they have lived at Cantamaga together with the Quelans of Ribana they have become aware of our rules. It's going to be a big change, Luke, but knowing Manall I sure he will push his plans and have them accepted, but that's not what I want to talk about with you.

Shaayla-Car and you have told us that you want Mugin and me and the Council of the Elders to officiate your wedding. You know I had a similar request to you."

Luke nodded.

"You shouldn't worry, for we still want to go ahead with those preparations, but I have consulted our archives and the Council of the Elders and we need solid proof of who you are. I know, that sounds odd, because we know each other so well, but officially we need proof of your birth, we need your birth certificates, or another document that confirms the date on which you were born. I have done some calculation and I came to the conclusion that you are probably born in the midst of the turbulent time at the end of the Clone War and the rise of the Empire, so it will probably be hard for you to find the document we need. The same counts for Shaayla-Car for I understand that she has been adopted during the Civil War. I understand that she has found out who her parents have been, but do you know if there is a official document that confirms her birth."

Luke leaned back in his chair and looked pensively at the Quelan governor.

"I understand, Toallin, and your request is reasonable, but Shaayla-Car and I need time to find out if there are documents somewhere that confirms our birth or otherwise gives full proof of our births."

"I hope that you can find those official documents, Luke. This doesn't mean that we couldn't celebrate your wedding, but without those official documents we couldn't provided an official certificate on your marriage. It might be that your marriage is not recognized on other systems."

"Thank you for advising me, Toallin. Now that my sister and Shaayla-Car's brother are leaving on a mission with the Supreme Chancellor we certainly have enough time to find out how we can find some official documents that confirms the dates of our births."

"Good luck, Luke. I'm sure you will succeed." Toallin said and shook hands with his visitor.

Luke left the administration building and looked at Wedge.

"Problems, Luke?" He asked.

"Let's say, that Shaayla-Car and I have to go back into our past to find someone who has witnessed our birth. I know that Leia and I were born on Polis Massa, and that Obi-Wan, Yoda and Bail Organa were present when my mother Padmé was in labor, but if anything official has been documented I don't know."

"Maybe you should go to back to Na'ctaMagh'Ba, Luke and consult master Yoda in the Jedi Archive," Wedge suggested.

Luke grinned

"That's the second time I heard you refer to the cave under Na'ctaMagh'Ba as the Jedi Archive," He said laughing.

"Your fiancée met us there. She called it the Jedi Archive and it's not a bad name for all knowledge that's secured there." Wedge said.

"I'm going back to the Falcon, Wedge. Thanks, for your contribution to our heated discussion. I feel relieved that we came to an agreement we all could accept, although I'm not happy with the fact that three of us will leave soon. Well, at least, we have several days before the second group comes back here. Shaayla-Car and I will come back too, for she has promised to accompany Filann, Cemall and Cornell to gather the first harvest of fallen nut. Master Manall will also accompany his family."

"Will the two of you go to Palomintar Six again afterwards?" Wedge asked.

"We intended to, but we probably have to change our plans, now that we need to go after our official birth certificates, Wedge, which would mean that you might be the only Jedi Knight left on the Palomintar System. Toallin and Mugin won't be pleased." Luke said with a sigh.

"Maybe I will consider to go to Myr with the third group with Chati, Luke. It depends when Tama-Hin will have to leave with Leia and Yarmod."

"Keep an eye on him, Wedge, but leave him the freedom to tell Lorann that he has to leave him. Maybe you could ask master Kamalin to support you, for I understand that Lorann is getting along pretty well with the chair of the Council of Elders." Luke said and stroked his hair with his hand, "There are six Jedi Knights and of all times, the Supreme Chancellor is invited to come to Lumeara now and she wants protection because she doesn't trust the Lumearanian leaders. Well, I'm glad that you initiated those three runaway fugitives, otherwise I would have had to decide to support the Supreme Chancellor myself. I'm going Wedge, May the Force be with you." Luke said and jumped at the driver's seat of the Falcon's speeder.

"May the Force be with you, Luke. Maybe our three friends will be back soon." Wedge said and watch his friend drove off.

"Of course, you may see Lorann, master Kenobi. He is in the room next door, busy as always of improving the drawings which are already so detailed," Kamalin said. "Master Kenobi, do I sense you have bad new to tell him?"

Ian bowed his head and nodded unwillingly.

