As Long As We're Together by Michele W. See Part I for Summary and Disclaimers Part IV 1 1/2 Months Later Mara stood looking at her profile in the full-length mirror. Her tunic was stretched to its limit. So engrossed was she that she didn't notice Luke standing in the doorway holding her holovid recorder. She had felt his presence, of course, but didn't look up at him until he spoke. "You are a beautiful mommy-to-be," he murmured. "You're just saying ...," Mara finally glanced up. "What are you doing?! Give my that! she screeched, as he held the recorder out of her reach. She tried tugging on it with the Force, but he clutched it firmly. "No, I want to document everything," Luke protested. "You didn't mind when Harry recorded our wedding, or that most- forgettable talent show." "That was different. I didn't look like a Gamorrean sow then." "You look great. And pretty soon you'll be all thin again, and then we'll have a beautiful baby to take pictures of." Mara sighed and rubbed her swollen abdomen. "I can't wait. I hope he comes soon." Mara looked at her smiling husband. "Okay, you can film a few shots," she relented, "but only if you're in them too." "Sure," Luke agreed readily, before she changed her mind. He held the recorder in mid-air via the Force, then stood behind Mara and triggered the RECORD button. They playfully waved to the recorder, laughed, and kissed. Luke even tried to encircle her waist with his arms, pretending he couldn't reach that far. Mara finally switched off the recorder. "All right, that's enough. You owe me for this, buddy." "Fair enough. Name your price." Mara gazed at him coolly. "You change all the dirty diapers for the first month after he's born." Luke's eyes widened. "A month! Wait a minute. Can we negotiate?" "Nope. Too late. Can I help it there are no nanny droids here?" Mara crossed her arms. "And don't think after the first month you're off the hook. Then it becomes a 50-50 job. Understand?" Luke grimaced. "Yes, dear." "Good, because I only pretended to turn off the recorder. I have this all on record." Luke only shook his head and pulled down the recorder, making sure it was now off. "And you are NOT bringing that recorder in sickbay when I'm giving birth," Mara emphasized. "Are you kidding? I'd be changing every diaper of every baby we ever have." "Every baby? Aren't you getting ahead of yourself? We don't even have this one yet." "But we will soon." Luke kissed her hand, then reached out and rubbed her stomach lovingly. "Very soon." He pulled her close, and kissed her passionately. "I love you, Mara," he whispered. "And I love you, Luke," she responded, clinging to him tightly. Later that night: Luke awoke with a start. He could feel Mara's pain, but she was no longer in bed next to him. He found her in the refresher, leaning heavily against the wall. "You had a contraction?" he exclaimed, holding on to her. Mara nodded. "And my water broke." Luke then noticed the wet spot on the floor. He called up some Jedi calm for both of them. "Okay, well, the doctor said it would be nine or ten minutes between the first few contractions. We should have plenty of time to get you to sickbay," he rationalized. "I'm in my nightgown, and it's all wet!" Mara wailed. "You have to help me get dry clothes on." "Sure, sure." He pulled over a small chair for her, then dutifully helped her clean up and put on different clothes. He was just pulling on some pants and a tunic for himself when the next contraction hit. "Use the Jedi techniques we practiced, hon," he counseled. "I'll pull as much of the pain away as I can, but you'll have to try to relax." "Easy for you to say," she huffed. "Let's get to sickbay." Luke helped her to her feet, and they made their way out into the corridor. "I could have them just beam you into sickbay," Luke commented, as they entered the turbolift. "Don't be silly. I can walk that far," Mara growled, clinging to his arm. "Maybe we can get this over with before anyone gets up," she said hopefully. "The last thing I want is an audience in sickbay." Luke withheld comment, remembering that the Doctor had told them labor could take hours. Mara had insisted she wanted to give birth the old-fashioned way. She found the notion of beaming the baby out abhorrent, unless it was an absolute last resort. She was confident that between the two of them, they could keep the pain tolerable and the baby free from distress. They finally reached sickbay, thankfully before the next contraction. "Well, well, what have we here?" the Doctor greeted them. "What does it look like?" Mara wasn't in the mood for jokes. Luke helped her onto a special birthing bed the Doctor had set up weeks ago. The Doctor noticed, when the next contraction came, that Luke seemed to feel the pain the same as Mara, though both of them were relatively calm. Luke explained to him how he was helping Mara using Jedi skills. "Hmm," the Doctor replied. "Pregnant women all over the galaxy will be envious." Several hours passed, and even with Luke's assistance, Mara was tiring. A loud groan escaped her as a particularly hard contraction hit her. As she gripped Luke's hand in a vise-like hold, he began making mental notes: 'If we ever go through this again, don't let her hold my hand, at least not my left one. Fingers could be broken, namely mine.' Finally the Doctor announced, "You are now at ten centimeters, and may begin pushing." Mara gave him one of her trade-mark glares, and pushed hard. Luke gave her additional endurance, and both of them sent feelings of comfort to their infant son. By now, of course, most of the ship was aware of the impending arrival. Captain Janeway and B'Elanna entered sickbay, while the new parents' male friends wisely remained waiting in the corridor. "How are we doing?" ventured the Captain. "Just dandy," Mara growled through gritted teeth, as she gave another push. B'Elanna hung back, wondering if she would ever be in this same position someday. "Actually, Captain," the Doctor put in, as he checked the baby's progress, "they're doing remarkably well. If they could bottle these Jedi pain reduction techniques, they'd make a fortune. Ah, I can see the head. Looks like a blonde." This news gave Mara added incentive, and she pushed again. "I don't suppose," she grimaced, "you could just pull him out with the Force." She shot a momentary glance at Luke. Luke started to hesitate, and then thought, well, why not? He concentrated on his son's small body, and very gently, glided him out to meet the world. "Very impressive," the Doctor complimented him. "You may have a new career as an obstetrician." The Doctor clamped and cut the cord, then laid the baby in a nearby bassinet, where the Captain began tending to him. "Perhaps you would like to help Mara expel the afterbirth also." Luke did so easily, then proudly took his son in his arms for the first time. "Let me hold him," Mara entreated, straining to get a better look at the baby. Luke carefully laid the blanket-wrapped bundle in the crook of her arm. This was the sweetest sight Mara had ever seen. He was indeed blonde, and he