Saga Courting the Darkside - (Inbetween ANH and ESB (Conclusion: Aug.1st!!)

UP!

 

Makaella gave him a skeptical once over. "If you're what the rebellion considers a pro, then I think we are in some serious trouble."
Well...after that I thought I'd get caught up with Luke and Han." Makaella said, thinking quickly Oh in trouble now.
Kifan gave her an exaggerated nod. "Aw, I see. After not seeing them for a whole day, I can imagine you'd have a lot to talk about." He is not fooled for one minute.

Why did she feel so guilty every time she talked to him? He was a really nice guy, and she knew if she allowed herself, she could open up to him. But...she didn't want to take the risk of starting something she could not finish. I like how you bring up this point. Just when I think I have things figured out, you bring in some new twist. Still deciding if its Kifan or Aryn that she is really in love with. hmmm.
Luke nodded. "Yeah, I think I should go find Leia though, she might need me."

Makaella raised her brow and smirked.

Luke blushed at that. "Well you know, to help with the Itama's." Poor Luke he has a crush so bad. and Makaella realizes it.
With Han?"

"Yeah." He replied, drily.

Makaella bit back a smile. "Oh."
Jealously talking here I think.

then realizing she'd told Kifan she was going to be with Luke all day, hurried after him. "Luke! Wait!" Good thing she realized that or she might have some explaining to do.

I wanted to add that I think you are doing a good job with the other story in tying some things into this one. I could see how some of things relate to this story. Keep up the good work on both stories.

 

Oooo thanks! I love getting your detailed comments, and you are usually right on the mark with your guesses too! lol. Are you reading my mind or something? hehe. Thanks so much for your continuing support! On both of my stories!

 

Here's some more!

(I wasn't sure if you had read the first part, because you didn't comment on it, but in order to understand the next part, you have to have read the first part. So I am reposting it just to be sure. Feel free to skip over it if you've already read the first part.

***

The next day, Aryn wandered into the Imperial Dining Hall and found a table near the back. Even before he'd had a chance to sit, a server droid had already whizzed up to his table.

"May I have your order, sir?" It asked in a polite, yet prissy voice.

"Yes, I would like two flat cakes, three eggs well done, and a Nerf Steak... well done as well." Aryn replied.

"And would you like anything to drink with that, sir?" It asked.

Aryn thought a moment. "Yes, farkleberry juice please."

"Yes sir! Right away!" It said, and then whizzed away in the direction of the kitchen.

Aryn couldn't help but smirk, watching the thing zip away, making a funny whistling sound as it went. He shook his head, and then settled into his seat, and took a glance at the room around him. There were several other Imperial Officers scattered about the room at various tables. Some were studying data pads, or speaking in low tones with another officer at the same table. This was the Officer's dining hall, and at the moment, Aryn was dressed as an Imperial Admiral. As Aryn continued to scan the dining hall, his eyes fell upon a pair of Admirals seated at a table about ten meters away. They were pouring over a holo-star chart and speaking quietly, occasionally pointing to certain areas on the chart.

He also noticed a Commander seated in the table next to the two Admirals, with his back to them, seeming to be studying a data pad...but there was something strange about the man. His eyes were seemingly focused on the data pad before him, but they did not seem to be concentrating. Aryn also noticed him glanced over at the two Admirals every so often. Aryn wrinkled his brow. Was the man eaves dropping?

After a few moments, the server droid returned with Aryn's steaming plate of food, and a glass of farkleberry juice. Aryn hastily thanked the droid and started eating. He kept an eye on the Commander as he ate. He couldn't be certain of anything yet, but the man was indeed behaving quite odd. He began to notice the man sitting back a little further when the Admirals were leaning forward, and turning his head so that his ear was facing the Admiral's direction. He would type some thing into his data pad every so often, and look around as though pretending to be thinking. The man looked quite young for a Commander, though he appeared to be around Aryn's age, 22 or 23 perhaps. He had dark brown hair that was clean cut, and deep set eyes, Aryn could not be sure of the color from this distance. He was sitting ramrod straight, with his shoulders set. His chin was slightly tipped upward, and his eyebrows raised. And when the Admiral's appeared to be silent, he glanced around the room a few times and seemed to frown with disapproval. A strange look for a mere commander, in the company of Admirals, to be sure! Aryn quickly finished his meal, and continued to watch the man.