"I have to leave Palomintar Four four an indefinite period, master Kamalin. The leader of the New Republic goes on a mission to meet the leaders of a former imperial system. They have reluctantly asked the New Republic to help them, but outcome of her visit is unsure. Those leaders seem to have a grudge against the Jedi Knights. They are accusing the Jedi Knights to have killed thousands of their people during the Clone Wars. The Supreme Chancellor has requested that some Jedi Knights will accompany her delegation. So, Leia, Yarmod and I are going back to Irithim." Ian sighed deeply.

"You're not happy with it, aren't you, master Kenobi?"

Ian shook his head. After some moments he looked up at Kamalin.

"I'd better see, Lorann, and tell him myself, master Kamalin." He said and walked over to the door of Kamailin's office.

Slowly he walked to the next door and entered. Lorann looked up. For a moment a radiant smile appeared on his face, but it immediately disappeared. He put down the stylus and jumped up

"It's true, isn't it, master Kenobi," He whispered as he stood before Ian. "You're going away."

Ian nodded.

"Yes, Lorann, I have to. I'm not going alone, for Yarmod, my friend, and my former Jedi master Leia are going with me."

"Where are you going to, master Kenobi?" Lorann asked with a small voice.

"Lumeara." Ian answered.

"Where is that? Is that a planet, like this planet?"

"It's system, like the Palomintar System, Lorann. Yarmod has already been there with master Antilles. They were send on a first mission which lasted nine months."

"Will you also be away that long, master Kenobi?" Lorann asked and Ian heard the sad tone in boy's voice.

"I don't know, Lorann. I wish I could tell you that I'm only away for some weeks, for I will miss our visit to the Urams in the nut woods."

"I will tell them, that you will come back, for you will come back, master Kenobi, won't you?"

"Absolutely, Lorann, for I will not only miss our visit to the nut woods, I will miss you Lorann, for you are my friend, and I don't like to say goodbye to friends, for it makes me feel sad. "

After those words there was a long silence between the Jedi Knight and the twelve-year old Quelan boy.

"I will miss you too, master Kenobi, for you are also my friend."

Ian looked at Lorann and suddenly an idea came up in his mind. For a moment he cast it aside, saying to himself that he couldn't do that. He shook his head, but then he looked into the sad eyes of his young friend.

"I'm not leaving immediately, Lorann. We will have some time to be together and visit the Urams, and ... I ... want to teach you some special Force use."

"You will teach something I can do with the Force like I'm your padawan, master Kenobi?"

Ian looked straight at the boy's elated face.

"Yes, Lorann, like I'm your Jedi master. We have to do some Force training together, just the two of us. For what I want to teach you I may not do, as I'm not officially your Jedi master."

"So it's a secret between you and me, a secret between two friends."

Ian smiled.

"Exactly, Lorann, and I also know a place where I will teach you that special Force use."

Lorann grinned.

"You're thinking about the cave at the mountain ridge behind the plains, aren't you? Where nobody will disturb us?"

Ian nodded.

"We have been there several times together. So, nobody will find it odd, if we go there together, Lorann." Ian said.

"When shall we go. Do you want to go there now? I'm finished with some drawings and master Kamalin will be busy at least until sunset." Lorann said and cleared up his desk.

Ian watched the boy whose enthusiasm was contagious. He realized that what he was doing was forbidden. He wasn't Lorann's Jedi master, but he wanted to the boy to keep confidence in him while he would be away. Lorann had to know that he wouldn't let him down, that he had to trust him that he would come back.

Meanwhile Lorann had grabbed his coat and seemed already to have told his teacher that he and Ian would go for a walk outside Cantamaga. Kamalin entered the room as Lorann came back.

"Lorann, just told me that you will take him for a walk again, master Kenobi?" The schoolmaster asked Ian, while he looked at the impatiently waiting young Quelan boy.

"I'll bring him back to the school building, master Kamalin, so you don't have to wait for us here." Ian said.

"Splendid idea. It will give me time to prepare a meal for the three of us, for I assume that you will stay with us."

Ian smiled.

"I gladly accept that invitation, master Kamalin. Come on, Lorann, shall we go?"

They left the administration building where Kamalin watched them leaving Cantamaga and head for the plains.

After the Millennium Falcon had returned to Myr all the Jedi Knights had gone back to their specific tasks. Yarmod had joined Nori Thai again and had told him that he had to go back to Irithim to join the delegation of the Supreme Chancellor of a mission. Nori didn't ask any further details, but promised Yarmod that after he had left, that he would finish the task master Manall had ask them. Yarmod expected that some of the Grann brothers would be willing to assist him.