barely let out a whimper. "Hello, Dane," Mara whispered, as she stroked his soft cheek. Dane kept his eyes tightly shut. "I'll bet you have blue eyes, too," she cooed, "just like your father." "I think he looks more like you, though, Mara," B'Elanna spoke up. "Really? I can't tell yet," Mara replied. Captain Janeway took a turn holding the baby, but B'Elanna declined. "I believe there's a reception committee waiting outside, if you want to give them a quick peek, Luke," the Captain put forth. "And after that, this baby is ready for breakfast," the Doctor spoke up, "and then mother and son will need a nap." "All right, I'll be right back," Luke said as he carried Dane out to the waiting crowd, followed by B'Elanna and Captain Janeway. He returned a few minutes later, as Mara was making herself comfortable. "They're pretty divided on who he looks like," Luke laughed. Mara took Dane in her arms and prepared to breastfeed him. The Doctor had given her suggestions ahead of time, and she remembered watching some of the concubines at the Imperial Palace doing it. It didn't take her son long to start nursing greedily. "Right now," Mara observed, "I'd say he looks a lot like you." Luke frowned. He was glad the Doctor had gone into his office to give them some privacy. "I hope you keep that opinion to yourself," he said dryly. Mara laughed, and stroked Dane gently. "Can you believe this, farmboy? You and I, with our own baby?" Luke pulled a chair up next to her bed, and propped his elbow next to her, resting his head on his hand. He reached out with his other hand and let Dane curl his tiny hand around his finger. "A year ago, I would never have believed this was possible. But ever since our first night together, I couldn't imagine my life without you. And having a child together, just seems natural. I've never been so happy, Mara." She reached over and ran her fingers through his hair. "Neither have I, Luke, neither have I." Luke sighed. "I only wish we could share our joy with Leia and Han and our friends back home. The kids have always wanted a cousin." "We'll get back someday, Luke, I know we will," Mara said encouragingly. "I can't miss the look on Karrde's face when he finds out." Luke didn't answer, lost in his own thoughts. It had been just over a year. What could possibly change that would provide them a way home? Mara finished feeding Dane, and Luke gently laid him in the bassinet, after dutifully changing his diaper. Mother and son then settled in for a much-needed nap. Luke was tired himself, but didn't think he could sleep. Instead, he wandered up to the mess hall, where he was promptly inundated by another round of congratulations. "So," Neelix began, when they were finally alone in the galley, "does it feel any different, being a father now?" Luke thought a moment. "Yes, actually, it does. Before, Mara and I were just a couple, and she has always been able to fend for herself. She's probably better at hand-to-hand combat than I am. Now, all of a sudden, we're a complete family, that I feel responsible for. And I'm not doing too well at that, seeing as how I can't even find us a way home." Neelix observed the dejected look on Luke's face. "You want to leave Voyager? You've both made so many friends here." "I know, and we'd miss you a lot," Luke tried to explain, "but I also miss my family and friends at home. Mara didn't have as many close friends as I did, but she had some, plus a profitable business she had built up. And I had my students at the academy. They probably all think we're dead." "Just remember, Luke, my friend, that you have a beautiful wife who loves you, a handsome new son, and a shipful of comrades who are grateful you have joined us. Things could be worse," Neelix chided him. "You're right," Luke admitted. "Mara always tells me I'm too morose. I should be celebrating," Luke smiled finally. "I think I'll take Mara some lunch. She should be awake soon." "Good idea. And send her my best wishes." That evening, the Doctor allowed Mara and Dane to go home to their quarters. Mara was glad to get out of sickbay. Working there was one thing, being a patient was quite another. The prospect of her and Luke caring for a newborn was a bit frightening for the former Emperor's Hand, though. She was much more at ease with a blaster in her hand than a wriggling baby in a tabletop bathtub. Mara was now on an official leave of absence from the duty roster, and Luke only stayed in the mess hall during the busy meal times. Mara did allow Luke to holorecord non-embarrassing scenes of her and the baby, and she didn't pass up the chance of recording him changing Dane's diaper. "Taking care of one little baby is more exhausting than anything I've ever done," Mara complained one evening, as she plopped on the couch after putting Dane to bed. "We've had plenty of offers from the rest of the crew to help," Luke reminded her. "We could take them up on that." "I suppose. I'll still have to feed him, and you're not done with your month of diaper duty," Mara took pleasure in seeing him grimace, "but others could watch him for awhile in between. Maybe we could go to the gym, or the holodeck." "Sure, I don't see why not," Luke agreed. "We are lucky to have so many good friends here. They've all been so helpful to us, I wish there was something we could do for them." "Hmm. I feel sorry for them, that it's going to take them so long to get home." "I know, I feel selfish only thinking about how to get us home. They're in just as bad a predicament as we are," Luke continued. Suddenly he edged closer and grasped Mara's hand. "Mara, let's take a break from looking for our galaxy, and put our efforts into finding a way for Voyager to get home sooner. Surely two Jedi can contribute more than just cooking lunch." Mara smiled broadly, "You're right. We can look for a way home just as easily from the Alpha Quadrant as from the Delta Quadrant. And I'd like to see this Earth of theirs. We've been cooped up on this ship for more than a year. I know you're got to have cabin fever worse than I have." "You've got that right," Luke chuckled. "With what you've learned in Engineering here, and what we already know about hyper- drives, we should be able to come up with something." The crew, naturally, was skeptical of Luke and Mara's optimistic views. They'd been exploring every possibility ever since arriving in the Delta Quadrant. Nevertheless, they promised full cooperation in any undertaking. Even Tuvoc recalled how Kes had propelled them ten years' worth of distance when she transformed after leaving the ship. Luke, of course, was enthralled with her story, and dismayed that he hadn't been able to meet her. He wondered if her powers were a manifestation of the Force, altered by the Ocampa's rapid aging process. Luke and Mara weren't sure whether to approach this challenging project from a technical aspect, a Force-driven direction, or a combination of the two. Luke remembered how his early students had banded together to repel a fleet of Star Destroyers from Yavin. But they had been stationary on the moon, not on the ships