Mara slouched in a chair in Talon's room at the Republic. He was sitting on the sofa, drink in hand. He offered her one and she refused.

"Six more days and this nightmare is over," she grumbled.

He chuckled. "You've been here for four days and this is the first I've seen of you."

"We arrived in my new ship. Did I tell you it's the best ever. Luke outdid himself building it, and he tells me I have many people to thank, including you. I've been kept busy, not one chance to escape to the Venture to say hi."

"It was my pleasure to contribute to something that gives you such joy." Talon studied her uptight demeanor. "Usually wedded bliss brings happiness to one. You seem disturbed. Was marrying Luke a mistake?"

"Luke? No, he's not a mistake." She let her breath out. "It's supposed to be my special day and I'm terrified. What if the dress isn't up to standards, or I trip or…"

"I'm holding you all the way; you'll be fine." He went to the sideboard and poured her a drink anyway. "Here, I prescribe one of these whenever you get overwhelmed."

She threw back the shot of whisky. "As the day approaches, I'm getting more uptight and nervous."

"I'm told it's to be expected in brides to be. How's the planning going?"

Mara sighed. "I've given into Leia's desire to wear green in the tradition of Alderaan. Since I have no memory of where I'm from, it doesn't matter."

"Are you getting anything you want out of this wedding, my dear?" Talon's tender words of concern brought tears to her eyes.

She smiled and blinked them away. "You're giving me away."

"That hardly counts for your way. This is yours and Luke's wedding. Luke got his desired union on Yavin IV. What is bothering you?"

"It's just so large and public. I liked the ceremony on Yavin IV. Did you see the holovid Tionne recorded?"

"Shada and I watched it a couple nights ago, very nice and appropriate."

"And where is Shada?" Mara switched gears. She expected her to be with him when she called to see if he was done on the Errant Venture.

"She's helping Booster and Billey with a problem here on the surface." He filled her in on Billey's problems and the new threat to the underworld.

"I was hoping to talk to her." Mara didn't have many female friends and wanted to get to know the woman who was replacing her better. "Can you free her up to have a day with me?"

"I can do that. She might be done with her assistance for Billey by tonight. I admit to keeping her prisoner on the Venture for the past four days. I organized the transfer of supplies to the surface, while Booster and Nawara organized the offload. Four days and umpteen trips and the crews are on a much deserved break from frantic loading and flying, however, they are on call at Booster's warehouse to back Billey up."

"And what was Shada doing on the Venture?" Mara almost laughed out loud at the flush that crept across his cheeks.

He shook his head. "You know…. helping me."

Mara couldn't keep it in and burst out laughing, drawing a knowing smile in return. "When I was your second, I had a list of duties."

"Shada has a list, just a little different."

"I really need to get her alone for a little woman to woman talk like the one you interrupted right in this room."

"Maybe a day with her is just what you need to perk up, and she could use a break from my protective hovering."

"I talked to Mirax. Shada finally confided that you two had a fight over women from your past. The worst thing Luke could ever do to me is bring up his previous conquests. I'd do my best to kick his butt."

"But she asked me," he defended and got an incredulous look in return.

"Don't you know how to lie," she sputtered. "Don't ever talk about sex to a woman who loves you, unless it's about her."

"I didn't know. What else shouldn't I do?" He took a gulp of his much needed drink.

"Don't criticize her clothing, but tell her when she looks nice."

"I do that already."

"Mirax told me you professed to love her in front of Booster."

"Yeah." He smiled at the memory.

"Don't stop telling her. She needs to hear it often."

"You ought to write a book on how smugglers should court women," he joked.

"After some of the bone headed things you've done, I just might." She smiled back.

"When do I get a tour of your new ship?" He changed the subject and noticed Mara seemed in higher spirits.

"Right now." She stood.

Billey's repulsar chair was parked at the same underground hovel for the third day now. His people were scattered around the dropping point and blending in. Booster had several of his crew also in the area and Karrde gave him Shada for the day as Billey convinced him to lend her out. Her job was to protect him when the fight broke out.

Talon wasn't happy when Billey rang his door chime that morning.

"I need to borrow Shada today," he announced as his chair glided into the room.

"No."

"Come on, Karrde. You know she's the best. We made contact and set up a sting to flush the raider's boss out. A pretty face will distract him."

"Do you know who the leader is?" Talon did his own research and had a good idea the key players in this new upstart group.

"A human called Dal Zell."

