Hi, all,

Here's my new fic.

Special thanks to Una, who corrected my grammatical mistakes. (I hope there isn't any left - but if yes, please, don't get mad at me - no one can be perfect, especially not when writing in a second language.)

Disclaimer: Luke, Han, Leia and C3PO belong to George, Mara and Karrde belong to Tim. All the other characters are most definitely mine.

Rating: G

Well, have fun!

Agi Vega

In the pink

C h a p t e r 1

"We are coming out of hyperspace." Luke said calmly. Mara nodded and sat down into the pilot's chair. She checked the coordinates once more and stated that everything was all right. They will arrive at their destination in five minutes. Soon the blurry lights of hyperspace disappeared to be replaced by the image of a medium-sized, violet planet in front of the infinite curtain of black velvet sky, that was sprinkled with small diamonds of twinkling stars.

Astera. The planet seemed to be a special and precious gem among the cluster of smaller grey and brown globes surrounding it. While on its sister-planets there was no life at all, Astera was teeming with life. It's continents had an unaccustomed color of pink and lilac. These colors were attributed to the high ore concentration of the soil. The half of the planet's surface was covered by oceans, which - however strange it may sound - also had a lavender shade. All trees, bushes, and all blades of grass on Astera had an orange-pinkish hue. To the average visitors the whole planet seemed to be somehow unnatural, but not to Luke Skywalker. He was a Jedi Knight, a Master indeed, and through the Force he felt that the planet was very alive. In fact, he hadn't felt anything that alive since Yavin 4.

"Don't tell me that you like this place." Mara said feeling his thoughts. "This thing exactly looks like a dream-world of a five year old little girl. All that pink! Yuck!"

"You shouldn't form opinion of anything that you don't know well enough." Luke scolded her in a gentle tone.

The woman shrugged. "I don't care what you think, but this place gives me the creeps."

"Even if it does, you mustn't show it, Mara." the Jedi replied. "Don't forget that we have a purpose coming here. We have to make a good impression on the people or they won't converse with us."

"I'm not that concerned about this whole thing." Mara declared. "We just have to make them sign that treaty and leave this damned planet. The sooner the better."

"According to Leia they won't be that easy to convince... They are very mysterious folks... That's why we know that little about them. When I started to make a small investigation about the inhabitants' customs, I barely found anything."

"I don't really understand why the New Republic wants this forsaken ball to become a member. Not even the Empire was interested in this pink... oh, never mind."

Suddenly a voice came over the comm-unit. "Unknown ship, please, identify yourself!"

"This is the Jade's Fire requesting landing-permit." Mara replied.

"Jade's Fire, you are permitted to land on platform 65."

"Thank you. Jade's Fire out."

* * * * * * * * * * *

As they approached Scella, the capital of Astera, Mara started to change her opinion about the planet. To the worse. It was not just annoying, but simply terrible: pink and purple houses with high and twisted spires as far as the eye can reach, decorated with hanging gardens of blood-red and magenta roses. Not to mention the marble fountains with bluish-violet water cascading down to extra large pools that were covered with peach-colored lilies.

"Don't tell me that you still like it," Mara muttered turning to her co-pilot.

"The citizens have a bit strange taste, that's all. But in my opinion this place is very interesting. I've never seen anything like that before."

"I bet you haven't." the woman answered, gently putting her ship down on platform 65.

"Look, Mara, the governor has sent a welcoming committee to meet us." Luke stated as they got out of the ship.

"All of them dressed in lilac! I'll never get used to this!" Mara sighed.

"Take it easy, they seem pretty friendly." the man replied with a smile.

Soon the little group of four people approached the new-comers. One of them - who wore the most intricate embroidery of magenta flowers on his robe - greeted the two Jedi with a polite smile.

"Ambassadors, my name is Rayen Wal. I am the Governor's Hand. It is an honour for me and for the people of Astera to be able to welcome you on our little planet. We hope you will have a wonderful time here. We will surely do everything to make your stay enjoyable."

"Thank you, Mr. Wal." Luke answered and shook Rayen's outstretched hand.

"Let me introduce ourselves. My name is Luke Skywalker, and my companion is Mara Jade."

"Pleased to meet you, madam." the man smiled, kissing Mara's hand. "You've got a pretty wife, Mr. Skywalker. I'm just curious why she doesn't use your name. Or does she?"

"Oh, no, Mr. Wal, Mara is not my wife. We are friends."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Skywalker. You just seemed to be such a nice couple."

*I told you that I didn't like this place, didn't I?* Mara sent Luke.

*But Mara, everyone can make mistakes. Don't take it to your heart.*

*I won't.*

"Then you left your wife at home, I presume?" the Governor's Hand asked.

"No, Mr. Wal. I have no wife." Luke replied dismissing the sudden pang of pain caused be the fact that he didn't have a partner of life. Since Callie left him a year ago, he couldn't bring himself to look for a possible mate. He wanted no one other than Callista.

"But, Mr. Skywalker, may I ask how old you are?" the other man asked surprised.

"I'm 32." Luke answered not really understanding why his age so important was.

"What? Thirty two and not married yet?" Rayen became pale. "Sorry, sir, but in this case you cannot stay here."

"What do you mean?" Luke started to get annoyed.

"On Astera, we have a law, according to which a man has to get married before he reaches the age of 30. If he does not, he will be sent to the spice mines of Kessel for the rest of his life. We have another law regarding women who reach the age of 29 without having gotten married. But they won' be sent to Kessel. They'll be executed."

"Now wait a minute... I've not come here to be sent to Kessel because of some silly local-law!" Luke responded beginning to hold with Mara's opinion about this place.

"Then you have only two chances, Mr. Skywalker." Wal said.

"And those are...?"

"You either leave our planet in this very minute, or you'll get married within an hour."

*Sith!* Luke cursed. *That's what happens when you find no files on a planet... Had I known this, I would have told Leia to send someone else... Oh, well, I have brought this upon myself, so I have to come up with a solution... But what?*

"Which one do you choose, Mr. Skywalker?" Wal interrupted Luke's thoughts. "I don't want to leave the planet yet, sir." the young Jedi answered. "I have a political mission to complete here. But I don't see any chances to get married... I don't know anyone with whom..."

"Then marry me." Mara cut in.

"What?" the Jedi asked, totally dumbfounded.

*I can't think of any other possibility, farmboy. You don't want to mine spice for the rest of your life, do you? And of course I don't want to be executed when they find out that I'm 30, and have no husband. We'll get married today and divorce as soon as we leave this damned planet.*

"Okay." Luke replied hastily.

"Wonderful!" Wal commented cheerfully. "I'll escort you to the chapel, then show you your accomodation."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The chapel had a pastel shade of light pink, almost white. To Mara's greatest satisfaction, the little building had no rose-decorations or any paintings on the walls. It was modest, and she had to admit, that it was very nice. Not that she had ever imagined herself getting married in such a pretty chapel... in fact she had never imagined herself getting married. It was something that only average women dreamed of, but not the Emperor's Hand.

Still, she was here now in a small room adjacent to the hall of the chapel, letting some maidens to help her dress into a white, silk, pearl-embroidered wedding gown. *At least they don't get married in pink!* she sighed and shook her head in disgust. This was not what she had bargained for when she agreed to come along with Luke for this crazy mission. At first this mission didn't seem to be crazy at all, but now Mara started to feel worse and worse about it every passing minute. *Who would have thought that I'll be the farmboy's wife once... even if just for one week or two...*

"Ms, please don't move your head." one of the maidens asked her. "I have to fix your veil."