being repelled. The Skywalkers certainly wanted to go along for the ride. As usual, Luke decided meditation should be his first step. Early one morning, he settled himself in his familiar cross-legged position. He concentrated on an image of Voyager, and entered a deep Jedi trance. He saw the ship near a planet, then suddenly it flew away at an incredible speed. Luke awoke, and hurried over to Mara, who was playing with Dane. "Mar, I think I may have something," he gushed excitedly. "I had a vision of the ship, being repelled from a planet." "So where do we find a planet that repels ships?" she teased him, then turned to Dane. "Your daddy is so cute when he gets an idea," she cooed. "His eyes get all bright and shiny, and his voice gets high-pitched, and ..." Luke rolled his eyes. "Mara," he whined, "if you don't want to hear this, just say so." "Oh, go ahead, Wormie," she joked. "Don't call me that," he complained. Luke tromped into the kitchen area, sulking. Mara picked up Dane and followed him. "Oh, Dane, I think we've insulted your daddy." She gave Luke her best penitent smile. "So what's your idea, hon?" Luke smiled brightly at Dane as he took him from Mara. "Well, you know how my students repelled Pellaeon's fleet, by pushing it away from Yavin." Mara nodded, but her expression looked concerned. "I also remember Dorsk 81 was killed." She eyed him worriedly. "What are you thinking of doing?" "They were students, and they were repelling an entire fleet of seventeen Star Destroyers," he tried to reassure her. "As I recall, several of them had graduated by then, and there were about thirty of them." She glared harder. "You're not thinking of trying to repel this ship off a planet by yourself?" "No, I was thinking of having you help. And we won't try, we'll do," he stated matter-of-factly. "Or, we'll do not," he added. "Luke, this ship is too big to do something like that." "Listen, do you, to anything I say? Size matters not," Luke mimicked Yoda, making faces at Dane as he did so. "That's just what I said when my X-wing sank into the swamp," he told her. "But, master," Mara drawled out, "lifting little X-wings up is one thing, but this, this is totally different." "No, no different," he continued the parody. "Only different in your mind." "Listen," Mara was serious now, "you may be a Jedi Master, but you're not invincible. I finally have a family, and I don't want my husband blowing out his mind with impossible stunts, like Dorsk 81." "Mara, that won't happen. If I can't propel the ship faster than warp speed, then I just won't. So we'll think of something else then." He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. "Nothing is going to happen to me." She sent him a withering glare, but didn't answer. It was no use. Once he got an idea in his head, he was as stubborn as, well, as she was. Her only consolation was knowing that he treasured their family life as much as she did, and wouldn't risk doing anything to jeopardize any of them, including himself. Later that day, Luke broached his idea to Captain Janeway. To say she was skeptical was putting it mildly. "I'm not saying I can get you back to the Alpha Quadrant in one push, now," Luke said. "You said Kes propelled you enough distance to take ten years off your trip. Even if I can duplicate her feat, it will take several rounds. And I will have to rest in between." He looked at her earnestly. "I believe I can do this, Captain. Please allow me the opportunity to help your crew." The Captain called in Tuvoc and Chakotay, and Luke gave his pitch once more. He told them about his students repelling the Star Destroyers. "Would there be any danger to the crew?" the Captain questioned him. "No more than when Kes gave you a push," he assured her. "And this time you'll be prepared ahead of time." "Hmm. Luke, would you give us a moment to discuss this? You may wait on the bridge," Captain Janeway instructed him. "Of course, Captain." "What do you two think of this?" Janeway asked, after Luke had left. "He has demonstrated amazing powers already," began Chakotay. "Indeed," added Tuvoc. "He has a very powerful mind. I've never met or even heard of anyone with such control." "And just because he has not done anything this monumental so far since he came aboard, doesn't mean he can't. We really don't know what he's capable of doing," Chakotay continued. "Yes," pondered the Captain. "That fact sometimes worries me. I wonder if he even knows what he's capable of. But, in this matter, I believe he's sincere." She looked at her two senior officers. "I'm inclined to let him try." Chakotay and Tuvoc both nodded in agreement. "I'll call him back in," Chakotay said. Luke returned to the ready room, and was relieved to learn they had faith in him. "You say you will 'repel' us away from a planet?" Tuvoc wanted more details. "Yes," replied the Jedi Master. "Much like a mountain climber descends by repelling out away from the mountain." "Do a lot of mountain climbing, do you?" asked the Captain, smiling. "Yes, actually. We have high mountains on Yavin," he responded earnestly. "But I don't use a rope," he added, grinning slightly. "What type of planet do you believe this will require?" Tuvoc asked, straightfaced as always. "Any kind, or even a moon. Anything with a mass considerably larger than Voyager," Luke answered. "I would like to find an uninhabited planet for this," the Captain put in, "just to be safe. At least for the first time. While you believe there should be no consequences to the planet, I don't want to take any chances." "Of course, Captain," Luke readily agreed. "Perhaps you could even leave behind a probe that would send you data on the planet's condition afterwards." "Good idea. Now all we have to do is find a suitable planet." About a week later, the Captain and Chakotay approached Luke during his break in the mess hall. "Luke, we may have found a planet that will meet your needs," the Captain began. "It's devoid of all life, and the entire surface is rock," continued Chakotay. "Sounds promising," Luke agreed. "How soon will we reach it?" "In two days," Chakotay informed him. "Can you be ready by then? If not, we can stay in orbit there until you are." "Two days should be sufficient," Luke replied. "If I can be excused from my duty shifts," he added. "Of course," the Captain assured him. "Do whatever is necessary to prepare yourself. I'm sure we can have someone look after the baby, if Mara needs to help you." "That would be most generous," Luke thanked her. "I will need a space to meditate where I won't be interrupted. Perhaps one of the holodecks?" "Absolutely. Just let one of us know if there is anything else," the Captain replied. "Thank you, Captain. I shall begin meditating tomorrow morning." That evening, Luke and Mara began their preparations. "What do you want me to do?" Mara asked. "Well, I won't be able to help with Dane for the next few days. The Captain said they would have someone help you with him, though," Luke answered her. "I thought I would meditate in one of the holodecks, where there won't be any distractions." Mara leaned