"Mara's Missing Moments" by Angela Jade

Description -  According to the profic, Luke and Mara barely saw each
other for ten years then *blam* they fell in love.  Sorry, don't buy
it.  This is an attempt to create more of a build-up between our
favorite Star Wars couple.



³Maraıs Missing Moments² 

by Angela Jade      

Rated - PG-13

Spoilers - heaps of them, for many of the Star Wars books.  If you donıt like spoilers, 
please close the door on your way out.  And if you havenıt read these novels this will make 
zero sense, so get your butt down to the library/bookstore now.

e-mail - angela@yavin4.free-online.co.uk - constructive criticism and happy thoughts 
greatly appreciated, or just tell me you really hate it.

website - www.geocities.com/angelajade/index.html

Feel free to post these stories wherever, as long as itıs got this spiel at the top.

Disclaimer - all these characters, planets, etc. belong to LucasArts.  I write about them as a 
form of flattery - please donıt sue.  I am not making any money from this.

Iım a fan of the Bantam novels.  Honest.  And Iım not usually one to criticise (much), but 
in many of the books Mara and Luke met briefly, said one or two lines (if that), then 
wandered off in different directions to do their own thing.  Then suddenly *wham* - they 
fall in love ten years after they met.  Sorry ­ donıt buy it.  So hereıs the deal.  Iıve rewritten 
several chunks of the books, often ignoring the lines, situations, etc. the professional authors 
gave us.  Apologies to the authors concerned, but I just felt that Luke and Maraıs Œaffairı 
should have had more of a build up.

Completed December 2000

Dedication - to Roganda for the initial idea, and to Sheyla, the originator of my favourite 
description of VotF - ³Luke/Mara instant romance - just add crisis²



Chapter 1 - ³I, Jedi² by Michael A. Stackpole (chapter 26-ish. ³Tionne had said that Mara 
looked in on Luke while he slept, but left without speaking to him.²)


Mara helped Corran onto the bed in the medical room, telling Cilghal as best she could what 
had happened between him and Exar Kun.  Cilghal listened patiently, her large eyes taking 
in Corranıs battered form, then she left to set up a bacta soak.

³Iıve got to go,² said Mara.
	
Corran sighed.  ³I know.  He wonıt like it, though.²
	
³I doubt heıll even notice.  Heıs got plenty of other stuff to keep his mind occupied.²
	
³At least talk to him, say goodbye before you go,² said Corran.
	
Mara gave him a tight little smile.  ³I might.  See you around, CorSec.²
	
Corran returned her smile.  ³You can count on it.  And thanks again, Mara.  For 
everything.²
	
Mara touched his shoulder briefly, before turning and leaving the room.  She met Cilghal in 
the corridor outside and asked where Luke was.
	
³Heıs in his room, resting,² the Calamarian healer replied.  ³Please donıt disturb him.  I 
think he wants to go chasing after Kyp, and I donıt think heıs ready yet.²
	
³Heıs not on his own, is he?²
	
³No, Tionneıs with him just now.²
	
³Good,² replied Mara.  ³Iıll not wake him.  I just want to check heıs okay.²  And she 
strode past Cilghal toward Lukeıs room.
	
She slowed as she neared the door.  Tionne was sitting in a chair against the wall, 
concentrating on the datapad in her hands.  She looked up as Mara approached.
	
³How is he?² asked Mara.
	
³Physically, he seems to be fine,² replied Tionne.  ³Heıs just exhausted.²
	
³Can I go in?  Iıll not disturb him.²
	
Tionne regarded her for a moment, before replying.  ³Sure.²  She looked back down to her 
datapad as Mara silently opened the door and crept into the room, closing the door quietly 
behind her.
	
Once her eyes had adjusted to the dim lighting, she could see Luke asleep on his bed, his 
chest rising and falling rhythmically.  She crept a little closer, her steps silent, her breathing 
shallow.  His face was turned away from her, so she tiptoed round the bottom of the bed.  
The window shutters were closed, but there was enough light that she could see he looked 
relaxed and peaceful.  Hard to believe heıd just been tangling with a Sith Lord.  Mara 
pursed her lips.  Of course, if he hadnıt been so full of himself and his abilities, they 
wouldnıt have gotten into the mess in the first place.  When was he going to realise that he 
couldnıt always save the galaxy by himself?  Maybe his dalliance with the dark side had 
affected him more than anyone had guessed.  She reached out to push a stray lock of hair 
away from his face, then stopped, not wanting to risk waking him up.  What you need, she 
thought, is the love of a good woman.  A tiny voice inside her said me?’  Mara shook her 
head.  She and Skywalker were good friends, nothing more.  He drove her nuts with this 
Jedi Master let-me-train-you thing, then on the odd occasion she did show up at the 
academy, he often seemed to be ignoring her.  Did he like her or didnıt he?
	
She sat on the edge of the bed, just wanting to watch him sleep for a little while.  She didnıt 
want to leave, not really.  But first and foremost, Mara was a businesswoman, and she 
couldnıt do her job properly from a backwater moon like Yavin.  Besides, the only friends 
she had here were Luke and Corran, and she was pretty sure Corran would be leaving soon, 
too.  Sure, the other students tolerated her, but they werenıt particularly friendly to her.
	
She froze as Luke shifted slightly then opened his eyes.  ³Mara?²
	
³Shhhh,² she replied, glancing towards the door.  ³Tionne will kill me if she thinks Iıve 
woken you up.  Youıre supposed to be resting.²
	
He grinned.  ³Tionne would last about five seconds against you, and you know it,² he 
whispered.
	
She turned back to face him, grinning herself.  ³You know what I mean.²
	
He pulled himself up to more of a sitting position.  ³Iıll tell her I slept right through your 
visit, then.²  He frowned at her a little.  ³Mara, why are you here.²
	
³Do you mean on Yavin, or in this room?²
	
³Either.  Have you come to train?²
	
³I donıt have time right now, Skywalker.  I just dropped by to pass some news onto 
Corran.²
	
³Oh,² said Luke.  ³And youıre in my room because...?²
	
She shrugged.  ³I came to say goodbye.  Iıve got to get back.²
	
He looked away, his jaw set hard.  When he looked back at her, she could see the hurt in his 
eyes, and hear it in his voice.  ³And you werenıt even going to stay long enough to talk to 
me.  Donıt I deserve a hello before I get a goodbye?²
	
Mara looked down at her hands in her lap, her hair hanging over her face.  ³I didnıt want 
you to try to talk me out of leaving.²
	
³Can I talk you out of it?² 
	
³No.²
	
³You canıt even stay for a few days.²
	
³I shouldnıt even be here, Skywalker.²  She met his gaze with a steady one of her own.  
³Iım up to my ears in work, and I have a lot of people relying on me.  I canıt just come 
here at the drop of a hat.²
	
³Then arrange some time off.²
	
Mara sighed.  ³Iıll try.²
	
³There is no try...,² Luke began, but stopped when he saw the vicious look Mara gave him.
	
³Can it, farmboy.  Iım not in the mood.²
	
He held up his hands in defeat.  ³Sorry.  I understand.  Youıve got to go.²
	
³Yes.²  She surprised both of them when she leaned over and squeezed his hand.  ³Take 
care, Skywalker.  And listen to Corran.  Heıs a sensible guy.²  She dropped his hand as 
she stood up.  ³Now go back to sleep, or Iıll have your students after my blood.²
	
He lay back down on the bed.  ³I donıt need any more sleep.  I feel fine.²
	
³Cilghal disagrees.²
	
³Cilghal is not a master.²
	
Iım not so sure youıre a master, Mara thought, but she kept her opinion to herself.  ³At 
least pretend to be asleep until I leave.²
	
His eyes closed and his body visibly relaxed back into the position he had been sleeping in 
previously.  ³Will this do?² he whispered.
	
³Bye, Skywalker.²
	
³Bye, Mara.²  One blue eye popped open.  ³Come back soon.²
	
Mara walked over to the door, his words ringing in her ears.  As she slipped out and gently 
closed the door, Tionne looked up from her datapad. 
	
³Is Master Skywalker still asleep?²
	
³He didnıt wake up,² Mara replied.  ³I just wanted to look in on him and check he was 
okay before I left.²  She walked down the corridor towards the landing grid without another 
word or a backwards glance.



Chapter 2 - ³Children of the Jedi² by Barbara Hambly (chapter 25: the Eye of Palpatine’ 
has just gone kaboom’ and Mara arrives to pick up Luke and the gang in the Hunterıs 
Luck’)

	
Gods, he looks awful, thought Mara, as she and Leia helped Luke onto the Hunterıs Luck’.  
And it wasnıt just his physical injuries; he had a haunted look in his eyes and even his 
Force presence felt damaged’.  What in all the hells had happened to him on that ship?  She 
hadnıt seen much of him recently, but as her arm circled his waist, she could tell heıd lost 
weight.  He was also limping badly and his face was covered in cuts and bruises.  Her gaze 
met Leiaıs over Lukeıs hunched form and she could tell the other woman was thinking the 
same thing.
	
When they arrived at the cabin, she helped him lie on the self-conforming bed as gently as 
she could.  She knew she should really head up to the bridge to help Han, but she just 
couldnıt tear herself away.  Donıt know why, she thought. Mara no longer hated Luke as 
she had after the Emperorıs death, but she didnıt particularly like him.  Or did she?  Mostly 
he infuriated her, always hinting that she should make more of her Force abilities.  Like he 
knew everything.  Like he was all-powerful.  Jedi Master, indeed.  But right now he just 
looked vulnerable and broken, a shadow of the man she remembered from Wayland.  She 
found herself wanting to take the pain away, to see him smile again.  She let her hand brush 
against his as Leia tended to his injured leg.  She couldnıt stop herself swearing when she 
saw the terrible state it was in.  ³How long has it been like that?²
	
³Five days, six days,² he replied.
	
³Are you going to tell us what happened?² asked Leia.
	
Lukeıs eyes remained closed.  ³Maybe later.²
	
Mara helped remove the home-made splint and tape.  ³The Force healed that?²  She was 
impressed; maybe she should make more of an effort to improve her touch on the Force. 
	
The comm screen to the bridge flickered into life; Hanıs face had a rather puzzled look on 
it.  ³Thereıs some kind of signal coming from all that debris.  I think itıs an escape pod.²
	
Luke sighed.  ³Cray.²
	
Mara brushed some hair from his face, trying to avoid the bruises.  He didnıt even wince.  
³Iıll go help Han with the tractor, then.²
	
When he didnıt reply, she looked at Leia and could see her own concern mirrored there. 
	
³Go on,² said Leia.  ³I can take care of him.  Han wonıt manage to pull the pod on board 
by himself.²
	
Mara glanced at Luke again, before leaving the cabin and heading up to the bridge.  She 
found Han piloting the ship to the edge of the slowly expanding field of debris. 
	
³How is he?² Han asked.
	
Mara settled into the co-pilotıs chair.  ³Not good.  Physically he should heal, but thereıs 
something else wrong.²  She shook her head.  ³I donıt know.²
	
Han turned to look at her.  ³What do you mean, something else’?²
	
³I said I donıt know.  Ask Leia.²  She rested her hands on the tractor beam controls.  
³Now letıs get this thing on board before any of this garbage scratches my ship.²
	
The pod was barely on board when she saw Leia helping Luke towards the hold.  She raised 
one eyebrow at Leia, who shrugged and said, ³He insisted.² 
	
Han, Leia and Mara stood in the doorway as Luke limped forwards towards the escape pod 
steaming gently on the floor of the hold. 
	
Mara leaned towards Leia.  ³I canıt feel any presence coming from the pod.²
	
³Neither can I,² replied Leia.  ³Although that doesnıt mean a lot.  She could be 
unconscious.²
	
Mara nodded, but still felt uneasy.
	
Struggling slightly, Luke finally got the pod open and the others all craned their necks to 
see if the woman in the pod was still alive.  Sure enough, a small hand reached up and 
touched Lukeıs own outstretched hand.  Then Mara and Leia both took a step back as 
Lukeıs shock hit them simultaneously. 
	
³What the hell is going on?² hissed Mara. 
	
She watched the life return to Luke as Cray caressed his face.  Then he pulled her into his 
arms, threw back his head, and yelled ³Yes!²
	
³That... that isnıt Cray,² said Leia. 
	
³Looks like her,² whispered Han.
	
Leiaıs burning eyes turned on her husband.  ³Itıs not Cray inside.  I donıt know who it is, 
but itıs not Cray.²  She went to take a step forward, but Han gently caught her arm. 
	
³Leave them.  I donıt think sheıs dangerous.  Luke seems to like her, anyway.²
	
Mara listened numbly as the young woman told Luke what had happened, before he 
introduced her to them all as ³Callista².
	
So that was why heıd looked suicidal.  Heıd fallen in love, and then thought his love had 
died.  Now he looked so happy, it even made Mara smile.  She was happy for him.  She 
really was.  So why did she feel like running as far as she could from the scene?  Okay, it 
was a bit sickly-sweet, but sheıd seen worse, and at least Luke was smiling now.  So she did 
care about him, at least as a friend.  At least?  She watched Callista carefully, saw the 
adoration on her face as she gazed at Luke.  Youıd better look after him, thought Mara, or 
youıll have me to answer to.



Chapter 3 - ³Darksaber² by Kevin J. Anderson (chapter 11, but throw out the dialogue, 
especially in the Callista’ scene)


The starlines coalesced back into stars as Mara pushed the hyperdrive levers forward.  
There it was: Yavin IV. 
	
³I am here to pass on some information,² she said out loud, as if she could convince 
herself she was NOT here to check up on Luke and Callista.  Tentatively, she stretched out 
with the Force, but she soon realised she couldnıt sense Luke or anyone else at the 
Academy.  Lukeıs comments about more training’ sprang to the front of her mind again, 
but she quickly pushed them back.  The one-on-one training Luke had given her on 
Wayland was one thing; she seriously doubted she would fit in with other students.  But 
she was here now, so she might as well land.

	
Luke was meditating when Artoo came to him, beeping frantically.  He still didnıt 
understand everything the little droid said, but he got the gist - a ship was coming in to land.  
He patted Artooıs dome.  ³Weıre not expecting anybody, are we?²
	
Artoo beeped once, then trundled off in the direction of the landing grid.  As he followed, 
Luke stretched out with the Force, trying to identify the pilot.  One human on board; 
someone familiar? 

	
As she finished the landing cycle, Mara looked out the cockpit window and saw Luke 
striding towards her, alone apart from his little astromech droid.  Good.  Mara didnıt feel 
like facing Callista just yet, and the information she had was for Lukeıs ears only.  She 
opened the hatch and climbed to the ground, squinting slightly in the bright sunshine.
	
³Mara Jade!² Luke was surprised to see her; surprised and pleased.  He looked her up and 
down.  ³You look well.²
	
³Youıre not looking so bad yourself, Skywalker.  I take it life has been quiet lately, since 
youıre conscious and not covered in blood.²
	
He grinned.  ³Quiet?  Yes, I suppose it has.  Anyway, what did I do to deserve the honor of 
your presence?² 
	
³You donıt deserve it, but I came anyway.²
	
Their eyes met and he clasped her hand, but Mara pulled hers back quickly; his touch had 
sent shockwaves through her entire body.  Wow, she thought, what the hell was that?  
Suddenly she was finding it very hard to meet his gaze.
	
³I need to talk to you,² she said.
	
³Do you want to come inside?²
	
³Not really.  Can we go for a ride instead?²
	
³Sure,² said Luke, indicating for her to lead the way.
	
Once in the pilotıs seat, Mara decided to give him the ride of his life, or at least something 
to blow away the cobwebs and remind him of what he was missing.  Luke obviously 
thought he could play the mild-mannered teacher, but she knew the X-wing pilot was still in 
there, and she found that particular Skywalker easier to deal with.
	
Luke watched her as she flew; she looked so animated, loving every minute.  He could 
understand the feeling.  He sent out little tendrils of the Force, not in order to read her mind, 
but so he could experience a little of her joy.  But, as usual, her mind was surrounded by 
barriers, and he didnıt want to intrude.  He did, however, detect a hint of uneasiness, not 
something he had ever associated with Mara.  What was making her feel uncomfortable?  
Him?  Certainly, she didnıt seem to be able to look him in the eye.  He listened as she 
talked, adding comments of his own.  It was soon apparent that the information’ was not 
world-shattering, and although heıd take it to Leia, he suspected the government on 
Coruscant already knew.  So why was Mara here?  Would she stay to train for a while?  He 
fervently hoped so - he needed all the trainees he could get, and Mara had a lot of potential.
	
