Saga - OT The Journal of the Former Emperor's Hand [L/M] Updated: 12/24/17

It’s a Trap!

 

I have a bad feeling about this.....

 

I totally am behind all Luke's questions & Mara's misgivings Feels like a trap for sure

 

I share the opinion of Cowgirl & Nyota. There is something fishy about it.

 

Maybe...maybe not.

Same here.

It might be. Hopefully all of this will make sense.

I am hoping that the kidnapping of Ben Solo will make sense in this story.

Thanks everybody for reading. I appreciate it.


Entry 111

I guided my shuttle into the Eclipse’s enormous docking bay. Off to my port side stood a platoon of white armored Stormtroopers. The helmets were slightly different from what our Imperial soldiers wore, but they were still recognizable as stormtroopers. Out in front of the men was General Iwanuk. He was wearing an all black military uniform with leather jackboots under ridiculous looking Jodhpurs breeches…the type of wide thigh trousers that a person would wear while riding fathiers or other saddled mounts. Another difference in the uniform was the hat. It looked like they took a normal sloped brim Imperial hat and added some stiff fabric around the side and back and then folded it up…it is hard to explain other than it looked odd.

I powered down he shuttle and exited the craft. As I moved toward the General’s position he smiled broadly and moved to meet me halfway. I saluted and then extended my hand in greeting. I was surprised when he not only shook my hand but also pulled me into a brotherly hug. It was an awkward moment, but I soon realized the purpose for him doing so. He whispered in my ear. “Remember what I taught you.”

I was taken aback from his comment. The only thing the General ever taught me was how to prevent a Force User from pulling information out of my mind. It was obviously a warning...but for what? Was I about to be interrogated by a First Order Inquisitor?

I quickly regained my composure as I pulled away. “It’s a pleasure seeing you again sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” he replied as he motioned for me to follow him. “I requested you personally. I thought you would be the ideal person to return young Solo to his parents. I trust you unequivocally and I know you have a good relationship with Princess Organa especially after saving her life on Naboo.”

“Yes, Sir,” I responded as we walked past the platoon of stormtroopers. “How exactly did you find Ben Solo? We have been looking for him for months.”

He paused in thought. “All I can say is the First Order has excellent Intelligence resources.” He turned and smiled at me fondly. “I was told you showed up on K’don only hours after we rescued the boy. That is outstanding Intel gathering on your part. Commander Darten is lucky to have you. You’ll probably be running the Battalion in no time.”

He steered me out of the docking bay and down a long corridor bristling with stormtroopers and First Order Navy personnel. As we walked further and further into the bowels of the ship I became more nervous. I glanced over to the General. “Sir, where are we going?”

“To get the boy, but first, our Supreme Leader wishes an introduction to the young Imperial officer that not only captured an Inquisitor but helped save the Former Princess of Alderaan.”

I gave a curt nod. “I’d been honored to meet Grand Admiral Sloane.”

Iwanuk shook his head. “Grand Admiral Sloane is in charge of our navy, but she is not the leader of the First Order.”

We stopped in front of large durasteel door guarded by two sentinels clad in crimson armor and armed with Force Pikes. Their garb and weapons were eerily reminiscent of the Imperial Royal Guards who once protected Emperor Palpatine. One guard turned and pressed the door entry panel causing the steel barrier to slide open. The General and I stepped into what was once Palpatine’s throne room. There was a large open space leading to steps and an upraised platform holding the Imperial throne. There, in my former Master’s seat of authority, sat a strange, wizened alien. It appeared to be a male humanoid, but I couldn’t be certain since I was not familiar with the species. Except for his eyebrows, the creature was hairless, with pale skin and a face twisted and malformed by either some brutal accident or congenital deformation. Even while seated I could tell he was tall and lean. I thought for a moment that he might be a Pau'an, but he didn’t have the telltale sharp teeth or furrowed skin. He wasn’t wearing an Imperial uniform but was dressed in a long robe made from a golden metallic fabric.

“Ah, this must be the young Imperial I have heard so much about,” he uttered in a deep booming voice. “Come closer.”

When I didn’t move immediately the General gave me a gentle nudge on my shoulder. I now understood his warning. This Supreme Leader was a Force user…and a strong one. I clamped down on my Force presence, but I couldn’t shut out this disfigured creatures Force signature out fully. The General and I approached the man hesitantly, stopping about twenty feet from his position.

“Captain Colay,” General Iwanuk said softly. “This is Supreme Leader Snoke.” He then bent down on a knee showing reverence to the leader of the First Order. Although I hold no allegiance to the man I didn’t wish to provoke anger in the creature. I dropped down on a knee next to the General.

“Please rise,” Snoke said as he motioned for us to stand. He regarded me intently and I could sense he was attempting to probe my mind through the Force. I pushed back and blocked his attempts as the General once taught me. A frown crossed Snoke’s face before it morphed into a smile. “The General stated you would be the best person to return young Solo to his parents. Is that true.”

I nodded, remaining silent as I gazed into the Supreme Leader’s eyes…his intense blue eyes. They were not the eyes of a Sith…despite the fact that I could sense darkness in the man. There was darkness…but something much more…there was a balance. He was drawing power from the dark and the light side of the Force in equal quantities.

I initially wondered if he was another of Palpatine’s experiments to develop a neutral Force-user—someone like me—but I soon realized this creature was ancient and probably preceded Emperor Palpatine by decades, or perhaps centuries. Did Emperor Palpatine know this man? Could he have been the Emperor’s former master or maybe an adversary? I wasn’t sure, but the one thing I did know was this First Order Leader was dangerous. The ability to harness both the light and darkside of the Force would make a person extremely powerful. Luke draws exclusively on the lightside of the Force and, although I have been trained to be Force neutral, I dread delving into the darkness. Supreme Leader Snoke obviously has no trepidation in doing so.

General Iwanuk cleared his throat and I realized Snoke was waiting for me to actually speak. I steadied my nerves and attempted a smile. “Yes, Supreme Leader. I once saved the Princess. We have a friendly relationship. I’d be more than happy to facilitate the reunion between her and her son.”

The lanky creature stood and stepped down from the throne platform. “Good. We wouldn’t want the boy’s abduction by some misguided Sith sycophants to cause a rift between your Empire and the New Republic.” He snapped his fingers and two crimson guards entered from a side door. Walking between them was a small boy that I recognized as Ben Solo. His eyes were wide in wonder, but he did not appear to be injured or even scared.