"Oh, sorry. I'll stay put, I promise. Just carry on..." Mara answered and let the girls do with her whatever they wanted.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Ten minutes later the organ began to play a solemn melody, as Mara entered the chapel carrying a bouquet of white roses. Luke slowly turned around and was totally taken aback by the view of the ex-Emperor's Hand walking down the aisle. *Wow, Mara, you look great!* he sent to her.

*Don't start getting smart with me, farmboy. Let's get this over with and forget the whole ridiculous ceremony, shall we?*

*Sure. And Mara, how can I ever thank you for this?*

*I'll think of something, okay?* she replied through the Force.

Soon the ceremony began.

"Do you, Luke Skywalker want this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love her and protect her as long as you live?" the priest asked.

Luke heaved a deep sigh, dismissing the picture of Callista from his mind, and replied: "Yes, I do."

"And do you, Mara Jade want this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love him and be faithful to him as long as you live?"

*Damn, I'm gonna regret this.* Mara gritted her teeth. "Okay, I do."

"Then I pronounce you husband and wife." the priest gave them a huge smile.

"You may kiss your bride." He added with a wink.

*Sorry, Mara, I have to do this.* Luke sent her.

*I know, I know. Do it quickly, farmboy.* she sent back.

Luke gently lifted her veil. As his lips descended on hers, Mara felt a strange tingle on her mouth... and on other parts of her body as well. She hastily drew back and hoped beyond hope that Luke didn't sense what she felt. When they exited the chapel, Rayen Wal came to them and escorted them to a big, comfortable air-speeder.

"This speeder will carry you to your accomodation, Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker." Rayen said. He didn't notice Mara's disgusted grimace when he uttered 'Mrs. Skywalker'. The new couple got into the vehicle, and in half an hour they reached their destination, the Grand Hotel of Scella City.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The hotel was enormous, with a large fountain in the middle of its park. The building itself was dark mauve, with a dozen of purple flags floating on its roof. All the corridors and stairs were covered by soft, crimson carpets and all the chandeliers were made of the purest mountain crystal.

"This will be your apartment, ambassadors." the boy told them, then left. The apartment was big enough to house the whole Rogue-squadron with all the X-wings, and of course it was just as elegant as the whole city.

"Hm, nice." Luke stated admiringly, as he went out onto the balcony. For a couple of minutes he felt totally at peace. The balcony looked over the beautiful park. The young Jedi enjoyed watching the cascading water of the fountain and listened to the chirping of the birds. He really felt at peace. Suddenly this bubble of peace was broken by Mara's infuriated voice. "There's only one bed!"

Luke went back into the living room, then entered the bedroom, seeing Mara standing next to a huge double bed. "I don't know what you expected..." he shrugged, "...but they regard us as a married couple. Of course we got a room with a double bed."

"So it's so natural for you, farmboy?" the woman fumed. "Well, for me it isn't."

"Okay, okay, Mara. I'll sleep on the couch in the living room."

"Do whatever you want to." Mara retorted and turned her back on Luke. "I told you what a silly idea it was to come here..." she turned around to face him.

"And I'm not only talking about that idiotic law of theirs, or not even about those terrible colors ruling the whole planet..."

"Then what are you talking about?"

"I'm telling you that I don't like this whole thing... for example their behaviour... it's somehow too polite... suspiciously polite!"

"Mara, you are imagining things," Luke replied. "Had they wanted to hurt us, they would have expelled us, but they didn't. This clearly shows that they sympathize with us."

"With you, you mean." the woman rectified his words, starting to pull the clips out of her gorgeous red-gold hair. She quickly got rid of her veil and threw it into one corner disgustedly. "I just don't know why I'm doing this for you. Today I made a complete fool of myself wearing this pure white dress and that damned veil with those crazy lilies on it. And do you remember the priest's words? You had to vow that you'd love me and protect me... I'd shoot myself right away if I needed protection! And then I had to vow that I would love you and be faithful to you! Do you get it? You didn't even have to vow to be faithful! And they don't kill their men who break that stupid law, but they gladly execute the women! Those mean, spineless, male-chauvinist sons of a Sith! What the hell do they think of themselves? This whole thing turns my stomach... Maybe a nice hot bath will help me get better. I'm going into the refresher. Don't disturb me for an hour... or rather... don't disturb me the whole afternoon. I just cannot stand seeing you now, 'hubby'!"

"Wait, Mara... believe me, things aren't that bad that they seem to be!" Luke made a futile attempt to calm her down. "At least we have a chance to get to know each other much better while we'll be staying here... and that's a good thing... Remember the saying: every cloud has a silver lining."

"A pink lining, you mean." Mara snarled at him and slammed the door of the refresher behind herself.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The afternoon passed quickly and the triplet-suns of Astera dived behind the horizon, painting the normally light-pink sky in a much deeper pinkish-magenta hue. *Good that Mara doesn't see this.* Luke smiled, then went to the bathroom and knocked on the door. "Mara, don't you think it is time for you to come out? I also would like to take a shower."

"Sure, farmboy, I'm ready." the woman replied and exited the refresher dressed in a tangerine bathrobe.

Luke cast a cursory glance at her well-shaped legs that were not covered by the robe.

"Don't ever size me up like that if you value your life." Mara told him calmly. *Women! Why are they always imagining things?* the Jedi shook his head in disapproval and confusion. He knew that Tatooine sand will sooner become popular at the Coruscant Commodity Exchange, than he will make out the fair sex.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Luke quickly took a shower and started to dry himself when there was a knock on the door.

"May I come in? I forgot my comb here." Mara's voice came over the shut door.

"Sure, come." Luke answered. Mara entered the bathroom and remained rooted to the spot when she saw the man standing in front of the mirror. Luke wore only a towel around his waist, and his dripping hair was totally tousled. Some drops of water fell from his locks on his bare chest, coursing down into the towel on his waist. He looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Is this the comb you were looking for?" Luke asked handing her the small object, not noticing her puzzled stare.

"Uh, yeah. Thanks." she mumbled and almost ripped the comb out of Luke's hand. Then she turned around and ran into the bedroom.

*What in the galaxy got into her?* Luke thought. *Women are just so difficult to understand!*

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mara dropped herself on the bed and pulled the covers over her head. She tried to breath slowly, but obviously couldn't. *What the hell are you doing, Jade?* she asked herself. *That was Luke, the boorish farmboy from Tatooine! Then why were you gaping at him as if you wanted to devour him with your eyes? Sithspit! Behave, girl! He mustn't get to know what you felt when you saw him almost nude... or when he kissed you in the chapel...* she squeezed her eyes shut and tried not to think of him.

to be continued... feedback: yes, please!

Hi, all,

Thanks for the nice comments on my first chapter. Here's the second istallment. I tried to write some political material, because it was needed in the story, but I know nothing about politics. Please, don't get mad at me because of my lack of knowledge, okay?

Disclaimer: see chapter 1.

Rating: PG

Have fun!

