Chapter Twenty Eight:
Luke lay flush against the hull, some of the hull-plates taken off so he could access the system beneath. Beside him lay an assortment of parts, and one by one he worked to assemble what would become a hidden repeating blaster.
Luke placed the mount onto part of the frame of the ship, using a welder to secure it in place so it would not move again. He then slowly but surely assembled the pieces until the weapon took shape beneath his hands.
His mind wandered as he worked, thinking back on the ship he was working on, as well as how it came into his possession.
Luke and Anakin were on Fondor, having just completed an assignment from the Jedi Council to be the peacekeepers as a formal deal was laid between the Fondor Shipyards and the Kestans. It had been a month since the negotiations, and the Kestans wanted to build a small number of ships and begin training their people to become a navy.
Things had gone well, though Luke had become more of a translator between the Kestans and the ship builders as things progressed. He'd had to explain why the Kestans wanted certain things, and how their bodies needed this or that...
All in all, it had been a successful mission. Luke was also glad to have this time with his father. Now that they were done, they had time to kill, and they'd chosen to do so by visiting the yards where unwanted ships went for parts.
Mostly the vehicles were used and being scrapped to recycle them, but there were also a fair number that had just come off the line and yet for one defect or another they were scrapped. Luke and Anakin knew that the owners of the Fondor Shipyards had a strict set of expectations for anything they built, and any ship that did not pass each inspection was not sold.
Luke and Anakin were in their third yard, and yet Luke was doing more than just looking at old ships. He was trying to find parts for a project he'd given himself, and Fondor was the perfect place to find what he needed.
He already had an armload of things to purchase, much to Anakin's amusement, but when Luke and Anakin turned a bend and saw a sleek ship a little larger than Padmé's personal ship, Luke gaped.
It was perfect!
Luke ran up to the ship, praying it hadn't already been gutted. He leapt onto the hull using the Force and peered inside the viewport. He grinned like a schoolboy when he saw it was still in good shape.
Upon returning to the ground, Anakin lifted his brows. "What are you doing?"
Luke indicated the ship. "I'm going to buy this."
Anakin blinked in surprise, but smiled. Luke had a healthy bank account, having saved many a credit over the years. "Alright."
Luke found a worker and began negotiating the purchase of the vessel. He'd ended up getting it for cheap since the vessel had been scheduled to be scrapped the next day. The manufacturers had wanted to be rid of it, and so had practically asked Luke to take it off their hands.
Coming back to reality with a deep breath, Luke finished the weapon and began fastening the hull plates to open when the weapon was called for in the cockpit. The purchase of this ship had been three weeks ago. Luke and Anakin had been working on the ship ever since it had been brought home, and had upgraded everything from the engines to the galley.
Luke had even given the interior a new paintjob and overall interior redesign, though Padmé had helped him a lot with that one. That was the point at which, however, that Luke knew Anakin had grown suspicious that all wasn't what it seemed.
And Luke knew Anakin was right: Luke normally didn't pay so much attention to detail when interior design was concerned, even for a ship. He liked things to be neat and clean, yes, but the particulars were less of a concern for him. But this ship wasn't just for any purpose. In fact, it wasn't even for him...
"Luke?"
Luke's head came up, and he saw Anakin standing on the ground near the nose of the sleek vessel. The ship itself resembled an arrowhead, though on a more elongated and rounded scale. It would comfortably house six people, with a decent-sized cargo hold beneath the main interior.
"Yes?" Luke answered.
Anakin spied him and leapt onto the hull with the Force, where he came to stand near where Luke was working. He observed his son for a time, and then sat down.
"It's a little late to be working on this, don't you think?" Anakin asked, indicating the chrono on the wall of their family's hangar. It was deep into the night, when anyone else would have been sleeping.
Luke nodded a little nervously, but didn't stop his work. Anakin still watched Luke, and then ventured a guess.
"Luke, this ship isn't for you, is it?" Anakin's voice was soft, but knowing.
Luke paused at last, his hands stilling as his eyes closed momentarily. He hadn't told Anakin or anyone else his plans yet. But the big day was tomorrow, and Luke was so nervous that he hadn't been able to sleep. So he'd come here to work out his nerves by tinkering with the ship.
"No," Luke whispered. "It's for Mara."
Anakin frowned gently. "What's the occasion? I'm pretty sure her lifeday came and went, and Fete isn't for another three months."
Luke bit his lip, and then eyed his father. "I had hoped it would be... a wedding present."