“There you are, young Solo,” Snoke said as he walked up to the boy and put a bony hand on his shoulder as a cold, feral smile curved his lips. “The youngling is extremely strong in the Force. I’ve heard rumors that the Former Princess of Alderaan has some Force abilities…perhaps her husband too. They are not quite as strong as their friend, Luke Skywalker. I was told by some of our Inquisitors that Skywalker is as strong in the Force as the late Emperor Palpatine.” He placed his hand on top of Ben’s head and ruffled his hair. “If a weak Force user could produce a son with such strength in the Force…a child of Skywalker would posses a magnitude of power unseen since Darth Vader.” There was a lingering pause before he continued. “That would be something to see.”

I got a cold feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was fairly certain Supreme Leader Snoke not only knew of Ben’s heritage, but he also was aware that I was dating Skywalker. Why else would he mention Skywalker having children?

I could feel the blood drain from my face. I didn’t fear for my safety, but I knew I couldn’t fight my way out of this mess without risking the life of Ben Solo. All I could do was smile and hope this First Order was going to keep their word and release the boy.

Snoke looked down to Ben. “Captain Colay will escort you to your parents.” The little boy smiled to the misshapen man and walked to me. I reached out and grabbed Ben's hand in mine.

“On behalf of the Empire and New Republic I thank you for rescuing Ben Solo.”

Snoke smiled coldly before returning to his throne. “It was my pleasure, Captain Colay.” He sat down and gave me a dismissive wave. “You better return the boy before the New Republic sends out a search party.”

I turned and got out of there as fast as I could. General Iwanuk stayed by my side, escorting me back to my ship. I glanced over to him. “Is there anything you can tell me about your Supreme Leader?”

Iwanuk looked at me nervously before signally for me to be silent.

We arrived to my shuttle and I lowered the ramp remotely. The general scooped up the boy in his arms and walked up the ramp. “Let me help you get him strapped in for the trip.”

We moved to the flight deck where he gently lowered Ben to the copilot seat and secured the boy’s crash webbing. He then stood and pulled out a small signal jammer from his uniform pocket and activated it. “This should keep the First Order from hearing our conversation, but I can’t stay long.”

I nodded in understanding. “What's going on?”

“Snoke’s a Force user.” He whispered. “He put those suicide suggestions in the Inquisitors.”

I shrugged. “I figured as much.”

He made a discreet gesture toward the child. “Watch him. He was alone with Snoke for hours.”

I nodded silently, realizing Iwanuk suspected Snoke did something to Ben Solo’s mind. “Do you know their intentions…the First Order’s long range plans? Why did they want to prevent a war between the New Republic and the Empire?”

He shook his head. “I’m unsure. They don’t quite trust me yet. I know something big is happening out in the Unknown Region, but I haven’t been brought into their confidence fully. I have remained on this ship monitoring intel reports and interrogating an occasional prisoner.” He blew out a frustrated breath before moving toward the exit. He stopped and turned to me, his expression was one of worry. “Another thing…Snoke asked me a lot of questions about you and Skywalker.” He hesitated for a moment. “Disturbing questions about the seriousness of your relationship and if you planned to have children.” He hesitated before continuing in a broken whisper. “I don’t know if it means anything…but I thought you should know.” He turned off the signal jammer. “Have a good flight, Captain Colay.”

“Thank you sir.”

I raised the loading ramp as soon as he was gone. I then fired up the engines and got the hell out of there.




.

 

Iwanuk is full of valuable information and cautions, and Litassa is of course naturally wary of intentions and goals.

 

So Iwanuk is obviously still a jerk, but perhaps less of a jerk than he appears to be. Or not. The man is sneaky.

 

Definitely not a good sign that Snoke asked about Luke and Litassa.

 

In my mind Iwanuk was disappointed with the First Order and hasn't made many friends in this new government. In that case his loyalty might revert back to his old command. Litassa also remarked that she had a good working relationship with the general. I think he is genuinely concerned for his former subordinate.

I don't see him as a jerk as much as a person who really likes his job...albeit his job is to interrogate people...and sometimes torture. You don't rise up to the rank of general without some good people skills.

Yeah, I think he is hoping to get an apprentice that is strong in the Force.
________________________________________________________________________
[7 Years after the Battle of Endor]

Entry 112

I contacted Luke from my shuttle. He was on Chandrila with his sister and brother-in-law.

“I have Ben. He appears to be in good health,” I said through the video transceiver.

I could see Luke smiling broadly on the monitor. He was about to say something when his frantic sister pushed him out of the way and spoke to me. “Can I see Ben?”

“Sure.” I got up and unstrapped the boy from his crash webbing and held him up in my arms in front of the transceiver camera so he could see his mother. “Momma!” Ben cried out happily.

Leia didn’t respond right away. She covered her mouth, muffling a cry of joy as tears streamed down her face. “Ben…” she finally was able to choke out. “Oh Ben…Daddy and I love and miss you so much.”

I could hear Han in the background. “Let me see my boy.” Leia stood aside making room for her husband. The image of Han Solo filled the monitor. “Ben…son.” That is all he got out before his voice choked with emotion. After a moment he was able to pull himself together. “When will you get here, Litassa?”

“We should arrive to Chandrila within two days.”

Leia shook her head. “We’ll meet you halfway. Where are you?”

“I am a short jump from K’don. I’m just about to enter a hyperspace lane to get back to the core.”

Are you traveling the Perlemian Trade Route or Hydrian Way?”

“The Perlemian Trade Route.”

Leia looked to her husband. “What’s a good halfway point?”

The smuggler chewed his lower lip in thought. “The planet Roche.”

Leia nodded before turning her attention back to me. “We’ll meet you in orbit above Roche. We’ll bring a ship with a docking berth big enough for your shuttle.” She looked to her son in my arms and started crying again. Han put an arm around her shoulder and did his best to comfort his wife.

“Thanks Litassa,” he said before addressing his son. “Ben, you be good for Captain Colay. Your mom and I will be on a ship right away and we’ll see you in a day.”

“Bye Daddy.” Ben said happily.

“I’ll see you soon.” I turned off the transceiver and put the boy back into his seat. “Ben, after we get on the way, I’ll get you a snack.”

