So Now What?

[Alleycat]

The star systems were beginning to look all the same as the fiery redhead peered out the front viewport of her modified YT-1930 light freighter while the Shadow Runner passed through yet another one. Ever since the destruction of the Corellisi's homeworld during the recent galactic event, Katara had felt lost. It weighted on her consciousness heavily and took the joy out of life, even though she had much to live for; a loving husband, a beloved son, good health, a solid ship, a trusted DL-44 by her side.

Why then did a single planet mean so much? Because it had been home, her home, their home… Though really wasn't home supposed to be where your heart was, and her heart was sitting in the chair next to hers. Was the ruggedly handsome Telosian pondering the same thing she was?

"So now what?" Kat asked turning her red-gold head to the right and reaching over with her hand to the co-pilot; a pair of azure eyes searching chocolate ones that gazed back. "What does the Force tell you to do, Jediboy?"

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Judah knew what his wife was thinking. He breathed in deep, and let it out slow. JJ was off with Cambria, something Judah had arranged after Corellia was destroyed. The boy had taken it hard, and Cambria was moving around the galaxy. She agreed to take him for the time being. It was hard to not be there for him, but the boy was getting to be independent. Kat had always been reminding him to let the boy process the way he needed to.

So, how did Judah feel? He was miserable. Corellia was his home. His life had been made with Katara there. The compound was gone, the home they raised their son at. Judah had so many fond memories, many of them with Katara at the lake. It was a favorite spot for them to make love, share wine, enjoy sunsets, but now all of it gone. They lived on the Shadow Runner, a good home, but not a house, not the compound they had built.

"The force..."

Judah scoffed for a moment. Then paused. He looked to Katara apologetically.

"I'm sorry. It's just hard you know. I just wonder how many Corellians were displaced? I want to find a place to settle again. We need a new compound again."

The Telosian lost himself in the blue pools of his wife. She was his world, his rock in uncertainty. They needed each other now more than ever.

"Do you want some caf?"

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"I know… I wonder that too," Katara nodded solemnly, then the Corellisi did a cursory check of the flight instruments on the cockpit console in front of her before slipping out of the captain's chair.

"Need you ask?" the redhead replied, flashing a lopsided grin the dark-haired Jedi's way as she tugged on his hand to join her. "Come on… I'll even spring for some Air cake to sooth our souls."

While the caf brewed in the galley, Katara cut a large slice of the Corellian dessert that was made with carbosyrup and had a fruit core, then put it on a plate with two forks.

"So do you have any ideas as to where we might go or a place you're just dying to check out?" Katara asked, then walked out to the lounge area and sat down on the semi-circle bench seat that wrapped around the built-in, multi-use table with the dessert letting her husband bring out their mugs of caf.

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Arbra," he said without hesitation.

Judah set the mugs of caf of the table and slid into the booth next to his wife. He gave her a purposeful hip check before wrapping his arms around her and giving her a very fiery kiss. The Lesans had never had any trouble in the romance department. Judah's desire was constantly for Katara, and with a ship to themselves, Judah felt like a newlywed all over again. The only difference was he was now forty years old instead of 22 when he and Katara were married. Junior had come quickly in their relationship, but Judah wouldn't change a bit of the past, well except for Corellia going kaboom.

"The planet is very much like Corellia in scenery, and perfect for a rebuild. We could have a similar compound there, and I am certain more Corellians who were displaced could find a home there as well."

While Judah thought of his family first, he did think of others as well. His own needs and wants were rather low on his priority list, and Katara had to remind the Jedi to think of himself at times. So that's why he took a huge fork full of air cake into his mouth. Well, Katara's recioe was also the best. She was really the best at everything, cooking, shooting a blaster, flying a ship, sex, yeah his mind went there. It usually did when Katara was around.

"Where are we even? I haven't really been paying attention to the star charts. Any chance we're close enough to check the planet out?"

He took a sip of his caf and pumped his eyebrows.

"I promise to make it well worth your while."

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"Arbra, really… I had just been thinking about that Outer Rim planet before we took a break actually. Stay out of my mind, Lesan," she quipped teasingly before his mouth engulfed hers.

Katara always got lost in her Jediboy's kisses and this was no exception as their tongues danced in sync and lips munched on each others passionately for several moments. Making out and having fun had become second nature to the long-time married couple now that they were unchaperoned, though to be honest it had never really hindered them before. Their poor son had learned to let them be when the parental unit's door was closed at a young age.

