The Adventures of the Crimson Hawk, Part 2

The carriage arrived at the Takodana Inn within the hour. Vader and his escort left them even before they arrived. “We need to continue our search.” His breathing grew heavier. “If you or your family can remember anything about the Crimson Hawk or his men, tell me or General Tarkin at Nabarrie Castle. We can't have bandits driving people off the roads.”

Bail nodded. “We'll do that, Your Excellency.” Leia was a bit torn. On one hand, the bandits were criminals. On the other hand...something told her Vader wasn't much better. He'd been callous about the deaths in the factory fire, caring more about his airship than his people.

Two rather large, unshaven men in cheap suits helped her and her mother down the rickety wooden steps provided. Breha eyed the men warily. “What kind of place is this? I think the Crimson Hawk's men looked more reputable than these two. At least they were rather clean and well-trimmed, for mercenaries. These fellows look positively frightening.”

Leia shrugged. “I don't care what they look like. As long as the food's decent and no one kills us, I'm willing to eat anywhere.”

She was surprised at how big the place was. The old stone house, with it's wide round turrets and narrow windows. was more like an ancient keep than an inn. This was born by the main lobby, which was furnished with clean but shabby dark wood furniture that looked like it had been in the same place for hundreds of years.

Even as Bail rang the bell at the heavily polished cherry wood desk, Leia could hear grumbling from beyond the main room. “I'm coming, I'm coming.” The old woman was the tiniest person she had ever seen. She had reddish skin and a shock of wild gray hair under a bright paisley head scarf. In fact, she looked more like a gypsy than a typical inn keeper, with her shapeless, patched blouse and baggy man's trousers.

“May I help...” The delicate old wrinkles on the old woman's face lifted into the widest, most toothless grin Leia had ever seen. “Bail! I haven't seen you since the last time you were here after the Coruscant invasion.”

“Maz Kantana.” Bail grinned. “You look as healthy as ever. Still running this place? I'm surprised Vader hasn't tried to shut you down. If he knew about all the raids you used to go on as a young woman...”

Maz waved him off. “As long as I don't bother him, Vader won't give a flaming hell about me. He's too busy sending troops to take over every other corner of Europe.” She turned her toothless grin on Breha. “And Breha. You're looking absolutely gorgeous. I will never figure out how this idiot here,” she gave Bail a friendly slug in the shoulder, “managed to win one of the smartest and most charming women in the Alliance.”

Leia laughed as Bail rubbed his shoulder. Breha chuckled. “It wasn't easy. Father objected to my marrying a country lawyer, but I knew Bail was the man for me the moment he took me on a date to a fencing match and an outdoor picnic, instead of some dull tea party.”

“And you...” Maz peered at Leia. “You're the niece. I've heard about you.” She squinted under her thick spectacles. “I've lived many years, my dear, long enough to see the same eyes on different faces. Yours...they're familiar. Do you have family in Coruscant? Or perhaps, Naboo?”

“Mother came from Naboo.” The young woman sighed. “She died when I was a baby.”

“Yes, well,” Bail coughed, “Maz, we're supposed to be meeting a representative of Senator Mon Mothma.”

“Bail? Bail, is that you?” The gentleman was old, but not nearly as ancient as Maz. Leia placed him in his early 60's, a few years older than her uncle. His white hair was perfectly combed back, his mustache and goatee neatly groomed and waxed. He wore an elegant khaki suit under a heavy brown cloak, a cane in his hand. “Bail, you made it!”

“Ben!” He threw his arms around the older man. “Leia, this is Sir Benjamin Kenton. He was in my unit during the Alliance Wars. Saved my life more than once, the old devil!”

“Really?” Leia had heard many stories about Sir Kenton's bravery and cunning battle tactics. Her uncle claimed they had more than once saved his men from a gruesome fate at the hands of the enemy. “It's so wonderful to meet you! Uncle Bail has told me so much about you.”