He gave me a big smile and my heart ached when I thought of Leia and Han spending months wondering if their son was alive or dead. That is a feeling I hope I never ever have to endure.

Entry 113

Leia said they were going to bring a ship big enough to dock my shuttle and she was not exaggerating. When I exited hyperspace my entire front viewport was filled by the sight of a Mon Calamari Star Cruiser. It may not be the biggest battleship in the galaxy, but I was impressed that Leia had the pull to commandeer such a massive ship just to pick up her son.

I looked over to Ben who was beaming with happiness. “Your mom and dad are on that ship.”

He nodded enthusiastically. “Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Luke.”

My brow shot up, impressed at his strength and control of the Force at such a young age.

We followed the docking orders transmitted to my shuttle and within ten minutes we were safely berthed in the underbelly of the huge starship. I went to unbuckle the boy, but he was already out of his crashwebbing and running to the rear of the shuttle where the loading ramp was located. “Wait up,” I said before pushing the button to lower the ramp.

Leia, Han and Luke along with a dozen other people were there to meet the boy. I could feel the intense relief and joy projecting from the Solos. Han snatched up his boy in his arms and hugged him tightly before handing him over to Leia. Luke gazed up at me and grinned as I walked down the ramp. I know he wanted to run up and pull me into his embrace, but the dozens of reporters taking holovids of the reunion restrained him.

When I got to the Solos, Han’s Wookiee friend grabbed me up in a hug that nearly cracked my ribs. As soon as I escaped his grip it was Han’s turn to give me a brotherly hug.

“Thank you,” he whispered in my ear. “I think Luke wants to hug you next.” He stepped back and smiled as the Jedi pulled me into his embrace.

“I was afraid I would never see you again,” he whispered. I pulled away confused by that comment.

“Why?”

He motioned to his astromech droid by his side. “I found out about Commander Darten’s concerns.”

I scowled at the little droid. “I told you to keep quiet.”

Luke shook his head. “Don’t blame him. Artoo told See Threepio in confidence…and well, Threepio immediately blabbed to Han who told me.”

I looked at the onslaught of reporters surrounding the Solo family. Each was pushing and shoving for position in an attempt to get holovids of the reunited family. “Luke, let’s meet at Chandrila. I need to get off this ship and away from all of these reporters. I don’t need the publicity.”

He nodded in agreement. “Let me come with you.” He gestured to the media. “I doubt they’ll notice me leaving on your shuttle.” When I hesitated his lips curved into a sensual smile. “Please.”

I chuckled. “Okay, but don’t you want time with your nephew?”

He glanced over to Ben. “I do, but Leia is going to whisk him off to see a doctor and then a therapist. I probably wouldn’t’ get much time with him until they arrive on Chandrila anyway.”

“Okay, I'll give you a ride.”

I was about to return to my shuttle when a commotion occurred across the bay. I couldn’t see over the crowd, but I could tell something or someone was pushing through mass of reporters towards our position. When a New Republic naval officer followed by an armed platoon escort elbowed their way through the crowd I thought the military was making an opening for the Solos to escape the reporters. To my surprise the young officer stopped, looked directly at me and motioned for me to come to his position. “Captain Colay, Major Rayos from the New Republic Intelligence Division and Colonel Vilanter from the Chandrila Bureau of Investigation require your presence in the ship’s conference room. They wished to ask you a few questions about Ben Solo’s rescue.”

It was a reasonable request, but one I would not acquiesce to without first debriefing my commander and getting his permission.

I looked at the man’s rank and nametag before responding. “Ensign Tadala, I need to get permission from my commanding officer before participating in any New Republic debriefing.”

The young officer cleared his throat and gave a sidelong glance to the Solos before responding. “I have my orders, Captain Colay. This is not a request. You are aboard a New Republic vessel under the control of Admiral Diakos who insists you cooperate with investigators.”

I looked over to Leia and Han indignantly, but my irritation with the couple faded when I saw their shocked expressions.

“So,” I said slowly. “I’m being placed under arrest?”

Ensign Tadala blanched slightly while giving me a pleading look. “I would prefer your cooperation.”

“Now wait a second,” Han addressed the officer heatedly. “Captain Colay saved my son. We’re not going to treat her like the enemy.” The former rebel general scowled at the ensign before laying his hand not so casually on the butt of his blaster.

“Sir, I am just following orders.” The man looked extremely uncomfortable with this confrontation. “The Admiral was very clear. Captain Colay is not cleared for takeoff until she talks to investigators.”

Han took a step toward the man. “You heard her. She needs permission from her commander.”

The ensign lowered his gaze before signaling to his men. “I am sorry, but I have my orders.”

What happened next shouldn’t have surprised me knowing Han’s impulsiveness, but it did. Han pushed the ensign back while he unholstered his blaster. When I saw Luke’s hand touch his lightsaber I knew this was getting out of hand. “Stop! I’ll go.”

Han turned to me. “Are you sure, Litassa?”

I pushed past him. “Yes, I’m sure.” I turned to the ensign. “But I can tell you right now, it will be a cold day on Mustafar before I help the New Republic again.” I looked back to Luke. “Let my commander know what happened.”

 

Wow! I wasn't expecting that ... Love the reunion and the protective and vouchsafing from Luke and Han. That should have been enough. Yup, I think they (not personally) lost a valuable ally in Litassa

 

Looks like the Republic doesn’t trust the return of Ben to Leia and Han by Mara.

 

“Captain Colay, Major Rayos from the New Republic Intelligence Division and Colonel Vilanter from the Chandrila Bureau of Investigation require your presence in the ship’s conference room. They wished to ask you a few questions about Ben Solo’s rescue.”

And I found old Snoke creepy...

People who gather informations are creepy as well: secret service folk, facebook, and so on.

 

The NR is the big loser. Mara knows the Solos and Luke didn't know what was going to happen.

It did look suspicious.

Having people spy on you is never comfortable. But Litassa does it for a living, so she knows the drill.

Thanks everybody for reading. I had some time off this weekend to write.
_______________________


Entry 114

I fumed during my entire interrogation. I was stuck sitting in a small debriefing room on an uncomfortable metal chair centered behind a cold steel table. After about ten minutes of questioning I came to the conclusion that Major Rayos is moron and Colonel Vilanter is an even bigger idiot. Right now the two are attempting to play the good detective, mean detective game, but they are so amateurish when it comes to their interrogation techniques that is more like a game of dumb investigator, incompetent investigator.

