Title: Shaping the Future
Author: JediMara77
Characters: Luke and Mara
Genre: Friendship and introspection
Timeframe: Any time between the Jedi Academy trilogy and the Hand of Thrawn duology
A/N: Plot point spoilers for Choices of One, nothing hugely specific. Just a quick little bunny I HAD to tend to after I finished the book.
The choices of one shape the futures of all. - Jedi saying
"Why didn't you kill me?"
His sudden question startled her, bringing her out of meditation. "What?"
Luke shifted, crossing his legs on the damp Yavin IV forest. "Why didn't you kill me when you had the chance?"
Mara smiled at him teasingly. "I still could change my mind."
Luke, unamused, didn't return the smile. "I was talking about on Poln Major."
Mara turned round, green eyes meeting blue. They stared at each other for a long moment, realizations and understandings coming to the surface after so many years. "So," she stated evenly. "You did remember me."
"I didn't at first. But eventually I figured it out."
"What tipped you off?"
Luke gestured to the blaster Mara wore on her sleeve. Many years ago, she had thrown him a similar blaster while they were inadvertently working together to save the lives of an Imperial governor's wife and daughter. She'd been the Emperor's Hand then, serving the Empire to the best of her ability, which at that moment meant accepting Rebel assistance. "After feeling that pressed against my body so long, it finally clicked. I just never felt comfortable saying anything before now. I thought it would've made you madder at me."
"You're right; it probably would have."
"So?"
"So what?"
Luke sighed and faced her head-on. "You're avoiding the question."
"Which was?"
Luke gave her a look. "Why you didn't kill me back then."
"I asked myself that question every day for five years."
Luke didn't blink, still unfazed by her blunt honesty. "And the answer?"
Mara shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "You helped me. I figured that should spare your life for a bit."
"Even though I was a Rebel?"
"I didn't know that for sure. All LaRone told me was that your name was Skywalker."
He didn't buy her excuse. "I carried a lightsaber—"
"And you were crap at it."
"—And I'd been framed for killing the Imperial governor. Surely you heard about that, and I doubt you wouldn't have made the connection."
"Fine, I did. I knew exactly who you were, and that Vader was looking for you. But I told you. I felt that your assistance deserved me sparing your life."
"I see."
"Afterward, I was glad I didn't turn you over to Vader. Palpatine probably would have died sooner."
"And now?"
She turned her lightsaber over in her hands several times—the same lightsaber she'd said Luke had been "crap" at using. She glanced at the saber clipped to his belt; he had certainly proven her wrong. "I've learned to accept my choices."
They fell into a comfortable silence. It was odd, that she could be comfortable with him. Or maybe this was how it was supposed to be all along.
She'd made her choice on Poln Major, and again on Wayland. Now, sitting next to Luke on the jungle moon, she wondered how those choices would shape the future.
For her, and for them.