As she swung the ship around and headed back towards the Great Temple, even Mara had 
to admit to herself that her excuse for visiting Yavin IV was fairly pathetic.  She took a slow 
breath, still avoiding eye-contact.  ³The other reason I came in person is that occasionally - 
for some unknown reason - I almost look forward to seeing you, Skywalker...²
	
Luke had to use every ounce of his self-control to stop his surprise showing on his face.  
This wasnıt the Mara Jade he remembered; sure, he knew she didnıt want to kill him any 
more, they were even on friendly terms when they occasionally met, but this felt... different.  
Then, when he asked her to stay for the evening meal, she agreed a good deal quicker than 
he thought she would.  He watched her carefully as she landed the ship; she had loosened 
up a lot in the previous three years.  Many of the hard lines had left her face and her body 
language no longer reminded him of a coiled spring waiting to shove him away.
	
A small sigh escaped her lips as the sound of the repulsors died; she turned towards him 
and finally met his gaze.  ³Iım sorry I canıt stay, Skywalker.  Really I am.²
	
Now it was his turn to look away.  ³Itıs alright.  I know youıre a busy woman.  
Responsibilities, and all that.²
	
³Yes.  Responsibilities.  Iıll try to come back sometime.² 
	
He turned back to face her and smiled.  ³That would be nice, Mara.²  Out of the corner of 
his eye he could see Tionne walking out to meet them.  Reluctantly, he undid his restraints 
and moved towards the hatch.  ³Thanks for the ride.  It was fun.²
	
She shook her head at him.  ³You should get out more, Skywalker.²
	
As she descended the ladder, she could hear Tionne telling Luke a New Republic transport 
was due in an hour, with two potential students on board.  Luke sighed and turned towards 
her.  Mara noticed X-wing pilot’ had once more been replaced by teacher’.
	
³Sorry, Mara,² he said.  ³Iıll have to skip the meal and get things ready.²
	
Mara shrugged.  ³Another time, maybe.  Iıve got to get back, anyway.²
	
³The offer of food still stands,² said Luke.  ³Perhaps you could go say hello to Callista.²
	
Great, thought Mara.  Now it would look petty if I left.
	
³Sure,² she replied.  ³That would be great.² 

	
As soon as she entered the dining hall, she spotted Callista sitting by herself, apart from the 
other students.  The first thing Mara noticed was that she couldnıt sense Callista through 
the Force.  Not at all.  It gave Mara the shivers, reminding her a little of the Emperor.  She 
couldnıt understand how Luke could bear it, being so close to her.  Still, she had to get this 
little meeting over with, so she fetched a tray of food and then moved towards her.
	
³Mind if I sit here?²
	
Callista shrugged.  ³Sure.²
	
Mara sat down and started eating; Callista didnıt even look up from prodding her food 
around her plate.
	
After a few minutes, Mara decided it was up to her to break the silence.  ³We have met, 
Callista.²
	
Finally Callista looked up.  ³Have we?²
	
³I was with Han and Leia when we picked you up off The Eye’.²
	
Callista took in the red-gold hair and green eyes.  ³Mara Jade, isnıt it?²
	
Mara nodded.  ³You look better than the last time I saw you.²
	
Callista nodded in return and went back to studying her vegetables.
	
Mara decided it was time to crank the conversation up a notch.  ³So, youıre Skywalkerıs 
latest squeeze, then.²
	
That got her attention.  ³Latest?²
	
A mouth full of food prevented Maraıs reply, so she just nodded vigorously.  
³Mmmmmm.²
	
Callista regarded her for a moment.  ³I heard hints that you might have been interested in 
Luke yourself at one time.²
	
Mara choked, then frantically swallowed, her eyes watering slightly.  After a sip of water, 
she realised the room had gone deathly quiet.  Gathering as much dignity as she could 
muster, she raised her head and looked around the dining hall.  Not one of the other 
students could meet her gaze and they all pretended to eat their food, talking in hushed 
tones.
	
Mara turned back to Callista.  ³If this is your idea of a joke, itıs not very funny.²
	
³So itıs not true, then.²
	
³Of course itıs not true,² said Mara through clenched teeth.  ³For more than five years of 
my life I wanted to see him dead, preferably by my hand.²  She leaned back in her chair 
slightly.  ³Sometimes I still think itıs a damn good idea.²  Out of the corner of her eye, she 
saw a few of the younger students stare at her, open-mouthed.
	
³And I suppose youıre going to tell me thereıs nothing between you and Lando Calrissian 
either,² said Callista.
	
Maraıs jaw dropped, ever so slightly.  ³No.  Nothing.  Weıre business partners.²
	
Callista shrugged.  ³Not what I heard.²
	
³From who?²
	
³Leia, for one.²
	
³Really.²  Maraıs tone was icy.  ³And I suppose youıve discussed this little tidbit with 
Skywalker.²
	
³Not really.  I donıt think heıs all that interested in hearing about you,² Callista replied.
	
Mara sighed.  ³Callista, either you are very insecure or youıve got a death wish.²
	
Callistaıs chin rose slightly.  ³And exactly what do you mean by that?²
	
Maraıs head moved forward and her voice dropped to a whisper, as her gaze met Callistaıs.  
³I mean, donıt mess with me.  Most people find out that itıs fatal.²
	
Callistaıs voice had also dropped.  ³Are you threatening me?²
	
³No.  But I will if I find out that youıve been stringing Luke along.  I have no idea what he 
sees in you, but heıs a friend and I donıt like to see my friends hurt.²
	
Mara stood up and leaned on the table, her voice still low.  ³Besides, if I wanted Skywalker, 
you wouldnıt be sitting here.²  And with that she turned and headed for the door.



Chapter 4 - ³Showdown at Centerpoint² from the Corellian trilogy by Roger Macbride 
Allen (end of chapter 14; everyone saying goodbye before flying off to blast chunks out of 
the Triad fleet - the Solo kids have just left for Drall)


Mara watched Han steer a sobbing Leia towards Luke.  ³Look after her for me.  I have to 
go see Thracken.²

Luke nodded silently to his brother-in-law and pulled his sister into a hug.  ³Shhh.  Theyıll 
be okay.  You know they will.  Come on, Leia.²

Slowly her sobs subsided and Leia lifted her head to look at her brother.  She sniffed and 
blinked away the last few tears.  ³They will be alright, wonıt they?²

³Of course they will,² said Luke, wiping tears from her cheek with his fingers.  ³Brightest 
kids in the galaxy, those three.²

Leia smiled tentatively.  ³They are, arenıt they.  And theyıll look after each other.²  She 
closed her eyes and Luke watched in amazement as she seemed to draw on the inner 
strength that made her the powerful woman she was.  She took a couple of deep breaths and 
straightened her spine.  When she opened her eyes again, there was no hint of sadness or 
fatigue, only a grim determination to succeed at any task she set herself.  She swiped away a 
few stray tears with the heel of her hand.  ³Right.  Whereıs Ossilege?  I want to talk to 
him.²

Luke nodded to where the Admiral was deep in conversation with Gaeriel and Kalenda, 
before leaning down to kiss his sisterıs cheek. 

Leia smiled and caressed his face in return.  ³Thanks, Luke.  And donıt get into that X-
wing without coming to give me another hug.²

He managed a small smile which quickly faded when Leia was no longer looking.  He knew 
what her last comment meant.  It meant donıt go without saying goodbye in case I donıt see 
you again’.  He felt a hand on his shoulder.

³You okay, Skywalker?²

He turned to see Mara standing beside him.  ³Iım fine,² he snapped.  ³At least, as fine as I 
can be watching my sisterıs kids go off to war.²  He shook his head and stared at his feet.  
³You wouldnıt understand.²

³No, of course not.²  Maraıs voice bit into him.  ³I have no idea what itıs like to watch 
family go into danger.²  He looked up to see her green eyes blazing at him.  ³But I have 
seen friends, young friends, leave, sometimes never to return.  And I donıt like it.²  She 
turned her back on him.  ³Iıll leave you alone, if thatıs what you want.²

She had started walking away when she felt his hand on her arm, sending the tiny jolt 
through her that always accompanied his touch.

³Mara, Iım sorry.  I didnıt mean to snap.²

She turned to face him, her jaw working to hold back the emotions that threatened to escape.  
Why did he always make her feel so mad?  She looked away for a moment, calming herself, 
before meeting his gaze again.

His hand dropped from her arm.  ³Can we talk?²

Mara nodded and looked towards the hanger exit.  ³I havenıt got much of an appetite, but I 
suppose weıd better try to eat something before we go.²  She glanced back at him.  ³You 
can talk and eat at the same time, canıt you?²

³Yeah,² he smiled, feeling the tension ease a little.  ³Although I donıt feel much like 
eating, either.²

They walked towards the officers dining area side by side, not touching, not talking, not 
even looking at one another.  As they reached the doorway Luke paused to let Mara enter 
first; she glanced at him and smiled, but said nothing.  It wasnıt until they had collected 
their food and were sat opposite each other at a small corner table that Mara felt ready to 
speak.

³So, what do you want to talk about?²

Luke shrugged, poking listlessly at his food.  ³Lots of things.  Howıs business?²

Mara took a sip of juice.  ³Busy as usual.  Karrde needs more staff, but you know how 
many people he trusts.²

Luke managed a wry smile.  ³You.  Aves.  Ghent.²  He frowned.  ³Canıt think of anyone 
else.  Certainly not me or Leia.²

Mara waved her fork at him as she swallowed.  ³Now there you have it wrong.  He does 
trust Leia.  He trusts her to do her job, which unfortunately doesnıt always coincide with 
his.  And he trusts her to deliver on her promises.²

³And me?²

Mara leaned back in her chair, regarding him for a moment.  ³I think he trusts you more 
than he would admit to.²

³And you?  Do you trust me?²  Luke leaned forward a little, trying to read her face if not 
her mind.

³To do what?²

³Do you trust my judgment?²

Mara laughed out loud.  ³Not particularly.²  She saw a frown cross his face.  ³Youıre 
serious, arenıt you?²

Luke simply repeated his question.  ³Do you trust my judgment?²

She leaned forward in her chair, elbows resting on the table, her chin in her hands, steadily 
meeting his gaze.  ³That depends on what you are judging.²

Luke leaned further forwards, his stance mirroring hers.  Mara forced herself not to flinch 
as his face came a little too close for comfort.  She slammed up all her mental barriers as his 
eyes met her own, then held her breath, waiting for him to speak.

³My judgment tells me you would make a great Jedi Knight.²

As his words sank in, Mara closed her eyes, put her face in her hands and groaned.  ³Every 
time.²  Her voice was slightly muffled.  ³Every damn time.²  She looked up to see him 
still watching her, his face expressionless.  ³Every time I see you, you have to try to drag 
me off to that damn academy.  When are you going to give up?²

³I take it that means you still donıt agree.²

³You got that right.²  She prodded her food for a bit; when she realised Luke was still 
watching her, she put down her cutlery and faced him again.  ³I have no desire to be a Jedi 
Knight.  I donıt think Iıd be particularly good at it, even if I did want the job.  And I 
certainly donıt want to go back to the Academy.  Have you got that, Skywalker?  Iıve told 
you often enough.²

³I understand the words.  Just not the reasons.²

³I donıt need to give you any reasons.  I just prefer the life I have now as opposed to the 
one youıre offering.²  She paused.  ³Are you even happy, Luke?²

Her question surprised him for a moment and he looked away.  ³Sort of, I suppose.²  His 
gaze returned to meet her own.  ³Happier than I have been, at any rate.  I was pretty 
miserable when Callista left.²

Mara nodded slowly.  Callista.  Not at the top of Maraıs shoot first, talk later’ list, but 
certainly well up there.  At least Luke could say her name now without his voice cracking; 
that was a step forwards.  ³So the Academy is fulfilling your every need.²

He smiled and his eyes twinkled.  ³I wouldnıt say every need.  But most of them, yes.²

Mara leaned back and crossed her arms, smiling in return.  ³What, no nubile young student 
desperate to get the attention of the Master?  Come now, Luke.  You can tell me.²

Luke rolled his eyes, still smiling.  ³Hardly.  And you know Iıd never take advantage 
anyway.²

She shook her head.  ³No, you wouldnıt, would you.²

³And what about you?²

Mara shrugged.  ³Not students, but I do get my fair share of young men anxious for 
favors.²

³And do you take advantage?²

Mara sipped her juice and considered her reply.  ³It has been known, once or twice.²  She 
was glad he had the decency not to pretend to be shocked.  ³The youngsters donıt really do 
anything for me.²  She wondered how the hell sheıd gotten into this conversation in the 
first place.  She started eating again, trying not to look uncomfortable.  Though why she 
should feel uncomfortable talking about ex-lovers with Skywalker, Mara couldnıt fathom.  
He seemed happy to rave on about Callista at every opportunity.  Okay, maybe not rave, but 
she did seem to put in an appearance during most of their (admittedly few) conversations.

³So,² said Luke, ³have you heard about Landoıs latest quest?²

Mara smiled, nodding.  ³The find-a-wife mission.  Iıd heard.²  She raised an eyebrow at 
him.  ³I canıt believe you let yourself get dragged into it, though.²

³Sometimes, neither can I,² replied Luke.  He watched Mara carefully for a reaction; heıd 
never quite figured out her relationship with Lando.  ³I think he may have found her, 
surprisingly enough.²

³Good,² said Mara.  ³Always said he ought to settle down, start yet another business, raise 
a kid or two.²  She nodded to him.  ³So should you.  Except for the starting a business 
thing.  Youıd be dreadful at that.²

Luke looked back at her, slightly surprised.  ³I never really thought I had the lifestyle 
suitable for a family,² he said, after only a moments hesitation.  ³And Iıve never found the 
right woman.²

Yes you have, thought Mara, youıve just managed to lose them all.

³What about you, Mara?  Wouldnıt you like to settle down sometime?²

³Me?!² replied Mara.  ³If you donıt have a suitable lifestyle, I certainly donıt.  I canıt 
remember the last time I was voluntarily on one planet for more than a couple of weeks.²

³Maybe you should try it, then.  Staying on one planet can be quite ... rejuvenating.²

Mara shook her head.  ³I take it your suggestion would be Yavin Four.²

³Itıs a nice place.²

She leaned forward, staring at him, willing the words into his brain.  ³Give it up, Skywalker.  
Itıs not going to happen.  And the more you nag, the more I feel like running away 
screaming every time I lay eyes on you.²

Luke looked positively indignant.  ³I do not nag.²

³Yes, you do.  Incessantly.²  She glanced at her wrist-chrono.  ³Weıd better get back.²  
She yanked her jacket off the back of her chair as she stood up, and started pulling it on.  
³Itıs my life, Luke, my decisions.  I am a grown woman, or hadnıt you noticed.²  
Suddenly she was aware of his gaze travelling up and down her body, and she fought to 
control the flush spreading up to her cheeks.

³Yup, Iıd noticed, Mara.²

³Donıt flirt, Skywalker.  It doesnıt suit you.² 

³First I nag, then I flirt.²  Luke stood up and grabbed his own jacket.  ³Any other 
shortcomings I should know about?²

³Would you like a list?²

³Nice.²


The goodbyes.  Gods, how Mara hated the goodbyes.  She just wanted to get on board the 
Fire’ and blast out of there, hoping like hell everyone survived, but trying not to think too 
hard about it.  She was standing with Lando at the edge of the little group clustered under 
the Falcon’.   Lando put his arm round her shoulders and she absentmindedly elbowed him 
in the gut.

