Myrkr - Talon Karrde's Base

Luke awoke very slowly and in stages as if coming out of a very deep sleep and he immediately realized two things. One, he was lying on his back, and two, he felt like he had just gotten the greatest nights sleep of his life. As he sat up with a yawn and a stretch, he froze, looking around himself. He was in a cell with two bunks. On the other lay Mara, looking for all the world as though she was just taking a much needed nap. Seeing that she was okay, Luke took stock of their situation. The air was warm and slightly muggy with many unfamiliar smells and sounds. Judging by the feel of his skin and mouth, he, and probably Mara as well, had been asleep for at least one day.

Suddenly, Luke's blue eyes widened, realizing that, for them to be out for a day like that, they would have had to be drugged! Memory came back to him in a wave and he hurried to Mara's side, gently shaking her shoulder and saying, "Mara? Mara, wake up, my love."

Slowly, with a groan, she came to and fixed Luke with a green eyed glare. "You know, they say it's dangerous to wake a pregnant woman, Farmboy. Where are we?"

Luke sighed with relief and kissed her brow before answering, "I'm not sure exactly but I have a few theories. How are you feeling?"

Mara sat up and stretched but then froze herself and looked down, suddenly anxious. "Luke, I can't sense anything. I can't sense you are the baby!"

Luke took her hand and soothed, "It's okay, Mara. I think we're probably on Myrkr because that is where yslamiri come from. How do you feel? Sick? Anything?"

Calming herself, Mara closed her eyes and was quiet for a moment. Finally, she opened her eyes and said rather hesitantly, "I feel perfectly fine. I hope that's a good sine."

Luke nodded and looked around. The room had a door leading out somewhere and, just to cover his bases, Luke tried the control. Of course, nothing happened and Mara chuckled dryly at his attempt. Luke shrugged and said, "Had to try. Oh well."

"Well that was a pointless exercise;" came a dry, feminine voice from outside. Looking through a small window, Luke saw Karrde's bodyguard, Shada D'ukal in a seat across the corridor, one long leg crossed over the other. Luke suddenly felt anger beginning to grow inside him. "You drugged my wife;" he stated, his voice deceptively calm. Shada just looked at him, one eyebrow cocked. "You drugged my pregnant wife."

Shada stood and said, "Yes, I did. Don't worry. It was from a local plant that, for all intents and purposes, just helped her fall asleep. The baby is perfectly fine, I can assure you. We checked before leaving you in there."

Luke felt reassured but continued to glare at her. Down the corridor, another door hissed open and then shut again. Shada looked to her left and frowned. "You're bringing them food?"

A second voice that Luke recognized as Rianna's, said rather irritably, "Yes, I'm bringing them food. It's bad enough that we drugged them for nothing. Mara's pregnant and needs food for herself and the baby."

Luke stepped back as the Twi'lek opened the door and stepped through with quite the spread. She smiled sheepishly and said, "Hey. How're you both feeling?"

Luke was still not happy as she brought the food to a small table and set it down. "Why did you do this to us, Rianna?" he asked, his voice quiet and accusatory. It was clear that she was unhappy about the situation. "I'm sorry, Luke. I had no clue that Karrde was planning this. If I had, I wouldn't have let it happen. Are you and Mara and the baby alright?"

Luke sighed and rubbed his temples. "We think so. Thank you for the food."

Rianna smiled and patted his arm before leaving the cell. Mara was already digging in to the food. She ate slowly, not wanting to upset her sensitive stomach. Luke joined her and they ate in silence. They both constantly tried to reach the other through their bond and were constantly frustrated by the inability to sense each other. Suddenly, Mara sniffed and growled, "This is so frustrating! I can't even sense you!"

Luke nodded and wrapped an arm around her. Mara moved carefully into his lap as tears began to roll down her face. Sniffing again, Mara swatted them away and said, "Damned pregnancy hormones!"

Luke couldn't help but chuckle as he gently stroked her hair. Suddenly, the door opened again and Shada was there, a blaster in her hand. Luke just looked at her. "Is that blaster really necessary?"

"On your feet;" she said, completely ignoring his question. "Karrde wants to talk to you."

Rianna was outside too. Seeing Shada's blaster, she rolled her eyes and said, "Stars above, Shada! Put up your blaster. They aren't going to try anything."

Shada hesitated but then complied, growling as she did, "Don't get any funny ideas, Jedi because I don't need the blaster."