A few moments later, the Admirals seemed to be finished with whatever it was they had been discussing, and they got up from their table and headed for the exit doors. Aryn watched the Commander type a few more things into his data pad, and then set it to the side. He then placed a napkin over his lap as the server droid approached his table. The man gave the droid a slight nod as it placed his plate on the table before him, and then zipped away. The man did not watch it as it left, he simply sat at his table, stiff as a board and began to slowly cut his meat. The man could have been sitting at a formal banquet with the slow and careful way in which he ate.

Aryn had wanted to wait until the man was finished, and then perhaps follow him out of the Dining Hall, but the man really seemed to be taking his precious time eating. He did not

 

UP!!!!!

 

Sorry, I had not realized that I had not commented on the first part.

Oh I think we might have a spy among the death star people and Aryn is on to it.

I love the breakfast Aryn had, sounds like a typical male breakfast.

That conversation between Aryn and the commander was very good. That commander was doing some brown nosing to cover up his spying activites.

Wirshloo paused to consider. "I wanted to make something of myself, and serve my people."

Aryn cocked his head to the side. "Serve your people? In what way?"

"By serving the Emperor, of course." He replied, sounding almost sarcastic.

Aryn's eyes narrowed. "I see. And what did you hope to gain, in regards to your people by your joining the Empire?"

"Well, Admiral I hope to make them proud." Wirshloo responded.

Aryn shook his head. "But that's not quite what I asked, was it?"

Wirshloo was struggling. "I hope to make this galaxy a better place for my people to live in. And I will do whatever it takes to assure that it is."

Aryn thought he detected a hidden meaning in his words, but he could not be sure. "Well I hope to do that as well."

Wirshloo nodded. "I'm sure you do. That is what we all want, isn't it?"

Oh that commander is making Aryn even more suspuioucs I think.

I still have not figure out Aryn, you have done a good job in keeping his character a mystery, even this deep into the story. It was good to see what Aryn has been doing.

 

It's strange. I really hadn't meant to make Aryn's character such a mystery... well... actually in a way I did I guess. But for some reason it just seems like it needs to be that way in this story. But I promise you that eventually it will all come out. He shall be explained... hehe.

Thanks so much!

Here's more, for when you're ready.
(sorry if it seems like I post a lot. I just want to get it caught up with where I am at at the other site.)

***

Leia led the King, and his royal entourage into the Base Control room. The Itama's seemed impressed with the base's facilities, and Leia could see that they were not used to the kind of technology that the Alliance often took for granted. In order to make the creatures feel more welcome, and comfortable Leia humored them by acting somewhat the part of a tour guide, explaining each area they entered, and offering brief synopses's of the purpose and the work performed in each. The Itama's had listened to her presentations with obvious anticipation, and seemed to relax considerably. Leia was glad to see her tactic had been successful. She was experienced in the art of diplomacy, and was able to adapt to these situations of differing cultures with flare. Though she had to admit, she had never been faced with a culture quite so outlandish, and innocent as the Itama's. It was more out of courtesy that she took them to General Madine, than an actual belief that the Itama's might be of use in their war effort. The Itama's were true hearted, of that she had no doubt, but they lacked the experience and cunning needed to fight a war with the super military machine that was the Empire.

When they reached the Control room, Madine was there to greet them, if he was surprised at the Itama's appearance, he did not show it. He too was a trained, and experienced diplomat. He welcomed the Itama's with the grace and respect he would offer even the greatest of dignitaries. The Itama King seemed pleased.

"It is a pleasure to finally have the honor of a formal meeting, Your Highness." Madine replied, extending his hand.