³Ow,² said Lando, doubling over slightly.  ³I was only going to give you a hug before we 
said goodbye.²

³Sorry,² said Mara, ³force of habit.²  She watched as Luke hugged his sister.  ³Besides, 
you know I donıt do the hug thing’.²

³Thereıs always a first time.²

Luke had moved on to Han and Chewie, and Mara noticed Leia coming towards them.  
Lando took a step towards her and bowed slightly, catching her hand in his as he 
straightened.  ³Goodbye, Princess,² he said, kissing her hand, ³and good luck.²

Leia laughed and stretched to put her arms round his neck, pulling him in for a tight hug.  
³Bye, Lando.  Good shooting.²

She moved towards Mara, taking both her hands in her own.  ³Goodbye, Mara.  Take 
care.²

Mara glanced down at the small hands in her own, before looking up again into Leiaıs dark 
brown eyes.  ³And you, Leia.  Iım glad they didnıt talk you out of going on the Falcon.²

Leia smiled and tightened her grip.  ³That was never an option, and you know it.²

The two women looked at each other for a long moment, unspoken words and thoughts 
passing between them.  There werenıt too many people in this galaxy Mara felt she could 
call friend’, but Leia had definitely entered the circle, even if only for a short time.  Then she 
was gone, off to talk to Admiral Ossilege and Kalenda.  Mara turned back to Lando, but he 
had wandered over to Han and Chewie.  She watched as Lando and Han started what 
seemed to be a back-slapping competition, as they both tried to hide their nervousness under 
a veneer of bravado.

Mara looked around for Luke.  She spotted him talking to Gaeriel and was just about to join 
them, when something stopped her.  They were holding onto each others’ forearms, their 
heads bent close together; Gaeriel was talking animatedly and Luke was smiling at her.  
Mara tried to look away; this was way too private.  But she kept feeling drawn back to the 
little scene, although she couldnıt fathom why.  Leia caught her eye and winked, nodding 
towards Luke and Gaeriel.  Mara looked back towards the couple just in time to see Gaeriel 
kiss Lukeıs cheek.  He smiled again and nodded at something she said.  ³Oh, no,² 
muttered Mara.  ³Heıs in love again.  Force spare me that.²

³First sign of insanity, you know.²

Mara whipped round to find Han Solo grinning at her.  ³What?²

³Talking to yourself,² he replied.  ³First sign of insanity.²

³Youıd know all about that, Solo.²

³Me?²  He tried his best hurt/injured look.  ³I donıt talk to myself.²

³No, but Iıve heard about some of the insane missions youıve flown.  And you managed to 
annoy Jabba so much that he didnıt want your bounty, only your corpse.  And then there 
was that time...²

³Okay, enough!²  Han held his hands up in defeat.  ³But Iım not insane.  Some of those 
missions were even thought out in advance.²

³I rest my case.²

He took her hand and shook it, clapping her on the shoulder with his other hand.  ³Good 
luck, Mara.  Iım glad youıre on our team.²

³Donıt get used to it, Solo.  Iım out of here when itıs done.²  Her smile softened a little.  
³Good luck.²

His hand tightened around hers one last time.  He nodded, then left to board his ship.  She 
watched him put his arm around his wife and lead her up the ramp; Chewie was already 
onboard, warming up the engines.  Mara turned around in time to see Gaeriel and Kalenda 
following Admiral Ossilege towards the turbolift.  Lando waved to her as he boarded the 
Lady Luck’ and Mara waved back, before making her way back to the Jadeıs Fire’.  She 
was at the back of the hanger, so sheıd be last to leave.  She passed Lukeıs X-wing and 
found herself looking up to see if he was already in the cockpit; she hadnıt seen him leave 
the party beside the Falcon’.  The cockpit was empty, and Mara felt a little disappointed.  
Sheıd wanted to see Luke before they set off, just to say good luck, but she wasnıt about to 
go hunting for him.  She almost jumped as a slightly tousled sandy-blonde head popped out 
from behind the back of the fighter, rapidly followed by the rest of Luke Skywalker.

³Hi, Mara.²  He ran a slightly grubby hand through his hair.  ³I was just checking a few 
things.²  Artoo let out a mournful whistle from his astromech socket.

Mara crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.  ³It is going to fly, isnıt it?²

³Of course,² said Luke, indignantly.  ³Especially with me as the pilot.²

Mara shook her head.  ³There goes that ego again, Skywalker.  Itıs going to get you killed 
one of these days.²

He walked towards her, then took her right hand in his.  ³But not today.²

She gripped his hand and smiled grimly.  ³You hope.²

He looked down at their hands, still joined, before gazing back into her eyes.  ³Stay alive, 
Mara.  I wouldnıt want my life to get boring.²

She grinned.  ³I donıt think youıll ever have to worry about that.  And I hope I donıt have 
to save your butt too often out there.²

³Must be my turn to save yours, by now.²

³Probably.²

They stood in silence for a moment, right hands still firmly grasped.  Luke wanted to pull 
her into a hug like he did for all his friends.  He wanted to pat her back, kiss her cheek, tell 
her goodbye and good luck.  But he couldnıt.  Not with Mara.  She seemed to stand so 
aloof, so alone; he didnıt want to jeopardize their fragile friendship by making her feel 
uncomfortable.

And Mara was uncomfortable.  She didnıt like the tiny voice inside her telling her just to 
throw her arms round Luke and give him a hug, telling him to take care, not to take any 
unnecessary risks.  But she was Mara Jade and she didnıt show her feelings like that; 
showing feelings meant showing vulnerability, an alien concept to her.  Besides, sheıd seen 
how Luke had acted with Gaeriel; she didnıt want to break up that little party.

Luke shook her hand one last time.  ³Goodbye, Mara.²

She smiled tightly and dropped his hand.  ³Good luck.²

³Donıt you ever say goodbye?²

³Not if I can help it.²



Chapter 5 - ³Showdown at Centerpoint² from the Corellian trilogy by Roger Macbride 
Allen (just after the Epilogue).

 
She had just stowed everything away on the Jadeıs Fire’ and was about to start the warm-up 
sequence, when she heard his voice. 

³Anyone home?²

³In here,² she called, switching on the NavComp and pulling out a datapad.  She heard him 
come on board and make his way to the cockpit.  Then silence.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, arms folded, a frown on his face.  ³What 
are you doing?² he asked.

Mara turned back to her datapad.  ³What does it look like Iım doing, Skywalker.  Iım 
getting ready to leave.²

³Were you going to say goodbye, or just run out on us?²

³I would have come to say goodbye, of course.²

³Liar.²

The smart retort in Maraıs brain died when it reached her lips.  She narrowed her eyes.  
³Youıre looking for a fight.  Whatıs wrong?²

Luke blew out a sigh and flopped into the co-pilotıs seat, scowling out the front viewscreen.  
³I donıt know.²  He pulled a hand roughly through his hair.  ³We won the battle.  I 
should feel happy but I feel like hell.²

Maraıs lips formed a thin line, as she reached over and laid a hand on his arm.  ³Gaeriel?²

He gazed off into the distance.  ³Probably.²  He turned back to face Mara.  ³I feel guilty.  
I dragged her into all this.²

Mara sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.  ³Thatıs odd.  She struck me as an 
intelligent woman.²

Lukeıs eyes narrowed dangerously.  ³She was.  What are you getting at?²

³My point is, Skywalker, that she knew what she was getting into.  She knew the risks, she 
knew what was at stake, and still she chose to go on this mission, just the same as us.  
Donıt belittle her memory...²

Luke cut her off abruptly.  ³I know all that!  It doesnıt make me feel any better.²

She watched him for a moment as he continued scowling out the viewport.  ³You know 
what, Skywalker.  I think you do need a fight.²

³What?²  He turned to face her once more.  ³I donıt need to fight.  Iıve done enough 
fighting today, thank you.²

Mara unclipped her lightsaber from her belt and started tossing it and catching it in one 
hand.  ³Space battles are one thing.  I think you need to work off some physical energy.²  
The smile that crossed her face was that of a predator.  ³Are you up for a little one-on-
one?²

He regarded her coolly.  ³Now whoıs spoiling for a fight?²

She rolled the unlit lightsaber round the back of her hand and caught it again.  ³I havenıt 
sparred for ages.  And Karrdeıs not expecting me for a couple of hours yet.²  She leaned 
forward as she played her trump card.  ³You could always call it a training session.²

A slow smile spread across his face.  ³If I win, will you come to Yavin to train properly?²

³No.²  She shook her head as she turned off the computer.  ³If I win, will you stop 
nagging me about it?²

³Nope.²  He stood up.  ³So thatıs settled then.  Outside, student.²

She bowed deferentially, still smiling.  ³After you, Master.²

They dropped their jackets on the ramp on the way out, then moved further away from the 
ship.  As she followed Luke, Mara found herself admiring the outline of his arm muscles as 
he clenched and unclenched his fists.  She shook her head and gave herself a mental slap.  
What was she thinking of?

He finally stopped in a small clearing, with only a few large boulders nearby.  He turned to 
face her and took up the ready stance, all humour gone from his eyes.  ³Letıs see how 
much you have learned without me.²

She stopped short a couple of meters from him and held her own unlit lightsaber at ready.  
³Iıve learned enough.  Maybe Iıll surprise you.²

In an instant, both lightsabers crackled to life and clashed noisily.  Mara quickly brought 
hers round in a tight arc, a move Luke easily parried. 

³Come on, Mara.  You know the drill.  Feel the Force.²

She growled at him as she tried a couple more slashes, but he could feel her concentration 
improve.

Again and again she tried to find an opening in his defences, and Luke found that he had to 
increase his concentration to avoid either of them being hurt.  He feinted right then slashed 
left, momentarily pleased to see her block him, then forced to jump back as her block turned 
into an attack.

³Youıre getting good, Mara,² he said.

She lunged towards him once more.  ³Getting good?  I am good.²  Several more slashes, 
quickly blocked by Luke.  ³Maybe itıs you thatıs getting a bit rusty, Master.²

Lukeıs eyes narrowed as he pulled the Force into himself, then pushed it outwards through 
his body, guiding his movements as he went on the attack.  Mara found herself struggling to 
parry the barrage of blows that rained down on her, faster and faster.  Finally, with a flick of 
his wrist Luke disarmed her, before pointing his saber at her throat.  ³Round one to me, I 
think.²  He lifted his lightsaber to salute position before shutting it off.

³Feeling better yet, Skywalker?²  Mara growled, as she bent down to retrieve her own 
lightsaber.

³A little.²

As she straightened up and turned towards him, her breath caught in her throat.  He had 
stripped off his t-shirt and was using it to dry off his sweat-soaked face and chest.  She 
swallowed and tried to control her breathing and heart-rate as she watched the movement of 
his muscles as he used the shirt to dry his back, totally oblivious to the reaction he was 
causing.  Mara closed her eyes in an effort to regain her composure.  Sheıd obviously been 
without a man for way too long if she was starting to fantasize about Skywalker.

³Are you okay, Mara?²

Her eyes snapped open and she found him standing closer, his eyes full of concern.  ³Fine.  
Iım fine.  Just a bit hot.² She started to pull her own t-shirt out of the waistband of her 
combat trousers, when she noticed Lukeıs eyes widen very slightly, before he turned his 
back to her, fiddling with his shirt then tossing it to one side.  She smiled as she pulled her 
shirt off and started drying herself, making sure the crop-top she wore underneath was 
securely in place.  Nice to know she could affect him as badly as he affected her.  Could be 
a useful strategy.

She tossed her shirt over beside his, then activated her lightsaber and struck.  He whirled 
around, instantly lighting his own saber and bringing it up to parry her blow, before shoving 
her away.  He glanced at her chest then back up again, so quickly Mara almost believed it 
never happened.  Almost. 

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of Lukeıs mouth.  ³You had me worried there.²

She raised an eyebrow as they both began circling each other.  ³Worried about what?² she 
teased.  A controlled thrust towards him with her saber made him dodge before they 
continued circling.  ³Worried Iıd have nothing on underneath?²

His lightsaber sliced towards her twice, blows she parried easily.  ³Iım sure you wouldnıt 
do that to me, Mara.²

You seem to be quite happy doing it to me, thought Mara, gritting her teeth and dragging her 
eyes away from the trickle of sweat running down his chest.  She breathed deeply, feeling 
the Force coursing through her body, before launching a vicious attack.  Again and again 
she struck, trying to be sure that if he failed to parry a blow she would be able to avoid 
hurting him.  But she never even got close.

He Force-jumped on top of one of the huge boulders nearby and she aimed a slash at his 
legs.  He jumped again, somersaulting over her head and landing behind her.  She swung 
round but he was there, blocking her strike but not pushing her away.  He was so close, 
their lightsabers locked at the hilt, the blades hissing and crackling as the energy fought to 
dissipate.  Breathing heavily, they looked into each others eyes, their faces lit by the glow of 
the sabers.  They stayed like that for a long moment.

³Mara, I...,² Luke began, before she shoved him away and began circling again, wiping the 
sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.

It was a reflex action, pushing him away like that.  Mara knew this.  But still a small part of 
her wanted to know what he was going to say.  She swiped at her face again.  She needed to 
get out more, needed some male company.  This thing with Skywalker was getting too 
uncomfortable.

She went on the offensive again, raining blows on him as fast as she could, forcing him to 
defend himself.  Frantically she searched for an opening, but couldnıt see one. 

Suddenly they heard a yell coming from a nearby stand of trees.  ³Luke!²  Leia came 
running towards them, her lightsaber lit.

The minute distraction was all Mara needed.  She kicked Luke hard in the gut and slashed 
down on his saber, sending him to the ground and his lightsaber flying.  She stood over 
him, grinning evilly, the tip of her saber centimeters from his chest.  ³One all, I believe.²  
She turned her head towards Leia, noticing for the first time that Han was with her, his 
blaster drawn and aimed directly at Mara.  ³Thanks for the distraction, Leia.²

Hanıs blaster slowly lowered.  ³Youıre sparring?²

Mara shut down her lightsaber and extended a hand to Luke to help him up.  ³Yup.  And he 
was winning until you arrived.²  She narrowed her eyes at Leia.  ³Tell me you didnıt think 
I was trying to kill him.²

Leia smiled, embarrassed.  ³I just got a sense of danger over our bond.  I didnıt really want 
to wait to find out what it was.²

³Thanks a bunch, Sis,² said Luke sarcastically, using the Force to call his lightsaber to his 
hand, before clipping it to his belt.  He felt Maraıs frown before he saw it.  ³What?²

³I wish you wouldnıt do that,² said Mara.

Luke called his shirt to him and started drying off again.  ³Wouldnıt do what?²

Mara pointedly walked over to where her shirt lay and bent down to pick it up.  ³Do you 
have to use the Force at every opportunity?²

Luke shrugged.  ³Never really thought about it.²

³Then maybe you should start thinking about it.²

³Come on, kids.  No more fighting, please,² said Han, walking towards them.  ³Why 
donıt you two get cleaned up and come for a meal on the Falcon before we all leave.²

Mara pulled the band from the bottom of her hair and started loosening her braid.  
³Thanks, but Iıve got to get back.  Karrdeıs expecting me.²

³Oh, come on,² said Leia, slipping her hand into her husbandıs.  ³The children would love 
to see you again.²

Maraıs gaze flicked between Leia and Han, then over to Luke, pulling his t-shirt back over 
his head.  Maybe a bit of R and R was just what she needed.

³A meal would be great.  Just let me shower and get changed,² said Mara.

³Terrific,² replied Leia.  ³And the two of you can explain to me why you felt the urge to 
have a lightsaber fight in the middle of nowhere.²  She turned and started walking back in 
the direction sheıd come, dragging Han with her.  Mara could hear Han gently teasing his 
wife about her mistake.

Mara walked back to her ship, bending down to grab the jackets off the ramp.  She threw 
Lukeıs jacket over to him and tossed her own into the ship.  ³Feeling better now, 
Skywalker?²

He slung his jacket over his shoulder.  ³Yeah, some.²  He threw her a salute as he started 
walking backwards.  ³Thanks, Mara.  That was fun.²

She shook her head at him.  ³You need to get out more.²

He grinned, his eyes sparkling, as he continued to walk backwards.  ³See you on the 
Falcon.²



Chapter 6 - ³Specter of the Past² by Timothy Zahn (end of chapter nine -  Luke in his X-
wing and Mara aboard the Starry Ice’ have just watched the weird starfighter disappear)


Mara got confirmation of the data download from the X-wingıs sensors.  ³Thanks.  You 
need anything else, Luke?²

³No, I ... dammit.²

Even at that distance, Mara could sense the irritation in his mind.  ³Whatıs wrong?²

Luke sighed.  ³Shrapnel.  Hyperdriveıs down.  Itıs okay - Artoo says he can fix it.²

³And how long will that take?²

³Less than an hour,² replied Luke.  ³Iıll be fine.  You just carry on.²

³Luke, if any of those pirates decide to come back for a look-see, theyıll be down on you 
like a flock of mynocks.  And I have no desire to face your sister if she finds out I deserted 
you...²

³Fine,² snapped Luke.  ³So what do you suggest?²

³Dock back with us.  Weıll do a mini-jump, get you and your ship repaired, then you can 
be on your way.²

³And how much is that going to cost me?²

³Oh, for the love of the Sith, itıs on the house.  Just get back on board and stop being an 
idiot.²  Mara whipped off her headset, abruptly ending the conversation.  She slid down the 
access tube and marched back to the cockpit irritably.

