Coruscant - Luke Skywalker's suite in the Imperial Palace

For the first time since the Second Battle of Corusacant, Luke Skywalker would host a small, very private celebration for just himself, his fiance, his sister and her fiance. Everything had been set up perfectly. Food was in the oven, drinks were in the chiller and music was playing from his sound system. Luek checked everything for the umpteenth time, wanting it to be perfect. Suddenly, a flicker went through his mind and Luke smiled as Mara Jade, his fiance, murmured through their force bond. Stars above, Farmboy! It's just me and your sister and your future brother-in-law. Why so anxious?

Luke chuckled and replied, I get more nervous when it's people I know than when it's people I don't know. I'll meet you at the door.

"Don't bother. I just came in;" came Mara's reply, her naturally husky voice cheerful and a little smug.

Luke kissed her tenderly and then looked over her. She had warn a full length, red dress - one that went perfectly with her hair. At her neck was a green gem stone on a gold chain that set her eyes off brilliantly. A thin belt was around her waist and it also had a green gem stone set in the clasp. On her wrists were gold bracelets and an electrum ring with a sapphire colored Dantooine crystal set in it was on her finger - an engagement ring. Her hair was beautifully and elegantly braided.

Not for the first time and not for the last, Luke found himself rendered speechless by her beauty. Mara took the opportunity to look him over as well. It was a rare occasion where Luke wasn't wearing a black tunic, an orange flightsuit or one of the New Republic's military uniforms. This was one of those rare occasions. He was wearing a cream colored tunic and pants with a light blue shirt underneath. "I didn't even have to help you dress - so proud of you;" she jibed playfully. Luke kissed her again and murmured, "Later, it would be my most sincere pleasure to help you get undressed if you'd like."

Mara's brilliant emerald eyes twinkled and she sent a mental image over their force bond of the red dress pooling around her feet, leaving her bare to his hungry gaze. Luke gasped. "You mean you're not-"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Skywalker. Come on. Your sister and future brother-in-law will be here very soon;" she said with a false briskness. Her eyes told the truth however and Luke selfishly found that he wanted the private dinner party to be over with already.

After getting a glass of wine for Mara and stoutly refusing to let her help with any of the preparations, Luke put the food on the table. Just as he finished, his door chime went off. Taking the oven mits off his hands, he hurried to the door and opened it. There stood his sister Leia Organa and Han Solo, her fiance and Luke's soon-to-be brother-in-law. Leia smiled and hugged her brother, kissing him on the cheek affectionately. "Hello, Luke. Mmmm, everything smells amazing!"

Han shook his hand and clapped his shoulder boisterously. "How's it going, Kid? She's right. It smells great in here."

Leia and Mara greeted each other warmly. "You look terrific, Mara. I wish I could look amazing all the time."

Mara chuckled. "Stop it. I have to work pretty hard to look like this. My hair took hours. Besides, you make it look pretty effortless too."

Leia chuckled. She herself was wearing her customary white - a dress that had no sleeves and hugged her own fine figure. Mara flicked her glance to Han and would have laughed. The former smuggler and general could hardly keep his eyes off of Leia and Mara couldn't blame him. Leia looked elegant and beautiful as she always did. Luke poured Leia a glass of Alderaan wine and got Han a tumbler of Corellian brandy before showing them to their seats. The food was delicious and each of them, once again, told Luke that they were amazed at how well he could cook.

The evening was spent pleasantly. Good food and good conversation abounded and, when they had eaten their fill, they all moved to Luke's small but comfortable living area. They talked about their impending weddings and the men both mentioned that they were disappointed that they couldn't have killed two avians with one stone and had a double. Both Mara and Leia had looked rather horrified and explained every possible reason as to why it wouldn't work. "Besides," said Leia, "I doubt Mon Mothma would allow the four of us on leave for our honeymoons all at the same time. She's probably already throwing a fit just letting Luke and Mara go."

