Thank you so much for the feedback. I'd like to add what I forgot to in the first chapter…I own nothing of the Star Wars realm and Lucas and Zahn are the rightful owners and creators of these characters and worlds. I'm only playing dress up.
I also apologize because these snippets are probably not going to be in chronological order. I'm just going to post them as they come to me; little bits I wished had been included in the books.
Luke watched her reenter the ship and followed her down the corridor and called to her to keep the lift for him. He entered and was grateful that they were alone once the doors closed. Mara watched him without expression. He swallowed. He needed to know something but didn't know why he cared or even that he did care until two minutes ago when Karrde had mentioned it. The idea of Mara and Lando being together rankled. It was because she seemed too intelligent to be wooed by Lando's sometimes less than genuine suave ways and easy flirtations. Yeah, that was why.
"What?" Mara frowned at him. "You're projecting a rain cloud."
"Actually," Luke said with complete certainty, "I'm not projecting anything."
"Maybe not in the Force." Luke smoothed his face consciously. He smiled. Mara shook her head at him and turned to face the door. The lift opened and Mara stepped out, and he followed her frowning again. Mara glanced back at him; "I'll show you to your room if you want Skywalker. It's on this level."
"Thanks" He muttered and followed her around a corner.
"You could use a good shower you know. You still have plexiglass shards embedded in your flightsuit." Not to mention the smudge on his chin.
She led him to a numbered door that slid open silently. "You're welcome to stay the week with us. We're stopping in the inner Rim, we can let you off whenever you want." The room was comfortable and had a small kitchenette and a door that presumably led to a refresher. She turned to face him and he noticed a change in her normally unshakable demeanor.
"I, uh," she cleared her throat. She frowned and didn't continue. Luke stepped towards her and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She didn't look at him.
"Mara," he spoke urgently. "Are you with Lando?"
Now she did look at him and searched his face for something. He looked back at her confused. Mara moved very slightly nearer. "Luke, I'm not. I mean, that's all just a cover that we're using to get into the Hutt intelligence circle." She smiled. "I mean, as ironic as that phrase is…" she trailed off as he gripped her arms tightly.
"Really," Luke's voice was very quiet. His mind replayed against his will the memory of the last holo contact he'd had with her. Mara had answered his call wearing only a shirt he recognized as belonging to Lando. She had looked slightly disheveled, as though she had just gotten out of bed. When she'd seen him she pulled the shirt down over her bare legs as far as she could and had tried to end their conversation as quickly as possible.
"I thought you might have gotten the wrong idea the last time we talked." Mara said. "The whole lovers bit was all Lando's idea. He said it would make the con more believable."
"Yeah," Luke relaxed his grip on her and stepped away. "Lando's got a great head for stuff like that." The door slid open and a young crewman walked in carrying a duffel bag. He started violently and looked slightly awestruck at seeing Luke Skywalker, and terrified at walking in on Mara Jade.
"Uhh, I'm sorry Ma'am," he addressed Mara but was staring at Luke like he wanted an autograph. "I was told to bring up the Jedi Master's effects."
Mara pursed her lips in a slight scowl but Luke could see she was amused. Just a little. "You don't have to apologize for following orders, Damon." She turned to Luke; "Karrde will want you to join him for dinner I'm sure."
"Right, of course. I'll see you later then." Luke said quickly. Mara left leaving a still gawking Damon behind.
"Should I put these things in the storage shelves for you sir?" he asked eagerly.
Luke suppressed a sigh; all he wanted was a shower and some sleep. "No, thank you. I'd prefer to unpack myself."