over toward him and began kissing his neck. "Distractions like this, you mean?" Luke closed his eyes and sighed. "Unfortunately, exactly like that." "Then can I at least distract you all I want tonight?" "Absolutely," Luke responded, as he pulled her closer. The next morning, Luke rose early, showered, and dressed in silence. Mara watched him moving around in the semi-darkness of their bedroom. "Can I bring you some dinner this evening?" she asked quietly. "Sure," he whispered, after a moment's hesitation. "I'll be thinking of you all day, you know," she continued. He came and sat next to her. "I know," he replied, as he leaned over and kissed her. "You are part of me." Luke reluctantly pulled away and started for the doorway. "Luke?" Mara whispered. "Yes?" He paused and turned. "May the Force be with you," she said softly. He sent her a feeling of love, and left for the holodeck. In the holodeck, Luke recreated one of his favorite peaceful environments. He placed himself on a mountainside, looking down over the jungles of Yavin IV. He wished he could recreate the feel of the animal and plant life through the Force, but pushed that thought from his mind. He was there to meditate, not get homesick. He settled himself down cross-legged, and closed his eyes, then opened himself up fully to the Force. Images of Yoda, Ben, and all the Masters he had seen through the holocron flashed before him. He would need all their help and strength for what he would do tomorrow. After what seemed to Luke as only an hour or two later, he felt Mara's presence nearby. He came out of his trance as she lightly touched his arm. "I brought you something to eat," she said gently. "It's dinnertime." "Thank you," he smiled at her. "I can tell it is going well," she told him. "I have never felt so at peace." "Nor I," he answered. "Mara, I feel I can reach out and touch the Force." "And I know you will succeed," she assured him. After Luke finished the light meal, Mara left and he resumed his meditating. He continued through the night and into the next day. At about 16:00 the next afternoon, Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvoc entered the holodeck. Luke opened his eyes as he felt them approach. "We are in orbit around the planet," the Captain advised him. "Yes, I know," Luke answered, "and I am ready." "I was wondering if I might ask a favor," Tuvoc inquired. "A favor, Tuvoc?" Luke hid a smile. "Of course." "I would like to sit with you when you perform this feat," he stated. "I am hoping to gain a better understanding of the Force." "Yes, of course you may." Luke had already planned ahead to position himself in the lounge on Deck 15, which would afford him a clear view of the planet from the rear of the ship. He and Tuvoc, therefore, headed for the now deserted lounge. Mara stayed with Dane in their quarters, though she mentally sent him her support. Luke settled himself in his familiar cross-legged position, looking out the full-length windows. The barren planet filled most of the view. Tuvoc took a similar pose next to him. Luke tapped his comm badge. "Captain, we are ready." "Very well," she responded. Her voice then came over the speakers, "Attention, all hands. Be ready to brace yourselves in the next few moments. Captain out." Luke stretched out his arms and let the Force fill him. He could feel Mara sending him her strength in the Force, and felt Tuvoc's support as well. Summoning all the Force strength possible, Luke PUSHED against the planet, and suddenly the ship shot away from the sphere at an incredible speed. Mara clutched the armrest of her stuffed chair with one hand, and held her other hand around Dane, who was snuggled against the front of her in a baby carrier. The Force she could feel emanating from Luke was almost overwhelming. She could tell that even Dane could feel his father, and she concentrated on calming him. The rest of Voyager's crew clung to whatever they could. On the bridge, no one spoke, though Harry's eyes widened as he saw the velocity registering on his control panel. Finally, after about thirty seconds, the ship slowed and gradually came to a stop. Mara could feel Luke's exhaustion, but he seemed fine, to her relief. Harry announced how many light years they traveled, to everyone's astonishment. Captain Janeway's voice came over the speaker and was quickly followed by a cheer from the entire ship. "Attention, everyone. I am overjoyed to say we are now twelve years closer to home!" Luke relaxed and leaned back. "Whew!" was all he said, as he grinned at Tuvoc. Tuvoc, for his part, was nearly as speechless. "That was astonishing," he finally said. "I can hardly believe it." "The Force is a powerful ally," was Luke's reply. About that time, Mara burst into the lounge, carrying Dane. She knelt down next to Luke, and he hugged both of them. "I knew you could do it," she cried. "Is that why you tried to talk me out of it?" he kidded her. Mara was saved from having to reply by the appearance of the Captain, Chakotay, and several others. Luke got to his feet, and shook the Captain's proffered hand. "Congratulations, Luke," she beamed. "We can never thank you enough." "No thanks are necessary," Luke replied. "And we still have a long way to go, remember." "But you've given us renewed hope," she assured him. "What we thought was impossible, now suddenly looks attainable." "We may have to make you morale officer," Neelix put in. "You've done more for morale in thirty seconds than I have in five years." "I doubt that," Luke laughed. "Well, Tuvoc," Chakotay turned to the Lt. Commander, "could you feel the Force?" "I believe so," was the answer. "I could feel a power emanating from Luke." "I could feel it from our cabin," Mara put in. "It was overwhelming. Even Dane felt something." "Luke, no duty roster for you tomorrow, I insist," the Captain ordered. "I will take you up on that," Luke smiled. "I am rather tired." Luke took Dane in his arms, and he and Mara headed for their quarters. They were interrupted several times along the way by grateful crew members. When they finally reached their destination, Luke collapsed onto the couch. Mara gently took Dane and laid him in his crib. He was asleep almost instantly. Mara looked over and saw that Dane's father was nearly asleep himself. Smiling, she pulled Luke to his feet. "C'mon, you can make it as far as the bed," she chided him. "Can't you just levitate me there?" he joked sleepily. "And when I drop you ...?" Luke just shook his head, not objecting as Mara helped him undress. He gratefully crawled under the covers. By the time Mara joined him a few minutes later, he was fast asleep. She kissed him gently. "I am so proud to be your wife, my darling Jedi Master," she whispered. Over the next month, Luke performed the 'pushing' technique on Voyager two more times, bringing them ten to twelve thousand lightyears closer to the Alpha Quadrant on each occasion. One more similar push, and Voyager would be 'home.' Nearly everyone on the ship was in a constant state of excitement, Vulcans excluded. Seven was apprehensive about returning to