"You usually do, lover… And that's why I keep you around," the redhead winked playfully at Judah, then she enjoyed a nice forkful of Air cake. With a healthy swig of caf to follow, the Corellisi moved over to the data station next to the table and pulled up the galaxy map and nav charts. Arbra was located on grid coordinates N-17.

"We are here on the Hydian Way in the Expansion Region going rimward," Katara pointed out with her free hand as the other held her caf mug. "If I bring us out at Darkknell, we can take the Duros Space Run to Verdanth, then make a jump to Arbra from there. Time wise I'd say we could be there in about two days give or take depending on the Run… It can be a bit tricky. I like your choice because it's off the beaten path, yet still has easy access to two major space lanes, and it has natural attributes that Corellia… " she hesitated a moment, then acknowledged the past tense. "had."

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"A two day travel time? Let's make it three and hit some of the sights along the way. As much as I love the ship, we haven't been planet side anywhere for a while, just to get supplies last I think."

Judah didn't mind being in space, traveling from here to there. Some families lived that way, Judah however loved nature, and he wasn't ready to give it up. A lot of time and energy went into building the Lesan compound, well th cabin home had been purchase, but the training facility and others had been built by him and his son. He would build more, and he already had converted one full cargo bay into a training room for himself and his wife. As insentive, Judah built his fiery Corellisi a weapons room. She thanked him personally close to seven times or so. Judah had to stop counting.

He slid out and came up behind is bride and wrapped a comforting arm around her waist, holding his hand at her abdomen. Kissing the back of her head, Judah crossed through the barrier in her mind which always had a backdoor for him to find. The Knight had trained her in creating mental barriers to keep other force users out. She had been an excellent student.

"It's not home I know, but wherever we land, I'm going to be there with you my dearest love." Judah then spoke aloud. "You are my home."

Judah set the mug of caf down on the table, and took hers and did the same. Turning her to face him, he pressed another kiss to her lips as his hands pulled her body close to his.

"Corellia or not, it doesn't change how much I love to love you... or the fact the I do love you very much."

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

Katara leaned back into her husband as he came up behind her and relished in his tenderness and caring. They were very much a touchy-feelly kind of couple, though kept it professional when the situation called for it. After being married for almost two decades, their love still burned bright. One could say even brighter for each other than the day they wed or when their son was born to them. It was a mature love yielding that Judah and Kat were truly soul mates, if one believed in such things, and they did. The Force had seen to bringing them together as one.

You are my home as well. Always have been, always will be, together or not, the Force-blind Corellisi thought loudly with determination so Judah could hear her through their bond the Force had allowed them to share with each other.

The redhead gladly turned into the ruggedly handsome Jedi Knight's embrace after he took her caf mug away, then melted her lips and body to his that fit perfectly together; drinking deeply of his love.

"I love you so very much too," Kat smiled tenderly after the kiss was ended. "Since we don't really have a said schedule, and Arbra isn't going anywhere, fingers crossed… Why don't we go on to Naboo as it is close by. I've never been there and I hear Lake Country is breathtaking. We could call it our second honeymoon… What do you think?" she grinned softly, then added using one of her Jediboy's own lines on him. "And I'd definitely make it worth your while."

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Oh Gods please tell me were far enough away from Naboo to get started on that right now," Judah asked between many passionate kisses shared between the two.

A second honeymoon was a great idea, considering their first hadn't really been one. Well they called it a honeymoon, but the trip had already been planned to the Gold Beaches. Judah had simply taken advantage of the situation and asked the woman to marry him after they had made love on the beach of a private lagoon. Judah sighed as the thought of the place he asked Katara to marry him was no longer there either. Eighteen years of memories were gone instantly. Judah was positive though. Naboo would be a place to make more.

While Katara had not been there, Judah had. The lake country was beautiful, but even more so were the caves one could find along the way. There was one which was particularly strong to anyone who could tell the pull in the force. Inside the cave was a pool which contained crystals on the floor of the cave. When the sun shone through at just the right angle, the entire cave and pool lit up. Judah smiled at the thought of what he'd love to do with his wife there.

"I know just the place. Shall I make the arrangements, or are we just gonna wing it when we get there?"