Agi Vega

I n t h e p i n k

C h a p t e r 2

For Luke, that night was just like all the others since Callista left him. He dreamed about her every single night and was awoken with a morning erection every single dawn. It really was driving him crazy, but he could simply do nothing against it. He loved that woman with all his heart and craved her every day and every night. In the morning - no, it was only 05:00 - Luke was having the usual wet dream about Callie, when Mara entered the living room. She didn't understand why she woke up so early, but she simply couldn't sleep. So she pulled on the robe and decided to talk to Luke about their mission on Astera. She quietly approached the couch, only to see Luke toss and turn in his dream. His face was covered with sweat and he suddenly ripped the blanket from his body, as if it was too hot. Mara was taken aback by the sight of a huge bulge on the front of his boxers. *Oh my gosh! How does that fabric not tear?* she mused, then suddenly started to smile foolishly. *So the great Jedi Master does have such dreams, huh? Who would have thought???* Mara eventually turned around and left the room. She decided to give him time to wake up and have a nice, cold shower in the refresher. He needed it, that much was clear for her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"You know I hardly can imagine you having political negotiations with a nation's leader." Mara told Luke as they entered the city hall. "Why did Leia and Mon Mothma choose you to do this whole thing for them?"

"Because they trust me, I guess." Luke shrugged.

"So, they trust you... but do you know at all how you will have to behave in the governor's presence? I'm sure you don't even know the difference between protocol and etiquette."

"But I do know!" Luke retorted. "There are no etiquette-droids."

The woman heaved a deep sigh and stated to herself that men had as much sense as a wampa-fur rug. Or less.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Good morning, Ambassador Skywalker." Rayen Wal greeted him then bowed his head slightly in Mara's direction. "Governor Nyn is waiting for you to start the negotiations. This way, please."

Luke and Mara followed the man who led them to a huge door. When the Jedi couple wanted to enter the room, Wal stopped them."I'm sorry, Mrs. Skywalker, but you are not allowed into there."

"What?" Mara asked indignantly. "I've come here to help Luke, not to stay out of this whole thing!"

"I'm really sorry, madam, but women are not allowed into the Governor's office."

Mara was about to strangle Wal, when she heard Luke's voice in her head.

*Please, Mara, don't argue with him!*

*I'm not arguing, I'm gonna throttle this guy.*

"Mara, what about a nice shopping while I'm in there?" Luke suggested aloud.

"Shopping, eh?" she hissed. *Everything you buy here is violet or pink! Those are definitely not my colors! You should know it by now!*

"Then go sightseeing." Luke said.

"Only to see peach-colored soil and lilac water? You wish!" she retorted.

"You know what? I don't care what you do!" Luke said and entered the Governor's office.

*I'm gonna strangle you, too!* she thought and returned to her ship to call Karrde.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"So the New Republic offers us membership with all rights and obligations. That's kind of them. But what else do we get if we concur to sign the treaty and join?" the Governor asked smoking a cigar. "Um, I hope you don't mind if I smoke, do you?"

"Of course not, Governor." Luke replied using a Jedi technique to keep the smoke away from his lungs. *You will die nine years earlier than normal, not me.* then he outlined the advantages of joining the New Republic.

"These are all great things you are offering, Ambassador Skywalker, but I don't see what profit the NR will have if Astera becomes member... It does have some interest in our joining, doesn't it?"

The Governor was no fool, Luke was aware of it. Nyn was a cunning person, who saw through the NR's game. For a moment Luke wished he had been a real diplomat, like Leia. He was unsure whether he would be able to bring this intractable man round to his point of view. Finally he chose to stick to his farmboy sincerety. "Well, Governor, the New Republic has heard that this planet has a great volume of xinx ore, which can be found only on Astera. The NR has a need for this ore. It would pay you abundantly for it."

"I see, Ambassador." Nyn nodded, then suddenly started to cough. "Um, sorry... so you need the xinx ore. But I don?t understand why Astera should join the NR. We could give it what it wants without becoming a member."

"I doubt that, Governor. The New Republic has certain rules and regulations, according to which the citizens of NR only can trade with member planets. I mean legally. The NR could get that ore through smugglers as well, but we prefer fair play."

"Fair play? If everyone played fairly, those poor smugglers would starve to death!" Nyn joked. "By the way, I heard that your lovely wife is also a smuggler."

"You are misinformed, sir." Luke replied. "Mara used to be a smuggler, but she has been running her own legal enterprise for more than a year now.?"

"I see." Nyn nodded. "I'd like to get to know her, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, Governor." Luke answered. "In fact she was here and wanted to help me with the negotiations, but then your Hand told her that no women were allowed into your office."

"Oh, that's right. No women."

"I fear I don't really understand your customs, sir." Luke said. "First that law of sentencing every unmarried man over 30... and now this sexual discrimination... I don't want to offend you sir, but these customs are really strange."

"Oh, you are not the first to tell me that." Nyn laughed. "Every outlander regards our habits quite peculiar... well, back to your wife... I'd like to arrange a ball in five days to celebrate Astera's joining the the New Republic. I'd like to meet her on this reception."

Luke's face lit up. "That means you've made up your mind, sir? So quickly?"

"Yes, Ambassador. Especially because Astera has a lack of wheat and corn. As I know the NR has a great volume of them. It will be a pleasure to trade with it."

"You can be sure of that, Governor." Luke smiled. Both men stood up to shake hands when the door slid open and a beautiful young girl entered the office. She had black hair and grey eyes.

*A woman here? Isn't this contrary to the law?* Luke mused. Nyn perceived his puzzlement at once and smiled widely.

"Ambassador Skywalker, let me introduce my daughter, Lilian. She is the only female person allowed to enter my office."

"Pleased to meed you, Ms. Nyn." Luke bowed slightly.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Skywalker." the girl replied eagerly. "I've heard a lot about you, sir. I've heard that you are the greatest hero of the New Republic... I've heard that you are the only Jedi Master... Oh, Mr. Skywalker, it must be such a fun to be a Jedi! Would you show me some tricks? Is it true that the Chief of State is your sister? Are you a friend of the legendary Han Solo? Would you tell me about them? Would you..."

"Enough, Lilian. Don't make a bad impression on our guest." her father scolded her, then turned to Luke. "I apologize for my daughter's behaviour, Ambassador. She is only 19, and too full of energy."

"You don't need to apologize, sir, lady Nyn's behaviour is totally understandable at her age." Luke laughed.

"Thank you for not being angry with me, Master Skywalker." the girl purred like a kitten, ogling him with her large grey eyes. Those eyes... they reminded Luke of his lost love.

He slightly shook his head. "I'd never be able to be mad at such a beautiful lady as you are, Ms. Nyn." Luke said then told them good-bye and left the office.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"You did what...?" Karrde shouted through the comlink.

"I had to help him, Talon." Mara shrugged. "And don't worry, we'll get divorced as soon as we leave this ludicrous planet."

"Whew, what a relief." Karrde sighed. "I thought you fell in love with him."

"Fall in love with Skywalker? You are not all there!" Mara exclaimed. "Had he been the last man in the galaxy, I still wouldn't choose him!"

"Really?" the smuggler leader smiled quizzically. "When will you end this little play and come back to the Smuggler's Alliance?"

"In a week, I guess. I don't know. It all depends on Luke's capability of negotiating... on which I don't rely too much if he doesn't use the Force to convince that Nyn guy. But I guess he is just too honest to use those little tricks of his... he is so disgustingly honest!"