a planet of which she had no recollection. Chakotay, B'Elanna, and the other former Maquis members wondered what their fate would be as well. At last, the day arrived when Chakotay informed Luke that they were approaching a suitable planet for the final push. Luke went through his now familiar meditation ritual, then positioned himself in the lounge. Tuvoc, as was now his custom, joined him. Everyone literally held their breath, waiting, then hung on as the ship was suddenly propelled through space. When Voyager finally slowed, the bridge was silent as Harry checked their position. He broke into a wide grin and raised his fist in triumph. "We're in the Alpha Quadrant!" he shouted. As Luke felt the ship come to a stop, he knew his job was over. Unexpectantly, he rose quickly and left the lounge without saying a word to Tuvoc. While he was happy for the crew and glad he could help them, this would be their celebration. He wanted nothing more than to hold his wife and son. He even went so far as to cloak himself as he made his way to his quarters. Mara was waiting when Luke reached his destination. She knew how he shunned the hero role, and she could feel his emotions as clearly as her own. She enveloped him in her arms as he came through the door, and he clung to her in his exhaustion and relief that his self-appointed task was complete. Words were not necessary between them. Silently, they laid down on their bed, holding each other, with Dane snuggled between them. Mara awoke first, and gently reached over and traced her finger along Luke's sleeping face. Suddenly she froze, as she realized Dane was no longer lying between them. "I put him in his crib during the night," she heard Luke whisper. She felt Dane's presence, sleeping soundly. "At least he usually sleeps through the night now," she responded quietly. "I wonder which one of us he takes after in that regard. Surely it must be you." Luke chuckled softly. "You didn't know me growing up. I didn't give my aunt and uncle a moment's rest." Luke rolled over and stared at the ceiling. "I suppose we have to get up sometime. I can't hide in here forever." Mara snuggled closer to him, stroking him with her fingertips. "Oh, I think you could for a little while longer," she cooed. Luke nuzzled her neck lovingly. "You can be pretty persuasive, Mrs. Skywalker." An hour later, as they lay in each other's arms, Dane began to cry softly. "He has good timing," Luke observed, kissing Mara as he eased out of bed. "Hmm. You shower first while I feed him," she answered sleepily as she sat up, propping herself up with several pillows. Luke laid their son in her arms, then headed for the shower. When he finished, Mara took her turn while Luke changed and dressed Dane. Finally the Skywalker family was ready. "Well," Luke said, "I guess it's time to see what this Alpha Quadrant is like." They headed for the mess hall, where they were greeted by Neelix and several others. "So, Neelix, what's your impression of the Alpha Quadrant?" Luke asked. "Will this make us a good home?" "It's hard to say yet," Neelix answered. "They say it will take another week to reach Earth. The Captain has already contacted Starfleet. I'm sure they're anxious to meet you." Luke groaned inwardly. "Anyway, we're going to dock at a Federation space station in a couple days. I guess we'll have a better idea then." Luke and Mara nodded, just as Captain Janeway walked up. "There you two are," she greeted them. "Everyone's been wondering when you would finally make an appearance." "I needed to rest, you know," Luke said simply. "So now that you're rested, I would like both of you to join the staff and me for a dinner party tonight. We have to celebrate." "Of course, Captain. As you wish," Luke replied, as he held Dane with one arm and clutched Mara's hand with the other. "And Luke, Mara," Janeway added, "we can never thank you enough. You've saved us." "No thanks are necessary, Captain. Helping others is what Jedi do." The Captain's dinner party that evening was a lively celebration. Luke and Mara were even beginning to enjoy themselves. Of course, they had had no trouble finding a babysitter from the host of eager volunteers. After dinner, the staff moved to the senior lounge. Mixed emotions filled the air as they all realized this would probably be the last time they would all be together on Voyager in such a setting. "Will you and Luke live on Earth?" B'Elanna was asking Mara. "I'm not sure," came the reply. "It sounds like a nice place, but we haven't really decided yet. I guess we're still hoping to find a way back to our own galaxy." "And I'm hoping the charges against the Maquis will have been dropped by now. I suppose there will be adjustments to be made for all of us." "Yes, I suppose so," Mara answered distractedly, as she gazed across the crowded room toward Luke, who was listening intently to Tuvoc. "You would be most welcome to make your home on Vulcan," Tuvoc was saying. "I'm certain my colleagues would find your mind control powers as intriguing as I have." Luke could feel Mara's disapproval of Tuvoc's invitation. He smiled in her direction. "Thanks for the offer, Tuvoc, but Mara and I haven't decided yet where we'll live. But perhaps we can come for a visit." Captain Janeway was engaged in conversation with Chakotay when suddenly a swirling wind swept through the room, and when it stopped a man in a Starfleet admiral's uniform appeared in their midst. "Q!" exclaimed the Captain. "What are you doing here?" "My dear Kathy, do you think I would miss such a momentous celebration? Why, when Q told me that Voyager was spotted in the Alpha Quadrant, I had to rush right over," Q explained. "So tell me, how DID you manage it?" Captain Janeway gave a smug smile. "You mean you don't know? I thought the Q knew everything." "I've been busy, of course. And I just saw you, happily plugging along in the Delta Quadrant." "That's been nearly a year and a half ago." "To me, a year is but a moment," Q chided her. "But you are evading my question, Kathy. How did you reach the Alpha Quadrant in such a short time?" Luke and Mara each listened to the conversation with much curiosity. Who was this stranger who appeared out of thin air? And had the audacity to call the Captain 'Kathy'? "Let's just say my crew has been quite industrious lately. Never underestimate us mere mortals, Q." Luke was mildly surprised at the Captain's response, and he felt similar reactions throughout the room. "So, you're playing it coy, hmm, Captain," Q replied, seeming slightly annoyed. "Sort of, it's for you to know and me to find out, is it?" Janeway only repeated her smug smile. "Who is that?" Mara whispered to B'Elanna. "He's called Q," B'Elanna replied quietly. "He's some kind of omnipotent being, and can take any form, though he seems to enjoy using this appearance when visiting us. Apparently all of these beings go by the name of Q." "So, I guess I'll just have to interview the crew," Q said. He made his way through the room, stopping to chat with Chakotay, Tom, and others, though none of them would reveal their method of