By now, Judah had Katara in his arms. He had picked her up as groom did to carry his bride across the threshold. Whether there was time or not, or if Judah was supposed to make the arrangements, the Jedi clearly had one thing on his mind at the moment. He was completely lost in wanting to love his wife deeply.

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"Mhmm… We have a day to Darkknell still, then another full one to Naboo. So, plenty of time for us to get started second honeymooning and making a 'Bucket List' of what we want to do and see there. All I know is I want you to love me desperately now…"

And, that is exactly what her husband did. It was the order for the rest of the day's travel, then a quick stop at the junction of Hydian Way and the Duros Space Run saw the couple moving onward towards the Mid Rim Jewel for their impromptu vacation.

Katara knew that Judah had snuck in some special arrangements while she was getting the ship and need supplies squared at the Darkknell fueling station. The Telosian was a sneaky one. That's why being a Jedi Shadow suited him.

As the Shadow Runner broke through Naboo's cloud cover and banked for it's approach to land at the Theed Civic Spaceport, the vista that greeted Katara's eyes out the front viewport of the light freighter was to die for.

"Gods, Judah…. It's beautiful just here. I can't imagine how more so Lake Country will be. I'm so excited!" the spirited Corellisi exclaimed with beaming eyes. It wasn't Corellia, but not bad, not bad at all for a little R & R with her Jediboy.

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

WOW! Judah truly enjoyed that their love life never got old, stale, or boring. The couple certainly knew how to keep things fresh, and Katara was absolutely appreciative of what Judah could do with the force. There wasn't anything that could tear the two apart. Even when Judah was doing Jedi business, as Red called it, the reunions always made it seem as though they had never been apart. The two were truly one, as it was designed for a husband and wife to be.

Judah smile when Kat got excited looking out the viewport. For once Judah had managed to talk Kat into letting him fly them in. Yes, it was her ship, but Judah wanted her to see the sights without worrying about landing. The Jedi intentionally booked a hangar rental in the main space port so the two could enjoy a speeder ride out to the lakeside villa he had rented for the week. Judah called in a favor, or two, but it was going to be well worth it.

Landing in the bay, Judah released the restraints which held him in the pilot's chair and stood up. He offered his hand to Katara, pulling her up to him. Judah placed a quick kiss on her cheek as he led them to the cargo bay which housed their speeder bikes.

"One bike or two? We have a two hour ride from here to the villa I reaerved. I called in a few favors when you were changing our course. You likely knew that already."

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"You did a nice job bringing her in, by the way… I only got nervous twice," Katara complimented Judah teasingly about his flying as they left the cockpit of the Shadow, then she followed her husband hand-in-hand to the secondary cargo hold in the aft of the light freighter. "Yes, I did gather you did, but the villa will still be a surprise… and you know how I like surprises," she giggled.

"Well… We each have one bag, and the road up through the Gallo Mountain pass to Lake Country is a spectacular yet challenging drive as I looked it up on our way here," the spirited Corellisi smiled before grabbing her helmet from it's cubbie on the storage wall of the cargo hold.

"So... I think we should take two bikes," the redhead grinned, then threw a long leg over the seat of the modified speeder bike the Starkos woman affectionately called Hell's Fury. "Last one there has to give the other a post-ride massage!" she said, then pulled on the full-faced helmet over her red-gold tresses and slipped her leather riding gloves on while the cargo loading ramp lowered on the starboard side of the YT-1930.

"Ready when you are, Jediboy," Red radioed over the built-in comm unit after zipping up the black bodysuit she was wearing all the way and making sure her saddle bag was secure on the back of the Fury because the Corellisi was planning to go Mach Ten with her hair on fire.

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Judah grinned at the idea of a race, and hopped on his own speeder bike with a bit of a flare. Sending the force to his legs, he did a mid air somersault and landed seated on the saddle of the bike. He looked to his wife and winked knowing that she would be ready with some quip about him being a show off.

"I love the idea of a back massage," Judah said with a grin. "There is one in particular back massage I will always remember."

After the two had met up again after that amazing, spectacular first kiss, Katara had convinced the Jedi he had needed a massage to release the tension in his shoulders and back. Whether either of them intended for that to become more than a massage, it was what led to their first sexual encounter as a couple. They had both known in that moment the kind of bond they had, and opted to not let time or space come between them. Rather than leaving things where they were as they had before with the one kiss, Judah and Katara decided they wanted to be together, even if it meant there would be physical distance at times. There had been all of that and more, but one thing remained true. Judah and Katara were never truly apart from each other from that day forward.