That was who Talon found also and picked up where Billey left off. "He's a short, stocky blond with a high opinion of himself. He has a collection of misfits who are nothing more than basic criminals. You should easily handle him with who you brought with you, and your people on the ground."

"You missed his weakness for brunettes, and you, my friend, are dating the finest specimen I've seen in a good many years, who isn't married."

"What will she be doing?" Talon had work to do today that couldn't wait. He had payroll and scheduling to organize.

"My personal bodyguard, nothing more. I would feel better with the best. My people are loyal, but I have nobody with her skills that doesn't stand out like a Wookie."

In the end Talon acquiesced. Now he missed her by his side, where she'd been steadily for days. He let his mind wander to a few days before when they were still on the Errant Venture.

He woke early the morning after Booster's supper. She was sleeping with her head on his pillow and her body pressed to him. He started kissing her head, working down to her shoulder, feeling her stir and start to respond to the light touching as his hands found her breast under her negligée and worked lower. With a moan she turned over for his fingers to find her core. Afterwards, they stayed in bed, cuddling and talking for a couple hours. He wanted each morning to start this way and for the remainder of their time onboard it did.

He was attentive for the rest of their stay on Booster's ship. They toured together and enjoyed fine restaurants and shops. They even had a go at the casinos and took in a couple shows. On day three, they paused in a jewelry shop in the middle of Trader's Alley.

"Pick something expensive." He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

She smiled wickedly up at him and looked at the proprietor. "What is the most expensive item you have?"

He pulled a solid gold choker molded to fit at the base of a woman's neck.

"It breaks here and here." The owner showed two hidden hinges on the inside. He sat it on her neck and handed her a mirror.

Shada looked at the satin gold with its dull finish. It was beautiful.

"The necklace is made so you can polish a section and engrave on it. It's still in its rough form."

"I have just the emblem to add if you'll trust me." Talon had an idea.

Shada took the necklace off and held the weight in her hands. It was over half an inch in width. "How much?"

"One hundred thousand credits, and of course that's without the engraving."

Talon took the necklace and looked it over carefully. He couldn't see anything fake about it. "Do you have an authenticator?"

He was handed an instrument, which he ran over the necklace. The readings were genuine and a certificate popped up researching the gold, from where it was mined to the smelting and the final product. The necklace was in a personal family safe for ten generations until sold for passage off Emberlene. Talon paused, uncertain if Shada would want it knowing it belonged to an Emberlenian family. He showed her the information and waited her reaction.

Shada's breath caught as she read the history.

"Do you still want it?" Talon murmured quietly in her ear.

"More than ever. I might never be able to go home, but this is a part of my past." She raised her eyes to his. "I'm not worth this expense."

He smiled lovingly. "You are worth that and much more." He looked at the proprietor. "We'll take it. Who does the engraving? I want them checked out if I'm not familiar with their work."

"I only send my jewelry to Roxayals personal engravers."

Talon nodded. "They do my engraving also so I'll deal with them directly." He pulled his credit chip out and paid. Taking the expensive item, now in its special case, he escorted Shada back to their suite. "I have to do some work. Maybe Mirax or someone is available to go shopping with. You did mention more clothes."

"You're obviously trying to get rid of me. I can take a hint." She leaned over and gave him a kiss and left.

No sooner did the door shut and Talon was on his comlink to Roxayals. They had what he was looking for and he sent the logo to be engraved and told them he'd personally bring the item when he returned to the surface from Errant Venture in a few days.

Now with Shada helping Billey, he found time to drop the necklace at Roxayals. "Mara, we need to take a side trip." He showed her the necklace.

"Shada is one lucky lady."

He dropped the necklace at the jewelry store, bought a large, expensive diamond, issued instructions, and escorted Mara to her ship. If the workers at Roxayals were confused with him taking different women to their establishment, they were too polite to mention it. Last time he visited; he was on his shopping day to spend the ten thousand credit chip with Shada.

Billey sat up a meeting with Dal Zell. He figured the man wasn't stupid enough to come alone.

Dal entered the smoky underground tapcaf with its bad music and worse service. He got an invite from someone without a name, promising him the smuggler Billey's turf, but he had to negotiate the trade in person. He claimed to be the manager of Billey's organization on Coruscant.

Dravis nodded to Billey that Zell had indeed fallen for their trap when he knew the man had walked past him.