Faughn glanced up as Mara entered.  ³Skywalkerıs docking now.  Where to?²

³Anywhere friendly and close by.  And make a start on a report for Karrde.  Iıll go sort out 
the stubborn Jedi.²

Faughn nodded as she checked her sensors and started scrolling through the NavComputer.  
A faint clunk’ jarred the ship.  ³Heıs on board.  Jump in about ten minutes, when Iıve done 
the calculations.²

³Thanks.²  Mara spun on her heel and headed back to B-port.  She arrived just in time to 
see the X-wing canopy hiss open and Luke jump out, giving instructions and reassurance to 
his astromech over a comlink.  Mara crossed her arms and leaned on a bulkhead as Luke 
yanked off his helmet with his right hand and threw it in the cockpit. 

³Just fix it as best you can, Artoo.  Weıre perfectly safe here.²  Luke flinched slightly 
when he realised Mara was watching him, then smiled sheepishly.  ³Heıs a bit ... ummm ... 
jumpy.²

Mara raised an eyebrow but made no move towards him.  ³Heıs not the only one.  Donıt 
you trust me, Skywalker?²  She glanced at her wrist-chrono, not waiting for his answer.  
³Five minutes until we jump.  Youıd better warn the droid.  Wouldnıt want him getting 
anxious, would we.²

Luke frowned at her as he spoke into the comlink once more.  ³Five minutes to hyperspace, 
Artoo.²  He was still frowning as he tucked away the comlink in a pocket and strode 
towards her.  ³Shouldnıt we get strapped in?²

Mara used her shoulders to shove herself away from the bulkhead.  She nodded towards the 
exit.  ³Medbayıs first on the left.²

³Medbay, huh?²

Mara gave him a gentle push to encourage him through the door.  ³Yes.  Medbay.  You got 
a problem with that?²

³Not at all.  Whateverıs closest.²  Luke allowed himself to be steered into the compact 
cabin that served the Starry Ice as a medical bay.  White and clean, the transparent 
cupboards were full to bursting point with a huge variety of medicinal supplies.  A narrow 
bed was folded and strapped to one wall, while the opposite wall had two built-in seats with 
lap belts dangling off their sides.  Passing a mirror, Luke caught sight of himself and 
groaned as he remembered his disguise.  He carefully pulled off the artificial beard and 
scars, dropping them down a nearby garbage chute.  ³Donıt suppose youıve got any 
Maliceum antidote?²

³You took Maliceum to darken your skin?  Youıre lucky it didnıt wear off while you were 
still down there.²  Mara typed on a datapad fixed to the wall, then opened a cupboard and 
took out a bottle of pills.  She tipped one into his outstretched hand, peering at him intently.  
³Itıs made your eyes a funny color.  I never noticed before.²

³Has it?²  Luke popped the pill into his mouth and crossed back to the mirror, blinking a 
few times at his reflection.  ³They do look kind of muddy, donıt they.  I didnıt know 
Maliceum changed eye-color.²

Mara replaced the bottle and checked the cupboard doors were secure.  ³You want to try 
Dınaro next time.  Itıs more reliable.²

Faughnıs voice came over the intercom.  ³Thirty seconds to hyperspace, people.  Grab a 
seat and strap in.²

³Where are we going?² asked Luke as he sat on one chair and yanked the belt over his 
thighs, fastening it at the other side.

Mara took the chair next to his and clipped on her own restraint.  ³Not sure.  I told Faughn 
to make a short jump to somewhere friendly.²  She smiled brightly as she turned to face 
him.  ³Then you can fix your ship and run off to do your save-the-galaxy bit.²

Luke just stared straight ahead.  ³Stop trying to rile me, Mara.  It wonıt work.²  He heard 
the sound of the engine change pitch as the ship entered hyperspace.  ³Besides, Iım not 
sure where Iım going to go next.  Itıs not like our pirates have left a trail.²

³For someone who doesnıt know where heıs going, you sure were in a hurry to get off this 
ship.²

Abruptly, he turned to face her, the swirling brown patterns in his eyes enhancing the 
irritation that was already there.  ³I was more help to you in my X-wing than I would have 
been on board.²

Mara slammed up her mental barriers as her eyes met his; even if he claimed to be using the 
Force less, she wasnıt ready to trust him not to read her mind.  ³We would have managed 
fine, and you know it.  Three turbolaser batteries and Faughn at the controls can handle one 
little booby-trapped asteroid field.²

³We wouldnıt have got any readings on that weird fighter if I hadnıt flown out.²

³You know that for a fact, do you?² replied Mara.

Luke bit back a retort, turning away from her once more.  ³I didnıt think you wanted me 
hanging around, anyway.  You donıt seem to want much to do with me these days.²

Something in Maraıs mind clicked into place.  ³Is all this antagonism because I haven't 
been back to Yavin recently?²

Lukeıs head snapped back to face her.  ³Antagonism?!  You started it with your save-the-
galaxy’ crack.  Or was it the one about wave your hand and make all the traps disappear?  
Sure made me feel antagonistic.²

³Are you trying to claim you have never used your Force powers to do anything like that?² 
said Mara, her earlier feelings of guilt at the remarks suddenly over-ridden by anger.

³What I have or havenıt done in the past is not your concern.²

³I disagree,² she replied.  ³You say you want to teach me, to make me a Jedi Knight.  I 
think your past concerns every one of your students, me included.²

Luke frowned at her.  ³You are not one of my students, Mara.²

³Maybe I donıt study at your academy.  Maybe I donıt particularly wish to become a 
Knight.  But I use the Force, and so Iım affected by your actions, even indirectly.²

³My other students donıt question my actions all the time.²

³And youıre happy with that?²

For a time he said nothing, his eyes continuing to burrow into hers.  ³Iım not able to give 
you the one-on-one training I did on Myrkr, Mara.  I wish I could.²

³Do you?²

³Of course,² replied Luke.  ³I wish I could give all my students that much attention.  But 
itıs just not practical.²

Before she could reply, Mara heard the whine of the sublight engines kick in.  She slipped 
off her restraint and stood up, flicking on her comlink.  ³Faughn?²

³Sensors say itıs all clear, Mara.  Certainly nothing else insystem.²

³Good,² replied Mara.  ³Put her into orbit and make a start on the report for Karrde.²

³Will do.²

Mara clicked off the comlink and turned back to Luke.  ³And now we can make a start on 
getting you cleaned up.²

³Itıs nothing, Mara,² said Luke, standing up.  ³At least, nothing I canıt handle.²

Mara took a step closer to him.  ³But why handle it if you donıt have to?²  She started 
circling round to his left side.  ³Besides, you havenıt been using your left arm properly 
since you came on board.  Thatıs not a very sensible way to fly.²  She reached out and 
tentatively tugged at what remained of the left sleeve of his tunic; he hissed as the material 
caught on his injuries.

Mara frowned at him.  ³Youıve been using pain suppression, havenıt you.  You didnıt tell 
me it was this bad.²  She crossed over to the bed and started unstrapping it and pulling up 
to the horizontal position.  ³Shirt off, please.²

³Fine,² growled Luke, as he started unfastening his tunic.  ³Iıll let you slap a few bacta 
patches on me if it will make you feel better.²

She turned back to help him out of the ripped shirt.  ³I think the idea is that it makes you 
feel better.²  She swore as he slowly peeled off the tattered material and his injuries were 
finally revealed.  ³Luke, youıre a mess.  This is going to take more than a few bacta 
patches.²

³I thought as much.²  He grimaced as he looked at the shrapnel wounds down his arm and 
side.  ³I guess itıs another dunk in the pink goo for me.²

Mara indicated the narrow bed.  ³Lie down.  I can take the worst of the bits out now.  
Should make you more comfortable, at least.²

³Are you qualified?² asked Luke as he hopped up on the bed.

Mara started pulling instruments out of drawers.  ³Iım not a doctor, but Iıve been trained in 
field surgery.²  She held up an infuser.  ³You want anaesthetic?²

³Not a good idea if I want to fly in half an hour,² he replied, lying down.  ³Iıll use a pain 
suppression technique.²

Mara shrugged.  ³Whatever you want.  Just donıt move.²

³Okay.²

She looked up from her examination of his injuries to see his face completely relaxed, 
totally serene.  His breathing had slowed, and Mara smiled to herself; very few people must 
have seen the Jedi Master so vulnerable.  Her smile froze when she realised she didnıt feel 
smug, only ... privileged.  She cleared her throat.  ³You ready, Luke?²

³Mmmm.²  He could hear the hum of the extractor, but didnıt feel it make contact with his 
skin.  A second later, he had the disconcerting feeling of a piece of shrapnel working its way 
out of his body, exactly the same route it had used going in.  Not painful, but still not an 
experience he wanted to repeat on a regular basis.  He sank further into his light trance.

³Got the first one.²  Maraıs voice sounded as if it came from a distance, although he could 
hear the words clearly.

³Mmmm.²

Mara smiled again as she continued removing the smaller pieces of shrapnel.  ³Youıre not 
very talkative in this state.  I could get used to this.²

No reply, but Mara thought she could detect a twitch of his lips.  She shrugged and 
concentrated on her work, removing as many of the metal pieces as she could.  She glanced 
up occasionally, but Lukeıs face remained relaxed and pain-free.  ³Your skin is almost 
back to normal and your hair is nearly there.²

³Mmmm.²

Mara sighed.  Finally she had the great Luke Skywalker as a captive audience and she 
couldnıt pluck up the courage to tell him of the thoughts sheıd been having lately.  
Thoughts about the Force and his place in it.  Thoughts of the dark side and the mistakes 
heıd made in the past.  ³Iım going to leave a few of the more awkward ones in; Iıd rather 
they were treated by a doctor or med-droid.²

³Mmmm.²

She looked back up to his face, a face that was becoming more familiar as his hair returned 
to its normal blonde colour.  ³I have to move your arm now, so I can get access to your 
side.²  Luke gave no response, so Mara gently moved his limp arm across his chest and 
started removing shrapnel from his side.  ³This isnıt so bad.  It shouldnıt take long.²

³Mmmm.²

Why couldnıt she just tell him?  He wouldnıt be able to yell at her, at least, not straight 
away.  And since when was she bothered about Luke yelling at her, anyway?  Heck, they 
argued almost every time they met.  Her eyes flicked momentarily back to his face, then 
returned to her work.  She didnıt want to tell him now precisely because he couldnıt answer 
back.  That was it.  She needed an immediate reaction, good or bad, to decide if she really 
could try to explain what she had been feeling.  If he took the moral high-ground, if he did 
the Iım the Jedi Master, you never even finished your training’ bit, well then, she knew he 
wasnıt ready to hear everything. 

The tiny subconscious voice that periodically reared its ugly head whenever she was 
physically close to Luke chose this moment to add its two-credits-worth.  You donıt want to 
tell him now because it would spoil the moment.  Youıre enjoying being near him.  And if 
you tell him about his failures, he might just leave and never want to see you again.

Mara frowned.  Shut up.  Gods, first the Emperor, now her own voice telling her things she 
didnıt want to hear.  The psychologists would have a field day.

She straightened up and switched off the extractor, moving Lukeıs arm back to his side.  
³Thatıs all Iım willing to remove, Luke.²  She watched him take a slow, deep breath, then 
his eyes flicked open.  They were an intense blue.  Mara didnıt remember them being this 
blue; must be an after-effect of the drug.  Her eyes met his for a long moment.  ³How does 
that feel?²

Luke lifted his left arm and tentatively rubbed the skin.  ³Much better, thanks.²  He 
grinned.  ³Much nicer than waking up in an NR medical facility with only a two-one-bee 
for company.  Iım glad you talked me into it.²

Mara quickly turned away from him and busied herself fishing bacta patches out of a 
cupboard, metaphorically bopping her subconscious on the head.  ³Donıt get used to it.  
Iım fed up dragging your ass out of trouble.²

He sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.  ³Donıt you ever get into trouble, 
Mara?²

She started tearing open packets of bacta patches.  ³Of course I do.  I just plan better.  Like 
an escape route.²  She began applying the patches to his arm, trying to avoid wounds with 
shrapnel still embedded.  ³You want something for those bruises?²

³Not necessary.  I wonıt even feel them until tomorrow.²

Mara nodded and continued in silence.

Luke watched her as she tended his injuries.  Her hair was, as usual, pulled back in a thick 
braid, although he noticed a few strands had escaped and curled towards her eyes as she 
concentrated on placing the patches just so.  She was a good friend.  Most people seemed to 
be hell-bent on turning him into some kind of God, an instrument of the Force, to be loved 
or loathed according to circumstance.  Mara, on the other hand, was determined to make him 
more normal’, foregoing his power as a Jedi.  And he was beginning to agree with her.  Her 
green eyes met his and he smiled.  They would have to talk about it some day.  Shame he 
was in such a hurry.  ³Thanks.²

She nodded again, like she wanted to say something but was holding back.  ³Next time, 
remember to duck.²

³Wouldnıt have helped in this case.²

³Are you really going to keep following those pirates, Luke?  It doesnıt seem like a wise 
move.²

³I have to.²  He frowned.  ³I have a really bad feeling about all of this clone business.²

³A vision?²

³No, at least, not yet,² he replied.  ³I just feel that all hell is about to break loose in the 
New Republic, and the Cavrilhu pirates have something to do with it.²

She gave a resigned smile.  ³Off to save the galaxy again, Skywalker?²

He tilted his head to one side, his eyes never leaving hers as he fought to keep the smile 
from his lips.  ³You could always join me, Mara.  Youıd be a great help...²

She held up her hands defensively.  ³No thanks. Iıve already got a job, and the payıs a 
damn sight better than anything youıre offering.²

³Itıs not about pay, Mara.²  He thought he had sensed something in her automatic reaction 
to his request, and his eyes narrowed.  ³Itıs about fulfillment, and duty.  And you know 
it.²

³Get out of my head, Skywalker,² growled Mara, slapping on the last bacta patch with 
more force than was strictly necessary.  ³You have no right to talk to me about duty.  I had 
my fill of duty fifteen years ago.²

³That was different.²

³Not from where Iım standing.²  She noticed her hands had clenched at her sides and she 
forced herself to relax.  ³Why are we fighting again?²

Luke sighed.  ³Because youıre Mara Jade, the mercenary.  And I guess Iım Luke 
Skywalker, the Jedi Master.²

³As long as youıre not implying youıre better than me.²

He smiled.  ³I wouldnıt dare.²

³Good.²  Mara glanced at the chrono.  ³Weıd better get you back to your ship, I guess.  
See if that droid of yours has got it fixed.²

He hopped off the bed, flexing his injured arm.  ³Youıve done a great job, Mara.  
Hopefully I wonıt be so long in the bacta this time.²  He reached out with his right hand 
and caught her left hand.  ³Thanks.  I appreciate your help.²

Mara forced herself not to tense every muscle in her body.  REALLY forced herself.  Every 
time Luke had touched her hand before, it had been to shake hands, right to right.  Easy.  
Not like this.  This felt ... different.  It didnıt help that he was half-naked either.  ³Thatıs 
okay.²  She didnıt think her voice sounded shaky, but the voice in her head was laughing 
itself silly.  ³Iım sure youıd do the same for me.²

³You know I would.²  He caught her defensive reaction and dropped her hand quickly, 
scared heıd alienated her once more.  He knew she wasnıt a tactile’ person, but this was 
getting ridiculous.  Heıd never even hugged her; Luke couldnıt think of one other close 
friend heıd never hugged at one time or another.  And yet, why had it become such a big 
deal to him?  She was his friend, nothing more.  Wasnıt she?