Major Rayos took on the role of the hardened interrogator, which is laughable. He is gaunt, pasty skinned human that looked like he has never seen the inside of a gymnasium. He was as intimidating as a willowy Quermian. “Captain Colay, you must admit that the Empire’s success in finding a boy that the New Republic was unable to located for months is a bit convenient. It wasn’t until the Senate began discussing the dissolution of the Galactic Concordance that you, a young and fairly inexperienced Imperial intelligence officer, miraculously discovers the location of the boy.”

I took in a frustrated breath and blew it out. “It wasn’t miraculous. Jedi Skywalker asked the Empire for assistance in finding Ben Solo. My senior commanding officer made locating the boy a priority because he knew the New Republic would try to blame the Empire for his disappearance. It may appear miraculous to you, but to me is simply good intelligence gathering.”

Colonel Vilanter, an old, greying Bothan with a disarming smile jumped into the conversation. “Captain Colay, whoever abducted young Solo knew he would be at the amusement park that day. The kidnappers had inside information.”

I stared at him blankly, wondering where he was going with this line of questioning. When he didn’t elaborate I said, “So? I didn’t know the Solos were going to the amusement park for his birthday.”

Major Rayos scoffed. “Please, you mean Jedi Skywalker never once mentioned to you the Solos’ planned outing?”

“What?” My brow furrowed in confusion. “No, he never mentioned anything to me. Why would he?”

The Bothan ran a hand over his furry jaw. “We all know that pillow talk is an excellent source of information. It is common knowledge that you are in a romantic relationship with Jedi Skywalker…with the intent and purpose of spying on the New Republic. Why else would you cultivate such a challenging, long distance relationship?”

I laughed. “Maybe because he’s good in bed.” I gave the Bothan a wink. “You must have heard about Force-enhanced sex.”

“Be serious!” Rayos yelled. “It can’t be a coincidence that the Imperial officer having a relationship with Jedi Skywalker is the person who recovers Ben Solo. You used your relationship with Skywalker and his close association with the Solo family to gain intelligence that facilitated the boy’s kidnapping.”

I rolled my eyes. “When the son of an Imperial Admiral went missing I requested Jedi Skywalker’s assistance. He found the boy and when the child was returned to his parents the Empire didn’t detain him and question the New Republic’s involvement in the abduction. Luke didn’t have to endure an interrogation. He was presented with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award.” I leaned forward in my chair and glared at the officer. “The Empire knows how to properly treat individuals who assist us.”

“That may be so, but I doubt he refuse to answer questions as you are.” Rayos pointed out.

“We didn’t ask him questions.” I folded my arms across my chest and huffed. “I am not refusing to answer your questions because I don’t wish to cooperate. I am an Imperial Intelligence officer. I need permission from my commanding officers before I divulge any information.”

Rayos leaned his bony backside against the table. “Your command has been notified.”

“Good.” I leaned back in my chair. “When I get permission from my commander I will discuss this incident with you. Until then, I’m not talking.”

The two investigators glared at me in irritation before leaving the room. A few minutes later the door opened and Luke entered looking sheepish. “Sorry Litassa. I didn’t know this would happen.”

I motioned for him to take the seat across from me. “I know.”

“I contacted Commander Darten. He’ll meet us on Chandrila to protest your treatment.”

“Yeah,” I said dully.

“Litassa,” Luke said softly as he reached across the table to grasp my hand. “Don’t worry. At this moment Leia and Han are addressing the senate via the holonet. We should have this all cleared up shortly.”

I nodded silently before reaching out to him through the Force. ‘What did you tell your government?’

He startled when my voice popped into his head. ‘I told them what I know. Holonet chatter led us to K’don, but a former Imperial group heard the same intelligence and got to Ben first. They immediately contacted the Empire and Commander Darten contacted you.’ He paused in thought. ‘We both said we wouldn’t lie to our governments. You told me not to tell you any actionable intelligence because you would report it. I said I would do the same.’ He squeezed my hand gently. ‘I hope you don’t think I betrayed your confidence in any way.’

‘No.’

“Commander Darten is days away,” I said out loud. “Can you get me released to a private room until then?”

“Sure.” He gave my hand another squeeze before standing. “I’m not going to let them hold you in the brig.”

‘Hey,’ I called out through the Force. Luke stopped and gazed at me expectantly as a grin spread across my face. ‘Tell them you are using your bedroom skills to pry Imperial intelligence out of me. Maybe they will give us a room together.’

He smiled warmly. “I’ll see you soon, Litassa.”

Entry 115

Luke must have worked his charm on somebody because twenty minutes later I was escorted to a small stateroom probably used for visiting dignitaries. A few minutes later Han and Luke showed up.

“I’m so sorry for this Litassa,” Han said as walked into my quarters and reached out giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Leia is still discussing things with the senate. Luckily this ship has a transceiver that can work while in hyperspace. Hopefully everything will be resolved by the time we get to Chandrila.”

“I hope so.” I gestured for them to enter and sit in the quarter’s small sitting area. I flopped down on the small couch. Luke sat next to me while Han took the seat across from us. I looked around the room. “Is it safe to talk here?”

Luke shook his head. “Probably not.”

Han smirked as he pulled a signal scrambler out of his coat pocket and activated it. “It is now.”

I shook my head in amazement. If we were being monitored Han just pissed off some senior New Republic officer. “Han where you really going to pull a blaster on that ensign?”

He gave a casual shrugged. “I honestly wasn’t thinking clearly at the time. I guess pulling a blaster is just a habit.”

I turned to Luke. “And I saw you reaching for your lightsaber. What were you going to do?”

He threw a thumb in his brother-in-law’s direction. “I was going to deflect any blasterbolts coming our way.” I gazed at the Jedi intently, my face a mask of incredulity. Luke blushed slightly. “Okay, I admit it, I flinched. I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t volunteer to go.” He pulled in a deep breath before continuing. “So why exactly are you balking at answering questions? Are you just following your orders to the letter…or did you discover something that might be actionable intelligence?”

I shrugged. “I found out something of interest.” I looked over to Han as a cold chill ran down my spine. Supreme Leader Snoke may have done something to his child. I don’t know what, but General Iwanuk was on edge when he talked to me…and the ruthless Agent Kyramud was not a man easily spooked.

