[Dark Nest] - 3(8)
“Actually, there is,” Corran said. “I think the other Masters have all chosen to stay, as well. After I spoke with them, they asked me to tell you they would be waiting in the auditorium.”
“They did?” Luke raised his brow and tried to avoid showing the satisfaction that Leia sensed through their twin bond. “I guess I should go hear what they have to say.”
Leia stepped aside, then she and the others followed Luke into the auditorium. The room was even emptier than before, with Kyp, Saba, and the rest of the Masters gathered in a tight cluster near the front of the speaking dais, holding an animated conversation in barely civil tones. Tesar, Lowbacca, Tahiri, and Tekli were seated together a few rows back, trying not to be too obvious in their eavesdropping. Jacen sat on the opposite side of the aisle, appearing more interested in his conversation with Ben than in whatever the Masters were whispering about.
The rest of the order was gone-presumably sent away by the Masters so they could have a private conversation with Master Skywalker. The fact that Jacen, Tesar, and the others had been asked to stay suggested that the conversation was going to be about the Killiks. Apparently, Luke’s plan had at least made the Masters willing to talk again. Leia doubted they would agree on anything, but talking was a start.
When Han saw the gathering of Masters, he hopped off the dais and held his hand out toward Ben. “It looks like we’re going to be a little out of place at this meeting, partner. Why don’t we go back over to the Falcon and work on that warp vortex problem I was telling you about?”
Ben’s eyes lit up. He started to say goodbye to Jacen until Kenth Hamner rose and spoke from among the Masters.
“Actually, Captain Solo, we’d like you to stay.”
Han cast a worried look in Leia’s direction, and she knew they were thinking the same thing: that Jaina and Zekk were going to be a big part of this conversation.
“Yeah, sure,” he said. “Whatever you want.”
Ben twisted his freckled face into a sour expression. “What about the Falcon’s vortex problem?”
“Don’t worry about that, kid,” Han said to him. “Vortex stabilizers don’t fix themselves. It’ll be there waiting when we’re ready.”
“Perhaps Ben’s Defender Droid could take him home.” Kenth glanced toward the speaking dais. “If that’s acceptable to the Masters Skywalker?”
“Of course,” Mara said. She looked toward the back of the hall. “Nanna?”
The big Defender Droid stepped out of the shadows, then extended her metallic hand and waited as Ben reluctantly shuffled up the aisle to join her.
Once the pair had left the hall, Kenth turned to Han. “Thank you for staying, Captain Solo. We know your affiliation is informal, but you’re an important part of the order, and your opinion has always carried a great deal of weight with the Masters.”
“Always glad to help,” Han said cautiously. “So what’s this about?”
“In a minute.” Kenth waved Han toward a seat. Clearly, the Masters had come to an agreement about one thing-they were going to meet Luke’s gambit with a united front. “First, we would like to ask how Master Skywalker sees family fitting into his new view of a Jedi’s commitment to the order.”
“I’m not saying we have to abandon our loved ones,” Luke said, stepping between Leia and the Masters. “But obviously, any Jedi is required to be away from his or her family for extended periods.”
When Luke remained between Leia and the Masters, she took the hint and stepped off the dais, then went to Han’s side. They both sat on the bench with Jacen.
As Luke and the Masters continued to clarify just what Luke meant by “placing the order first,” Han leaned close to Jacen’s ear.
“Tenel Ka left the order,” he whispered. “Thought you’d want to know.”
“I already did,” Jacen answered. “Uncle Luke didn’t leave her much choice, did he?”
“It only formalizes what we’ve all known for some time,” Leia said. Jacen and Tenel Ka had been close throughout their teenage years, and Leia did not want Jacen to allow Tenel Ka’s departure to influence his own decision. “Tenel Ka’s duties as the Queen Mother already prevent her from participating in the order in any meaningful way.”
Jacen smiled and placed his hand on Leia’s knee. “Mom, I’m not going to disappear again. I’ve already decided to stay.”
Leia was so relieved that she suspected even Han could feel it, but she kept a straight face and said, “If that’s what you think is best for you, dear.”