'A Vision of Missing Moments' - chapter 1 By Angela Jade - angela@yavin4.free-online.co.uk - constructive criticism and happy thoughtts gratefully received ... please don't flame me!

Set during 'Vision of the Future' by Timothy Zahn Main characters - Luke and Mara, with a little bit of Leia and Han.

Rated - NC17 - I'm not kidding. Please don't read this if you are too young or easily offended.

Disclaimer - all these characters belong to Mr. Lucas and Mr. Zahn (I love you guys!). I write about them as a form of flattery - please don't sue. I'm making no money from this.

Summary - this fanfic is set during 'Vision'; there's little or no action, just smut and mushy stuff. I often wonder how the characters act when they're not out saving the galaxy, or even during the quiet bits when they are. :) Written August 1999

Chapter 1 - Luke and Mara have escaped Nirauan in the Chiss ship. They have just discovered that Artoo has a copy of the Caamas Document.....

Luke and Mara looked at each other over the top of Artoo's dome for what seemed like an eternity.

'Wow!' Mara finally said. 'Talk about lucky.'

Luke couldn't wipe the grin off his face. 'We've got to get to Coruscant with this. I don't think it will wait an extra day.'

'Sorry, I disagree,' said Mara. 'I think we should find somewhere safe to stop and contact Leia. We're going to be in hyperspace for another nine days or so, and it won't take long to clean up and get going again.'

'Practical as ever.' Luke looked back down at Artoo who was beeping quietly to himself. Then he stood up and took Mara in his arms, swinging her round then kissing her soundly.

'You do so enjoy saving the galaxy, don't you,' she grinned.

'Wasn't me this time,' he replied. 'I'll have to give Artoo the credit.'

'Anyway,' said Mara, disentangling herself from Luke's embrace, 'let's just figure out where we're going to stop.'

Within ten minutes Mara had picked a destination. 'We're going to Darikas,' she told Luke. 'Why?' he replied. 'What's there?'

Mara leaned back in the pilot's seat. 'Not a lot. It's the closest of Karrde's outposts, just one of those places we send stuff we want to 'disappear' for a while. I haven't been there for ages, so it'll be nice to see if they've got sloppy in my absence. Should take us about nine hours to get there.'

'Time for some shut-eye, then,' said Luke. 'I'm off to see if there's anywhere more comfortable than this chair.' He stood up and left the cockpit. After a minute, Mara followed. She was sure going to miss her cabin on the 'Fire'.

'Welcome aboard, Madam,' said Luke, with a mock bow. 'To your right we have a storage locker, complete with Imperial-style uniforms.' He opened the small door next to the droid station. 'To your left, the fresher - sorry, no shower.' The fresher door was only marginally bigger than the locker door.

'Compact,' muttered Mara. 'What's behind that one?'

Luke's grin widened as he pulled the third door open, 'have a look.'

Mara frowned at him then moved forward to investigate whatever it was that Luke had found. 'It's a cabin,' she said, slightly surprised. 'So that's why this ship is so big for a fighter.'

'I suppose they wanted the crew to be able to rest on long journeys,' said Luke. 'And we didn't really establish that it is purely a fighter. I think it's more for spying.'

'There's only one little bunk,' said Mara. 'Do you think we could both squash in or will we have to take turns?'

Luke grinned. 'Let's try the sharing first, shall we? Go make yourself comfortable and I'll check Artoo knows to wake us up.'

Luke was with Artoo only a few minutes, but by the time he returned to the cabin Mara was already dozing off. Carefully he climbed in behind her and snuggled into her back. Mara sighed as he put his arm over her and kissed her neck. 'Night, Sweetheart,' he whispered.

Luke heard Artoo beep twice, then felt Mara sit up and swing her legs out of the bunk. He opened his eyes to see her pointing her small blaster at the door. 'Gods, do you even sleep with that thing?'

'Sorry,' said Mara, putting it back in the holster on her forearm. 'I guess I'm still a bit jumpy.' She stood up and stretched. 'Time to get up. Darikas awaits.' She hopped out the door and Luke heard her tell Artoo he could 'shut up any time now'.

By the time he wandered through to the cockpit, the planet was clearly visible. Mara smiled at him. 'We'll be in comm range any minute now. Have you got a name for this bucket?' 'Not off the top of my head. I'm sure you'll think of something.'

The comm crackled into life. 'Unidentified ship, please state your name and cargo.' 'Well, at least someone's home,' said Mara. She pressed the comm switch. 'This is Captain Mara Jade in the Skyblue One. You find me a landing platform right now and have whoever's in charge these days meet me there.'

'At once, Captain Jade,' came the uneasy reply. 'Please transmit your clearance code.' Mara had Artoo transmit her personal code.

'Platform 6.'

Luke lifted one eyebrow. 'Skyblue One?'

Mara shrugged. 'It'll do. You don't think I'm going to let my name be associated with this little thing, do you? Just think what it would do to my reputation.' After an uneventful landing, Luke stayed on board while Mara went to intimidate the welcoming committee.

'OK, Artoo,' he said. 'Don't let anyone even touch the ship, much less get on board. If anyone comes near, make as much noise as you can. If that doesn't work, power up the weapons, but don't use them. We won't be far.'

The little droid beeped an affirmative, and Luke climbed down the ladder. Mara was already striding towards him, leaving three nervous-looking humans in her wake. 'There's a secure HoloNet station in the office over there,' she said, pointing. 'I'm off to do a spot of shopping.' Then she turned and headed towards the exit.

Luke walked slowly towards the office, trying to compose what he would say to his sister. Pulling the door closed behind him, he checked he couldn't be overheard. He sat down at the station and keyed in the code for Leia's office.

'Winter,' he smiled when the call was finally answered. 'Where's Leia?'

'Bothawui,' replied Winter. 'There's been a bit of an incident. She's okay; Han and Lando are with her. I'm not sure when they'll be back on Coruscant, though.'

'What sort of incident?'

'I'd rather not say too much just now,' said Winter. 'But I suggest you get here as soon as you can. Was your mission successful?'

'More than expected,' said Luke, smiling. 'Let Leia know that Mara and I are well and we've managed to get hold of a copy of that document she wanted.' He watched Winter's eyes widen. 'Intact?' she whispered.

'As far as we know,' said Luke. 'I don't think anyone else knew it was there.' 'When will you be here?'

'Eight or nine days,' replied Luke.

'Good grief, where are you? No, don't answer that. Just get here as fast as you can. I'll contact Leia.'

'Thanks, Winter. See you soon.' Luke broke the connection and left the office. He had barely made it back to the ship, when Mara came striding back into the hanger, a bulging bag in each hand.

'That didn't take long,' Luke commented, as she dropped one at his feet.

'Basic supplies,' said Mara. 'Come on, the guest accommodation is this way.'

Within the hour they were back on the ship, refuelled and ready for takeoff. Luke leaned back in the co-pilot seat watching Mara as the ship rose on its repulsors and flew gently towards the sky.

'I suppose you want to fly,' she said.

'Not really,' he replied. 'It's more fun watching you.'

'What did Leia have to say?'

Luke sighed. 'She wasn't there. Winter said she was off sorting something out at Bothawui. It all sounds a bit ominous, if you ask me. We should get back as quickly as we can.'

'Right,' agreed Mara. 'Next stop, Coruscant.'

They left the planet's atmosphere and Mara pulled the lever that took them into hyperspace. She swivelled her chair to face Luke. 'Just over eight days according to Artoo,' she said. 'What shall we do in the meantime?'

Luke smiled. 'I'm sure we'll think of something.' He gestured for her to sit in his lap, and after a moment's hesitation, she complied. 'I rather like this green jumpsuit you're wearing,' he said, as she snuggled her face into his neck. 'And I'm glad you bought me a black one.' 'I still say black is boring,' she replied.

'It's dignified.'

Mara looked at him. 'Are you saying I'm not dignified?'

Luke raised his hands and laughed. 'I wouldn't dare.'

Mara put her head back on his shoulder. 'Maybe I'll be more adventurous next time I shop for you.' Over their Force bond he could see her imagining him in different colours, starting with blue and green then getting brighter. By the time she had him in orange, then yellow, he had his eyes squeezed shut in horror. A rainbow-coloured outfit followed that one and he could hear her laughing. He opened his eyes, then widened them as he realised the Luke in her mind was slowly peeling off the offending garment.

'Mara!' Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in to kiss him and silence any further protests. Then to his surprise she stood up, took his hand, and led him through the cockpit door.

'Artoo,' she said, 'keep a sensor on things. I don't quite trust this ship.' She pushed Luke towards the back wall. Then she kissed him with such passion that he felt glad the wall was behind him to hold him up. His arms circled her tiny waist just as hers snaked around his neck, pulling him further into the embrace. Teeth parted, tongues intertwined, and long-forgotten feelings suddenly resurfaced. They parted to draw breath and their eyes locked. 'Are you sure about this?' Luke asked hoarsely.

'If you think I'm going to marry you without checking out the goods, think again,' she replied. 'Checking out the goods!' Luke laughed, and some of the tension eased. 'Such a mercenary.' 'You know me.'

'Yes, I do.' Luke's voice softened and his eyes seemed to cloud over as he leaned in for another kiss. He was disappointed when Mara pulled away. She looked back towards the cockpit. 'First a bit of privacy,' she announced and stepped through the cabin door. Luke grinned and followed her.

'It's a bit cramped in here,' said Mara, moving back against a wall. Luke swung the door closed and turned to her.

'It is only designed for one person,' he replied. 'I think it's rather cozy.'

'But you're used to that smelly little X-wing of yours. Anything's got to be an improvement on that.'

Luke's smile faded slightly. 'I wonder if it's worth going back for it.'

'At least your ship is still in one piece,' said Mara, looking visibly upset.

Luke stepped towards her and took her in his arms. 'The New Republic will buy you a new ship, I promise. It's the least they can do after what we've achieved.'

'It's not the same,' Mara started to say, but she was silenced by a kiss.

'We didn't come in here to talk about ships,' whispered Luke. He kissed her again, pulling her into a tight hug. All thoughts of the 'Jade's Fire' instantly left Mara's head, as she tasted Luke and felt his increasing hardness press against her belly. Her fingers fumbled as she tried to undo his jumpsuit. Then she felt his fingers join hers and soon the fastenings were undone. He shrugged the top off, so that it hung at his waist. He smiled as Mara's appreciative gaze travelled down then back up his chest.

'Still in pretty good shape, I see,' she said.

Luke reached over and started undoing her jumpsuit. 'What about your shape.'

Mara caught his hand. 'I don't believe you've quite finished, Skywalker.'

Luke winced slightly at her use of his surname, but dutifully removed his belt, stepped out of the suit and kicked it to one side. Mara smiled. Ten years ago he would have had the decency to look embarrassed, standing in front of her in only his shorts. But now he looked her straight in the eye, daring her to comment. She didn't. Instead, she undid her own jumpsuit and took it off as slowly as she dared, a teasing smile on her lips. Glancing down at his shorts, she noticed the tent was getting bigger. Her smile widened - she still had the power.

Luke couldn't stand still any longer, and he scooped her up into his arms and dumped her unceremoniously on the bunk. He lay down beside her and kissed her for so long she thought she might suffocate. His kisses trailed past her ear and down her neck as Mara clung tightly to him enjoying the exquisite sensations. As he moved down over her breasts, her back arched and she laced her fingers through his hair, a small moan escaping her lips. He spent some time nuzzling and suckling her breasts before continuing the trail of kisses downwards, past her navel and over her flat stomach. He removed her panties, then slowly moved back up to look into her eyes and kiss her lips. Mara reached down with one hand to investigate the contents of his shorts. Her hand closed around his member and his head dropped onto her shoulder as his breathing became more laboured. As her hand moved slowly up and down she kissed his neck and shoulder, and then gasped as his fingers found her clit. After only a few moments, she put one hand on each side of his head and forced him to look at her. 'I think we've had enough of the entrees,' she growled. 'And I think you're still a tad overdressed.'

Slipping out of his shorts, he made to move over her, but she pushed him none too gently back on the bunk; 'that wasn't what I had in mind.' As she straddled him, he entered her and then watched fascinated as she rocked slowly up and down, her now damp hair falling over her face.

His hands crept up her thighs to her waist and then to her breasts. She leaned down to leave little wet kisses all over his chest, nipping at his nipples as she passed them. His hands moved back to her thighs as she rested her forehead on his chest. They stayed like that for a while, eyes closed, rocking gently, with only the sound of the hyperdrive. Then Luke reached down and started caressing her clit, watching her shudder and listening to her quickened breathing. She started kissing his chest again, but had to stop as the feelings inside her threatened to burst out. Suddenly she came and collapsed onto Luke's chest with a small cry.

Luke flipped her onto her back. 'My turn,' he said with a grin.

Mara's breathing slowed and her eyes opened. 'I didn't know we were taking turns.'

He moved up so his face was directly over hers. Mara's legs entwined round his hips as he moved slowly in and out, and their eyes locked, blue to green. Their Force bond seemed to strengthen and deepen as they lost themselves in each other's eyes. Mara could feel Luke's emotions, just as she knew he could feel hers. The air seemed to sparkle as love, lust and intimate friendship swirled around in their thoughts, the past and future forgotten as only the present mattered. He dropped his head to her neck and she arched her back slightly, gently caressing his muscled back. His breathing was quicker now, but the steady pace continued. He lifted his head and gazed back into her eyes. //I love you, Mara// he said over their Force bond.

//I can tell// she teased.

//I wish we'd done this years ago//

Mara smiled wistfully. //Too much baggage. The timing's perfect now// //Glad you like my timing//

Luke's pace quickened slightly and he leaned down to kiss her. She ran her fingers through his hair then down his chest before moving to his back. She just wanted to touch him all over, and for this moment to never end. Luke could feel his climax coming and decided to go with it instead of holding back. He thrust into her faster and deeper, her hips coming up to meet him. Her head was thrown back now, her face beaded with sweat, small moans escaping her lips. Luke closed his eyes in concentration, he could feel the Force flowing around them but didn't want to use it. Perhaps when he got old and decrepit it would help in love-making. But right now he was making love to the most beautiful woman in the galaxy and he just didn't need it. Just as Mara came, he threw himself over the edge and was lost in a sea of ecstasy. He collapsed on top of her as she covered his face and neck in kisses.

When he got his breath back, he pushed himself up on his elbows and gazed deep into Mara's eyes. 'I don't know if I can handle eight days of that.'

'Never mind eight days,' she replied. 'What about the rest of our lives.'

He smiled and stroked her hair. 'You always did say you wanted to kill me. I can think of worse ways to go.' He snuggled in behind her and pulled a cover over them both, then listened to her breathing as she slowly drifted off to sleep. He truly felt he was the luckiest man alive.

Some hours later, he slowly awoke to the feeling something was happening to his loins that hadn't happened for a long time. He grinned as Mara's head appeared from under the cover, her hair tousled and her skin flushed.

'Good morning,' she said.

'Is it morning, then?'

'We've just woken up, therefore it's morning. Your logic, if I remember correctly.' She disappeared back under the cover.

Luke closed his eyes and leaned back into the pillow, 'Han's logic, actually.' He grimaced as she nipped him with her teeth, 'although I'm not going to argue the point.'

Her head reappeared, moving closer as she straddled him. 'Good.' She lowered herself onto him and smiled as he gasped and arched his back.

'Gods, Mara, you really are going to be the death of me.'

Six days later, and if Artoo was getting fed up of being ignored, he wasn't commenting. Luke and Mara spent most of their time in the cabin, talking or making love, coming out only to eat and use the fresher. The eating consisted of sitting in the cockpit feeding each other the food Mara had bought on Darikas, and sometimes they even went in the fresher together, armed with sponges and bottles of cleanser. Artoo couldn't see what made them laugh so much, but if Master Luke was happy, then he was happy. They'd be back on Coruscant in 51.2 hours and C-3PO would be there to listen to his tales of adventure.

Forty-eight hours later, Luke opened his eyes and was surprised to see Mara still asleep. Usually she woke first. He gazed at her beautiful face, framed by her lovely red-gold hair. Gently, he stroked her breasts and kissed them, hoping she wouldn't wake. He stopped as she stirred but she soon settled back to sleep. Last night's session must have taken a lot out of her. Slowly, his hands worked their way down her belly and between her legs. If she wasn't awake now, she was doing a damn good impression of being asleep. As slowly as he dared, Luke crept under the cover and gently spread Mara's legs. His tongue found her clit and he started to lick and caress her, wondering how long before she woke up.

//Right about now, Farmboy//

Luke moved up, kissing her all over as he went. Finally he saw her face smiling down at him. 'We've probably not got that long before we reach Coruscant,' he said.

'And I suppose you want tomake the most of our privacy.'

'I've got an apartment there, anyway.'

Mara pulled him up for a kiss. 'I'll bet you do.'

'Sorry,' said Luke, 'gotta go.' He hopped out of the bunk and out of the door. Mara watched his cute butt disappear; she felt she was the luckiest woman in the galaxy.

Two minutes later and he was back, jumping into the bunk and pulling the cover over them both. 'Artoo says we've got three hours.'

'Well,' said Mara, 'only so much you can do in three hours.'

Luke grinned and quickly mounted her, making her gasp. //I can last three hours//

//Oh, you think so// Mara watched the grin fade as she slowly tightened her pelvic muscles and tilted her hips.

Luke swallowed hard but never took his eyes off her. //OK, maybe not three hours//

'You'll be lucky to last three minutes.'

After a quick wash, Mara dressed then went through to the cockpit. She sat in the pilot's seat, checking everything with Artoo. Luke came in and sat in the co-pilot's seat, his hair still damp. //Cute// thought Mara.

//Glad you like it// Luke grinned at her.

'Well, co-pilot, do you want to take her down?'

Luke's grin widened. 'I suppose I could manage that.'

As Coruscant loomed larger, Luke and Mara swapped seats and Luke flicked the comm switch on. 'This is Luke Skywalker to Coruscant Control. Permission to land, please.'

'Luke!' It was Leia. 'You're on 435-B. Get your butt down here now.'

Luke grinned. 'Hi, Leia. Glad to see you, too.'

He could hear the laughter in Leia's voice. 'Just land, for goodness' sake. I've been worried about you.'

'And what exactly are you doing in the Control Room?'

'Getting in the way, of course. I've been waiting for you for ages!'

Laughing, Luke toggled the comm switch to 'off' and brought the ship in for landing. As the repulsors kicked in, he glanced over to his left and saw the Millennium Falcon sitting in the next bay. For the first time in weeks he felt as if he were home.

Chapter 2 - Coruscant

Mara followed Luke down the ladder from the ship and watched as he hugged his sister and swung her round. 'I was so worried about you,' said Leia.

'I know,' replied Luke. 'I was worried about you too, after I spoke to Winter. What happened at Bothawui?'

'Let's go to my apartment,' said Leia. 'We can talk there.' She smiled at Mara. 'You're welcome to join us.'

Mara nodded, wishing she hadn't agreed to be present when Luke told Leia and Han of their impending nuptials. She'd forgotten how close Luke and his sister were.

//It'll be alright// came Luke's thought in her mind. 'Where's Han?' he asked Leia out loud. 'He's at the apartment, pacing the floor and watching the kids,' she replied.

Mara took the drink Han handed her. Correlian brandy. She was going to need it. They had stopped off at President Gavriscom's office and plugged Artoo into his computer terminal. At this very moment Ghent and his slicers were checking Thrawn's version of the Caamas Document. So far, so good. Now they just had to break the news to Leia that her brother was going to marry the Emperor's Hand. Mara had faced many missions in her time, but this was the scariest. Slowly, she slipped back towards the wall, as Leia and Han listened to Luke's rough outline of all that had happened on Nirauan.

'You're not giving us much detail,' said Leia. 'Where is this place? Are the natives friendly?'

'Let's just leave them alone for now,' said Luke. 'You've got the Caamas Document; isn't that enough to be getting on with?' He stood up and moved over towards Mara. She looked at the floor and swallowed hard. Here it comes, she thought.

'One more thing,' said Luke, reaching for her hand. 'Mara and I are getting married.'

At some point during the stunned silence that followed, Mara looked up. Leia was standing with her hands clenched and her mouth open. Han just sat with the most enormous grin on his face. 'I knew it!' he said. 'Karrde suspected it, but I knew it! I should have made it a proper bet.' Mara knew he was trying to cover up for Leia's shock, and silently thanked him for his efforts. She didn't think they were going to work, though. She met Leia's eyes and watched as her hands slowly unclenched and her mouth closed with as much dignity as she could muster. Her voice was steady. 'Is this not a bit sudden?'

'Nope,' said Luke, smiling. 'And it's not up for debate.'

Han had joined them by this point. 'Congratulations!' He thumped Luke on the back and shook his hand until Luke lost the feeling in his fingers. 'Can I go wake up the kids and tell them?' Han asked Leia.

'Let's just wait and tell them in the morning,' she replied, 'or we'll never get them back to sleep.'

'Good point. Well, I think this calls for another drink.' He headed towards the kitchen.

'I'll help,' said Mara, following him. She needed to get out of there.

When the door closed, Luke walked over and took Leia's hands in his. 'I think I've been waiting ten years for this,' he said. 'I just didn't know it.'

Leia's dark brown eyes met his. 'Are you happy?'

Luke smiled. 'Very happy. I love her, Leia. And she loves me.' His face grew serious. 'An awful lot happened on Nirauan; maybe I'll be able tell you more some day. She sacrificed the 'Jade's Fire' for peace and she almost sacrificed herself for me. She's a Jedi now.' He paused. 'We've got the most incredible Force bond, Leia. I've never felt anything like it.'

'So this is a Force thing,' said Leia with a smile.

'I guess you could say that.'

'Then who am I to stand in the way of the Force. You both have my blessing.' She pulled him into a tight hug. 'I don't think I've seen you this happy in a long time.'

//Everything OK?// came Mara's voice in his head.

//Absolutely perfect//

An hour and two more brandies later, Luke and Mara made their excuses and left. Han was still grinning like an idiot and even Leia was smiling as she waved and closed the door.

'I can't believe it,' said Han as he flopped onto a sofa. 'The kid's finally getting hitched. Took him long enough.'

Leia sat beside him and snuggled in as he put his arm around her. 'So when did you first think there might be something between them?' she asked.

'Correlia, I suppose. There's always been sparks flying between them. Couldn't you see it?' 'Sparks? All I saw were the flames and explosions. I suppose they've both calmed down a bit now. Luke says she's a Jedi.'

Han rolled his eyes. 'Great, another one.' He grinned. 'She's a smuggler, too. We could always use another scoundrel in the family.'

Leia punched him playfully. 'She's giving all that up. We're respectable in this family.'

'I'm not.' He leaned down and kissed his wife. 'Let's go to bed. The kids are going to be up in a few hours, and we still haven't heard the whole tale of what happened on Kashyyyk. Then we're going to have to figure out how to announce Luke's little surprise to the galaxy.'

Leia frowned. 'Do you think anyone will be bothered about who he marries?'

'Darth Vader's son marries the ex-Emperor's Hand. And we haven't even signed the peace treaty yet. Yes, I think a few beings might be a tad concerned.'

Leia sighed. 'You're right. Let's just go to bed and worry about it in the morning.'

Luke and Mara had reached the door to his apartment. As he placed his palm on the sensor for identification, he pulled her in for a kiss. 'Are you tired?'

'Not really,' she replied. 'What exactly do you have in mind?'

The door slid open. 'Well, I'm going for a shower,' he said, as he pulled her inside. 'Care to join me?'

The dim lights came on as the door quietly closed. 'Lead on,' said Mara. Luke pulled her into his arms and they kissed. //Last one in's a nerf//

They both giggled as they undid each other's belts and clothing. Luke succeeded first and slid his hands under Mara's jumpsuit, caressing her back. He eased it off her shoulders and down her arms, the material catching slightly on her blaster. She reached to undo the holster. 'No,' said Luke. 'Let me.' He gently undid the catches and slid it off her arm, dropping it on the sofa behind him. Then he kissed the inside of her wrist before trailing kisses up her arm to her neck. She put her hands on his chest; a hard shove made him sit on the sofa.

'Boots,' she said. 'Off. Now.'

'Mine or yours?'

Mara smiled. 'Yours first. Then you can do mine.'

Luke undid the catches on his boots and pulled them off, Mara watching him with her hands on her hips. He knelt at her feet and started to remove her boots. She balanced perfectly on one leg, then the other, as he took her boots off, then gasped as he reached up and stripped off the rest of her jumpsuit. He kissed her navel then stood up and took off his own jumpsuit. They stepped out of their underwear, then Luke scooped her up in his arms. 'Shower's this way.' Once under the warm running water, he pulled her into another embrace, kissing her deeply. A bottle of cleaning solution was fixed to the wall and Luke squeezed some into his hands before gently turning Mara around and washing her hair. 'Has anyone ever told you you've got gorgeous hair,' he whispered in her ear.

'Not unless they wanted to lose a limb.'

'I hope that doesn't include me.' He kissed and nibbled her neck, then spluttered as some of the solution found its way into his mouth.

'You're not supposed to eat it,' Mara laughed. She stood under the water and rinsed her hair, closing her eyes and letting the water cascade over her face. Sponging each other down on the ship had been kind of fun, but the first shower in over a week felt great. She let out a sigh as she felt Luke's soapy hands caress her back and massage her shoulders. She squeezed some solution into her own hands, turned and reached up to wash his hair, but didn't get very far before he leaned in to kiss her. More solution. She washed his chest, then his stomach, her hands creeping lower.

Then Luke was washing her, teasing her nipples into rosy peaks before continuing down to her belly. He slid one finger inside her - she was hot and very wet. He lifted her and gently lowered her onto himself. She hooked her legs around him, burying her face in his neck and moaning slightly. His moans joined hers as he pinned her to the wall, moving slowly in and out. The water cascaded over them as Mara caressed his face, then kissed him passionately. Her kisses trailed down his neck and her teeth nipped at his shoulder as his pace quickened. He could feel her shuddering as she reached her climax. She buried her face in his neck once more, clinging tightly to him as waves of ecstasy engulfed them both.

He lowered her to the floor, hugging her tightly and kissing her until she thought she might suffocate.

'Jade, you are one hell of a woman.'

'You're not so bad yourself, Skywalker.' She grinned. 'I'm going to have to wash all over again now.'

'I'll do it, if you like.'

'Oh, I do like,' replied Mara. 'But I think I'll do it this time. I'm feeling tired now, and I don't want to be here all night.'

//You're no fun//

Luke woke suddenly and realised the bed was missing an occupant. He smiled at his memories of last night's shower and of curling up behind Mara as they both slept. //Where are you, my sweet?//

Mara's head appeared round the bedroom door. 'Wakey, wakey, time to rise and shine. Your sister called ten minutes ago. The Solos will descend in about half an hour.' Luke groaned. 'Oh, boy.' He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, looking for his robe. It was nowhere to be found.

Mara reappeared in the doorway. 'Looking for this?'

'It looks much better on you.'

She twirled around. 'It's a bit long.' He smiled as she took it off and threw it towards him. 'And cut out those thoughts, farmboy. I'm getting dressed.'

Luke pulled on the robe and wandered off to the fresher. When he got back Mara was already dressed in a fresh jumpsuit. He watched as she put her forearm holster and blaster on a high shelf.

'I thought you never left that thing off.'

'I never used to. I guess I'm getting more relaxed in my old age.' She picked up their lightsabers and placed them on the shelf, side by side. 'Just thought I'd put the weapons out of the way of the kids.'

'They're Force-strong, Mara. A high shelf isn't much of an obstacle.'

Mara frowned. 'I hadn't thought of that. Gods, but your sister must have her hands full.'

'They've been brought up with blasters and lightsabers. They know not to touch.'

Mara shrugged. 'Toast's on. Is that milk supposed to be blue?'

Luke laughed. 'Yes. It's an acquired taste. Reminds me of home.' He moved behind her and put his arms round her waist. She had put her hair into a simple braid so there was lots of neck for him to kiss.

She sighed. 'Come on, Luke. Let's eat before the invasion starts.'

Luke had just finished his last piece of toast and was helping Mara clear away, when the door buzzed. He left her in the kitchen and opened the door.

'Uncle Luke, Uncle Luke!' Jaina threw her arms round his neck and Anakin attached himself to Luke's right leg. Jacen seemed to hang back a bit, then he too joined in the group hug. 'It's nice to see you guys, too,' said Luke. 'Although you are all getting a bit big for this. And heavy.'

'Are you really going to marry Mara?' asked Jaina.

Luke laughed. 'Yes. Is that OK?'

'Oh, yes!' said Jaina.

'I want cousins,' said Anakin. 'I don't want to be the youngest any more.'

Luke smiled self-consciously and tried to think of a response. He let out a sigh of relief as Leia and Han arrived. 'Not disturbing anything, I hope,' leered Han, his eyes roving around the apartment.

'You've just missed breakfast,' replied Luke, starting to untangle the children. 'Not that awful blue milk,' said Han. 'Yuk!' He sprawled on a sofa, his arms stretched along the back. The children took this as their cue to leap on him; he tickled them back.

Leia took Luke's arm and led him over to the window. 'The Caamas Document was intact,' she said. 'I just got confirmation from Ghent this morning. The named Bothans will be arrested today and Gavrisom's already setting up the trial. There's going to be a media conference this afternoon. Don't suppose you want to tell me exactly how you came across the document, do you?'

'Not yet, Leia. It's a delicate situation. Mara and I would just like to think about it for a bit.'

Leia sighed. 'Your call, I suppose.' She linked her arm through his. 'We're going to have real peace, Luke.'

He smiled. 'The Empire's really going to sign the accords?'

'In four days. On the Chimaera. It's all been set up.'

'I take it my presence is required.'

She nodded. 'Head of the Jedi academy and all that. Mara should come too.'

'If she's still here. Karrde's coming over this afternoon. We have to break the news to him that he's about to lose her. I'm sure he'll try to talk her into racing off and training a replacement.'

The noise level from the sofa had reached deafening pitch and Leia went over to intervene. Luke saw Mara standing in the kitchen doorway, her arms crossed, a smile on her face as she watched the kids terrorise their father. Did she want children? He hoped so. Gods, they hadn't even really discussed the wedding yet, let alone babies.

He realised Mara had turned slightly and was now smiling at him. //Is it always this noisy?// she asked.

//Sometimes it's worse//

She moved to join him at the window. 'I think I'm going to enjoy being an aunt.'

Chapter 3 - Girls Day Out

Mara woke up in Luke's bed and started to reach for him before she remembered he wasn't there. He was off to Yavin to make a start on sorting out the academy. She'd said she would join him in a couple of days, but thought it better that he break the news of all the changes alone. So last night they'd gone to bed early, made love, and said their goodbyes and 'I love you's. Then she'd watched as he dressed, packed a few things, and left. He was taking the Skyblue - he seemed to be getting rather attached to that little ship, she mused. She must talk to Leia about commissioning a decent ship for herself and Luke, before he got too attached to slumming it. She put her hand over her eyes and groaned. Leia. She'd agreed to meet her for lunch and Mara just knew she'd want to discuss the wedding. Ho-hum. Might as well get it over with. She sat up and stretched, then spied Luke's robe on the bottom of the bed. She pulled it towards herself and buried her face in the material. If she could smell him, she could almost imagine he was there. Almost. She had only been with him a few weeks and she was going to see him again in a couple of days. So why did she feel like he'd taken part of her heart with him to Yavin? Mara fervently hoped she wouldn't always feel this bad when they were apart - and she was sure there would be plenty of missions to keep them apart in the future. Leia and Han seemed to manage. Perhaps it would get easier with time.

She jumped out of bed and went to have her shower, before pulling on a jumpsuit. 'Must get some new clothes,' she thought. She had just finished breakfast when the door buzzer went. She opened the door to find Leia smiling at her.

'I thought we were meeting for lunch,' said Mara, inviting her in.

'Cancelled meeting,' Leia replied. 'I thought we might go shopping first. If you're not busy.' Inwardly Mara groaned. A girls day out was not quite what she'd had in mind. No doubt another excuse for Leia to bend her ear about the wedding. 'Sure,' she smiled. 'I need to shop for clothes.'

'I also thought you might be missing Luke. I remember what it was like when Han and I were first parted on Bespin.'

Mara saw the pain in Leia's eyes. 'I think that had to be a million times worse than what I feel,' Mara said softly.

'Probably,' said Leia, forcing a smile. 'But even after we married, it still hurt when we were apart.'

'Does it get any easier?'

'Sort of. In a way I'm used to it now.' She grinned. 'The reunion is fun, though.'

Mara hiccuped in her mind. Did Leia just say what Mara thought she had just said? Hmmm, could be an interesting morning. 'Just give me a minute to get ready.'

Mara quickly braided her hair, clipped her lightsaber to her belt and was strapping on her forearm holster when she realised Leia was watching her.

'Sorry, I don't mean to be nosy,' said Leia. 'Do you always wear that?'