Zell was instructed to find a man in a repulsar chair and sit across from him. For the meeting, Billey adorned a fake beard and wig. Shada worked the room, serving drinks to his and Booster's people and playing the part of a bar juicer to perfection. In a loud voice, she would beg drinks from Billey's and Booster's people. When they bought her one, she'd take a mouthful and gush her thanks with a promise of personal gratitude soon. On the second sip, she'd spit the first back and take the glass to the bar where she emptied it. She was dressed in a revealing dress with her hair in its customary swirls. She spotted several of Zell's people enter from the hologram she'd studied that morning, and moved to take their orders. She memorized their weaponry and assigned a danger level to each. One pulled her to his lap and she let out a squeal of laughter.

"I'm working, big boy. I get off in five hours, maybe then. You know I will do anything for a drink." She pushed herself out of his arms and restrained the urge to kill him on the spot. He just moved up on her list of targets.

She glided into position when the wannabe smuggler, Dal Zell, entered the room.

Dravis did a head count and stepped out to tell his people action time. Zell had managed to amass a larger than expected support system. He called Aves and told them to start moving down the levels toward the bar.

Aves called Talon. "Boss, we're on the move."

"Mara and I'll join you at the bar." Talon included Mara with a look.

She nodded. "Like old times. Maybe that's what I need. I feel so useless lately."

"That'll change when you start teaching young ones." Talon lifted his airspeeder off the spaceport and they hurried to catch up.

Dal spotted his contact and strode boldly to his table, promptly sitting and looking the old man over.

Billey sized him up. "What can I get you to drink?"

"I'll have a Boz Pity."

Billey motioned for Shada, who was loitering near his back. "Be a good sweetie and get the man a drink, Honey."

Shada quickly complied after insuring no fight was beginning just yet. She set the glass down and made a move to Billey's side of the table.

Dal grabbed her wrist. "Sit here by me, Honey." He emphasized Billey's name for her.

She gave a blank smile and sank into a chair.

Dal returned his attention to Billey. "If you don't give me Billey's territory, I'll take it by force. We gave a small demonstration a few weeks ago with a message to the great smuggler himself. What is his answer?"

Dravis reentered and moved to cover the door.

"Billey is not far from death. His organization might fall into disarray when he's gone." Billey lifted his drink. "A toast to the man great enough to inherit his organization."

Dal raised his glass. "I'll drink to myself."

"Oh, I wasn't talking about a groveling worm like you. I was referring to my right hand, Dravis." Billey removed the wig and beard.

The removal was his people's cue. Shada moved first with a swift punch to Dal's throat, leaving him gasping for air. Chaos erupted as a firefight broke out, first inside then spilling over to the surrounding area.

Talon and Mara moved toward the sound of blaster shots, he with his blaster drawn and her lightsaber ready. Reaching the edge of the fighting, she reached out with the force. "Our side is on the left."

"Let's work around to the right and catch them in crossfire." He led the way.

One of his concerns was the authorities arriving and catching his people in the fray right before a respectable wedding. They had to work fast. He had a stronger desire to catch up with Billey and hurt him. He was assured, violence was to be a last resort, or he would never allow Shada to go with the old smuggler.

They overpowered Zell's people one by one. By the time Mara and Karrde entered the bar, Zell was sitting at the table with both hands literally pinned to the table. Talon noticed the distinct heads of Zenji needles in the back of each hand. Shada was standing by his side holding a blaster and Billey probably hadn't moved from his place across the table or set his drink down.

"We're all mopped up." Talon moved to the table to get a good look at the problem child. "My people have been ordered out, as have Booster's. I suggest you disappear as well, Billey. We left enough carnage to draw security."

"My ship is waiting. Well, young man, feel up to a trip with me?"

Shada pulled her pins and Zell let out a scream as each needle reversed course. She wiped them on his shirt, leaving bloody marks as a reminder. He looked up at her with dazed eyes. "I thought you were a mindless whore."

She patted his cheek. "I only belong to one man and it will never be anyone like you."

Talon smiled and leaned down, forcing Zell to look at him. "She is mine."

"Who are you?"

"Talon Karrde and the mindless whore is Shada D'ukal, formal Mistryl Shadow Guard." He had the pleasure of seeing recognition before he escorted Shada from the bar. Mara flew the airspeeder as close as she could and they dove in the back, where Talon critically looked Shada over. Her skimpy black dress was causing a male reaction and he leaned over to give her a kiss. It was the same reaction she caused when she stepped from the bedroom wearing it. He wanted to tell her to put something else on, but Billey voiced his approval.

"I've worn this dress for similar jobs, Karrde." She was all business in front of Billey. "It draws men's attention to where I want it."

