The Adventures of the Crimson Hawk, Part 7

Leia was taken back to Chalindria Court. Other than still feeling a bit light-headed from the drugs and the adrenaline from her amazing escape wearing off, she was fine. Cedric and Chester “Chopper” Charleton, Hera's grouchy old navigator in the patched suit, got Rusty to the hospital. He had two broken ribs, but it was mostly bad burns and bruises. He was released to Corellia Manor, where Cedric's attempts to take care of his friend were met with anything from curt refusal to ordering Charles to throw him out bodily.

Bail returned to Alderaan the next day to deal with the destroyed shipyards and harbor and discuss what should be done about it with his senate. He ordered his valet to pack his bags the moment they returned to their rooms. His wife and niece wished he could stay, but they needed his wise leadership.

“I'm sorry, Leilita,” he told her the next morning, “but they need me at home. You stay here and enjoy the rest of your vacation. I'll hopefully be back in time for the Diamond Jubilee Gala Ball.”

Leia hugged him as hard as she could. “I'm going to miss you, Uncle Bail.”

“I will, too.” Breha hugged his other side, kissing him full on the lips. “Please, be careful. I'm not ready to lose you yet.”

Leia nodded. “And watch out for spies and bandits on the road, not to mention Vader's army. I saw the newspaper this morning. Tarkin's dead. He went down with the Death Star. Prime Minister Palpatine gave Vader his duties, including the running of the Theed province.”

“I will. I'll come back when I can. I promise.” Bail kissed his wife once more for good measure before letting his valet help him into Mon Mothma's carriage. Mon Mothma assured him that the Ghost would take him back across the river and Ezra would return him to Alderaan.

Leia spent the next week exploring Chalindra Court and its grounds, spending most of her time in the extensive library. She tried to focus on Jane Eyre, but she couldn't concentrate. She kept thinking about the week before and wondering about the Crimson Hawk and Golden Eagle and their men. She had a pretty good idea of who they were, but there were so many questions she wanted to ask them! Why did they hide themselves? Why did they work alone, instead of with the Rebel Society? What were the really up to?

She was just returning the book to the shelf when Cedric shuffled in. “Two gentleman callers for you, Your Grace. Mr. Solo and Mr. Skywalker are here to see the ladies of Chalindria Court.”

Henry and Luke were already talking to her aunt and Mon Mothma in the main parlor when she arrived. You'd never know either man had likely spent time the week before running around airships and fairs and swinging across catwalks. Luke sported a soft blouse and tan cotton trousers with brown suede boots, a cotton cap resting on the table before him. Henry's pale blue suit was impeccably tailored. The ever-present gold-rimmed glasses perched on the end of his nose. He balanced his bird-topped cane between two long, tapered fingers, then ran one hand through his slicked-back hair.

“Leia!” Luke hastened to her side the moment she stepped in the room. “Duchess Breha told us what happened! Are you ok? Did they hurt you?”

“She doesn't look so bad to me.” Henry's smile was genuine. “After that fencing demonstration last week, I'm surprised anyone would have the courage to carry you off, Your Grace. I'd be afraid of losing fingers, or worse, getting a blade in the heart.”

“I'm fine boys, really.” Cedric pulled out one of the wicker chairs for her. “It was a terrible experience, but it's over now.”

Mon Mothma shook open the Theed Daily Star. “It's been the talk of the papers, at least what they can report, censorship being what it is in Naboo. It's a great blow for Palpatine and Vader. Of the fifty men who worked on the Death Star, only twenty were saved, Vader among them. They found Tarkin's remains in at least three rooms. He must have been close to the blast when it went down.”

Leia read over Mon Mothma's shoulder. “There's a second Death Star airship?”

“Yes.” Mon Mothma nodded. “Vader intended to create a whole fleet before Erso defected. The second one was still being worked on when the shipyard went up in flames. They got it out before much damage could be done, but it'll be at least a month or more before it's ready.”

“Good.” Henry frowned. “Vader and his goons are giving airships a bad name. They could do a lot more with them than turning them into floating death traps.”

“I agree.” Breha sighed. “It's too bad the Death Star did go up in flames. Bail and I got to walk around a little before all the commotion started. The design really was fascinating, how they managed to squeeze so much into such a compact space. We could learn a thing or two in our own battle ships.”

Cedric brought them all tall, cool glasses of lemonade and fancy tea cookies. “You know,” Leia began, hiding her smirk behind her lemonade glass, “I'd love to know what happened to you two after the fuss started. I saw you in line for the airship, but that was the last time either of you were around for the rest of the day.”

Luke blushed the color of spring strawberries, but Henry remained cool. “We just got out in time, Your Grace,” the latter explained, “before all that foolishness with the Crimson Hawk began. Rusty told us about it that evening.”

“That's right.” The younger man attempted to copy his guardian's nonchalant tone. “We had to protect our machinery and Rusty's carvings.”