Han noticed my gaze. “What? You are keeping something important from me. Did the Cult do something to my son?”

I wanted to wait for my commander, but Han and Leia should know. “Han, if I tell you…you have to keep the information to yourself and Leia until my commander gives me authorization to talk to the New Republic. Can you promise me that?”

The smuggler nodded. “Yes, or course.”

I glanced over to Luke. “How about you, Farmboy?”

Luke thought about it for a few seconds before nodding his head.

“Okay,” I said slowly. “I found the strong Force user who put those suicide suggestions into the Inquisitors’ heads.”

“The Sith?” Luke whispered.

“No, I don’t think he’s Sith, but he is powerful and there is darkness in him.” I turned to Han. “When I went to retrieve Ben from the group of Former Imperials I talked to General Iwanuk…the man who helped us find Leia when she was abducted. He said this Force user spent hours alone with your son. He appeared fearful that he might have done something to Ben.”

“What!” Han yelled as he rose out of his seat. “What did he do to my son?!”

I made a placating gesture. “Han, it might be nothing. I have no proof that anything was done to Ben. But you should know there is a possibility that a Force suggestion might have been given to your son.”

“What kind of suggestion?” Han was practically shouting now. “A suicide suggestion?”

I shook my head. “No, I doubt that. This Force user…”

“Stop calling him that.” Han shouted at me. “Who are we talking about, Litassa? Who do I need to hunt down and kill if something has been done to my boy?”

I hesitated. I shouldn’t be telling anybody but my commander about what I learned…but I consider Leia and Han friends…and Luke…he was something much more. I closed my eyes and sighed deeply. When I opened them I gazed sadly at Han. “His name is Supreme Leader Snoke. He is in command of a group of former Imperials called the First Order. I don’t know how many people are within the group or their goals or anything else. I was brought to him to retrieve Ben. He commented that Ben was strong in the Force.” I looked over to Luke. “He also mentioned that any child of Luke Skywalker would probably have Force powers that rivaled Darth Vader’s.” I frowned deeply. “He said that would be something he would like to see.”

Luke groaned. “Do you think he is looking for an apprentice?”

“I don’t know. He returned Ben. I don’t know why. Commander Darten thought it was to lure me in so they could draft me into their organization…but that didn’t happen.”

Han dropped back down into his seat. “Can you guys fix Ben if a Force suggestion was put in his brain?”

I looked over to Luke questioningly. “Did your Jedi Master teach you anything about that?”

“No.”

“Me neither.”

Han looked to Luke and then me. “You two together can take this guy on, can’t you? Capture him and force him to undo anything he did to my son?”

My gaze went to the floor, not wanting to look Han in the eye. “He’s strong in the Force…stronger than me or Luke combined. I believe he draws from the light and the darkside of the Force. Somebody would have to match his skills. Luke and I draw on the light side of the Force. I think the only way to take him on was if Luke had the help of…” I trailed off not wanting to even suggest what I was thinking.

“Help of what?” Han asked.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Luke is strong with the lightside of the Force. If he teamed up with somebody steeped in the darkside…perhaps with their combined strength they could take on Snoke.”

Luke shook his head adamantly. “No, you are not going to delve into the darkside.” He reached over and grasped my shoulder while staring me in the eyes. “Promise me you won’t entertain this horrible idea. We don’t know if this Snoke is hostile to the New Republic or if he has done anything to Ben. So don’t even think about touching the darkness.” He gave me shoulder a light squeeze. “Promise me.”

“I promise.”

He dropped his hand and sat back in his seat. “We will watch Ben closely. We don’t know what garbage the Cult of Vader put into his head. He is going to need therapy. We’ll worry about Snoke later.

“Yes,” I agreed. “Later.”







.

 

Excelent with Litassa more than handling the incompetent /dumb investigators. Glad Luke and Han know all she knows and so they'll all be vigilant.

 

It’s good that Mara told Leia and Han everything but Snoke is up to no good in letting Ben go back.

 

Luke must have worked his charm on somebody because twenty minutes later I was escorted to a small stateroom probably used for visiting dignitaries. A few minutes later Han and Luke showed up.

Han also has charm.

Anyway, great update. The plot around Ben´s missing gets deeper and deeper every time.

 

I think if something happened to Ben and they found out she kept information from them they would have a hard time forgiving her. She knew Han and Leia had the right to know immediately.

Yeah, I was trying to figure out how to explain Ben's huge Vader obsession and his irrational behavior. My answer is he was messed up by a cult and then a Force-user. In my story Ben and Rey are cousins, but if the movie makes them 'Reylo' then I hope some backstory is presented that makes Kylo a little more human. Right now I hate his guts for killing Han and slaughtering a village. But for some reason I doubt that will happen. After all, we are expected to believe Padme could listen to Anakin's insane ravings about murdering a whole village of Sand People...including the children...and still fall in love with him. I disliked Padme/Anakin for that reason. If he just murdered the people who tried to stop him from saving his mother than that is another thing, but baby killing to me is unforgivable.

Han could charm a Princess out of a metal bikini.

Thanks everybody for reading. I had the day off so I wrote a little.

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Entry 116

New Republic security came by my stateroom/prison and told Han and Luke they had to leave. I noticed a guard was posted outside my room. That’s okay; I needed to get some sleep anyway.

Entry 117

We arrived to Chandrila. I thought we would go down to the planet, but it was decided to keep me on the ship and await my commander’s arrival.

Major Rayos and Colonel Vilanter had me brought into the interrogation room once again, but this time Luke was at the table being grilled with me. I honestly didn’t mind discussing what happened on K’don…up to the point where Commander Darten contacted me about the First Order’s involvement.

“We have sent a group of investigators to K’don,” Major Rayos said in his best intimidating voice…which is not intimidating at all. “The scene at the village was horrendous. Did you see who slaughtered the cult members?”

“No,” Luke muttered while I simply shook my head silently.

“But you know Imperials attacked the cult,” The Bothan Colonel asked Luke.

The Jedi looked to me before answering. “Captain Colay told me a group of former Imperials…deserters…attacked the cult and rescued Ben Solo.”

“But you…” the Bothan began before Luke lashed out verbally.

“Stop! I have told you my story five times so far I have no new information.”