Dessert was actually ordered from a local shop not far from the Imperial Palace since Luke wasn't so good at baking. As they finished up, and Han got more and more loose thanks to the brandy, he and Leia prepared to head back to their apartments - or most likely one of their apartments together. Suddenly, both Luke and Leia looked at each other. "You heard it too?" asked Leia in a whisper. Luke nodded. Mara had not heard the voice herself but had caught a faint echo from Luke's mind. "I'll be right back, Han;" said Leia as she and Luke disappeared off the back balcony. There stood the ghostly apparition of Anakin Skywalker. He smiled at them and said, "Hello, my children."

"Hello, Father;" replied Luke. Leia remained silent. She had always seemed more hesitant around their father's spirit. Anakin smiled kindly and said, "I wish to tell you something about your mother."

They both listened closely. "She had family on Naboo - family that still lives if I'm not mistaken. Luke, Leia - it's time your learned about your mother. I could tell you but I think it would be better coming from others - her family, her servants and her closest friends who still live. Please, go to Naboo and learn about her."

Luke and Leia looked at each other and nodded. Leia spoke. "We will..." and she hesitated. "...Father."

Anakin smiled and slowly faded. They were silent for several long moments before Leia looked at Luke. "What do you think?"

Luke's eyes had a far away look in them. "All I know about her is that she was a Queen and then Senator from Naboo. Now I know that she had family. You?"

Leia shook her head. "I knew less than that before you and Father told me."

They were silent again. "We need to go;" they both said together. Smiles played on their lips as they looked at each other again. "What about Han and Mara? Will they understand? This is a hectic time and we are both trying to plan each other's weddings;" said Leia.

Luke chuckled. After a moment, he replied, "I'm sure they'll understand. Mara will. She doesn't know anything about her family either and there are times that I find little wistful thoughts and ponderings in her mind."

"Well Han sure won't;" Leia sighed. "He'll want to come with. He'll probably demand to come with but if Mon Mothma won't allow all of us to get married together, a trip to Naboo is definitely out."

They turned back towards the apartment and Luke said, "Are you ready to face out fiances?"

Leia nodded and they stepped in. Before either of them could say a word, Mara said in a firm, no-nonsense voice, "We are coming with you;"

Luke realized that he had completely neglected his mental shields and sighed. Before he could even begin to make his argument, Han cut him off. "We're going with you both. I'm not going to be left on Coruscant while my future wife goes through a potentially traumatic time."

"It will be alright, Han. Luke and I can take care of each other;" said Leia, trying to soothe him. Mara shook her head. "It's going to be hard to comfort one another when you're both emotionally shot, Leia. If Mon Mothma tries to give us a hard time, we simply say that it's very important Jedi business. She never says no to that. The military commanders will back us, just like they always do."

Luke looked at Mara a little sternly. "Mara, we can't just use that whenever we want to take a trip."

Mara's chin lifted defensively. "One of the Old Masters gave you and Leia a mission, Luke. If Anakin didn't think it was important for you two then he wouldn't have assigned it. If you're going, so am I - unless you're going to try putting me in some kind of stasis or force trance."

Luke looked at Leia for help but she was just smiling. "I think we'll have to bring them, Brother-dear. They don't seem too keen on being left behind."

Luke shook his head. "Oh come on! You're the negotiator. Can't you convince them-"

"Of what, Luke? That we don't want them to come with - because you and I both know that's a lie. That we won't need support? I love you, Luke but I don't think I'll be able to be there for you if I'm going through an extremely emotional experience. We need SOMEONE to come along and I don't think R2 and 3PO count."

Luke sighed and gave a defeated chuckle. "You're right, of course."

"I always am;" said Leia, giving his hand a squeeze. Mara went over, placed a hand on his cheek and said, "My Love, you know I'd follow you whether Han did or not - whether you wanted me to or not. The idea that you're going through something that could be potentially devastating while I'm not there is unbearable."