Mara shrugged. 'Mostly. Definitely if I'm going out.' She clicked a power pack into the small blaster and popped it into the holster. 'Besides, I need to know that it'll fit under any clothes I buy.'

'Logical, I suppose.'

'Don't tell me you go out unarmed,' Mara said, meeting her eyes.

Leia lifted her jacket to reveal her lightsaber. 'I don't bother with a blaster for shopping trips, though. I usually have one of the Noghri hovering about.'

'But not today?'

'No,' said Leia, 'I figured we'd be able to handle anything between us.'

'We'd not be much use as Jedi if we couldn't,' grinned Mara, standing up. 'Right, let's shop.'

Three hours later and Mara's opinion of Leia had risen a few notches. She had waited patiently while Mara had bought enough clothes to fill a small freighter. She hadn't talked endlessly about her children, although Mara got the feeling she wanted to. And she hadn't mentioned the wedding. Not once. The restraint this woman was showing was remarkable.

'It must be time for our lunch date by now,' said Mara. 'I'm starved.'

'Me too,' laughed Leia. 'What do you fancy?'

'You choose.'

'How about Correlian?'

'Sounds good,' said Mara. 'Lead on.'

Leia took her to one of her and Han's favourite restaurants, authentic enough to please Han and clean enough for Leia.

'Nice place,' said Mara.

'Food's good, too,' replied Leia, 'although some of it's a bit spicy for me.'

They ordered lunch, and Mara raised an eyebrow as Leia ordered wine with their meal. 'No more meetings today?'

'Nothing I can't miss,' replied Leia. 'Anyway, a couple of glasses won't hurt.'

A bottle and a half of Correlian Red later, and Leia was getting the giggles. Mara smiled at her over their empty plates. 'Do you normally drink at lunch-time?'

'Nope,' giggled Leia. 'Might do it more now. This is fun.' She poured herself another glass, spilling a little. 'Oops.'

'Who's looking after the kids?'

'They're at school.' She glanced at her chrono. 'Damn.

I wonder if Han can pick them up.' She pulled a comlink out of her pocket and pressed a few buttons.

'Solo,' came the gruff reply.

'Han, it's me. Can you pick up the kids, please.' Leia stifled a giggle.

'Leia! Where the hell are you? You're supposed to be helping me and Wedge here. They want to cut the Rogues' budget again.'

Leia pulled a face. 'I'm sure the two of you can handle it. Mara and I are still shopping.'

There was a pause. 'Leia, are you okay? You sound a bit odd.'

'I'm fine. Wonderful. Just great.'

'Leia, put Mara on.'

She handed the comlink to Mara and took another sip of wine.

'What's up, Han?' said Mara.

'That's just what I was going to ask you.'

'Leia's just a little ... um ... merry. We decided to have wine with our lunch.'

Han laughed. 'And I take it you're still there. Well, she deserves a day off. Tell her I'll take care of the kids. I'll see you both later.'

'Bye, honey,' yelled Leia. She reached for the bottle, but Mara beat her to it.

'Mine, I believe. And I think you've had enough for now.' Mara poured the last of the wine into her own glass. 'What shall we do with the rest of your day off?'

Leia looked at her over the top of her glass. 'We could always discuss your wedding.'

Mara drained her glass, placed it carefully on the table, and leaned back in her chair. 'Luke and I both want something small and dignified. The emphasis being on small.' She could feel Leia's disappointment.

'I can't talk you into a nice, big do? Not even by pointing out that he's the only Jedi Master we've got and a hero of the rebellion to boot.'

'Nope.'

'A traditional wedding is good for morale.'

'Not mine,' replied Mara.

'It'll be expected.'

'Don't care.'

Leia finished off her wine. 'A slight change of subject. When will you announce the engagement?'

Mara sighed. 'Can't you do it? You know - have the pleasure of announcing the engagement of your beloved brother, yadda, yadda, yadda. It'll sound better coming from you. To be honest, I can't believe that many people will be interested.'

'Don't you believe it,' said Leia, waving a finger in Mara's general direction. 'The gossip columns reckon my brother is quite the catch.'

'Then they're going to have a field day with me.'

'I'm sure you can handle it, Mara. Just ignore anything you don't like. That's what I do.'

'But you still listen to what they say?'

'Oh, yes,' said Leia, nodding vigorously. 'You should see some of the stuff they say about me and Han. It's a riot. Apparently, we throw wild parties and we both have lots of affairs. Especially Han.'

'I take it he doesn't.'

'Couldn't even if he wanted to. He knows I'd know.'

'Jedi thing?' asked Mara.

'Wife thing,' replied Leia.

They ended up spending the afternoon wandering round an art gallery, before settling in the cafe next door.

'Let's find a nightclub,' said Leia.

Mara almost choked on her hot chocolate. 'It's a bit early, isn't it?'

'This is Coruscant,' she replied. 'I don't think they ever close here. And I feel like some loud music and a few more drinks. Call it your engagement party.'

Mara hesitated for only a moment. 'What the hell. I've nothing better to do.'

'Gee, thanks.'

'Sorry,' said Mara. 'I didn't mean that to come out the way it did. I am having a good time.'

'So am I,' said Leia, 'but I'm sure I'll have a better one once we find a club.'

'Do you want to let Han know where you are?'

'Not particularly. He might try to join us.'

'And we don't want that?' guessed Mara.

'No, we don't. We can have a good time without men around.'

'Well, I certainly can,' replied Mara. She drained her cup. 'Don't know how much practice you've had.'

'Enough.'

They found a club only a few blocks away and were soon sitting at a table near the dance floor, drinks in hand.

'It's a bit quiet,' Leia commented.

'I'm surprised there's anyone here at all, at this time of day,' said Mara.

They watched the music holo playing on the stage for a while. Four rodians got up to dance and Mara stifled a laugh.

'Did you know,' said Leia, staring speculatively into her glass, 'that Luke once had a crush on me?'

Mara turned to look at her, eyebrows raised. 'No, he forgot to mention that one.'

'Oh, we didn't know we were brother and sister then. He rescued me off the first Death Star when we were only 18. Along with Han and Chewie.'

'What was he like then?' asked Mara.

'Cute, in an innocent sort of way. And so nice. Totally committed to the rebellion. When he blew up the Death Star, a lot of people said it was a lucky shot. Then they put him in an X-wing simulator.' She smiled. 'He creamed the lot of them.'

'And he had a crush on you.'

'You're not going to tease him, are you? He'll go ballistic if he finds out I told you.'

'I promise I won't tease him ... much,' said Mara with a grin. 'Besides, we shouldn't have secrets.'

'So what secrets can you tell me?' asked Leia.

Mara thought for a moment. 'He's good in bed.'

Leia's blush was noticeable even in the dim lighting. 'I don't think I needed to know that.'

'Oh, come on, Leia. You're the one playing "let's be best buddies". So dish the dirt. I take it you and Han still do the horizontal tango.'

'Of course! He's not that old,' Leia replied, indignantly. 'I just think it's sort of private.'

'You need another drink,' said Mara, waving frantically to the waiter droid. 'So do I.'

Leia had lost track of the time. Her hearing had dimmed slightly and her world looked a bit fuzzy at the edges. Her gaze wobbled round to Mara. How come she still looked so alert? Didn't the woman ever get drunk? She was yammering on about the 'Jade's Fire' again. Leia nodded sympathetically. She still didn't have a clue what had happened to Mara's precious ship, although she vaguely remembered agreeing to ask the senate to provide her and Luke with a new one. She jumped when her comlink beeped, then flicked it on. 'Hello?'

'Leia.' It was Han. 'Surely you're not still shopping?'

Leia grimaced as Mara stared into the bottom of her glass. 'No, dear. We thought we'd go out for a little drinkie.' She giggled.

Mara could hear Han sigh from her side of the table. 'I thought you said smugglers were a bad influence.'

'But they're such fun, Han. Don't you remember?' Leia laughed out loud, as Mara took the comlink gently from her hand.

'Han, it's Mara. In her infinite wisdom, your wife has decided we need to do a little bonding. You didn't tell me she couldn't hold her drink.'

'How much did you give her? I didn't think she was that bad.'

'She's okay. I promise to bring her home in one piece.'

Leia smiled at her. 'You're nice.'

Oh, boy, thought Mara. 'Han, we may be some time. Don't wait up.' She passed the comlink back to Leia and watched as she struggled to put it back in her pocket.

'I want to dance!' announced Leia, standing up and swaying slightly.

'Fine,' said Mara. Anything to get her off the booze. They made their way over to the deserted dance floor.

'Were you really a dancer at Jabba's palace?' asked Leia. 'I don't remember you there.'

'You were probably a little preoccupied. I remember you, though. He put you in that awful gold-bikini thing, didn't he.'

'I've still got it,' said Leia. 'Han rather likes it.'

Mara reached out and grabbed Leia's arm as she stumbled. 'I'll bet he does.'

'I killed him, you know,' Leia said with a smile.

'Who?'

'Jabba. Put the chain around his neck and strangled him.' She frowned at Mara. 'He really pissed me off.'

'I heard.' Note to self, thought Mara, don't piss off Leia.

'What happened to you that day?' asked Leia.

'I hung around for a while. When the news got back to us that Jabba was dead, I headed back here. The Emperor was not a happy ewok.'

The song finished and they headed back to their table. Mara surreptitiously ordered Leia a non-alcoholic drink. She didn't seem to notice.

'What was Vader like?' asked Leia quietly.

'I didn't know him that well,' replied Mara. 'I don't think anyone did. He always seemed to be away on the odd occasions I was here.'

'He terrified me.'

'He tortured you, Leia. That must have always coloured your view of him.' She leaned back in her chair. 'I remember him as being incredibly Force-strong. And he didn't suffer fools gladly. Didn't suffer them at all, in fact.'

'Luke says he turned to the Light side at the end.'

'I'm sure he did.'

'How can you be sure, Mara?'

'We have a Force bond. I know what he felt that day, what he saw.'

'Wow,' said Leia. 'That's some bond.'

'It is.' She met Leia's eyes. 'I can't imagine life without him, Leia. What if I had succeeded in killing him?' She buried her head in her hands. 'It's just too awful to contemplate.'

She felt Leia's hands on hers. 'Don't think about it. It didn't happen. It's not going to happen. Life goes on.'

Mara felt Leia's hands stiffen, and looked up to see a human male standing behind her, his hands on her shoulders.

'You two look like you could do with a little cheering up,' he exclaimed. 'Come and dance.' 'No thanks,' said Mara. 'Please go away.'

'I insist,' said the man, his grip on Leia tightening.

In one fluid movement, Mara was standing beside him, her blaster pointed towards his stomach. 'I suggest you rethink.'

His hands held high, the man backed away. 'Okay, okay. I'm going.'

'Thanks,' whispered Leia. 'I should have seen him coming.' She lowered her head into her hands.

'I think I'd like to go home now.'

Han opened the door to find Mara trying to keep Leia vertical.

'Hello, darling!' said Leia, smiling and focusing somewhere around his left ear. She tried to take a step forwards and stumbled into his arms. He scooped her up and she nuzzled into his neck.

'Bonding, huh?' said Han.

Mara shrugged. 'Her idea, not mine.'

'You're looking fairly sober.'

'I'm not,' replied Mara. 'I just disguise it.'

'Do you want to come in for a nightcap?'

'No thanks, Han. I think I'll just head off to bed.' As she turned and walked away, Han thought he could detect a hint of a stagger in her step. But he might have been mistaken.

Once she was back at Luke's apartment, Mara undressed, removed her make-up, and crawled into his bed, pulling his robe in beside her. 'To hell with this,' she thought. 'I'm going to Yavin tomorrow.'

Chapter 4 - Yavin

Morning. Daylight. Mara groaned. Head hurts. Feel queasy. Mouth like a sarlaac pit. She wasn't even going to attempt to sit up. What had they been drinking last night? She rolled over and went back to sleep.

Something was beeping. The comm. Luke's voice asked the caller to leave a message and Mara pulled a pillow over her head. More sleep.

Daylight was brighter now. Mara slowly sat up, feeling a bit better. She pushed her hair out of her face, pulled on Luke's robe and went in search of water. As she chugged down her third glass, she pressed the replay button on the comm. Might as well see who had left the message. Han Solo. 'Mara, what the hell did you do to my wife? I haven't seen her that drunk in a long time. She's still unconscious. Ah, well, we needed someone to liven up this family. I guess you're it. Hope you're feeling better than she is.'

Mara smiled. It was Leia's idea, she deserved everything she got.

After a shower, more water and some dry toast, Mara felt human again. She had just finished getting dressed, when the door buzzed. A silver protocol droid delivering her shopping from yesterday. Good - now she could pack.

Later that morning Han opened the door to find Mara and a large flight bag. 'You look well,' he said with a smirk. 'Going somewhere?'

She dumped the bag just inside the door. 'Yavin. How's Leia?'

'Still zonked. I thought you weren't going to Yavin until tomorrow?'

'I changed my mind. Can you get me a shuttle or something? I'll fly myself or someone can just drop me off. Gods, I hate not having my own ship.'

Han pulled out his comlink. 'I'll see what I can do. Why don't you go check on Leia?'

Leia was just stirring as Mara put her head round the bedroom door. 'Good morning, Princess. How are we today?'

Leia groaned and pulled a pillow over her face. 'I'm never shopping with you again,' came her muffled response.

Mara laughed and closed the door.

'How is she now?' asked Han.

'She'll live. Have you got me a ride?'

'I've got you a shuttle, but you'll have to pilot it yourself.'

'Fine by me.' She picked up her bag.

'You want to go right now?'

'No reason to wait.'

'Come on,' grinned Han. 'I'll give you a lift.'

As Mara popped out of hyperspace near Yavin, she realised the academy was in darkness. She put the shuttle into orbit then closed her eyes and stretched out with the Force. If Luke was asleep she probably wouldn't be able to sense him. No, there he was, awake and ... excited? Mara frowned and concentrated. What was going on? When she realised exactly what he was doing, a wicked smile crossed her face. //Hello, Luke!//

//Mara?// She could feel his embarrassment over their force bond. //I was just thinking about you//

//I could tell//

//I thought you weren't coming until at least tomorrow//

//Can't a girl change her mind?//

//Sure// replied Luke. //I knew you'd miss me//

//Looks like you missed me, too. Are you coming out to meet me?//

//On my way//

Mara landed the shuttle next to the Skyblue One. She could see Luke standing beside it, trying to keep out of the pouring rain. As she opened the hatch, he ran up the ramp and pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her fiercely. 'Missed you,' he murmured.

She kissed him back. 'Missed you too.' She took a step back. 'Only now I'm soaking and you're making a puddle in my nice clean shuttle. Shall we go inside?'

Luke shook his head, showering her with tiny, cold droplets. 'Sorry. I thought we'd take a little flight round to the other side of the planet. It might not be raining there.' 'Fine by me.' Mara closed the hatch and followed him into the cockpit. She pulled on her restraints just as Luke lifted the shuttle off the landing pad.

He smiled at her. 'I know a really nice little place I've been dying to show you.'

Luke landed the shuttle in a small clearing surrounded by trees. 'It's raining here as well,' complained Mara.

Luke opened the ramp. 'It won't matter, where we're going.'

'And where exactly is that?'

Luke grinned. 'You'll see.' He closed the shuttle before taking her hand and leading her towards the edge of the clearing. As they got closer Mara could see a small path winding it's way through the trees. Luke led the way, holding back any branches that might hit Mara. 'This better be good, Skywalker,' she growled. 'I'm absolutely soaked.'

'At least it's not cold,' replied Luke. 'Even if it wasn't raining you'd still be soaked with the humidity.'

'Oh, good. That makes me feel so much better.'

'I thought you liked showers,' he said with a wink.

'Only ones I can turn off.'

'Nearly there.'

'Good. I hope there's shelter.'

Luke stopped. 'Close your eyes, Mara.'

She regarded him skeptically. 'I don't think so.'

'Humour me. Please?'

Mara hesitated, then did as he asked. She felt his arm slip round her waist, then he gently propelled her forward. They stopped. 'Open your eyes,' he whispered.

Mara's eyes flicked open and she smiled. Before them lay a small lake, surrounded by drooping trees and masses of red-pink flowers. The ruins of a temple lay at one end and the rain cascaded off it into the lake. Even through the rain, Mara could see the water was clear. She turned to Luke. 'It's beautiful.'

His smile widened. 'Thought you'd like it. It's even better when it's not raining, although you lose the waterfall. Care for a swim?'

'Might as well. I'm soaked through anyway.'

They giggled as they stripped off wet clothes and boots. Mara laughed as Luke went racing into the water, sending water everywhere. 'Come on in,' he shouted. 'The water's lovely.' 'I take it there are no bug-eyed monsters in there,' she replied.

'Not one.'

'Is it deep?'

'It's pretty deep beside that temple.'

Mara walked towards the ruins and climbed onto what was left of a small wall. Luke watched as she stretched and then Force-jumped into the air before diving into the water. He was treading water as he waited for her to surface. Then he felt her presence beneath him and just had time to take a deep breath before she pulled him under. She pulled him down level with her, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. They floated gently to the surface in a tight embrace, kissing, skin touching skin. They parted briefly when they broke the surface, blinking the water out of their eyes. The rain pelted the water around them, and ran down their faces. Luke reached out his arms towards Mara, but she backed away, smiling. 'Can't catch me!' Then she disappeared under the water.

Luke took another breath and dove under himself. He could see her just ahead of him, swimming for all she was worth. He came up for air then calmly reached out to the Force. Suddenly Mara found herself being lifted out of the water and raised into the air. 'Not fair, Skywalker. That's cheating!'

'You were teasing.'

'Luke, put me down.'

He shrugged. 'Okay.' And he let her fall the three meters into the water with a huge splash. When she came spluttering back to the surface he decided it was prudent to start swimming towards the far bank. He could hear her yelling for revenge and started swimming a little faster. But Mara was the better swimmer and she soon caught him up and pulled him under again. She was most disappointed to realise the water was fairly shallow now, and they could put their feet on the bottom with their heads and shoulders above the surface. The downpour had eased off to a gentle drizzle.

'That was not very nice,' said Mara, as Luke scooped her into his arms and started wading out towards the bank. 'I shall have to think of a suitable revenge.'

Luke leaned down and kissed her, his tongue just flickering over her teeth. 'I'm sure you will, my sweet.'

Once on-shore, he laid her down among the flowers and then lay beside her. Mara took a deep breath; the flowers had the most beautiful perfume. Luke picked one and started trailing its petals over her breasts and abdomen. He watched fascinated as goose bumps appeared on her flesh. She reached up her hand to caress his face, gently tracing the almost invisible scars. His blue eyes met her green eyes and he smiled, bringing his flower up to tickle her cheek. 'Did I forget to say thank you for coming early?'

'I don't remember being thanked,' replied Mara.

He leaned towards her until their noses almost touched, his gaze burrowing into hers, his breath gentle on her lips. 'Thank you,' he whispered, before kissing her passionately, his arms working their way around her back just as her arms wound round his neck. He trailed kisses down her neck and breasts, suckling frantically as he passed her nipples, before continuing down over her abdomen. Her hands were in his hair and her back arched as he licked the tiny pool of water that had collected in her navel. A gentle breeze ruffled the flowers as he dove between her legs, gentle licks becoming more insistent as he heard her moans of pleasure. He placed one finger inside her, then another. How did she get so wet, so quick? He kissed the insides of her thighs as she rode his hand, then worked his way back up over her rain-soaked body. When their eyes finally met he entered her, watching her gasp in delight. He could feel the rain getting heavier on his back as Mara wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him further in. Her leg muscles squeezed until he thought she might break his pelvis. //Mara, go easy!//

//Sorry// came the reply. She relaxed her thigh muscles only marginally then pulled him down for a kiss, her tongue exploring his mouth, her eyes shut tight against the rain. When their lips parted he pushed himself up onto his hands and tried to shelter her face a little as the rain got even heavier. Her hands explored his chest then moved lower, caressing his sides before she grabbed his rear. //You've got a nice butt, Skywalker//

//You've got a nice everything, Jade//

//Why, thank you. Now is there any chance you could create a Force bubble or something to keep this damn rain off us for a while//

Luke's rhythm faltered for only a moment, then Mara realised she couldn't feel the rain as much. A few drops still got through, but she no longer worried about drowning. 'That's a neat trick. You'll have to teach it to me sometime.'

'I thought you didn't like unnecessary use of the Force,' said Luke.

//It's alright when you're with me. I'll keep you on the light side// She gasped as Luke drove deeper into her, setting up a faster rhythm. Perhaps because of their short separation, or because of the storm starting to rage around them, their love-making was fast and furious. Luke trapped Mara's hands above her head as he kissed and nipped his way over her neck and breasts. When she managed to free her hands, she clawed at his back with her nails, gently at first then hard enough to draw blood, capturing his gasp of pain and pleasure with her mouth in a kiss. She shoved him roughly onto his back and rode him with her back arched and her head thrown back, before slowing down and tightening her inner muscles round him as much as she could. His Force barrier started to fail about then as Mara pulled him carefully to the brink. When he was almost there, she stopped and sat perfectly still, the rain pounding on them both.

'Mara,' he growled, 'what the hell are you doing?'

She smiled sweetly. 'I seem to remember talking about revenge earlier. I figure me stopping right about now should do it.'

He flipped her onto her back and brought his face centimetres from hers. //I don't think so// He kissed her fiercely and rode her hard as her hands tangled in his hair and growls rose unbidden from her throat. The rain continued to lash down but neither of them heard the distant rumble of thunder. Luke buried his face in Mara's neck as she clawed once again at his back, before hugging him so tightly he could hardly breathe. Luke raised his head and looked into Mara's eyes. The passion in their bond hit them both like a physical blow and they climaxed together as lightening streaked across the sky.

They lay there for some time, Luke still inside Mara, her legs and arms wrapped around him. Their breathing slowed and Luke had the strength to replace his barrier to the rain. Eventually, he slipped off her to one side and kissed and caressed her face.

'That was a bit wild,' Mara said, grinning.

'Mmmmmm,' replied Luke. 'My back is starting to hurt.'

Mara's eyes widened and she put her hand over her mouth. 'Sorry. I've never done that before.' She sat up. 'Let me take a look.'

He obediently rolled onto his front, wincing as Mara touched the welts crisscrossing his back. 'Hell, I'm sorry Luke. It's a complete mess.'

'It'll be OK,' he said. 'I'll go for a swim to wash the blood off, then an hour in a healing trance and I'll be fine. You might try cutting your nails, though.'

'I will. I will. I'm really sorry.'

Luke sat up and took her hands. 'It's alright. I'm OK. Don't get so upset.'

Her eyes met his and he could see the tears threatening to fall. 'I'm really scared of hurting you, Luke.'

'Why?'

'I'm not sure. Maybe because I wanted to kill you for so long. I'm terrified I'll lose it and hurt you for real.'

'That won't happen.' He cocked his head on one side and lifted her face with a finger. 'You do love me, don't you?'

'More than I've ever loved anyone. I want to marry you, Luke, to be with you for the rest of my life. I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up with you every morning. Yes, I love you.'

'And I love you. So you'll never hurt me.'

'I just did.'

He sighed and pulled her into his arms. 'Throes of passion don't count.'

After a quick dip in the lake, they found some shelter in the temple ruins and Luke decided to give Mara an impromptu lesson on healing. He lay as still as he could while she directed the Force through her fingers as she gently traced the welts on his back. Slowly he slipped into a healing trance.

He awoke a short time later to find Mara dressed and snuggled in beside him, fast asleep. His own clothes were draped over him; they fell off as he sat up and stretched. His back felt fine. He dressed quietly and checked the chrono on his wrist.

'Come on, Mara,' he said, shaking her gently. 'It's time we got back to the academy. It'll be dawn there soon.'

She smiled up at him. 'And I take it you don't want any of the students to catch the exalted Jedi Master sneaking in with a woman.'

'Something like that.' He helped her up, and they started the trek back to the ship. At least the rain has stopped, he thought.

Mara put her arm round Luke's waist. 'How's your back now?'

'It's fine, Mara. Honestly.'

'Have you told your students about your plans for the academy?'

'Yes.'

'And?' said Mara, impatiently.

'Most of them weren't very happy about it. I told them to go off and meditate for a while. A few of them came to me later and said they could understand my decision. Some haven't spoken to me since.' He shrugged. 'We'll see what they have to say today.'

'And have you told them about us?'

'No, not yet. I was saving that for today, for just before you arrived. I also thought I'd contact Wedge and tell him the good news.'

'Why don't you ask him if he can send Corran over,' suggested Mara. 'He'll stand up for us if there are any problems. And I'm pretty sure he'll agree with your plans for the academy as well.'

Luke stopped walking and pulled her into an embrace. 'You are a genius, Miss Jade.'

She reached up and kissed him. 'I think I'll prefer Mrs Skywalker.'

Luke raised his eyebrows. 'So you will take my name?'

'Actually, I think I like Leia's idea. 'Mara Jade Skywalker' has a certain ring to it.'

He kissed her and held her tightly. 'I can't wait till we're married,' he whispered in her ear.

'Me neither.'

Chapter 5 - the Academy

They reached the academy just before dawn and settled the shuttle on the landing grid, as quiet a landing as Mara could manage. She followed Luke through the deserted hallways of the Massassi temple towards his room. Once inside, they closed the door behind them, giggling like a couple of schoolkids.

'When are you going to tell your students about me,' asked Mara. 'I can't stay in here forever.'

'Don't see why not. I could bring you food ...' Luke managed to dodge as Mara tried to smack his butt. 'Okay, okay; I'll tell them at breakfast.'

'Tell them before breakfast. I would like to eat at some point.'

He pulled her in for a kiss. 'Breakfast's not for another two hours. What are we going to do until then?'

'I am going to get all these tangles out of my hair,' replied Mara. 'And you are going to contact Wedge.'

'That won't take two hours.'

Mara smiled and kissed his nose. 'We'll see.' She pulled a folding comb from one of the many pockets on her flightsuit, settled herself onto Luke's bed, then started methodically working her way through her hair.

Luke sat in front of the comm unit he had recently installed in his room and keyed in a request for the local time at the squadron base on Coruscant. Early evening. He keyed in Wedge's home number on a scrambled frequency. Iella's face appeared on the screen, smiling when she recognised Luke.

'Hi, Luke. How are you these days? We haven't seen you for months.'

'Hi, Iella. I've been a bit busy.'

Iella laughed. 'Are you ever not busy?'

Luke shrugged, smiling. 'Occasionally. Is the old man about?'

Wedge's face appeared over her shoulder. 'Less of the 'old', Luke. What's up?'

'Does something have to be up before I call you?'

'Usually, yes. You haven't lost another student, have you?'

'That was almost funny, Wedge.' Luke smiled. 'I just thought I'd let you know ... I'm getting married.'

Iella squealed in delight.

'You old rogue,' said Wedge. 'You kept that quiet.'

'Who's the lucky lady?' asked Iella.

'Mara Jade,' replied Luke.

Wedge raised his eyebrows. 'Mara? Wow! How long has this been going on?'

Luke shrugged. 'Long enough.'

'And watch what you say, Antilles,' Mara shouted from across the room. 'I'm right here.'

'Hi, Mara!' Wedge called back. 'He finally saw sense, then.'

'Anyway,' interrupted Luke, 'I was wondering if there was any chance you could send Corran over for a quick visit. I'm making some changes at the Academy, and I could use his support.' 'I'll have to check, but I'm sure I can fix it somehow.' He paused. 'Luke, is this news to be kept quiet?'

Luke nodded. 'At the moment, yes. Leia's going to make an announcement soon. After that it's a free-for-all. Tell Corran, though. I'm sure he'll be pleased.'

Mara had come up behind him and put her arms round his neck. 'Maybe he'll be jealous,' she said. 'Corran and I are very close.'

Luke looked at her incredulously. Mara smiled and ruffled his hair. 'Teasing, farmboy.' Iella and Wedge burst out laughing.

'That's right,' said Luke. 'Everyone make fun of the poor little Jedi.' But he was smiling too. 'I'll send Corran as soon as I can,' said Wedge, still grinning.

'But only if you and Mara promise to come for a visit,' said Iella. 'You're hardly ever on Coruscant these days.'

'Give me a few weeks to sort out the Academy,' replied Luke. 'Then we'll descend on you all.' Iella shook her head. 'Us four on the same planet at the same time? I'll believe it when I see it.'

Luke put his hands on Mara's arms, pulling her closer. 'It'll happen. And you can throw a big party when it does.'

Wedge raised an eyebrow. 'We get to throw the party. Gee, thanks.' Luke smiled. 'Bye, Wedge.'

'Bye, Luke,' said Wedge.

Iella waved. 'And Mara, go easy on him.'

Luke cut the transmission, then pulled Mara round until she sat in his lap. 'That wasn't very nice, Jade.'

She raised an eyebrow at him. 'You were never very nice to me on my previous visits to Yavin, Skywalker. In fact, sometimes you were downright rude. Corran was the only one who ever made me feel welcome; that's why I said we were close.'

Luke hung his head, unable to meet her gaze. 'I know. I'm sorry. I just felt...'

Mara shifted her position until she was straddling him, then she lifted his chin until he looked at her. 'Just don't let it happen again.' She leaned in and kissed him passionately, her hair falling forward as his hands crept up her back. When they parted she rested her forehead against his, looking into his eyes. 'How long until breakfast?'

Luke swallowed, breathing a little more heavily. 'Best part of two hours.'

She ran her tongue over her lips. 'Just time for a quickie then.' She could feel his hardness pressing against her through her clothing, and wiggled slightly in encouragement.

Luke closed his eyes for a moment; when he opened them again, they were dark with passion. 'Maybe if you'd done this before, I wouldn't have ignored you.'

Mara kissed him again, pulling slightly at his top lip as she pulled away. 'Maybe if you'd given me even a tiny bit of encouragement I would have done this before now.'

He stood up then, easily supporting Mara's weight, and walked over to the bed. Turning round, he toppled over, pulling her on top of him. 'Is this encouragement enough?'

She started pulling his shirt off, leaning down to kiss his chest. 'It'll do.'

As she worked her way lower, Luke groaned. 'Gods, Mara, I love you.'

She moved back up, straddling his stomach and leaning down so that her hair brushed his face. 'I love you, too. And if you ever leave me I'll hunt you down and kill you like old yellow-eyes wanted me to.'

He pulled her in for a kiss that seemed to go on for ever. 'How about we leave that bit out of the wedding vows?'

'I don't know,' said Mara, 'I think it sounds quite good. Encourages commitment and all that.'

Luke's hands were running over her thighs. 'Are you going to get undressed any time soon?'

She rubbed herself up and down his stomach. 'Maybe.'

'Mara, don't tease. It isn't nice.' The fasteners on her flightsuit started undoing themselves.

Mara held it closed. 'You're cheating again, Skywalker. And that isn't nice either.' She smiled at his frown, then climbed off the bed and removed her boots and clothes. When she turned around, Luke was lying on the bed, gloriously naked. She hadn't even heard him move. Mara jumped on top of him, knocking the wind out of him. 'Sorry.' She kissed him deeply, then took him inside her, biting her bottom lip to stop from yelling.

'Don't you ever need foreplay?' asked Luke through gritted teeth.

'Not with you, no.' Mara started moving up and down, kissing his chest.

'Ah, so there have been others.'

Still moving, Mara met his gaze, wondering what he meant. 'Well, there was this blue guy with red eyes...'

His hands roved over her body. 'I'm becoming immune to your teasing, Jade.' He felt her inner muscles tighten around him and she started biting gently at his chest and neck. Luke struggled to control his breathing.

'You're not immune to this, though,' she said.

He reached down to caress her clit. 'And you're not immune to this.'

She started shuddering and realised she couldn't form a coherent reply.

He rolled them both over, kissing her frantically as their bodies entwined and nature's rhythm moved faster and faster, bringing them both to a climax. He collapsed on top of her, both of them struggling for oxygen. When he finally had the strength to push himself up on his elbows, he gazed into her emerald eyes and was concerned to see two tears roll from the corners of her eyes. 'I didn't hurt you, did I, Mara?'

She shook her head and sniffed. 'No.' She sniffed again.

'Then what's wrong? Why are you crying?'

Her hands reached up to caress his face, pushing the sweaty hair away from his eyes. 'I don't really know. I'm happy, I guess. Telling Wedge and Iella ... well, the more people we tell, the more real it all becomes. It's a bit ... well, I feel like we're losing control.'

He kissed her. 'Should we slow down a bit? Maybe postpone the wedding?'

She pulled him in for a tight hug. 'Just don't even go there, Skywalker. I've got you now and I'm damned if I'm going to let you go.'

Half an hour before breakfast was due to start, Luke went to find Streen. He wanted to make sure everyone was in the dining hall to hear his announcement, and for some reason, Luke felt Streen should hear the news first, delivered personally. He'd already asked Streen to run the Academy in his absence.

He found the old man waiting, leaning against the doorway of his room. Luke hid his surprise and bowed almost imperceptibly towards Streen. 'You were expecting me.'