Mara smiled tightly at him, barely able to meet his gaze, nervously glancing at her wrist-
chrono again.  ³Weıd better go.²  She opened a drawer and pulled out a plain white shirt, 
throwing it to him.  ³I hope this is okay.  Itıs all weıve got.²  She walked quickly to the 
door, not waiting or looking back to check he was following her.  Once in the corridor, she 
pulled out her comlink.  ³Faughn?  How are we doing?²

³We know where weıre going, as soon as Skywalker has launched.²

Mara nodded to herself, automatically slipping back into the role of mission commander.  
We know where weıre going’ was code for knowing where the next rendezvous was.  
³Have you got the NavComp programmed?²

³Affirmative.  And the report for Karrde is ready for your approval.²

³Thanks.²  Mara flicked off the comlink as she reached the door to the docking bay and 
slapped a hand on the controls.  The door whizzed open and she strode into the bay, before 
finally turning round to see if Luke was following her.  He was, at what appeared to be a 
safe distance’.

³You want to see if your R2 unit has finished?²

Luke nodded and pulled out his own comlink, almost reluctantly it seemed to Mara.  
³Artoo?  Howıs the X-wing?²

The flurry of beeps and whistles that came from the comlink were way beyond Maraıs 
comprehension.  Apparently, they were beyond Lukeıs too, as he crossed to the cockpit of 
the X-wing and hung over the side, reading the translation.  ³Thatıs fine.  We can fix that 
later.  Are we hyperspace-capable?²

Beep.

Luke started pulling out an orange flightsuit and life-support unit from beside the 
acceleration chair.  ³Weapons?²

Beep.

³Weıll manage without torpedoes,² replied Luke, pulling on the flightsuit.  ³Have you got 
a course calculated?²

Whistle.

He switched off the comlink and turned back to where Mara stood, adjusting the life-
support straps.  ³All fixed and ready to go.²

She nodded.  ³Take care.²

He covered the distance between them in two short strides, taking both her hands in his own, 
ignoring the possibility that she might try to deck him.  ³You too.  And come visit.²

³Maybe.²

She had tensed up again, he could feel it.  He dropped her hands.  ³Bye, Mara.  See you 
around.²

³Bye, Skywalker.  Try to keep out of trouble.²

He grinned before turning to climb into the X-wing.  ³Iıll try.  Not promising anything, 
though.²  Jumping into the seat, he pulled on his restraints and helmet, before waving to 
Mara and closing the canopy.

She merely nodded and turned away, striding towards the exit, trying to remember what she 
was supposed to be doing next.  She paused once the door had closed behind her, watching 
a nearby pressure gauge as if mesmerised.

And then he was gone.



Chapter 7 - ³Vision of the Future² by Timothy Zahn (between chapter 10 [cave full of 
things with long tongues] and chapter 15 [cortosis ore archway] there is a gap of four days.  
FOUR DAYS!  Well, maybe it went something like this...)


Theyıd made the decision first thing to continue running on Coruscant time, since days and 
nights in the caves would be indistinguishable anyway.  As they plodded through the semi-
darkness, Mara noticed Luke glancing occasionally at his chrono; no doubt he could think 
of a million places heıd rather be.

It felt odd to Mara to be spending so much time with Luke.  Most of their meetings in 
recent years had lasted a few hours at most; now they were faced with the prospect of 
spending days with only each other for company.  She wondered if Luke felt as 
uncomfortable with that as she did.  Looking across at him, she was annoyed to see him 
checking his chrono again.

³Are you in a hurry, Skywalker?²

He grinned at her, embarrassed.  ³No more than usual.  Actually, Iım hungry.²

³Weıve been walking for hours...²

³Only three,² he corrected.

³Three counts as hours’.  I need a break.²

³We could eat while we walk,² suggested Luke.

³I didnıt say I needed to eat,² replied Mara.  ³I said I wanted a break.²

Luke didnıt reply.  The light from his glowrod swung around the dark, rocky passageway 
they were in and stopped on a small group of boulders a few meters further along.  ³Howıs 
that?²

³Perfect,² said Mara, picking up the pace a little at the sight of somewhere to rest.  
Choosing one of the smaller rocks, she heaved her pack off her back with an audible sigh 
and stretched the muscles in her back before she sat down.

Luke smiled as he dropped his own pack beside the rock opposite, kneeling down to 
examine the contents.  ³And now we can eat.²  He looked at the ration bars he pulled out 
of his pack with distaste.  ³Youıd think in this day and age that theyıd come up with 
something a bit more tasty.²

Mara pulled out her water-bottle.  ³Itıs the perfect food.  Protein, vitamins, carbohydrates - 
what more could you want?²

Luke grimaced at her.  ³Flavor?²

Mara laughed.  ³What flavor?  Youıre from Tatooine; I always figured you wouldnıt know 
decent food if it fell on you.²

³Dewbackıs tasty.  And we grew vegetables.²

³You could actually get stuff to grow on that dustball?²

He ignored her snide comment as he leaned back against the wall, his memories speeding 
back to his childhood.  ³Yeah, we grew varokeets, senats, lots of stuff.  Harvest was hard - 
we had to get everything picked in about three weeks.  But it tasted wonderful.²  He looked 
at the ration bar in his hand disdainfully.  ³A million times better than this.²

Mara took a long swig from her water-bottle.  ³I was brought up to be able to tell the 
difference between more than forty different types of wine.  Iıve eaten hınrucko, knid, and 
draani...²

³Those are extinct!²

³Precisely.  But I also had survival training where I lived on stuff like this.  Just donıt think 
about it.²  She winked at him.  ³Actually, the knid tasted damn good.²

³Whatıs the weirdest thing youıve ever eaten?² asked Luke, taking a bite of his ration bar.

³Roast Ewok.²

He suddenly stopped chewing and stared at her, his eyes wide.  ³Youıre kidding.²

Mara couldnıt keep her face straight any longer, and grinned widely.  ³Of course Iım 
kidding.  Gods, Skywalker, you are so gullible.²

He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.  ³Maybe itıs just that your reputation 
precedes you.  There are plenty of people in the galaxy that wouldnıt put it past you to start 
eating sentients.²

³And itıs a reputation Iım happy to keep if it means I get more respect out of my crew than 
you get from your students.²

He sighed.  ³Thatıs very close to the dark side, Mara.²

She took another pull of water.  ³I donıt think it is.  The dark side would be cooking one of 
the furry little beasts, eating it, enjoying it, then bragging about it afterwards.  If other people 
have misinterpreted my personality, thatıs their problem, not mine.²

³You could correct them.²

³As I said, itıs their problem.  Itıs not up to me to go around telling everyone what they 
should think.  Thatıs the beauty of free will.²  She pulled a ration bar from her own pack 
and tore open the packaging, staring at it for a moment, as if trying to decide if it was worth 
eating or not.  ³So whatıs the weirdest thing youıve ever eaten, Skywalker?²

When he didnıt immediately reply, she looked up; he was staring at a spot on the wall 
opposite, obviously reminiscing again.  ³Yodaıs stew.²

³Yoda?  The little green guy that lived on Dagobah?²  Mara nodded.  ³You told me about 
him, but you never mentioned he could cook.²

Luke smiled as his eyes met hers.  ³Iım not sure cook’ is the word I would use.  He gave 
me the stuff the first time I met him, before I even knew who he was.  Tasted revolting, and 
after a couple of days of it, I thought it might be some sort of test, to prove my loyalty, 
endurance, willingness ... I dunno.²

Mara grinned.  ³But you found out otherwise?²

He grinned sheepishly.  ³Yeah.  He actually liked the stuff.  Even taught me how to make 
it.²

³And?²

Luke rolled his eyes.  ³Letıs see.  Take one swamp snake and beat it to death with a gimer 
stick.  Throw it in a pot with a heap of vegetable matter; anything, as long as itıs edible.  
Boil it until every last vitamin gives in.  Thatıs it.²

³And youıre complaining about ration bars when you had to live on that!² exclaimed 
Mara, incredulously.

³Hey, at least it tasted of something.²  He waved his half-eaten ration bar at her.  ³More 
than can be said for this.²

Mara watched him in silence for a moment as she munched on her bar.  ³Dagobah.  Thatıs 
where you first trained, right?²

Luke nodded, swallowing.  ³I got the basics from Ben, but Yoda was the only one left who 
could teach me, once Ben was gone.² 

³So, with the benefit of hindsight, how complete was the training you got there?²

Luke frowned at her, but could detect no sarcasm, only genuine curiosity.  ³Complete 
enough to do the job I had to do.²  He saw the twitch in her lips and somehow knew she 
was fighting the urge to comment that his job seemed to be saving the galaxy.  The fact that 
she managed to refrain from sarcasm implied a definite improvement in her self-control.  He 
shrugged.  ³Not complete enough, in that I still had a lot to learn.  Still have a lot to learn,² 
he corrected himself.

³Did he train you in lightsaber techniques?²

³Yes.  Next question.²

She grinned at him.  ³Is everything you have ever said about him true?²

³Yes.²

Mara leaned forward, her eyes twinkling.  ³Even the bit about not recognising him when 
you first met?²

Luke couldnıt stop his own smile.  ³Guilty as charged.  I donıt know exactly what I 
expected a Jedi Master to look like, but he definitely wasnıt it.²

³And you couldnıt sense him at all?² asked Mara incredulously.

³Not in the slightest,² replied Luke.  ³But, then, heıd had twenty years of experience 
shielding himself from the Emperor, and I couldnıt even sense Leia was my twin when she 
was standing right next to me.²

³I wish I could have met him.²

³So do I.  I would love to see what Yoda would have made of you.²

Mara stifled a laugh, and sipped at her water, watching Luke slip back into reverie.

He sighed, his eyes cast downwards.  ³I went back to Dagobah after we rescued Han from 
Jabbaıs, so I could finish my training.  Instead, I found Master Yoda on his deathbed.  He 
just faded away in front of my eyes.²

Maraıs quiet voice broke through his thoughts.  ³You loved him, didnıt you.²

His piercing gaze met hers.  ³Of course,² he replied simply.  ³He was the only other Jedi 
in the galaxy, and he obviously cared about me.  That must have been so difficult for him, 
knowing that my father had killed so many of his friends, had caused so much suffering.  
Yet he took me in, treated me like a son, and trained me to do the things he knew I would 
have to do.²

³Iım sure he did care about you, Luke.²  She struggled to keep a smile from her face.  
³Youıre an easy person to care about.²

The slight smile on her lips chased away the sad thoughts in his head.  ³What do you 
mean?²

Mara shrugged.  ³I didnıt know you then, but youıve always struck me as kind and 
thoughtful and generous.  You care about everyone else so much that it makes people care 
about you.  The only beings that donıt care about you are the ones who see you and what 
you stand for as a threat.²

³Thanks, Mara.²  He rested his chin on his hand.  ³Lots of people care about you too, you 
know.²

³Hardly lots,² snorted Mara.  ³Karrde.  Faughn and few other crew-members.²  She 
smiled.  ³Corran, on the odd occasion we actually see each other.²

³I care.²

She tilted her head on one side, regarding him with a smile.  ³Yes, I know.  And thanks.  
Iıve never been exactly inundated with friends, but youıve always been there for me.²  She 
paused for a long moment, watching him as he re-packed his pack.  ³Luke, why did you 
come after me?  I would have thought Karrde would have insisted on sending some of his 
own people to find me.²

³Please donıt ask me to explain just yet,² replied Luke, his head bowed over his pack as he 
refused to meet her eyes.  ³Letıs just figure out whatıs going on in this fortress, then we 
can decide what to do.²

³Getting the hell out of here sounds like a good idea to me, Skywalker.²

His reply had almost made it from his brain to his mouth when he was distracted by a 
familiar high-pitched tootling, accompanied by the gentle sound of Qom Jha wings.  He 
smiled at Mara as he hoisted his pack onto his back.  ³Artooıs caught up, so I guess itıs 
time to move again.²

Mara blew out a sigh as she settled her own pack onto her shoulders.  ³Fine.  Letıs go.  
The quicker weıre out of these blasted tunnels, the better.²

³Have you had enough of a break?² asked Luke, the corners of his mouth tilting up 
slightly.

³Yes.²  Mara fought her own smile as she took a step closer to him.  ³Have you had 
enough to eat, Jedi?²

He nodded, his grin showing in the light of the glowrod.  ³For now.²

Mara shook her head as they started walking along the rocky tunnel side by side.  ³I donıt 
know where you put it all, Skywalker.  Every time I see you, youıre eating like a starved 
bantha, yet you donıt get fat.²

³Nice of you to notice, Mara.²

³How could anyone not notice the amount you eat?  If youıre not eating, youıre talking 
about it.²

³Are you saying Iım obsessed with food?²

³I didnıt say that, Skywalker.  Although now you mention it...²

³I exercise a lot, okay!  And using the Force probably uses up a lot of energy.  You should 
see the food bill for the Academy.²

Artoo watched the infra-red forms of the two humans as they walked away from him again, 
their glowrods shining brightly off the tunnel floor and walls.  Once they turned a corner, he 
let out a low moan of concern at being left behind again, although he found it reassuring that 
he could still hear them bantering.  His master had explained to him about the need for haste 
and had promised not to go too far ahead, but that didnıt mean the little droid had to like the 
idea.  He also suspected that if Mara Jade hadnıt been there to keep Luke company, the Jedi 
Master would have spent more time with his faithful droid.  Jealousy, of course, was not in 
the astromechıs programming.  Whistling gently to himself, Artoo moved a little faster, 
wondering whether he should mention the unusual sparking in his logic circuits every time 
he thought about Master Trader Jade. 


The following day’ found Mara heartily sick of trudging through the dark, winding 
passageways.  Sheıd lived in the dark for fifteen days; she had hoped to at least see some 
daylight at the end of it.  But no, here she was, still in darkness, following Skywalker on 
some damn fool mission.  Again.  She was hot and dusty, and mildly embarrassed that she 
wasnıt as fit as she used to be.  She glanced ahead at Luke, walking and chatting with the 
Qom Jha as if he didnıt have a care in the world.  He didnıt even look tired; obviously heıd 
been doing more than just meditating on that jungle moon of his. 

Suddenly he stopped and turned to face her, the Qom Jha settling on the ceiling around him.  
³Howıs your water bottle?²

³Fine, thank you.  Howıs yours?²

He almost smiled at her lame attempt at humor.  ³Apparently, we can take a slight detour 
here and weıll cross the stream again.  If we need water.²

Mara nodded enthusiastically.  ³We need water.  Letıs detour.²

The three Qom Jha abruptly dropped from their perches; one returned the way they had 
come, presumably to guide Artoo and Child of Winds, one flew on ahead and took a sharp 
left turn, and the third, Splitter of Stones, continued to fly slowly beside Luke.

They heard the sound of running water long before they could see it, echoing through the 
caves.  Turning a corner, Mara grinned in delight when her glowrod caught the sparkling 
stream in its light.  ³I never thought Iıd be so happy to see a cold river.²  She dropped her 
pack near a wall and fished out her water bottle, draining it thirstily before she refilled it.

³I didnıt realise you were so thirsty,² commented Luke, dropping his pack next to hers.

³Never mind how thirsty I am,² replied Mara, as she continued to rummage in her pack.  
³I need a wash.²  Triumphantly she pulled out her bottle of cleanser.

³A wash?²  Luke paused with his water bottle mid-way to his lips.

³Yes, Skywalker.  A wash.  I feel dirty and dusty, and Iıll make better time once I feel clean 
again.²  She indicated the corner they had just turned.  ³You can either wait round there, or 
turn off the glowrods.  Either way, Iım going to bathe.²

³No, itıs an excellent idea, Mara.  I could do with a good wash myself.²  He squatted next 
to the stream to fill his water bottle, then pulled a couple of ration bars from his pack, before 
retreating back around the corner.  ³Let me know when youıre done.²

Mara watched him go, then looked at the glowrod in her hand, trying to decide if she wanted 
to turn it off or not.  Really, she should leave it on; there was no way Luke would peek at 
her while she was bathing.  Great exalted Jedi Master, and all that.  And she certainly 
couldnıt afford to trip over some rock in the dark and injure herself.  In the end, she turned 
it down to its lowest level and set it carefully on the ground, before stripping off her 
jumpsuit and stepping gingerly into the cold water.

Luke sat with his back against the cold rock wall, studiously ignoring the splashing noises 
coming from a few meters away.  As he chewed a mouthful of ration bar, he noticed the two 
Qom Jha regarding him solemnly from their ceiling perches.  ³Why donıt you two go help 
guide Artoo.  Mara and I arenıt going anywhere for a while.²

They chirped an affirmative, then flew steadily back down the passageway, leaving Luke 
with nothing to look at but the opposite wall.  And nothing to listen to but Maraıs 
complaints about the temperature of the water.