Luke smiled at her and kissed the palm of her hand. Han cleared his throat and clapped his hands together. "Now all we need is to find a way to convince the government. Any ideas?"

The other three looked at each other and shrugged. "Highly sensitive Jedi business - that's what we'll tell them;" said Mara. "A fact finding mission;" said Leia. Luke nodded. "It works for the military leaders - or at least it did. As long as we don't take any military support with us, I can't imagine they will be to terribly against it."

Han nodded. "Alright. Now, last question - what ship are we taking?"

Luke and Mara immediately said, "The Knight Returns!"

Han and Leia had injured looks on their faces. "What? What's wrong with the Falcon?" asked Han defensively and even a touch sulkily. Luke chuckled as Mara counted on her fingers. "First, I would like to travel in some level of comfort and privacy. Second, when we decide to head back here, I'd rather not have to make a few day's worth of repairs first. Third, if we get into trouble, I like firepower over speed. I can keep going, you know."

Leia maintained a straight face with minimal difficulty. "Why do we only have to take one ship? Why not take both?"

Luke shrugged. "We could but I'd rather not. It would be a hassle and the New Republic won't pay for our fuel or supplies as it is when it comes to Jedi business - that comes straight out of the Order's, or in this case our, pockets."

Leia and Han looked at each other. "A little privacy would be nice, I guess;" said Leia and Han looked aghast at her as if she had betrayed him. "Oh come on, Han. You're telling me you don't want a little bit more privacy on this trip?"

Leia's voice had taken an alluring tone and the smile on her face was down right seductive. Luke suppressed a groan and Mara chuckled. Han sighed and conceded. "Fine but it's going to tack on at least a half a day in light speed you know."

Mara smiled and casually took Luke's hand. "I'm fine with that. Meanwhile, the ground rules are simple - Luke and I handle the controls and nobody else."

Han rolled his eyes but nooded.

Convincing the Council had been easier than any of them thought it would be. Mon Mothma was a little reluctant to let two Jedi Knights and Leia go but, when Luke assured her that Kyle Katarn, a highly valued Jedi Knight and NRI agent and Nisotsa, a talented former-Dark Jedi would temporarily be taking command of his task force, she agreed. Other's were not so happy about it and it took Mon Mothma's assurances and the gruff encouragement of Master Rahm Kota to bring them around.

Even after the Council was convinced, there was still a few things that needed to be ironed out. Chewbacca had to be assured that they would be safe and that took quite some convincing. Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger had to be informed and they said they would take care of Jedi training. Winter Retrac would record Council meetings, both on a datapad and with her holographic and audio-graphic memory so that Leia would be able to review them when she returned. Lastly, the Royal Family of Naboo was contacted and informed that they would be coming and the reason they were doing so. King Marious Tahoon was elated and invited them to come by the Palace whenever they could or wished to.

Two days after the dinner at Luke's suite, they were ready to go. At the bottom of the Knight Returns' ramp, a sizable group met them to say farewell. Wade Vox, Luke's and Mara's youngest Jedi student and surrogate little brother, hugged them both and murmured, "I hope you find what you're looking for, Luke."

Luke thanked him earnestly. The other students, Ferroda Grey, Keyan Farlander, Kyle Katarn, the Dathomir Witches Kirana Ti and Damaya and the Hapan man Kondor bid their respectful farewells also and so did many good friends in the Alliance. It wasn't a dangerous mission but most had known Luke and Leia for some time and they all knew that it would be an emotional time for the twins. After a few final goodbye hugs and kind words, Luke and Leia went aboard with their respective fiances and the YT-2000 Light Freighter Knight Returns took off and blasted into space.