"Poor Skywalker! Not only did he have to marry you, but he also has to put up with your telling such things about him!" Karrde laughed.

"Just don't be sorry for him, will you?" Mara snapped.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As Mara went back to the city hall to wait for Luke, she saw a young woman entering the office. *What the heck?* she thought. *So they allow women in there... then why did they not let me in?... Did they want to hurt Luke when I wasn't near him? Nah! Why would they?*

Soon Luke exited the office and was surprised to see his 'wife' patiently waiting for him.

"Oh, hi, Mara." he said. "Have you been sightseeing?"

"Nope. I chatted a bit with Karrde then came back here. How did it go?"

"Smoothly. Astera will join the NR. The governor said that he wanted to make a big reception in order to celebrate it. You are also welcome."

"Good to hear." Mara replied. "At least they let me pose beside you on a ball like a show-window decoration. How flattering. By the way, who was that chick who went into Nyn's office?"

"His daughter, Lilian. She is the only female allowed into there." Luke shrugged. "And, how is Karrde doing?"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That afternoon Luke called Leia on Coruscant to tell her about the success of his meeting with the Governor. Threepio was the first to answer his call.

"Oh, Master Luke, how nice to see you!" the robot exclaimed in a very human way. Had he not been made of metal, one would have thought that his face was beaming with happiness.

"It is nice to see you too, Threepio." Luke assured him. "Would you tell Leia that I?d like to talk to her?"

"Sorry, Master Luke, but Princess Leia is not here at the moment."

"Then Han, maybe?"

"I'm sorry, Master Luke, but Captain Solo is not available, either." the droid informed him, being obviously happy to have someone to talk to. Whenever he had no one to chat with, he felt somehow unbearably depressed. Well, if a robot could have such feelings at all. But this one surely did.

"Where are they? I need to talk to them." Luke insisted.

"I'm sorry, but they didn?t tell me where they were going. When I asked them, Captain Solo simply told me to shut up... which I don't really understand, Master Luke. He had no reason to treat me like that... anyway, have I told you about my adventure with a C9PO droid last week? No? Then you must hear it, Master Luke! So, I was waiting for Mistress Leia at the door of the High Council Chamber, translating a Bocce epos into Noghri then coding it into binary language in order to entertain myself and not get bored, when this 9PO ran into me..." and the droid carried on talking like this for about fifteen minutes more, only occasionally letting Luke interrupt. Finally the door slid open to reveal the Solo-couple. "Oh, they? ve just arrived, Master Luke! How wonderful!" Threepio reported.

As Han and Leia entered their apartment, they noticed at once that their over-talkative droid was having a chat on the comm-unit.

"Not that again!" Han sighed. "It seems to be his favourite pastime to share his high-flown theories with some poor, unfortunate soul... Not to mention that he is always making a tremendous bill for us!" he shook his head feeling extremely sorry himself and Leia, but especially for the listener of C3PO's tirade.

"Poor unfortunate soul?" Leia chuckled. "It's just Luke. But you are right... anyone forced to listen to Threepio is unfortunate."

"Ah, Mistress Leia, Captain Solo! So nice to have you back! Master Luke was just telling me about the wonderful developments of his mission on Astera, and I was expressing my opinion that..." Han gave him a 'shut-up-or-I'll-shoot-you-stare'. "Well, I guess my opinion doesn't have any importance." the droid ended his talk hastily then withdrew to make room for Han and Leia in front of the comm-unit.

"Oh, hello, Luke! What's up?" the chief-of state asked.

"I did it, Leia. Astera is ours." the young Jedi grinned.

"Oh, Luke, that's wonderful! How did you manage to convince the governor so quickly?"

"He admitted that Astera was in great need of agricultural products, and thus it needs the help of the New Republic."

"I'm going to inform the High Council." the woman said. "Well done, brother mine."

"Um, thanks, sis." Luke smiled.

"Yes, let me congratulate you once more, Master Luke!" Threepio cut in.

"Shut up!" Leia shouted at him, suddenly surprised how easily this fussy droid managed to make her lose her temper. "Um, Luke, is there anything else you would like to share with us?" she asked finally.

"Oh... well, actually there is..." Luke replied akwardly. "I had to get married."

"Huh?" Leia raised an eyebrow.

"Congratulations, Master L..." Han shut Threepio down. "Who did you knock up, kid?" he simpered.

"What? Oh, no, Han, it's not like that..." Luke turned red. "How could you think such a thing?"

"Kid, don't tell me that it couldn't have happened!" Solo winked. "Don't tell me that there cannot be a couple of illegitimate Skywalkers scattered throughout the galaxy..."

Luke blushed even more.

"Gotcha!" Han yelled. "That blush means that I was right!"

"Han! Let him explain it!" Leia interrupted her husband, barely beliving his gentle, saintly brother to be a lady-killer. "I want to hear the whole story."

"Yeah, Han, let me explain..." Luke stammered. "It's really not like that... It's a long story, but all I can say for now is that I couldn't have stayed on Astera, if I had not married Mara."

"Mara???" Han and Leia exclaimed in unison.

Had Threepio not been shut down, he surely would have yelled "Oh, my, Master Luke is doomed!" Or rather "I have a VERY bad feeling about this!" And for this once, the Solos would have agreed with him.

to be continued... feedback is always welcome

Hi, all,

Here's the third installment. For disclaimer see chapter1. Rating: PG

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Agi Vega

In the pink

Chapter 3

The next four days passed uneventfully. Luke had to attend a tiring series of meetings with the Governor and once he even ran into Lilian Nyn. Luke thought it to be a mere accident. Lilian also pretended to be surprised, but immediately took advantage of the situation, inviting Luke for a lunch and questioning him about the Jedi, his family, being a hero and things like that. Luke was a willing victim and answered all her questions.

"And what was it like to have blown up the Death Star?" the girl inquired sipping her orange juice.

"Um, it was nice... at first. Later on I got to know how many people I killed with that single hit, and from that time I started to feel the other way about it." Luke sighed at the bad memories. "Well, Lilian, this was the 19th question. As we agreed, you can ask one more."

"Ok, let me think..." the girl mused playing with her spoon. Suddenly her pretty face lit up like a supernova and her sparkling grey eyes dived deeply into his.

"How many women have you had in your life?"

"Besides my aunt and sister?" Luke tried to joke, hoping to escape this akward question.

"Nope. You exactly know what I mean." Lilian smiled innocently.

"You are a cunning little one."

"Sure. I inherited it from daddy." the young woman agreed. "But you still haven't answered my question. You said you'd answer anything I ask... so go ahead."

"Ok, I give up!" Luke laughed. "Now let me see..." he seemed to be thinking for a while, obviously counting, then finally said: "Six."

"Who were they?" Lilian continued inquiring.

Luke shook his head. "I said one question. You wanted a number. I told you. Don't want anything else, 'cause you won't get it. A gentleman never speaks about his ex-lovers."

Lilian looked disappointed. "Well, one thing is for sure, Luke. The seventh will be a lucky one. I already envy her."

"You shouldn't." the Jedi said. "I don't think you should be thinking about such things at your age, anyway."

"Why? I bet you were not much older when you had your first." the girl replied.

"Got me." Luke laughed, then cast a glance at his crono. "It's already 15:00. I gotta go. Mara's waiting for me."