³Ow!² yelled Mara when she scraped her leg against a rock, her voice echoing round the 
cavern.

Luke couldnıt help his reaction.  He whirled round onto his hands and knees, Force-
enhancing his night-vision as he tried to see if Mara was hurt.  When he saw her standing 
naked in the shallow water, her back to him as she rubbed her scraped knee, his breath 
caught in his throat.  The gentle light from the glowrod reflected off her pale, damp skin, 
sparkling off the tiny droplets of water that ran down her back and legs.  He realised what 
he was doing was wrong at about the same time as he realised his jaw was hanging open.  
He dragged his eyes from the beautiful vision before him and sat back down in the spot he 
had previously occupied.  Taking a couple of deep breaths, he forced calm and control into 
his voice.  ³Are you okay?²

³Yeah, just banged my leg.  Stupid rock.²

Luke barely heard her reply over the pounding of his heart.  He swallowed once, twice, then 
closed his eyes and tried to calm himself.  They immediately snapped open again, as he 
realised Maraıs nude body had been etched onto his retinas.  He pulled his knees up to his 
chest and hugged himself - what was going on?  It was Mara, for goodness’ sake - friend, 
confidante, sometime-student.  Not someone he should be drooling over like a love-sick 
Falleen. 

Luke turned his glowrod up a little and sat staring at the opposite wall, examining every 
lump and crevice, anything to take his mind off the sound of running water; and the person 
standing in the running water.  Callista had had this effect on him; wet or dry, her body...  
He frowned, suddenly realising that he could no longer picture Callistaıs body.  When had 
that happened?  Sure, it had been six years since heıd seen her, since heıd held her in his 
arms; six years since heıd waved goodbye to the love of his life.  But sheıd been such a big 
part of his life, even for a relatively short time; surely he shouldnıt forget what she looked 
like so soon. 

He rubbed his eyes with his knuckles; he couldnıt feel the same way about Mara as he had 
about Callista.  He wouldnıt even entertain the thought.  They had a fragile friendship at 
best, but it was a friendship Luke valued highly enough that he didnıt want to put it at risk.  
To admit to his voyeurism would be suicide, so he hid that particular memory deep inside 
his brain.  Way deep.  So deep he would have difficulty finding it himself.  But it was there.

³Are you okay, Skywalker?²

Luke jumped at the sound of her voice, his back scraping against the cave wall.  ³Yeah, 
sure.²  He looked up at her as she loomed over him, pulling her fingers raggedly through 
her damp hair.  ³Mind on another planet, I think.²  He tried to concentrate on the fact that 
she was now dressed.  He failed.

³Looks like it.²  Mara felt slightly irritated, at herself as well as him.  If she hadnıt gotten 
herself into this mess, they would both be on different planets.  ³Your turn.  If you stand at 
the far end, thereıs enough of a breeze to dry yourself.²

Luke nodded, afraid to say anything in case he gave himself away, then scurried off towards 
the stream. 

Mara looked down to see an unopened ration bar, and frowned to herself.  Something had 
put Luke Skywalker off his food - this was worrying.  Perhaps the galaxy truly was in 
danger.  She settled herself against the spot on the wall Luke had just vacated and reached 
for the ration bar, tearing it open with her teeth.  He had something on his mind, something 
that was making him anxious, something she should probably know about.  She leaned 
back against the wall and closed her eyes, pulling the Force towards herself.  Reaching out 
tentatively, she tried to touch Lukeıs mind, convincing herself that finding out what was 
worrying him concerned her and their mission.  All she could sense was his shock at the 
low water temperature, followed by his immediate suppression of discomfort.  Nothing else.

Glaring at the ration bar as if it had been the cause of her lack of ability to read his mind, 
Mara took a long drink from her water bottle.  She didnıt like secrets, especially when they 
concerned her, and Skywalker was definitely holding something back.  Skywalker.  Why 
couldnıt she figure him out?  One minute he was the self-proclaimed Jedi Master, harrying 
her to give up the life she knew in order to become a Jedi Knight.  The next minute, he was 
her best friend, just farmboy Luke sharing a meal or chatting about the past.  Then ... well, 
then she didnıt see him for months on end. 

Once or twice, someone had suggested that there was more to their relationship than just a 
platonic friendship; Mara had always laughed at the suggestion.  But these days she wasnıt 
one hundred percent convinced of her own certainty.  Was she attracted to him?  No.  It 
couldnıt happen.  She wouldnıt let it, wouldnıt let herself be controlled by another person.

Mara took a deep breath and set down her water and half-eaten ration bar.  There was one 
sure-fire way to prove that she wasnıt attracted to him.  As quietly as she could, she stood 
up and peeped round the corner.

Squinting slightly in the dim light, she could just about make out Lukeıs form as he stood 
in the stream, the water sloshing around his calves.  His back was towards her, and Mara felt 
all the breath leave her body as she watched the muscles in his arms and shoulders moving 
rhythmically as he washed his hair.  Suds ran down his neck and back towards his...

Mara quickly moved back round the corner and flattened herself against the wall, her chest 
heaving as she tried to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat.  Oh, boy - 
Skywalker had been keeping in shape!  Her eyes scanned the rocky ceiling as she fought to 
bring her breathing under some semblance of control.  Okay, so physically she found him 
attractive; that didnıt mean a thing, it just implied she had been without a man for too long.  
Didnıt it?  She slid down the wall and reached for her water bottle, annoyed at the betrayal 
of her body over her mind.  Sheıd always been a passionate person but, like every other 
aspect of her life, she had managed to keep it strictly under control.  The few affairs she had 
allowed herself to have had been anonymous, wild, and brief, but she had always, always 
been in control.

She pulled up her knees and balanced her arms on them.  She wouldnıt even contemplate an 
affair with Skywalker, not for a minute.  Apart from anything else, she was sure heıd run 
like a scared vrennit if she ever came on to him.  She closed her eyes and dropped her head 
onto her arms.  Why did life have to be so complicated?

It was several minutes before she sensed Luke returning; her head snapped up and she 
systematically filed away all the confusing thoughts sheıd been having about him.  There 
would be time to sort out her feelings for him later, if she even had any feelings.  Right now 
she had the prospect of spending days in his company, and if he got the slightest inkling of 
what was going on in her mind, it would make the rest of the mission very uncomfortable 
indeed.

³Thatıs better,² said Luke as he came back round the corner, running his fingers back 
through his hair.  Yes, the freezing cold water had helped calm him down and he now felt 
able to face Mara again.  ³Iım glad you suggested stopping to clean up.²

³Uh-huh.²  Mara didnıt sound convinced, even to her own ears.  She watched as Luke 
carefully picked a spot as far away from her as he could and sat down.  For once, she was 
glad of the distance between them.  ³Any sign of your droid yet?²

Luke shone his glowrod back up the tunnel for a moment.  ³Not yet.  Iım sure heıll catch 
up soon.²

Mara nodded, carefully examining what was left of her ration bar before popping it in her 
mouth.  ³Do we have any idea how much longer weıre going to be in these tunnels?²

³A day or two, according to the Qom Jha.  Although I donıt know how accurate that is.²

They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, deep in thought, avoiding each others’ gaze.  
Both were extremely relieved when the sound of beating wings heralded the arrival of Artoo 
and their guides.


The third day of their mission’ proved to be even slower going than the previous two.  The 
relatively smooth tunnel floor had become an obstacle course, strewn with boulders of every 
size, with the odd pit or chasm thrown in for good measure.  Luke had taken to following 
behind Artoo, helping the little astromech whenever he needed it.

³Taking the droid along better be worth it,² commented Mara for the umpteenth time.

Luke just shrugged as he helped Artoo over a pile of rubble onto the smooth floor beyond.  
³I donıt think weıd make much better time without him, to be honest.²

³Maybe.  Maybe not.²  Mara watched as Artoo trundled off towards the next obstacle.

³I just have the feeling that weıll need him.²

³I know.  Jedi hunch.  You said before.²  Mara sighed.  ³Doesnıt mean I have to like it.²

Lukeıs reply was cut off as an electronic scream assaulted their ears.  Quick as a flash, he 
closed his eyes and stretched out his arm, instantly pinpointing Artooıs position as he fell 
down a deep chasm and grabbing him with the Force.  The scream slowly died away as 
Luke started raising him back to the surface, and Mara raced over to the edge.

³Did you manage to catch him?² she asked anxiously, peering down into the dark fissure.

³I think so,² he replied, his voice sounding strained.  ³Can you see him yet?²

Mara shone her glowrod down the hole, finally spotting a reflection of the astromechıs 
shiny dome.  ³Got him.  Heıs a helluva long way down, though.²  She watched as the 
reflection moved closer, then frowned as it suddenly stopped.  Mara turned enquiringly to 
Luke.

³Sithspit!  Heıs stuck!²  A trickle of sweat wound its way down Lukeıs cheek and the 
sinews and muscles on his arm stood out as he struggled to keep a hold on Artoo. 

³Good old Force,² muttered Mara as she sped back to Lukeıs pack and yanked out the 
length of synthrope.  She quickly tied one end firmly around her waist and the other round 
a good-sized boulder a couple of meters away.

Luke opened one eye.  ³What are you doing?²

³What does it look like, Skywalker,² said Mara, walking towards the edge.  ³Iım going to 
climb down and free the droid.  When I yell, you lift him up.²

³Donıt fall, Mara.²

³Iıll try to remember that,² said Mara with a wink.  She lowered herself over the edge and 
started to climb down, hoping the rope was long enough.

Luckily, the craggy surface supplied plenty of hand and foot holds, and it wasnıt too long 
before she reached Artoo.  ³Itıs one of his foot-cables.  It got caught on an outcrop,² she 
shouted.  Mara quickly freed the cable from the offending piece of rock.  ³Thatıs it, Luke.  
Take him up.²  The droid immediately shot upwards and Mara renewed her grip on the 
rock face, starting the slow climb up.

³You need any help?²

Mara looked up to see Luke grinning at her over the edge of the chasm.  ³No levitation, 
thanks, but you could pull up the excess rope.²  Even as she spoke, the rock under her right 
foot crumbled and she was suddenly falling back the way she had so laboriously climbed.  
Her breath left her with a whoosh as the rope snapped taught, bruising her waist.

Lukeıs arm-muscles felt the strain once more as he held on to the rope, his feet planted 
firmly on the floor.  ³You okay, Mara?²  The string of curses that floated up out of the 
hole reassured him that she had survived relatively uninjured, and he started pulling on the 
rope.

³Hold it, Skywalker!²

Luke stopped immediately, wrapping the rope round his forearm a second time to ensure it 
didnıt slip.  He felt some movement on the rope, then it went slightly slack.  ³Mara!²

³Iım fine.  Just let me climb up.  Itıs more comfortable than you yanking me there.²

Luke smiled, wondering if the irritation in her voice was aimed at him or at herself.  He 
slowly pulled up the rope, trying not to pull it too taught.  A grin split his face when he saw 
the top of her head appear at the edge of the hole and he rushed forwards to help her up.

Mara reached up and grabbed his extended arm, relieved that she was finally at the top; 
Lukeıs firm grip almost wrenched her arm out of its socket as he pulled her clear. 

³Thanks.²  The word was hardly out of her mouth when she stumbled on a small rock, her 
legs still shaky from the climb.

Luke caught her as she pitched forwards, automatically seizing her waist as she grabbed his 
arms.  ³Are you sure youıre okay?² 

Her head slowly tilted upwards and her eyes met his as she slowed her breathing.  ³Iım 
fine, Luke.  Just a bit dizzy.² 

His blue eyes twinkled as the concerned look on his face slowly changed into a smile.  She 
must be dizzy; she hardly ever called him by his first name.  ³Thanks for saving Artoo.²

Mara noticed that his hands continued to steady her, and for the first time in her life, she 
didnıt feel the urge to shove him away.  ³Youıre both welcome.  I guess I must be 
developing a soft spot for him.²

Artoo gave a happy whistle.

³Artoo says thank you, too,² said Luke, his eyes never leaving hers.

His blue eyes were mesmerising, almost hypnotic, she thought.  ³Are you going to admit 
heıs slowing us down, yet?²

Luke shrugged slightly, unwilling to dislodge her hands.  ³It could have been worse.  It 
could have been one of us that fell down that hole.²

³I think we would have seen it coming,² replied Mara with a smirk.

³You canıt say for sure,² said Luke, his grip on her waist tightening almost imperceptibly.  
³It could have been you.²

³You would have caught me.²

He nodded, swallowing hard at the thought of Mara in danger.  ³Iıd like to think I would 
have.²

Mara glanced down when she could no longer meet his gaze; the emotion she felt was too 
powerful.  Her hands travelled down his arms until she took his hands in her own, removing 
them from her body.  ³Weıd better get going.  Weıve lost enough time as it is.²  She 
looked back up at him, but his eyes didnıt meet hers; they were locked on their joined 
hands.  ³Luke.²   She tugged on his hands and he finally looked up.  ³Letıs go.²

He dropped her hands and blinked a couple of times.  ³Yeah.  We should move.²

Mara untied the rope from her waist and coiled it neatly before handing it to Luke to stow in 
his pack.  ³Come on, Skywalker.  Iıve got a feeling weıll be out of these damn caves 
soon.²

Luke hefted his pack onto his back and smiled gently.  ³A vision, Mara?²

She settled her own pack on, before raising an eyebrow at him.  ³No.  I believe the visions 
are your department, Jedi.²  Walking slowly and carefully, she started picking her way 
around the chasm that had almost claimed Artoo.

³So where do you get your feeling’ from?² asked Luke as he followed her, Artoo bumping 
at his heels in an effort to stay as close as possible to his master.

Her eyes met his for a moment, then glanced away.  ³Optimism.²



Chapter 8 - ³Vision of the Future² by Timothy Zahn (Mara has just been shot by the 
Chiss - first line is Zahnıs)


³ıNight, Luke.  Donıt forget to wake me if the bad guys crash the party.² 

Maraıs eyes drifted closed as she sank slowly into the Force-induced trance.  As the pain 
subsided, she found herself once more able to sense Lukeıs obviously unshielded feelings 
and she cringed inside at the anxiety and fear emanating from him.  Skywalker over-
protectiveness to the fore, as usual.  And yet ... there was something more.  Underpinning 
his distress at her condition was a feeling of deep and profound affection.

Her muscles forcibly relaxed, her breathing and heartbeat slowed, but even as she slipped 
deeper and deeper into the trance, her mind was screaming out its new-found knowledge.  
He cared about her!  Not just in the way that he cared about the fate of the New Republic or 
about his students on Yavin, but cared about her as an individual, as a person.  As a woman.  
Cared more than sheıd ever imagined.  The revelation hit her like a stampeding bantha.

Luke!  She fought to cry out, to acknowledge his feelings.  Luke!  He obviously couldnıt 
hear her silent cry.  Luke!  Talk to me!  Blackness enveloped her and she sank into the 
warm comfort of unconsciousness.


5 days later...

He sat with his back to the wall, arms pulled tightly around his knees, and watched her with 
worried eyes, just as heıd been doing on and off for the past five days.  His frustrated sigh 
echoed slightly as he finally admitted to himself that the trance wasnıt going to work in 
time.  Her injured shoulder had healed to an angry red welt, but it would still cause her a 
great deal of pain if he brought her out of the trance now.  And more pain was the last thing 
he wished for her.  He should really leave her in the healing trance for another two or three 
days, but something kept telling him there was no more time; he had to rouse her soon.

When she had been shot, the shock had almost paralyzed him.  His body had switched to 
autopilot, the only way heıd been able to get her away from danger.  The shock had 
continued for several hours, until the adrenaline finally drained from his system and reality 
had hit.  Then he had started to shake uncontrollably and it took all of his willpower to stop 
himself from crying.  He had almost lost her.  The laser bolt that had pierced her shoulder 
could just as easily have hit her stomach, her chest or her head.  He wouldnıt ... couldnıt 
allow himself to love her, but he didnıt want to lose her.  It was bad enough seeing her dead 
in a vision that may or may not come to pass, but to have her die in his arms...  It just didnıt 
bear thinking about.