Anakin's eyes widened. "You're planning to propose?"
Luke nodded, swallowing. "Yes: tomorrow in fact. I'm taking her on a date, during which I'll be asking her to marry me."
Anakin gazed at his son, noting the nervous twitch to his hands as he tried to resume his work on the hull plate. Anakin's heart went out to his son, and he placed a hand over Luke's. Luke's blue eyes went to his father's and Anakin smiled.
"I'm so proud of you, Luke," Anakin said honestly. "Have I said that lately?"
Luke's chest heaved with emotion, and he shook his head. "No: but then, we've all been a little busy."
Anakin shook his head. "You make me so proud. You came out of your shell and now you're taking a big step forward in life. And I'm pretty sure Mara will say yes." Anakin playfully socked Luke's shoulder, trying to get his son to ease up.
Luke laughed shakily, appreciating the gesture. "I hope so."
Anakin helped Luke finish his task, and then stood. "Now, if you don't get some rest, you won't be able to go on that date. So off to bed with you."
Luke offered a mock salute, and the two chuckled, leaving the hangar and securing the door behind them.
"Thank you for your support, Dad," Luke said. "It means the galaxy to me."
Anakin wrapped an arm about his son's shoulders. "Anytime, Luke. Anytime."
00000
Mara stood before her mirror, viewing her image with a critical eye. She wore a knee-length a-frame dress the shade of red wine. The sleeves were short, and the neckline formed a shallow v-shape that would preserve her modesty, as she liked. Adorning her neck and ears were simple pieces of jewelry that accented the outfit. And upon her feet were comfortable shoes that did nothing to detract from her attire.
Mara's hair was styled loosely at the nape of her neck, the natural curls enhancing the look.
Satisfied with what she saw, Mara nodded and picked up her hand-held purse. She exited the refresher of her small Jedi Temple room and sat upon her bed, waiting for the reason she was all dressed up to arrive.
A smile graced Mara's lips. She and Luke had been steadily dating since their return from Keostea, with Luke taking her to a variety of places, from fancy to utterly casual. He'd even come up with a game night for them to enjoy with Han and Leia one night.
Mara loved each and every outing with Luke; she didn't care where they went or what they did. Her only requirement was that Luke be there.
Tonight, Luke had asked her to dress up nicely for their evening, though Mara didn't know why. She supposed they were to go out to dinner, but that seemed wrong for the time of day it currently was.
Mara glanced at her chrono, noting that it was still late afternoon, and not the dinner hour for a while yet. So what was he planning?
Mara sighed softly as her gaze continued to roam over the barren room she called hers. It was the only place she had to stay. Luke could go home to be with his family if he chose, but Mara didn't even have an apartment outside the Temple. She hadn't seen the need for one yet, though she had looked on occasion. But nothing spoke to her, so she'd withheld. Though to be honest, her true reason ran deeper than that. No matter where she lived, if she was still alone, it wouldn't be home. So why move if it didn't matter that she did?
Her heart panged with loneliness. She loved her time with Luke, but she was desperate for more with him. She didn't understand why, if he loved her like he did, Luke still hadn't proposed they take the next step in their relationship?
Mara had thought about doing it herself once, but she refused to be that impatient girl who forced the man into marrying her. If Luke wanted to marry her, he would let her know.
Though to be fair, Mara knew Luke hadn't really had much of a chance to do much on that front. He'd been sent on a few solo missions by the Jedi Council in addition to the one to Fondor he'd taken with Anakin. And then while at home, he'd been in training to learn dual-lightsaber technique. So perhaps he'd been meaning to, but hadn't been able to.
Mara cleared her mind, refusing to let her dour mood ruin her evening. She clung to her love for Luke, and let that alone fill her entire being. He may not have been able to be with her as often as they'd have both liked, but he did his best to spend what time he cold with her.
For now, it would do, but she longed to have him hold her through the night...
A knock on her door startled Mara, and she blinked when she felt Luke on the other side. Mara grimaced: it wasn't like her to allow anyone to sneak up on her. Mara stood, straightened her dress and answered the door.
"Luke!" She smiled happily to see him, also taking a moment to appreciate his attire. He'd donned a pair of black slacks and dress shoes, with a gunmetal grey shirt that had an artistic splatter of red lines on it. Mara found that she rather liked the look on him, and she smiled wider to see he had even combed his hair.
"Mara." Luke stepped inside and hugged her immediately. Mara clung to him tightly, not caring if it rumpled their outfits.