The Bothan gave Luke a curt nod before turning his attention to me. “Why were you asked to meet these former Imperials, Captain Colay?”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “The group that attacked the cult contacted Imperial Intelligence. Since I was investigating the abduction of Ben Solo, and I was on site, the task was given to me.” I folded my arms across my chest. “And that is all I am going to say until my commander arrives.”

Luke and I both jumped when emergency klaxons began wailing throughout the ship.

Major Rayos opened the door to the room and called out to somebody in the hallway. “What’s going on?”

I didn’t hear the answer, but I could see Rayos blanch. He turned to me wide eyed. “An Imperial Class Star Destroyer has just dropped out of hyperspace.

I looked over to Luke in shock before reaching out through the Force in an attempt to figure out what was going on. Among the tens of thousands of crew members upon the Imperial vessel I could feel two familiar Force signatures…Commander Darten and Admiral Creeden. I smirked at Rayos. “That is probably my Commander. He did say he was coming to this location.”

“In a Star Destroyer! Why would the Empire risk provoking the New Republic over…” He motioned towards me. “Over a low ranking officer.”

“You unlawfully detained an Imperial Intelligence officer. Did you really think my Commander would show up in a shuttle, grovel at your feet and beg for my release?” I smiled smugly. “I suggest you invite Commander Darten over so we can debrief him and see what I am authorized to tell you.”

Rayos glared at me before speaking into his comlink. After a few minutes the alarms were silenced and my commander was on a small shuttle on its way over to the New Republic ship.

Entry 118

Once Commander Darten’s ship was docked there was an hour delay before I was escorted out of the interrogation room and brought to his shuttle.

My Commander was standing outside his Lambda Class T-4 shuttle, hands clasped behind his back, and with a stern look on his face. I guess he is not at all pleased with my treatment by the New Republic. When he saw me his lips curled up slightly as he signaled for me to follow him into the shuttle. Once the boarding ramp was up and secured he let out a relieved breath and gave me a fatherly hug. “It is so good to see you in good health.” He stepped back and gazed at me with concern. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?”

“No,” I said with a chuckle. “When they ‘detained’ me Han Solo and Luke almost pulled their weapons in my defense. I had agree to go quietly to prevent them from creating an incident.”

“Skywalker is a good man…Solo also.” He gestured me to take a seat in the passenger compartment. “It took an hour before the New Republic agreed to allow me to debrief you in my shuttle.” He lowered himself into the seat across from me. “I told them they have tractor beams to prevent us from escaping, so they don't need to worry. I didn’t want them eavesdropping on our conversation and this shuttle is equipped with counter surveillance technology. They won’t be able to listen in on our conversation.”

“I’m pleased they acquiesced to your demand for privacy. I’m also glad you think Han and Luke are good men…because I did tell the two what happened. In confidence,” I added quickly. “They are keeping quiet until I could talk to you and determine what to tell the NR.”

I was expecting words of disapproval from my Commander, but he just shrugged. “I assume you wouldn’t tell them anything that would endanger the Empire. What did you discover?”

I started from the beginning…the discovery of the dead cult members, traveling to rendezvous with the Super Star Destroyer Eclipse commanded by Grand Admiral Sloane, meeting with General Iwanuk and then Supreme Leader Snoke and my unsettling conversation with him

Darten shook his head. “I never heard of Snoke.” He thought about it for a moment. “Such an odd name. Do you know what species?”

I shook my head. “No, he is humanoid, tall, slim, hairless…or nearly so…I think I saw some mangy gray strands at the base of his skull. His head was horribly mutilated. It looks like he was severely injured long ago. His left cheek was caved in and he had a huge scar running from the crown of his head to his brow. He was extremely strong in the Force. He couldn’t hide that…but his eyes were blue which I found strange.”

When Darten looked at me questioningly I clarified my statement. “Meaning I don’t think he was Sith. Most Sith have yellow eyes. There is something about using the darkside that makes your eyes a jaundice color.”

“Not necessarily. You are too young to remember Emperor Palpatine when he was Chancellor, but his eyes weren’t yellow back then. He knew a way to conceal himself from the Jedi Order. Perhaps this Supreme Leader is doing the same.”

“Maybe. What should I tell the New Republic?”

Darten thought about it for a long moment. “You want to hide the fact that you are a Force user…so don’t relate to the New Republic anything pertaining to the Force. I also don’t think the Solos would want anybody knowing that their son is a Force adept…releasing that information is a family decision, especially because…” He trailed off awkwardly.

“Because what?” When he hesitated I reiterated my question. “What? What are you hiding from me?”

He sighed deeply. “I think I discovered why Ben Solo was kidnapped by the Cult of Vader.”

I got a cold tightness in my chest. I never told Darten about Luke and Leia being siblings and Darth Vader being their father. “And what did you discover?”

He squirmed in his seat a bit. “I don’t know how you are going to take this…but I believe Ben Solo is the grandson of Darth Vader.”

“Oh…and how did you come to that conclusion?”

He sat forward in his seat. “Do you remember when we had Skywalker over to my house and my wife asked him about his father. He said Emperor Palpatine killed his father…and that surprised me, because I had intelligence information on the Jedi that conducted the treasonous attack on the Chancellor. The bodies of Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Agen Kolar and Saesee Tiin were recovered, but not Anakin Skywalker. In fact, the Chancellor never mentioned Skywalker being in his office. Anakin Skywalker disappeared soon after that attack. I just assumed he was murdered by clone troopers after Order 66 was issued or he was in hiding. After that dinner with Luke I did little digging…thinking maybe his father lived. I talked to some retired Intel officers and I was told Palpatine and Anakin Skywalker were on friendly terms and in fact Anakin Skywalker was appointed to be Palpatine’s personal representative on the Jedi High Council…which I assume really rubbed the Jedi Masters the wrong way."

“What does this have to do with Darth Vader being Ben Solo’s grandfather?”

“I think Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader are one-in-the-same.” He frowned slightly as he broke the news. “I think Luke is the son of Vader…and…” He blew out a nervous breath. “I think Ben might be Luke’s son.”

“What!” I shouted in utter disbelief. “Ohhh…no…that is so wrong.”

“I know it might be shocking to think that Luke might be the son of a Sith, but circumstantial evidence points in that direction.” He leaned forward and put a hand on my shoulder. “I know he’s your…umm…romantic partner…but Ben was conceived way before you two met.” He dropped his hand from my shoulder and sat back in his seat. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed out of your affairs. If true, Luke should be the one telling you.”