But there was still one thing left to try.  Mara had an incredibly strong Force-presence and 
they already shared a bond; perhaps he could tap into her power and use it to supplement 
his own in a last-ditch attempt at speed-healing.  He wouldnıt feel particularly comfortable 
doing it - morally, it was akin to reading her mind - but she was in no state to give her 
consent, and it seemed to be unavoidable if he was to stand any chance of healing her. 

He kept trying to convince himself of this as he stood and crossed to her, carefully stepping 
around the cooker the Qom Jha had brought.  As he sank to the floor beside her, he noticed 
the avian they had provided had only just started to cook.  ³Well, weıve got to get you out 
of this soon, Mara.  Dinnerıs on.  Roast ... umm ... thing.²  He smiled at his own feeble 
joke, suddenly desperate for her company again.

He held his breath as he carefully brushed her hair from her temples.  ³I hope this works, 
my friend.²  Stretching out beside her, he once again laid his arm across her chest and 
placed a hand gently on her injured shoulder, just as he had every day for the past five days.  
³And I hope you will be able to forgive me if you ever find out Iıve done this.²  He closed 
his eyes and slipped into her mind, tentatively at first, then more confidently as he detected 
her Force presence and realized their bond would make it easy to draw her strength to 
himself.

As he descended into a deep meditative state, he tried to ignore the images around him.  
They were Maraıs memories, her hopes, her fears, her past, her present.  And even though 
she often accused him of reading her mind’, he would never consciously do such a thing.  
But in her present condition, her mind was laid completely open to him, and he could not 
help but recognize familiar images as they flashed across his own mind.  People, places, 
events; many were totally strange to him, but some he could identify.  Karrde raising a glass 
to her; Mirax and Corran Horn; Leia on Corellia; Lando...  Even though he knew it was 
only a memory, Luke could feel his hackles rising.  Lando smiling at her, his eyes twinkling 
as they shared some private joke.  Luke counted Lando as a good friend: although often 
reticent because of personal responsibilities, Lando would always come through if the New 
Republic needed him.  But for years Luke had heard the rumors of an affair between the ex-
General and Mara, and now it was starting to annoy him.  REALLY annoy him.  Lando had 
recently married, and Luke had never asked him if the rumors were true.  Yet here he was in 
Maraıs memories; maybe it was about time he got the truth out of Mara...  Suddenly he 
noticed another common figure in Maraıs mind: himself.  Over and over again, he 
recognized his own image; in his Jedi robes at the Academy on Yavin, sparring with her on 
Drall, in the med bay of the Starry Ice’...  And along with the multitude of images came 
feelings; Maraıs feelings.  A kaleidoscope of respect, happiness, fear, contentment, 
frustration, and...

³No!²  Abruptly he pulled out of his trance and out of her mind, his eyes flicking open, his 
hand leaving her shoulder as if scalded.  ³No, Mara.  No!  You canıt care about me.  Not 
like that.²  He wiped a hand over his face, suddenly realizing he was covered in sweat; a 
glance at his chrono showed more than two hours had passed since heıd started meditating. 

Slowly, he backed away from her, then drew his knees up and hugged them.  ³Please donıt 
do this, Mara.²  His voice was thick with emotion, and even though he knew she couldnıt 
hear him, he carried on talking.  ³Iıd be no good for you; Iım no good for anyone.  People 
who get close to me always get hurt sooner or later, and I care about you too much to...²  
He choked back a sob as he squeezed his eyes shut and dropped his head to his knees, 
rocking gently as he tried to come to terms with what he had discovered.  Did she love him?  
As a friend, certainly.  As something more... he didnıt think even Mara knew the answer to 
that question.  But if she did...

He looked up, still rocking.  He hadnıt had a proper relationship in years, and had recently 
resigned himself to a life alone.  He thought he had accepted this as his destiny but now, 
with the chance of happiness before him, was it possible...  For a fleeting moment he 
imagined holding her in his arms, listening as she declared her love for him; marriage, 
children...  No.  He couldnıt love her, wouldnıt allow himself to love her.  It was too 
dangerous, for them both.

Taking a couple of deep breaths, he forced his brain back to a state of calm and composed 
his features.  He had to pretend that it had never happened, that he had never found out 
about her feelings for him.  For if Mara discovered what he had done, she could easily give 
in to her anger and finish him off for good.  And he knew that if he acknowledged her 
feelings as having some truth to them, heıd also have to admit to his own emotions, 
something he was not willing to do.  At least, not yet.

Edging back towards her, he leaned over to inspect her wound.  Clear, unblemished skin 
showed through the damaged suit and a slow smile crept across Lukeıs face.  ³Iıll be 
Kesseled!  It actually worked!²  His gaze drifted slowly back to her face, looking so 
innocent and beautiful as she slept.  Now that he thought about it, he was pretty sure Maraıs 
feelings were subconscious; mostly subconscious, anyway.  ³Weıre such good friends, 
Mara.  How about we just leave it at that?  Iıll worry about you and you can tell me when 
Iım being an idiot; is that a deal?  And then after this is all over...²  He swallowed the lump 
that formed in his throat as the vision of her dead rose unbidden to his mind once more.  
No.  He refused to believe she would die.  ³Well, after itıs over, maybe we could see each 
other more often, spend some time together...²

He was interrupted by the cooker as it gave a gentle beep, indicating the food was cooked.  
³Time to wake up, I guess.²  Impulsively, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.  
³And this time, try not to get shot.²

He touched his fingertips to her temples and closed his eyes, drawing on the Force to rouse 
her from her trance.



Chapter 9 - VotF - (after fighting their way out of the Chiss fortress, Luke is in a healing 
trance and Mara has settled herself on a cliff edge to watch the impending carnage she has 
already set in motion...)


As her eyes scanned the starry night sky, Mara shivered and wished sheıd brought some 
kind of blanket, or maybe a jacket.  She drew her knees up and hugged them for warmth, yet 
still she shivered.

She couldnıt believe she was actually doing this.  Sacrificing her ship.  Sacrificing her 
freedom.  And all for a government that continued to regard her with scorn and contempt.  
She shifted her body, unconsciously trying to burrow her back into the cliff behind her.  
She hadnıt felt this cold in a long time.

No, she decided, she wasnıt doing it for the New Republic government.  And she wasnıt 
doing it for Luke Skywalker, either.  Her gaze drifted down to the overhang that hid their 
stolen ship.  Closing her eyes, she tentatively stretched out with the Force ... he was still 
unconscious.  Good.  Heıd only try to stop her.

³Why didnıt you tell me you cared, Luke?²  She opened her eyes when she realized sheıd 
actually spoken out loud.  Hugging herself tightly, she began to rock, the pain in her gut 
building with every passing minute.  Maybe if she thought about Skywalker, sheıd be able 
to dampen the agony threatening to overwhelm her soul.  At least for a while... 

For ten years, sheıd struggled with her feelings for the Jedi Master, never quite sure if the 
conflict she felt was normal or not.  She disliked Yavin 4 and its Academy full of 
pretentious students, yet still she had felt drawn to the place, to him.  When she had seen 
him with Callista, she had felt strangely ambiguous; unaccountably miserable, yet happy 
because he was happy.  In recent years especially, whenever they met her heart pounded in 
her ears, breathing had suddenly become more difficult, and a smile from him was enough 
to banish any dark mood.  Even his touch had made her skin tingle... 

Her eyes were drawn to a meteor as it burned its way across the upper atmosphere.  She 
smiled grimly; couldnıt be long now.  In some ways, she wished that the time it would take 
for the Fire’ to crash would last forever; she wanted to hang on to her freedom, to the life 
sheıd built for herself, for as long as possible.  But most of the time, she just wanted it over 
with.  It was inevitable.

It was also inevitable that sheıd have to talk to Luke about their feelings for one another; the 
tension was starting to drive her crazy.  When she had first come out of the healing trance 
Luke had put her in, sheıd felt so disorientated that sheıd had trouble remembering where 
she was and what she was doing.  Then her empty stomach had commandeered her brain 
and sheıd eaten like a half-starved vornskr pup.  They had talked about the Chiss, discussed 
her service to Palpatine, and heıd nagged her again about becoming a Jedi.  But it wasnıt 
until theyıd argued about her supposed affair with Lando Calrissian that sheıd suddenly 
remembered about her dip into his emotions as she slipped into the trance five days earlier.  
But by then it was too late.  He hadnıt mentioned his feelings for her at all since sheıd 
regained consciousness; if anything, heıd steered the conversation away from thoughts and 
emotions onto safer, more logical ground.  Until heıd totally given himself away by asking 
about Lando.  Mara smiled as she remembered the jealousy shining in his eyes.

Another meteor pulled her thoughts back to the present.  Moving the Fire’ had undoubtedly 
dislodged some of the asteroids that had been camouflaging its hiding place.  Belatedly, 
Mara wondered if the Chiss would notice the extra astronomical activity and therefore her 
ship.  Doubtful.  Theyıd be too busy repairing the damage she and Luke had already 
caused, and readying their one remaining ship for the flight to Bastion.  To Bastion and to 
the Empire.  Or, at least, to what the Empire had become.  She clenched her fists so hard that 
her nails dug into her palms.  She wouldnıt allow that to happen.  And if that meant 
sacrificing her ship, her freedom, even her life, then so be it.

Her life?  Would it actually cost her her life?  The thought sent a shiver down her spine and 
into the pit of her stomach.  If she was totally honest, Mara couldnıt see how they would 
ever get off the planet alive, especially after what she had already set in motion.  The Chiss 
would blast them out of the sky without more than a glance, and the chances of an NR 
rescue mission were virtually nil.  And yet, Mara didnıt mourn her own probable death.  
Perhaps it was something she had accepted when sheıd first landed on the planet.  Or 
maybe it was the hints Luke had dropped about a vision he had experienced, a vision which 
he had been unwilling to share with her.  She wasnıt stupid; the first time heıd mentioned it, 
sheıd seen the look of pain in his eyes and guessed what heıd seen.  No, Mara didnıt fear 
her own death.  But she didnıt know how she would face the death of Luke Skywalker.

The stars blurred as her eyes filled with tears.  ³Oh, Luke, I am so sorry,² she whispered, 
blinking madly until her vision cleared.  ³I donıt want you to die.²  The only thing that 
overwhelmed the pain she felt at losing her ship, her freedom, and her life, was the agony 
she felt when she thought of losing him.  ³Iım sorry,² she whispered one last time, before 
resolutely pulling the Force to herself and concealing her Force-presence.  The waiting was 
almost over...

//Mara//

His voice in her head cut through the layers of camouflage and barriers she had set up as if 
they werenıt there.  For a fraction of a second she considered hiding her presence from him 
for as long as she could, but she dismissed the idea just as quickly.  There was just no point 
anymore.  //Up here//


She managed to hold back the tears right up to the point where Luke realized exactly what 
sheıd done.  But then his own anguish rekindled her distress, and she wept like sheıd never 
done before.  When his arm slipped around her back, she overrode her automatic reaction to 
pull away and melted into his chest, sobbing out her pain and misery as he pulled her to him 
and murmured quiet platitudes into her hair.  She couldnıt hear his words, but could feel 
him trying to absorb her pain, to ease her suffering.  Her arms slid tightly around his waist 
and she cried herself out to the tempo of his heartbeat. 

The tears had almost dried completely when she felt his body stiffen as he sucked in a sharp 
breath.  Lifting her head, she loosened her grip and watched as the Jadeıs Fire’, already 
damaged beyond repair, drifted into view.  A quiet determination gripped her heart as the 
ship bore down on the fortress, and she leaned forward, resolved to watch until the bitter 
end.  The deadly green lasers from the towers continued to rip into the shields and into the 
ship itself, and Mara was surprised when the sadness she felt slowly ebbed away, to be 
replaced only by immense pride that the Fire’ had lasted as long as it had.  And then, in a 
huge, incandescent fireball that she knew she would see in her dreams for the rest of her life, 
her ship rammed its target and completed its mission.


It was gone.  It was over.  Just as her life as the Emperorıs Hand had disappeared in the 
flicker of an eye, so the life she had spent fifteen years building for herself also vanished.  
The Jadeıs Fire’ had been her home, her livelihood, her only true possession.  But it had 
also symbolized her freedom, and now that freedom no longer existed.  Mara Jade had 
taken that last, irrevocable step and become part of ... what?  The New Republic?  The Jedi?  
She glanced up at the one person in the whole galaxy who could understand what she had 
just gone through.

His blue eyes radiated concern as he watched her, his brow crinkling with anxiety.  ³Are 
you okay, Mara?²

She nodded silently, her gaze never leaving his.  Her whole life had just gone in the flash of 
an explosion; maybe it was time to let go of some other perceptions sheıd held for far too 
long.  Perceptions of herself, and of the man comforting her in his arms.  Closing the 
distance between them, she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, a last tear escaping from the 
corner of her eye.  ³Thank you, Luke.  Thank you for coming for me, for being here...²

He crushed her to him, murmuring against the top of her head.  ³Mara. Oh, Mara.²

Her arms held on to him securely; he was her rock in the storm of her emotions, the man 
she could finally admit she loved.  When he firmly tilted her face up to his she offered no 
resistance, and when his lips descended to hers she closed her eyes and lost herself in his 
kiss.

When she finally pulled away, she looked up to see his eyes burrowing into hers.  Reading 
her mind?  No; only her face, her expression.

He swallowed hard, his lips moving silently before forming words.  ³Mara, I think I...²

³Shhh.²  She pressed a shaky finger to his lips, cutting him off.  ³Donıt say it.  Not right 
now.²  She tore her gaze away from him and stared at the smoldering fortress.  ³Itıs not 
finished yet.  We have to go back inside.²



Chapter 10 - VotF - (just before the Qom Qae fly Luke, Mara & Artoo back to the Fortress)


They worked silently, efficiently, winding the last of their synthrope round and under the 
little blue and white astromech so that he would be able to make the flight.  Artoo gurgled 
worriedly and Mara hid a smile as Luke absentmindedly rubbed a comforting hand over the 
top of the droidıs dome.

³Itıs okay, Artoo,² he muttered gently, ³youıll be fine.²

Artoo whistled and beeped at length, and Mara glanced up at the datapad theyıd rigged to 
translate.  ³What does he mean, he doesnıt like flying?² she asked Luke incredulously.  
³Heıs an astromech!²

³I think he means when heıs not at least partially acquainted with the computer controlling 
the ship.²  He peeked round the cylindrical body and a wry smile escaped his lips.  
³Sometimes I donıt think he trusts sentients.²

Artoo burbled a retort, but Mara didnıt even look at the datapad; her eyes were fixed on 
Lukeıs as her breath shallowed.  Sheıd been avoiding touching him, even talking to him 
since theyıd come down from the cliff ledge, as she concentrated on the mission before her.  
But now he was so close and she could feel something well up inside as tears stung her 
eyes and something unfathomable gripped her heart.

The smile fell from Lukeıs face as he watched her expression change, and he held her gaze 
for as long as he could.  ³Mara, we have to talk.²

She swallowed and looked away, her lips tightening.  She had thought it would be her that 
would end up asking him to discuss their feelings; heıd always seemed so closed off, so ... 
unwilling.  But now reticence gripped her heart and her mind, and suddenly she wanted to 
avoid this awkward discussion.  ³I donıt think thatıs such a good idea, Luke.  We have to 
go back into the fortress and we donıt know what will happen...²

Standing up, he reached out a hand to her.  ³I think thatıs why we must talk,² he said 
quietly.

Her eyes locked on his boots, staring but unseeing, for a long moment.  Finally she took his 
hand and allowed herself to be pulled up, before meeting his eyes.

He stood somewhat stiffly, watching her carefully and holding her hand as if he were afraid 
she might run.  ³Mara, whatıs wrong?²

³You mean, apart from the obvious.²  Her death.  His death.  They were never getting off 
the planet, that much was pretty certain.  Her eyes dropped to their joined hands as she felt 
his thumb rub across her knuckles.

³Mara, Iım sorry.²  He dropped her hand.  ³Iım sorry if I upset you.  I realize now that 
when I kissed you, I was taking advantage of the situation.  It ... it wonıt happen again.²

And there it was: her get-out clause.  She was distressed, he kissed her, they came to their 
senses, they stayed just friends’.  It was quite simple, really.  Except for the fact that her 
heart was breaking into a million pieces at the mere thought.  Logic said stay friends ... it 
will never work ... thereıs no point’.  Mara decided Logic could go jump off a cliff.  
³Maybe I want it to happen again,² she whispered, almost inaudibly.