Luke and Mara followed them down the halls. It was clear that they were in a barracks of some kind - with doors evenly spaced throughout the hall. After some moments, they exited the building and found themselves on in a grassy clearing surrounded by thick forests. There were other buildings as well, including what appeared to be another barracks, some store houses, a hanger and a main building. It's through the hanger that they entered. Inside were a total of three Action VI bulk freighters plus several smaller craft and, in a corner, was the Jade Star. Luke wanted to ask about Artoo but decided it would be best to leave such questions for Karrde. They came to another door and Shada slapped the control pad. A long hallway stretched before them with a large door at the end. When the door opened before them, Luke and Mara stepped into the most elaborate and old fashioned room they had ever seen, with a translucent ceiling, wooden walls and rafters and works of art and artifacts spread all around. Furniture was spread around in small circles, giving the room an informal, almost lounge feeling. However, these were all noticed second to the massive tree that was growing out of the center of the room. It was at least a meter in diameter at the base with thick limbs growing from the trunk.

"Ah, Jedi Skywalker and Jedi Jade Skywalker - please come and join me."

They looked down at the base of the tree where Talon Karrde sat on a comfortable looking chair. Pacing before him were two quadrupedal creatures that Luke found very familiar. Luke and Mara approached him wearily and sat in the seats that Karrde indicated. From a tray on a small fold out table, he took a kettle and poured hot water into cups with hot chocolate mix in it. When the concoction was properly mixed, he graciously handed them each a cup. "I apologize for the unhappy necessity of drugging you. I assure you, I had Shada use the most gentle and natural drug we had so as not to risk the baby."

Mara glared at him for a long moment before growling, "I suppose I should at least be thankful for that, shouldn't I?"

Suddenly, the two quadrepeds began to growl viciously, eyeing Luke and Mara threateningly. Karrde frowned and said reproachfully, "Sturm, Drang, these people are our guests."

The creatures ignored him and Mara said, "They don't seem convinced."

"Perhaps not;" and he turned towards one of the exits of the room. "Chin, come and get thim, will you?"

A middle aged man with a Frof-fli haircut came in and grabbed the creatures by their collars, murmuring to them as he did. When they were gone, Karrde turned his attention back to Luke and Mara. "My apologies; they are normally much better behaved. Please, drink. I'm sure you'll find a hot drink refreshing after being asleep for so long. We had to administer several doses while you were under to keep you that way, I'm afraid. I trust that Shada or Rianna fed you."

Mara sipped her drink, remaining silent as she studied Karrde while Luke replied, "Yes, Rianna fed us. Thank you for that, by the way. Now, would you mind telling me what happened to my droid and what is going on with my wife's ship?"

Karrde smiled and said, "Your astromech droid is in one of our storage units. Your ship will be tended to by our best."

Mara glared and said, "It had better be. I spent a lot of time and money on that ship and it had better not a single scratch or scuff on it when I get it back."

Karrde chuckled and said, "I understand your feelings. Now we must decide what we are going to do with the two of you. Shada believes we should simply turn you over to the Empire in order to keep them off our backs. Rianna believes that we should let you return to the New Republic. I am not sure which I am inclined to do."

He gazed at them and waited. Luke chuckled and said, "Well I'm sure it's no surprise to you that I suggest the latter. We can compensate you of course - double whatever the Empire is offering, plus that toeing fee and the cost for the repairs."

"You are very generous with other people's money, aren't you?"

Mara put her empty cup on the table and said, "Who said anything about someone elses money?"

Karrde's eyes widened and he smiled again, "Ah yes, I forgot - Darth Vader left you quite a sum of money and a castle on Coruscant. Unfortunately, this is not about money but about politics. My business takes me deep into both Republic and Imperial space and, as you can imagine, the Empire would be very displeased if we turned you over to the New Republic."

"And vice versa. If you turn us over to the Empire, the New Republic would be displeased and let's do a gun count - and a Jedi count;" said Mara rather pointedly. Karrde nodded, considering. "Of course there is also the fact that the Empire is allied with one Darth Diabolis."

Both Luke and Mara stiffened and Karrde gave a slightly amused smile. "You weren't aware of that?"

"We had our suspicions;" replied Luke, "but we thought it much more likely that they had found another of the Emperor's Dark Jedi. Apparently he had quite the cadre of them."

Karrde nodded and said, "I see. Well, now you understand even better my situation then. Why is it that the Empire and Darth Diabolis's Consortium want you so badly anyway?"