arrival. Q spotted Seven of Nine. "A Borg! Now isn't this interesting. And quite a knockout, too. But I don't see how even a Borg could get you here this fast, Kathy." Q then noticed Mara standing by B'Elanna. "My, my, my, Kathy, how did you acquire such beautiful new crew members?" He gave Mara another once-over. "In fact, where did you find another human in the Delta Quadrant?" "As I said, Q, never underestimate Voyager," the Captain taunted. Q took Mara's hand and kissed it quite gallantly. "Allow me to introduce myself, my dear. I am Q. And who might you be?" "You may call me Mara," she answered, with an exaggerated imitation of being demure. "But I must warn you, my husband can be quite jealous." "Husband?" Q followed Mara's gaze across the room, settling on a blonde man wearing black. "Another new crew member? And why don't you two wear these dashing Starfleet uniforms?" Q made his way over to Luke. "You have a beautiful wife, Mr. ...ah?" Luke extended his hand in greeting. "Luke Skywalker. Pleased to meet you, Q." "Luke Skywalker ... Skywalker...," Q's brow furrowed in concentration. "Where have I heard that name? Ah, yes, there's a Jedi Master named Skywalker a few galaxies over. Rather unique beings, those Jedi." Luke's eyes grew wide. "What did you say?" he whispered. Mara had also heard Q's prattling, and joined them. "You know of the Jedi?" Mara asked him, incredulously. "I've never personally met one, but Q has, and she says they're quite intriguing, for humans." The Captain and the others had all gathered around by this time. Q glanced around, then stared at Luke and Mara. "You two are Jedi, aren't you? You are the Jedi Master I've heard of," he continued, looking at Luke. "Kathy, how did you ever manage to acquire your own personal Jedi?" he asked the Captain. "It was more like they found us," was her reply. "And they got you to the Alpha Quadrant!" He turned back to Luke. "So how did you do it? You are, still, just a human. You can't blink your eyes and magically transport a ship across a galaxy." "No, I can't," Luke responded, not sure how much to reveal to this stranger. He glanced at the Captain for guidance. "Now, Q," she put in. "Can't we have some secrets to ourselves?" "Not from me," he answered conceitedly. Indeed, the whole story did eventually come out, from Luke and Mara's arrival in the Delta Quadrant, to Luke's propelling Voyager to their current location. "How fascinating," Q commented after hearing their tale. "I've always wanted to see a Jedi in action. Do some tricks for me, Jedi," he ordered. "I don't do tricks," Luke countered. This time Mara did not protest. "Rather uppity, aren't we?" Q complained. Just then, an overhead illumination fixture detached and hurled itself toward several crew members. Luke held up his hand quickly, and the fixture stopped in mid-air. He lowered it to the floor, then turned to the grinning Q. "Excellent!" Q cackled. "Now let's see what else you can do." "I'm warning you, don't test me," Luke growled. "You're WARNING me? How quaint. Perhaps we should up the ante." Luke stared at him warily, not knowing what to expect. "How about you run through a series of little Jedi demonstrations for me, and in return," Q paused for effect, "I'll send you back to your own galaxy." "That's blackmail," Luke protested. "It's what he's best at," Tom said dryly. "What kind of demonstrations?" Mara put in. Luke glared at her, but didn't speak. "Oh, nothing a Jedi Master couldn't handle," came the reply. Mara hesitated. She could feel the conflicting emotions in Luke. "What if I performed your demonstrations?" she offered. "Mara, no!" Luke interjected. "Do you want our son to never see his aunt and uncle and cousins? Do you want to never set foot on Yavin again? Luke, this may be our only chance." Luke sighed. It was hard to refuse his wife, especially when it was an opportunity that he wanted just as much. He looked over where Janeway and Chakotay stood listening. "Captain, does he truly have the power to send us back?" Luke inquired. "Yes, he does," was the reply. "Then why didn't he return Voyager to the Alpha Quadrant?" was Luke's next question. "That's a long story," the Captain sighed. "But don't let that influence your decision, Luke. You and Mara alone must choose the correct path for yourselves." Luke nodded, then turned to Q. "If you would give us a moment?" "Of course, Jedi. Take your time." Luke took Mara's hand and they walked over to a secluded corner of the room. "Luke," Mara began, "this should be our decision together. I don't want to talk you into something you don't want to do. I'll be happy whatever galaxy we're in, as long as we're together." Luke looked down at his and Mara's clasped hands. "Perhaps what's bothering me most is that part of me, a big part, does want to do this. Even though another part says I'd be violating my own principles." He looked into Mara's eyes. "It's time for us to go home, Mara." At that moment, they both knew their decision had been made. "Q," Luke said, as he approached the newcomer, "if I perform your demonstrations, you will send all three of us back, myself, Mara, and our son, in our own ship. Is this correct? And there will be no going back in time?" "Of course, whatever you like," Q said casually. "I can do anything, you see." Luke suppressed a grimace. If he can do anything, why doesn't he get himself a less obnoxious personality? "Very well, I will do this. But there will be limits set up beforehand. These demonstrations will not go on indefinitely." "Yes, yes, whatever," Q snapped back. "Let's see. Captain, you've given me an idea." "I have?" "Yes, your comment about their following their own path." He turned to Luke. "I will direct you along a pathway, with various obstacles as you go, naturally. Captain Janeway and I will be waiting at the end of your trek." Luke glanced at Mara, then the Captain. "Agreed." "Excellent!" Q smirked in satisfaction. "Now, what say we begin tomorrow morning, right here." "I'll be ready," Luke answered solemnly. "Now if everyone will excuse me, I shall begin preparing myself." Luke bowed slightly to the assembled crowd, and quickly left the lounge. "He's gone to our quarters to meditate," Mara explained to the raised eyebrows and questioning looks. She turned to Q. "Listen, you, I want your word Luke won't be put in danger." "Why, my dear, where's the fun in that?" Mara could tell that Q wasn't joking. "Then perhaps I should go along, to watch his back." "You are most welcome, of course. Seeing a beautiful Jedi such as yourself in action would be even more delightful." Mara gave Q one of her nearly-forgotten patented glares, then nodded. "I'll be here." She then turned and left the lounge without so much as a glance at anyone else. "You are not going with me," Luke said calmly from his meditative pose, as Mara entered their quarters. "It is not your decision," she replied in an equally tranquil voice. "Mara, please," Luke said, looking up at her. "Don't 'Mara, please' me," she snapped. "You think because we're married you can bat those baby blues and I'll give