Lukeıs heart was thudding in his chest so loudly that he was sure she must be able to hear 
it.  ³You do?²  Incredulity, fear, and unadulterated happiness fought for dominance in his 
brain.

Their eyes met once more.  ³Iım not sure, Luke.  I ... I care about you, but...²  Her teeth 
clenched in frustration.  ³Why did it have to happen now?  When weıre stuck on this Sith-
forsaken rock, when our chances of surviving to see tomorrow are slim, when weıve got to 
go back inside...²

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her body to his.  ³Weıre Jedi.  Weıll survive.²

She stiffened against his embrace for a fraction of a second, then surrendered herself to his 
warmth.  ³Jedi doesnıt mean indestructible, Skywalker.²

³I know, Mara, I know.  But we have to believe...  It canıt just end like this.²  He spoke 
into her hair, crushing her firmly to him.  ³Mara, I care about you.  I didnıt want to, but I 
do...²

She pushed him away, her palms flat on his chest as she searched his face for the truth.  
³Didnıt want to care about me?  Why not?²

He shrugged, meeting her unflinching gaze.  ³People I care about get hurt.²  His eyes 
dropped to her hands.  ³They get killed, or they run away.  They end up shot or injured or 
blasted out of the sky.  Besides...²  His grip on her waist tightened as his blue eyes drifted 
back to her face.  ³... I didnıt know how youıd react.  I donıt want to jeopardize our 
friendship.²  There.  Heıd said it out loud.  Their friendship meant more to him than almost 
any other, yet still heıd kissed her, breaking his vow to himself that he wouldnıt drag her 
into his life.  What had he been thinking...?

And yet, she remained in his arms, carefully watching his face as she assimilated his words.  
Maybe there was hope...

³Luke, I get shot at on almost a daily basis.  I donıt think being on the same planet as you 
makes a whole lot of difference.²  He opened his mouth a little as if to speak, but she 
pressed a silencing finger to his lips.  ³And I would hope that whatever may happen 
between us, our friendship is strong enough to survive.²

He nodded, unable to say anything.  Whatever may happen?  He knew what he wanted to 
happen, knew it with all his heart.  Her emerald eyes drilled into him, and for a moment he 
had the notion he could hear her thoughts.  But no, their bond wasnıt that strong.  He could 
only read the emotions she was projecting, both through the Force and written as clear as 
dawn on Tattooine on her face.  Whatever may happen?  Tentatively, he leaned forward and 
placed a gentle kiss on her lips, a kiss which soon deepened as the taut feeling in his gut 
threatened to overwhelm him.  His eyes shut tight and he pulled her close, barely noticing 
her arms snaking round his neck.

She was floating, soaring ... melting in his arms.  Her heart pounded in her chest, but it 
could have just as easily stopped beating altogether as she succumbed to his kiss.  
Enchanted, she willed it to go on forever.

It was Luke who finally broke away gently, his forehead resting against hers.  ³Mara, what 
are we going to do?²

She inhaled a ragged breath before replying.  ³I donıt know.  Get on with the mission, I 
suppose.²  Finally, she felt her depression, her certainty that they would die, lifting.  If 
anyone could get out of this, she and Luke could.  They were a team; Faughn had said as 
much, a mere lifetime ago.

³You mean so much to me, Mara, I ... I donıt suppose youıd consider staying...²

³...staying out here while you and the droid face whateverıs in there?  Not in this lifetime, 
Skywalker.²  Her eyes nervously met his, her breath tickling his lips.  ³Iım afraid youıre 
stuck with me now.²

His slow smile lit up his eyes as scanned her face, memorizing her features.  ³I think I like 
being stuck with you, Mara.²  Slowly, his finger ran round the curve of her jawline.  
³When we get back to Coruscant, could we perhaps spend some time together?²

³Luke Skywalker, what are you suggesting?² she asked, an eyebrow raised in mock-
indignation.

A blush tinged his cheeks and he looked down, embarrassed.  ³I only meant dinner or a 
visit to one of the gardens or...²  The touch of her hand on his cheek brought his gaze back 
up to meet hers.

She smiled.  ³When we get back to Coruscant, weıll go to one of the most exclusive 
restaurants on the planet and spend an indecent amount of credits on a shamefully decadent 
meal.  And weıll talk.²

³Iıd like that, Mara.² 

There was a moment of silence, of peace, of two friends realizing that camaraderie had 
somehow deepened into affection.  No words were spoken in that short time, yet still 
emotions were conveyed, powerful feelings that stabbed into their hearts, changing them 
forever.

The sound of wings rhythmically beating the air made them both look up.  ³The Qom 
Qae,² said Luke.  ³Theyıre back.²  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  ³Time to 
go, I guess.²

³I suppose so,² replied Mara, a frown gathering on her face.  ³Once more into the rancor 
pit, so to speak.²

One blue eye opened.  ³I really wish you wouldnıt use that expression.²

³Sorry.²  Mara placed a gentle hand on either side of his face, a worried smile tugging her 
mouth as his gaze met hers.  ³Be careful, Skywalker.²

³You, too, Mara.²  He pressed a short, firm kiss to her lips.  ³May the Force be with 
you.²



Chapter 11 - VotF - (a cavern under the Hand of Thrawn’. Italicized lines are Zahnıs...)


The flight to the tunnel entrance had been uneventful, and the same could almost be said for 
the journey underground.  A few traps, obviously set for the Qom Jha, had proved a minor 
diversion but nothing else had impeded their progress. 

Nothing, that is, until the moment they decided to grab Artoo and leave the underground 
cave theyıd discovered.  Suddenly they found themselves standing back-to-back, fighting 
for their lives.  No time to think, they could only react.  Each of them sank deeply into the 
Force and drew on the power inside themselves to wield their lightsabers as never before, 
deflecting shot after deadly shot, struggling against the seemingly insurmountable odds of 
facing two indestructible sentinel droids.

Then their problems switched from dodging blasters to avoiding drowning, as the water rose 
higher and higher, cutting off their escape route.  Yet even as she accepted her own death, 
Mara inwardly rejoiced in the strength of her bond with Luke when she realized that she 
could almost hear his thoughts, could instinctively understand his hopes ... and his fears.  
Mara knew there was some kind of bond between every Jedi, a result of their Force-legacy.  
But the connection between herself and the Jedi Master was somehow more powerful than 
any she had ever heard of before.  And that bond had been growing almost continuously 
since theyıd met in the Qom Jha caves all those days previously; sometimes the 
improvement had been almost unnoticeable, on other occasions it had been a blaster bolt 
from nowhere.  When sheıd woken from her healing trance.  When heıd held her in his 
arms as her ship made its final, suicidal flight.  And now, when theyıd fought together for 
the first time since she had become a Jedi.  If only they could have survived to explore the 
depth of the bond between them...

_²Donıt give up yet,² Luke said.  But there was no particular hope in his voice that she 
could detect.  ³There has to be a way out of this.²_

Reaching out her hand, her fingers carefully entwined with his.  ³Luke?²

His gaze connected with hers and he was surprised to see the calm acceptance in her eyes.

³Luke, you told me of a technique for saving the spirit when the body dies.  I know you 
donıt have time to teach me, but I think you should do it yourself.  Leiaıs children need 
you, and so do your students...²

³No!²

Even though she was half-expecting his sharp retort, it still made her flinch.  ³You must, 
Luke.  The Jedi cannot live on without your guidance, the galaxy is relying on you...²

³No.²  His voice was quieter, but still determined.  ³I wonıt leave you.  We can still get 
out of this.  There has to be a way, there just has to be...²

³Luke, you said you saw me dead in a vision.  If thatıs my destiny, then so be it.²  A tear 
trickled slowly down one cheek and Mara struggled to hold her voice steady.  ³Please try to 
save yourself, in whatever form you can.²

He cupped her face in his hand and watched mesmerized as another tear followed the first, 
slipping slowly round his thumb.  ³I canıt, Mara.  I canıt go on without you.  If itıs your 
destiny to die here, then itıs mine too.  I will do nothing to defer it, and nothing you can say 
will change my mind.²  He lowered his head to hers and kissed her fiercely, his passion for 
her obvious over their new-found bond. 

She returned the kiss ardently, forcing herself to become momentarily blind to their 
predicament, deaf to the sloshing water as it rose further up the walls.  ³Please, Luke...²

He held her face in his hands, close to his own.  ³Mara, I wonıt leave you.  I canıt.²  He 
unhooked his lightsaber from his belt, the familiar weight suffusing him with intense, if 
slightly misplaced confidence.  ³There is a way out of this, I know there is.  We just have to 
find it.²  His left hand gripped Maraıs hand tightly and he relaxed as much as he could, 
listening to what the Force would tell him.

***

When heıd first suggested blowing the cloning tankıs fusion generator, Mara had felt only 
shock at the enormity of what he was suggesting.  Then rationality kicked in and she 
realized that it might just work, but only if she was the one to take down the wall.  For the 
first time in days she felt angry as she found herself having to convince him that she was the 
most logical choice for the task.


_Luke glared at her.  But she was right, and they both knew it.  ³This is blackmail, you 
know.²_

_²This is common sense,² she corrected him._

He saw from her cross-armed stance and her determined expression that she was resolved 
to execute his plan, and he wouldnıt be able to change her mind.  ³Iım still not happy about 
this.²

Letting her arms drop to her sides, Mara took a step closer to him.  ³Luke, let go.²

³Let go of what?²

³Let go of the idea that youıre the only one to save the day,² she replied quietly, a slight 
smile tugging her lips.  ³Iım the right person for the job; you know it, I know it.  Hey, even 
Artoo probably knows it.²  Her hand stretched out and rested on his shoulder.  ³Trust me.  
Let me do my part.²

For a split second he tensed against her touch, his fear of getting close to her returning in 
the face of her endangerment.  Then he took a step forwards and swept her into his arms, 
holding her tightly and whispering her name over and over as he buried his face in her neck.  
³Blast it, Mara, I donıt want to lose you.²

³You wonıt lose me, Skywalker.²  She drew back, encouraging him to do the same.  As 
she studied his face, so close to her own, something grabbed her insides and twisted, 
squeezing the air out of her lungs and gripping her heart so firmly that she believed it might 
actually stop beating.  The dim lighting softened his features, yet she could still see his eyes 
sparkling with unshed tears.  She opened her mouth to speak, but he was faster.

³Mara, I love you.²

The words were whispered, but they hammered into her brain with the power of Force 
lightening.  Love?  Was that what she was feeling?  She knew loyalty, devotion, and 
friendship, but she had never before encountered true love.  Until now.  Until him.  
Dumbstruck, she battled to get her emotions under control. 

She couldnıt reply, couldnıt say anything.  She merely nodded, her lips pressed tightly 
together.  Then she ruthlessly pushed her feelings for him to one side and stepped away, her 
green eyes blazing with fresh determination as she grasped her lightsaber firmly.  She 
would have one shot at this and she would make it work.

_²Ready.²_

***

_...two meters to his right, bobbing gently in the pool as she floated beside the craggy rock, 
was Mara.  Her eyes closed, her arms and legs limp.  As if in death._

³Oh, Gods, no!  Oh, no!  Oh, no!²  Wet clothes and the shallow current dragging at his 
legs couldnıt slow him down as he raced to her and pulled her towards him, cradling her 
shoulders and head against his chest.  Was she dead?

_²I love you, Mara.²_

Green eyes blinked slowly open as her chest heaved then coughed the excess water from 
her lungs.  ³Luke?²

³Iım here.²  He squeezed her tightly to himself, hardly daring to believe she had survived; 
his vision had passed and she was alive.  Somehow he helped her to stand, although his own 
legs threatened to collapse under him and he could barely see through the tears filling his 
eyes.

Shakily, Mara pushed her wet hair from her face, leaning against him as she concentrated on 
settling her breathing.  Lukeıs hand on her cheek brought her eyes up to meet his.  ³We 
made it?² she asked incredulously. 

He nodded, a huge grin lighting up his face.  ³We made it.²

³Oh, Luke.²  She flung her arms round his neck and hugged him close; fear, exhaustion 
and anxiety totally subdued by a dazzling euphoria.  ³I canıt believe we got out of there!²  
When she finally loosened her grip, her own smile was radiant.  Then she was kissing him 
urgently, confirming in her own way that they had indeed survived.

Eventually, somewhat reluctantly, they parted, foreheads touching as they caught their 
breath.

³Mara?²  Her eyes looked darker as they gazed up from under long lashes.  ³Mara, I 
thought Iıd lost you.²

³I know.  But you didnıt; Iım here.²

Luke continued as if she hadnıt spoken.  ³I came round and I saw you floating there, and I 
thought you were dead.  That you were never coming back.² 

She frowned at the seriousness in his voice.  ³Iım okay, Luke.²

³Before I even landed on this planet, I knew there was a possibility that you might already 
be dead.  When the fire creepers came, I worried that you wouldnıt get out of the way fast 
enough.²  His voice trembled but still he didnıt stop.  ³When the Chiss shot you, I didnıt 
know if you would survive.  And as for that cavern back there, well ... I thought we were 
both dead.²  He lifted his forehead from hers, his gaze intense as he reaffirmed to himself 
that she was really alive.  ³Mara, I never want to be apart from you again.²

Smiling gently, she cupped his face in her hands.  ³I told you, Luke.  Weıll go back to 
Coruscant and spend some time together, and maybe Iıll even come to Yavin with you for a 
while...²

His solemn expression didnıt change.  Could he let her know what was truly in his mind 
and in his heart?  Could he live through the possible rejection that might follow?  There was 
one way to find out.  ³No, Mara.  I want more than that.²

³More?²  Her brow creased questioningly, even as their bond provided an inkling of what 
he was about to say.

³I love you, Mara.  I thought I had loved before, but that was nothing compared to what I 
feel for you now.²

And suddenly she knew, knew of his feelings for her as well as her own feelings for him.  
She had never loved another because no man had ever lived up to the subconscious template 
she held in her mind.  A template that had ingrained itself ten years ago when she met a man 
who was both powerful and altruistic, confident in his abilities and yet shy of publicity, 
ethical yet tolerant; a man who had shown her a glimpse of what she might achieve, who had 
set her on the right path and helped her become the person she was today.  This man. 

³Luke, I love you, too.²  In her mind, the words had always sounded uncomfortable; 
synthetic words devoid of emotion.  But whispering them to him felt like the most natural 
thing in the galaxy.

³Then marry me.²  He held his breath as he watched her face, losing himself in her eyes.  
³Please?²

Marry him?  Commit herself to him for the rest of her life?  Old fears of losing her 
independence surfaced automatically, and she struggled to subdue memories of the power 
Palpatine had held over her.  Marry Luke Skywalker?  Surely there was no need; they could 
meet as often as possible, maybe even live together...  The thought of committing herself to 
another being terrified her, especially when that person was as Force-strong as Luke.

He watched her internal struggle, both on her face and through their bond, and tried to 
suppress his disappointment.  ³Iım sorry.  Itıs too soon; you need time to think about 
it...²

She loved him.  More than sheıd ever loved anyone.  And over-protectiveness aside, he 
would never try to control her or force her to do anything against her will; she knew that for 
certain.  Independence was over-rated; deep in her heart she knew she wanted to be with him 
forever.  She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat as she felt his love surround 
her, and finally she accepted the inevitable. 

³Yes.²

³Yes, youıll think about it?²  He smiled gently, hope filling his heart.

Mara shook her head.  ³Yes, Iıll marry you.²

The smile on his face became an ecstatic grin as he swept her into his arms and squeezed 
her until she thought she might burst.  ³I love you, Mara.²

³Luke?²

He loosened his hold on her until he could see her face.  ³What?²

³Can we get out of here now?²

He nodded, not even attempting to hide the happiness bubbling up inside himself.  ³Letıs 
go.²  He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently before stepping away from her in the 
shallow water.  ³Come on, Artoo.²

Beeping quietly to himself, the little droid extended his front leg and followed the two 
humans as they walked hand-in-hand in front of him, leaving behind only a V-shaped wake 
that drifted away to nothingness. 

The glimmer of light that Luke instinctively headed towards gradually brightened to become 
the delicate glow of dawn that marked the end of the cave labyrinth and the end of the 
mission that had irrevocably changed their future lives.  A future they would face together.


~FIN~