Luke sensed her need and frowned gently against her head where his cheek rested. "Are you alright?"
She nodded, speaking softly. "Yes. I'm just happy you're here."
Luke pulled back and ran a finger across her cheekbone. "Are you ready to go?"
Mara nodded, accepting his offered arm without qualms, and walking with him to the Temple's exit. "Where are we going tonight?"
Luke smiled and pulled something from a pocket to show her. Mara glimpsed what looked like tickets and she took them from his grasp. When she saw what they were for, Mara gasped.
"Tickets to the ballet?" Mara was both astonished and excited: she loved attending ballets and all sorts of similar performances. She had heard of a show coming to Coruscant for two days only, but as soon as the announcement had been given, the tickets were a hot item. Mara had tried to buy one, but they'd all been snatched up within three hours of the announcement.
Mara looked to Luke. "How'd you get them?"
Luke smirked. "One of the perks to having a mother and a sister with influence: I was able to secure two tickets through them."
Mara beamed excitedly. "Oh Luke, this is amazing, thank you!"
Luke laughed, feeding off of her excitement. "The show begins in less than an hour, so that's why we're getting such an early start. I had dinner plans for after, if you're alright with that?"
Mara nodded. "That sounds great!"
Luke grinned, and then helped her into his speeder before he took the helm and drove them into the traffic lanes. Mara held to the tickets like they were her lifeline, watching the city pass as they flew through the skyscrapers.
A thought occurred to her then, and she turned back to Luke. "Oh, Shiva contacted me yesterday: she's apparently signed up to be in the Kestan's navy."
Luke blinked. "Really?"
Mara nodded. "Yes. She's scheduled to attend military school soon. I think she wants to become an officer."
"That would suit her," Luke said. "I hope it works out for her. Any news on Thea?"
Mara shook her head. "Last I heard Thea is still working with the Kestans to learn about the golems and their planet. The people have accepted the golems, but there's a few kinks to work out as of yet."
Luke hummed. "Well, she's definitely the one for the job."
Mara had to agree. "Indeed. How are Leia and Han doing?"
"Leia's been working hard on a new bill proposal," Luke said. "And Han has been running shipments about the galaxy for the Republic." He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "I think Han just got back form one, actually."
"Nice," Mara said, eyeing his attire again. "I like your shirt, did I mention that?"
Luke chuckled. "No, but thanks anyway."
Mara fingered the collar. "You should dress up more often, it suits you."
Luke shrugged. "I don't know. I'm more of a casual guy."
"I know." Mara smirked. Her head came up as she spied a large, round building similar in style to the Senate: their destination.
Luke drove them with the skill of an ace pilot, which of course he was. Mara had seen both Luke's simulator scores and his actual flight runs in the T-65 X-Wing. Luke had fallen in love with the ship instantly, and he'd even purchased one for himself. Whenever he was sent on a solo mission by the Jedi Council, he used his private ship.
Luke had also participated in a few battles here and there with the thing. But in any kind of ship, Mara thought he was the best pilot around next to Anakin. Anakin simply had more experience, Mara knew, but Luke was more than capable of keeping pace with his father.
Once they were parked where instructed by a traffic coordinator, Luke walked Mara on his arm to the doors. Mara presented their tickets and the two of them were escorted to their seats. Mara was ecstatic to see they had a private box, complete with privacy curtains on each side.
Soon after they took their seats, a pre-show began, though Mara could have cared less about the small band that performed. She passed the time either in conversation with Luke, or by admiring the theater. It was a thing of beauty, mixing old architecture with newer technology.
The lights dimmed after a time, and Mara straightened in her seat so she could clearly see the stage. Luke took her hand when the curtains parted, and Mara squeezed it firmly, even going so far as to kiss his cheek.
"Thank you, Luke," Mara murmured in his ear.
Luke smiled in return, but remained quiet since the show had begun. He watched the show for a few moments, but then turned to discreetly eye the woman he was hoping to make his fiancée tonight.
How beautiful she was in her little dress, with her hair styled and her toes peeking through the front opening of her dress shoes. Luke loved the way Mara's porcelain skin was accented perfectly by the dark hue of the dress, and he wanted to run his fingers up and down her arm. But that would distract her from the show, so he refrained, content with holding her hand.
The time passed slowly, with Luke alternating his attention between the show and Mara.