in. Well, it's not going to happen." Luke rose and started to open his mouth, but Mara cut him off. "Luke, I want to be part of this. I need to be. I am a Jedi, too. Why should you take all the responsibility?" "Mara, think of Dane." "I am thinking of Dane." "But what if something happens?" "There will be less chance of something going wrong if we're both there. We're a team, remember?" Luke stared a moment at the determined look on his wife's face, then nodded. "All right," he finally yielded. "We'll both do this." He then cocked one eyebrow. "Of course this means you have to meditate all night with me." Luke and Mara arrived in the crew lounge the next morning, where Q, the Captain, and several others were assembled. "Ah, there you are," Q rubbed his hands together in glee. "Shall we begin?" Luke bowed slightly. "We are ready." In the blink of an eye, the Jedi couple found themselves in a hedge maze. "You've got to be kidding," Mara laughed. "He wants to see if we can find our way out of a maze?" Luke was silent a moment, reaching out with the Force. "Perhaps things are not as they seem." Mara stared at him, then stretched out with the Force herself. Her danger sense flickered. She couldn't detect any one single source; instead there seemed to be many smaller hazards. "So now what?" "Levitate me up. I'll look over the top." Mara concentrated and Luke rose slowly upward. "Hold it," he called out suddenly. He looked up, then took his lightsaber hilt and held it above his head. It sizzled against an invisible force field. Mara lowered him back down. "I want to try something," she said, igniting her own lightsaber. She carved a doorway through the hedge, but it magically closed back up before she could step through. "I guess we do this the old-fashioned way," Luke shrugged. They proceeded cautiously through the first couple turns, easily sensing and avoiding the dead ends. As Luke started to step around the next corner, Mara shot her arm out to stop him. "Wait. Something's not right." Luke stretched out with the Force and nodded in agreement. Mara slashed off a large branch, pausing to watch as new growth instantly took its place. She levitated the cut limb down the narrow passageway. Two meters ahead, arrows flew out of both sides of the shrubbery. Mara gave a disgusted shake of her head. "C'mon," she growled, leading the way to the next intersection. A few turns later, they both stopped, sensing danger ahead. "Now what?" Mara grumbled. Luke probed the sides of the hedge, then directed his gaze to the ground. He PUSHED on the path just in front of them. The ground gave way, revealing a large pit. Mara peered over the edge, noting the upward-pointing spikes at the bottom. "This is so juvenile," she groused. "Don't knock it," Luke rejoindered, as they easily leapt over the open hole. "I hope all the tests are this simple." They continued on, avoiding several more traps without any trouble, eventually emerging from the maze without a scratch. Mara began mumbling. "Surely he can come up with something better than ..." "Look out!" Luke shouted, igniting his lightsaber in one fluid motion. Mara's saber also whooshed to life, as they blocked shots from dozens of uniformed alien beings. Green and blue blades sizzled against the onslaught. Their attackers gradually abandoned their phasers and surrounded the Jedi, who stood back to back. "What are they doing?" Mara called over her shoulder. "We could slaughter them." Mara spoke prematurely, however, as their lightsabers suddenly vanished from their grips. "What the ...!" Luke gasped. There was no time for questions, as the aliens pounced. Mara spun and kicked the nearest adversary in the head, then reached behind and slammed another over her shoulder. Luke also had his hands full, ducking to avoid a blow while knocking a knife from the grip of another foe. Both knights weaved, bobbed, leapt, and twirled as their arms and legs flailed at the seemingly endless oncoming warriors. Suddenly Mara nearly lost her balance, as her pirouetting kickbox met thin air. She and Luke looked around in astonishment as the attackers completely disappeared as mysteriously as they had appeared. "All right, so that was a little more challenging," Mara smirked. Luke looked down, feeling the familiar weight of his lightsaber once more resting against his thigh. "Expect the unexpected," he smiled slightly, arching an eyebrow at his wife. The Jedi followed the trail into a narrow gorge. Sheer walls rose up over five hundred meters, barely letting in the filtered daylight. They made their way along the pathway for perhaps a kilometer. "So what's this test supposed to be?" Mara complained. "To see if we have claustrophobia?" "I doubt that," Luke returned. "Though it does look like we're close to the end," he added, as he observed the increased light ahead. A shadow abruptly blocked that promising light. Luke and Mara craned their necks in astonishment at a monstrous animal that unexpectedly appeared in front of them. "It must be a hundred meters tall," Mara gasped in wonder. "We can't jump over it." The huge beast filled the gap completely, its beady eyes watching them warily. It made no move to attack, however. "I don't want to hurt it," Luke stated, unnecessarily. Mara always knew exactly how he felt. "Perhaps we can just scare it away." He sent thoughts of danger to the creature's miniscule brain, but it remained rooted in place. He then sent thoughts of food waiting in the opposite direction. Same effect -- none. Next, Luke let loose with a krayt dragon call. The beast seemed to think it amusing. Luke bit his lower lip in thought. "I think you're losing your touch, sweetheart," Mara commented dryly. "A young Jedi I once knew scared a vornskr by tapping its nose with his lightsaber." Luke just shook his head while he ignited his lightsaber, levitating it toward the beast. The saber poked the huge creature on its hopefully sensitive nose. It swatted the blade away like an annoying gnat. "As I recall, the vornskr didn't exactly shrink in fear either," he reflected. "Perhaps one blade isn't enough," Mara said thoughtfully. They levitated both their lightsabers upward, careful not to actually cut into the beast. The blades sizzled lightly against the animal's thick skin over and over, however, having no effect whatsoever. "What I wouldn't give for a giant Bantha electro-prod right about now," Luke said off-handedly, as he tried to think of options left. His comment had inspired his spouse, though. Luke turned and looked at her suspiciously, eyes narrowing. "No way," he stated flatly. Mara gripped his chin with her fingers. "I have all your memories. I know you did it one day when you were out in the jungle by yourself, just to see what it felt like." "I won't now." "Just enough to scare it away," she insisted. "It won't hurt the creature. And you're not going to turn to the dark side." "I know that," he bit out, feeling frustrated. Mara only crossed her arms in expectation. Luke turned away from her, facing the pawing beast. Taking a deep breath, he pointed his arms outward, and in that