Mara snorted and was about to reply when she suddenly stopped, a frown crossing her face. In the most calm, non-urgent tone, she asked, "I don't suppose I'd be allowed to use the refresher, would I?"

Rianna didn't wait for Karrde. "Right this way, Jedi."

When they were gone, Karrde cocked a dark brow. "Morning sickness?"

Luke smiled ruefully. "How'd you guess? As far as why they would want us so badly, I would assume all of that is obvious: I destroyed the first Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, or so they say, and have been a thorn in the Empire's side in general since the Battle of Yavin. Mara is a traitor to the Empire, one of its best agents and betrayed them just in time to help destroy the second Death Star and eliminate Vader and the Emperor. Not only that, we have been systematically eliminating Diabolis's hold on the galaxy since Endor and I killed his apprentice on Ambria."

Karrde nodded his head, stroking his goatee before saying, "That makes sense but why the sudden focus on catching the two of you now?"

Luke shrugged, unwilling to mention the fact that Leia was being targeted as well - as were the rest of the Jedi Order if he wasn't mistaken. "That, I have no answer for, I'm afraid. Perhaps since they joined forces, Diabolis decided to push his agenda just a little more firmly with the extra help."

"Perhaps;" Karrde replied. After a lengthy pause, Luke cleared his throat and said, "You know, you could just ask the Empire why."

"Thank you but no. I just as soon not have them wonder at my sudden interest, particularly after we pleaded prior commitments when the request came in for us to help hunt you down."

Luke straightened slightly. "Wait, you weren't hunting us initially?"

Karrde's lip twisted a little and he replied, "No, we were not. One of those little ironies that make life so very interesting I suppose. We were only just returning home from a cargo pick up. Unfortunately it put me right in the situation that I was desperately hoping to avoid."

Luke nodded and said, "Well then let us go and pretend none of this happened. I give you my word that we won't tell anyone know your location or that you were involved."

Karrde shook his head. "The Empire would find out anyway. Their new commander is extremely good at piecing bits of information together. No, I'm afraid that the best thing we can do for the both of you now is to give the Empire what they want and still set you free. That leads us back to the original question."

Rianna and Mara came back, the latter looking a little pale and tired. Luke looked concerned and Karrde said, "Rianna, Shada, take Madam Jade Skywalker to the infirmary and run a scan on her."

Luke stood but Mara said, "No, stay here and work with Karrde. I'll be fine. I think it was just morning sickness or that I ate too much or too quickly."

Luke looked unsure but sat down again. Looking back at Karrde, Luke tried to soften the hard look on his face but was only slightly successful. Karrde had the good grace to look apologetic but they both remained silent for some time. Finally, Luke said quietly, "My only guess is that the Empire wants us removed and Diabolis wants revenge. They came after my sister as well. Karrde, they just want us dead. There is no way to give them what they want without giving us to them."

Karrde studied Luke carefully, stroking his mustache. "Perhaps a compromise then, Skywalker..."

Losing his patience, Luke stood and sweeped his hand and growled, "There is no compromise. There is no way to keep both the New Republic and the Empire happy. There is no easy out. It is either our lives and the lives of the Jedi or having the Empire come after you."

They gazed at each other coolly. Finally, Luke said, "My wife is over three months pregnant with our child and I don't know how that drug or the extended sleep is affecting them. I want to make sure they are both okay and you need to ask yourself this: when we let you go despite Borsk Fey'lya's and Admiral Ackbar's orders, did we at least prove our friendship to you? Now, take me to my wife."

Karrde stood and motioned. "Right this way, Jedi Skywalker."

They were both very silent as they made their way to the med center. There was a young woman finishing a med scan on her. In her hands, Mara held a cup she was drinking from. Luke smiled at her and said, "Hey you. How are you feeling?"

Mara sighed and sipped from her drink before saying, "Oh, a little better; so far, so good."

Luke took her hand and held it. Karrde looked troubled and said, "Shada, Rianna, let's leave them alone for a few moments. We need to discuss a few things."

Luke and Mara sat silently and eventually, the medic left as well after murmuring that everything was fine and that it was likely just morning sickness and eating too fast. Mara moved over and patted the bed. Luke sighed and carefully lowered himself onto it so that she could snuggle up to him. "Any luck with Karrde, Beloved?"

Luke just shook his head. "I don't know. I hope I got through to him but I doubt it. You know Karrde, trying to work every kriffing angle."

Mara chuckled tiredly and said, "Well I'm sure that we'll figure things out. We always do. I'm sure we'll get to Karrde soon enough, too. In the mean time, I'm tired. You think you can continue the conversation without me."