Revving the engine of the bike, Judah smiled. Quickly he put a helmet on. The Jedi might have the ability to do some amazing things, but staying alive if his skull hit the pavement at a high velocity was not one of them. Judah knew his wife well enough that this was going to be a high speed race. He also knew that even if he lost and had to give Kat a massage, he really was winning. Judah learned a long time ago if she won, he won, and the Knight had no problem putting her first.

"Well if you want to race I suppose you need to know where we are staying," Judah said typing the location coordinates to Katara's datapad. "And there you go. See you when you get there."

And just like that, Judah was racing off, down the loading ramp, and toward the villa. The two hour drive was going to be spectacular, and also shorter than two hours, he was certain. The sharp turns, and down hill roadway into the valley which housed the lake country of the planet's countryside would lend itself toward speeding up their trip. All Judah knew was the roadway itself was spectacular, and that the view was to die for. He would be stopping to ensure the proper holo images were taken. Sure Kat would beat him, but he'd get extra points for the images later.

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"You know, one of these days you're going to hurt yourself doing that," the redhead quipped with a roll of her azure eyes that of course Judah couldn't see behind the darken visor of her helmet; the whole time Kat was thinking amusingly to herself, Men?!

Katara followed down the ramp a couple of seconds later, then paused a moment to secure the ship; making sure all her bells and whistles were set to detour any funny business while berthed at the spaceport before riding after her husband.

As soon as they were out of Theed proper, the fiery Corellisi gunned it and zoomed past the Jedi Knight on her Zephyr-G swoop bike. The Fury hugged the windy mountain corners perfectly and sped ahead with power to spare leaving the Green Hornet and it's rider in the dust, though she knew her husband was taking lots of holos along the way that would go into their scrap album of their adventures together over the years. He was just good that way.

Pulling first into the address Judah had sent to her datapad, Katara was in awe of just how beautiful Lake Country was and the villa…. Wow! She took off her helmet and gloves, shaking out her red-gold tresses, then walked over to the edge of the wall of the courtyard driveway to look out over the blue waters below and take in the scenic vista across the lake. There was a slight breeze mixing the floral scents of the nearby gorgeous flowers and shrubs, which made the redhead sneeze. Looks like her outdoor allergies were kicking in.

A few minutes later, Judah rode up and parked his speeder bike beside hers. Kat turned and smiled contently. "This is so perfect! And you sir, owe me a massage. But, I think you planned it that way because you know what's good for you," she winked.

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Naturally," Judah said with a wink.

Coming up from behind his wife, he took his helmet and gloves off, leaving them on the bike, and placing his bare hands on her shoulders. He began to rub the tension out of her muscles slightly, but in all reality he'd pay her off later when he could get her clothes off. Though he was in one of those moods. Wiping her from the left side of her neck, Judah leaned in and began to kiss her neck, upward to her ear and nipped at her earlobe.

"We better get checked in," Judah said lifting his head back up. "I've got holos to show you, and dinner reservations for us overlooking the sunset from the mezzanine. Second honeymoon, so might as well splurge right?"

Judah patted his wife on the butt as he walked past her and into to the main lobby of the villa where arrangements had been made for them to stay. They were greeted warmly and escorted to the guest house where they would be staying for the week. Opening the door, the smell of fresh linens and cleaning chemicals greeted them. Everything was in order, and a bottle of complementary wine along with assorted chocolates was waiting for them on the table.

"Wine and chocolate, I know just what to do with those! You want that massage now or after dinner?"

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

Judah's tantalizing ministrations to her neck were driving Katara crazy, and all in the attended way too. The redhead looked back with azure eyes and lop-side grin. "You better… If you want to have a third one down the road," she chuckled softly, giving the dark-haired Jedi a quick kiss on the cheek before walking towards the main lobby of the villa.

Their guest room was split into a bedroom and sitting area with a small galley. The view from the terrace outside was amazing as it faced the lake. This was so romantic, and who better to share it with but your one and only love. Red looked at the complementary wine and chocolates then her husband. She gave Judah one of her mischievous looks, then pulled off her boots. A wicked smile graced her lips next, then the zipper on her body suit went down and the material pooled around her bare feet. Kat stepped out of the fabric just in her lacy underthings, then turned to go into the fresher.