Streen's bow was deeper. 'I was.' He indicated towards his room. 'Will you join me for a few moments, Master?'

Luke entered the room, turned and waited for the door to slide shut behind Streen. Luke could tell that he wasn't terribly happy about something.

Streen finally turned to face him. 'You have something you wish to tell me.' It was a statement, not a question.

Luke nodded. Streen was never one to beat around the bush. 'I'm getting married.'

A flicker of a smile crossed Streen's face, before the stern look returned. 'I'm glad to hear it, after what you've been projecting this morning.'

Luke coloured slightly, and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. 'What do you mean?' 'Luke, how long is it since you've had a woman in your rooms? Have you forgotten how to shield?'

Streen spoke gently, but the rebuke still stung Luke. 'Oops.'

'Yes. Oops.' Streen sighed. 'Master Skywalker...'

Luke closed his eyes and sighed. 'Luke, please.'

Streen nodded. 'Luke, you live in a building full of force-sensitives...'

'I know. I know.' Luke grimaced. 'I guess I just forgot. It has been a while.'

Finally, Streen let a little smile cross his lips. 'Well, I suppose the students will get over it with just a few cold showers.' He crossed his arms. 'Do I know your intended?'

Luke met Streen's gaze, trying to gauge his reaction. 'Mara Jade.'

Luke could have sworn Streen's smile got just a little wider. 'Mara. Hmmm. I bet that will come as a surprise to many people.'

'But not to you, Streen.'

The old man shook his head. 'Not really. There's always been something about the two of you ... I could never quite put my finger on it.'

Luke regarded his friend. 'You never cease to amaze me. I'm glad you agreed to run this place. I can't think of anyone else more suited.'

Streen bowed at the compliment. 'Are you going to announce your engagement?'

'Leia will announce it on Coruscant. But I thought I might tell the students at breakfast this morning, assuming we can get them all there at the same time.'

'That's easily arranged,' replied Streen. He frowned slightly. 'Some of them won't like it, though.'

'More than they don't like me virtually dismantling the Academy?' Luke shook his head. 'I don't think Mara and I getting married is going to eclipse that.'

'Perhaps not.' Streen smiled again. 'I'm happy for you, Luke. Really I am.'

Luke stepped forward to clasp Streen's hand. 'Thanks. Your support means a lot to me.'

'I'll go round up the troops. I take it Mara will be joining us.'

'After the announcement,' Luke replied. 'We thought it better I tell them myself.' He moved towards the door, then paused and turned back towards Streen. 'You saw this coming?'

Streen merely shrugged. 'Go back to your lady, Master. I'll see you at breakfast. Then we'll see how many surprises our students can take in one week.'

When he got back to his room, he found Mara digging around in her flight bag, tossing clothes and toiletries all over the bed. She looked up when she heard him come in. 'How did it go?'

Luke smiled. 'Very well, I think.' He frowned at the mess. 'What are you looking for?'

'Something to wear. I'm not making my grand entrance in this.' She tugged disdainfully at the fabric of her flightsuit.

Luke pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently. 'Looks fine to me.' He frowned slightly. 'Do you think I should get changed?'

Mara held him at arms length and looked him up and down. He was wearing combat pants and a loose shirt, a brown jedi robe on top. 'Definitely. You want something that conveys authority.' She pursed her lips. 'Wear your blacks.'

'I thought you said black is boring.'

'It is. But they're more likely to respect you, and that's what's important now.' Mara smiled. 'Besides, you do look kind of cute in them, once in a while.'

Luke shook his head. 'Will I ever understand you?'

Mara pushed him gently towards his wardrobe. 'Not if I have anything to do with it.'

Even before he reached the dining hall, Luke could hear the buzz of conversation. Many of the students had spotted the shuttle on the landing grid and the empty chair next to Luke's usual place at the table, and now speculation was at the top of everyone's agenda. Of course, thought Luke, some of them had probably figured out what was going on because of his little indiscretion that morning. He raised his chin slightly before he walked calmly into the hall. Silence descended.

The hall was packed fit to burst. Streen was nothing if not thorough. Luke made his way to the table at the far end of the room and stood behind his chair, his hands resting on the chair-back, his eyes scanning the assembled students. The silence was almost palpable. 'Thank you all for coming at such short notice.' He noticed Streen lean back slightly in his chair, the flicker of a smile playing across his lips. 'There is something I would like you to know before it's announced on Coruscant. I'm getting married.'

//That was short and to the point// Luke could hear Mara's voice over their Force-bond. The noise level in the hall had risen again, but only slightly, as students digested this piece of news.

Luke raised his voice slightly. 'To Mara Jade.'

Stunned silence. Shock and incredulity on almost every face he looked at. He would have laughed, except that this reaction was really beginning to annoy him.

Tionne found her voice first. 'The Mara Jade?'

Luke turned slowly to face her. 'You know of another?'

Tionne looked mortified. 'No.'

'Does this have anything to do with the closure of the Academy?' Luke recognised the speaker as Dumat Synnar, a human from Coruscant. Dumat had been boasting to his friends that he was to study under 'Master Skywalker' and had not been in the least bit happy when Luke had burst that bubble two days previously.

'It has absolutely nothing to do with the changes taking place here. And I will remind you, Mr. Synnar, that the Academy is not closing, merely down-sizing.'

Dumat glowered at him. Luke met his gaze for a moment before continuing. 'For security reasons, this news must not leave the building. To that end, there will be no private comm-transmissions allowed until after the announcement has been made on Coruscant.'

The babble of conversation started up again. Many students were clearly unhappy.

Luke held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. 'I'm sorry if this is inconvenient. You can still use the holonet, but you must be supervised by a member of staff. I'm sure I can trust you all to be discreet but my sister thinks otherwise and has insisted on these measures. Now, if there are no more questions, perhaps we can finish breakfast.' He moved to the serving table behind him, filled a plate with fruits and breads, and grabbed a glass of juice. When he turned back, Streen was standing, his arms folded across his chest. Luke sat down and waited for the older man to speak.

'I would like to be the first here to congratulate Master Skywalker on his engagement,' said Streen, and started clapping. He was soon joined by everyone else in the room, some with more enthusiasm than others. Luke smiled and nodded his thanks to Streen, who bowed in return, a definite twinkle in his eyes. When Luke began to eat, everyone else returned to their food and the noise level went back up to deafening.

//Can I come in yet?// Luke fought the urge to smile when he heard Mara's voice in his head. //Sure. I think it's safe enough now// he returned.

//Think?! That's not very reassuring. Okay, brace yourself//

Mara stepped through the doorway and almost reeled back because of the shock being projected by the students. She hiked up her barriers a bit and started a slow deliberate walk towards Luke, who was studiously eating and not paying her the slightest attention. Every other set of eyes in the room followed her every move. She was wearing a form-fitting dark blue sleeveless jumpsuit with a short black jacket and knee-high black boots. Her hair hung loose and, just below the line of her jacket, her lightsaber swung at her belt. Mara realised she didn't know most of the students, but those she recognised received a smile or a nod. A trail of whispers followed in her wake.

Luke finally looked up and smiled. //You look gorgeous// 'Good morning, my dear. You're just in time for breakfast.'

Mara smiled back. 'Thank you.' She made her way to the serving table and helped herself to a glass of juice before sitting in the vacant chair next to Luke. When she realised all eyes were still upon her, she raised an eyebrow at her audience. 'Is no-one hungry this morning?' Everyone suddenly found their own plate of food very interesting, although many still cast surreptitious glances in Luke and Mara's direction.

Mara looked at the pile of food on Luke's plate. 'You're never going to eat all that, are you?'

'I've got a run this morning,' he replied. 'Got to keep my strength up.' He pushed the plate towards her. 'Feel free.'

She eyed the food suspiciously. 'What are those blue things? I haven't seen them before.' 'Sort of like plums,' replied Luke. 'We found them growing south of here and planted a couple of trees in the garden.' He held one out to her. 'They're quite nice. Try it.'

'Have you got a thing about blue food?' She bit into the fruit while Luke still held it and automatically licked the juice that ran down his hand.

//Mara// he sent //we're not alone//

//Damn// Mara blushed slightly and took the plum from his hand before handing him a napkin.

//Sorry. Forgot//

He smiled at her as he wiped his hand. //That's OK. I rather enjoyed it//

//At least you're shielding a bit better now//

The smile fell from Luke's face. //You knew about that? Why didn't you say something?//

Mara bit into another plum, her eyes twinkling mischievously. //Just making my presence felt//

Luke's gaze met hers. //You did that alright. Some of them may never recover//

As Mara struggled not to laugh out loud, Luke said, 'do you want to join me on our run?'

Mara shook her head. 'I think they've had enough of a floor show this morning,' she whispered.

'What are you going to do, then?'

'I've got a mountain of business calls to make. Have you got a halfway-decent computer here yet?'

Luke nodded. 'Use my office. I'll clear it with Tionne.'

Mara finished off the last piece of fruit on the plate. 'Fine. I'll see you later, then.' She stood up and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. 'Enjoy your run.'

As she made her way to the door, she heard Luke in her head again. //The view from the back is even better// Several of the students wondered why she was smiling and shaking her head as she left the room.

Chapter 6 - Corran

An insistent beeping was filtering its way through to Mara's brain. She lifted her head, struggling to focus. Luke lay on his stomach beside her, sound asleep. The beeping was definitely coming from his side of the bed. She blinked a couple of times, before she managed to focus on the little droid keeping a respectful distance from the bed. 'Go away, Artoo. It's too early.'

Having finally got a response, the little droid launched into a series of beeps and whistles. 'Something's just landed,' came Luke's muffled voice from the pillow. 'X-wing, I think.'

That woke Mara up. 'It must be Corran.' She waved Artoo towards the door. 'Go tell him we'll be there in a minute.'

As Artoo trundled off, Mara stretched then tried to get out of bed, but Luke had grabbed hold of her leg and didn't seem to be willing to let go. 'Corran can find his own way in. Stay here where it's nice and warm.'

His voice was still husky from sleep and Mara gave a sigh and a resigned smile as she snuggled back under the cover, facing her lover. 'That's not fair, Luke. You asked for him to come. One of us should be there to meet him.'

'He'll understand,' replied Luke, as his hand trailed down Mara's side, following the curve of her waist and hip. 'He was once newly engaged himself.'

She caught his hand before it could go any further. 'I can't believe the great Jedi Master can be so rude! Corran's a friend, he'll wonder where we are, or if there's something wrong, or...'

Luke leaned over and kissed her on the lips, pushing her gently over onto her back and claiming back the hand she'd grabbed so he could stroke her breasts. He finally broke the kiss. 'What was that you were just saying?'

Her emerald eyes sparkled as she ran her fingers through his hair. 'I have no idea.' Then she claimed his mouth in another searing kiss.

Some time later, Luke made his way to the dining hall to get some Caf, while Mara headed for the landing grid. When she arrived, she saw Corran leaning against the X-wing while the two droids chatted to each other. Corran's green and white R2 unit, Whistler, was still in his socket behind the cockpit.

'Are you planning on getting that poor droid out of there at any point, Horn?'

Corran turned, a huge smile on his face. 'At last! Someone finally shows up to meet me. How are you, Mara?' He pulled her in for a tight hug, then held her at arms length, his hands on her shoulders. 'You look well. Flushed, but well.'

Mara's red face went a little redder. 'I'm fine, Corran. Just perfect.'

'Getting engaged will do that to you,' said Corran, smiling. 'I have to admit, when Wedge told me the news, I just couldn't believe it. What happened?'

'Let's go inside and we'll talk. After you get your droid out.'

Corran winced. 'You know I'm not very good at telekinesis. Couldn't you just...'

Mara laughed and shook her head. 'That is sheer laziness.' She winked. 'I'll do it just this once, but don't tell the Master.' Corran took a step back as Mara closed her eyes and extended her arm towards the little droid. Slowly, he rose up out of the snubfighter, beeping quietly.

Once he was on the ground, she opened her eyes to see Corran grinning at her.

'You're getting really good at that,' he said.

Mara took his arm and led him towards the temple, the two droids whistling along behind them. 'You would get better, too, if you practised.'

Corran rolled his eyes. 'He's got to you, hasn't he. You're starting to sound just like Luke.' Mara glared at him. 'I take that as an insult, Horn. Don't push your luck.'

He squeezed her arm gently. 'How's he doing with all that dark-side stuff? I haven't seen him for a while.'

Mara smiled at him. 'I think he's finally cracked it. Mastered it, you could say. He knows he made mistakes in the past, and probably will in the future. But he's come to terms with who he is and ... well...'

'He's got you.'

Mara nodded. 'We've got each other.' She turned to look at her friend, and he could see the pain behind her eyes. 'Ten years, Corran. It took us ten years.'

Corran shook his head. 'It took him ten years. If he'd been paying attention to what was going on around him instead of rushing off to save the galaxy every five minutes, he'd have seen what was right in front of his nose. You two would have been together years ago.'

Mara shrugged. 'Maybe.' She saw the frown still on Corran's face. 'Go easy on him. Facing up to his own mistakes was hard, but he's a better person now.'

Corran's face relaxed into a smile. 'I may not agree with everything he does, but he's still a friend. And he's marrying one of my best friends.' He squeezed her arm again. 'You do realise if he hurts you I'll have to kill him.'

Mara laughed. 'You'll have to get in the queue behind me, Karrde, Lando...'

'I get the idea.'

They had reached the dining hall and met Luke coming out carrying a tray with three steaming mugs on it. He nodded down the corridor. 'Office. It's more comfortable.'

Once inside, Luke put the tray on a small table and sank down into small, overstuffed sofa beside Mara, putting his arm around her while sipping from the mug in his other hand. Corran sat opposite them, smiling and shaking his head. 'You two never cease to amaze me.'

Luke grinned. 'Welcome back, Corran. Or is it still Kieran?'

'I think we'll stick with the alter-ego while I'm here,' replied Corran. 'Most people still don't know I'm Force-sensitive and I'd like to keep it that way.'

'But won't the other students recognise your X-wing sitting out there?' asked Luke.

'It's not my X-wing. I borrowed one from the pool.' He grimaced. 'It's not as good as mine. Even Whistler was complaining.'

'So, how was Bothawui?' asked Mara.

Corran grimaced. 'I don't want to see another Bothan as long as I live. Not that that is likely any time soon. They're still all over the Council.' He put his head on one side. 'And how was wherever-it-was you disappeared off to?'

'Absolute hell,' said Mara. 'I'm still surprised we got off that rock in one piece.' Luke squeezed her shoulder and she smiled at him. 'Okay, a lot of good came of it.'

Corran sipped his Caf. 'That's obvious.'

'How long can you stay?' asked Luke.

'A couple of days,' Corran replied. 'Wedge can call me here if he needs me back any earlier.'

He leaned forward. 'So, what's all this about changes at the Academy?'

Mara went to get some breakfast as Luke explained about the changes he wanted to make. When she returned, they were deep in conversation.

'But you haven't got enough Masters,' Corran was saying. 'What happens to all the senior students who don't have a teacher.'

'Right now they'll have to either return home or stay here and progress no further,' Luke replied. 'But that should become less of a problem as we train more Knights.' 'And that's what the students are upset about, right?'

Luke nodded. 'Got it in one. They don't want to go home without having graduated, and they don't want to stay here and not learn.'

Corran leaned back in his chair. 'So, what do you want me to do? I can't exactly infiltrate the objectors. They'd never trust me.'

Mara set down a tray of pastries. 'For a start, give us your honest opinion. Do you think we're doing the right thing?'

Corran thought for a moment before nodding. 'In principle, yes.' He looked directly at Luke. 'You know I didn't like the way things were run before.'

Luke smiled and inclined his head towards Corran. 'You made that abundantly clear when you were here.'

Corran grinned as he remembered his last lightsaber duel with Luke. 'Well, I definitely think you're heading in the right direction. You've got my support, whatever good that does.'

'Okay,' said Luke, a frown on his face as he thought. 'I'm taking the seniors on a run this morning. Why don't you two join us. See what I'm up against.'

'Fine by me,' said Corran. 'Glad to see you finally realised that a bit of physical exercise was good for them.' He smiled at Luke's mock-frown. 'Do you follow any of my old trails?'

'Your old trails!?' Luke turned to Mara. 'How do you deal with that ego? ' Mara shrugged. 'I don't remember you doing much running here, Skywalker.' She frowned at him over the top of her mug. 'Is this going to be one of your philosophy lessons at the same time?'

Luke met her gaze. 'Yes, it is. And you'll pay lots of attention if you want to take on your own student anytime soon.'

'Who says I want to, Skywalker. Ignoring the fact that I'm only just Jedi myself, I think it'll be a few years at least before I know enough to teach.'

Luke crossed his arms. 'Not under my expert tutelage.'

'So I'm your first pupil, then?'

Luke smiled at her. 'You were my first pupil ten years ago, Mara. I do like to finish what I've started, even if it takes a while.'

Corran laughed. 'I am so looking forward to this wedding!'

The run proved to be more fun than Mara expected. Luke was in front, stopping every so often to encourage his students to try various Force jumps and somersaults, all the while talking about the Force and his experiences with it. Mara and Corran were left to bring up the rear, and spent more time talking to each other than listening to the lesson. Mara hadn't exercised as much as she usually did recently, and she was enjoying being out in the open air, working her muscles. Corran couldn't always keep up with the gymnastics, but he was more interested in listening to the other students talk amongst themselves. After an hour or so, Luke instructed the students to head back to the academy, then he fell back to run beside Mara and Corran.

'Well, are they going to mutiny?' he asked, once the students were out of earshot.

Corran shook his head. 'I doubt it. I think you've just got a few bruised egos. Give them lots of attention while they're still here and they probably won't complain so much when they have to go home.'

'They're Jedi-in-training,' said Luke. 'They're not supposed to have egos.'

'Ha!' exclaimed Mara. 'Like you never had an ego.'

Luke grimaced. 'Okay, I'll concede that one. So, how can I give the seniors more attention?'

'Easy,' said Corran. 'Send home all the juniors that will be returning later. Then make sure the seniors get some one-on-one. And give them exercises to do once they go home.'

Luke shook his head. 'I don't want them trying anything without a Master there. That's the whole point of this reorganisation.'

'So teach them some of the more innocuous stuff,' said Mara, 'like healing and...' She saw Luke grimace again. 'Okay, maybe not.'

The three of them continued running in silence.

'What about teaching them more physical stuff,' suggested Corran. 'Encourage them to get really fit for when their training restarts.'

Luke hesitated before answering. 'Yes. That might work.' He stopped suddenly, forcing the other two to stumble to avoid barrelling into him. 'Mara, my dear,' he said as he faced her.

She frowned at him. 'I know that look. What do you want this time, Skywalker?'

He smiled and spread his palms wide. 'Me? Not a lot.'

'What. Exactly.'

'How do you fancy teaching a little hand-to-hand combat?'

So it was that Mara and Corran found themselves spending the next day demonstrating unarmed combat and survival techniques in a small clearing near the edge of the jungle. Luke had bowed gracefully out, claiming a mountain of datawork, although Mara was convinced that was only an excuse. The morning class was okay; Luke had sent them eight students who already knew the rudiments of hand-to-hand, students who were eager to learn more. After an hour and a half of one-on-one with the students, they were begging their teachers for a display.

'Oh, go on, Miss Jade,' said the Twi'lek, Li'Nattar. 'You could take him on any day.'

Mara smiled at the young female. 'Is that a hint of aggression I can sense?'

Lin appeared to consider this. 'Possibly.' Her grin was almost predatory. 'Maybe I just enjoy seeing big, strong men thrown about by women.'

One of her male class-mates snorted derisively. 'She gets off on it, more like.'

Mara ignored the comment, turning instead towards Corran. 'Well, Mr. Halcyon? Shall we give these youngsters a demonstration of what they can achieve if they study hard.'

Corran held up his hands defensively. 'Wasn't my idea.'

Mara stalked towards him, stopping only a metre short. She planted her feet firmly apart and put her hands on her hips. 'Come now, Kieran.' Corran marvelled at how she could make any name sound like an insult. 'I promise I won't hurt you too much.'

Corran's gaze met hers for a moment. 'No Force?'

'No Force. Just you and me. And the dirt you'll be eating.'

He straightened slightly. 'I don't think so, Jade.'

Before she could respond, he swung a blow at her midsection; a blow she easily parried before aiming a kick at his side. He absorbed the impact of the kick by falling to the ground, then grabbed her ankles with his feet and twisted, dumping her unceremoniously on her rump. They were both up in an instant, raining punches and kicks towards each other, although most were deflected and very few of them met their target. Three times Mara managed to throw Corran onto his back, eliciting cheers from the female students. The third time was hard enough to wind him, and it took Corran several seconds to get up.

'Ready to quit yet, Kieran?' asked Mara. Her body glistened with sweat and some of her hair had escaped its braid, but her voice was steady.

'No way,' said Corran, circling slowly. 'I've still got to get you back for that last throw.' Mara assumed a basic defensive pose. 'Give it your best shot, Correlian.'

The screech of an animal in the nearby jungle diverted Mara's attention for only a tiny fraction of a second, but it was enough for Corran. He threw his whole body at her, knocking her flat on her back, quickly pinning her arms to the side of her head and using his legs to pin her thighs. 'Got you.'

Mara's was a look of pure fury. 'You cheated.'

Corran shook his head. 'Just used every available opportunity.' He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, a move guaranteed to rile her further, then waited for the backlash. He was saved from the possibility of an early death by the sound of clapping coming from the edge of the clearing. He winked at Mara before getting to his feet and helping her up. 'Master Skywalker. Didn't realise you were in the audience.'

Luke came forward, waving a hand at the students who quickly ran off in the direction of the Academy. 'You'll have to teach me that move, Corran. Could come in handy for subduing an angry wife.'

'Not in a million years, Skywalker,' replied Mara. 'He got real lucky, that's all. I take it you arrived too late to see all the times I had him on the deck.'

Luke winced. 'Nope, I saw that too.' He looked the two of them up and down, noting all the plant and earth stains on their skin and clothing. 'I'm not having lunch with you two unless you shower first.'

Mara looked at Corran and Corran looked at Mara. 'You thinking what I'm thinking?'

Corran nodded. 'Exalted Master is too clean.'

They jumped Luke simultaneously, bearing him to the ground. Corran dumped handfuls of earth on Luke's chest and legs while Mara smeared his face with some of the stains on her arms. After a few minutes they stepped back to admire their handiwork and they each offered him an arm to help him up.

Luke grabbed both arms and hauled himself upright, brushing away the worst of the dirt. 'I let you do that, you know.'

Mara nodded. 'Uh-huh. Sure you did.'

'I did!' Luke's voice had gone up slightly. 'This is me lightening up.'

Corran thumped him on the back. 'Very good, Luke. Next time you can be the one she throws about.'

'Um, maybe not. I've got this reputation thing with the students. . .' He slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. 'I forgot why I came out to find you.' He took Mara's hands in his own and smiled. 'The poodoo hits the ion-drive in two days. Leia's called a press conference for that afternoon.'

The three of them met for lunch in Luke's office, although they found it hard to work up an appetite.

Corran leaned back in his chair, toying with a piece of bread. 'If you're expecting trouble from the media, shouldn't Mara be there to keep the record straight?' Mara and Luke exchanged a glance. 'We kind of thought we might go off somewhere until the fuss dies down a bit.'

Corran shook his head. 'I don't think Luke should leave the Academy until the students are all gone. Just in case.'

Luke nodded. 'You're right, of course. But Mara could stay here; she doesn't need to face them on Coruscant.'

'Wouldn't advise it,' said Corran. 'You'd have the media ships buzzing around here all the time. I don't think that would do the students a lot of good, either. If you split up, then the reporters will get bored quicker.'

'Besides,' said Mara, 'I've still got a lot of business to sort out.' She met Luke's gaze. 'Business that I can do better on Coruscant.'

Luke held her gaze for a few moments before smiling tightly. 'I know. You can't do your job from a backwater like this. You've told me before.'

She smiled back. 'You sort out the Academy, and I'll sort out my affairs on Coruscant.' She frowned slightly. 'I should really get in contact with Karrde and see if Shada needs anything.'

'If you want to get back in time for the media conference, you'll have to leave tomorrow,' said Luke.

'I know.'

'I've got to go tomorrow too,' said Corran. 'Sorry.'

Luke frowned at him, then back at his fiancee. 'I'm getting that abandoned feeling again.'

Corran stood up and stretched. 'Well, how about I take the afternoon combat class and you two disappear for a bit of R and R. Then I won't feel so guilty about leaving.'

'Liar,' smiled Mara. 'You just don't want me to show you up again.'

'Could be.' Corran winked at her. 'Do you want to take up my offer or would you rather throw me about in front of a bunch of students.'

Luke quickly put his hand over Mara's mouth to silence her next quip. 'We'd love an afternoon off. Thank you.'

Mara stuck her tongue out and Luke yanked his hand away. 'Yuk!' he said. 'Mara!'

Mara glared at him. 'Next time you do that, I'll bite.'

They decided a return visit to 'their' lake was called for, and were soon touching down in the same clearing they had landed in on their previous visit. The shuttle ramp hissed open and Luke came down carrying a slightly dented metal box in one hand and two large towels in the other. This side of the planet was still in darkness and Luke pulled out a glow rod and let the light play over the nearby jungle. Not so much as a leaf rustled.

Mara followed him down the ramp, then closed and sealed it. She moved up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on his shoulder. 'Found anything?'

Luke turned slightly to look at her. 'Why don't you tell me? Stretch out with the Force and tell me if there's anything nearby we should be worried about.'

Mara rolled her eyes. 'Don't you ever take any time off, Skywalker?'

'Nope. And this is a good exercise, with us standing so close together.'

Mara tightened her grip round his chest, closed her eyes and stretched her Force sense towards the surrounding jungle. Luke's immediate presence was very distracting, but she could still make out the small animals and insects that surrounded her. 'I can't sense anything dangerous,' she finally said.

Luke turned in her arms and pulled her into an embrace. 'Me neither. So I guess we're safe to have our little picnic.'

They walked hand-in-hand towards the lake, not talking, only enjoying each others' presence. As it came into view, they both paused, drinking in the picture. The lake was so still, it almost looked like it was made of transparisteel. The temple at one end shone stark white in the moonlight. The only sound was the rustling of the closed flowers and grasses that surrounded the water.

Mara took in a deep breath and smiled. 'I used to hate this moon with a vengeance. I quite like it now.'

Luke pulled her in for a hug as they walked towards the temple. 'I have to admit it improves dramatically when you're around.' He kissed her forehead. 'Why don't you go for a swim while I get a fire going.'

'Sure,' said Mara. 'Any excuse to get the girl naked, hmmmm?'

'Not at all. You could always keep your clothes on.'

'Yeah, right.' Mara stripped off her clothes and dropped them just inside the temple entrance as Luke started to pile some wood in the centre of the room. He thumbed on his lightsaber and carefully touched the tip to the dry wood until the fire crackled into life. Then he walked back towards the entrance and leaned against the wall, feeling a little voyeuristic as he watched Mara power her way through the water, leaving very little wake. Her long strokes mesmerised him and he had to remind himself to blink when she reached the far bank and turned to swim back towards him.

She stopped a few meters short of the temple when she spotted him watching her. 'Are you coming in then, farmboy?'

'I don't think so. Looks cold.'

'You are such a coward, Skywalker. It's not that bad.'

'I'll just go fetch you a towel, shall I?'

Mara grinned. 'I could make you come in.'

'No way. You can't make me do anything I don't...' His voice trailed off as Mara lay on her back and floated gently, arms and legs spread, her skin glistening in the moonlight. As she wriggled slightly, tiny waves lapped over her body. The urge to leap into the water beside her was almost overwhelming, and it took some time for Luke to force his eyes closed and try a Jedi calming technique. It didn't work. Neither did the second. The third managed to slow his heartbeat and breathing back to normal, until he opened his eyes and saw her, still floating. Then he was back to square one.

'Are you coming in yet?'

Luke swallowed and squeezed his eyes shut again. This was a battle of wills, and she'd been winning too many of those recently. Time to even the score. He forced himself to calm down, remembering to keep his eyes closed this time. 'I've got your towel.' He could feel her annoyance over their Force bond; she was mighty ticked off. He was just wondering if that had been such a wise move, when he realised that she was out of the water and heading for the temple. He opened his eyes just in time to see her walking through the entrance, water still dripping off her, leaving tiny puddles in her wake. The sight of her naked body lit only by the flickering firelight as she prowled towards him sent him back into spasms of longing, and he realised the wall was the only thing keeping him vertical.

Mara stopped just in front of him, not quite touching. She had thought she'd had him; she really thought he was going to leap into the water with her. Maybe he would have been calm enough to take his clothes off first, but she couldn't believe he would actually be able to resist her like that. She looked a little closer. There was a definite bulge in his trousers, his knuckles were white where they gripped the wall behind him, and his bare arms were covered in a light sheen of sweat. As her gaze travelled upwards, she noticed him swallowing hard, and when her eyes met his, she knew she had him now. However, he also 'had' her; she was as turned on as he was, and she longed to just pull him onto the stone floor and take him there and then. When their eyes met, Luke could contain himself no longer. He pushed himself off the wall and took her in his arms, his mouth ravishing hers. Her body felt ice-cold against the heat of his arms and he pulled her further into his embrace. He was about to scoop her up and find somewhere more comfortable, when she pushed him back against the wall, breaking their kiss so she could pull his t-shirt out of the waistband of his trousers.

'What is it about this place that just makes me want to jump you, Skywalker.'

Luke stripped off his t-shirt and pulled her in for another kiss. 'I have no idea. But I like it. We should come here more often.'

'Maybe it has something to do with the dark side,' mumbled Mara, breathing heavily as Luke kissed and sucked at her neck. 'Maybe there's some dead Sith Lord haunting this place, and this is how he gets his kicks.'

Luke stopped his ministrations and looked into her eyes. 'You have GOT to be joking, Jade.' She leaned into him for a quick open-mouthed kiss. 'Of course.' Another kiss. 'We'd have felt it before now.' A longer kiss. 'Got you going though, farmboy.'

//Yes, you've definitely got me going// said Luke over their bond, as he divested himself of the rest of his clothing. //Now what are you going to do about it?//

Mara pressed herself up against him, her hands reaching down to squeeze his butt as she kissed and nipped at his neck. //What do you suggest I do, Skywalker?//

Luke lifted her up into his arms and turned to face the wall. Mara realised what he was planning and braced herself for the feeling of cold wall against her back, but it never came. Luke took a couple of steps, then she felt as though there was a pillow behind her, cushioning her from the wall. She turned her head slightly and realised that although her back felt like it was pressed against something solid, she was actually slightly out from the wall. //Isn't this unnecessary use of the Force, Luke// she asked, closing her eyes and throwing her head back as he took one of her nipples into his mouth.

//I can hold you against the wall, if you like//

//No thanks// She shuddered a little as he entered her, and her legs automatically hooked together behind him. She reopened her eyes to see him watching her carefully. She smiled and leaned in for a kiss as he slowly started to move inside her. //I love you//

He broke the kiss and touched his forehead to hers, their gaze meeting under long lashes. //You're only saying that because I'm screwing you senseless//

She tightened her inner muscles around him and captured his moan in a kiss. //Could be// She felt herself being gently pinned to the 'wall' as he moved faster, and had to control the urge to sink her teeth into his shoulder. He shifted her slightly higher in his arms and suddenly she felt as if she were falling into an abyss of pleasure; she barely heard Luke shout her name as they both climaxed.

He lowered her to the ground, onto slightly shaky legs; Mara's arms were still round his neck and she leaned in for a long, lazy kiss.

'What are you thinking?' she asked.

Luke smiled at her, his eyes drifting all over her face, memorising her every feature. 'How much I love you. How beautiful you are.' His stomach growled. 'And how hungry I am. Can we eat now?'

Later that evening Luke shut down the comm station in his office and stretched out the muscles in his back. He glanced at the chrono on his wrist, then did a double take as he realised how late it was. So much for spending a quiet evening with Mara.

//Luke? Are you finished working yet?//

He smiled at the sound of her voice. //Pretty much// he replied. //Where are you?//

//On the roof. Care to join me?//

//Sure// The sound of her voice and the happiness in his heart gave him an extra little energy boost, and he jumped out of his chair.

//Bring a blanket. It's getting cold//

He spotted her sitting on the far side of the temple roof, her knees pulled up to her chest, her loose hair blowing about in the breeze. Her chin was resting on her knees and her face was colored red and gold from the distant sunset. He felt a lump form in his throat as he realised how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. How could he have missed her under his nose all these years? He crossed his arms and just stood quietly, drinking her in.

Mara smiled but didn't look around. 'Come on, Skywalker. Where's that blanket? I'm starting to freeze here.'

He walked over and sat down behind her, bracketing her body with his arms and legs, pulling the blanket around them both. She turned slightly to smile up at him and he leaned in for a gentle kiss. 'What possessed you to come up here?' he asked. 'You're cold.'