"Oh, the little wife." Lilian pouted. "I heard she was a fierce lady who wouldn't let you have your seventh, right?"

"No more question, no more answers." Luke reminded her. "Thank you for the lunch, Lilian, I liked the Asteranian cuisine very much."

********************************************************

When Luke arrived at their apartment, Mara was nowhere to be found. He decided to spend an hour in the bathtub. As soon as he sank into the hot water, he fell asleep. No wonder, politics and governors' daughters were really tiresome. That was how Mara found him half an hour later. He was lying fast asleep in the tub, his boyish face cuter than ever, his hair tousled and wet, his...

*Uh-oh* Mara held her breath. *I shouldn't be here peeping him like this... but how could I resist such a temptation?* she shook her head. *No! What am I thinking again? The ex-Emperor's Hand cannot be interested in some nude farmboy! Especially not if that particular farmboy is called Luke Skywalker! Get him out of your head, Jade!* she shouted at herself, then she cast a last glance at his tanned body, his relaxed muscles, his large... *Sithspit!* she cursed and ran out of the refresher as if a thousand krayt dragons had been chasing her.

********************************************************

When Luke woke up in the tub, he remembered having had a very strange dream: it was Mara watching him while he was sleeping. Somehow Luke felt as though it had been not a mere dream, but reality itself. *Nah! What am I thinking? Mara would never be interested in me... In fact I've never met a person more cold and indifferent than her. But why do I still feel as if she truly had been here watching me? I'm imagining things for sure.*

He dried himself, put on a peach-colored bathrobe and exited the refresher. In the adjacent bedroom he found Mara struggling to pull up the zipper on the back of her dress.

"Would you give me a hand?" she asked.

"Why don't you try it with the Force?" Luke wondered.

"Because that would be an unnecessary use of the Force." Mara turned around to face him, as if she had been lecturing him about the Jedi discipline. "It is you who always insists that no one should use it for making their everyday life easier. Now, would you help me or not?"

"Ah, of course, turn around." Luke ended the debate. When he started to fumble with her zipper, an electric jolt coursed through both of them. They both stiffened for a second, then preteneded having felt nothing. "There, you're ready." Luke muttered finally. "But you know... I don't think that our hosts will be pleased with your choice of color. They would all be wearing pink, violet or purple, and your green dress would be too conspicuous, don't you think?"

"That's their problem." Mara shrugged. "I went shopping today, but found nothing appropriate for me... had I chosen a dress of pink or orange, those terrible colors would only have ruined my evening. I want to enjoy myself tonight, and that would be impossible in a pink dress!"

"Okay, okay, I just mentioned it. Don't take it to your heart."

"I won't." she answered brushing her hair. She wanted to make a bun of it, but Luke took her hand and gently pulled the brush out of it. "No, please. Let it down." he said. "Let it prevail and make all the ladies become green with envy. No one has such a beautiful hair... don't hide it."

"Wow! That was your first compliment as a husband, Skywalker!" Mara gave him a childish smile. "Okay, I'll let it stay the way it is. Now come on, farmboy, get dressed! I don't wanna be late for the party!"

**********************************************************

The ballroom was larger than the New Republic Senate Chamber, all its walls painted light-orange. Rose garlands of all hues of pink hung from the chandeliers, along with mauve ribbons of silk. The floor was made of light pink marble polished to such a perfection, that it mirrored the dancers' swaying figures. When Luke entered the room holding Mara's hand, all eyes focused on them, as though it had been Cinderella and her prince who had just arrived. They looked exactly like a dream-couple of a fairy tale: Mara beautiful like a princess, and Luke so handsome that it melted the present ladies' hearts. They both had an inexplicable aura around them, that made their appearance even more enthralling.

*Where do they think they are? In some peep-show? If they don't stop ogling us like that, I...*

*Calm down, Mara. Please.* Luke sent her. *It's only because of your dress. They don't know the color green.*

*So you think that they don't know black either?* Mara referred to Luke's outfit.

The young Jedi couldn't respond, because the governor rushed forward to welcome them with the biggest smile Mara had ever seen.

"What an honor to have you here, Ambassador Skywalker!" he greeted him. "I'm so happy to finally have the chance to meet you, lady Skywalker!" he turned to Mara and kissed her hand.

*Yuck!* Mara thought. "Thank you, Governor. It's nice to be here." she replied.

"It is also nice to greet such a charming lady." Nyn winked at Mara. "May I have your first dance?" he glanced at Luke. "Of course only if your husband agrees."

Luke nodded. "Of course, governor. I'm sure that Mara would gladly dance with you."

*I'm gonna kill you for this, Skywalker!* she sent him, letting the fat and disgusting governor lead her onto the dancefloor.

As soon as Nyn and Mara started to dance, Lilian emerged from the crowd having the intention of 'entertaining' Luke.

"Good evening, Ms. Nyn." Luke greeted her. "You are beautiful tonight."

"Thank you." the girl replied. "But why are you calling me Ms. Nyn? We've already agreed to call each other by our given names, right?"

"I know, but I don't want to attract any unwanted attention by thouing you."

"I like being the center of attention." Lilian stated, then with a twinkle in her grey eyes she added: "When are you finally going to ask me for a dance?"

"I was just about to do so." Luke answered with a smile.

Meanwhile, Mara was desperately using the Force to maintain the image of a woman enjoying herself. But amusement was the only thing she didn't feel. She became infuriated to see Luke having fun with the governor's little daughter.

*Sith! How dare he flirt with that adolescent little tramp!*

As soon as the orchestra stopped playing, Mara apologized and left the governor saying that it was too hot in the room and she was too tired to continue dancing. She walked out onto the huge terrace. The night was cool, which she welcomed after having had to dance in the overheated hall. She breathed deeply, trying to purge the annoying thought of Luke and Lilian from her mind. She knew that her 'husband' was still dancing with that shameless, spoiled brat. She turned around and looked into the ballroom. Her anger rose every single second seeing Luke embracing Lilian tightly, then twirling her around. *That son of a Sith! How dare he?* she fumed.

"A drink, lady?" an old valet asked her politely, holding a tray full of crystal glasses.

"Sure. Give me one." she replied and swallowed the drink in one gulp. Then her eyes wandered back to the Jedi and the Governor's daugher. They were actually laughing at something. They really seemed to hit if off well. Too well - for Mara. "Give me one more." she told the valet.

*********************************************************

Twenty minutes later Luke realised that Mara was nowhere in the ballroom. He reached for her with the Force and found her standing on the terrace. Somehow she felt weak... somehow... different. As he approached Mara, he started to understand why she felt different. She was drunk.

"Ah, Lukie!" she yelled at him and stretched out her arms. "My hubby is coming back for me! That can only mean one thing: you got bored with sweet little Lilian, right?" her arms encircled his neck, pulling his head down to hers. "Kiss me, dear! Kiss me!" she pleaded.

"Mara, we are going back to the hotel." Luke said seriously.

"Whyyyyy? I'm just starting to enjoy myself!" she resisted.

"You are drunk, Mara. If we stayed, you'd discredit ourselves before the guests. If they see you like this, I'll never live it down. Come on, we are going through the garden. I really don't want to attract attention."