Leia and Han discussed the time schedule to leave Palomintar Four to get to Irithim in time. Leia convened a holo meeting with Mon Mothma to confirm the decision of the Jedi Knights and ask her to brief her with the details of the mission. Mon Mothma showed her contentment, that not only Yarmod and Tama-Hin would join her, but that Leia would be part of the delegation to Lumeara too.

Luke brought Liane to the vineyard building where she joined Cemall who was pleased that she had come back. He didn't dare to ask her why she had left suddenly, for as he looked at both Jedi Knights he noticed that they were often looking at each other with a worried looked in their eyes. To his surprise Luke didn't go back to Ribana, but started to unravel the thickest entangled vines, using the Force, so that those vines could be more easily lopped. Amused Cemall looked as the thickest entangled vines seemed to unravel all by themselves, and he asked Liane if she could do that too. The three of them laughed together when also Liane showed her Force skills on the entangled vines. Still Cemall felt that both the Jedi Knights were in doubt about something that had been brought to their attention.

Cemall was completely amazed when Luke told him that he would join him and Liane for a meal with Udine and Carmona, instead that Han Solo would come and bring him back to the Falcon.

"Liane and I will bring you to the Falcon, Cemall. Han is busy at the moment; he asked me to take care of you, but as Shaayla-Car and I always dine with the governor's wives I had to ask them if you could join too." Luke said who sensed some uneasiness in the young Quelan adult. He patted Cemall on his shoulders. "Udine and Carmona wholeheartedly agreed Cemall. They are very hospitable to share what they have with others, and you seemed to have made a very good impression on the ladies since you're working here."

The shared meal went smoothly, and Carmona surprised Cemall with a large piece of berry pie for dessert.

"Your favorite, isn't it, Cemall Radilan?" Carmona asked.

"Yes, ma'am. My mother has often exchanged her knitting work with you when we were living here."

Carmona beamed.

"Yes, I remember that Tronama often asked me to make it in exchange for her knitting work. Your mother really has a talent to twine the fleece of the nagawas into very fine thread. Her knitting feels so fine and she also knows to dye those thread in beautiful colors."

"You never made while we were living on Tyr, ma'am." Cemall said.

"I couldn't, for I lacked the special berries which only farmer Jecolin grew on his farm. His eldest daughter is now cleaning up there and I asked her if I could already get those special berries. She allowed to harvest the berries myself, for she was busy cleaning the farm house. I will bring her the stews those two droids are distributing in and around Ribana, for Udine and I can prepare our own meal nw. So I'm very pleased to be back here, and make your favorite dessert.

Before Luke and Shaayla-Car will bring you back to Ribana I will give you another two pieces, so you can share it with your older brother. You both are still staying on master Solo's ship, aren't you."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Filann also loves this cake. I will tell him that now you're back here you will make it again, and when I'm back on Tyr, I will also tell my mother."

"Oh, I will give you extra pieces for master Solo and his wife and maybe that huge friend of master Solo will also like it." Carmona said.

Udine started to laugh.

"Cemall, if you continue to talk about my sister's berry cake, you probably will go to Ribana with three of those cakes instead of pieces. We're glad that our kitchen is in good order again. There is still a lot to do, before our families can return, but it looks much better than the first time we arrived here."

"The vineyard still needs a lot of pruning, ma'am," Cemall said.

"Sure, and only my two sons, and their cousins will do the work, for the governors have much other work to do." Udine said.

Cemall looked at Liane.

"Ma'am, would the governors accepted help for a group of harvest boys?" Cemall asked carefully.

"A group of harvest boys. What do you mean, Cemall?" Carmona asked.

"I have already talked about it with miss Kenobi, but I also need permission from the governors, I guess. It's a plan my grandfather has in mind. He wants me to become the leader of a group of seven to ten young harvest boys. I must tell them what they need to do, especially when we're on Tyr harvesting the nuts, but also when I'm with that group up on the mountain ridge to look after the water project and do maintenance.

When I'm back on Tyr again I have to form a group of friends which I think will form a good team together. My grandfather suggested that when the third group comes back to Myr it might be an opportunity for my team to help in the vineyard pruning the grapevines. Miss Kenobi has taught me how to do it, and I want to teach it to my friends.

My grandfather thinks that it will be good for my team to learn to work together and as the vineyard is large, it might help if more Quelans can help with the pruning," Cemall had got a reddish color after his long explanation.

Udine and Carmona looked in amazement at the young Quelan harvest man.

"My grandfather will help me, if some of my friends aren't listening or doing it wrong, ma'am." Cemall stammered.