The cockpit was silent as they made the jump to lightspeed. Leia sat behind Luke, lost in thought while Mara observed them from the co-pilots seat. The red-head loved both of them and was concerned about how this trip affect them. "Han, could you come and talk to me for a moment?" she murmured. Han nodded and they stepped back into the lounge area. Mara had a great deal of respect for Han's perceptiveness. "This trip is going to potentially be hard for them, possibly even devastating."

Han sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, a sure sign that he was as anxious as she was. "Yeah, I know, Red. I'm worried. Those two kids have had enough family trouble to last the rest of their lives - what with Luke's Aunt and Uncle being killed and Leia's adoptive father and finding out that Darth Vader, the man who caused all of it, is their biological father. The fact that it could possibly get worse is terrifying to me."

Mara patted his shoulder. "Me too, Solo. Me too. But that's why we forced them to take us with them - to be there if that's the case."

"Yeah. It's gonna hurt like hell to see them that way and there is little to nothing we'll be able to do about it."

Mara sighed and said, "But every little helps, Han. Come on. Let's go get some food cooking. I'm getting hungry and force knows Luke is."

Han cracked a smile as they headed into the galley.

Luke was lost in thought as he gazed into the brilliant blue tunnel of hyperspace. He had never really known either of his parents. The day he had learned that Vader was his father had broken something in him that had taken years to heal and it still wasn't completely whole. The Battle of Endor had helped when his father had returned from the darkness and killed the Emperor and when Anakin and the other masters had begun guiding them through the war with Diabolis and Heluquin. It had helped more when Luke learned that Anakin had helped Mara through her decision during the negotiations with the Hapes Consortium but even so, they had never gotten to know Anakin Skywalker and knew even less about their mother. To Luke's mild surprise, he could sense that Leia's thoughts were similar to his, almost exactly the same. There was in her thoughts a layer of sadness and even a small amount of resentment that Anakin had constantly visited Luke in the form of a force spirit and not her.

Luke looked at her and murmured, "You know that he still has a hard time facing you, even after his death, right?"

Leia nodded. "I know. I still have so many confused feelings about him. The death and destruction he caused, allowed and commanded - it's just hard."

Luke couldn't reply. It had taken him a little time to comes to terms with who his father was and a good amount more to forgive him his crimes but he had not lost to the level that Leia had. His homeworld was still there - as pitiful and miserable a homeworld as Tatooine was. His friends and the familiar faces were still there - except his Aunt, Uncle and Ben Kenobi of course. The point was, Alderaan was nothing but space debris orbiting a sun now. Luke reached across and took her hand. "This trip is going to be good for us. We'll learn more about our mother AND our father and hopefully their families too. Leia, we'll finally learn where we came from."

Leia smiled and tears rolled down her cheeks as she squeezed his hands. "Where we came from;" she murmured. They were silent for a little longer until the sound of arguing came from the lounge and galley. "Solo, we don't always want our taste buds singed by that stuff. Not every meal has be cooked Corellian style!"

"Corellian spice puts hair on a mans chest and a glint in his eye. It won't hurt any of us and it adds flavor. A little Corellian makes everything better;" replied Han, causing Luke and Leia to chuckled. Mara responded, "Well I don't like a lot of hair on Luke's chest, thank you very much. It..."

"I don't want to know! Look I'll just put the spice bottle on the side. You happy?"

"Yes. Very."

Luke and Leia were laughing so hard that they were almost rolling out of their chairs. "Oh family and holiday dinners are going to be so much fun in the future;" said Luke, tears of mirth rolling down his face. Leia nodded, "Just wait to the children start to arrive."

Luke stood as he shook his head. "Woah now, Sis. We haven't even gotten married yet. Isn't it a little early to start talking about that?"

"It's never too early. Come on. Let's go seperate our fiances before they start throwing food at each other."

A shout out to my friend RogueLeader114 who gave me the idea of this story as well as many others. Thanks so much for the idea and I hope it lives up to your suggestion and imagination. Hope you enjoy and, as always, please read, review and request or suggest.

Updated 12.02.2017