King Itallo nodded and placed his head under the extended hand. Madine's face clouded with confusion for a brief moment, but recovered quickly. After the Itama King had performed his... greeting, he stood up right, and offered his own extended hand. Madine winked at Leia as he too lowered his frame to place his head under the extended hand. Leia had to stifle a laugh. Here was the General of the galaxy-wide Alliance, on his knees (for he would have to have been to make himself low enough for the King to place his hand on his head,) and allowing the small King to pat his head.

"Before we begin, King Itallo, allow me to introduce my friends and distinguished colleagues, Admiral Ackbar, and Mon Mothma." Madine said, climbing back to his feet. King Itallo nodded to each as they were named.

"Please allow King Itallo to introduce my company of Itama's." King Itallo replied, indicating the one that stood just behind him. "This is Itallo's Itto." He replied, then moving onto the next... "This is Itallo's Ittish, and Itallo's Ittah, and Itallo's Itma, and Itallo's Itgar..." and he continued until he had named each of the Itama's present with him.

Leia found it enduring that he did not offer a title with any of his company, perhaps titles did not matter to them. They were introduced simply as they were, but with the affection befitting a father introducing his sons, stating that they were his own.

After greeting each Itama, Madine led them to the council table and they each took their seats. It was at this point that Luke interrupted the meeting. "Ummm sorry to interrupt, I just thought I'd like to participate in the meeting too." He said, stepping in the door, with Makaella in his tow.

Makaella was blushing. "We hadn't realized the meeting had already begun."

The room was silent for a moment, as the Alliance leaders were not used to such informality on the military front. King Itallo did not seem

 

Don't worry you doing okay with the timing of posts, I'm just having to play the its your turn today with lots of stories.

But its your turn today.

the Itama's were true hearted, of that she had no doubt, but they lacked the experience and cunning needed to fight a war with the super military machine that was the Empire.

Oh I think someone might going to have to eat crow for saying that, because I have a feeling that there are some things she doesn't know.

King Itallo nodded and placed his head under the extended hand. Here was the General of the galaxy-wide Alliance, on his knees (for he would have to have been to make himself low enough for the King to place his hand on his head,) and allowing the small King to pat his head.

Nice little bit of showing us a custom here. and it was funny at the same time.
Fortunately, Luke and Makaella quickly found seats at the end of the table. Leia would have to have a talk with Luke later on proper military etiquette. Oh come on Leia lets don't be uptight about this.
Luke had begun to squirm in his seat, and before Leia could prevent another one of his outbursts, he spoke up, "King Itallo, what is that power I saw you using? Those pictures of light are like nothing I've ever seen? Are you planning on using it to help the Alliance?"

His question sparked the attention of all present, Leia included. All eyes were now watching the Itama's, especially King Itallo. "It is the Itama magic, that Luke Skywalker means?"

Luke nodded. "Yes, there is something quite familiar about it."
Yep, she better start gathering that crow to eat.
Madine exchanged a querying look with Leia. Leia smiled at him, then turned to King Itallo. "It sounds like it would be a great celebration. It is the perfect way in which the people of the Alliance may come together with the Itama's and learn about one another and appreciate each other's culture."

I can't wait to see this celebration and the surprise look on their faces when they see what the itama can do.

Aryn smiled and then relaxed back into his chair, chuckling to himself. It seemed the young, new Commander had a lot of explaining to do... Oh this is getting good. Hmm wonder what was on that chip.

Kayly nodded, and turned to glance at Han's pile of tools. Critching wrench? She wondered to herself as she searched the pile for her best guess. Deciding upon a long, flat looking thing she handed it down to Han. "Here you go!"

Han gripped the handle and his hand disappeared under the deck again. A few moments later, he climbed out from under and gave her an accusatory glance and put her tool back in the pile. He then picked up another tool, one that was cylindrical in shape and glanced at her again.

I loved this, it reminded me of when my dad was teaching me the different tools and would give me that look when I gave him the wrong one.

I love how you bring in Han and having the old boy stuff about how they treat their cars I mean their ships.