When they got out of the huge garden of the governor's palace, they took a cab. In fact it was no easy task for Luke to get Mara into the cab, since she stumbled by every step, but finally he managed to do so. As soon as they entered their apartment, Luke made Mara sit down on the couch, and rushed to the comm-unit to send an apologizing message to the governor for having left so early, telling that Mara suddenly got sick. Shortly after that he called the room-service and ordered an extra-strong caf that was delivered in five minutes.

"Here, drink it." he gave the cup to Mara.

"No no no. I'm drinkin' no caf. No way, farmboy." she put the cup down. "But I'd like to have something else instead of it..."

"Yeah? What?" Luke asked.

"Youuuu." she murmured, grabbing his tie and pulling his face to hers. "Kiss me, Jedi mine."

Luke was struck by the realisation that this woman wanted him. Truly wanted him!!! Had she been sane, she would never have admitted that to him, but the drink loosened her tongue. *Gods, she loves me.* he thought and suddenly felt an incredible desire to obey her and kiss her thoroughly. But something held him back. *I'd never take advantage of a drunk woman! She'd kill me first thing in the morning!*

"Hey, why don't you kiss me, Lukie, I'm all yours." Mara cooed.

"Stop that, Mara. You don?t know what you are doing." Luke replied. "Here, drink this."

"I don't want to!" Mara protested and tossed the cup back to Luke with a haste movement, which made the hot liquid land on Luke's pants. "Oops." she started to giggle.

"Then go sleep." the man insisted and lifted Mara up with him. The woman took a few steps, then stumbled and fell into Luke's arms chuckling, as though nearly breaking her neck had been the most hilarious thing in the galaxy. Luke picked her up and took her into the bedroom. "I said go sleep." he put her on the bed, pulled her shoes off and tucked her in.

"Don't leeeeave!" Mara pleaded, but Luke didn't react.

"I'm going to put you into a healing trance." he said. "But I still can't guarantee that you won't have a hangover tomorrow."

to be continued...

In the pink

Chapter 4

"I hope your wife is feeling better now." the governor told Luke through the comm.

"Sure, it was just a little dizziness. She'll be all right."

"I hope that she will." Nyn continued. "She had already felt sick during our dance." then his lips tugged into a smirk. "Should I congratulate you perhaps?"

"Congratulate? I don't understand, governor." Luke frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you might become a father soon."

"A father?" Luke struggled not to laugh. "No, governor, I can assure you that it is not what you think it is."

"Pity. Your child would be wonderful, did he inherit your wife's looking and your powers."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes, Ambassador. Well, see you at noon when we finally will seal the friendship between Astera and the New Republic."

"I'll be there, Governor." Luke replied with a nod.

"And bring your charming little wife too."

"I will." Luke answered. *If I can make her get up at all.*

**********************************************************

When she opened her eyes, she realised that she had never felt so terrible before. "Ouch, that hurts!" she winced feeling a throbbing pain in her head.

"How are you?" Luke entered the room with a cup of caf. "No, you don't need to tell me. I see it. Here, drink it. This time you won't escape."

Mara obediently drank the caf. "Sorry to have caused you so much trouble, Luke."

"Never mind, Mara. I was kind of glad to have a chance to leave that party. Lilian was getting annoying."

"Ah, that little girlfriend of yours! I thought you were having a great time together."

"She was. I wasn't. Why did you think I had fun with her?"

"Because you were hugging her so eagerly, that's why!" she retorted.

"Now wait a minute! You must have been too drunk to see that it was her who hugged me, not vice versa!"

"You'd better tell the truth, or..."

"Or?"

"Or I'll see to it that I become a widow even before we could get divorced."

"You are jealous!" Luke pointed out with a hint of amusement. *She really feels something for me!*

"Jealous?!? You wish! I just won't let you humiliate me by flirting with that 19 year old tramp! I am your wife, like it or not! And as long as we are officially married, you have to maintain the illusion of being a faitful husband!"

*My gosh, she does feel something for me!*

"Are you listening at all?" Mara demanded.

"Sure. I'll be a good boy, I promise." he smiled. "You'd better get dressed, it's already 10:00, and we've got to arrive at the governor's palace by noon."

"Okay, I'm getting up." she sighed. "Luke..."

"Yes?" he turned back from the door.

"I don't really remember last night. Did I tell you something... I mean... something I shouldn't have?"

"No. You didn't." the man smiled at her. *You told me exactly what you should have told me long ago.* he added in thought.

**********************************************************

In half an hour they were on their way to the Governor's palace. During the flight in the cab Mara was very silent, deeply lost in her thoughts. Her mind reeled, trying to remember the previous night. She had seen Luke dancing with Lilian, okay. Then she got drunk, all right. Luke somehow managed to get her back into the hotel. But what happened after that? Had she not given herself away? Had she not told him what she felt? She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. No, she surely didn't tell him. Did she?

Meanwhile, Luke was also absorbed in his own thoughts. Though the night started terribly with Mara's getting drunk, it continued wonderfully for Luke. This was the first night when he didn't dream about Callista. The image of the grey eyed woman in his dreams somehow got replaced by the picture of a certain red-head. Yes, he smiled, he had dreamed about Mara. About the woman who loved him... because now he was totally sure that Mara did love him. *She's just too stubborn to admit it.* he thought with a smile.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Mara asked abruptly, shaking Luke out of his reveries.

"Ah, I just thought that... we should go out once when get back to Coruscant."

"You are asking me out?" she wondered.

"Well, let's say I'd like to make up for last night... I couldn't even dance with you."

"And why do you think I'd like to dance with you?" she asked.

"Dunno. But say yes, okay?" he pleaded.

"I don't see any reasons to turn you down, farmboy." she shrugged. "But don' t expect me to become your girlfriend!"

"Oh, I'd never dare do that!" he laughed.

***********************************************************

At noon, Governor Nyn signed the integration treaty, then invited Luke and Mara for a reception held in a hall less smaller than the ballroom. All dignitaries of Astera were present, congratulating the Governor for the wise step of joining the New Republic.

Later on Nyn called Mara aside politely asking her about her condition. She tried to escape from him, but the Governor was not about to get off her back.

*Skywalker will pay for exposing me to the governor's charms.*

*Will I, really?* he sent her.

*Stop eavesdropping, farmboy!*

*Sure. You were just broadcasting too loudly.*

At that very minute a dozen of guys dressed in orange ran into the room yelling 'Freedom for Astera! Down with the NR!', and swinging some kind of weapons they pushed their way through the crowd, to the governor.

"What are you doing here?" Nyn asked, his voice trembling, his knees weak.

"We want you to destroy that treaty! Astera must never join the NR!" one of them, obviously their leader, shouted at the unnerved governor.

"But please, gentleman, I cannot do that!..." Nyn started to sweat profusely and loosened his tie to be able to breath again.

"If you don't do that, we'll destroy you!'"

"Now wait a minute!" Luke interrupted. "No one will destroy anyone."

"Shut up, you bastard! You are responsible for this whole thing!" another orange-robed man yelled.

"Let the governor go and leave this place!" Luke demanded, enhancing his voice with the Force and reaching out to manipulate the attackers' minds. Suddenly he was shocked to perceive that the Force had no power on this rebellious mob.

"Trying to use Jedi tricks on us, Ambassador?" the leader sneered. "Sorry to disappoint you, but you won't succeed. We have very strong will-power."

"I see." Luke nodded and ignited his lightsaber. "But if you don't get out of here in this very minute, I cannot guarantee that you'll stay in one piece, fellows."