“Ben?” A young man her own age stepped out after him. “Have they arrived yet?” He was slight and slender, with bright, eager blue eyes. The simple pale tan suit, with its narrow brown velvet bow tie, gold blouse, tight trousers, and high, shiny boots, suited him. He held a tweed cap in his slender hands.

“Luke!” Ben lead the young man over to the group. “Bail, I want you to meet Luke Skywalker, my apprentice, my best fencing student, and the ward of our employer, Mr. Henry Solo.”

“Solo?” Bail raised an eyebrow. “I've heard that name. Wasn't there a pirate who went by name of Captain Han Solo? He was quite notorious, I believe. Must have stolen millions of dollars worth of gold and jewels from half the countries in Europe.”

Luke nodded. “That's Henry. He went legit over a decade ago. He runs a shipping business now.”

“I know the name Skywalker, too.” Bail took the boy's hand. “Are you related to Baron Anakin Skywalker, by any chance?”

Luke frowned. “He was my father, sir. I never knew him. He died when I was born.”

“He was a good man.” Bail smirked at Ben. “Bravest and most foolhardy knight in the entire Jedi Corps. Ben here was really the only one who could ever keep him in line.”

A small smile played on Ben's lips. “And then, just barely.” He nodded at the middle-aged couple. “Luke, these are Duke Bail and Grand Duchess Breha Organa.” The boy gave them a rather deep bow. “They're the ones who'll be staying with Mon Mothma at Chalindria Court for the Jubilee. And this,” he put a hand on Leia's shoulder, “is their niece, Duchess Leia Organa.”

Leia couldn't help returning his sunny smile. “It's nice to meet you. Do you live near Chalindria Court?”

“Oh yes,” Luke admitted. “I live next-door with Ben and Henry. Our home isn't nearly as grand or as fancy as Mon Mothma's, but it's comfortable enough.”

“You know,” Leia began, “there's something familiar about you...”

Luke blushed. “I was about to say the same thing. It's as if...I've known you all my life.” Even more than just for ten minutes on the road, he added mentally. Even then, I felt like I knew this girl. “Do you like machines? Have you ever driven one of those new-fangled cars?”

“I haven't, but I'm hoping to. I'd love to drive a car, or maybe even fly someday.” Leia sighed. “I've taken every lesson I can – shooting, fencing, archery, riding, running ships, repairing carriages, building things. I even got an old friend of my uncle's to teach me boxing on the sly.”

“Do you like to fence?” Luke grinned. “Ben has been teaching me to fence. I'm not as good at it as he is, but I'm getting better. Charles helps sometimes, too.”

Leia raised an eyebrow. “Charles?”

“Henry's valet and manservant. They've known each other for years.” Luke beamed proudly. “Henry's really brilliant. You should seen all the ships he's designed and the machines he's developed to haul freight more efficiently. Ben is his manager, and I'm sort of his secretary. I help him with his duties, aid him with his blueprints and building, and even help deliver some important shipments.”

The young man sighed. “He's going to meet us at Mon Mothma's. He's setting up a deal with Governor Tarkin of Coruscant. The Coruscant government is one of our biggest clients. I don't like it, but they do pay us well. Our main parlor is in the midst of being remodeled. It, uh,” he blushed, “got a little damaged when we were working on a new chemical that could clean out steam engines and make them run faster.” Luke sighed. “Henry's friendly when you get to know him, but he mostly hides. He's kind of quiet.”

Luke and Leia spent the rest of the afternoon talking. Leia couldn't believe how much they had in common. “You lost your parents, too?” She asked as they took a stroll around the small, shady gardens.

Luke nodded. “My mother gave me to my Aunt Berta and Uncle Owen when I was just a baby.”

“Mine died when I was a year old. I barely remember her.” Leia shrugged. “Just images, really. Feelings.” She turned to Luke. “What about your father? Uncle Bail told me mine was a member of the Jedi Guards and died when they were all killed.”

Luke's sweet face darkened. “Ben used to be a Jedi, too. He just avoided being killed off with the rest of them. He told me Baron Vader betrayed and murdered Anakin Skywalker and stole his titles and land.”