instant blue lightening jumped from his fingertips, arcing through the air toward the startled animal. It yipped in surprise. Luke let loose another jolt, and the monster reared back this time. "Once more," Mara whispered. The lightening sprang out again, this time hitting its nose, accomplishing what the lightsabers could not. The animal decided these tiny beings were more trouble than they were worth. It managed to back out of the narrow gap, and stalked away into the surrounding forest, apparently in search of a less bothersome mid-day snack. "Let's go," Luke said quickly, cutting off Mara's upcoming 'I told you so.' The Jedi resumed their trek along the path. Soon they came to a number of metal grids imbedded in the ground. The grids were laid out in a circular pattern, some 500 meters in diameter. Luke and Mara stood at the end of the path, overlooking the strange scene before them. "What do you think it is?" Mara wondered aloud. "I don't know," Luke said slowly, deep in thought. He narrowed his eyes, then pointed toward the center of the gridwork. "There's something out there, on a raised platform." Mara frowned and stared out in the direction indicated, enhancing her vision with the Force as much as possible. "I see it," she finally acknowledged. "A gold- colored...something." She glanced sideways at her silent husband. "Well? Are we meant to cross this?" Luke nodded. "Yes, I believe so." He held out his hand to her and smiled as she took his grasp. Their boots clanged on the metal grids as they crossed to the center. When they reached their objective, Mara picked up the golden statuette. She turned it around, then rolled her eyes. The statue was sculpted in the image of Q. Luke chuckled at her reaction, then looked up sharply as his danger sense flared. Mara also scanned the area in consternation. Without warning, fire erupted from the entire gridwork, shooting several meters into the air. "It's a trap," Luke stated the obvious. "Tell me something I don't know," Mara retorted, but she received no answer. The inferno encircled the platform on which they stood, flames threatening to grow even higher. "We need to get out NOW!" Mara shouted over the deafening roar. *No, wait,* Luke sent via the Force, touching her arm. She looked at him as though he'd lost his mind. "Stang, Luke..." *Silently,* he cautioned her. *He's surely monitoring us.* *So?* *Think about it,* he reasoned. *Every time we pass a test, he's going to come up with a new one.* She waited for him to go on, beginning to see where he was going with this. *These tests won't stop until we finally fail one.* *So you think we should fail this one?* *In a manner of speaking.* *Go on,* Mara prompted. *I can create an illusion of us staying here, while cloaking us as we escape.* *And you're going to protect us from being burned alive at the same time?* *No. You are.* Mara started to protest. *You can do it,* Luke insisted. *Just picture in your mind a shield of cool water all around us.* He squeezed her hand. *You have to believe in yourself. You have the ability.* *You'd better hope so.* *No doubts,* he ordered, the intense heat stinging his face. *Now!* As he and Mara stepped toward the conflagration, they dissolved into invisibility. In the same instant, images of themselves appeared where they had just stood. Mara maintained their shield against the flames, rejecting the fear that wanted to rise up inside her. Finally they were through, though Luke kept them hidden from sight. He spotted Q and Janeway a short distance away, as he had suspected they would be. "It seems your Jedi are having trouble with this one," Q commented dryly. "Q, you have to stop this madness," the Captain protested vehemently. Luke and Mara, silent and unseen, came up behind the pair. Luke had thought that Q might be able to sense them, but he gave no indication. "The tests are over, Q," Luke proclaimed. Q and Captain Janeway whirled around in astonishment. Luke held out the shining statue. "Not a very good likeness, I must say." The observers both glanced back at the now-empty ring of fire, then again at the two Jedi. "Indeed," Q bowed slightly. "I congratulate you, Jedi. This was most entertaining." "And now it's time for you to hold up your end of the bargain," Janeway said to her companion. "Certainly. A Q does not go back on his word." "I'll remember that," Janeway smiled. "Just tell me when you wish to leave," he informed the Skywalkers. "We have to pack, and say our good-byes," Mara answered, still not quite believing the tests were over. "How about tomorrow morning?" Captain Janeway suggested. "Very well, I will return then." Q waved his hand, and Luke, Mara, and the Captain found themselves on Voyager's bridge. The rest of the day passed quickly. Luke and Mara alternated between packing up their much-increased accumulation of possessions, and bidding farewell to each of their closest friends. They declined the Captain's offer of one last get- together, citing the previous evening's dinner party had already served that purpose. Finally, after a mostly sleepless night, morning arrived. The Skywalker family's gear was stored on the Jade's Fire by the many helpful volunteers. Luke and Tom secured Dane's crib into the main cabin, after equipping it with space-travel constraints. By mid-morning, Luke and Mara stood at the bottom of the Fire's boarding ramp. "I can hardly believe we're finally going home," Mara said, looking at their surrounding friends. "And as we can all attest to, there's no place like home," Chakotay replied. "Perhaps, instead of following Q's yellow brick road, all you needed to do was click your heels together three times," Janeway said, smiling. Mara looked down at her boots. "Too bad I left my ruby slippers on Coruscant." She winked at the Captain's surprised expression. "We watched that one in your holo archives." Luke turned, frowning. "That doesn't make Dane or me Toto, does it?" "No, you're the great and powerful Oz that brought the rest of us home," Tom joined in, jokingly. "For two people that wanted to leave here so badly, you certainly are dawdling," Q complained. Mara and Luke gave one more round of handshakes and hugs to their comrades. When Mara got to B'Elanna, they were reluctant to let go. "I never had a real friend like you before," B'Elanna choked out, trying to hold back her very un-Klingon-like tears. "Me either," Mara confessed. "I'm going to miss you most of all." "I think that makes you the Scarecrow," Luke quipped. Mara shoved him toward the ramp. "See what I have to put up with." At last, they made their way into the ship, strapping Dane into his crib, then settling into the cockpit. Luke lifted the Jade's Fire out through the open hanger door as smoothly as he had landed there a lifetime ago. As they drifted out next to Voyager, Q's face appeared in mid-air. "Ready?" Luke hesitated, then reached over and flipped on their comm. "Goodbye, everyone," he and Mara sent one last farewell. "Goodbye, Luke and Mara Skywalker," came Janeway's voice. "May the Force be with you." The Jedi turned to Q's visage. "We're ready."