"That's what I don't like about it," he grumbled, but escorted her and Billey to the door. "If you need me, call." With a kiss to her, he let them leave.

Mara landed near the Uwana Buyer and they hustled out of the spaceport. "Thanks, Karrde."

"You're thanking me for taking you to a turf war?" He had Shada's hand firmly in his and exchanged an amused look with her.

"I didn't think about the wedding for hours."

"You can have Shada tomorrow. I really do have work to do that didn't get done today."

Mara addressed Shada as they headed towards the hotel. "I came looking for you. I wanted to have another day together before I get married….again. I don't know how many I have to have before its official," she grumbled.

"If I'm not in jail, we'll go shopping or something," Shada agreed.

Talon looked down at his holopad while walking to the Republic. "All my ships have lifted off and are out of the atmosphere, as is the Pulsar Skate. Billey's ships have also left. Mirax is hauling all Booster's support. She reports six injured and one killed. We have a dozen with minor injuries and no deaths."

Both women expressed relief over the news.

"With all the ships leaving the area at once, I'm sure someone will make the connection." Talon escorted them into the lobby of the Republic.

"We have legitimate business in the area and have for days," Shada countered.

"Did we leave any survivors?" Mara wondered.

"Several ran," Talon answered. "I don't think they'll give themselves up and sell us out. Hopefully we'll all be long gone when NRS finally fingers us."

"It won't look good if the wife of Luke Skywalker was involved," Mara speculated, then laughed. "I'm starting to fit in that family. They go from one incident like today after another."

"I'm glad you see it that way." Talon slipped an arm around Shada's waist.

"See you at supper." Mara left.

Talon escorted her to their suite. "Want to take the boys for a walk with me?"

"Let me change into something comfortable first." She disappeared to the bedroom and came back shortly dressed in her favorite low cut pants and short pullover top with no sleeves. She wore suede ankle boots and her hair was down. Her Zenji needles were in the back of her belt.

Drang and Sturm took off at a run when the door to the park opened. They were becoming accustomed to their surroundings and knew how far they could push their master. Talon snagged her hand in his as they strolled aimlessly.

"You've made me happier than I thought possible," he finally broke the comfortable silence. "I feel sometimes like you give so much to me and I so little in return."

"You give me expensive jewelry and security. All I have to offer is my expertise and companionship."

"If I could give you anything, what would you want?"

"I want your baby," she replied without hesitation.

He smiled down at her. "I'm trying my hardest."

She also wanted to say she wanted to be married to him, but he didn't bite on her baby remark so she let it drop for now. He had told her about his encounter with Breista and if he ever went back to Bastion, he wanted her to meet his ex. She didn't want to go as a mistress, but as his wife.

"I turned down dinner with the Solo's tonight. They are having a little gathering, but I didn't know if you'd be too tired after working all day."

"I am tired. I don't want to have to get dressed up to eat, let's find someplace casual." She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Or we could order in and have a quiet night with the boys while you fill me in on today." His arm came around her shoulders and he pressed her against his side. They were on a private lane with colorful shrubs and trees. He turned her into him for a long kiss. Foreheads touching, he murmured, "I missed you today."

"You'll just have to make it up to me tonight." She brushed her lips against his.

"I was worried about you," he confessed. "Billey lied to me. He indicated violence was a last resort when he was planning it all along."

"You just can't trust smugglers," she teased and smiled into his blue eyes.

"You knew he was angling for violence?" He was still serious.

She shrugged in his embrace. "You're not the normal smuggler, Talon, Billey is."

"Last time I send you to him for anything. I saw your handiwork on a couple of Zell's men."

"One manhandled me," was all she said.

"Are you bruised?"

"I don't think so, but we can check later." They started walking again and soon were in an area with a couple sitting on benches while several children played about. Everyone stopped and stared at the Vornskr.

"They won't hurt you unless I give them the signal," Talon told the children, who were soon petting the beasts.

They sat by an elderly couple who were obviously the grandparents and explained they were on their first trip to Coruscant, as their son had to come on business and brought them for cheap babysitters.

Talon in turn told them about the Vornskr and where they came from.

His comlink beeped. With a sigh he reached in his pocket. "I swear I'm going to get rid of this annoyance." He pushed the button. "Karrde."

"Karrde," Mara's voice spilled into the area. "Leia told me you and Shada aren't coming to supper. I protest."

"Leia tell you to try again?" He was amused.