I loved the banter between Han and K.

 

Yes, the Falcon will always be Han's baby... so he's got to be careful with her, right? Riiiiight...

Thanks so much, I am very glad it was my turn to be read! Here's some more for whenever you're ready!


***

A few moments later, just as Han was about to give the Falcon one more final check before heading back inside to inquire about the Itama's, he was greeted by Luke, who was looking particularly pleased with himself.

"Oh, hello there Han. I was just going to check on my x-wing... I had forgotten you were out here too," Luke said, casually walking, or rather strutting over to where Han stood.

Han highly doubted the kid had forgotten. "Oh really? Well what did you need to check on your x-wing?"

Luke shrugged. "Oh, you know... I just wanted to make sure she was well oiled up and stuff. It's important that I keep it in top condition," he said; his eyes were wide, and he was practically beaming as he spoke. "Where's Kayly?"

"You just missed her actually," Han said, wishing the kid would get to the point of this unexpected visit.

"Ah, that's too bad," Luke said. Then looking around casually, added, "I just got back from the meeting with the Itama's."

Han nodded. "Oh, how'd it go?"

"Oh I'd say it went quite well. In fact, they invited us all to an Itama Celebration," Luke said.

"An Itama Celebration?" Han raised his brow.

Luke nodded. "Yeah, I asked Leia if I could be her escort for the night," he went on casually, eyeing Han as if waiting for a reaction.

"You asked Leia?" Han mused.

Luke nodded. "Yeah, what are you smiling about?"

Han shook his head. "Oh nothing."

Luke frowned. "Well, she seemed excited to go," he mumbled.

Han had to stifle a laugh. "Do you think there'll be dancing at this celebration?" he asked Luke.

Luke furrowed his brow. "I don't know, maybe..."

"I'll bet Leia's real good at dancing...being that she is a Princess and all..." Han went on, enjoying Luke's worried reaction.

"Well...yeah I bet she's pretty good," Luke mumbled again.

Han leaned up against his ship's landing pad. "I'm sure you two will have a great time, dancing the night away," he said, grinning.

Now Luke was looking very worried. "Do you really think there'll be dancing?"

Han nodded. "Well sure there will be kid! Celebrations like that always do!"

Luke's face had now fallen, and he did not seem quite so excited anymore. Han almost felt sorry for the kid... almost. "Oh. Do you think you'll be going?" Luke asked finally.

Han rolled his eyes up, pretending to consider. "Yeah, I think I will. I had a pretty good time talking with Kayly, I'll bet she wouldn't mind going with this old smuggler. What do you think, kid? Should I ask her?"


"I don't know Han, it might be sort of weird," Luke said.

"Why would it be weird? We're friends aren't we?" Han pressed, enjoying Luke's reaction a little too much. "No weirder than you asking Leia, wouldn't you say?"

"You think it's weird that I asked her?" Luke asked, seeming startled.

Han shook his head. "No, not at all. And I'm sure she doesn't think it's weird either."

Luke nodded, somewhat uncertainly. "Why would she think it was weird?"

"Oh no reason," Han said, slapping Luke on the back. "I'd better hurry and catch up to Kayly."

Luke nodded, absolutely crest fallen. "Oh uh, yeah."

"See ya later, good luck with your x-wing!" Han called over his shoulder as he left a now uncertain Luke alone in the docking bay.
***

Makaella awoke the next morning and slowly opened her eyes. Everything was blurry at first, and it was still dark inside her room. She groaned inwardly, wondering what it had been that had caused her to wake. She closed her eyes again and curled up under her blanket, hoping to be able to fall back asleep. But after a few minutes she realized she would not be able to sleep anymore, something was standing in the way, and was pressing on her mind. Makaella slowly pulled herself up and rubbed at her eyes, trying to clear

 

UP!

 

UP!

 

I loved the back and forth banter between Han and Luke over the dancing. Poor Luke Han has him really worried. A very clever idea. And Han teasing him over the weird issue was a nice touch.