“That's awful!” Leia took his hand without thinking. “I'm so sorry.”

Luke blushed at the hand. “I'm going to avenge him someday, though. My aunt and uncle, too. Lord Vader won't get away with this!”

Maz came out, jutting a finger over her narrow shoulders. “Hey you two, chow's on. I have veal stew and fresh bread on the table. Probably not as fancy as you're used to, Duchess, but it's food.”

“I'm sure it'll be fine.” Leia sniffed, grinning. There was a wonderful, savory scent drifting in from the kitchen. “It already smells delightful.”

Ben came out just as they came in. “Are you going to eat with us?” Luke indicated Leia. “I can't believe she's a duchess. She likes cars and steam engines and stereoscopes and she can fence and shoot and hunt too and she's been all over Europe!”

“It's part of my duties.” Leia shrugged. “I'm expected to attend banquets and major functions with my father. I'll be taking over his job someday.”

“I'm glad you young people have found so much to talk about.” Ben shooed them in. “Tell Bail I'll be along in a few minutes. I just need to talk to Miss Kantana.”

He turned to Maz as soon as the duo entered, still chatting away. “All right, Maz. What have you heard? That fire at the Erso Shipyards didn't happen because someone set if off.”

“No, it didn't.” Maz took Ben aside, near the wood pile. “The Crimson Hawk isn't the only rebel in Naboo. I've heard from a couple of my boys that there's another rebellion brewing, one that's starting with the gentry. The people who were killed at the Shipyards were their spies. We're pretty sure that's why Vader sped up the completion of the Death Star Airship Line. They found out something big and were silenced because of it.”

“I've heard rumors.” Ben played with his cane. “Han says it's none of his business. He just wants the boy to have what's rightfully his and to pay off his debts. I've been trying to convince him otherwise. We could do a lot more for this country than rescue Wookie natives and steal cash from aristocrats.”

“Prime Minister Palpatine is up to something, I know that much.” Maz shook her head. “He's the the one who really gives the orders in Naboo. Vader is a glorified errand boy.” She took off her goggles, checking for invisible dust. “That boy Luke...he's not what he says he is, is he? I know those eyes. They're the eyes of a Baron who is now only half a man.”

“He doesn't know.” Ben's voice became soft. “I told him Vader killed his father, and that his mother died when the Coruscant Empire invaded Naboo.”

Maz poked a skinny finger in his chest. “You lied.”

“I didn't lie, per se.” Ben gingerly pushed her finger away. “I told him the truth from a certain point of view.”

“Still lies.” Maz crossed her arms. “Does Solo know?”

“Some of it. He knows who Luke really is, but not who his father was...or where his father is now.” Ben sighed. “I'm not entirely sure I can trust him. He says he's given up smuggling, but I know he's still on several crime lords' most wanted lists, including Jenkins Huttman.”

“That fat old reprobate?” Maz smirked. “I thought he got blown up or covered in cement years ago.”

“Not at all. Though I wish he had.” Ben put his arms around her. “Maz, my dear woman, when was the last time I bought you a meal?”

“It's my place. If anything, I should be treating you to the food.” She managed to get her arm around his waist. “I have ale that just came in from Stewjohn County.”

“Ah, the old Scottish homeland.” He gave her his small grin. “You always were good to me, Maz.”

“I'm always good to regular customers.” Maz chuckled as the laughter of two young people filtered in. “Come on, before that apprentice of yours eats the entire loaf of bread by himself.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

They crossed the Calamari River a few hours later in Mon Mothma's private yacht, the River Queen. It was a sleek beauty, one of the latest models. The rain had subsided, allowing a majestic sunset to give the placid waters a golden glow.

The driver was a handsome, slender man in an orange and white uniform, his black hair pulled back under a white captain's cap. “My name is Captain William Antiles,” he said in a clipped British accent, “but you can call me Wedge. I'm the driver for Senator Mothma. I'll be taking you across the river this evening.” Leia swore he gave Luke a grin and a wink...and Luke grinned seductively back.