"Oh, how afraid I am!" the leader laughed, then motioned his people to attack Luke.

Four of the attackers held the governor in place, and the other six rushed at the Jedi with their weapons made of xinx-ore. Luke parried their thrusts, trying the slice their swords with his lightsaber, only to realise why the New Republic wanted that xinx-ore that much: it was unpenetrable by any type of laser. Luke had already had such an experience with another ore called cortosis, but that one was only resistant to lightsabers. This one couldn't be destroyed by shots of blasters either, which was soon proved, when the guards of the governor arrived and started to shoot at the group of terrorist.

Luke carried on parrying and counter-attacking, while the guards still didn't realise that they shouldn't try to disarm the enemy by shooting at their weapons, but they should aim at their bodies. It seemed that the Asteranian people were experts in only one thing: painting their town pink. But they had no talent in fighting at all. One could ask: why did the governor have guards, if they couldn't protect him? Hm, that's a difficult question, and I guess there is no answer. Maybe it was just a question of vanity for the governor to have his own body guards, but up till now they never needed to fight. Astera was too much of a peaceful planet with peaceful people who only occasionally executed some law-breakers.

Since the guards were of no help to Luke at all, he only could count on himself - at first. Fortunately Mara didn't want to be left out of such a great scrap, and soon joined the battle with her blue lightsaber ignited. The dignitaries of Scella City watched the scene in awe, not daring to help the two combatants who were fighting for them.

*One thing is sure, farmboy: when we get back to Coruscant, we will have to write some files on the Asteranian customs, including the inhabitants? legendary cowardness!* Mara sent Luke while kicking one bad guy in the stomach and impaling another with her saber.

*Agreed.* Luke sent back severing an orange-robed warrior's arm from his torso, shoving another into a wall, hanging a third on a chandelier. *Just let's hope that the Asteranian fashion will not catch on in Coruscant!*

*Don't even bring up that possibility, farmboy!* Mara continued parrying.

Soon there were only three enemies left: two holding Nyn - who was close to fainting - and their leader facing Luke with a devilish smile.

"You might have disarmed my companions, but you'll never destroy me!" he shouted and lunged at Luke with a quick move. Though Luke couldn't manipulate his will, he still could sense his thoughts and foresee his next movements. He easily ducked, kicked the sword out of the man's hand and tripped his enemy.

"So sure you are?" he asked pointing his lightsaber's tip at the man's throat.

"Mercy, please!" the warrior beseeched him.

Luke extinguished the blade of his saber. "I'm going to spare your pathetic life. The governor will see to it that you get your punishment." then he turned to the two men holding Nyn. "Drop your weapons and let him go!"

The two guys, being unnerved by the defeat of their leader, obeyed. The governor's guards immediately captured the terrorists.

"Oh, I don't know how to thank you, Ambassador!" Nyn was full of gratitude. "And to you, lady Skywalker!" he turned in Mara's direction.

"No need to thank at all." Luke replied. "And sorry for the mess."

At that moment the defeated warrior jumped up from the floor, pulled out a hidden knife of xinx-ore from his robe, and lunged at the Jedi who was standing with his back turned on him. Luke's sense of alarm flared and he ignited his saber at once, turning around immediately, but he was a second late. The attacker?s knife deeply penetrated his chest. He only had time to run the enemy through with his saber before he collapsed onto the floor. The last thing he heard was Mara shouting 'Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke!', then everything went black.

to be continued...

You all urged me to send the next chapter as soon as possible - so here it is. It is my final chapter. (I deliberately sent this one today - you'll see why.)

For disclaimer see chapter 1. Rating: NC-17

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Agi Vega

In the pink

Chapter 5

Mara was nervously pacing up and down in the corridor of the local medical facility. She took ten steps into the right direction, then turned around and took another ten steps in the opposite direction. She didn't even notice that she had been doing this for more than an hour. Suddenly a door opened and a doctor dressed in white - not pink, not violet and not orange!- came out of it.

"How is he?" Mara rushed to the doctor.

"Oh, quite well, madam. Your husband is a strong man." the medic assured her. "He was given some medicines and will be able to walk home on his own feet."

"Really?" Mara's face beamed like a sun at the zenith.

"Yes, madam." the man nodded. "But he will be quite spaced out for the rest of the day, I fear. We had to give him some very powerful medicines to make his wound heal quickly."

"Drugs, you mean?" the woman lifted an eyebrow.

"If that is what you call it..." the doctor shrugged. "We couldn't give him anything else, since we don't have many types of medicines. You know, people barely get ill or hurt on Astera, so we just don't need them."

"Good for you." Mara answered with a hint of mock. "Do I have to know anything else?"

"Yes, madam. Since your husband will have a lack of judgement, he might not know what he is doing. Keep an eye on him."

"You can count on that." Mara said.

A couple of minutes later two nurses appeared at the door supporting Luke, who looked totally healthy, at least physically. But the drugs he had been doped with must have had a significant effect on him, since the usual fire in his eyes seemed to have been distinguished. His glance was stony, his usually smooth features stiff. As though he had only been looking but not seeing anything. Mara was slightly scared to see Luke like this, but she knew that the effect of the medicine was only temporary, and by sunrise, or even sooner, it will wear off, and he will be all right again.

"Come. We are going back to the hotel." she told Luke, taking his hand. Luke nodded, but Mara wasn't sure that he understood what she had told him.

*********************************************************

On their way back Mara continually talked to the dazed Luke, but he didn't seem to notice her at all. He was looking out the cab's window, not replying to her. An hour later they arrived at the hotel.

"Here we are. Do you remember this apartment?" Mara asked him. He blinked then nodded.

"Come on, sit down. I'll bring you a glass of water." she disappeared into the kitchenette. *I have to bring him to his senses.* she thought and returned to the living room. She sat down on the couch next to Luke and offered him the glass. Luke gave her a befuddled look.

"Drink it." she said with a smile and lifted the glass to his lips. He obediently took some sips. "Good boy." Mara chuckled at the thought that she was feeding him like a mother would feed her baby. She gently sweeped some droplets of water from his lips " he looked really like a baby at that moment - so cute, so childish, so innocent and helpless... she simply couldn't resist him and pressed her lips to his. Luke's eyes widened in shock and pushed Mara back.

"What...?" he mumbled.

"Nothing... Sorry." she stood up. "It's time for you to go to bed. This time you'll sleep in my bed. I'm gonna keep an eye on you, farmboy. I promised it to the doctor." she took him by the hand and led him into the bedroom. She helped him out of his tunic and trousers and tucked him in. "I'll be back in a minute. You just sleep."

*********************************************************

When Mara returned to the bedroom, he was fast asleep. *Oh my, he's so sweet when he is sleeping!* she thought climbing into the bed beside him. Soon she also dropped off.

*********************************************************

////////////////////////////////////They were swimming in a lake on Yavin 4, laughing and splashing water at each other.

"Catch me!" Mara shouted as she ran out of the water, Luke chasing her. They ran through a meadow full of white and yellow flowers, yelling joyously.

"Got you!" Luke exclaimed when he reached Mara. He embraced her tightly, gently pushing her down to the ground.

"Luke, what are you doing?" she asked giggling when he started to nibble on her left ear.

"I'm going to make love to you!" he answered caressing her cheek, planting light kisses on her neck and collar bone, pulling down the straps of her swimming-suit.