"No, Lando is here and wants to talk to you. Also, Booster arrived and asked where you two were. It's a nice gathering of close friends of whom I count the two of you, now get over here."

"Shada doesn't want to dress up." Talon remembered what she said.

"She can come as is, unless she's still wearing what she wore to work today; then she has to change as Solo hasn't installed a dancing pole in his living room yet."

"I heard that," Shada leaned over. "Are we too late?"

"No, but everyone's here and waiting for you; please come. I don't want to have to send Luke with his lightsaber to make you."

Talon looked at Shada and raised his eyebrows. "It's up to you."

"You owe me lunch tomorrow." Shada spoke into the comlink. "Tell Lando we're on our way, but I'm not changing." She let Mara think she was still wearing the revealing dress with its skirt that barely covered her private places.

"Ooookaay, I'm not responsible for how some of the men will act then. See you soon." Mara cut the link.

"We better hurry." Talon stood and helped her up.

The elderly couple was gaping at them. "We overheard and didn't mean to eavesdrop," the man said. "Are you going to see Luke Skywalker?"

"That was his bride, Mara." Talon whistled for the boys. "You'll see me on the wedding vids all over the holo's next week. I'm giving the bride away. Good evening." He bowed with his head and escorted Shada to the lift, with Drang and Sturm trotting behind.

"You never know who you'll meet this close to the palace," his wife commented.

"Our son will never believe it," her husband replied.

Mara greeted them after Gharakh met them at the door. "You look comfortable." She took in Shada's clothing with relief.

"I am tired and may not be good company."

Leia came over. "I'm glad you listened to Mara. Booster filled me in on why you're tired. I won't say a word and other than Wedge, who won't either, nobody's here who will rat. I want to be the first here to congratulate both of you on being a couple." She looked around, then back. "What are you two drinking and I'll have Threepio serve. Find a seat and relax."

"Whyren's Reserve Whisky," Talon ordered and Shada nodded that she'd also have one. "Han made the mistake of telling me he got a shipment in," Talon informed Leia.

"Did he tell you the story of how he smuggled it past three different checkpoints?" Leia shook her head in exasperation.

"He did and it's a fine job of smuggling," Talon complemented his skills.

They took a seat together on the round sectional and Talon let his fingers lace through hers.

Tendra moved to sit close. "Okay, we need to know the first night you two did it."

Shada blushed lightly. It was still new to her, having everyone know about her and Karrde, but to ask those types of questions.

"There was a bet. We have to know who won," Tendra continued as if it was a normal question.

"I don't think you're ever going to find out who won then," Shada replied and was grateful when her drink arrived.

Talon chuckled quietly beside her and earned himself a glare. "I'm sure the men have the same bet going," he protested.

"Then they won't have a winner either. Some things are nobody's business."

"I agree." He clinked his glass to hers in a sealed bargain.

"Did she tell?" Mara came over.

"No, lips are sealed." Tendra stood. "It's no big deal. Everyone knows everyone's first time together. I don't see why they have to be different." She flounced off to find her husband.

"So everyone knows when you and Luke first did it," Talon grinned.

"They know what we want them to, but the actual first time, no. Make something up or they'll never leave you alone."

"Alright, it was ten years ago," Talon told her with a straight face.

He got his desired result, as Mara looked absolutely surprised. "Really, and you two are just now making it official?"

Shada smirked up at Talon. "We were busy."

"Nobody is going to win then. The bet was one had to be within two weeks." She left to inform the others.

"So this is what having close friends is like," Shada muttered into her glass. She felt Talon shake with mirth beside her.

It wasn't so bad she decided as the well-wishers took turns congratulating them. Talon took the ribbing in stride and stayed close to her. They didn't stay late and soon were in their bed, where she wanted to be for hours.

She lay quietly in his arms.

"Do you regret them knowing?" She finally asked in the dark.

"I'm glad we're out in the open," his deep voice rumbled into her ear. "I like this change. Now I'm not alone and neither are you. We'll still have issues and adjustments. I'm looking forward to the future with you by my side."

"Me too." She paused, running a hand over his bare chest. "Ten years?"

He chuckled. "I remember my first sight of you on Trogan, what you were wearing and how wonderfully you fought. I admit to maybe having a fantasy or two about you."

"I'd be lying if I didn't admit to more than a casual glance after you saved my life and wondered what you'd be like in bed.

He rolled her under him. "Now you know. Any complaints?"

"You're better than my imagination can create." She opened her legs for him to enter.

Later, they drifted off still holding each other.