Leia was on her own for the first 20 minutes or so, strolling along the deck. When she passed the Captain's Quarters, she saw Luke throw his arms around Wedge as he drove and give him a playful kiss on his ear. Wedge chuckled and pushed him off, reminding him that there were other eyes on the ship.

Leia and Luke stayed by the rail for the rest of the trip, watching the sun set and the fish and birds jump and play. “What do you think,” Leia began, “about everything that's going on in Coruscant? I've heard Baron Vader's raised the taxes again to pay for his new airships. People are starving in tiny villages, and he wants to make more cannons to destroy things!” She slammed her fist into her palm. “What he should be doing is putting that money towards helping people, building roads and schools.”

“I agree.” Luke sighed. “I'm trying to get Henry to do more, but he says it's none of our business. We have to take clients, whomever those clients may be, especially with so many of the roads and trade routes blocked.”

Leia didn't like the sound of that. “Why wouldn't he care? He lives in Naboo. It's his home, too.”

“That's what I think, but Henry says it doesn't matter who's in power.” Luke shook his head. “I wish I could talk to him, but he's so stubborn.”

Leia gently put a hand on his. “Maybe I could help.”

“I don't know if you can.” Luke blushed to his toes, but he did take her hand. “Henry can be pretty mulish.”

Leia's raised her little chin determinedly. “So can I.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

A fine carriage picked them up at the docks. Leia couldn't help but goggle at the magnificence of the homes they passed. There were old stone mansions and timber manor houses alongside elaborate brand-new Gothic revival homes, with their fancy gingerbread trim and tall spires. Luke rode in the first carriage with Leia and Sir Kenton, Breha and Bail having gone on ahead with the luggage. Ben insisted that Luke would be nothing but a gentleman, and he had no difficulty chaperoning them.

Luke leaned out the window as they passed a somewhat simpler stone manor house, one not quite as fanciful as some of the others surrounding it. It had a few cupolas, but mostly looked like the grim square homes of a century before. “There's our home, Corellia Manor. I can't wait to show it to you. There's a small building in the back that used to be servant's quarters. Henry made it over as a workshop for our ideas, a garage, and a place for Ben and me to practice fencing.”

“Does Henry fence?” Leia asked as she admired the ivy-covered walls and simple, elegant grounds. “I do take fencing lessons, but I'm better with a pistol.”

“No. He used to, in his pirate days, but he can't now.” Luke sighed. “I wish he could.”

Leia was about to inquire further when the carriage pulled up to a narrow iron gate. Sir Kenton nodded at a tall old man in blue livery. “Tell Senator Mothma that Mr. Skywalker is here with Sir Kenton. The Organa family has arrived.”

Within minutes, the gates swung open. The carriages passed down a long, winding path lined with gravel. Gracious old willows mingled with spicy pine trees and pale-green maples in a profusion of elegance.

The house on the cliff, at the end of the drive, was enormous. It sprawled every which way and seemed to consist of every style of architecture to have ever existed in Coruscant, from Gothic to Baroque. The entrance seemed to be fairly recent, with its bell-shaped windows and high, sloping roof. Flowers in a rainbow of colors spilled around the sides in a messy, merry jumble.

“Bail! Breha!” Senator Mon Mothma was tall and slender, her copper-colored hair worn far shorter than the fashion. She was resplendent in a rather severe, military-style ecru suit with gold buttons and braid trim, but her smile was warm. “I'm so glad you've arrived. I was worried you had trouble on the road.”

“We had a small encounter with bandits,” Bail admitted as he helped Breha out of the carriage. “Nothing we couldn't handle.”

“The Crimson Hawk and his men attacked us.” Leia got out of the carriage herself, followed by Luke and Ben. “He stole all the money Uncle Bail had.”

“It's a good thing I had my pin money.” Breha gave Bail a look. “Or we wouldn't have had that wonderful meal at the Takodana Inn.”

“Ah yes, Maz Kantana. She's something of a local character. Some say she's a seer.” Mon chuckled. “I say that's a load of hogwash. She's just a very smart, very old woman who knows how to run a business and do it well.”