Henry spoke up before Leia could ask more questions. “Actually, Your Grace, we came to ask you and your mother for a ride on the river and a picnic with us tomorrow. It's supposed to be hot and beautiful, too hot to be in the workshop.”

Mon Mothma raised her eyebrows. “What brought this on, Mr. Solo? You're not usually so friendly.”

“It was the kid's idea.” Henry sipped his lemonade, eyeing Leia. “None of you have really seen much of our fair country. We thought you might like a nicer view of Naboo, before Charles and I leave.”

“Leave?” Breha looked surprised. “You're leaving? When?”

“We don't know yet.” Henry handed the empty glass to Cecil, who took it on a silver tray. “My interests are pretty much finished here, but there is one thing I have to do first.”

Luke sighed. “Henry, I wish you wouldn't go. I'm going to miss you. Someone has to help me bury poor Ben and take care of Corellia Manor.”

Mon Mothma put her own lemonade glass on the tray. “I'm truly sorry about Sir Kenton. I knew him when he was one of the most decorated members of the Jedi Guards. He was a good man.”

“So did Bail and I.” Breha nodded. “Bail knew him better than I did, but I heard stories about his exploits with Baron Skywalker and Lady Tano.” She turned to Luke. “Are you related to Baron Skywalker? A cousin, perhaps? You do look a great deal like him. Same blue eyes, same smile, even.”

Luke stared at his lemonade glass. “He was my father. Ben...Sir Kenton told me that Baron Vader killed him for his titles and power.” He looked up, his red-rimmed eyes determined and angry. “I'm going to avenge him. I already have by destroying the Death Star. No one else should die the way he and Ben did, or like the people in those shipyards Vader destroyed.”

“Me too.” Leia gently took his hand. “Jy...someone told me about the casualties at the Erso Shipyards. Almost the entire area was wiped out. The papers said Drana Harbor in Alderaan is little more than fire and dust. I'll do whatever it takes to keep this from happening again.” Leia gently squeezed his hand as he gave her a weary smile. Henry coughed and turned away. Breha grinned. Mon Mothma raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“Please come on a picnic with us tomorrow!” Luke's smile was sweet and genuine. “We'll go in our rowboats. I'm afraid our ship is in the shop.”

“The Falcon is always in the shop.” Mon Mothma rolled her eyes. “Is that rubbish bin of yours ever on the water?” Leia started at the reference to the ship being named “the Falcon.” That was the Crimson Hawk's ship!

“Hey, she's a good old girl.” Henry made a face. “She just needs a few more tweaks, and she'll be fine.”

“You said that the last time I asked about her three months ago, and a year before that.” Mon Mothma bit into a sugar-covered tea biscuit. “Face it, Henry, it's time you retired her. I know at least three or four good yacht brokers who would give you a fair price...”

“No way. I'm never sellin' my baby. I've put too much time and money into her.” Henry swallowed his own biscuit. “I've made a lot of special modifications myself.”

Luke grinned. “I helped some, too. So did Rusty.” He had three biscuits on his plate and reached for another. “It took the three of us and Charles just to fix the holes leftover from when it was a pirate ship.”

“The Crimson Hawk had an airship.” Leia watched Henry out of the corner of her eye. “It was a patched-up mess, but the cannons seemed to work. I've never seen cannons like the ones on the Falcon and the Death Star. They shot balls of light instead of balls of powder.”

Henry's face went rigid. “Very interestin'. No, my airship won't have guns, Your Grace. It'll be for haulin' cargo.” His voice sounded strained. “Let's go, kid. We'll pick you up tomorrow mornin' at 10, Your Graces.”

“Right.” Luke immediately went to Henry's side, helping him to his feet...but he waved at Leia the moment his guardian was able to stand. “See you tomorrow, Leia!”

She couldn't help her grin. “You too, Luke!”

“There's something strange about those two.” Mon Mothma handed the last lemonade glass to Cedric. “I've felt that way for a long time. Henry sequesters himself in that workshop of his for weeks on end. The only time I ever see him is when he's making a deal for his company or accompanying Skywalker to some boxing match or fencing exhibition. I know he's been focusing on his new engine, but there must be more to it than that.”

“I agree.” Breha nodded. “Did you see the way he clammed up when we started talking about airships?”

“He told me a few weeks ago that he's working on some kind of secret project. I'm assuming it's the airship engine.” Mon Mothma wiped her lips on a soft white damask napkin. “Breha, perhaps you and Leia should accept the invitation. It could be vital to the Rebel Society. Many wealthy Coruscant merchants and nobles who own factories hire Solo Shipping to transport their products. If he's not up to something, he may have valuable information. Not to mention, there's what he has planned for his airship.”

“Maybe it isn't any of our business.” The words tumbled out of Leia's mouth before she could stop them. “Henry can be rude, but Luke's done nothing wrong.”