She shrugged and turned back to watch the sunset. 'Feeling a bit stressed out, I guess. And in all the times I've been here, I've never watched the sun set. It's beautiful.'

He hugged her closer and nuzzled her neck. 'Not as beautiful as you.'

'That is such a corny line, Skywalker.' She tilted her head to one side, allowing him more access to her neck.

'It's true.' He dutifully kissed it, then pulled the blanket tighter round them and rested his head on her shoulder. 'I'm going to miss you.'

Mara sighed. 'And I'll miss you. Let's just bury ourselves in work and we'll be together in no time.'

'I suppose so.'

She leaned back into his embrace and closed her eyes, heightening her other senses. She could feel every muscle in his arms as they tightened round her, she could smell his distinctive scent, and she could feel his thoughts and emotions over their Force bond. 'I love you.' Luke squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face in her hair. 'You have no idea how happy I feel every time I hear you say that.'

'Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea.'

They sat in companionable silence for a while as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, turning the sky a deeper red.

'Leia's going to have another go at me about the wedding, isn't she,' said Mara.

Luke nodded. 'She did say something about setting a date when I spoke to her this morning.' 'So what should I tell her.'

'I already told her I'm working on it.'

Mara turned to look at him. 'You're working on it?'

Luke smiled. 'Okay, Tionne's working on it. She said something about a Jedi bonding ceremony in the records. She's trying to get more details, but until we know what ceremony to use, we can't set a definite date.'

'I hope this ceremony doesn't involve half the New Republic being present.'

'I'm sure it won't. From what I can gather, the old Jedi kept their ceremonies very private. I can't see why this one would be any different.'

Mara smiled. 'We could always "tweak" the histories a little to see it isn't.'

'I hope you're kidding,' said Luke.

'Maybe.' She kissed him. 'It's getting dark. Let's go to bed.'

Chapter 7 - Back to Coruscant

The shuttle touched down on the landing platform late afternoon, local time. Corran and Mara had decided to travel back to Coruscant together, leaving Luke the X-wing, much to his delight. Corran peered out the forward viewport. 'No-one to meet us.'

Mara finished off the shut-down before turning to face him. 'Who were you expecting? Mirax?' Corran shook his head. 'Valin's not well. She's probably still at home nursing him.' He stood up and went to pick up both their bags. 'I just thought Leia or Han or even Threepio would have been here to say hello. To you, at least.'

Mara shrugged and lowered the exit ramp. 'Luke told them what time we were due in. I guess they're just busy. It's all this running the galaxy stuff. Takes up a lot of time.'

'Are you going round to visit them?'

'Nope. Just going to Luke's place to steel myself for tomorrow.'

Corran handed her her bag. 'So, have you decided if you are going to speak to them? The media, that is.'

Mara locked the shuttle and set the alarm. 'I'm going to talk to Leia and Han before I decide. They've got more experience of this type of thing than me.'

Corran waved down a passing transport and picked up their bags again as it bobbed to a halt in front of them. 'Can I drop you off?' He hoisted their bags in the back then held the door for Mara.

She smiled and climbed in. 'I'm in no particular hurry. Let's get you back to your wife and son first.'

Mara dropped her flightbag outside Luke's door and was just reaching for the palm-scanner, when she paused. She could sense someone in the apartment. She slowed her breathing and stretched out with the Force, trying to identify the intruder. Two seconds later she blew out a sigh and slapped her hand on the scanner irritably. The door slid open and Mara stomped into the room, throwing her bag on the floor. 'You can come out now, Leia. I know you're here.'

Leia's head popped round the kitchen door. 'At last. You're back. Come on, I've cooked.' She disappeared again.

Mara frowned and followed her into the kitchen. 'What's going on?'

Leia opened the cooker door and pulled out a plate which she quickly set on the worktop. 'Ow. Hot,' she said, sucking her fingers. 'Marinated mina fish and vegetables. Eat. We're going out.'

Mara stopped as she reached for a fork. 'I'm not going anywhere. Haven't you got other friends to get drunk with?'

Leia smiled. 'Of course I have. We're meeting them in less than an hour.' She gestured to the steaming plate. 'So you'd better get started.'

Mara speared a piece of the fish and waved it at Leia. 'I already told you. I'm not going out. I'm tired, I've got a heap of work to do...'

'Do it later,' interrupted Leia, folding her arms. 'Because after I announce your engagement tomorrow you're not going to get peace to go out at all. So you might as well make the most of your last night of freedom before all hell breaks loose.'

Mara seemed to shrink a little as she chewed on her fish thoughtfully. 'Do you really think it's going to be that bad?'

Leia nodded. 'I hope you don't mind, but I've let a few people in on the secret early. I thought I'd better get some advice.' She counted the names off on her fingers. 'Iella and Wedge - you already told them. Iella suggested you might even need a bodyguard. Mirax Horn said she would go into hiding in your shoes. Han doesn't trust any of the media, and has offered to smuggle in blasters to the conference. General Bel Iblis reckons that now the war is officially over, the media have nothing better to do than to hound you and Luke. Karrde is ready to sue anyone on your behalf. Mon Mothma just put her head in her hands and groaned.' Leia smiled. 'And Lando says "Good Luck".'

Mara swallowed. 'That bad?'

Leia nodded. 'That bad.'

'And what is your opinion?'

Leia looked down at the floor before meeting her friend's eyes. 'If I'm totally honest, I'm more worried about the people who still cling to the Emperor's memory. I can't see them taking the news very well.' She tried to smile but it became more of a grimace. 'But I may just be feeling paranoid.'

Mara pushed some of the vegetables around her plate, deep in thought. Finally she stabbed one with rather more force than was necessary. 'That bastard controlled my life for the best part of twenty years.' She looked up at Leia, her eyes burning. 'I'm not going to let him or his minions dictate how I run my life now. Nor am I going to put up with a bunch of reporters who should get themselves a proper job instead of making everyone else's lives a misery.' Leia smiled. 'Glad to hear it.'

Mara scooped up a few more mouthfuls of fish, before setting down her fork. 'I'm going to get changed. We're going out.'

Following Leia's lead of 'casual dress' (dark green pants, a baggy light green blouse), Mara came out of the bedroom wearing tan pants, a white vest-top, and a black jacket. Her usual knee-length boots had been replaced by brown ankle-boots and her lightsaber swung at her belt. She had brushed out her hair and was re-braiding it as she walked. 'Okay, let's go.' Leia's speeder was parked outside the building next door and they had soon settled into the steady flow of Coruscant traffic.

'Where are we going?' asked Mara.

'Wine bar at the top of the Senate building,' Leia replied. She glanced at her passenger and winked. 'It's new. Not many people know it's actually open.'

'You mentioned drinking buddies?'

Leia smiled. 'You'll see when we get there.' She pulled out of the traffic stream and into the basement hanger of the Senate building. The overhead scanner moved over the speeder, forwards then backwards, but the heavy door in front of them still did not raise.

A guard droid zipped out of a nearby wall-niche and hovered beside Leia's door. Its number, JC-45, was emblazoned across its chest and the two laser weapons mounted on its shoulders swivelled to face Leia and Mara. 'You are clear to enter, Counsellor Organa Solo, but your companion must provide identification and all weapons must be checked in.'

Mara raised an eyebrow at Leia. 'I see they've stepped up security around here.'

Leia just winked then turned back towards the droid. 'Protocol four-six-seven.'

The droid's eyes dimmed slightly and the shoulder weapons drooped. Leia pulled a small datacard out of one pocket, popped it into a slot on the droid's abdomen, then pulled it out again. JC-45 slowly came back to life, feeling slightly confused. He rewound his short-term memory. Oh, yes. The occupants of the speeder were authorized and had no weapons. He powered down his own weapons and sped back to his little alcove.

Seconds later the hanger door rose up and Leia nudged the speeder forwards as Mara stared at her incredulously.

'Correct me if I'm wrong,' said Mara, 'but didn't you just do something illegal?' Leia parked the speeder and hopped out. 'I know, I know. Those JCs can be so pedantic sometimes.' She smacked her own hand. 'Bad Leia.'

'I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, I'm just surprised at you.'

Leia grinned. 'That's the idea!' They stepped into a nearby turbo-lift and Leia keyed in the top floor.

'So how and why?' asked Mara.

'How? Ghent still owes me a few favors. Why? Because Han insisted. He doesn't like either of us coming in here unarmed out of hours.'

'And if you're found out?'

Leia shrugged. 'I know of several other members who manage to sneak weapons in. I'm sure we'd all be told off and then they'd pass some new law.'

'So what's the point of all the security?'

'To keep out trouble-makers like you.'

Mara's retort died on her lips as the door swished open. Directly opposite the lift door, on the opposite side of the room, was a large, semi-circular sofa with a table in the middle and two empty chairs opposite. Of the three occupants, one was content to smile while the other two were waving madly.

'At last,' yelled Iella Antilles. 'You're both here.'

'Happy engagement party!' That was Mirax Horn.

'I thought our last outing was my engagement party,' hissed Mara, as she and Leia made their way over to the table.

'Nothing in the rules says you're only allowed one engagement party,' replied Leia.

Two hours later, and the collection of empty glasses on the table was threatening to overwhelm them.

'Does that waiter droid never take away the empties?' asked Iella, waving frantically towards the droid behind the bar.

Mirax contemplated the teaspoon of liquid at the bottom of her glass before throwing it down her throat. 'I think you have to ask him.'

Iella frowned at her friend. 'Now you tell me.' She turned to Winter, who was sitting on her left, delicately sipping a non-alcoholic cocktail. 'And I don't suppose you thought to tell me, either.'

'You never asked.'

The waiter droid hovered to a halt behind Mirax. 'Clear the table then bring another round,' said Iella.

'I don't need another drink,' commented Winter. 'I'll just end up running to the 'fresher every five minutes.'

'Well, that's your own fault,' replied Iella, patting Winter's slightly expanded stomach.

'Tycho might have had something to do with it,' said Mirax with a wink.

'I should hope so,' said Leia. She turned to Winter, her mouth twitching as she tried to keep a straight face. 'It is Tycho's baby, isn't it?'

'Of course,' replied Winter, coolly. 'I still have an excellent memory, and there are some things you never forget.'

'Of course, a holographic memory,' said Mirax. 'I could really use one of those.'

'Yeah,' said Iella. 'Like, "remember that time you came in drunk and fell sound asleep on the floor, while I was waiting for you" - you could drag them across the coals every argument.' She realised the other four were staring at her. 'What?'

'Is there something you want to share with us?' asked Leia, still trying not to smile. 'Is Wedge not keeping you... ummmmm ... happy?'

Everyone except Iella burst out laughing. 'That wasn't what I meant, and you know it, Princess.'

'Well, you know what they say about pilots,' said Mara.

'Which particular saying is this,' asked Mirax. 'I can think of a few.'

'And don't forget we're all married to pilots,' said Leia. She leaned over and gently prodded Mara in the shoulder. 'Including you.'

'Not married yet,' replied Mara. 'And he's an ex-pilot. Jedi Master now.'

'Never mind arguing over rank,' said Iella impatiently. 'I want to know what they say about pilots.'

Mara shrugged. 'They say that the size of their ... ummmm ... manhood is inversely related to the size of the ship they fly.'

There was a moment's silence as they all worked it out.

'You mean, little ship, big...'

'Exactly,' said Mara, cutting Iella off.

Iella exchanged glances with Mirax and Winter. 'Don't get much smaller than an X-wing!' she exclaimed gleefully. All three turned to look at Leia.

'I am here to personally repuniate ... repudial ... deny that so-called fact,' said Leia, eventually. 'The Falcon is a big ship and Han Solo is a "big" man.' She threw back what was left of her drink and banged the glass back down on the table.

'She's right,' said Winter. She immediately had their full attention, especially Leia's. 'What? I shared their apartment when the twins were born and he does have a tendency to wander about wearing very little.'

'Yup,' said Iella, 'it's a Corellian thing. Correction - a male Corellian thing.'

'Wandering about half-naked is not confined to Corellian males,' said Mara. 'I think they all do it.'

Winter raised an eyebrow. 'Not Luke, surely.'

Mara nodded, sipping her drink. 'On Coruscant he's always wearing his robes, or his blacks, or a flight-suit. Any time he has to do the slightest bit of exercise, off comes the shirt.' 'Corran does that too,' said Mirax. 'He says lightsaber practice makes him hot.'

Mara regarded her skeptically. 'I manage to keep my top on.'

'So what else do they say about pilots, then?' asked Leia.

Mirax thought for a minute. 'Number of kill markers equals number of ... ummm ... female conquests.'

'Hah!' exclaimed Iella. 'There's hardly any room for paint on Wedge's X-wing, and I can't think of one other woman, apart from the blue bimbo.'

'The blue bimbo?' said Mara.

'Qwi Xux,' whispered Leia. 'Iella did not take that relationship too well.'

'On the contrary, Leia. I was very restrained.'

'You mean you left him to it,' said Mirax. 'Corran told him he was an idiot. Perhaps you should have said something too.'

Iella regarded her friend. 'We've been through this before, Mirax. Corran was biased. He was always trying to set Wedge and I up.' She sighed. 'I couldn't go up to him and say "your girlfriend's an idiot" and then expect him to say "hey, you're right" and dump her.'

Mara leaned back in her seat. 'You could always have a word with the girlfriend.'

'I take it you are talking from personal experience,' said Winter.

Leia's eyes narrowed. 'Callista. What did you say to her?'

Mara shrugged, a slight smile playing over her lips. 'Nothing. Well, not much. I suppose I kind of threatened her.'

'I never met her,' said Mirax. 'What was she like?'

'Needy, insecure, self-absorbed, paranoid...'

'Sounds familiar,' muttered Iella.

'Oh, come on Mara,' said Leia. 'She wasn't that bad.'

Mara glared at Leia. 'Yes she was.'

Leia merely shook her head. 'She was kind of like that around Luke. But on her own, she was okay.'

'She wasn't right for your brother, and you knew it.'

'Are you sure there wasn't a hint of jealousy clouding your judgements?' asked Winter.

'Nope. We were friends, that was it. He couldn't seem to get his head straight after all that dark-side stuff, so I avoided him. But Callista just seemed to make him worse.'

The five friends sat in silence for a moment.

'This has got to be the most depressing engagement party I've ever been to,' said Mirax, waving to the waiter droid to get another round of drinks.

'Listen to you,' said Iella. 'You didn't even have an engagement party. You're not supposed to announce you're married two seconds after you get engaged.'

'So,' said Winter, 'apart from insulting previous girlfriends, what are you supposed to do at an engagement party?'

'That's easy,' said Leia. 'We, as the married ladies, have to inform Mara, the innocent maiden, of her wifely duties.' She waited for the gales of laughter to subside.

'Innocent?!' said Iella.

'Maiden?!' said Mirax.

'Wifely duties?!?' exclaimed Mara. 'What wifely duties?'

'Actually, I was never totally clear on that part,' said Leia. 'I think you're supposed to cook for them or something. I never had time for any of that. Han did the housework thing while I did the running-the-galaxy thing.'

'We're both terrible cooks,' replied Mara. 'And he's tidier than me, so he can do the cleaning. What else is there?'

'Shop for him,' suggested Mirax. 'Men have no taste.'

'Do that already,' replied Mara. 'Only reason he no longer has a wardrobe full of black clothes.'

'I think we're supposed to nurse them when they're sick or injured,' said Iella.

'Yes,' agreed Mirax, 'and you can be sure he'll milk it for every drop of sympathy he can get.'

The others nodded in agreement.

'If Han gets the slightest sniffle,' said Leia, 'he takes to his bed and has me fetching hot drinks and mopping his fevered brow all day. Just as well he doesn't get ill very often, or the Rebellion would never have succeeded.'

More nodding.

'But have you noticed that they seem to be miraculously better by the time you go to bed?' said Iella.

'And full of energy,' added Leia.

'I'm sorry,' said Mara, 'I'm not doing any of that stuff. He can stick himself in a healing trance and get on with it. If he's really badly injured, I'll fetch the bacta tank. At least you don't have to listen to them whine when they're in that.'

'That's not very sympathetic,' commented Winter, smiling.

Mara shrugged. 'I've seen Skywalker injured more times than I care to remember. He's used up all my sympathy.'

'He does have a tendency to get himself in a bit of state,' said Leia. 'Do you remember what he was like when we pulled him off the "Eye of Palpatine"?'

'Ugh. That was pretty horrific,' agreed Mara. 'Or there was that time on Almania when he fought that Kueller guy. He looked half-dead then.'

Leia nodded. 'So what did he injure on that last mission?'

'Nothing really,' replied Mara. 'Lots of scrapes, cuts, minor burns. But no limbs dropping off. Actually, it was me who got shot.'

'Really,' said Leia, leaning a little closer towards her, 'and who was shooting at you?'

'Not nice, Leia,' said Mara, waving a finger at her. 'You're fishing for information again.' Leia sat back with a 'humph'. 'Can't blame me for trying.'

Mara rolled her eyes. 'So, what else am I supposed to do?'

Iella exchanged a glance with Mirax. 'Well, he is going to want to sleep with you...' She grabbed Mara's hand and gazed at her dramatically. 'You are going to wait until you're married, aren't you? Please tell me you'll wait...'

Mara raised an eyebrow at her, trying to ignore the others' snorts of laughter.

'Oh, Gods,' said Leia, wiping away a tear, 'please don't get her started on sex. There are some things that a sister should never know about her brother.'

'Rubbish,' said Mirax, waving to the droid for another round of drinks. 'I want details.'

Iella dropped Mara's hand. 'You mean she's not going to wait until her wedding night! The shame...'

Mirax poked her in the shoulder. 'You didn't wait. In fact, I heard a rumour that you succumbed to Antilles' charms after one kiss.'

'My lips are sealed,' said Iella. 'I'm saying nothing.'

'That's a sure sign of guilt,' muttered Leia, winking at Mara.

Mirax's attention immediately focused on Leia. 'And what about you, Mrs Solo? I doubt that Corellian pirate left you untouched until your wedding night.'

'And I'll bet she couldn't keep her hands off him either,' said Mara.

Leia shrugged. 'We were a couple for more than four years before we got married. What do you think?'

Mirax exchanged a glance with Mara. 'I think she didn't last the first week.'

Mara nodded. 'If that.'

'Now my lips are sealed,' laughed Leia.

'And you, Mara,' said Winter, 'I believe we are waiting for details?'

'What details?' asked Mara. 'When? How? Why?!'

'Oh, I think we can probably figure out the why,' said Mirax, smiling. 'But you could always let us in on the rest!'

'I don't think so,' said Mara.

'Well, they were on that little ship for nine days before they got back here,' said Winter. 'Nine days!' exclaimed Iella. 'You and Luke, on your own, for nine days. Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't sleep with him.'

Mara sipped her drink. 'We weren't on our own. Artoo was there.'

'That's okay,' said Leia, 'I can get him to give me a report.'

Mara's hand shot out and grabbed Leia's wrist. 'Don't even think about it, Leia.'

Leia raised an eyebrow. 'I think we have our answer, ladies.'

Mara let go of Leia's wrist, and even managed a smile as the others laughed.

'Right,' said Mirax. 'We have the why and the when. What about the how?'

'Yeah,' agreed Iella. 'Is he any good?'

Leia put her hands over her ears. 'I'm not listening.' She started humming to herself.

Mara contemplated her drink for a moment, turning it this way and that, letting it catch the light. Finally she drained the glass and looked up at her expectant audience. 'He's good. Very good. Best I've ever had.'

The volume of Leia's humming grew a bit louder.

Mirax leaned towards Mara. 'Do you ever use the Force?'

Mara crossed her arms over her chest. 'Sometimes. Although we know we shouldn't really. Why? Does Corran use it?'

Mirax put her head on one side. 'Occasionally he puts pictures in my head. And it helps him ... ummm ... recover.' She grinned. 'Tell me he's not going to go over to the dark side.' Mara smiled. 'No, I think you're quite safe.'

'Well, I think it's all very overrated,' said Iella. 'Wedge doesn't need to read my mind to know what I want. I just tell him.'

'Yes,' agreed Winter. 'It's another pilot thing. They like to be ... given the co-ordinates, rather than left guessing.'

Leia removed her hands from her ears when she saw the others laughing hysterically. 'What did I miss?'

The turbolift doors opened and Han Solo entered the dimly-lit bar to the sound of gales of laughter. He rolled his eyes and started walking towards them. Please don't let Leia be as drunk as she was the last time she spent an evening with Mara.

Iella was the first to spot him. 'Han!'

Leia turned towards him and held out her arms. 'My darling! I've missed you.'

He put a hand over his eyes and groaned. 'How did I get landed with taking you lot home?'

'Guess you were just lucky, Solo,' replied Mara, smacking his butt.

He looked suitably shocked, then laughed when Leia said, 'He's mine. Get your own.'

'Come on, ladies,' he said, helping Leia up. 'Time to go.'

Chapter 8 - the Reunion

The outcry after Leia's media conference had been absolutely horrendous. Mara found herself under siege in Luke's apartment, barely able to get out without being mobbed by reporters. When she started receiving death threats, Leia insisted on door guards, much to Mara's chagrin. After less than a week, she was contacting Talon Karrde, begging him to get her off-planet. The five standard weeks she spent travelling with Shada made her feel much better. Finally she felt there was someone she trusted with Karrde's business, as well as his life. She had always believed in Shada's physical abilities, but now the woman was also developing an acute business sense. And, of course, Mara always felt more at home among the stars than on any planet. She still missed Luke dreadfully, but resisted the urge to visit Yavin, as she and Shada had way too many other stops to make.

But now she was finally on her way back to Coruscant, and Luke would be arriving tomorrow. She allowed herself a small smile as she checked the instruments, ready for the reversion to sublight engines.

Shada came into the cockpit, pulling on a jacket. 'How long now?' She sat in the co-pilot's seat and started pulling on the restraints.

'Eleven minutes.' Mara pulled on her own restraints and smiled across at her friend. 'When's Karrde due in?'

Shada's face remained impassive. 'He should be there by now.' She saw Mara's smile widen. 'What?'

Mara shrugged and turned back to the instrument panel. 'Nothing.'

Shada started checking her own instruments. 'I told you already, Mara. Talon Karrde and I are not having an affair.'

'Did I say anything about that?'

'You didn't have to. I've got a pretty good idea of what goes on in that dirty little mind of yours.'

Mara laughed out loud. 'Fine. I'll stop mentioning it.' She fell silent as she watched the counter, before pulling back on the hyperdrive levers. The starlines coalesced back into stars and the huge orange ball that was Coruscant floated into view. Mara concentrated as she piloted the ship towards one of Coruscant's huge ground-based space docks.

She flipped on the comm. 'Coruscant Control, this is Captain Jade in the 'Calling Karrde'. Permission to land please.'

'Captain Jade, you are clear for Platform 467-F. Please follow your present course.'

'Thanks, Control.' Mara flipped the comm back off. 'I'm going to have to speak to Karrde about his methods for naming ships. It's not funny any more.'

'He thinks it is,' replied Shada.

They brought the ship in to land, and neither were surprised to see Karrde striding towards them as soon as the repulsors were off. Mara came down the ramp first, closely followed by Shada.

'At last,' said Karrde, throwing his hands up expansively. 'My two favourite ladies have arrived.'

Mara and Shada exchanged glances, before standing on either side of Karrde in flanking positions, their hands on their blasters.

Karrde looked at each of them in turn. 'What, no kiss hello?'

Mara shot him an amused, if slightly venomous look. 'Have you been drinking, Karrde?'

'Not yet,' he replied. He looked pointedly at Mara. 'Actually, it should be me and Shada flanking you. You're more in danger than either of us.'

Mara frowned at him. 'The media? They haven't given up?'

Karrde shook his head. 'It quietened down a bit after you left, but there's still quite a mob outside Skywalker's apartment building.' He motioned Shada to move to Mara's other side. 'And Leia told me there have been more death threats.'

Mara groaned and put her hand over her eyes. 'Great. I don't need this right now.'

She felt Karrde's hand on her arm; his touch was gentle, but his voice was strong. 'Deal with it, Mara. I can't believe you didn't expect this when you agreed to marry him in the first place.'

She dropped her hand and met his gaze. 'I was kind of preoccupied at the time.'

Karrde's speeder pulled up outside Luke's building, and sure enough, a whole crowd of reporters and cameramen had taken up residence on the opposite side of the street, held back by security guards. Mara pointedly ignored their shouts as the three of them made their way inside.

'You don't have to come up, you know,' she said.

'Leia's up there,' replied Karrde. 'I said I'd take you to the door, and I will.'

'Fine,' said Mara, frowning. 'Gods, I hope they get fed up soon. I can't live like this.'

'They will,' said Karrde as they entered the turbolift. 'Just don't give them anything to gossip about.'

Mara snorted. 'Like they won't make stuff up anyway.' The doors closed and the lift shot upwards.

When they arrived at Luke's apartment, Mara was pleasantly surprised to find no Security guard on the door. She slapped her hand on the scanner, then took a step backwards as the door zipped open to reveal a Noghri warrior on the other side.

Leia appeared behind him. 'Mara, you're home! Welcome back. I see you've met Dromarkh.' Mara looked down at the grey-skinned being. He bared his pointed teeth at her; Mara wasn't sure whether this was in greeting or as a warning. 'How many of these guys have you got guarding you these days?'

'He's not for me.' Leia tapped Dromarkh on the shoulder and he quietly moved to stand guard outside the door. 'He's your new bodyguard.'

Mara glowered at Leia as she followed her into the apartment with Karrde and Shada. 'I'm Jedi. I don't need a bodyguard. And I don't think Luke will be very pleased to find him here, either.'

Leia turned to face her, her hands on her hips. 'Luke knows. You're right; he wasn't too happy at first. And as I said to him, I don't doubt that you can handle any trouble. But I'd rather avoid trouble in the first place, and Dromarkh is a damn good deterrent.'

Mara flopped into the nearest sofa and frowned at Leia. 'Deterrent, huh?'

Leia nodded. 'He'll live next door, but he'll stay out of the way. You'll hardly notice him.' 'I'm not happy about this.'

'I'd guessed that,' replied Leia.

Mara glowered in the direction of the now-closed door. 'Fine. He can stay. Until I say he goes.'

'Great,' replied Leia, shooing Karrde and Shada towards the door. 'We'll leave you in peace.' Just as she reached the door, she turned back. 'By the way, Wedge and Iella are throwing a party tomorrow evening. Their place, nineteen hundred hours. Your presence is compulsory.' Mara nodded. 'Casual or formal?'

Leia shrugged. 'Somewhere inbetween. We're going dancing later.' She smiled. 'Let's see how good you are at getting my brother to wear something other than black.'

The following morning saw Mara impatiently pacing up and down the main room of the apartment, waiting for Leia, Han and Chewie to show up. She had tossed and turned all night, and hadn't managed to eat much breakfast, so now she was feeling very irritable. She glared at the door every time she passed it, reminded of the Noghri warrior stationed outside. Finally the door buzzed and Mara rushed over to open it.

'Good morning,' said Leia, cheerfully. 'Are you ready to go meet your intended?'

Mara grabbed a jacket from the sofa and shrugged it on. 'Let's go.'

Han came in behind Leia. 'Feeling a little impatient, Mara dear?'

'Can it, Solo.' Mara glared at him. 'I'm just fed up being stuck in this apartment.'

He shook his head and looked down at his wife. 'She's got it bad, hasn't she.'

Leia playfully punched his arm. 'Just ignore him,' she said to Mara. 'He's been in a funny mood since he heard about Wedge's party.'

A huge smile split Han Solo's face. 'I don't have to dress up!'

Leia rolled her eyes, and Mara shooed them out of the door. She glared at Dromarkh as she secured the door. 'You are staying right here.'

Leia crossed her arms. 'A bodyguard is supposed to guard your body, not your rooms, Mara.'

Mara gave her the patented Mara Jade don't-be-an-idiot look. 'You, me, Han and Chewie. And we'll have Luke on the way back. I think we can handle pretty much anything, don't you?'

They arrived at the nearest Space Docks twenty minutes later, and Leia called up the Control Tower on her comlink. Mara fidgeted impatiently as Leia spoke.

'Well?' said Mara, as Leia turned the comlink off.

Leia smiled knowingly. 'We made it just in time. Bay 649-A. He's due in any time now.'

Mara leaned forward and tapped Han on the shoulder. 'You heard the lady. 649-A. Let's get a move on.'

Chewie whuffed a quiet laugh as Han powered up the speeder and pulled back into the traffic, muttering something about 'strong women'.

They pulled up just inside the hanger bay and Han helped Mara and Leia out of the speeder. 'Chewie and me'll wait outside. Don't want anyone to crash the party.'

Leia nodded and watched them leave, before turning back to Mara. 'I'll wait outside, too.' She smiled. 'He's all yours.'

Mara took Leia's hands in her own and gave them a gentle squeeze. 'Thanks, Leia. I appreciate it.'

Leia nodded once more, before leaving to join her husband in the sunshine outside, just as a roar of sublight engines indicated the approach of a ship.

Mara leaned on the speeder as she watched the X-wing cruise into the hanger and land gently on its skids. Her insides were churning as she remembered how long they'd been apart. She'd kept herself busy, but it still seemed like forever. It felt like she was meeting a stranger again. Would Luke have changed? Would he still feel the same way about her? Would she still feel the same about him? The canopy hissed open and a slow smile spread across Mara's face as she walked towards the snubfighter, her doubts slowly evaporating.

Luke hopped out onto the wing, throwing his helmet and gloves into the cockpit, before pulling a hand through his hair.

'Hi there, flyboy.'

'Mara!' Luke jumped down and ran to her, pulling her into a tight embrace, before lifting her off the floor and twirling her around. 'I've missed you so much.'

Mara clung to him tightly, even as he set her back on her feet. She buried her face in his neck, revelling in the smell of him, the feel of his arms around her. 'I've missed you, too.' They pulled back and gazed into each others eyes, before coming together in a passionate kiss. Once again they both felt the power of their bond, and for the first time in weeks they felt complete.

Outside, Leia stood between Han and Chewie. 'Han,' she said, her voice noticeably trembling. Han looked down at her, his face full of concern. 'Honey, what's wrong?'

She looked up to meet his gaze, her brown eyes brimming over with tears. 'It's so beautiful. I can feel it.'

He pulled her into his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head. 'Feel what? Is something wrong?'

'No.' Leia's voice was slightly muffled as she buried her face in his shirt. 'Their Force bond, Han. I've never felt it before.'

He smiled and kissed her hair. 'But I take it you can feel it now.'

She nodded and looked up at her husband. 'It's amazing. It's like they were always meant to be together.'

His face became solemn as he wiped away a stray tear with his thumb. 'If you'd married a Jedi, you could have had a bond like that.'

She reached up a hand to caress his face. 'We do have a bond. I've always felt it. And I wouldn't change it for anything.'

He hugged her tightly. 'I know.'

News of the Jedi Master's return to Coruscant had obviously leaked out; when the Solos dropped Luke and Mara back at his apartment building, the number of reporters had multiplied ten-fold. Luke smiled and waved and said 'Thank you' and 'It's nice to be back'. Mara held his hand and tried a small smile but remained silent.

Once inside the foyer, she blew out a breath. 'Gods, they make me so tense!'

'I know,' replied Luke, grinning at her. 'You gonna stop squeezing my fingers any time soon?' 'Sorry,' said Mara, pulling his bruised hand to her lips and kissing it.

The turbolift doors closed behind them and she put her arms round his neck, tilting her face up towards his.

He smiled and kissed her tenderly, pulling her in for a hug. 'I am so looking forward to a nice quiet evening with you.'

'Ah,' frowned Mara, 'slight change of plans. We're going out.'

'No, no, no,' grumbled Luke, 'tell me you're joking.'

'Afraid not,' she replied. 'And it's all your fault.'

'My fault? What did I do?'

'You told Wedge Antilles to throw a party when we were all on the same planet.' She poked him in the chest. 'So it's your fault.'

Luke's grimace turned into a grin. 'A Wedge party? Now that I can handle. What time?'

'Nineteen hundred.'

He pulled her into a tighter embrace. 'Good. We've got the whole afternoon, then.'

Once inside the apartment, Mara went to fetch a couple of cold drinks while Luke removed his boots and flightsuit. He flopped down on the sofa with a sigh. 'Much as I love Yavin, I have to say it's nice to be back on Coruscant.' He smiled when he saw Mara return from the kitchen, a glass in each hand. 'And the view is great.'

Mara couldn't help but smile in return as she sat next to him and handed him a tumbler of juice. 'How's the academy?'

Luke sat up a little and took a long drink. 'As well as can be expected, I suppose. Kyp's back from his little jaunt to the Outer Rim, so I've left him handling some of the students, along with Kam, Tionne and Streen.'

'Ah, Kyp,' replied Mara. 'And how did he take your news?'

Luke sipped his juice. 'Okay, actually. He'd heard about our engagement on the Holonews, so he's had time to get used to the idea. And he's being very deferential to me at the moment, so he's accepting the changes at the academy without a murmur.'