“Mon,” Ben started, “is Henry still here? I know he was meeting Tarkin about the steel shipment and the vote for the improved roadways.”

“They're both still here. Probably arguing up in my parlor.” A stiff butler in a starched gold uniform, his silver-streaked brown hair slicked back, opened the door for them. Mon Mothma smiled at him. “Thank you, Cedric.” She turned to the others. “This is Cedric, my butler. He's worked for me for years. Before that, he worked for the royal family.”

“Those were wonderful days, Senator.” Cedric smiled. “But I do enjoy working for you, too. It's so peaceful here.” He lead them in, fussing with the house boys as they gathered the luggage.

“You'll be staying in the West Wing.” Mon pointed at the western end of the house with her parasol. “It's the newer wing, just finished three years ago, with all the latest amenities. I prefer the older wing, from the 1600's. It's drafty and musty, and I occasionally have to share my room with bats, but it's been in my family for years. I'm used to it.”

She lead them through the house at such a brisk pace, they barely had time to stop and admire the pale blue walls with their golden trim, wide marble staircases, and beautiful black and white tile floors. “We eat three meals a day. I try to do them at seven, noon, and six. Cook will put something aside for you if you're out later. She always does for me.”

The stately senator lead them to a small but cozy parlor. Seated on the red velvet and damask chairs were two men having a rather heated argument. The smaller of the two was also the older. His sunken-in face looked like a death's mask, with its sharp cheekbones and hollow, watery blue eyes. His uniform was the starched gray and silver of the Coruscant military.

The other man was younger, maybe in his early 30's. Soft auburn hair, worn longer than the fashion, was slicked back until it shown in the late-afternoon light. His black suit, with its dark vest and blood-red blouse and checked bow tie, was the latest cut and style. He held a cane with an elaborate brass handle that resembled a hawk in one hand. A pair of gold-rimmed spectacles perched on the end of his long, majestic nose. He also had high cheekbones, but they gave him a look of roguishness, not death. A jagged scar slashed his square chin. Though his costume suggested a stiff businessman, there was still something of the pirate in his manner and the way the hazel-green eyes roved over Leia's person.

Mon Mothma waved her gloved hand at them. “Duke and Duchess Organa, this is Mr. Henry Solo, owner of Solo Shipping and my next-door neighbor, and Governor Tarkin, the head of Theed District.”

The governor rose, clicking his heels, as Luke and Ben followed them. “Charmed to see you again, Grand Duke, Duchess.” He bowed before each of them. “And the young duchess. You certainly have grown since the last time I encountered you. You were barely a child then. Now, you're quite a young lady.”

“The last time I saw you,” Leia said sharply, “I knocked a bowl of soup into your lap because you were insulting my uncle.”

“Feisty child you have there, Bail. I always did say she was a wild one.” He took a heavy leather briefcase, turning to Henry. “I'm glad we came to an agreement about the khyber crystal shipments. You'll start shipping them tomorrow?”

Henry nodded. “First thing in the morning. They'll be some of the last things we transport before we leave.”

“Leave?” Mon Mothma sighed. “Are you still saying you're going to leave? You've been saying that for at least two years.”

“I mean it this time.” Henry tapped the brass top of his cane. “I want to get out of town, before Jen...before things get complicated here.”

Mon Mothma stopped Tarkin as he was leaving. “You never did discuss the state of the roads with me. The Naboo Senate needs to come to a decision, before those bandits do more harm. If we can put more patrols on the road, we may be able to route those men. Not to mention, there's the repairs. The roads themselves are appalling. You can barely travel in the country without your carriage nearly being jolted to pieces by the ruts and pot holes.”

“My dear woman,” Tarkin's smile didn't reach his eyes, “right now, we're doing everything possible to track down the Crimson Hawk and his band of cutthroats. We will bring them to justice. You have my word. As for the road repairs,” he gave her a rather condescending smirk, “that's hardly a discussion for small parlors. Let's save it for when the Senate is in session.”