Makaella 's dream or vision was very well written, you had me shivering there with fear,it seemed very real like she was really there. And her seeing who the man was, i just wanted to cry for her. And her discussing it with Kayly was very well done also.

Makaella bit her lip. "I hope not Kayly...I hope with all my heart that it was only a dream." A nice way to end this post. I hope they take the force's warning to heart.

 

Thank-you, thank-you! As always! Here's some more for when you're ready!

***

With an air of complete confidence, the young commander entered Aryn's office. His clean cut brown hair was combed back, and his crisp uniform hung neatly from his frame. Not a thing was out of place from his head to his shiny black boots. He paused a moment in the door frame, waiting for Aryn's acknowledgment, though Aryn thought, it seemed to come to him as a second thought.

Aryn gave him a brisk nod, and the man came and stood before Aryn's desk. "Commander Wirshloo reporting, sir." He said.

Aryn raised a brow. "Is it Imperial code to speak to an Admiral before being spoken to, Commander?"

A wave of annoyance seemed to pass over the man's face, and his mouth opened, as if he wanted to retort, but then snapped shut again and he bowed his head. "I am sorry, Admiral." He mumbled.

Aryn really didn't care a lot about imperial protocol, but he thought it would be good for the young man to keep it in mind. There were other admirals who would not be so forgiving, and could possibly even get suspicious. "It is alright, you may have a seat."

Wirshloo nodded, and placed himself in the seat before Aryn's desk. Aryn couldn't help noticing the grandeur of the man's action, almost like a king sitting upon his throne. Aryn took a moment before speaking to study the man sitting before him. He had an air of importance that was mostly visible in his slightly raised chin and brow. His deep set, brown eyes were watching Aryn curiously. And then something hit him...

There was something familiar about the man! Startled, Aryn wrinkled his brow and began racking his brain. Had he met the man before? "I suppose you are wondering why I have asked for you?" Aryn finally spoke.

Wirshloo nodded slowly. "The question has entered my mind." The man did not appear, as yet, to share the same feelings of familiarity that Aryn was experiencing.

Aryn pulled a data chip from his desk. "As you well know, Commander, I have been assembling my own special task crew. I have been doing quite a bit of research on the men I've been considering."

Wirshloo's eyes widened only slightly, but he maintained his composure. "I see."

Aryn could feel a tenseness beginning to surface in the man's bearing as he went on. "It did not take me long to discover that the records and personal information you gave us was false. Now I would like to give you the opportunity to explain yourself, and I want the truth this time, Commander."

Wirshloo's face had paled considerably. "What is it you are accusing me of?" He managed to say.

"Nothing more than falsifying your personal information. Do you understand the possible consequences for such a thing?" Aryn asked.

Wirshloo was reaching for something at his side. "So you think you have me all figured out now?" He asked.

Before Aryn could reply, Wirshloo had whipped out a small blade from his boot and gotten to his feet, holding it out in front of him. "You are most clever indeed, Admiral. But I don't think I can accept said consequences."

Aryn glanced at the blade, and then at the man's determined face. "Commander, don't force me to lose my patience. Put that thing down so we can discuss this."

Wirshloo's hand was trembling and he seemed to be considering his options. Aryn got the distinct impression that the man did not want to kill him. "But...you already know too much." He murmured.

Wirshloo froze for a small moment, fighting an inward battle before finally pulled the blade back and relaxed his tense frame. "I...don't want to kill you, Admiral. But...if I have to, I assure you I am most capable of doing so."

Aryn raised his brow, doing his best not to smile. "I do not doubt your ability with a blade, Commander. But before you decide to determine my ultimate fate, would you mind discussing a few things with me? After all, if you plan on killing me anyway, what could it hurt to have you tell me the truth about yourself?"

Wirshloo eyed Ar

 

up!

 

Up again!

 

Wirshloo is getting mysterious by the moment. Hmmm I can't wait to see why he is so familar to Aryn.

I sense a friendship developing between these two men down the road.