'Deferential? That doesn't sound like Kyp,' replied Mara.

Luke nodded. 'And he seems very sincere about it. Don't know what brought it on or how long it will last.'

Mara smiled, taking both glasses and setting them down on a nearby table, before stretching out next to Luke and snuggling into his chest. 'I don't want to talk about the academy any more.' He kissed her forehead and smiled in return. 'Me neither.'

'That's not like you.' She pulled him in for a hug as he wrapped his arms around her. 'There is something else you might want to talk about,' said Luke, stretching out one arm to pull a datacard out of a pocket on his flightsuit. 'This contains as much information as Tionne and I could dig up on Jedi bonding ceremonies.'

Mara glanced at the datacard before turning back to Luke. 'And?'

'And there appears to have been several variations, so you'll have to read through it all and decide what you'll feel comfortable with.' He smiled gently and pushed a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. 'Mara, I don't think we're going to get away with a small ceremony.'

She reached up a hand to caress his face. 'I'd kind of come to that conclusion myself, given all this media fuss.'

'Are you okay with that?'

Her smile was tight-lipped. 'I suppose I'm going to have to be.'

'Honey, we'll keep it as small as possible, I promise. We'll only invite...'

He was cut off as Mara kissed him soundly. 'Do we have to decide today?'

'No, of course not,' Luke replied, smiling. 'Why? What do you have in mind?'

Mara rolled on top of him, inching her way up his body until they were nose to nose. 'We've been apart longer than we were together. How about we get reacquainted?'

'Reacquainted?' Mara knew the look of confusion that passed over Luke's face was false as soon as she felt his hands creep under her shirt to caress her back. She leaned down to kiss him again, her eyes closed, her tongue pushing into his mouth just as his entered hers. A familiar warm feeling spread throughout her body and their kiss became more intense.

//How about we move this to the bedroom// said Luke over their Force bond.

Mara broke their kiss and stared into his eyes. 'Uncomfortable, Skywalker?' She rubbed her thigh over his growing erection.

'You are a wicked woman, Jade,' growled Luke through gritted teeth. 'Now stop teasing and get your ass in that bedroom.'

Mara pressed her body against his and kissed his chin. 'I love it when you try to be dominant.' Then she was off him and heading for the bedroom, laughing to herself.

'Try!?' replied Luke as he jumped up and followed her at a run. He ran through the door after her, and tackled her onto the bed, pinning her down with his own body. 'There is no try.' He pinned her arms over her head and started kissing her neck.

Mara fought to control her body's reaction to what he was doing. 'You couldn't dominate an ewok, Skywalker.'

Luke held both of her wrists with one hand, using the other to undo the fastenings on the front of her shirt. 'Yeah, sure, whatever you say.'

Mara's eyes squeezed shut and her back arched as his hot mouth found her breasts and he began to lick and suck her nipples. She struggled to free her wrists, but he held them fast. His other hand continued exploring her body, undoing fasteners when he came across them, rubbing her through her clothing where necessary.

'Luke?' Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

He kissed his way back up her body. 'What?' His passion-filled eyes met hers.

'I need to touch you, Luke. To feel you.'

'Sorry. I guess I got carried away.' He let go of her wrists and immediately her hands were at the back of his head, pulling him down for a brain-melting kiss.

Then her hands were under his shirt, caressing his chest and back, feeling the familiar contours of his muscles. She started tugging impatiently on his clothes, stopping only when his eyes met hers once more.

'You ready to get naked, Jade,' he said with a smile.

One of her hands curled through the hair at the back of his neck and she pulled him in for another searing kiss.

'I'll take that as a yes,' he replied as he undressed her slowly. When he had removed the last tiny piece of clothing, he knelt at the edge of the bed, a sigh escaping his lips as his eyes scanned her body. 'Gods, but I've missed you so much, Mara.'

She stretched sensuously, locking eyes with his. 'How come I always end up undressed before you?'

Luke grinned as he started pulling off his clothes. 'I have no idea. Maybe you're an exhibitionist?'

The pillow would have hit him full in the face, but he managed to deflect it at the last moment. He laughed and fell beside her on the bed. 'Gotta be faster than that, Jade.'

'Really?' She shoved him roughly onto his back and sat on his stomach, leaning down to kiss and nip at his chest. 'How fast?'

His hand snaked down her stomach and she lifted off him slightly, allowing him access. 'Very fast.'

She nuzzled into his neck, her teeth gently pulling at his skin as he caressed her clit. 'Oh, Luke.'

He could feel her breath, could hear it become more laboured. Her voice as she whispered his name was an exquisite torture; he wanted to be inside her, but didn't want to stop pleasuring her, not even for a moment. He could tell she was close, very close. Closing his eyes, he called gently on the Force.

Suddenly Mara found a vision in her head, a vision she recognised. It was of herself and Luke, making love at the side of their lake on Yavin as a storm raged around them. It had happened more than six weeks previously, but the memories that the picture stirred were still fresh in her mind. The emotions she felt at the time shot through her now; she arched her back and yelled as her body was hit by a powerful orgasm, before collapsing on top of Luke, gasping for breath.

He rolled her gently on her back, pushing long strands of hair off her face. 'You okay, Mara?'

Her eyes opened to meet his gaze, her chest still heaving. 'You were cheating again, Skywalker.'

'Yeah, sorry.' He smiled, his eyes twinkling. 'It was fun, though.'

She pulled his head towards hers and kissed him deeply. 'I'm not done with you yet.' Her legs guided his hips between hers, then hooked behind him, pulling him in.

He shuddered as he entered her, taking her in his arms, hugging her tightly. Slowly, he started moving in and out, his breathing keeping time with his movements. //Mara?//

She continued to kiss and suck at his neck. //Lost the power of speech again, farmboy?// //I've missed you, my love//

She reached down to caress his butt and pull him in a little deeper, revelling in the gasp that escaped his lips. //So you said//

//I've missed this too// His rhythm increased very slightly as he felt her hands caressing his back. He moved one knee to the outside of her thigh; he knew the altered position would drive her wild. Sure enough, she started writhing and groaning beneath him, and Luke smiled as he leaned in for a kiss, his tongue duelling with hers. //Open your eyes, Mara// He pulled away slightly as her eyes slowly opened, the bright emerald colour all but taken over by the dilated pupils. He watched her carefully as he drove into her with increasing speed, his every thrust met by one of hers. //I love you//

Mara looked into his blue eyes, hearing his thoughts, feeling his emotions. //Tell me again// 'I love you,' he whispered.

That was enough for Mara. She clung to him tightly as every muscle in her body went rigid, her orgasm overtaking her once more. 'Luke!'

He thrust into her a couple more times, then shuddered as his own release threatened to drive the breath from his body. He buried his face in her neck, holding on to her as if he would never let go.

'I love you, Luke Skywalker.'

He looked up to see her smiling at him and he leaned in for a kiss, before rolling off her and drawing her in for a cuddle.

She settled comfortably on his chest, stifling a yawn. 'Leia was right.'

He frowned at the top of her head. 'You've been discussing our sex life with my sister?!'

'Don't be silly,' she replied, running a fingertip over his nipple. 'We were discussing being apart, and she just mentioned that the reunions were fun.'

'She's right about that.'

Mara snuggled in closer and let out another yawn.

'How can you be tired?' asked Luke. 'It's the middle of the afternoon.'

'I didn't sleep very well,' replied Mara, closing her eyes.

'Well, why don't you have a nap and I'll wake you in time for the party.'

She smiled and kissed the nearest piece of flesh. 'Don't you fall asleep then. Leia will be mad if we're late.'

'I won't.' Luke carefully stroked her hair until her gentle breathing indicated she was asleep. He snagged a cover with his free hand, pulled it over them both, and settled down, enjoying the feeling of her lying in his arms. As he gazed down at the red-gold hair spilling over his chest, he smiled and wondered anew how she could possibly feel as strongly for him as he felt for her. Mara Jade. The Emperor's Hand. Even when she had sworn to kill him, he somehow knew she wouldn't. And when she had agreed to marry him, it was as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and finally he knew where the path ahead lay. It lay with her, by her side. His stomach growled but didn't wake her; Luke remembered he hadn't eaten in a while, but he was too comfortable to move. He stroked her hand as it lay on his chest, and kissed the top of her head, smelling her hair. She was wonderful. And she loved him. Could life get any better? His stomach growled again, a bit louder this time. Mara mumbled and swatted at him in her sleep. Better get something to eat. He gently eased Mara onto a pillow and slipped out of the bed, pulling on a robe. He leaned back over her to kiss an exposed shoulder, before pulling the cover further up. 'Love you.'

Chapter 9 - the Antilles' party

Mara woke up to the sound of singing; not terribly tuneful, but still recognisable as singing. Luke was in the shower, obviously enjoying the acoustics as much as the hot water. She stretched languidly on the bed, her toes wriggling as they encountered a shaft of light from the window. Should she go and join Luke in the shower? It was a tempting thought. Just then, the shower shut off and the singing stopped. Mara frowned, realising she had missed her chance. She sat up and pulled on her shirt, before padding silently over to the wardrobe in the corner. Luke came out of the fresher, a white towel around his hips, another over his head as he rubbed his hair. 'I was just about to wake you.'

'That noise you call singing woke me,' said Mara, yanking items out of the closet and flinging them in the general direction of the bed.

Luke stooped down to pick up a dress that had missed its target. 'What are you doing?'

'Deciding what we are going to wear tonight.'

'We?!'

She walked towards him, resisting the urge to snatch away the towel at his waist. 'What were you planning on wearing?'

'Ummm, my blacks?' he said, hopefully.

'No,' replied Mara. 'Definitely not.'

'But I like them. And even you said I look good in black.'

'So do I. But I don't wear it all the time.' She put her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. 'I'll go have a shower, you choose something to wear. Something that's not black.'

He pouted as she walked towards the fresher. 'Can't I come shower with you?'

'Not today, farmboy. Now, get a move on.'

Luke grimaced as he turned towards the pile of clothing on the bed. 'This living-together thing isn't as easy as people make out.'

//I heard that, Skywalker//

When Mara came out of the fresher, she could hear Luke clattering about in the kitchen; surely he wasn't eating again? She rummaged in a drawer and finally found a set of black lace underwear, which she quickly pulled on. Putting Luke's robe on top, she cinched the sash at her waist and wandered off to find him.

The kitchen was a scene of devastation; cupboards stood empty as bottles and packets covered every available surface. 'Looking for something, Skywalker?'

Luke turned to grin at her. 'A bottle of Old Republic Corellian Whiskey. It's here somewhere.' Mara scanned the bottles on the surface in front of her. 'You sure you didn't drink it.'

'I would have remembered.'

'I've tried OR Corellian. I doubt you would have remembered anything.' She smiled as she lifted one bottle. 'Is this it?'

'Ah, yes. Thanks, Mara.' He started putting groceries back in cupboards. 'My mind must have been on other things.'

Mara frowned at him as she took in his appearance. 'Luke Skywalker, you are wearing black!'

He whipped round guiltily. 'No, I'm not.' He pulled slightly at one trouser leg. 'It's dark blue.'

'It looks black.'

'The shirt's purple,' he said. 'Not even close to black.'

Mara pursed her lips. 'It's a very dark purple. Not that far away from black, in my opinion.'

'You just said "not black",' he insisted. 'And this isn't black.' He took the bottle from her hand and put it down carefully, then took her in his arms. 'Besides, I don't think much of your outfit.'

'Stop trying to change the subject, Skywalker,' said Mara, smiling. 'I just haven't chosen what I'm going to wear.'

He leaned in for a gentle kiss. 'You could always model clothes for me. I'll help you choose.' 'Like I trust your fashion sense,' replied Mara. She saw the hurt look that crossed his face, and sighed. 'Oh, alright. Come on.' She led him through to the bedroom and sat him on the bed, holding up three dresses for his inspection. 'Red, green or blue?'

Luke put his elbows on his knees and balanced his chin in his hands. 'I have no idea. Which do you think?'

Mara rolled her eyes towards the ceiling, muttering a curse that even Luke hadn't heard her use before.

He immediately jumped up and pulled her into his arms. 'You look gorgeous in anything. You could wear a sack and still look stunning.' He undid her sash and slipped his hands inside the robe. 'I think you look your best wearing nothing at all.'

'That might raise a few eyebrows.'

He grinned, pushing the robe off her shoulders and kissing her neck. 'It would raise more than eyebrows.'

She squirmed slightly as his hands roamed over her back before slipping into her panties. 'Luke, we don't have time for this.'

'Sure we do,' he replied, smiling. 'We could be fashionably late.' His hands came up to rub her nipples through the lace of her bra. 'You know you want to.'

Her darkened eyes met his. 'I was managing to control it until just now.'

He gave a lop-sided smile as he slipped one strap off her shoulder. 'I never was much good at control.'

Mara sighed and bit her bottom lip as he nibbled his way down her neck and along her shoulder. 'Leia's going to kill us if we're late.'

He held her face as he kissed her deeply. 'Leia will get over it.' He scooped her into his arms and dumped her on the bed, shoving the pile of clothes onto the floor. His own clothes soon joined the pile, then he climbed onto the bottom of the bed and started to kiss his way up her legs. He paused at her panties, tugging at them with his teeth. She obligingly lifted her hips and he pulled them off, before continuing his journey north. When he finally reached her lips, he kissed her passionately, gently pushing her legs apart with his knees. 'I guess we'd better make this quick.'

Mara wriggled beneath him, lifting her head up to kiss him. 'Whatever. I really don't care anymore. I just want you.' One arm round his neck, one round his waist, she arched off the bed as he slowly slid inside her.

Han Solo piloted the speeder towards Luke's building in silence, listening to his wife vent. When she paused to take a breath, he said, 'it was an accident.'

'No it wasn't,' bit back Leia. 'It was an Anakin. I can't believe it. Every damn comlink in the house. Why did he have to pick tonight of all nights to take them apart?'

Han had no answer to that, so he just shrugged. 'Do you think Luke and Mara will mind us turning up unannounced like this?'

Leia shook her head. 'They'll have to wait ages to get a transport at this time of the evening. They might as well come with us.' She glanced at her chrono. 'They'll be ready by now, anyway.' Her eyes narrowed. 'At least, they'd better be ready.'

Han pulled the speeder into a space not far from the building; they could see the media circus as it continued to camp outside.

'Right, Captain Solo,' said Leia brightly, a huge smile plastered across her face, 'are we ready to face the reporters?'

The forced smile Han managed to drag up was not nearly so enthusiastic. 'I suppose we must.' He helped Leia out of the speeder and offered her his arm. 'The quicker those two get married and all this fuss dies down, the better.'

'That's what I keep telling them,' replied Leia, still grinning slightly maniacally as they approached the hordes.

They turned into the entrance lobby and the artificial smiles dropped simultaneously from both their faces.

'That is REALLY beginning to bug me,' said Han as he steered his wife towards the turbolift. The doors closed behind them and he was about to indicate Luke's level, when he heard Leia gasp. He turned to see her bracing herself against one wall, breathing heavily. 'Leia, what's wrong?'

'I'm going to kill him,' she replied between breaths, her chin almost touching her chest. 'He is so dead.'

Han put his arm round her shoulder, trying to see her face. 'Kill who? What's going on? Are you sick?'

She turned her face towards him, her jaw clenched even as she tried to draw in more oxygen. 'Luke.' She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 'No shields.'

'Luke?! What the hell...? What's he in? The X-wing?' Han scrabbled in his pocket for the non-existent comlink. 'Why's he got no shields?' He turned to open the turbolift doors but was stopped by the solid grip on his arm. He faced his wife once more, and suddenly saw a very familiar look in her eyes. The look that still sent a thrill through him, because he knew what was coming next.

'Luke. Isn't. Shielding.' She said the words slowly and concisely, partly so she could breath between each word, partly to encourage their meaning into her husband's brain.

He looked intently into her eyes as the truth slowly dawned. 'Luke and Mara are...'

'Yes.'

Han raised an eyebrow. 'And you can sense...'

'Yes.'

He tried really hard to keep a straight face. 'Should we come back later?'

'No.' She reached over and dialled for the top floor. 'We're not going anywhere.' She reached her arms round Han's neck and pulled him down for a passionate kiss, as the lift shot skywards.

The Antilles' party was in full swing, the buzz of conversation punctuated only by raucous laughter. Droids scuttled about refilling glasses and occasionally bumping into people, as Iella circulated amongst her guests. Wedge's idea of circulating was to gather all the pilots in one corner and talk to them all night; sure enough, Iella spotted her husband by the window in the company of most of Rogue Squadron, past and present. She shook her head, smiling, then turned to find Mirax directly in her path.

'Well, where are they?' asked Mirax, snagging another drink from a passing droid. 'Luke Skywalker is notorious for being late, but Leia's always on time for everything.'

Iella shrugged. 'Last time I spoke to her, she said they were going to pick up Luke and Mara. I hope nothing has happened.'

Mirax scanned the crowd of people squashed into Iella's main room. 'Is everyone else here?' 'I think so,' replied Iella. 'Some of Karrde's people are meeting us at the dance club later, but pretty much everyone else is here.'

The door buzzed and Iella smiled triumphantly at Mirax. 'That'll be them now.' She crossed and opened the door, surprised to see only Leia and Han. 'Hi. Come on in. Aren't Luke and Mara with you?'

Han stifled a laugh, but Leia's face was like thunder. 'No,' she said, 'They got delayed. We didn't get a chance to speak to them.'

As he passed Iella, Han whispered, 'when they get here, don't let Leia near them.' 'Why? What's happened?' asked Iella.

Han winked at her, the grin refusing to leave his face. 'It's a long story.' He patted Leia's backside as he passed her on the way to join the pilots.

Mirax and Iella exchanged a glance, then caught up with Leia on the way to the kitchen. 'Have you and Luke had an argument?' asked Iella.

'Not yet,' Leia growled ominously.

'He must have done something pretty bad for you to be this mad at him,' commented Mirax, handing Leia a drink.

'It was ... potentially embarrassing,' replied Leia, a small smile temporarily defeating the frown on her face. She took a large gulp of her wine. 'I'm not saying any more.' The door buzzed and Leia's frown returned. 'If that's my brother, you just send him right over here.' Iella raised an eyebrow at Mirax as she turned to answer the door. She never got close; Han beat her to it. He opened the door, almost dragging Luke and Mara into the apartment. Putting an arm around Luke's shoulder and one around Mara, he carefully steered them to one of the few empty spaces in the room, in the opposite direction from Leia. Iella watched as he talked animatedly to the two of them; Mara covered her mouth, but not quickly enough to stifle a laugh. Luke turned a bright shade of crimson as Han clapped him on the back. Iella watched as Han pushed Luke towards 'pilots corner', then she ducked back into the kitchen as Mara approached.

Iella grabbed Mirax's arm. 'Let's go circulate.'

Mirax saw the look of thunder descend over Leia's face once more. 'Sure. Good idea.'

Mara entered the kitchen just as Mirax and Iella left, her face a mask of serenity. She helped herself to a glass of wine from the table and took a sip before turning to her future sister-in-law. 'Sorry, Leia.'

Leia's dark eyes continued to burrow into Mara, but she said nothing.

Mara sipped her wine again. 'I usually remind him to shield. I guess I just forgot this time.' When Leia finally spoke, her voice was low and angry. 'He's a Jedi Master. He shouldn't need to be reminded.'

Mara sighed, setting her glass down. 'Leia, as far as I can gather, he's been all but celibate for the best part of six years. And we haven't been sleeping together long enough for shielding to become a habit.' She smiled tentatively. 'Besides, we didn't know you were visiting.' 'Not the point,' growled Leia. 'You don't know everyone in that building. There could be other Force-sensitives; Gods, there could be Force-sensitive kids living there, Mara.'

The smile fell from Mara's face. 'You're right. I'm sorry. I'll talk to Luke again.'

Leia's frown melted slightly. 'You do that. I'm sure he doesn't want me lecturing him.'

There was a long pause before Mara sidled up to Leia. 'So what happened?'

Leia stared straight ahead. 'What do you mean, "what happened"?'

Mara watched her carefully. 'Leia, I've been in the same building when Force-sensitive people are being ... ummm ... intimate. I know what it can make you feel. And that's without the strong bond I know you and Luke have.' She grinned mischievously. 'So confess. What happened?'

Leia regarded her coolly. 'What do you think happened?'

Mara watched her for a moment, running a couple of scenarios through her head. 'I think you flew straight home and screwed him senseless.'

'Mara, we didn't even make it out of the 'lift.'

Mara's eyebrows shot up. 'Seriously?'

'Seriously. We took it to the top floor and hit the override button so we wouldn't be disturbed.' She smiled for the first time. 'Han thought all his birthdays had come at once.' 'You did it in the turbolift?! No wonder Han's looking smug as hell.'

Leia nodded. 'Tell me about it. And it's just as well he's not Force-sensitive.'

'Why?'

Leia clinked her glass against Mara's. 'Because if he'd been affected, I doubt he would have remembered to hit the override.'

The laughter that followed told Iella all she needed to know, and she stuck her head round the kitchen doorway. 'Good, we're friends again, I take it.' She smiled. 'So are you two coming out to say hello? Or do you want to wait until everyone has drunk that whiskey Luke brought with him and we're all unconscious on the floor?'

Leia and Mara smiled at each other and linked arms before following Iella out of the kitchen. Mara scanned the room for Luke and spotted him chatting to Han, Wedge, Corran and... 'Lando's here?'

Leia nodded. 'Everyone's here. Your former employer called in several favors to make sure they were on-planet.'

'Karrde did?' Mara looked more carefully at faces. She spotted Karrde and Shada talking with Winter and Tycho Celchu; Faughn was next to them, flirting with Wes Janson. As her gaze drifted over the crowd, Mara realised that most of her friends were present. 'I can't remember seeing everyone in the same room like this. How did you pull it off?'

Leia winked. 'Friends in high places. And Han and Karrde threatening people. Wedge arranged for the whole of Rogue Squadron to be planetside for a week, in case we had to change the day. And there's only a fraction of Karrde's people here; most of them are meeting us at the club later.'

Mara smoothed down the front of her blue dress. 'Yes, you mentioned dancing yesterday.' Leia sipped her wine as they drifted over to where Iella and Mirax were chatting with Tendra Calrissian. 'Karrde has hired out an entire nightclub for the evening. And he says he's got a transport big enough to take us all there.'

Mara glanced back towards Karrde. 'Wow. I guess he's really in the mood to party, then.'

The huge transport bobbed to a halt in front of another of Coruscant's enormous buildings. The moving laser show on the second-floor wallspace proclaimed it to be 'The Brightest Star - we never close!'

An opening appeared on the side of the transport, and it was soon disgorging its passengers; laughing and joking, they headed into the main entrance. There was a minor delay at the front desk when the young assistant asked them to check in their weapons - looking down the muzzles of 23 drawn blasters soon reminded him that he wasn't being paid THAT much, and he quickly waved them through.

As Mara's eyes adjusted to the gloom, she realised the room already held a large number of occupants. She recognised many of Karrde's employees, suppliers and contacts, as well as friends from New Republic Intelligence and other government bodies. There were even half-a-dozen astromech droids and a couple of protocol droids.

'Mara!'

Mara swivelled round to find the source of the voice. She smiled as she recognised Ghent, then frowned when she realised he was staggering slightly. He tripped over his own feet and would have landed face-first on the floor if she hadn't caught him. 'Hello, Ghent. Are you drunk, by any chance?'

He straightened slightly and put an arm round her shoulders. 'Only a little.' A huge grin crossed his face. 'I've been toasting you!'

'Have you indeed?' Mara smiled at the 27-year-old who still seemed like a boy to her. 'I thought you didn't drink?'

Ghent's eyes glazed over in what might have been concentration. 'I don't?'

'You never used to.'

A huge smile crossed Ghent's face. 'I do now!' The smile vanished from his face as his hand dropped from her shoulder. 'Master Skywalker.'

Mara turned slightly just in time to see Luke step towards them and nod his head to Ghent, a smile twitching his lips. 'Crypt Chief Ghent. May I borrow my fiancee?'

'Ummmmm, of course.' Ghent nodded happily. 'See you later, Mara.'

Luke slipped his arm round Mara's waist and led her towards the dance floor. 'Why do I still feel like I'm talking to a nine-year-old when I talk to Ghent?'

Mara shrugged. 'I find it rather endearing. Where are we going?'

Luke indicated the now-crowded dance floor. 'Leia said we have to dance.'

'So, your sister is talking to you again.'

Luke nodded. 'She's still ticked off at me, but she'll get over it.' He looked down at Mara.

'Han, on the other hand, is as happy as I've seen him in a long time. Any idea why?'

Mara leaned up and whispered in his ear.

'You're joking!' His eyes searched the dance floor until they found Leia. 'I never knew she had it in her!'

Mara's gaze drifted from the dance floor to the Bith band on stage, then back again. 'Can you actually dance, farmboy?'

'Probably not as well as you, but I don't think I'll embarrass you too much.' He grinned and whispered, 'you could always give me private lessons.'

After two dances, Luke bowed gracefully to Mara and left her teaching Leia, Iella, Mirax and Faughn some intricate twi'lek dance she had learned on a recent trip to Ryloth. He snatched up a drink from a passing R5 unit and wandered over to where the pilots had set up camp, in a dark corner of the room, close to the bar. He was glad to see some of Karrde's pilots had joined them; the lure of discussing flying of any description was too much for them to resist. He realised Han and Lando were holding centre stage, arguing over the details of their now famous trip to Bastion in search of the Caamas document. Sipping his whiskey, he leaned against a nearby pillar watching his friends.

'Hi, Luke.'

Luke twisted slightly, squinting in the dim lighting. 'Hi Wedge. Great party.'

Wedge joined him propping up the pillar. 'Iella and I were just going to invite people to the house. This part is Karrde's doing.'

Luke glanced back to the dance floor where Iella and Mirax were collapsing into fits of laughter as Leia attempted to copy Mara's movements. A tiny smile crossed his face. 'Everyone seems to be having a good time.'

Wedge's gaze followed his. 'Mara is quite the mover.'

'You can say that again.'

Wedge laughed at the obvious longing in his friend's voice. 'Luke, I'm really sorry about dragging the two of you out this evening. I didn't realise it would be your first night back.' Luke pulled his gaze away from his gyrating fiancee. 'We're both glad to be here, Wedge. Honestly.'

Wedge laughed again. 'I'll believe you. Billions wouldn't.' He draped an arm around his friend's shoulders and steered him towards the middle of the pilots' gathering. 'We'd better stop Lando and Han before they come to blows.'

The other pilots greeted Luke loudly and somewhat drunkenly, pulling over an empty chair so he could join them. As he sat down, a slow smile crept across his face as he felt the relaxed happiness exuding from his friends' thoughts. It was nice to be one of the guys again, a pilot rather than the exalted Jedi Master. He was asked his opinion on X-wings and A-wings, strategy and past battles; no-one asked him about the Force or the Academy, and Luke revelled in the change.

The music stopped abruptly and the band left the stage, indicating they were taking a break. 'Right,' said Wedge, rubbing his hands together as he stood up. 'Time for a spot of droid-racing, I think.' He ignored Janson's whoop of delight, and set about organising a race course. Luke raised an eyebrow. 'Droid-racing?'

Hobbie Klivian leaned towards him conspiratorially. 'All the rage amongst sad people with nothing better to do.'

Luke watched as the pilots eagerly started setting up a course for the droids, moving furniture and even producing a few ramps. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Han heading towards the rest of Karrde's crew on the other side of the room, a smile on his face and a glint in his eye, his argument with Lando temporarily forgotten. Luke leaned back and put his feet on a nearby chair, watching grown men and women behaving like children and enjoying every minute of it.

'I wonder if I could set up a business racing R2 units?'

Luke smiled as Lando took the chair next to his. 'I don't think it would be very profitable, Lando.'

Lando shrugged. 'You're probably right.' An almost imperceptible sigh escaped his lips. 'How's Mara?'

'She's very well.' Luke turned slightly to face his friend. 'Actually, she's doing great, Lando.' Luke suddenly realised he hadn't really spoken to Lando since his wedding to Tendra Risant, and then only briefly. 'How is Tendra?'

Lando grinned widely. 'She's terrific. What a businesswoman! I don't know how I'd manage without her.'

'That's great, Lando. I'm pleased for you both, really I am.' Luke had turned back to watch the start of the droid-racing when he felt Lando's gaze on him once more.

After a pause, Lando said, 'I'm glad you and Mara finally got together.'

Luke turned back to face his friend, feeling the jumble of different emotions coming from him. 'Are you?'

'Of course,' replied Lando, his wide grin masking any conflicting feelings he might have. 'You're good together. You're about the only one who could tame her.'

'Don't let Mara hear you say that,' said Luke. 'Anyway, I'm not sure I have, nor would I want to tame her.'

Lando shrugged. 'She looks a lot calmer to me, like she knows where she's going.'

'That's probably more to do with becoming a Jedi than any effect I've had.' Luke smiled gently. 'I always thought you and she were ... well ... involved. She finally told me it was a front for the mission.'

Lando sipped his drink, nodding slowly. 'Can't say I didn't look at her that way, Luke; at least, not a first. But she made it clear she wanted nothing to do with me, so we left it at that.' He leaned forward. 'However, I still consider her a very good friend, and if you hurt her ... well, Jedi or not, I will...'

'I know, I know,' interrupted Luke, holding up his hands. 'You'll kill me. Honestly, Lando, I've had more death threats since Mara and I got engaged than I've had in years.'

Lando laughed out loud, slapping Luke on the back. 'You just take good care of her and you'll be fine.' He stood up, looking over to where Han was deep in conversation with the crew of the Starry Ice. 'I think I'll just go help Han take some of the bets. Wouldn't want that Corellian getting all the action now, would we.'

As she sipped her drink and watched her friends dancing, Mara decided the evening had been one of Karrde's better ideas. At first the guests had remained polarised, with Karrde's people sticking to one side of the room and NR people on the other. But as the music got louder and the alcohol started to flow, imagined animosities melted like snow, and everyone started to mingle. When the band took a break and Wedge announced the start of the droid-racing, Mara worried that the ensuing gambling might cause a few arguments. The shouting that followed as the R2 and R5 units raced around the course was enough to waken the dead, as everyone seemed to get caught up in the fun of the moment. Small amounts of money changed hands with little complaint, which Mara took as a good sign; everyone was getting along.

Leaning back in her chair, she smiled as she watched Luke whirling his sister around on the dance floor. Physically, they looked very different, but through the Force it was obvious they were brother and sister. Her smile widened as she saw Talon Karrde approaching.

He set another glass of whiskey in front of her, then sat in the chair next to hers, his long legs stretching out in front of him. 'Are you enjoying the party, Mara?'

She raised her glass in a toast to him. 'I am. It's a great party, Talon. Must have taken some arranging.'

He touched his glass to hers. 'I had help. Solo and Antilles.'

Mara nodded. 'Thank you. Luke and I both appreciate what you're doing.'

Karrde sipped his drink, almost managing to hide his smile. 'Doing? I'm doing nothing. Are you suggesting I have an ulterior motive for this little get-together?'

Mara raised an eyebrow at him. 'Are you suggesting you do anything without having an ulterior motive?' She shook her head. 'Luke and I are feeling a lot more confident about the wedding knowing that the guests are no longer going to feel the urge to shoot each other on sight.' 'That wasn't actually my original plan,' he laughed. 'Wedge Antilles suggested it when he contacted me about attending his party.' He shrugged, his eyes drifting over the dancing guests. 'Besides, I haven't been to a decent party in ages.'

'You always knew how to throw a party, Talon.' Her eyes narrowed as she followed his line of sight. She realised he was watching Shada as she was propelled across the dance floor by Han Solo. 'Of course, that doesn't rule out another ulterior motive.'

His gaze drifted back to meet hers. 'I have no idea what you mean, Mara.'

She watched him for a moment as he tried to fight a smile. 'Shada denies you two are having a liaison.'

'That's because we're not,' replied Karrde. 'You know I don't get involved with employees, Mara.'

'Really?' Mara smiled. 'I seem to remember you tried to kiss me once.'

'I didn't know you that well, and I was drunk.'

'Do you remember what happened?' asked Mara.

He frowned at her, his voice dropping slightly. 'You pinned me to the floor and threatened to break my arm.'

Mara nodded towards Shada. 'I don't think she'd do that. She likes you, Talon.'

His face became a mask, betraying no emotions. 'I never thought I'd ever find anyone if I ever needed to replace you, Mara. Shada's doing a damn good job, and I'm already relying on her more than I probably should.'

Mara touched his arm. 'Distancing yourself from her isn't going to guarantee she won't leave. I left, didn't I.'

He smiled at her and patted her hand with his. 'I know. But if I get involved with her and then we separate, it will be very difficult for her to remain in her job. The organisation can't afford to lose her now.'

The music changed to a slow number, and Mara watched as more couples drifted towards the dance floor. She smiled as she saw Luke approaching their table, then leaned in towards Karrde. 'Just for once, Talon, will you think of yourself before the organisation.'

