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Prologue

Luke and Kelcie sneaked off out of the way of the rest of the party. The Battle of Endor was over. The second death star has been destroyed, along with the Emperor and Darth Vader. The Rebellion could now do what it had so long dreamed of; become the New Republic.

Luke and Kelcie found a quiet spot away from the party. Luke had many conflicting emotions with his fathers death and the fact that he was now the last of the Jedi.

"Are you all right Luke?" Kelcie asked, concerned.

He looked up slowly, "Yes, I'll be fine."

She took his hand. "What– what will happen to us?"

Luke saw how much she struggled with the words. He knew what she wanted, but how could he give it to her now? This was not the right time, he was too busy with his life to get wrapped up in a relationship. Things had gotten too complected. "Kelcie . . . "

"Yes," she said, looking hopeful.

This was going to crush her, and he knew it. But, in the long run, it would be the best. He couldn't give her the proper attention that she wanted, and deserved. This was for her own good. "Kels," he began. She held his hand up to her cheek.

"Kels, I–I can't." He let out a sharp sigh, the worst was over.

Kelcie's eye's filled with anguish. What was he saying? After all that they had gone threw, after what they had, he couldn't? It's not like she was asking him to cut off his hand for her. "What?" She asked quietly, about to cry.

"This isn't a good time. We have our lives to get in order. I need to figure out some things before I can commit. It wouldn't be fair to you to ask you to wait."

It hurt, so bad, but she knew he was thinking of her; which was still sweet, sorta. Kelcie thought for a long time. "Your right." she finally said.

Luke looked up at her surprised. She was taking this better that he thought.

"Luke, it's fine. I understand, and it would be good to get some things straitened out in my life too." She was closing him out, she knew it, but there was nothing she could do about it. It all hurt too much.

"Really?" Luke was shocked.

"Yes. I have a job opening up in the intelligence department, and I'm going to take it, now that I know that I won't be tied down."

"Um . . ." He was really shocked, was she being sincere? "Another time, another place, a few years perhaps?"

"Perhaps. I'll have to check my schedule." She hoped he'd get the hint that she resented his wanting to wait, and reconsider.

He didn't. He thought she was joking. "Good one, thanks again." he patted her on the leg, and went back to the party.

Kelcie left, she sought refuge in the only ship she knew the codes to; the Millennium Falcon. She sat in the cockpit and cried. How could he be so dense? How could she have been so willing to go along with it? He still wanted to be friends, but that was all. She would be his friend, for now. Maybe she could get him to change his mind? No. She could maybe get him to marry her, but he would be unhappy. She would continue on her path in life, without Luke Skywalker . . . .


Note: Creative Consultants on all Chapters Are Kenna and Jade.