“I'm worried about both of them.” The senator pushed the napkin aside. “Vader may already realize that Luke is related to Baron Skywalker. He may be busy with the repairs to the second Death Star Airship now, but once he figures out the son of the man he killed is searching for revenge, the boy may be in grave danger.”

She stood, dusting powdered sugar off her pale yellow and green suit. “I want you two to keep an eye on Henry and Luke. I know they have Charles, but if Vader is already after Luke, they may need more help than even a big Wookie native can provide.” She sighed. “Henry's turned down all requests to help Naboo other than his business concerns, but I'm hoping we can somehow change his mind and get him to join the Rebel Society. He may be a great asset...if he can be trusted. He did used to be a pirate.”

“But he isn't now.” Leia got up as well. “I'll do it. I've been wanting to get out and see the countryside. I am still on vacation. I'm bored stiff, cooped up in here. It's been too hot to hide inside.”

“I agree.” Breha gathered her fan. “I think we need a day on the river. Get our mind off Bail and the shipyards and your abduction. Might as well make the most of it while Vader's attention is elsewhere.”

“Leia,” Mon Mothma began, “did the Crimson Hawk or any of his men tell you anything while you were with them? Did you see anything that would give away his identity, or that of the Golden Eagle?”

“Hmm?” The younger woman looked up from snatching the last tea cake on the plate. “The Crimson Hawk? No,” she insisted between bites, “not really. They never took off their hoods and helmets. Their voices sounded familiar,” she admitted, then quickly added “but I really can't put my finger on where I've heard them before.”

“We'll both keep an eye on them.” Breha laughed. “Wouldn't it be delightful if young Skywalker was the Crimson Hawk, doing all this behind his surly guardian's back? He does cut a rather romantic figure in flowing white shirts. I saw part of that fencing demonstration at the fair. He looked like one of the Jedi at the height of their power and notoriety.”

“The Jedi?” Leia turned to Mon Mothma. “Where can I find books on the Jedi?”

“Oh, I must have a few books on them floating around in my collection.” Mon Mothma gathered her purse. “You're free to read as many as you'd like. I'm afraid I have to go. I have a meeting with several other senators to discuss increasing the security on the roads for the Royal Regatta and the coronation.”

“I think I'll join you.” Breha gathered her own beaded purse. “As Bail's proxy while he's in Alderaan, it's my duty to keep abreast of all important matters abroad.”

“I'll be in the library if you need me.” Leia licked the last of the crumbs from her lips.

“Don't be there all day, dear.” Breha ruffled her hair. “Try to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, too.”

“I will.” Leia had to admit, her aunt was right. It was a beautiful day, hot and sunny. She ended up taking her books out to a shady bench in the garden, the very spot where she and the Crimson Hawk kissed the week before.

The Hawk's pendant hung on a gold filigree chain around her neck. Her slender fingers moved her pale blue floral dress, with it's high neck and wide lace collar. It had been there ever since the party last week. She meant to give it to him when he rescued her, but there wasn't time.

She was almost entirely certain she knew who they were. Their voices were more than familiar. She'd heard them the night before at the ball. The question was, why were Luke, Charles, and Henry doing this? What did they stand to gain from it? She knew Henry did business with Naboo merchants and Coruscant Imperials alike. If anything, he'd lose business.

There was also the fact that the Golden Eagle was a Jedi, or had been taught by a Jedi. Benjamin Kenton, or the Negotiator, was a Jedi. Luke and the Golden Eagle fought with an almost identical style. Leia not only saw it. She'd fought it. No, she'd bested it.

According to the three books she found, the Jedi had been the Royal family's guards and the defenders of the peace in Naboo for hundreds of years. They had begun as a religious order during medieval times. It was only in the Renaissance era that they aligned themselves with the king and queen of Naboo and took up arms to defend themselves and their monarchs. One book even stated that the Jedi's command of the khyber crystals that only they knew how to control gave them supernatural powers, including telekinesis and empathy. They also created the electrical light swords that allowed them to not only take part in combat, but cut through metal or wood and light their way in the dark.

“It is them. It has to be.” The books claimed Baron Anakin Skywalker was once one of the Jedi Guards, before he became the consort of the Queen Padme. The nature of their relationship was often questioned, especially after she became pregnant. It said nothing about him being killed by Vader, only that he'd disappeared after joining the Coruscant Army and had been great friends with Prime Minister Palpatine.

Leia tucked the books under her arm as her aunt's voice floated over the treetops. “Leia, time to come inside! We're about to have dinner!”

“I'll be right there, Aunt Breha!” She wasn't ready to tell her aunt and Mon Mothma her findings yet. Not until she had proof without a doubt that she was right, and two of the most respected businessmen in Naboo moonlighted as the ring leaders of the country's most notorious group of bandits.