Karrde watched as she stood and slipped her hand into Luke's, following him to the dance floor. 'You know I could never do that, Mara,' he whispered. But still he found his gaze drifting towards the Mistryl shadowguard.

Mara slipped her hands round Luke's neck as his hands slid around her waist, and she smiled. 'It's been a good party.'

Luke nodded. 'It has. I've caught up with so many friends I haven't seen in a long time.' They drifted in time with the music, their eyes locked, not noticing that the dance floor was slowly emptying.

//I missed you so much, Luke//

He pushed a lock of hair off her face. //And I missed you, my love, although I didn't think it had been that long since our last dance//

She narrowed her eyes. //You know what I mean, farmboy//

He smiled at her reaction. //I know. It's been a long six weeks//

Mara ran her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. //How did we manage without each other all those years?//

//I don't know// He smiled at her. //You're Jedi now. You figure it out//

Mara frowned as she realised that they were now the only couple on the dance floor. 'Where did everyone go?'

'For Gods' Sake, Luke, just kiss her!' shouted Wedge. 'We've been waiting all night!' His comment was followed by cheers and shouts of agreement from all around the room.

Mara looked back at Luke. 'Did you ever get the feeling we've been set up?'

'Yup.' He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead, then raised his eyebrows questioningly at Wedge, who shook his head and covered his eyes with a hand.

//You are getting to be such a tease, Luke Skywalker//

The jeers and catcalls were getting louder, as Karrde's crew joined in with the Rogues.

//Can't think who taught me how// replied Luke, gently kissing the tip of her nose. The shouting reached deafening level.

She smiled as her eyes met his and the noise of the crowd seemed to fade into the background, as they lost themselves in each others gaze once more.

Luke tightened his grasp on her waist, pulling her even closer. //I love you// He kissed her mouth and closed his eyes as she responded to the kiss. The shouts and applause of their friends as they finally witnessed a kiss fell on deaf ears, as Luke and Mara could hear only each other.

//I will love you forever//

Chapter 10 - wedding plans

Mara sat in the middle of the huge bath and put her arms around her legs, her sigh blowing the bubbles off her knees. 'This is great.' She reached up and adjusted the clip holding her hair on top of her head. 'We owe your sister, big time.'

Luke squeezed another spongeful of water over her back, watching the suds slide over her skin. 'And she never told you she'd booked us in here?'

'Nope.' She rested her chin on her knees. 'First I knew was when she told us last night. She said later that she felt guilty about dragging us off to a party on your first night back.' 'I think she's more than made up for it.' He gazed around the huge hotel room. Heavy wooden furniture, an enormous bed, and thick drapes didn't detract from the the half-sunken monster of a bath in the middle of the room. 'Uncle Owen would have had a heart-attack if he could see the amount of water we're wasting.'

'So don't waste it. Get washing, farmboy.'

'Yes, my lady. At once.' He ran the sponge over her neck and shoulders, before squeezing its contents down her back. 'I didn't know this place even existed.'

'I'm not sure when they turned it into a hotel,' replied Mara.

'What was it before the Republic took over?'

Mara turned to look at him incredulously. 'You don't know?'

'No.' He dabbed her nose with the sponge. 'Should I?'

She blew the offending foam off her nose. 'Think for a minute, Luke. Twenty-eight state rooms, all at least as big as this. And almost two hundred small double rooms on the lower floors.' He looked at her blankly. 'I give up. What was it?'

She turned slightly so she could kiss him. 'I should probably be pleased you don't recognise a brothel when you're in one.'

Luke realised his mouth had fallen open and he quickly closed it. 'A brothel? You're kidding.' She ran a finger down his jawline. 'Luke Skywalker, you are so cute. I bet you've never been inside a brothel.'

His eyes twinkled as he met her gaze. 'Maybe I never needed the services they provide.' 'Sorry, I forgot.' Mara turned round until she was facing him, then scooted backwards. 'You made a vow of chastity when you joined the Rebellion.'

Luke threw the soggy sponge at her. 'I did not. I just mean that I've never had to pay for it.'

Mara's laugh echoed round the room. 'Are you claiming that YOU had groupies?!'

He snagged another sponge as it floated past and threw it. 'I was in Rogue Squadron. We all had groupies.' He stretched out, leaning against the edge of the bath. 'Besides, your side were always trying to kill our side. When you think you might die any time soon, you take comfort where you can get it.'

Mara smiled a predatory smile as she slithered towards him on her stomach, her head just above the water. 'Does that mean if I threaten to kill you, you'll take comfort in me?'

He bit his bottom lip as she crawled up his legs. 'Uh, I don't think it's supposed to work like that, Mara.'

'Really?' She sat on his thighs, grabbed a passing sponge, and started washing his chest. 'Then how is it supposed to work? Do I get someone else to threaten you?'

'Is it just me, or is the water getting cold?'

Mara grinned and leaned forward to the bath controls behind him, making sure her breasts brushed against him. She punched a few keys and the tiny water inlets all over the bath added warmer water until the requested temperature was reached.

'You're pretty good with the bath controls,' said Luke. 'You sure you've never worked in one of these places?'

Mara knew he was teasing, but still let out a yell of outrage, before lifting two sodden sponges over his head. Luke caught her arms before she could squash them on him, but she still squeezed her fingers so he got soaked.

'I'll get you for that, Skywalker.'

He shook his head, showering her with droplets of water. 'Please, no more revenge.'

She looked at him from under her lashes, squirming up his body until he could feel her breath on his wet face. 'But I like revenge. It's fun.' She kissed him, her tongue duelling with his, tasting him, feeling his body pressed so close to hers. She trailed kisses up his jawline, pausing to delicately lick at a droplet of water as it snaked its way down past his ear. The low moan that escaped his lips stoked the fire within her, and she returned to ravage his mouth. They stopped to breathe, their faces almost touching. Luke could feel Mara's hand sneaking up his thigh, and caught it before it could reach its final destiny. 'Not yet. Turn around.' Mara frowned at him suspiciously. 'Why?'

He kissed her. 'Please? I want to slow down.' He gave her a lop-sided smile. 'Humor me?' Her gaze locked with his for a moment, before she gave a tiny nod of assent and turned round on his lap, slipping between his legs and landing on the bottom of the bath with a small bump. She leaned back into his chest, closing her eyes and trying to ignore the erection pressing into her back. Mara couldn't suppress a smile as she felt his hands roaming over her sides and stomach, slowly working their way up to her breasts. Sighing, she leaned back into him as he gently caressed her nipples with wet fingers; involuntarily her hands found themselves massaging his thighs, pressing them close to her. As his left hand sneaked down her belly, she could hear his quiet breathing in her ear, could feel his erection growing harder, more insistent. Slowly, Mara turned her head towards him, pulling his head to hers, desperate for a kiss. His mouth descended on hers, hot and needy, just as his fingers found her clit. 'Oh, Gods, Luke. I can't take much more...' Her body arched and twisted as he continued to torture her, teasing her, refusing to bring her to completion. She reached up with her hand once more to pull him in for a rough kiss, trying to pull herself round on his body, to impale herself on him.

He held her in place. There would be no escape today. The sensation in his artificial hand was slightly dulled as it continued caressing her breasts; prosthetics still had some way to go before they would be as sensitive as flesh and blood. But his left hand continued stroking her, starting to bring her to a climax. He felt her squirm in his arms and tightened his grip, determined she wouldn't break free. Then suddenly he plunged a finger into her, gritting his teeth as he felt her buck against him, yelling out his name. He buried his face in her hair, his mouth close to her ear. 'Come on, Mara. Come for me.'

She twisted in his grip once more, ravishing his mouth with her own. The gap she'd created by twisting round meant she could reach behind her and ... there. She grabbed him and gently squeezed, delighted to be causing him to moan as much as she had been doing. He slipped a second finger inside her. 'Mara, please.'

Mara shuddered as she heard his voice, low and husky, filled with longing. She knew he wanted her to let go, wanted her to climax, to give herself over to him. Reluctantly, she returned both of her hands to his thighs, leaning back and relaxing into him, listening to his voice as he continued whispering in her ear. 'I love you. I need you. I want you. Come for me, Mara.' She relaxed completely into the sensations, inside and out. His presence behind her was so intense, so overpowering... She arched her back as she finally climaxed, yelling his name and gripping his thighs, before twisting in his embrace to kiss him once more.

His forehead had dropped to her shoulder when he felt her come, his eyes squeezed shut as he fought his own climax. He lifted his head as she turned to kiss him, then he decided enough was enough. He scooped her into his arms and stood up, the water pouring off them both. Three steps led out of the bath, and he took them slowly, careful not to slip and drop his precious cargo. Mara continued to kiss and nip at his chest and neck, still wrapped in the euphoria that followed her climax. Her brain barely registered the fact that Luke had laid her down on a pile of towels and robes, and that he was now kissing his way up her body. When he reached her head, she looked into his deep blue eyes, quite happy to lose herself in them.

He gazed down at her; her red hair starting to escape its clip, her skin glowing and wet with water and sweat, her lips parted as she continued breathing heavily, her green eyes burrowing into his, claiming part of his soul. He felt her legs hook around his, and his mouth descended on hers as he slipped inside her, kissing her as if his life depended on it.

They made love slowly, gently, and for a long time.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Luke woke from a light doze, spread-eagled face down on the bed, covered only by a light sheet. He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow when he saw Mara gazing out of one of the tall windows. She wore a hotel robe and her hair was now loosely hanging down her back, glowing in the sunlight. She turned towards him and smiled when she sensed he was awake. Luke flopped onto his back. 'Come back to bed, my love.' He couldn't take his eyes off her as she walked towards the bed, her robe falling slightly open, revealing a silky thigh. Mara sat on the edge of the huge bed, just out of his reach. 'I'm not getting in there with you, Skywalker.'

He pushed himself up on his elbows and pouted, looking up at her through the hair that had fallen in front of his eyes. 'Aw, why not?'

'Because we have a wedding to plan. And your sister is coming over.' She reached over and tousled his hair. 'You need a haircut.'

Luke irritably pushed his hair back. 'My sister?'

'Yes,' smiled Mara. 'Short woman, long dark hair, used to run the galaxy. Surely you remember her.'

'Yeah, very funny.' He made a quick grab for her but she slipped out of his grasp.

'I mean it, Luke. She's coming over with Han and the kids in a couple of hours. She called while you were asleep.'

Luke collapsed bonelessly back on the bed. 'She doesn't want me to have a sex life, does she.' 'If that was the case, she wouldn't have booked us in here. And she would have been over first thing,' replied Mara. 'Besides, wasn't our little session this morning enough for you?'

Luke couldn't help the huge grin spreading across his face. 'Yeah, it was fun. But I haven't seen you in ages, Mara. We've got a lot of catching up to do.' He patted the bed. 'Come and tell me about the bonding ceremony you want. I take it you've read the info I brought.'

Mara raised one eyebrow. 'You want to talk? Just talk?'

He nodded enthusiastically and patted the bed again. 'Just talk. Honestly.'

She sighed as she stood and picked up a datapad from a nearby table. Then she sat where Luke indicated and started scrolling through the data. She was not in the least surprised when she felt Luke's hand creep up her thigh, and she whacked it with the datapad. 'Behave!'

'Ow!'

Mara ignored his grumbles and continued scrolling. 'There. That last one. Short, to the point, and very Jedi.' She handed Luke the datapad. 'I might want to rewrite a couple of the vows, though.'

He read quickly, familiarising himself with the ceremony she'd chosen. 'No threats, please. This is supposed to be about commitment and love.' He looked back up at her. 'It's a lovely ceremony. It suits us perfectly.'

'I take it that it doesn't matter what we wear.'

'Not as far as I know. The Jedi bonding ceremony is just that - it binds two Jedi together in the Force. It all happens on a mental level - the rest is just for public consumption. We don't even need to wear our lightsabers.'

Mara nodded, running a finger along his jawline. 'Tell me you're not going to wear black.'

He scooted up the bed and carefully kissed her nose. 'I'm not going to wear black.'

'Promise?'

'I give you my word of honor as a Jedi,' he smiled.

She gazed into his eyes, relishing the feeling of his love for her. 'Luke, we already have a strong bond. What exactly is this ceremony going to do?'

'I don't really know. We couldn't find any first-hand reports of Jedi that have gone through the ceremony.' He reached for her hand and held it tightly. 'Mara, I want to do this. I think I need to do this. But if you're not sure...'

She pressed a finger to his lips. 'I'm sure.' She kissed him gently. 'I love you.'

'And I love you.' He slipped a hand round the back of her neck and pulled her in for a more passionate kiss. 'Come to bed.'

'No.'

'Please?'

Mara grinned. 'Beg some more, Skywalker.'

'Will you come to bed if I do?'

'No. I just want to see you grovel.'

'You are a cruel and heartless woman, Jade.'

'And your point is...?'

He gave an exaggerated sigh. 'You're not going to give in, are you?'

'Nope.' She ruffled his hair.

'Don't do that!'

Mara grinned evilly. 'I could cut it for you, if you like.'

'I don't like the look on your face when you say that.'

She wiped the smile from her face and narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping an octave. 'I could cut it.'

Luke swallowed hard. 'Now you're scaring me.'

Mara laughed out loud as she jumped off the bed. 'Get dressed, flyboy.'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Han Solo didn't particularly enjoy piloting any of the family's air-speeders - it was all very boring. His hands absoluutely itched to be at the controls of the Falcon again, but the shield generator had blown and Leia refused to let him go up without shields. So he gritted his teeth and continued flying along in the mind-numbingly predictable air-way, bored out of his skull. Of course, the last time they'd flown like this to meet Luke and Mara... Now there was a memory to brighten any dull moment. A grin slowly crept across his features and he glanced surreptitiously across at his wife. 'Are you sure they know we're coming?'

Leia spitted him with a glare that would take the fur off an ewok. 'Yes. They know we're coming.' She indicated the three inquisitive children on the back seat with a tiny tilt of her head. 'Now, can we please drop the subject?'

His eyes twinkled as he winked at her. 'Of course we can, sweetheart. Consider it dropped.' He faced forward again, but the grin refused to leave his face.

'Are we nearly there yet?'

'Yes, Anakin,' replied Leia, 'just a few more minutes.'

'Not at this speed,' muttered Han under his breath. He spotted a gap in the lane below and whipped down, accelerating slightly.

The children giggled; their father had turned down the inertial compensator again, and the g-force pushed them back into their seats as they dropped.

'We're in the bottom lane, now,' announced Anakin. 'We must be nearly there.'

'Yes, dear,' replied Leia automatically.

Han took a swift right and pelted down an alleyway, before turning a sharp left. He pulled up in front of the hotel so sharply that the children were flung forward in their restraints, laughing.

'We're here! We're here!' said Anakin, bouncing up and down.

Jacen and Jaina rolled their eyes at the excesses of little brothers.

A young woman in a smart uniform stood close by as the doors hissed open and Leia and the children climbed out. 'Madame Solo,' she said, bowing her head in Leia's direction.

Leia smiled warmly as she ushered the children through the hotel entrance.

'Hi, Gill!' yelled Anakin, before he too was yanked through the door.

Han tossed an over-ride card to Gill, which she deftly caught. 'And don't park it so far away, this time. It took me ages to find, last week.'

Gill struggled to keep a straight face. 'Captain Solo, all you have to do is call the desk and I'll bring it round front for you.'

Han paused a moment, then gave her a lop-sided smile. 'Now why didn't I think of that.'

Not quite sure whether he was kidding or not, Gill moved round to the driver's side and climbed in. 'Enjoy your stay, Captain.'

Han gave her a brief wave before following his family into the hotel.

***************

'They're here.'

Mara stopped typing at the only computer terminal in the room and looked up at Luke with a grin. 'How long have you been trying to sense her?'

He returned her grin with one of his own. 'She's been broadcasting like mad since she arrived.'

Mara nodded as she turned back to her work. 'Go and let them in, then. I'll only be a few more minutes.' When he didn't move she glanced back at him. 'What's up?'

'At some point I'm going to need to talk to Han and Leia alone.'

Mara hit a few keys, then swivelled to face him. 'Without me? Are you keeping secrets, farmboy?'

Luke grimaced. 'No. But it's about the kids.'

She smiled, understanding. 'How about I take them down to the gardens?'

'Thank you.' He bent down and kissed the top of her head, before heading over to the door. As he passed the empty bath, he pressed the switch that prompted the heavy lid to slide slowly across. The door chimed just as Luke opened it.

Three young voices yelled in unison: 'Uncle Luke!' Then Luke found himself wrapped in the group hug that had become the habitual greeting bestowed on him by his niece and nephews.

'Hi, kids. It's good to see you, too.' He shuffled sideways, all three children still clinging to him, to allow Han and Leia to come in.

Mara lifted one hand in greeting, but didn't turn round. 'I'll be with you in a minute. Just finishing something.'

'Mara!'

Luke suddenly found himself abandoned as the children rushed over to hug their aunt-to-be. 'That's nice,' he muttered.

Han clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. 'You should probably get used to it.' He frowned at the perfectly made bed. 'Did you guys even sleep in this thing?'

'The maid's been, Han.'

Han grinned roguishly, before sitting at the top of the bed, his feet up and his hands behind his head. 'I knew that.'

Leia kissed her brother's cheek. 'Don't mind him. He's still in a good mood.'

'I'm always in a good mood,' retorted Han. 'Especially when I don't have to fight my way through a couple of hundred reporters just to visit my own brother-in-law.' He crossed his arms and leaned forward. 'So when are you guys gonna get married so we can get rid of the crowd outside your apartment?'

Luke merely smiled as he pulled over a chair for his sister, and one for himself. 'Soon.'

Leia spoke hesitantly. 'Luke, you said something about a Jedi bonding ceremony. What exactly does that involve?'

He grimaced slightly, catching Mara's eye as she pulled up a chair to join them. 'We're not exactly 100 percent sure.'

Leia looked back over to the computer terminal - her three children were busy taking turns at exterminating virtual womp-rats, shouting when one of them made a hit. 'Okay, so tell me what you need, and when you need it.' She looked back at her brother expectantly.

Luke nodded. 'We need a circular room of some description, doesn't matter if it's open to the sky or not. A raised dais in the middle, also circular. Seating round it, not too close to the dais, with a gap of a couple of meters between the seats and the surrounding wall.'

'A round room?' Leia looked puzzled.

'Symbolism. You know; continuity, infinity. All-encompassing Force. As far as I know, most of the Jedi ceremonies involved circles,' replied Luke.

'And why can't we sit close?' asked Leia.

Luke gave a wry smile. 'Because I'm not sure what will happen.'

'It's not dangerous, is it?'

Luke shrugged and glanced at Mara. 'I don't think so. But I don't want to risk anyone else.' Leia sighed. 'I'll see what I can do. Anything else?'

Mara leaned forward and handed Leia a datacard. 'That's our guest list. Let me know which politicians you want to invite; I have the power of veto.'

Leia nodded. 'Yes, boss.'

'Wow,' said Han. 'Not often I've heard you call anyone "boss".'

Leia slapped his leg. 'What about a reception for after the ceremony?'

'Organise whatever you want,' said Luke.

'Really! Anything?' Leia's eyes lit up at thought of a formal Alderaanian reception. 'Yup, anything.' Luke smiled. 'Mara and I will be staying approximately half an hour.' 'Hold on, Skywalker,' said Mara. 'You still haven't told me where we're going afterwards.' He grinned at her smugly. 'It's a surprise.'

She narrowed her eyes at him. 'I don't like surprises.'

'You'll like this one.'

'Wait a minute,' interrupted Han. 'You're going to let my wife, the only woman in the galaxy who could turn a family picnic into a full-blown official banquet, organise your wedding reception.' He paused to draw breath. 'And you're going to make ME STAY!'

Leia turned to face him, a superior smile on her face. 'Are you finished, dear?'

'No. I'm hurt.'

'But you could wear that nice uniform you love so much,' said Leia.

Han stared at her for a long moment. 'You wouldn't,' he growled.

She met his intense gaze without even flinching. 'Try me.'

'Ummm, could I just butt in here,' said Luke quietly.

Leia turned brightly to her brother. 'Of course. Han and I can talk outfits later.' She saw Luke nod almost imperceptibly towards Mara, who nodded in return and stood up.

'C'mon, kids,' said Mara, the enthusiasm in her voice sounding only a little forced. 'Let's go outside for a while.'

She was totally ignored.

'Kids?'

Mara glanced quizzically at Leia and Han; they were both smiling but made no move to help. She took a deep breath. Children. She could handle three children. 'Jaina! Jacen! Anakin!' she barked. 'Front and center!' She was pleased to note all three jumped and Jacen even dropped the control he was holding. She smiled sweetly. 'We're going outside for a little walk.'

With a lot of grumbling and melodramatic dragging of feet, the Solo offspring followed Mara out the door. Anakin's parting comment of 'But I was winning!' was cut short by the door closing. Luke turned back to Han and Leia, to find them staring intently at him.

Han's pose still looked relaxed, but every muscle in his body was tense as he tried to read Luke's face for a clue of what was coming next. 'So. You got rid of the children. What's going on?'

Luke waited until he was sure Mara and the children had gone. 'Well, I'm going to tell Mara I had to talk to you about taking the children to Yavin full-time...'

'You're not, are you?' asked Leia, her voice full of concern. 'I thought we decided they were too young.'

He shook his head. 'I'm prepared to give them another year or two.'

'At least,' muttered Han.

'So,' interrupted Leia, when she saw the old argument threatening to rear its ugly head again. Her husband and brother were good friends, but they still found plenty of subjects to disagree on; mainly, at what age the children should begin their Jedi training. 'Why did you want the kids to leave?'

Luke shifted his gaze from Han to Leia. 'Actually, I wanted Mara out of the way. I wondered how our little project was coming along. The ship.'

Immediately, Han's face split in a huge grin. 'She's a beauty, Luke. You're gonna love her.' 'But will Mara?' he asked.

'Oh, yes.' Han nodded enthusiastically. 'I'd put money on it.'

'One minor technicality,' said Leia. 'The senate are only willing to pay for a basic model. The rest will have to come out of your personal funds.'

'How much?' Luke hoped he had enough to cover any additional costs.

'At least a million.' Leia shrugged apologetically. 'Probably more, depending on what you want inside.'

Luke nodded. He'd manage. 'You've got my credit line and my authority. I'll trust your judgement.'

She smiled gently. 'Han's picking out the hardware. I'm keeping the decor fairly simple; I'm sure Mara will want to change it.'

Han leaned forward, a gleam in his eyes. 'What do you want in the way of weaponry?'

'How about "top of the range, but discreet"?' replied Luke.

'"Top of the range" I can understand,' said Han. 'But I'm not sure I can do "discrete".'

Luke smiled, shaking his head. 'Just try it, Han. You never know; you might like it.'

'Doubt it.'

'When's it going to be ready?' asked Luke.

'Two weeks, three at the most,' Leia replied.

'Fine. Then we can arrange the wedding for any time after that.'

'Great,' said Han. 'Does that mean you're finally going to set a date.'

'Looks like it.' Luke stood and stretched. 'I've got to go back to Yavin for a couple of weeks. Mara will be coming with me for a day or two, then she'll be back here to organise the wedding, so you can contact me at the academy about any details or permits.' He wandered over to the window and pressed his forehead against the transparisteel, trying to distinguish between the dozens of tiny figures in the formal gardens below. 'She really needs this ship. It's driving her crazy having to rely on other people.' He felt a hand on his arm and turned to see Leia standing beside him.

'She loves you, Luke. Not the material things you can give her.' Leia smiled. 'But she is definitely going to love this ship. I promise.'

'It's not just the ship, Leia. I'm hoping to give her back some of her freedom.'

Leia's hand tightened slightly on his arm. 'You don't want to keep her with you?'

He shook his head. 'No. Maybe we'll settle down eventually. But right now she still needs the freedom to do her own thing. She wouldn't be my Mara if she didn't.'

'I understand.'

But Luke hardly heard her reply, as his own words were echoing around in his brain. My Mara. He'd never really thought of her as 'belonging' to him before, let alone voiced it out loud. He smiled as he saw four figures darting across the gardens below; the one in the rear had long red hair. 'My Mara,' he whispered.

Chapter 11 - Are we nearly there, yet?

Mara lay on her side propped up on an elbow, one hand lost in a mass of red-gold hair. She smiled gently as she watched Luke sleep, his chest slowly rising and falling, his eyes periodically flickering as some dream raced across his brain. The Yavin sunlight was held back by heavy wooden shutters, but enough managed to creep in through the cracks to speckle the bed with golden lines. He shifted in his sleep, turning slightly towards her. Mara reached out with a finger to trace his jawline, then stopped, not wanting to wake him just yet. Sometimes she tried to remember how she felt about Luke before they finally acknowledged their feelings for one another, before they fell in love. It didn't seem that long ago, but it felt like a different universe. She even regarded him as two different people; the Luke she knew before Nirauan, and the Luke she was watching now. She glanced at a nearby chrono. They were still running on Coruscant time, but they should really get up soon. She'd already heard a few people walking past in the corridor outside their room, so the academy was beginning to stir. Mara's smile turned into an evil grin; she'd wake him up alright. She crept under the bedsheet that was covering them both.

Luke smiled in his sleep as his dream took a decidedly erotic turn. He turned his head towards the window and grimaced as a shaft of light hit his eyes. As he slowly regained consciousness, he tried to stretch but soon realised that something - correction, someone - was pinning his hips to the bed and ... Oh, Gods! This was absolutely the BEST way to wake up. His hips tilted involuntarily and he groaned, his hands snaking under the cover to tangle themselves in Mara's hair.

She felt his reaction and would have smiled, but her mouth was otherwise occupied. //Good morning//

'It's an excellent morning, so far,' he replied through gritted teeth.

//You want some more, or is it my turn?//

'More, please.' He closed his eyes tight as she swallowed him; the tension started to build and he tried not to grasp her hair too tightly. 'Oh, Mara.' Breathing heavily, he let go of her hair and grabbed the top of the bed, trying as hard as he could to hold back his climax. She knew he was close, so with one final lick she quickly kissed her way up his body and impaled herself on him, gasping into his neck as she did so. His lips attached themselves to hers and she rubbed her hands up the muscles on his arms as she started gently rocking. She kissed and kissed him, tasting him, hungry for more. His hands were suddenly all over her, caressing her breasts, her stomach, her thighs, before he grabbed her hips and pushed himself further into her. Mara growled low in her throat, an almost animal noise she had little control over, but which drove Luke wild. He flipped her onto her back and started steadily thrusting into her, kissing and licking her breasts, barely noticing her fingers tangling through his hair. Her legs crossed behind him and yanked him in deeper, just as he lifted his head to gaze into her eyes.

He was directly above her now, his head perfectly still even as his hips continued their pounding rhythm. Mara caught her bottom lip with her teeth as she felt the pleasure within her starting to build; her eyes never left his. Her hips moved synchronously with his, and she wrapped her arms round his neck, pulling him down for a passionate kiss. Her kiss turned into a muffled cry as she climaxed, followed closely by Luke.

Their kisses became tender and leisurely as he slowly softened inside her, their heart-rates returning to normal. Mara heaved a huge sigh as he buried his face in her neck. 'I think I'm awake now, Mara.'

'Yeah, I kind of got that impression.'

'Thank you for the wake-up call.'

'My pleasure.' Mara wriggled slightly beneath him. 'Luke?'

'What?'

'You're heavy. Do you want to get off me now?'

He lifted his head to smirk at her. 'Maybe I'm just getting comfortable.' He put his head on one side. 'Besides, I thought it was your turn now.'

Mara's eyebrows shot up as she watched him slither his way down her body, then she lay back and closed her eyes as Luke settled between her thighs.

***************

An hour later, Mara lay sprawled across Luke's chest as he ran a finger up and down her spine. 'We really should get up, Luke. Haven't you got a class to teach?'

'Not this morning,' he replied. 'Although it probably wouldn't look very good if we spent all day in bed.'

'Maybe they won't notice.'

His finger trailed up and tickled her neck. 'Maybe not. When do you have to go back to Coruscant?'

Mara blew out a sigh. 'I told Leia I'd be back tomorrow, so I should really head out fairly soon.'

'Are you taking the shuttle back? The X-wing's still there, remember.'

She frowned at him. 'I'm taking the shuttle, flyboy. You can get yourself a transport when you finish here.' She kissed his chest. 'Or maybe I'll come to get you. If I've got time, of course.'

He raised his eyebrows. 'If you've got time? Do I have to reserve a spot in your busy schedule, these days?'

She cringed slightly as he tickled her neck again. 'Weddings don't just organise themselves, especially at such short notice. Leia and I are going to be pretty busy over the next few weeks, and maybe I just won't be able to go traipsing off after a Jedi Master who couldn't manage to scrounge passage...'

He silenced her with a kiss.

Mara frowned again. 'Will you stop doing that? I was in mid-sentence.'

'Damn. She noticed my ploy.'

'I've told you before, Skywalker. You're about as subtle as a drunken bantha.'

He pouted at her. 'When are we going to see each other again?'

She shrugged. 'Don't know. How busy are you here?'

'Very. At least two of the students are extremely close to making knighthood, and I'd really like to see if I can get them there before they go home.'

Mara nodded, understanding. 'In that case, I probably won't see much of you before the wedding.' She smiled as an idea came to her. 'Maybe we shouldn't sleep together again until our wedding night. You know; make it a bit special.'

Luke stared at her incredulously. 'You're lying here totally naked and you're telling me we can't have sex until we're married? You have got to be joking, Jade.'

'No, I'm serious. You said yourself that we have to meditate a lot before the ceremony. Living apart would be less distracting.'

His eyes never left hers as he pondered this latest development. 'Okay, I'm game. But you'd better stay away from me when I get back, or I'm likely to jump you.'

'It can't be that difficult, Luke. Some cultures insist everyone remains a virgin until they're married.'

'I think I would have died from self-abuse.'

'So you've got this raging libido now - what if it starts to wane? You're not getting any younger.'

'Neither are you, Jade! And my libido has shown no signs of decreasing yet, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.' He winked at her. 'I think it's a Jedi thing.'

Mara grinned evilly, before kissing his chest and licking a nipple. 'I hope so. I like my men with stamina.'

'Stop teasing, Jade.'

'Sorry. Couldn't resist.'

Luke sighed as his eyes wandered over the ceiling. 'No sex, huh?'

'Nope.'

'I think I need to go for a run.'

***************

Mara had never organised a wedding before and she silently swore to herself that she would never do it again, not for anyone. She stood in front of the official's desk, her arms folded and a scowl on her face, resisting the urge to tap her foot impatiently.

'Please, won't you take a seat, Miss Jade.' Tall, dark hair, clipped Coruscant accent and a sickly smile Mara desperately wanted to smack. His whole demeanor screamed ex-Imperial. 'No, thank you. I just want to know exactly why you called me here...' she frowned at the name bar on his desk. 'Mr. Toman.' Fifteen years ago this guy would have been jumping to her every command. Now she had to grit her teeth and be polite; it had taken her and Leia more than three weeks to organise this wedding, and she didn't want anything to put their plans in jeopardy. Toman peered at a datapad in front of him, before raising his eyes to meet hers. 'There has been a slight ... ummm ... hitch. We have received a request that you do not use the old Hessayon Temple for your wedding.'

Mara's eyes tightened as she took a step forwards. 'A request from whom?'

Toman swallowed and tried to smile ingratiatingly. 'From a Hessayon priest. He claims it is still sacred ground.'

Mara took another step forward and leaned on his desk. Now she was getting annoyed. 'You're little buddy in the office next door told me that the temple had been abandoned for years, that the religion was almost defunct, and that it was definitely NOT sacred ground.' She leaned closer. 'Are you telling me that your department is giving out false information?'

Suddenly Toman felt as if the temperature in the room had increased considerably. 'N-n-n-no. I was merely suggesting...'

'Mr. Toman!' Fed up with trying to do this the hard way, Mara decided it was time to pull a few strings. 'Do you know who I am?'

'Y-y-yes. Mara Jade.' His eyes flicked around the room, trying to avoid her stare.

'And do you know who I am marrying?'

He nodded, his voice beginning to fail him.

Mara stood back and crossed her arms once more. 'This temple has been booked for three weeks,' she said calmly. 'In three days time, over two hundred guests, including a contingent of Jedi Knights and fair-sized chunk of the New Republic Senate will show up expecting to see the first Jedi Bonding Ceremony in more than fifty years.' Her voice dropped to a threatening growl. 'I suggest you get this little problem fixed or I will not be the only one making your life a misery.'

Toman swallowed again. 'I'll ... ah ... see what I can do, Miss Jade.'

She spitted him with one of her best cross-me-and-die glares. 'If I do not hear from you today, I will be back tomorrow morning and by then I imagine I'll be angry.' She spun on her heel and headed for the door. 'Fix it.'

Later, as she poured the whole sorry tale out to Leia over lunch, she was surprised to see the frown on Leia's face.