Luke smiled and kissed her before standing up. Right outside the door were Karrde and his associates. "My wife wants to get some rest. She's warn out from everything."

Rianna smiled sympathetically. "I'm going to take her to one of the larger barracks rooms - one with its own 'fresher. When you and Karrde are done, I'll take you to her."

The orange skinned Twi'lek helped Mara up and asked if she wanted a hover chair. "No, I can walk. Thank you, Rianna;" murmured Mara. The Twi'lek led her in a different direction from the room that they had come from and to one that looked like it was set up for an important guest. It had its own 'fresher and a separate room where the bed and a bedside cabinet and foot locker were. When they got there, Rianna asked, "I'm sure that at some point, you'll want to get changed. Do you have anything aboard your ship that you may need or want?"

Mara nodded. "Yeah; I'll send Luke to pick a few things up when he gets back. Thank you for this."

Rianna smiled and waved it away. "Anything for a friend; I'm going to try and convince Karrde to let the two of you go. I don't know what good it will do but I can certainly try."

Mara nodded as she tiredly sat down on the couch and stretched her legs out. After a moment, she looked at Rianna and said, "So... you and Luke, huh? When did that happen?"

Rianna laughed and said, "It was a long time ago, Madam Jade Skywalker - a very long time ago."

"Mara please, and it's not like I'm going anywhere."

Rianna chuckled and pulled a chair up, sitting down and crossing her legs. After a short silence, she said, "Well I met your husband during a celebration after one of his many successful missions with the Rogues. He had just come out of a relationship and we got to talking. Well one thing led to another and we started a relationship. It wasn't easy though. He was off doing Rogue Squadron missions and I was with Col Serra's Renegade Squadron. We'd go days and even weeks without seeing each other which, of course, meant that when we did, it was that much better. Hell, I'm sure you know what that's like. Well as our relationship continued, I decided that we should end it because we would both miss out on so many things. For one thing, Humans and Twi'leks are not reproductively compatible. He took it well and we were still friends. I have to say though that I missed him very much. Luke is..."

Rianna shook her head, unable to find adequate words. Mara understood completely and couldn't help but smirk. "Hell of a lover, wasn't he?"

Rianna's eyes became a little dreamy. "Oh yeah! Missed that too but hey, I made my choice. And now look at what's happened! Flyboy's married with a little one on the way! There must be some stories behind that."

Mara chuckled and said, "That is a very long and not entirely happy story."

Rianna chuckled and said, "Hey I told you mine. Besides, I can't exactly just leave you."

The red-head sighed and said, "Well it started just before Endor. My former master Palpatine had ordered me to kill him but, because of some things that were made clear to me about the Emperor, I defected and went to the Alliance Fleet at Sullust. Together, we managed to get ourselves captured during Endor and Luke took on Vader and the Emperor. I helped out a little, I suppose but it was mostly Luke. Anyhow, I transferred from Special Forces to Alliance Intelligence and we didn't get a lot of time together, kinda like you said. After quite a few missions, some very harrowing situations and a terrible, terrible tragedy, not to mention some competition from a Hapan Prince, Luke finally decides to propose and, being the sensible young woman I am, I say yes."

Rianna was laughing as she listened. Mara smiled at all the memories of Dathomir, their wedding and honeymoon. Observing her, Rianna smiled and said wistfully, "Well I'm glad to hear that Luke is happy with you and vice versa. He is remarkable and you must be a remarkable woman to make it work with him considering."

Mara chuckled and said, "Not to boast but yes. We're both so different and yet alike - the perfect combination. Kind of like Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo."

Rianna laughed again. "I'll bet. Solo was the heart throb of the female members of Renegade Squadron. They didn't understand why I was so attracted to a goody-goody farm boy from a tenth rate desert planet."

Mara laughed too. She was really beginning to like this spunky orange-skinned Twi'lek. The door suddenly hissed open and Luke came in, frowning slightly as they both smiled at him. "I have a bad feeling about this;" he murmured, eliciting a laugh from the two females. Rianna stood and said, "Don't worry about it, Flyboy. Any luck with Karrde?"

Luke sighed and shook his head. Rianna frowned and said, "Well I'll see what I can do on my end. In the mean time, I can take you to your ship and you can pick up anything you need. Are there weapons on board that I should know about?"

Luke considered not answering her but decided, "Yeah, there are but not where I'd get our stuff from."

Rianna nodded and said, "Alright, let's go."

Updated 12.06.2017