"I think, " Udine said thoughtfully, "that you should discuss that with our husbands, Cemall, but I think it's a good plan, and as Manall will help you, I'm sure that the grapevines will be pruned as needed. What do you think, Carmona.

"Talann and Ronan can help Cemall to instruct those boys. The group will all be of the same age I guess, so they probably know each other and that makes working together much easier. Dolan, my eldest son, will also help, but he is very busy making plans to set up his own household. My other son Tribann will certainly help. Cemall, talk to our husbands and if they have any objection, tell my sister and me and we will convince them that it's a good idea and will save much extra work."

Carmona looked at Liane.

"Will you also continue to help in the vineyard, Shaayla-Car?"

"As much as possible, Carmona, but Luke and I have to figure out something else first." Liane said.

"Are you in trouble, dear," Udine asked.

"Your husband has told Luke, that he needs our official birth certificates, if he wants our marriage to be valid on all the systems in this galaxy. We were born during turbulent times, Udine. Luke at the end of the Clone Wars and I during the start of the first actions of the Rebel Alliance. We have to find someone who knows about our births, but also have some official documents as evidence."

"And Toallin doesn't want to officiate your wedding if he hasn't those documents?" Udine asked and Luke and Liane heard the disapproving tone in her voice.

"That's not it, Udine," Luke said. "Your husband will always officiate our wedding, but without official proof of our births our marriage might not be accepted on other systems. You shouldn't blame your husband for this. We will find out what's possible, but it will not be easy to get anything official."

"You should go back, Luke, to your home planet and ask to have a look in their archives or administration," Carmona said.

"That what we might have to do, but that means that I have to leave Palomintar Four while I have promised your husbands to help them to make Ribana the town for the Quelan community again."

"You can keep that promise, after you and Shaayla-Car come back, Luke," Udine said. "We know you will, for you want to marry here in Ribana, won't you? And while you're away we still have work to do. Oh, Shaayla-Car, that will also give me and Carmona also more time to make your white wedding dress the most beautiful one Luke has ever seen."

Carmona got up and put more than half a cake in a container and gave it to Cemall.

"You can hand me the container back tomorrow, or when you have eaten all of it." She said.

"Thank ma'am. This is very generous of you. When Filaan and I will eat it, we will wish you good health."

Luke and Liane rose and Liane embraced Udine and Carmona.

"Are you sure you don't want me to help you clear what's left," She said pointing to the table.

"No, dear, go home with your husband and don't worry too much about what Toallin wants," Udine said and pushed them both to the main corridor. Cemall followed and once again thank Carmona for the cake. The two Quelan women saw their visitors go and looked at each other. Carmona grinned.

"You named Luke Shaayla-Car's husband, Udine." She said.

"I could also have said that she is his wife, not officially, but they form a splendid couple. Oh, and that young harvest boy isn't not so rebellious as I thought. I like his plan about pruning the grapevines and I will defend his idea when I see Toallin." Udine said.

Luke and Liane brought Cemall to the Falcon, but had immediately gone to the Astræga. Liane looked at Luke.

"What did Toallin told you, Luke. Does he really need proof of our births," Liane asked him.

Luke nodded.

"We shouldn't worry too much, Shaayla-Car. Toallin and Mugin will officiate our wedding, but they are worry that without proof of our births our marriage might not be valid in some systems."

"I have never heard Mon Mothma telling me about a birth certificate when she handed me my ID-card. Have you ask Leia how she has found the name of my mother?"

"She found Severini's name in the log data at the Morantan domains. The name of your mother was mentioned several time in combination with your name. Leia accepted that as proof of your family ties with her. It's lucky that you have read Ben's diaries which give full proof of your family ties with him and Severini. The date of your birth mentioned on your ID-card, is a date calculated based on your age."

"What about you, Luke?"

"On my ID-card the date Padmé died. is my date of birth. That's reliable, but it's not accepted a proof of my date of birth. I could have been born two, three, maybe even a week or month before she died.

Ben told me that he, master Yoda and Bail Organa, Leia foster-father were present when Padmé was in labor and brought to Polis Massa, but I don't know if our births were officially registered. Bail Organa could have registered Leia's birth, but Alderaan is gone, as are Ben and master Yoda.

Wedge suggested that I should go to Na'ctaMagh'Ba to consult master Yoda. It might be a good idea, but, when Leia, Yarmod and Tama-Hin are also gone, that means that almost all the Jedi Knights have left Palomintar Four, as Han will probably bring Leia, and the other two to Irithim."

"Will Han return to Palomintar Four?" Liane asked.