And you just had to leave me at that part where we are just about to find out who he is. Loved it. Keep me in suspense.

Shudders, those creatures give me the willies. Hmm interesting to see what they are and what kind of weapons are they meant to be. Hmm shall be waiting to see.

Excellent job with this post. Again you keep adding a layer of mystery everytime you take one layer a way. Excellent I love those kind of mysteries they keep you guessing just when yo think you have things figured out.

 

CrystalKenobi Posted:

Wirshloo is getting mysterious by the moment. Hmmm I can't wait to see why he is so familar to Aryn.

Oh I garantee you'll like it when you do.

I sense a friendship developing between these two men down the road.

Why not? Two amiable, dashingly good-looking guys ought to become friends...

And you just had to leave me at that part where we are just about to find out who he is. Loved it. Keep me in suspense.

Alright, if you say so... My you're a good sport!

Shudders, those creatures give me the willies. Hmm interesting to see what they are and what kind of weapons are they meant to be. Hmm shall be waiting to see.

You may be surprised...

Excellent job with this post. Again you keep adding a layer of mystery everytime you take one layer a way. Excellent I love those kind of mysteries they keep you guessing just when yo think you have things figured out.

Glad you like that about me, because that's one of my favorite things to do!

Here's some more for ya!

***

Leia's fitful night's sleep was filled with dark, foreboding dreams. Dreams that contained visions only found in the darkest recesses of her mind, the only place where she allowed herself to remember her sorrows. Throughout the night different shapes and figures passed in and out of her consciousness, filled with friends and loved ones from a long time past. Her dreams were often haunted with the memory of her father, Bail Organa...though she had not been with him when he had passed... she could still envision the look in his eyes... and she could feel his pain. And then, sometimes she would remember her mother, so beautiful...her eyes always filled with a sorrow that Leia never quite understood. She did not know what happened to her mother, only that one day she was just not there...

Often the dark times came back to her, thoughts and dreams of the time she had spent as a prisoner of the Death Star... she could remember the darkness, the longing, the fear and then the deepest sorrow of her life... Alderaan... Her Alderaan...

Leia awoke with tears streaming down her cheeks, to the sound of someone softly knocking on her door. She quickly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, and then pulled on a robe as she crossed through her small living quarters to the door. She straightened her hair a little and then slowly opened the door.

"Makaella...Kayly?" Leia glanced at her wrist-crono, and then yawned. "You two certainly are up early."

The two young women nodded solemnly, and Leia noted a small hesitation in Makaella.

"We couldn't sleep." Kayly spoke up, nudging Makaella. "There's something Makaella wanted to talk to you about."

"I...we...didn't mean to wake you, Leia...we could come back..." Makaella sputtered, looking embarrassed.

Leia shook her head. "Nonsense. I should probably be up now anyway. Come on in, ladies." She replied warmly, stepping to the side to allow them entrance.

Once inside, Leia invited them to have a seat on her couch while she hurried and dressed herself in a blue jumper. When she came back out, she came and sat on a chair across from them, and then placed her hands in her lap. "Alright, I am ready now. What is it Makaella?" She asked, calmly.

Makaella exchanged a glance with Kayly, who gave her a reassuring nod. She then returned her gaze back to Leia, and then her eyes dropped to her lap and she seemed to find a sudden interest in her hands. "Well... I'm not sure if it's anything very significant..."

"If what's significant?" Leia asked, starting to sense some tension. "What's happened?"

Makaella took a deep breath. "I know this may sound strange but...I think I may have had a vision... or perhaps not necessarily a vision... but a warning in the form of a dream. I've had these kinds of dreams before, and they usually come when something bad is about to happen."

Leia nodded. "I see. Well what was your dream about?"

Makaella bit her lip, and Leia not

 

UP!

 

Up again...

 

UP!!!!!!!!

 

Up one more time!

 

Sorry to be so late.


I enjoyed the talk between Leia, Mak. Kayly and I like that she confides to Leia about how she came from etc.