"Luke, you mustn't do such things... you are still weak... you don't even know what you are doing..." Mara whispered, but didn't really feel like protesting.

"On the contrary, my dear. I'm doing what I've wanted to do since the first day I met you!" he said sucking on her breasts, making her call out his name in ecstasy. Their wet skin became hot with desire as they mutually freed each other from their last pieces of clothing and their hands started to roam on each other's bodies. His lips caught hers in a searing kiss while he opened her legs and began caressing her thighs and her redgold curls. She in return gently massaged his erect manhood which made him feel dizzy with bliss. "I'm gonna die..." he muttered.

"No, not yet!" she chuckled and kissed him deeply. He felt as if balancing on the brink of an infinite abyss, threatened to fall down. But he needed to fall into that precipice. He had no idea how badly he needed it, but finally he let his instincts take over. He eagerly kissed Mara once more on the lips and entered her with a powerful thrust. At that instant he heard her scream./////////////////////////////////////////

"What?" he blinked in surprise to find himself in a semi-lit room. Where did that meadow go? Where were all the flowers? "What happened?"

"What?" Mara hissed. "You've just taken my virginity, you fool, that's what happened."

"Huh?" Luke felt totally puzzled. What was going on here? Did he dream it? Or not? Well, obviously not. Then the realisation struck him: the drugs! They made him think that his dream was real, and he acted according to that! Gosh! Mara will kill him!

He suddenly began to retreat, but Mara stopped him: "What the hell do you think you are doing? Now you?ll finish what you began! No one in this damned galaxy has the right to arouse me like that then leave me unsatisfied! No one! Continue farmboy, if you don?t want to die right here and now!"

"Aa-are you sure?" Luke mumbled.

She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him in reply. Luke didn't need to be told twice. He thrusted deep into her, slowly at first, trying not the hurt her even more. He buried his face into her shoulder, kissing her sweaty skin, while stroking her inner thighs to lighten the soreness she was feeling. *Don't spare me, I want you!* she sent him massaging his muscular back then grabbing his butt, driving him deeper into herself. Luke understood what she wanted and began to thrust stronger and quicker until she moaned with pleasure.

Suddenly the light of the Force engulfed both ot them, making a spiritual link between the two lovers - a link through which they experienced the highest level of bliss one has ever felt, the clearest and noblest emotions one could share with another being. Their love spanned time and space, revealing hazy images of the past and countless possible futures veiled in mist - visions invisible to the eyes, melodies inaudible, scents odourless - like a cloudy whirlwind raging in the wastes of Tatooine - something they couldn't see, couldn't hear and couldn't touch - something that they could only feel through their Force-bond. - Suddenly the whole universe opened before their eyes: flaring suns, twinkling stars and coursing comets flitted past them in a maze of asteroids swaying in the depths of space. They slipped through a firestorm at a tremendous speed, without noticing that it was fueled by their own infinite desire, then arrived at the core of an overheated red giant star, that in the next instant exploded into a scintillating nebula of interstellar gases, painting the eternal darkness with trillion different colors... ...Then everything went silent. The planets, comets and pulsars disappeared, and the two people found themselves floating in the void, hearing only each other's heavy breathing and the loud beating of their hearts.

"Holy stars, Mara..." Luke groaned as he rolled down from her. "You are the best."

"The best?" Mara's eyes flickered open with a sudden shock. "Of how many?"

"Seven." Luke stretched his limbs with still closed eyes, smiling on Lilian's remark that she had envied his seventh-to-be.

"So!" Mara exclaimed and jumped up.

"Where are you going?" the man asked having no clue what got into her.

"I'm going to wash your disgusting touch from myself!" she shouted and disappeared into the adjacent bathroom.

She stood under the shower, letting the hot water course down her body, rubbing her skin with a sponge like a person obsessed. *You can wash your skin, Mara, but my touch will be there for ever.* she heard his voice in her head. "What?!?" she exclaimed and hopping out of the shower, ran into the room. "Do you want to tell me that you 'marked' me??? You self-important sex-maniac son of a Sith!" she threw the sponge into Luke's face, her dripping body shaking with rage. "You, you pathetic excuse of a Jedi... you..." her body continued shuddering, but not from rage anymore, but from an abrupt wave of sobs. "I hate you." She buried her face into her hands and no more cared for her dignity, just cried and quivered. Luke sat up in the bed and gently pulled her down next to him.

"Sssh!" he hushed her, cradling her still wet body in his arms, using the bedsheet to dry her. "It's okay, it's okay..." he whispered. "I know what you feel. I shouldn't have told that. Sorry."

"No, Luke... you just told me the truth..." she sniffed. "And eventually it was my fault. You had a lack of judgement, and it was me who let you continue... I feel so ashamed."

"Ashamed? Why? Because you let yourself be loved?" Luke looked into her emerald eyes. "That's something you sould be proud of. Finally you were brave enough to let your heart guide you, and it's wonderful, Mara."

"Is it wonderful that I love you?" she asked.

"No. Wonderful that I love you back." he answered with a smile. "There's nothing more beautiful than reciprocated love, believe me."

"Was it the same with Callista?"

"Almost... with the exception of one thing."

"And that is?..." she inquired.

"That my love for her has died, but my love for you will never die. Never."

"Oh, Luke!" Mara let out a happy sigh and nestled herself into the crook of his arm.

"Does that mean that we won't get divorced as soon as we leave the planet?" Luke grinned.

"Divorce? Not on your life, Skywalker. I'm keeping you."

"Glad to hear." the Jedi replied laughing.

"Of course I'm keeping you, hotshot..." Mara snickered "... escpecially because somehow I have a feeling that governor Nyn was right yesterday morning."

"He was right of what?" Luke asked caressing her cheek.

"Of having a reason to congratulate us." she answered with a grin.

"Huh?" his mind reeled trying to understand her words. Suddenly his eyes widened in surprise. He thought she had had too much of a hangover at that time. "You overheard that chat between Nyn and me?" she nodded. "And you mean now that you... that we... that maybe..."

"Let's say it is a Jedi hunch, farmboy mine." she planted a kiss on his chest.

"I'd be overjoyed, you know." Luke replied.

"I know." Mara smiled.

"I love you."

"I know."

He yawned. "I'm tired."

"I know." she chuckled. "What about a nice sleep now?"

"I just wanted to suggest it." he muttered.

"Hold me tight, will you?"

"Forever, my love."

***********************************************************

Mara opened her eyes just when the triple suns appeared on the horizon painting the sky tangerine and pink. Inexplicably she found the sight enthralling. She sat up and listened to the singing of the little violet birds sitting in the purple-leafed trees. She stretched and let out a contented sigh. For the first time in her life she was happy. Truly happy. In the next moment Luke appeared carrying a small tray full of delicacies.

"Good morning, Sunshine!" he greeted her with a light-lipped kiss. "Hm, someone looks pretty happy today! Have any reason to feel so?" his eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Naaay." she returned his kiss then leaned back into the pink silk pillows. She started to scrutinize the pinkish bread and the violet tea in an orange mug. She burst out laughing.

"What is it?" Luke asked with a puzzled look.

"Nothing... and everything."

"Are you okay?" her husband worried that she might not be feeling well.

"Yes, dear." she replied still laughing. "I'm in the pink... I'm in the pink."

THE END

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