After my initial surge of disgust this conversation became almost comical. “No Sir, I can guarantee Luke is not the father of Ben Solo.”

Commander Darten looked at me sadly. “I may be wrong, but it makes sense. There was gossip about Luke and the Princess for years after he destroyed the first Death Star. Those two were inseparable. I read intelligence reports that Luke would do anything for the Princess. It’s possible those two might have gotten together at some point. I’m not saying the Princess cheated on her husband. She might have been pregnant with Ben prior to marrying Solo.” He rubbed a hand over his chin. “I wonder what happened in their relationship that she ended up with the smuggler?”

I put a hand over my mouth to hide my horror/amusement. I steadied my emotions and composed myself before asking my next question. “Do you plan on telling anybody within our organization or the Empire about your theory?”

He shook his head adamantly. “No, the Empire doesn’t need to know any of this. I will keep this between you and me. I just wanted to let you know. You are close with the Solos and I know how much Luke means to you.” He glanced over to me and I believe at that point he noticed my overly calm veneer. “He told you, didn’t he?”

I bit the bottom of my lip to keep from laughing. It was then I decided it would be better if Commander Darten knew the truth instead of believing this disturbing incest theory. “Sir, Ben Solo is the grandson of Darth Vader…but Luke is not the father.”

His brow rose. “Really? Han Solo is the son of Darth Vader?”

“No!” I started to laugh so hard, my sides hurt. “Luke and Leia are brother and sister. The Organa family adopted Leia and family members on Tatooine adopted Luke. But you were right, Anakin Skywalker was their father and he did become Darth Vader.”

“Ohhh,” Commander Darten said slowly before breaking out in chuckle. “Now I understand why you were so outraged by my theory. I thought you were just jealous.” He laughed some more before taking a long calming breath. “Okay, I guess you should omit any Force talk and tell the NR that you have no idea why the Cult of Vader took Ben. Tell them as much as you feel comfortable about Snoke. Just use your best judgment. When we get back to Epta Prime we’ll do a longer debriefing and try to figure out what we are going to do about the First Order.” He gestured to the door. “Maybe you should invite Skywalker aboard so you can get your story straight…although that might look a bit suspicious.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he thought about the situation. “Maybe you can get him alone where you can talk privately.”

“No need sir.” I closed my eyes in concentration and contacted Skywalker through the Force. After I gave him a quick briefing I opened my eyes. “I let him know.”

Commander Darten’s jaw dropped. “You can communicate to him by thinking? That’s absolutely terrifying.”

I was confused. “Sir?”

“I would be horrified if my wife could do that to me. She would be rambling in my head night and day.” He guffawed as he stood and opened the shuttle boarding ramp. “I’ll go back to the Star Destroyer and reassure Admiral Creeden that his favorite Intel officer is unharmed.”

“Thank the Admiral for me, Sir.”

I then left the shuttle and prepared myself for another interrogation with the New Republic dumbkriff investigators.









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Wonderful debrief session. Darten is a delight.

 

Great meeting that clears the air and allows the situation to be resolved peacefully.

 

For some reason, I am not getting notifications that this, or any of my other watched stories are being updated

 

Darten reminds me of one of my bosses. He was really mellow, but good at his job.

It may be resolved peacefully, but Mara is not going to be happy with the New Republic for a long time.

I am not sure what the problem is. I think my notifications have been working. Thanks for reading!

This is a short update. I have been busy at work and have little time to write. I will write more when I can.
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Entry 119


After a ten-hour interrogation I was finally released from New Republic custody. To say I was pissed is an understatement. I went straight to my shuttle determined to escape the confines of the New Republic star cruiser before another asinine and spurious accusation was thrown in my direction.

Skywalker intercepted me just as I got to my shuttle. “Litassa, where are you going?”

I folded my arms across my chest and glowered at the Jedi. “I am getting the hell out of here before your dumbkriff government does anything else to punish me for helping you and your family.”

He ran a hand across his face and groaned. “I am so sorry, Litassa.”

My tone softened. “It’s not your fault, Luke. Your government just doesn’t trust me.”

He looked around and lowered his voice. “It’s not about you personally…it’s Imperials in general. Ben’s kidnapping has everybody upset and it has strained relations not only between the New Repulbic and the Empire but even among members of the New Republic themselves. My sister and I are also getting blowback from the situation. Leia had already retired her rank of General and was considering running for a senate seat, but she was told the required security clearance would be denied due to her close association with an Imperial.”

“What?” I was shocked by this turn of events. “The NR government must be barvy. That’s ridiculous.”

He nodded. “The government also denied the grant I requested to build a Jedi Academy.”

“Because you’re dating me?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” he said reluctantly.

This situation was getting out of hand. I thought about it for a moment before coming to a decision. ‘Let’s pretend to break up,’ I communicated to him through the Force. ‘I have more than enough reason to be furious at your government. It is not unbelievable that I might take my anger out on you. This way you and your sister can get your life back. We can bring our relationship deeper underground. I’m sure dating you isn’t helping my career either…but I don’t want to end what we have. We just have to be more secretive.’

‘Okay,’ he replied telepathically. ‘I’ll follow your lead.’

I squared my shoulders and shouted at Skywalker loud enough that every guard and technician in the bay could hear my tirade. “I am sick of you and your stupid government. They claim I was using you to get information. Ha!” I said in my best mocking tone. “Has your government forgotten you are the Force user!” I threw my hands up in the air in disgust. “You’re the one who can do Jedi mind tricks! If anybody is gaining information it’s you using your Force skills to pull information out of me. I thought we were friends, but now I see the truth. The New Republic doesn’t trust the Empire. We have a peace treaty but in the minds of your leadership we are still at war. And they have the audacity to accuse me of using my feminine wiles to entice information out of you when we both know that is just deflection on their part. They have been using you to seduce me. I guess they hoped you’d be able to use your Jedi skills and Farmboy charm to kriff me senseless until I am screaming out state secrets in a fit of passion!”

I think for a second he forgot this was a show because his jaw dropped as a deep blush warmed his cheeks. “That’s not true.”

I could hear whispering and an occasional chuckle from the crew members milling around the docking bay. I was heard and I am sure gossip of this fight would make its way through the ship before I hit hyperspace.