I like the mock battle sequence that was very good. Though I do feel sorry for Kayly.


Look forward to another update and hopefully I can get caught up if these hurriacanes will just stay away.

 

Thanks Crystal, I'm just glad to see that you're still with me! So you were near all those hurricanes? That's too bad... I'm sorry!

Well, anyway, here's some more whenever you're ready for it.

***

Luke caught up with her about half an hour later. He found her settled under a shady aspen tree thirty paces away from the base entrance. Her back was turned from him, but he could see a partial part of her profile. Her chin was tight, and her eyebrows furrowed. She was sitting with her legs pulled to her chest with her long brown hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, partly hanging off of her shoulder. She really was beautiful.

Embarrassed to realize he'd been staring, Luke cleared his throat, and quietly made his way toward her. He was beginning to feel a tension surrounding this young daughter of Obi-Wan, and it only grew more prevalent as he approached. "Kayly...," He said softly, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Kayly's shoulder stiffened, and she whipped around to face him. It was then that Luke realized she'd been crying. She seemed startled to see him, and embarrassed.

"Kayly, what's wrong?!" Luke asked, alarmed.

Her deep, brown eyes narrowed into a scowl. "Nothing," she snapped. He could see her wiping her eyes as she turned her face away.

Luke stood up straight and clasped his hands in front of him. "Nothing?" he asked. "Are you sure?" He was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

Kayly continued to look away. "Yes, Luke. I am fine," she said evenly.

Luke nodded slowly, and pursed his lips. "It's just that... you left the simulation room so abruptly...," he began, awkwardly. He was never quite sure what to do when he saw a girl cry.

"Oh, so you noticed that?" She hissed.

Now he was certain something was wrong. "Well... are you sure there's nothing wrong?" he tried again, keeping a safe distance from her. "You just seem upset."

Kayly shook her head. "Why would I be upset, Luke?" she asked in a low voice.

Luke rubbed his head. "Well, I don't know. Was it something I said?"

At that, Kayly let out a loud, "Ha!"

Luke frowned. "What?"

Kayly whipped around again, and sprang to her feet. "You men always think it's about you, don't you?" she asked, coming and standing in front of him, shaking a finger in his face.

Luke shrank backward. "Then was it something Makaella said?" he tried again.

Kayly's jaw clenched, and her forehead wrinkled with anger. "Why do you never let me fight Luke? Why? I could be every bit as good as Makaella if you'd just give me a chance!"

"I did give you a chance! You fought in that last sim-fight!" Luke defended himself.

"You made me stay behind to,' catch the stragglers'," she mimicked his voice, shrewdly.

Luke furrowed his brow, and couldn't help the smile that escaped him. "So that's what's got you so upset?"

Kayly folded her arms and glared at him. "This is not funny, Skywalker."

Luke laughed a little. "Look, I'm sorry if I didn't let you fight. I didn't realize it meant so much to you."

"No, that's alright. I understand that you and Makaella have every strategy known to man worked out for each battle, I don't need to horn in on either of your glory," she said, wryly.

Luke ran a finger through his hair. "You aren't horning in on anything. We want you to fight with us," he assured her.

Kayly rolled her eyes. "I can fight, Luke. Didn't you even wonder how both the two remaining TIE-fighters disappeared at around the same time? Or were you too involved with Makaella's victory to think about it?"

Luke looked at the ground. She was right, both the TIEs had been destroyed at the same time... "Oh...I'm sorry. I didn't notice..."

Kayly looked away again.

"Ah, Kayly! I'm sorry! I didn't even realize! It's just that Makaella's X-Wing was right in view...you were behind me..." Luke grabbed for her hand and gently squeezed it. "I'm proud of you! That was your first kill, wasn't it?"

Kayly's mouth opened for a retort, but something seemed to stop her, and her features even softened.

 

UP!

 

about time he thought she was beautiful.

That conversation about her being upset and crying was very well done, just like real life.

I'm glad she pointed out that he really hasn't been paying any attention to her.