"I don't know about you, but I definitely could use a shower right about now… a long, hot, steamy real shower. The wine and chocolates we can save for the after dinner massage. You coming, Jediboy," she purred over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner. It wasn't a question, but rather an invitation. Anyway, someone had to wash her back...

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Judah was reaching for the wine when Katara started unzipping her body suit. His jaw hit the floor the same time as the cloth did. As much as the two enjoyed each other, Katara's seductions never got old. The woman had a way of masking her intentions until just the right moment to keep the excitement alive. Judah had his own tricks, like how he could use the force to unclasp the bra which supported her very appreciated breasts. The Knight chased her to the fresher with his own clothes coming off, leaving a trail to the shower the entire way.

The man met his wife in the shower and loved her fully. They may have gotten a bit dirty before they got clean, but they managed to get all the dust of the trail off of them. Judah couldnt remember how long it had been since he had enjoyed an actual shower, and one with his wife too. This was something to savor, but the pair had dinner.

Arm in arm, Judah took Katara up the stone stairway which led to an outdoor mezanine. The view overlooked a vineyard and winery. It seemed a little neglected, but the view was still spectacular. It seemed the villa they were staying in had a winery attached to it as well, which explained the free wine. A small round table was set for them, two menus, and a three tier candlestick. White candles were lit, and Judah pulled a chair out for his wife.

"You look amazing tonight. The backdrop is a perfect match."

Judah smiled and then moved for his own chair.

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"Thank you… And you are ever the romantic tonight, Jediboy. This place is indeed perfect," the redhead smiled up at Judah with a very pleased look about her contented face as he pushed in the Corellisi's chair before taking his own seat across the table from her.

After their shared shower that was more steamy than the hot water they ran cold, Katara had chosen a flirty little dark purple halter dress to wear for this special occasion. She knew her husband wouldn't mind too much since it showed off her desired cleavage and long, toned legs.

"Oh my… They have a Steak Diane on the menu. I haven't had that in ages. I think I'll try that tonight with a Merlot. How about you, sweetheart?"

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Judah took his own seat with a smile. His eyes could not help but take several glances at Katara's exposed bosom as he read over the menu. The waiter was spot on with his timing to offer water, and when he caught the man looking at his wife's chest as well, the Jedi shot him a look, and a mental warning about what he could do to the man if he ever looked at his wife like that again. Judah had a smile on his face the entire time of course.

"Well you know me sweets, I'm gonna go for filet mignon, and naturally a Merlot will pair well."

Their orders were placed, and Judah sprang for the entire bottle of wine. It had a good constitution to it, and the aroma was incredible. Judah had to taste it. First a toast though. Raising his glass he toasted his bride.

"To us, more and more happiness as the years go by," Judah said before tasting the wine. "Gods that's good! Try it, and tell me what you think..."

[member="Katara Starkos"]

 

[Alleycat]

"Yes… Here's to many, many more happy years together, the Force be willing of course," Kat smiled with a clink of her wine goblet, then she smelled the bouquet first before taking a sip of the red wine. She took another sip after a moment, this time really savoring it.

"Oh my, Judah… That is good! So smooth and just the right blend of blackberries, plums, cherries and cocoa with a hint of vanilla and cloves," the red-haired Corellisi exclaimed, then motioned for the waiter to return.

"Sir… What is the story behind this particular wine, do you know?"

[member="Judah Lesan"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

The waiter seemed reluctant until Judah sent him a mental nudge that he was not going to do anything to the young man. Certainly the warning to keep his eyes from looking at the desired breasts of his wife. Judah was a very jealous husband when it came to how men looked at his wife. Who could blame the Jedi, he was madly in love.

"Well the wine is not going to last long. It's a local winery that is up for sale because they just can't keep the business going. Not too many people are biting at the sale though, which is a shame, because we sell more of this Merlot than any other we offer. Personally it's better than some of the more expensive selections on our menu."

Judah knew the young man was telling the truth, and was suddenly curious.

"Where is this winery?

"A few kilometers from here to the north. The winery also has its own vineyard as well. The whole property is for sale. It makes a great walk at sunset."

Judah looked at Katara with a mental nudge.

"I'm certain we could think of other things to do all tangled up the vines too," he pumped and waggled his brows.

[member="Katara Starkos"]