“It’s over Skywalker!" I yelled as I walked around him and up the ramp to my shuttle. "Lose my comlink number!” I slapped the button to raise the boarding ramp.

Skywalker’s voice popped into my head. ‘That is just for show right? We’ll see each other again, won’t we?’

‘Relax,’ I reassured him. ‘I’ll contact you in two weeks and then you can use all your seductive abilities and hard body to pump me for information.’

I could sense his relief and amusement at that comment. ‘I love you,’ he projected the words and emotions to me through the Force.

I smiled as I dropped into the pilot seat of my shuttle. ‘I love you too.’





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Litassa/Mara is very convincing Even Luke was "Uh, this is all for show, right".

 

I love the GFFA swearing! I kriffin swear I'm gonna start using it in my everyday life! Oh the shavit I'll be avoiding with it!

 

Love the bantering between Luke and Mara.

 

Yeah, she got the Farmboy worried.

I was thinking of getting a car vanity plate that said "Kriff u", but then thought maybe that wasn't the best use of my funds.

Thanks! I wish Mara was in the new canon. I have a feeling if Mara was a fixture in Luke's life he wouldn't have ended up on an island milking space walruses.

Here is a short entry. I am trying to find a way to hurry up this story.

Thanks for reading.

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Entry 120
12 ABY

It has been a lot trickier rendezvousing with Skywalker without his government finding out, but where there’s a will, there's a way.

I have been using my intelligence gathering abilities to track Luke’s travels around the galaxy. When I discover he is going to a certain planet I will travel to that location incognito and the contact him through the Force. This way there is no comlink or transceiver trail to be traced or tapped into.

Currently Luke and I are sharing a room in a rustic hotel…on Tatooine. I asked him what inspired him to go to this sandy, sunburnt scat-hole of a planet and he said, “I was homesick.”

Or that is what I thought he said. The room’s noisy window air conditioner made conversation somewhat difficult. I had the contraption cranked up to “COLD” and it barely managed to bring the temperature down from heatstroke to heat exhaustion levels. And I have to add that if Skywalker says one more time, “At least it’s a dry heat”, I will turn to the darkside and shoot Force lightning out of my sweat drenched fingertips.

We had a very romantic reunion and were lying on the top of the bed sheets trying not to melt when I turned to him and asked, “Why would you be homesick for this place?”

It was a legitimate question. He’s told me in the past he despised his boyhood world and I know I hate this place, so why visit this double-sun cesspool?

“I don’t know,” he said with a halfhearted shrug. “Life here was uncomplicated. I loathed it, but at the same time I didn’t have to deal with politics, Sith, or war.” He fell silent for a long pause, staring blankly at the rotating ceiling fan. “I dreamt of leaving this place and seeing the galaxy, but I never imagined how difficult my life would become.” He turned onto his side to face me. “I shouldn’t have to sneak around to be with the woman I love. We’re not at war.”

I wanted to reach out to comfort him in a warm hug…but I resisted because of the heat. His body temperature ran much higher than mine. It was like cuddling up with a hot water bottle…albeit one with great abs. “No you shouldn’t. Come back to Epta Prime with me.”

He heaved a sigh. “I can’t be part of the Empire.”

I bristled at that comment. “Well, I can’t be part of the New Republic. You saw how they treated me.”

He closed his eyes. “I know. What they did to you was wrong. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered before changing the subject. “How’s Ben?”

Luke draped his forearm over his eyes. “Not good.” He let out a frustrated groan before continuing. “The Cult of Vader really screwed with his mind. I don’t know how they discovered he was the grandson of Vader, but they thought Ben was the second coming of the Dark Lord. They practically worshiped Ben and filled his mind with all types of propaganda about the greatness of Darth Vader.”

“How about Snoke,” I asked. “Did he do anything to Ben?”

Luke turned and gazed at me sadly. “I think he did something. I have talked to Ben and he is fuzzy on the details when it came to his time with Snoke. He said the Supreme Leader talked to him for a long time, but he doesn’t remember what was said.” He hesitated. “And there is something else…I feel a growing darkness in the boy. It is faint…but there is evil growing in my nephew. I can feel it.”

This time I did reached out and placed a comforting hand on his chest. “What are you going to do?”

He shook his head. “The only thing I can do. I need to train the boy to control this darkness…to come to the lightside of the Force.”

I gave him a long searching look. “Are you sure that is wise? It could just make him a stronger darkside adept.”

He let out a sigh. “It is a danger, but with his current fascination with Darth Vader I really doubt I can prevent him from training in the ways of the Force. Either I can train him and teach him control or he will teach himself or find another teacher who might lead him to the darkside.”

“Like Snoke?” I offered.

“Yeah, like Snoke.” He ran a frustrated hand through his beard. “I wonder if my family is cursed. My father did unspeakable things. Was there some genetic flaw in our bloodline that makes us susceptible to the darkside?”

An amused snort escaped my lips. “Luke, Please, you shine in the light.”

“No, not always. You kept me from going dark and killing that Dug that hurt Leia. I was about to murder him.”

I rolled my eyes. “If you recall…I did murder him…in cold blood I might add. Do you see me as a darksider? Am I a Sith waiting to happen?”

“No,” he said the word after some hesitation. “But you were an Inquisitor under the command of Sith…and I am a son of a Sith. That is not a good combination.”

My eyes met his, direct and probing. “What’s your point?”

He looked away. “Ben is the son of a non-Force-user and a weak Force-user and I can feel his strength and darkness growing stronger and stronger every day. What would a child of two powerful Force-users with ties to the darkside be like?”

My jaw went slack when I guessed his meaning. “Are you saying you never want kids…especially with me.”

He took a long cleansing breath. “I’ve been thinking about this since Ben’s return. Maybe it would have been best if Vader’s bloodline had died with me and Leia.”

I scoffed. “Well, it is a little too late for that. Ben’s here and unless you plan on killing him you better learn to deal with it…as for us…I never said I wanted kids. So that isn’t a discussion we need to have at this time. Instead concentrate on healing Ben’s kriffed up mind and soul.”

He scooted closer to me in bed. “You’re right. Let’s drop the subject. I don’t want to ruin our time together.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine before he grabbed me around my waist and intimately pulled me into his embrace. I was going to complain about his hot body making me sweat, but I decided I was going to perspire no matter what I did today…so I might as well be doing something I enjoy.




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