Henry coughed. “Tarkin, the only reason you care about those bandits is they're embarrassing you. Otherwise, you wouldn't give two beans what they do. They've mostly stuck to robbing nobles and releasing Wookie slaves from your smelly prisons.”

“Why don't we talk about this further at my ball tonight?” Mon Mothma turned to the Organas. “I'm holding a small party tonight in the ballroom at 7. Black tie, good dresses. Nothing too ostentatious. There will be a more elaborate Diamond Jubilee Grand Gala at Naberrie Palace at the end of the summer. This will be just an appetizer.”

“You're all invited, of course.” She nodded at Henry. “Including you, Mr. Solo, and Mr. Skywalker and Sir Kenton. You're my neighbors, and Sir Kenton has been my friend for many years.”

Leia wondered why Henry hadn't risen when the other men did. She got her answer when Luke went to his guardian's side. The young man put his arms under Henry and helped him slowly to his feet, Henry leaning heavily on his ward. “Oh,” Breha said in surprise, “you poor man. You're crippled. You must be in terrible pain.”

Henry's eyes narrowed. “So what? That don't mean noth...doesn't mean anythin'.”

“You don't have to be so rude!” Leia glared at him. “It's not Aunt Breha's fault that you take five minutes just to stand up!”

“Maybe you should learn a few manners, Duchess.” He bowed as well as he could for Mon Mothma. “Sorry, Senator. I think the kid and I had better get going. We've gotta get ready for your shindig tonight, and we both have things we're working on. Thanks for lettin' me hold this meeting here.” He had the grace to look sheepish. “We're still cleaning up the mess from one of my, er, experiments at my place.”

Mon Mothma gave him a small smile. “Certainly, Henry.”

Luke gave Leia a hug as Henry, leaning heavily on his cane, manage to swagger even while limping. “I'm sorry, Leia. He's a little self-conscious about his bad leg. I'll calm him down, and I'm sure he'll be fine by the time of the party tonight. I'm looking forward to it now. I'll have you to talk to.”

Leia smiled. “Thank you, Luke. I am, too.”

Ben shook his head as Luke hurried past him. “Poor Henry. I don't suppose Luke told you why he gave up piracy.”

Leia watched Luke head after his guardian. “He only told me he'd gone straight. He never said why.”

“On his last voyage, Captain Han Solo was delivering a massive shipment of opium and other drugs to the crime lord Jenkins Huttman. He was just outside of Mos Eisley, on the island of Tatoonie, when his ship was stopped by local officials. Not only was he forced to jettison his cargo, but he was shot by an official while attempting to escape. The bullet shattered his right knee. It took him two years to be able to walk again. He's very proud of that. Most men in his position would be paralyzed for life.”

“I'm sorry that he can't walk well, but he didn't need to be nasty about it!” Leia grumbled.

Bail sighed. “You didn't have to antagonize him, Leia.”

“Cedric will take you to the West Wing to settle down and get prepared for the party. I'll have Sabine bring your meals up to you. I do need to talk to Tarkin here before he leaves.” Mon Mothma sent them off.

“Leia,” Breha began, “Henry was rude, but I should have been more sensitive. Perhaps you should both apologize at the ball tonight.”

“I will if he will.” Leia shook her head. “How can he and Luke stand living together? Luke is such a sweetheart. He wasn't rude to me once.”

“Master Luke is a dear.” Cedric gave them a thin smile. “Such a gentle soul, and so helpful to Master Henry. He and that over-sized fur coat he calls a valet are the ones who take care of him.”

“Luke seems like a sweet boy.” Breha smiled knowingly at Leia. “I believe you were interested in him.”

“As a friend.” Leia's brow furrowed as they turned a corner into gleaming white and pale gold rococo halls. “There's something...familiar...about him. I've only known him a few hours, but I felt like he's been a part of me all my life.”

Breha's grin grew wider. “That means it's meant to be.”

“We'll see, Auntie.” Leia shook her head as Cedric and several young pages in orange and gold uniforms lead them to their rooms.