"Yes, for he will take over Yarmod's task to make a list of the houses in Ribana, of which the inhabitants won't come back. He will work with Nori. The Granns will also stay in Ribana and help Woldrin with the distribution of the items they have brought with them from Irithim."

"Would Mon Mothma has any idea that could help us?"

"She probably is too occupied with that upcoming mission. This is really a very unlucky coin ... influence of the Force," He said with a frown, changing the sentence he had in mind.

Liane looked at him.

"Mon Mothma's unexpected mission gives us at least some time to search for our birth certificates, Luke, for we don't know how long Leia, Tama-Han and Yarmod will be away."

Luke was silent again.

"I want to be away from Palomintar Four a very short time, Shaayla-Car. Toallin, Mugin and all the other Quelan shouldn't get the idea that we're turning our back on them. Especially the harvest men have always been suspicious about what Han, Leia and I were up to. I need to keep their trust and confidence.

Maybe Wedge should come to Myr with the third group. I also want him to take Lorann with him, although he can't pay full attention to the boy here. We have to talk to Manall and explain what's going on." He said, looking at Liane.

"I have promise my brother that we would keep an eye on Lorann, while he is away." She said, but she noticed Luke's objection. "No, we will not act as the boy's Jedi masters, Luke, that's not what we should do, but somehow we need to support him. You get along very well with him, aren't you?"

Luke began to laugh.

"Lorann will certainly appreciate your attention, naughty pixie. When he sees you he only pays attention to what you're doing. You have another admirer, Shaayla-Car, but you forget that our search for our birth certificate might also take time."

For a moment Liane was look thoughtfully.

"You just mentioned Ben's diaries as proof of my relationship with them. What if we get my father's diaries, Luke. He mentions a lot of details and his recordings are all dated. The first records mention the death of your mother and his fight with Anakin on Mustafar. That could give us an indications of what has happened around our births. Going to Na'ctaMagh'Ba to ask master Yoda is also a good idea, Maybe we will come up with other options while we're on our way."

"How much days do we have before we have to go to Tyr and support Filann, Cemall and Cornell as has been decided during the Harvest Council?" Luke asked and Liane sensed his impatience.

"Hey, Jedi master, control, you must learn control and be patient, that's what you over and over have said to me." She said and leaned over to him to kiss him.

Luke relaxed and put his arms around her.

"I want to marry you, Shaayla-Car, officially. I want to put one of a wedding ring on your finger."

"One day, you will, master Skywalker. We'd better make a schedule of upcoming occurrences, and we also need to know when Han will bring Leia, Yarmod and my brother to Irithim. There's also Manall's Harvest Council he wants to convene on Tyr to propose the changes for the harvest men's families."

"We're not directly involved in Manall's plans, Shaayla-Car."

"I know, but we might have to back-up Cemall, Filann, and master Manall. Luke, it's absolutely time that the harvest families come to realize, that their old traditional way of living has to be adapted to the changes which have become apparent when the two groups of Quelans had to live together on Tyr."

"The Jedi can't force those changes, Shaayla-Car."

"No, but we can support the way of living of the Quelans of Ribana which is a much better way to ensure that all young adult Quelans, whether boys or girls, will get a good opportunity to find a partner of their own choice."

"If the governors will explain what has been common among the Quelans from Ribana for generations we surely can support them, but that does not mean that the harvest families will be convinced by that."

"At least, we can try, Luke," Liane said and started to laugh when she saw him frown, but he didn't comment on her words. "Tomorrow I want to have a look at what Yarnick and his brothers have brought with them from Irithim. It is said that the first gift of the New Republic is very generous."

"Their mission has been very successful, what I heard, but I fully agree with master Manall that the governors and the Council of the Elders have to be very cautious as it comes to selling more aludium crystals."

"Master Manall's narrative about the mining of aludium crystals during the reign of the Emperor was really a revelation, but was also a very sad ending for Manall's long desire to know had happened to Anakin.

I sensed you both had difficulty to cope with what had happened during the short period while those aludium crystals were mined to benefit the imperial military industry and how Anakin intervened after he recognized a long time friend who could have been his padawan. It is certainly a pity that he could not admit that he knew Manall, although he made two attempts to do so." Liane said and huddled closer in Luke's arms.

Luke leaned with his head on hers.

"What master Manall told us, confirms once again my believe in the conflict I felt in him." Luke mused. "Manall's story gave me the same conviction when Anakin told me that he had taken you with him, after he had dueled with your mother. Also what you have told me strengthened my believe in his sparks of goodness. "