'You don't want to get on the wrong side of the bureaucrats, Mara. Did you at least try to be diplomatic?'

'Of course I was diplomatic,' snapped Mara. 'For about the first five minutes.'

Leia raised a delicate brown eyebrow. 'You threatened him, didn't you.' It was a statement, not a question.

'Only a little.'

Leia put her head in her hands. 'This wedding is never going to take place.'

'It bloody better. I'm not organising another one.'

The vehemence in Mara's voice finally made Leia smile, and she looked up to see her future sister-in-law scowling. 'How about if we don't hear from this guy today, I'll come with you tomorrow and do the heavy-handed-councillor routine.'

'And if that doesn't work, I get out my lightsaber and start chopping bits off.'

Leia took Mara's hand in hers. 'Promise me you will never, ever consider a career in diplomacy.'

Mara grimaced. 'I'm Jedi. We're all supposed to be diplomats.'

'The galaxy is truly doomed.'

Mara laughed. 'I take everything else is running vaguely smoothly?'

Leia nodded. 'When does Luke get here?'

'The Yavin Four Holiday Special arrives tomorrow. Morning, I think.' Mara smiled involuntarily; she knew she wouldn't see Luke until the ceremony, but at least he'd be on the same planet. 'And do we have final numbers?'

Mara sighed. 'Including Knights and students, about thirty, I believe.'

'Thirty? No wonder he needed such a big transport. Why so many?'

'That's classified.'

'Mara, I'm supposed to be your attendant. Can't you even tell me what's going to happen during the ceremony?'

'Nope. Luke and his merry band of Knights want access to the temple as soon as possible.' She groaned. 'I suppose that means I've got to have another meeting with Toman.'

Leia patted her arm. 'We can both go. I'm sure you could use a bit of moral support.'

Mara nodded. 'Have you had any ideas about where I'm going to stay when Luke gets back? I told him to take the apartment. He's got a lot of preparation to do.'

'Didn't I tell you?' replied Leia. 'Mirax and Corran said you can stay with them. Valin's coming to stay with us.' She rolled her eyes. 'Like the kids need any more excitement.'

Mara grinned. 'That sounds great. Thanks.'

Leia drained her glass of wine and set it carefully down. 'And now, Miss Jade, we'd better get to this dress fitting. And let's just hope they've got it right this time.'

Mara nodded as she stood and followed Leia out of the restaurant. 'They'd better have it right. I'm not feeling particularly forgiving right now.'

'When are you ever?'

Mara nudged Leia in the ribs as they walked towards the designer's residence. 'I'm a very forgiving person, normally.'

'Since when?'

'Hey, I've forgiven your brother all his shortcomings, haven't I.'

Leia rolled her eyes. 'You're not supposed to notice his shortcomings until after the wedding.'

'I've known him for more than fifteen years, Leia. I figured out his faults a long time ago.' 'Good point.' She directed Mara into the entrance lobby of a rather ornate building, then along to the turbolifts and up to the suite of rooms used by Mara's favorite Coruscant designer. 'Mara Jade! You are here at last!' The tall, blue Omwatii came rushing towards them, his hands waving energetically. 'Come. We are ready.' He stopped in front of Leia and Mara, fidgeting from foot to foot. 'It is truly beautiful, but I must see you wear it to know for sure.' Mara patted him gently on the shoulder. 'Calm down, Qiran. I'm sure it will be fine. As long as you haven't let that idiot apprentice near it again.'

'Oh, no. Never. She is gone. Taking up a new career. In politics, I think.'

'Terrific,' muttered Leia, as she followed the two to the main fitting room.

Once inside, Mara wasted no time on needless conversation, and quickly slipped out of her clothes and into the dress she would wear to marry Luke. 'Well, what do you think?' she said, turning towards Leia.

'It's ... it's lovely, Mara. Beautiful. He's going to love it.' Leia wiped at a stray tear threatening to fall as she watched Qiran's assistants fuss around Mara.

Mara swivelled to face the huge mirror dominating one wall, twisting her body this way and that as she tried to see the dress from every angle. 'You don't think it's a bit over-the-top? For me, I mean.'

Leia shook her head. 'It's your wedding day. You're allowed to be over-the-top.' She moved behind Mara to straighten out a hem. 'I think it's fabulous.'

For the first time that day Mara genuinely smiled. 'It's wonderful, Qiran. And it fits perfectly.'

A huge grin threatened to split the Omwatii's face in two. 'I do some of my best work for you, Miss Jade. I thank you for your patronage.' He bowed formally. 'Where shall I deliver the outfit?'

Leia started to help Mara out of the dress. 'Deliver it to my apartments please, Qiran. At Orowood Towers. And be sure it is well packaged; we don't want anyone else to see it before the wedding.'

Qiran bowed once more. 'It shall be as you request, Madame Solo.' He left, shooing his assistants ahead of him.

Mara dressed slowly, casting surreptitious glances at the outfit on its stand. She pulled on her boots and fixed the belt at her waist, before strapping on her wrist holster. 'I think I'd like to go home now.'

'Of course,' said Leia quietly. 'I don't think there's anything else we can do today.' She helped Mara stand up. 'There is one more thing I have to talk to you about.'

'What?' Mara couldn't believe they'd forgotten anything; surely they had everything covered?

'Girls' night out.'

'No,' Mara groaned. 'Not this close to the wedding. Please.'

'It's traditional,' insisted Leia. 'A last night out as a single woman. Has to be done.' She put her head on one side as she played her trump card. 'The guys are taking Luke out tomorrow night.'

'They are? Does he know?'

'Yeah, I think so. Han swears he told him.' She patted Mara's arm. 'Come on, Mara. It'll take your mind off Toman and all his minions. You can meditate constantly afterwards.'

'Not with a hangover, I can't.'

'So go easy on the alcohol.' She smiled. 'It'll be fun. Iella says she knows this really nice place...'

'Okay. Okay. I'll come. You knew I would, anyway.'

Leia smiled triumphantly. 'Tomorrow night, then.'

***************

The following evening as she got ready to go out, Mara finally allowed herself to believe that the wedding might actually take place. She and Leia had met with Toman that morning and he had assured them that all problems had been solved, and of course Luke could have immediate access to the temple. She'd packed a couple of flightbags, as Luke had asked, then grabbed a smaller overnight bag and headed over to Corran and Mirax's apartment just before Luke was due to arrive.

As she was pulling on her boots, Mirax poked her head round the door. 'Luke's on the comm. He wants to talk to you.'

'Thanks.' Mara stood up and grabbed her wrist holster from the bed. She was still strapping it on as she sat down in front of the comm-unit.

'Are you going out, my love?' asked Luke, smiling.

Mara grinned back at him. 'Of course. So are you, I believe.'

'Only because Han told me you were. I was going to stay in and meditate.'

Mara's mouth opened and shut a couple of times. 'I'm going out because they told me you were.' She glowered at Mirax who was hiding her smile behind her hand. 'I am looking forward to getting away from these devious friends we seem to have accumulated. Are you going to tell me where we're honeymooning yet?'

'No.'

Mara shrugged; she hadn't expected an answer. 'How did it go at the temple today?'

'Took a while, but they all seem to know what they're doing now. Streen's a nervous wreck, though.'

Mara grimaced. If there was anyone in this galaxy born to be a hermit, then Streen was it. She'd argued against asking him to perform the ceremony; she felt it would be too cruel to take him to a planet as over-populated as Coruscant. But Luke had insisted, then Streen had insisted that he'd be fine, so Mara was out-voted. 'How is he coping?'

Luke appeared to think about this for a moment. 'About as well as could be expected. He's going to meditate all day tomorrow and he's very good at mind barriers these days.'

'Have you tried on your outfit?'

'I have, it fits, and I love it. Even though it's not black.'

Mara rested her chin in her hands. 'It's really going to happen, isn't it.'

Luke nodded, smiling at his beautiful fiancee. 'It is. I can't wait to see you, day after tomorrow.'

'Well, enjoy your evening out, Master Skywalker. And I'll see you at the temple.'

'Goodbye, my darling. And don't let my sister keep you out too late.' He winked as he leaned forward to shut off his comm-unit.

Mara finished fastening her holster, then looked up to see Corran and Mirax smiling at her. 'What?'

Corran shrugged. 'You two just make such a cute couple.'

'Don't ever call me cute, Corsec,' growled Mara.

Mirax laughed as she shoved her husband towards the door. 'Get moving, flyboy. The groom looks like he needs something to keep his mind off the bride.'

'I don't know if we can be THAT entertaining,' said Corran as he left, the door hissing closed behind him.

***************

After four drinks in four different bars, Luke was starting to feel distinctly woozy, and was fervently wishing he'd eaten more before he came out. The concept of a 'last night out with the guys' had seemed like such a good idea when Han had first mentioned it; now he wasn't so sure. But he wasn't going to complain, certain he could handle anything they decided to throw at him. The fifth round took place in a Ryloth cantina on the edge of one of the rougher areas of Coruscant proper. Luke put his head in his hands as he realised that the scantilly-clad Twi'lek dancer that had been performing for the crowd was coming his way. He glanced to his left and saw Han, Lando and Wedge grinning from ear to ear; even Chewie was laughing to himself. 'Master Skywalker?' The dancer had sat on the floor in front of him, giving Luke an unparalleled view of her cleavage. 'Your friends asked that I dance for you.'

Very carefully, Luke focused on her eyes. 'You don't have to do that.'

She leaned in even closer, her head-tails twitching mesmerically. 'Oh, but I must. They pay me well.' In one fluid movement she stood and pirouetted away from him, only to return as she began her dance. Luke couldn't help but smile at the beautiful, if erotic, dance that was taking place not a meter in front of him. The smile earned him several thumps on the back from his friends sitting behind him.

'I think she likes you, Luke,' said Wes. 'You could be in luck tonight.'

'Nah,' replied Hobbie. 'I think it's me she's looking at.'

'Please, I want to be the one to tell Mara,' said Corran.

Luke spitted him with a glare. 'Tell Mara about this and I'll be forced to kill you, Corran.'

'If he tells Mara, Luke won't live long enough to kill him,' commented Wes.

'No, she's a woman of the galaxy,' replied Corran, 'she'll understand.'

Luke shook his head in mock-despair and turned back to watch the dancer. Finally she swirled to a halt in front of him, then straddled his lap, her breasts jiggling to a stop in front of his eyes.

'Did you like my dance, Master Skywalker?'

He blushed as he struggled to meet her gaze. 'It was very ... um ... beautiful.'

'Thank you.' She leaned in and planted a kiss on his forehead. 'I wish you luck in your marriage. Your wife is a lucky lady.' Then suddenly she was twirling off across the room, to the cheers and catcalls of the rest of Luke's entourage.

He turned towards Han and Wedge. 'You enjoyed that, didn't you?'

Han nodded. 'Terrific dancer. Wasted in a place like this. Don't you agree, Lando?'

Lando's head bobbed in reply. 'Oh, yes. With moves like that she should be somewhere more upmarket.'

Wedge just grinned. 'And your face was an absolute picture, Luke.'

Luke shook his head at them. 'If the media gets hold of this, I'll never live it down.'

'Relax, kid.' Han smiled confidently. 'Who's gonna believe the heroes of the New Republic frequent a place like this? Especially the Grand Master Jedi of them all.'

'Shut up, Han.' Luke reached for his ale-glass and drained it. 'Where to next?'

***************

After a wonderful meal, Mara and her friends settled into the wine bar next to Iella's apartment building for a few quiet drinks. Mirax and Leia had tried to talk her into going dancing, but finally relented when Mara threatened to go home. A quiet evening in good company was just what Mara needed, as she tried to ignore the nervousness that had been steadily creeping over her.

'Mara? Are you alright?'

She turned to find Leia watching her, a concerned look on her face. 'Sure, I'm fine. Just a little preoccupied.'

Leia smiled. 'It's been so long since my own wedding, I've forgotten how nervous I felt.' 'You felt nervous?'

'Of course,' replied Leia. 'Everyone does, to some degree.' She grinned. 'Even though most of us don't have to go through a day and a half in a trance before the ceremony even begins.' 'Actually, I think that might help,' said Mara. 'But I'll still be glad when it's all over.' Leia nodded; that sentiment she could remember.

Mara finished her drink then looked ruefully at the empty glass. 'I think I'll stop drinking alcohol now. It's getting late.' She stood up. 'I'm going to the 'fresher. If anyone gets more drinks, could you make mine a fruit juice please?'

'Sure,' replied Leia. She watched Mara walk to a door at the back of the room, then turned back to see Iella on her feet, a furious look on her face. 'What's wrong?'

'Them.' Iella pointed towards the door. 'They shouldn't be here.'

Leia and the others followed her gaze to see the door held open as Rogue Squadron, Han, Luke, and a dozen others sauntered into the bar, laughing and occasionally staggering.

Iella marched up to her husband and poked him in the chest. 'What do you think you're playing at, Wedge? I told you we'd be here.'

'Did you?' He grinned and tried to put his arm round her. 'I don't remember.'

'I did. And we were here first, so you'll have to go.'

'Awww. But Han's just bought a round of drinks.' With his free hand he indicated Han standing at the bar; the space in front of him was covered in large mugs of lomin-ale.

'Tough,' replied Iella. 'Luke and Mara are not supposed to meet tonight, so you must leave. Now.' She started pushing him towards the door, then suddenly stopped. 'Where is Luke?'

'I dunno,' replied Wedge. 'He was here a moment ago. Hey, Han! Where's Luke?'

Han had started handing out the ale. 'Fresher. He'll be back in a minute.'

Luke had asked Han to buy him a non-alcoholic drink, then rolled his eyes when Han had laughed and ordered him more ale. Great. He decided to go to the 'fresher and at least get rid of some of the alcohol already coursing through his veins before he had to drink more. He didn't even notice Leia and friends as he edged his way through the crowds at the bar towards the door at the back. No sooner had he pushed open the door, than he saw a familiar figure walking down the corridor towards him. 'Mara?'

Her head snapped up and her eyes met his. 'Luke? What are you doing here?' She looked around a little nervously. 'I thought we weren't supposed to see each other before the wedding.' He took a step closer, drinking in the sight of her. Somehow the same outfit he'd seen her wearing earlier over the comm looked a lot more enticing in real life. 'We're not. You look fabulous.'

Mara stood stock-still, like a bena-mouse caught in the headlights of an on-coming speeder. 'We are not supposed to meet,' she repeated.

Another couple of steps and he had almost closed the gap between her. Her scent was intoxicating, her eyes mesmerising, her...

'Luke!'

Her voice snapped him out of his reverie. 'What?'

'We have to go back.'

He glanced at the closed door behind him, the noise of the bar barely filtering through. One more step and he was standing right in front of her. 'Why?'

'Because...' Her eyes locked with his, shutting out the rest of the world. 'Because...' She swallowed, trying to choke down the emotion she felt at finally being reunited with him. 'Oh, dammit!' She shoved him roughly against the wall and covered his mouth with hers, saying with her body what she couldn't say out loud.

And Luke got the message. He kissed her hungrily, his mind and body screaming for her touch; his famed Jedi control completely left the building. Her tongue danced into his mouth and he responded ravenously.

They both jumped when the door banged open and Leia marched in. 'I might have known! Break it up, you two.'

Mara's eyes fell away from Luke's and she started to take a step backwards, when she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

'No. I need to talk to my fiancee.' His steady gaze turned on his sister. 'Alone.'

Leia raised her chin slightly. 'But Luke, you told me...'

'I know what I told you. Now it's changed.'

'I think both of you should come back through. Right now,' said Leia, crossing her arms.

'I said no.' He spoke quietly but the power in his voice was unmistakable.

Leia regarded them both for a long moment, before turning on her heel and leaving, closing the door behind her.

Mara stared incredulously at Luke. 'You didn't just mind-whammy your sister, did you?'

He smiled as he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. 'Certainly not. She just knows when to back down, that's all.'

She burrowed her face into his neck, tightening their embrace. 'Maybe she's right. I don't know how I'm going to manage all that deep meditation tomorrow when I'm constantly thinking of you.'

'And leaving now or in five minutes isn't going to make an iota of difference.'

She closed her eyes, listening to his voice.

'Mara, if we're going to do this properly, we must be prepared. Forget about me and spend tomorrow inside yourself, connecting with the Force. Reach deep down inside and immerse yourself in it, until everything else becomes completely irrelevant. You must be as connected as you possibly can be.'

She raised her head to look into his blue eyes. 'I know. I'll...'

'Don't say it.' He pressed a finger to her lips. 'There is no try.'

Mara smirked. 'I was going to say "I'll do it".'

'I believe you.' He smiled and glanced back to the door. 'Now, before we have half of Rogue Squadron in here dragging me out of your arms, would you please kiss me and remind me why we're getting married.'

Mara obliged.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade, otherwise known as 'Chapter 12'. Weapons and plots must be left at the door."

Chapter 12 - Bonding

After a night of tossing and turning, Mara decided there probably wasn't much point staying in her bed; she rose just as the sun started putting in an appearance. She showered quickly and pulled on loose pants and a shirt, before heading through to the living area of the Horns' apartment, tying her damp hair in a ponytail. The whole apartment was silent; Mara could sense Corran and Mirax asleep in their room. She tiptoed through to the kitchen and helped herself to some fruit and Corellian bread that she'd watched Mirax make the day before. Pouring herself a tall glass of water, she leaned against a work surface and sighed, trying to calm the nervousness she could feel bubbling up inside. Tomorrow she would change, become something different. She would be Luke's bond-mate. His wife. And today she was determined to do her best in preparation. Draining the glass, she padded quietly back through to the living area and started by moving her body through the series of stretches she tried to fit into her daily routine.

After half an hour her muscles were warm and her breathing was slow and regular. She moved to a hand-stand, before carefully bending her legs behind her and touching the floor. As she straightened again, she became aware of someone watching her.

Corran stood beside the door to his room, leaning against the wall. 'Wow, Mara. I didn't know you could still do that stuff.'

She sat down and stretched her legs in front, bending down until her head touched her knees. 'There's a lot you don't know about me, Corsec. And how long have you been watching?' 'Not long. I figured you were up and wondered if you'd like a partner to start your meditation.'

Mara sat up and stretched her hands high over her head, smiling at the thoughtfulness of her friend. 'Thanks. That would be nice.' She pulled her feet in until she sat cross-legged, and gestured for Corran to sit in front of her. 'If you need to rouse me, use the phrase "Mara Jade Skywalker".'

Corran raised an eyebrow as he sank to the floor in front of her. 'Mara Jade Skywalker?'

She frowned at him before closing her eyes. 'Yes. I'm trying to get used to it, okay.' One eye snapped open. 'I take it Mirax has a phrase to wake you if you go too deep.'

'Oh, yes. We've got one set up.'

Mara's other eye opened as she detected a hint of a blush crossing his cheek. 'Are you going to tell me what it is?'

'Nope.'

'Ah. One of those phrases.' She smirked. 'I understand.'

'Close your eyes, Jade.'

With one last wink at Corran, she closed her eyes and relaxed into the Force.

***************

At his apartment, the only sound was Luke's feet as they pounded along on the running machine he had installed in one corner of his bedroom. He ran with his eyes closed, a light sheen of sweat covering his body and plastering his hair to his forehead and neck. A quiet double-beep from Artoo indicated he'd covered the distance he'd requested, and he slowly opened his eyes and turned the machine down. After a quick stretch and a quicker shower, he pulled on loose clothes and his Jedi robe, before settling down in the main room to start his meditation. 'Ten hours, Artoo. And I don't want to be disturbed.'

The little droid beeped an acknowledgement, and reached out to turn on the comm automatic answering.

Luke closed his eyes and quickly sank into the familiar sense of calm and peace, the place inside himself that only he could access. The Force was at its strongest there, especially the light side. He felt it coursing through his body, his sphere of knowledge and understanding expanding slowly, as if it were a living, breathing being. Images flitted past, but he studiously ignored them, even the ones that seemed to concern Mara. There would be time for visions later. Right now he needed to immerse himself in the Force; feel it, touch it, taste it. As a Jedi he had mastered many aspects of it, both light and dark. But tomorrow he would bond with another Jedi, and he needed to know that the Force would permit this, would allow another to share this special place, without harm coming to either of them.

His breathing and heart rate were now barely perceptible as Luke began his mental preparation for what was to come.

***************

'Mara Jade Skywalker.'

Mara took a deep, cleansing breath as she slowly opened her eyes to see Corran kneeling in front of her. 'Hi. What time is it?' she croaked.

Corran smiled gently. 'Time to eat. You've been out for twelve hours.'

'Have I?' Mara felt incredibly relaxed, at peace with herself. 'How long did you meditate for?'

'Only the first couple of hours. Mirax and I figured we should just leave you to it.'

'Thanks.' She slowly stretched her arms above her head and uncrossed her legs, wincing at the tingling sensation in her muscles. 'Um, I may need some help standing up.'

He grinned and slapped his right hand into hers, pulling her up. 'Come and eat. Mirax and I have been cooking, and you look like you need a hot meal.'

Walking slowly, Mara followed him into the kitchen, her senses assaulted by the delicious smell of fresh stew and roast vegetables, as well as the noisy clatter of cutlery and plates. Even the colors looked brighter, making her wince slightly.

'Hi, Mara.' Mirax peered at her friend. 'Are you alright?'

'Yeah, I'm fine. A little woozy.' Mara smiled. 'That smells great, Mirax.'

'Tastes even better.' She gently pushed Mara into a chair beside a plate of steaming food. 'Try it.'

Corran sat opposite her and poured them both a glass of juice. 'You sure you're okay? That was a long time to be in meditation.'

Mara nodded as she ate. 'I'm okay, Corran. I just feel a bit ... sensitive. To this world and to the Force. To everything.' She watched the concern on his face turn into a smile. 'What?' 'I never really saw you as the meditating type, Mara. You and the Force always seemed to end up with somebody bruised, battered, and possibly missing a limb or two.' His smile widened. 'I can't believe you're doing this purely on Luke's say-so.'

Mara regarded him coolly, surprised to find she didn't feel even slightly riled at his implication that she took orders from Luke. 'I'm not. I agreed to a Jedi bonding ceremony, rather than a Tatooine or Alderaanian wedding ceremony, and this is part of that bonding.' She chewed thoughtfully on another mouthful of food. 'Apparently, some of the OR Jedi used to meditate for days beforehand.'

Mirax joined them and all three ate in silence for a while, before Corran spoke again. 'Mara, are you still happy that you chose to become a Jedi Knight?'

'I don't think I chose it as much as the Force chose me. I can see now that it was kind of inevitable but, yes, I'm happy about it.' She smiled at him. 'Why? Are you thinking of joining the Brown Robed Ones?'

Corran shook his head, quickly swallowing. 'No, at least, not yet. I'd like to stay with the squadron for a while.'

'But you are considering full-time Jedi-hood for the future.'

'Yes.' He glanced at his wife, who nodded almost imperceptibly. 'Mara, we're pretty sure Valin is Force-strong. I mean, not like the Solo kids, but there's definitely some sort of awareness there.' He sighed. 'It seems unfair encouraging him to fulfil his potential when his own father hasn't.'

Mara leaned back in her chair, studying him carefully. She didn't even attempt to dip into his mind; she didn't need to, as he seemed to be broadcasting his thoughts and emotions so loudly anyway. Finally, she turned to Mirax. 'Booster's gonna love this.'

'That's why we haven't told him.' Mirax smiled. 'Actually, he's mellowing in his old age, at least towards some of the Jedi.'

Mara nodded and turned back to face Corran. 'What do you want me to do?'

He grimaced. 'Tell me I don't have to go back to the Academy in order to finish my training?' 'I can't make that decision, Corran. You know that. You'll have to talk to Luke.'

'I know.' His green eyes met hers. 'How long are you two going to be away on honeymoon?'

'I don't know. Quite a while, if the amount of baggage Luke made me pack is anything to go by.'

'Do you know where you're going yet?' asked Mirax.

'Nope. I don't even know how we're getting there.' Mara shook her head. 'If he's managed to borrow a ship, it better be something decent, or I'll never let him hear the end of it.'

'I can't believe Mara Jade is letting anyone organise her itinerary,' commented Mirax with a smile.

'Me neither,' replied Mara. 'But Luke was fairly insistent, so I'm giving him some leeway. If I don't like wherever it is we're going, I'm sure I can persuade him to move.'

Mirax's face split into a grin. 'I think the whole point of a honeymoon is that it doesn't matter where you are, Mara. You'll be too ... ah ... preoccupied to notice your surroundings.' 'Good point,' laughed Mara, standing up and pushing her chair back. 'I'm going to meditate some more. Same pull-out phrase.' She turned towards Corran and laid her hand on his, momentarily surprised to feel the Force coursing through him like a power cable. 'Why don't you wait and contact Luke when you know what you want to do. I'll mention it to him...' She winked. '... if I remember.'

***************

Artoo's insistent warbling tone brought Luke out of his meditation; he blinked his eyes a couple of times and stood slowly, stretching carefully. 'Thanks, Artoo.'

He patted the loyal droid on his dome, wondering anew whether he should take him on honeymoon. He quickly dismissed the idea; Mara would probably dismantle the little astromech. Wandering into the kitchen area, he threw a package in the cooker and hit the on-switch, before walking slowly towards the apartment's small balcony. As he leaned on the rail, the wind whipping his hair, he watched the cloud-cars and air-speeders racing by. The Force was all around him, so strong he could almost reach out and touch it. Sentient beings were like tiny pinpricks of light, brightening as they gathered together in Coruscant's busy streets and buildings. He couldn't see Orowood Towers or Corran's building, but he could sense Leia and her children, as well as Corran and Mara, quite easily; the Force shouted their presence to him.

The ping of the cooker indicated his meal was ready, and with one last look at the Coruscant skyline, he wandered back to the small kitchen. As he ate, he tried to logically think his way through his recent meditation. The Force was not an entity, but sometimes it seemed so tangible to Luke that he found himself treating it as such; he asked it for guidance, and allowed it to help him achieve great physical and mental feats. And although it had taken them ten years to realise it, he now truly believed that his and Mara's bonding was the will of the Force. The future was indeed hard to see, but Luke knew Mara would be in his, as long as they both lived and breathed. It was inevitable.

He sighed as he finished his food. He felt completely attuned to the Force, and didn't really require any more meditation, but decided to continue anyway. Perhaps he would allow himself to see the visions that had been dancing tantalisingly close in his mind.

'Just four hours this time, Artoo,' he said, settling down on the floor. 'Then I'll get the ship loaded and prepped before I try to sleep.'

The droid beeped a confirmation, watching as his master fell once more into a trance.

***************

Mara woke slowly, wondering what was making the buzzing noise that assaulted her ears. Opening her eyes, she remembered she was still in Valin's room, and as she looked up, she could see the X-wing models he had suspended from the ceiling as they danced around, performing their programmed display. Smiling, she remembered she had turned it on the previous night in an attempt to help her sleep. It had worked, too; the display had obviously been on all night. She reached out an arm and turned it off, before swinging her legs over the side of the bed and sitting up.

There was a knock at the door. 'Mara? Are you awake?'

'Come in, Mirax.'

Mirax opened the door to see her friend facing the opposite wall. The tiny white sleep-shift she wore and the mussed red hair spilling over her slim shoulders served to make Mara look young and vulnerable; Mirax smiled. 'How do you feel?'

Mara turned round; her emerald eyes seemed to be so full of barely-contained power that Mirax took an involuntary step backwards. 'I feel ready.'

Luke's eyes snapped open. Mara was awake; he could sense it. He was vaguely surprised that he had actually managed to sleep without the help of a Jedi trance. 'Guess loading the ship last night tired me out more than I thought, Artoo.'

After a shower and a quick breakfast, he dressed in the clothes he and Leia had chosen. He'd wanted something reminiscent of the old Jedi order, but Leia had helped him update it. Just looking at the outfit made him smile; Mara had obviously had a hand in the color scheme. A high-necked, skin-tight shirt in dark green, was followed by leggings and a Jedi-style tunic in a creamy-white color. He fitted the dark green obi round his waist and pulled on shiny black boots; at least she'd let him wear something black. He examined the fabric of the Jedi robe again; some sort of pale gray material, with tiny threads of silver woven through parts of it. Interesting. He settled it on his shoulders, pushing his arms through the voluminous sleeves. No lightsaber today - both his and Mara's sabers were onboard the starship he'd commissioned for her. 'What do you think, Artoo?'

The little droid tootled a happy response and rocked from leg to leg. He, too, was looking smart - Luke had spent some time cleaning and polishing him the previous evening. The door buzzed and Luke strode over to open it. 'Hi, Han.'

Han Solo stepped into the apartment, looking him up and down. 'You ready, kid?' 'As I'll ever be. Come on, Artoo.'

Han gestured to Luke's waist. 'No lightsaber?'

'Not today. Mara's not wearing hers, either.'

'Yeah?' Han smirked as he patted the blaster strapped to his thigh. 'Just as well I came armed.'

Luke shook his head as he followed Han out of the door; his brother-in-law was always armed. 'If I need a saber there'll be plenty at the temple I can borrow. Besides, we're not expecting trouble, are we?'

'Kid, you've been off-planet too long. The media have got worse recently, and some of the reports they've been making are downright inflammatory.' He winked at Luke. 'Besides, it's us. When do we not expect trouble?'

'Today,' growled Luke.

'It'll be fine, Luke,' said Han solemnly, all teasing forgotten when he saw Luke's worried expression. 'Security swept the temple last night and this morning, and Leia's got a whole bunch of Noghri guarding the place.'

'And did Security find anything on these sweeps?'

Han winced slightly. 'A bunch of recording stuff. And a couple of little bombs. But they're all gone now.'

'Bombs!'

'Shhh!' Han gently pushed Luke into the turbolift. 'I told you; we got them all. And we've got the best weapons-detector money can buy on the door. With Chewie standing next to it.'

'Sorry, but I don't have a whole lot of faith in NR Security's weapons-detectors,' replied Luke, the senate bombing of two years previously still fresh in his mind.

'This isn't NRS. It's something Karrde and Booster Terrik came up with. Security's spitting laser bolts trying to get a look at it.'

Luke nodded, his posture slowly relaxing. 'Fine.' He slipped his hands into his sleeves and bowed his head slightly, silent for a long moment. 'How's Mara?'

Han's hand on his shoulder finally made him look up, to see his friend's eyes twinkling. 'She arrived safely at our place, and has Mirax, Iella and Leia fussing over her as we speak. Why do you think I'm early - I had to get out of there.'

Luke nodded, a smile crossing his face. 'Thanks, Han.'

'What for?'

'Everything. In case I don't get the chance to tell you later.'

In Leia's main room, Mara looked unconvinced as Mirax and Leia curled her hair. 'I'm still not sure about this.'

'Neither am I,' said Iella, placing a tray with four steaming mugs of Caf on a low table. 'I still say we should have brought in a professional.'

Leia glared at her. 'I think I've had enough experience styling long hair, don't you?' 'I actually meant about the curls,' said Mara.

'Sit still,' replied Leia. 'We tried this last week, and you said you liked it then.' Mara shrugged. 'I did. Now I'm not so sure.'

'Sit still, Mara,' said Leia. 'I'm nearly done.'

Mara fiddled with the sash of her robe and tried to remain perfectly still as Mirax and Leia tugged and pulled.

'There. Finished.'

Mara stuck her tongue out at her reflection. 'It looks weird.'

'It'll be great when it's up,' said Iella. 'Now come and have some Caf.'

As Mara sipped the hot drink, Leia started pinning her hair on top of her head. She was finished in a remarkably short space of time; Mara's red-gold hair now a mass of delicate curls, pinned up securely. 'Do you want me to do your make-up, Mara?'

'Stop fussing, Leia. I can put on my own make-up, thank you,' she replied.

'Good move,' said Iella. 'I've seen holos of Leia during the glossy-lips years.'

Mirax laughed. 'She's right. I wouldn't let Leia near me with make-up.'

'Very funny. I'll have you know that was the height of fashion back then.'

Mara listened to them banter as she started applying cosmetics, occasionally sipping her Caf. The nervousness was starting to creep back, and it was nice to have her friends there to distract her. 'All done.'

'That's it?' asked Leia.

'That was quick,' said Mirax.

Mara smiled. 'I go for the minimalist look.'

'It's great,' said Iella. 'Can I see the dress now?'

'Not yet,' said Leia. 'I still have to finish her hair.' She pulled a handful of decorative hairpins from a box; each one was topped with a glowing green light. Carefully, Leia pushed each pin into Mara's hair, trying to arrange them into a random pattern. 'There. How does that look?'

'Lovely,' replied Mirax, reaching out to touch one of the pins. 'I take it they've got their own power source. How long will they last?'

'A few days,' said Leia. 'Clever, aren't they.'

Iella joined them standing round Mara. 'I'd really like to see the dress sometime soon.' 'Patience, Madame Antilles,' smiled Leia. 'There's lots of time.'

'I've had to listen to you hint about this dress all week, Madame Solo,' replied Iella sarcastically. 'I'm all patienced out.'

'Me too,' said Mirax. 'Bring on the dress.'

Leia placed her hands on Mara's shoulders. 'Are you ready?'

Mara nodded silently, her eyes meeting Leia's in the mirror. She watched as Leia went to her room and returned with the hover-box that contained her outfit. She turned round just as Leia opened the box, and smiled as Mirax and Iella gasped.

'That is gorgeous, Mara,' said Mirax.

Iella reached out to touch the fabric. 'Beautiful.' She turned to face Mara. 'Now I really want to see you wearing it.'

Mara smiled and stood up as Leia removed the outfit from the box and unzipped the dress. Slipping out of her robe, Mara carefully stepped into the dress, pushed her arms into the sleeves, and stood still as Leia zipped her up. The silvery fabric shimmered slightly as she moved; fitting her figure snugly from the waist up, the skirt flaring gently to a small train. Tiny green lights, exactly matching those in her hair, had been fixed to the bottom of the dress; the pattern they created looked like flames rising from the hem.

'Jade Fire,' commented Mirax. 'Nice touch.'

'Wow!' was Iella's only comment.

'You do know how to walk with a train, don't you?' asked Leia.

Mara slipped into a pair of dark gray shoes. 'It's been a while, but I don't think I've forgotten,' replied Mara as she started to walk slowly to the other end of the room, her back straight as she pushed the front of the dress with a toe before every step. At the far end of the room she turned in a wide arc, keeping the train behind her.

'It looks even better when you move,' said Mirax. 'Like the flames are dancing, even the ones on the train.'

'Wow!' repeated Iella.

'Tell me you're not going to put a Jedi robe on top,' said Mirax.

'Oh, but she has to,' replied Leia, reaching into the hover-box and pulling out what looked like nothing more than a giant spider-web. It turned out to be a Jedi robe made from an almost translucent material, shot through with threads of silver and dark gray. 'Don't even think about pulling up the hood,' warned Leia, as she helped Mara into the robe. 'I'm not fixing your hair again if you mess it up.' The robe was extra long at the back, and Mirax helped Leia settle it over the train, most of the green lights still twinkling through.

Mara turned slowly to face Iella, the Jedi robe hanging open. 'Well?'

'Wow.'

'Is that all you're going to say,' asked Mirax.

Iella grinned. 'You look great, Mara.'

The door buzzed. 'And that will be the driver I ordered,' said Leia.

'Driver?' Mara looked puzzled. 'I thought you were driving me to the temple?'

'Change of plans,' said Leia as she crossed to open the door. 'Meet your new driver.'

The door slid open revealing Talon Karrde, washed, brushed, trimmed, and as smart as Mara had ever seen him. 'Am I on time, Madame Counsellor?'

'You are.' She waved him into the apartment, then almost barrelled into him as he stopped suddenly when he caught sight of Mara.

'Wow!'

'Not him as well,' muttered Mirax.

Karrde quickly regained his composure. 'You look absolutely stunning, Mara. How come you never dressed like this when you were working for me?'

Mara's sharp retort died on her lips as four over-excited children raced through the door, followed closely by Shada. Valin tried to hide behind Mirax, while Leia's three hovered near their mother.

'Remind me never to have kids,' said Shada tiredly. She looked up. 'Hi, Mara. You look great.'

'Now, Mama, can we do it now?' asked Jaina in a loud whisper.

Leia nodded and handed her daughter a small black box. Mara crouched down a little and raised a quizzical eyebrow at Leia, before returning her attention to Jaina.

Jaina stopped just in front of Mara. 'You look very beautiful, Mara.'

'Thank you, Jaina.'

Jaina looked at the box in her hands, then back at Mara. 'This is from me and Jacen and Anakin.' She held out the box. 'It's a gift to you for becoming our aunt.'

Mara smiled, struggling to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. She leaned forward and kissed the little girl on the cheek. 'Thank you.'

'Does that mean we can call you Aunt Mara now?' whispered Jaina.

'Yes, I think it does,' whispered back Mara. She stood, watching Jaina skip back to her brothers, then opened the box. Inside, nestling in white satin, lay a dark green gem on a platinum chain. 'Oh, it's beautiful.' She looked up at the children. 'Thank you.'

Leia moved forward to help her fasten the chain around her neck. 'It's an Alderaanian custom that the children of the family present a gift to the bride.' She gently touched the gem where it lay against Mara's pale skin. 'It's a besmera from Mon Calamari; it's supposed to bring luck.'

Mara took Leia's hands in her own. 'Thank you for everything, Leia. I could never have organised all this without you.'

Leia leaned forward and kissed her future sister-in-law on the cheek, the contact reinforcing the power she had felt from Mara all morning. 'It was my pleasure.' She sniffed. 'Now go meet my brother at the temple. I'll see you this afternoon for the ceremony.'

Luke groaned as he and Han arrived at the old temple; the opposite side of the street was filled with beings of every shape, size and color, most of them with holocams.

'Come on, Luke. You know the drill,' said Han as he stopped at the entrance. 'Wave. Smile. Say nothing.' He grinned. 'Works for me.'

'You don't think they'll expect me to say something?'

'Nah. It's your wedding day. You're too nervous to speak.'

Luke gave Han a skeptical look. 'Would you say a few words for me?'

'Not even if you paid me.'

Sighing, Luke exited the speeder, waved to the crowds a few times, then bowed once and walked up the steps into the temple, closely followed by Han. The coolness of the interior, combined with the high stone walls and gently curving ceiling, immediately started to make Luke feel more relaxed. As he entered the main chamber, he was pleased to see Streen and Corran waiting for him, flanked by two of the Noghri.

He returned their bows with one of his own and watched as the Noghri melted into the shadows. 'I didn't expect to see you here so early, Corran.'

'Just adding to the security, Luke.'

Han pulled out a comlink and flicked it on. 'Leia, how's our bride doing?'

'Just left with Karrde and Mirax,' replied Leia. 'How is Luke?'

Han smiled and handed the comlink to Luke.

'I'm fine, Leia. Thanks for looking after Mara.'

'Good luck, Luke. I love you.'

He smiled. 'I love you, too. Don't be late.' He could still hear Leia's laughter as he returned the comlink to Han.

The black speeder set a sedate pace through the streets of Coruscant; no-one gave it a second glance, especially as the windows were totally opaque. Inside, Mara sat in silence, looking at her hands as they rested in her lap.

'Are you okay?' asked Mirax, reaching for her hand.

'Same as I was when you asked me five minutes ago,' replied Mara, smiling at her friend. 'A little nervous.'

'Don't think I've ever seen you nervous,' commented Karrde from the front seat.

'Do I actually look nervous?' asked Mara, her face a mask of calm.

Karrde glanced back. 'No.'

'That's why you've never seen me nervous.'

As they pulled up outside the temple, Mara sent out tendrils of the Force to gauge the emotions of the crowd. She noticed two or three spots of animosity, but mostly happiness or ambivalence. She could detect no danger to herself or to her friends, and in her state of heightened awareness Mara was sure she'd pick up on any threat.

Karrde opened her door and held out his arm, which she gratefully accepted. The gasps of the crowd at the first sight of her dress quickly turned into spontaneous applause, and half-way up the steps Mara paused and turned, inclining her head towards them in thanks. Mirax slipped in quietly beside them as they entered the building.

Luke stood alone in front of the raised circular dais in the middle of the great hall; seating had been arranged in concentric circles around the dais, with a gap leading from it to the entrance. His back was to the doorway, but he heard the applause and could sense Mara as she came nearer. He bowed his head and concentrated on calming himself.

In the hallway outside, Mara greeted Han, Streen and Corran, and watched as the Noghri left to take up guard positions outside the main entrance.

Streen gently touched her shoulder. 'Would you like me to accompany you in?'

She shook her head, swallowing the emotion that continued to threaten her composure. 'I'd like to see him alone, first.'

Streen nodded slowly. 'Please remember; you mustn't touch, not yet.'

'I'll remember.' Slowly Mara turned to her friends; she embraced Corran and Mirax, then Han, and finally Karrde.

'We'll leave you now,' whispered Karrde as he hugged her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and held her at arms length. 'Be strong, Mara Jade.' He smiled. 'And may the Force be with you.'

She watched them go, then turned back to face the door to the main chamber. Nodding once to Streen, she walked slowly towards her destiny.

The huge wooden door was surprisingly easy to move, and as she pushed it silently aside, Mara suspected it was either hollow or artificial. Stepping through, she carefully closed it behind her.

Luke stood with his back to her, his head bowed, the silver in his cloak shimmering slightly in the sunlight streaming through the high windows. Mara stepped forward, then hesitated. 'Luke?' His head came up slowly but still he didn't turn. 'Mara?'

She took another small step forwards, reaching out with the Force to caress his mind with her thoughts.

He whipped round, his Jedi robe swirling at his feet. As he caught sight of her smiling gently at him, he stopped breathing, his heart caught in his throat. 'Oh, Gods, Mara. You look absolutely wonderful.'

She bowed, the tension she had been feeling abating a little. 'Why, thank you, Master Skywalker. And I must say that you are looking particularly handsome today.'

He took a step closer to her, his hands clenching then relaxing at his sides, fighting not to sweep her into his arms. 'Are you ready, Mara?'

Her steady gaze met his own. 'I am.'

He nodded and stepped to one side, indicating the dais steps. 'After you.' He watched her walk slowly past, rigidly controlling the urge to reach out and touch her.

Mara climbed the steps, her gown and robe rippling up behind her. On top of the dais were three small seating blocks, set equidistant around the circumference; she moved to the one on her left and carefully sat down, crossing her ankles beneath her skirt, the train falling gently over the edge of the dais behind her. She watched silently as Luke also mounted the steps and moved to take the seat on the right. She could feel the power emanating from him, so strong it almost frightened her. Almost. As she watched him settle himself on the seat, his robe falling behind him, she knew her own power in the Force was significant, enough to counter-balance his. His blue eyes caught her gaze and he smiled, his love reaching out to her. He spoke quietly. 'It's time.'

She nodded, her throat constricting with emotion, and closed her eyes. She quickly slipped back to the place she'd retreated to during her trance the previous day. Only now she wasn't alone. Slowly, Luke's presence made itself felt, and tentatively Mara reached out to him in her mind. //You've done well, my love. That's some Force presence you've got there// Luke's voice came over loud and clear in her head, as clear as she'd ever heard it.

//Thank you// She let him lead her into his own mind, feeling his emotions, encountering his memories, their spirits entwined. And, simultaneously, she allowed him into her mind, dropping every residual barrier, conscious and unconscious thought laid bare. As they sank into a deep trance, revelling in the Force and in each other, they didn't notice Streen take the third seat and slip into his own meditation, nor did they notice the passage of time.

//Mara. Mara, we can start the ceremony//

At the sound of Luke's voice in her head, Mara started to rise out of her trance, wincing slightly when she realised the temple was now full of people, screaming their associated emotions and thoughts. She quickly erected her natural barriers, wondering that so many hours seemed to have passed in such a short time. If it was time to start the ceremony, it had to be late afternoon.

Luke watched her open her eyes and was shocked to see they were momentarily blue, before turning their normal green. Had his been green when he'd first opened his eyes? This was an unusual manifestation of the Force he had not previously encountered. Then his anxiety vanished with her smile; the preparation was over, and they could now make their vows.

Mara's gaze flickered round the room, reassuring herself that everything was in place. Thirty Jedi, including Corran she noted with a smile, were standing round the edge of the room, their unlit lightsabers held before them, their heads bowed in meditation. Leia sat as close as she could to Luke, with Han and the children by her side. Iella, Wedge, Mirax, Winter and Tycho sat next to them, with many of their other friends on the seating behind. At the edge of her vision, Mara could see Karrde and Shada, along with some of the organisation she'd crewed with, sitting almost directly behind her. Talon noticed her gaze and winked, gently nodding his head to her. She acknowledged him with a smile, and Mara could almost swear she saw the hint of a tear in his eye. When Shada subconsciously laid a hand on his knee, Mara had to struggle to keep her smile from becoming a feral grin; instead she merely raised an eyebrow at her former employer.

//Mara// whispered Luke.

//Yes?// She whipped round to face him. //Can we start?//

He nodded, then turned to Streen and bowed slightly.

The room drifted into silence as Streen slowly stood, his simple Jedi robes brushing the floor, his hands folded in the sleeves. 'Citizens of the New Republic, you have been invited here today to witness the bonding of the two Jedi you see before you, Master Luke Skywalker and Knight Mara Jade. They have already bonded mentally in the Force; they will now vocalize their commitment to each other, before they bond spiritually.' He paused. 'May the Force be with them today, tomorrow, and always.' He moved forward to help Mara kneel on the cushion before her, then stood back as Luke knelt on his, directly facing her.

Silence. As one, the Jedi around the room raised their heads, concentrating on the kneeling duo.

Luke struggled to keep his hands clasped in front of him as his intense gaze met Mara's. He swallowed once. 'I call upon all present to witness that I, Luke Skywalker, take Mara Jade as my bond-mate, my wife, my partner through life.' He smiled gently. 'Mara, I promise I shall always be faithful, loyal, honorable and true, and when times are dark, I will stay with you in the light. This is my vow as a Jedi.'

Mara was also struggling to keep her hands from reaching out to touch him. She lost herself in his eyes as she repeated the vow, her heart pounding in her chest. 'I also call upon all present to witness that I, Mara Jade, take Luke Skywalker as my bond-mate, my husband, my life-partner. Luke, I promise to remain faithful, honorable, loyal and true, and when times are dark, I shall stay with you in the light. This is my vow as a Jedi.' She smiled when she saw tears form in his eyes. //Don't cry on me now, Skywalker//

//I won't// He blinked a couple of times to clear his eyes, then raised his hands, his palms facing Mara. 'I belong to you and to the Force.'

'I belong to you and to the Force.' As she mirrored his position, she whispered in his mind //Do we know what this is going to do?//

//Trust in the Force, Mara//

The audience held its breath as they slowly brought their palms towards each other. Finally they touched, and for a heartbeat nothing happened. Luke and Mara smiled as their fingers tightly entwined and they felt the power inside themselves begin to grow. A tiny white light appeared from between their clenched hands, faint at first but then quickly expanding to encompass both Jedi. As the light started to diffuse, it touched the other Jedi, leaving them with a feeling of elation.

Han suddenly found his arms full of Jaina and Anakin, while Jacen clung to his mother. 'Are you okay?' he asked Leia.

She nodded, her eyes filled with tears of joy, and pulled Jacen closer to her.

'Daddy,' whispered Jaina in his ear, 'can you see it, Daddy? It feels so pretty.'

He looked at his daughter's shining eyes, so like her mother's. 'Yes, princess. I can see it.' He obviously couldn't feel the emotions his wife and children were experiencing, but the light had by now filled the chamber, and Han surreptitiously checked to make sure everyone else could see it. Most of the faces he could see were full of wonder; the Jedi encircling the room looked ecstatic. In unison, they raised their lightsabers to a salute, before lighting them and stretching them towards the ceiling. Their colors seemed to fade slightly in the glow of the pure, white light, but nothing could quieten the sound of thirty lightsabers being lit simultaneously. As one, they shouted, 'The Force!'

As Han's attention returned to the dais, he realised he'd never seen Streen look so happy. The old Jedi was grinning from ear to ear as he took a step closer to the kneeling couple. 'The Force has joined! Nothing but the Force may separate!'

The light slowly started to fade as Luke and Mara leaned forward and gently kissed.

***************

Leia had indeed organised what her husband termed 'a high Alderaanian blow-out', and a big one at that. Hundreds of guests mingled as elegant music played and couples danced; children shrieked as they raced around the room.

Han tugged uncomfortably at his high collar, noticing several other guests doing the same. His grimace turned into a grin as he saw Luke approaching. 'I suppose you're going to abandon me now.'

Luke nodded. 'We have some more meditation to do.'

'Is that what you Jedi call it?' said Han, smirking.

Luke raised his eyebrows innocently. 'It's true. Got to stabilise the bond, strengthen it.' 'Yeah, so you say.'

Luke stuck out his hand, and Han grasped it, pulling his friend into a bone-crushing hug. 'Good luck, kid.'

'Thanks. I've just married Mara Jade, so I'm probably going to need it.'

Han stifled a laugh into a snort. 'I won't tell her you said that.'

Luke tightened his grip and nodded once at his brother-in-law, before moving off to say goodbye to some of his other friends. He worked his way around the room as quickly as he could, but it was still some time before he reached the corner where Mara was chatting to Leia, Iella, Mirax and Winter. Moving behind his wife, he slipped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. 'Sorry to break up the party, ladies, but Mara and I have to leave.'

Mara twisted her head slightly so she could look at him. 'We do?'

Luke squeezed her waist and nodded.

'I'm not leaving until you tell me where we're going.'

Luke shrugged. 'The space docks.'

'And then where are we going?'

'Docking bay 591-D.'

'And after that?'

He kissed her cheek. 'You ask too many questions, Mrs. Skywalker.'

She glared at him, trying not to smile, before tugging herself out of his arms and embracing her friends. 'Thanks, girls. For everything.' She patted Winter's bump. 'And promise me you'll let me know as soon as this little one puts in an appearance.'

Winter nodded as she gently touched Mara's cheek.

'Have a great time,' said Mirax.

'And don't do anything we wouldn't do,' said Iella, hugging her again.

Mirax raised an eyebrow at Iella. 'That doesn't rule very much out.'

Mara's breath was almost knocked out of her as Leia pulled her into a tight hug. 'Take care of each other,' whispered Leia.

'We will, Leia. You know we will.'

Leia nodded as she stood back and squeezed Mara's hands. 'It was a lovely ceremony. Quite beautiful.' As she turned to her brother, two small tears slipped down her face, before she flung her arms around his neck and hugged him as tightly as he hugged her. 'I feel that you're happy now, Luke.'

'I am happy, Leia.'

She sniffed as she looked into his face. 'Don't leave it too long before you contact me.' 'It'll be about seven or eight days.'

'I'll hold you to that.' She smiled over his shoulder as she saw her children racing towards them. 'I think there are a few others who would like to see you before you go.'

Jacen, Jaina and Anakin launched themselves at their uncle as soon as he stopped embracing their mother.

Anakin wriggled in Luke's arms. 'Do you have to go, Uncle Luke?'

'Yes, we do, Little Jedi.' Luke kissed Anakin's cheek. 'But we'll come back and visit.' 'Soon?' asked Jaina as she clung to his waist.

'As soon as we can,' replied Luke, leaning down to kiss her too. He turned to kiss his other nephew and was a little surprised to see the ten-year-old take a step back and hold out his hand. Solemnly, Luke shook it, then smiled and ruffled Jacen's hair. 'Bye, kids. Be good.' He took Mara's hand and turned to go, noticing for the first time that the guests had moved to each side of the room. As he and Mara started to walk down the corridor of people, confetti and streamers started to drift down from the ceiling. Luke glanced sidelong at Mara. //Ready?// She nodded and lifted the front of her skirt a few centimeters. Then they both ran through the thickening storm of paper, to the deafening sound of applause.

Once outside, Luke helped Mara climb into the rear of the waiting speeder, before climbing in himself and pulling the door closed.

Mara stifled a groan when she recognised the driver. 'Hi, Threepio.'

'Why, Mistress Mara, it is so good to see you on this happy day, and I am delighted to have been given the honor of driving you on the first stage of your honeymoon...'

'Threepio, just drive, please,' interrupted Luke.

'Of course, Master Luke.' The droid started the engines and pulled slowly into the stream of traffic. 'I do so hope you have a relaxing holiday this time, Master Luke, although I believe it would be a first if you did not manage to run into some sort of trouble. Why I remember only last year when we visited Corellia...' Threepio glanced in the rear-view mirror, only to see Luke and Mara engaged in a passionate kiss, their arms around each other, totally oblivious to everything. 'Oh. Umm ... yes.' He studiously kept his visual sensors on the traffic lane ahead, and didn't utter another word all the way to the Docks.

Docking bay 591-D was completely deserted as Luke led Mara through the main entrance.

Mara smiled as she saw the only ship in the hanger; a beautiful, sleek silver ship. Its design reminded her of a Calamarian Zenot fish, with its 'fins' flaring on each side to house the ion engines. 'This is our transport? It's gorgeous, Luke.' She raised an eyebrow questioningly. 'Karrde's, right? Or is it Lando's?'

Luke grinned, his eyes lighting up. 'Nope. She's yours. Happy wedding day!'

'Mine?' Mara's hand flew to her mouth in shock. 'Really mine?'

'Yup.' He fumbled in a pocket, then pulled out a small black box, handing it to Mara. 'Remote and beckon call. She's all yours.' He noticed tears in Mara's eyes and a quiver in her lower lip. 'Are you okay? I've not upset you, have I?'

He got his answer when she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms round his neck and hugging him till he thought he might burst. 'She's wonderful,' breathed Mara. 'I can't believe you did this for me. It must have cost a fortune.'

'The New Republic helped pay for it,' said Luke, patting her back. 'And you're not the only one who's made a few wise investments, Jade.'

She loosened her strangle-hold on him and gazed into his eyes. 'I love you, Skywalker.'

Luke thought his heart would explode. 'And I love you.'

'Does she have a name?'

'She's registered as the "Jade Sabre", but you can change it if you don't...'

Mara put her finger to his lips. 'No. It's a lovely name. Thank you, Luke.' She kissed him soundly. 'Shall we go aboard?'

He bowed, smiling. 'After you.' He watched as she picked up her skirts and almost ran to the starship, pausing only to run a hand along one fin. She opened the ramp and turned back to Luke. 'Are you coming, Skywalker? I'd like to get changed and then see what this baby can do.' He quickly joined her and caught one of her hands in his. 'Did I tell you how beautiful you are?'

'Yes, you did.'

'Good.' Luke smiled as he led her on board. 'Just checking.'

The ship was spotless, almost straight from the factory. Mara sniffed appreciatively. 'I love the smell of a new ship.'

Luke led her towards the stern of the starship. 'Main cabin's this way.'

Mara pointed to a door at the far end of the corridor. 'Cargo hold?'

'Indeed it is.' He winked. 'Big enough to take an X-wing.'

'Oh, really.' Mara's sharp gaze met his. 'And does it contain one at the moment?'

'No.' He pulled her into his arms as they reached the cabin door. 'I want to spend all my time on the same ship as you.' He kissed her hungrily, his arms tightening around her tiny waist, his tongue dancing with hers.

Reluctantly, Mara pulled away. 'Let's get off this rock and go to hyperspace, shall we?'

'Good idea, Captain.' He kissed her nose. 'I'll go warm her up.' He started backing away from her, up the corridor towards the bridge. 'Are you sure you don't want to keep your dress on? It is very becoming.'

Mara looked down at the gown wistfully, then shook her head. 'Not very practical.' The door whizzed open. 'I'll just be a few minutes.'

Luke sat in the co-pilot's chair, running through the checklist on a small datapad. He had just brought the engines on-line when he heard the door behind him open. He turned to see Mara, hand on hip, wearing the whitest jumpsuit he'd ever seen. 'I don't think I've ever seen you in white.'

'That's just what your sister said when she bought it for me.' She moved forward to sit in the pilot's chair, adjusting it to fit her height. 'Leia said you've got a thing for women in white.' She glanced sharply to her right as Luke stifled a laugh. 'Yeah, she laughed too. Is this some family joke I should know about?'

Shaking his head, Luke continued running his checks. 'I'll tell you later.' He smiled as he watched her run an expert eye over the control board. She had let her hair down and it was now a mass of curls framing her face and drifting over her shoulders. He leaned over and caught one ringlet in his fingers. 'This is a new look for you, too.'

She batted away his hand as she continued familiarising herself with the controls. 'Yeah, something else I let Leia talk me into.' She met Luke's gaze, her eyes shining. 'The weaponry on this thing is amazing.'

He smiled in return. 'Hopefully, we won't need to use it.'

'Yeah, that's real likely,' snorted Mara, pulling on restraints. 'Have we got permission to go?'

'Control says anytime within the next half-hour.'

'Then what are we waiting for, flyboy? Let's move.' She brought up the repulsors to full power, gripped the flight-stick in her right hand, and took them out of the hanger. Kicking in the ion engines, she shot them straight up and out of the atmosphere, barrel-rolling as she went. 'Yessss!'

Once they had cleared the Coruscant atmosphere, Mara glanced at the state-of-the-art NavComp that Luke had already programmed. 'So are you going to tell me where we're going yet?' He paused, inwardly wincing at her anticipated reaction. 'Nirauan.'

A look of disbelief crossed her face. 'Are you out of your tiny Jedi mind, Skywalker?' she growled. 'This is our honeymoon. I don't want to go somewhere where I'm going to find myself shot at, or worse.'

Luke held up his hands defensively. 'The system, not the planet. I just want to do a quick flyby to check they're not up to anything, since we still haven't told Cracken and his people what's out there.' He smiled apologetically. 'Besides, the time we spent in hyperspace coming back from Nirauan holds many lovely memories for me. I'd like to repeat the experience.' Mara caught a glimpse in her mind of exactly what he was referring to, and struggled to keep the smile from her face. 'Nine days alone in hyperspace?'

'The Sabre will do it in seven.'

'Then where do we go?'

Luke shrugged. 'We've got seven days to decide, I guess.'

Mara nodded thoughtfully as she watched the timer tick down towards zero. 'Fine. Nirauan it is.' She glowered at Luke as she placed her hand on the hyperspace levers. 'But we are out of there at the first sign of trouble, if not before.'

'Couldn't agree more,' replied Luke, watching the stars elongate as they entered hyperspace. Mara did a quick check of the instruments, satisfying herself that it was safe to leave the ship to fly itself. Then she undid her restraints, uncoiled from her chair, and moved to stand directly in front of Luke. 'Seven days, huh?' She sat on his thighs, her legs straddling his. Luke raised his chin to meet her darkened gaze. 'Seven days, to start with. Then we have to return. Could be a lot longer.'

'Really?' Mara pulled his restraints off, then watched mesmerised as her finger traced the outline of his jaw. 'And how long have we been apart?'

'Twenty-seven days, sixteen hours, and about thirty minutes, Coruscant time.'

'That long?' Mara's finger traced a line down his throat, before continuing down his chest, slipping her hands inside the robes he still wore. She leaned in until their noses almost touched. 'This Jedi bonding thing - does it end the same way other weddings end?'

Luke's hands rubbed up her thighs and slipped round her waist, pulling her further towards him. 'And how do other weddings end, Mara?'

Her green eyes blazed. 'Don't start the innocent farmboy routine, Skywalker. I just don't fall for it any more.' She kissed his bottom lip, pushing the edges of his tunic apart and running her hands over the material that covered his chest. Her breath was gentle on his lips when she met his gaze once more. 'So, do we have to meditate some more, or can we just go screw?'

One hand slipped behind her neck as he kissed her deeply, his tongue dancing momentarily with hers. 'Oh, the latter I think.' He wriggled slightly uncomfortably. 'I don't think I could meditate now if my life depended on it.'

Mara grinned evilly as she slipped a hand between them to rub his obvious erection, eliciting a gentle groan.

'Don't tease, Mara.'

'I'm not teasing, I'm hinting. I want to go to bed. Now.' She smiled and caught her bottom lip in her teeth. 'I think all that meditation has done something to my libido.'

'Yeah, it can have that effect.' Luke started pulling down the zip on Mara's jumpsuit. 'Are you sure you don't want to ... umm ... christen the cockpit, so to speak?'

'No.' She put a hand on either side of his head and tilted it up, forcing him to drag his gaze away from the contemplation of her cleavage. 'I want to go to bed, and I want to stay there. For days.'

His eyes locked with hers for a long moment. No words passed between them, spoken or through the Force. Then Mara stood up and took his hands in hers; she started walking slowly backwards, leading him down the corridor towards the cabin. Luke's eyes never left hers as he followed her.

Once inside the small room, he pulled her into his arms and kissed and kissed her, only loosening his grip when Mara started to undo his clothing. He watched fascinated as she slipped the Jedi cloak off his shoulders and untied the obi almost reverentially, before removing his tunic. When he parted his lips to speak, she quickly placed a finger over his mouth and shook her head, indicating he should remain silent. Bemused, he tried to relax as she removed the rest of his clothing.

Carefully, Mara unwrapped the rest of her prize. She rested her forehead against his thigh as she pulled off his boots, and was delighted to feel the shudder that shot through his body. When she looked up it was to see him struggling out of his dark green shirt, pulling it off over his head, mussing up his hair. Her gentle smile turned into an evil grin as she yanked down his leggings and shorts; she stood slowly, making sure to kiss his hip-bone and chest as she rose. Then she covered his mouth with her own, tasting him frantically.

Luke answered her kiss equally passionately, revelling in the feel of her against his naked body, the taste of her, the smell of her. His right hand snaked between them to pull down the zip of her jumpsuit; he stood back slightly to push it off her shoulders and down her arms. His head tilted to one side as he ran a finger round the curve of her breast and down her stomach. As he knelt to take off the rest of her clothing, he carefully pressed a kiss to her belly, before looking up to meet her gaze once more.

Mara swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as she contemplated Luke kneeling at her feet, his blue eyes burrowing into hers, his lips slightly parted as his breathing quickened. He stood slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. As he leaned in to kiss her, she pulled him down onto the bed, twisting slightly so he would land beside her.

Luke studied every square millimeter of the face before him, and his lower lip caught between his teeth as he reached out to caress her cheek. Mara smiled and turned to kiss his palm, before leaning forwards to kiss his mouth, gently at first, then more urgently. Her hands roamed over his chest and tangled in his hair as he pulled her closer and ran his tongue over her teeth. Her hand crept lower and wrapped around his member, rubbing it gently. Mara found herself being pressed back into a pillow as Luke moaned into her mouth and kissed her earnestly, his tongue duelling with hers. She tried to pull him on top of her, but he carried the momentum and they rolled to the far side of the bed, ending up with Mara on top. She immediately began kissing and nipping at his chest, paying particular attention to his nipples, before squirming down to kiss his stomach.

Luke's muscles tightened as he realised what she was planning, and he slipped his hands beneath her arms and pulled her upwards. 'I won't last five minutes if you do that, Mara.' 'Okay.' She leaned down to kiss his chin, then met his eyes again. 'Later.' Then she slowly sheathed him inside herself with a shudder.

His eyes squeezed shut, then opened again as he caressed her thighs, stomach and breasts, before pulling her down for a kiss. As she kissed and sucked at his neck, he rolled her onto her back and pushed himself further inside her, gritting his teeth as he felt her muscles contract. Her legs hooked round his, and he was once more in the one place in the galaxy he was happiest; between the thighs of the woman he loved.

Mara smiled as she ran her hands over the familiar contours of his back, his muscles moving rhythmically as he pushed her towards her climax. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back as Luke started kissing her neck and collar-bone, the pleasure inside starting to increase. She could feel the Force building inside them both as well, uncontrolled, tied irrevocably to the passion between the two Jedi.

Luke's emotions exactly mirrored Mara's as her thoughts and feelings poured into him, warming him, pleasuring him, pushing him towards the edge he longed to tumble over. He buried his face in her neck as he thrust once, twice more, before they were both assaulted by orgasms at the same instant.

To Mara, it seemed like the ship had disappeared and they were flying through the galaxy on the power of the Force alone. In her mind, suns and planets shot past as she flew through the inky blackness of space; Luke's mind was with her, his feelings as ecstatic as hers. They could sense the Force around them, powering the galaxy through its endless cycles of birth and death, past and future, whispering its secrets to them.

Then, all too soon, her consciousness returned and she opened her eyes to see Luke smiling down at her. 'What the hell was that?!' she croaked, her voice still choked with emotion.

Luke kissed her gently, his eyes brimming with tears. 'I have no idea,' he whispered. 'I've never experienced anything like it.'

Mara reached up a hand to push away the strands of hair plastered to his cheek. 'Will that always happen when we make love?'

'I don't know. Probably not unless we do all the meditation beforehand.'

She raised an eyebrow at him as he slipped off to one side. 'Is this an attempt to get me to meditate more?'

He grinned as he kissed her nose. 'No. But it's a good idea.'

She gave a throaty laugh as she pulled him in for a hug, his head pillowed against her breast. 'For a farm boy, you can be so devious sometimes.'

He smiled as he gently stroked her other breast. 'I can be pretty devious as a Jedi Master, too.'

'Yeah, and the pilot and the teacher inside you aren't always one hundred percent honest.' He lifted his head to gaze at her. 'What about the husband?'

She grinned as she caressed his cheek. 'I can see right through you, my love.'

He stretched up and kissed her as the Jade Sabre sped on towards Nirauan, and the future.

THE END...?

Big thanks to George, Tim and Mike for giving me some cool characters to play with. Smooches and flowers to EVERYONE who reviewed or emailed me about this fic. The feedback means a lot to me. And thanks to Mark who, when asked 'what would Mara wear on her wedding day?', replied 'a white flightsuit'. Made me laugh so much I had to include it somewhere. Love ya!