He knew she had been wondering about what would become of them as a couple, but Luke had also been working hard to do something else for her. Luke had, with the help of Obi Wan Kenobi, sought out Mara's grandparents. Or at least those on her mother's side of the family. Obi Wan had told Luke where the Jade family had last been known to reside, and Luke had gone from there. He had sent them a message, inquiring to know if they were in fact the parents of Siha Jade.
As of yet, no one had responded, and Luke was hoping he would hear back from them soon. But before Luke took Mara anywhere near them, he would make absolutely certain the experience would not be a repeat of when Mara had gone to Justus.
Luke was fiercely protective of Mara's heart, even more so than he'd ever been with his own. He refused to allow anyone to hurt her in such a manner ever again, and he was prepared to do whatever was necessary to ensure her happiness.
Mara stood when the curtains shut on the performers' last bows and curtseys. She applauded with the rest of the audience, allowing her pleasure at the excellent performance to be known. She had thoroughly enjoyed every minute, and she felt so happy that she beamed as they exited their box.
"That was amazing, Luke!" Mara said, a little spring in her step as they walked with the crowd to the exit.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Luke replied, nodding to the doorman as he let them out. It was now early evening, with the sun midway through its descent.
"And you?" Mara asked. "Did you like it?"
"I did have a good time," Luke answered. "It's fun to attend something like this now and again."
He walked her to their speeder and again helped her in, then climbed in as well. He took off and Mara lost herself in mental replays of the show. So caught up was she in the show and the memory of it, that Mara had completely forgotten about anything planned afterwards.
So she paid little mind to where they were driving, instead seeing the main dancers performing their intricate moves together. What would it be like to dance in such a manner with Luke?
Mara closed her eyes, imagining such a scene: Luke dancing her around the floor, twirling and throwing her, then catching her each time. Their bodies moved in sync to the music, and each other, the passion of the song equaling the ardor in their hearts...
"Mara?" Luke's voice brought her back to reality, and she blinked to see that they had stopped, and Luke was waiting for her outside the speeder.
Mara blushed lightly, shifting her hair behind one ear and exiting the speeder to join him on the walkway. She looked about curiously, not recognizing the area. "Where are we?"
"We're in a newly developed area of town, actually," Luke said, indicating the signage that showed that a new complex had been built from the ruins of one that had caught fire.
"Oh, I remember the news report on the incident," Mara said, frowning. "But that's almost on the other side of Coruscant, Luke."
He nodded. "I know. I thought we'd do something different. You know I like to vary things."
Mara shrugged. "Alright. I'm interested to see what you've got planned."
Luke smiled; leading her into a building that seemed like it had just been finished, but not yet furnished. Mara frowned again, uncertain if they were supposed to be in here, but she trusted Luke, so she didn't argue.
But she was curious... "How did we get access to this?"
"A friend of Han's actually owns this place," Luke said. "A man called Lando Calrissian. He's a good man, if a little flashy at times."
Mara hummed her understanding, even more intrigued now that she realized they were in a building that looked like it housed condominiums. Luke took Mara to the top floor where the penthouse was, and led her to the door.
He smiled at her and entered a code to admit them. Mara allowed Luke to usher her inside, and she took in their surroundings.
The room was not yet furnished as she'd suspected, but it was spacious, with a floor-to-ceiling window that took up one entire wall. It of course was made of one-way glass, which allowed those inside the room to see out, while no one outside could see in. Mara saw a series of hallways that led off the main room they were in.
And down one such hall was a glow that caught her attention. "Do you see that?"
Luke followed her line of sight and nodded. "Yes, come on."
Mara followed him, and it wasn't until she entered a smaller room that she remembered that Luke had mentioned dinner after their show. In the center of the room rested a small table for two, a pair of covered dishes resting at each end, with drinks in a cooling tumbler. Mara looked to Luke in surprise, and he smiled softly.
"I thought we could do something unique." He explained.
Mara gazed at him for a moment, then looked back to the table... and smiled warmly in return. "I love it, Luke."
His relief was palpable, and he led her to the table, where he pulled Mara's chair out for her. Once he was seated too, they lifted the covers to their dishes. Mara was surprised to find there was still steam coming from the food.
Clearly Luke had had someone bring this recently. Mara dug in, realizing how hungry she was when the salad appetizer touched her lips. She finished the salad quickly and forced herself to slow down during the main course.
Luke didn't comment, however, not one to care about how someone else ate. Mara struck up conversation when she was partway through her main dish.
"How is your dual-lightsaber training going?"
Luke grunted lightly. "It's very difficult, but I'm making progress. I can go slowly at the moment, but I'm striving for getting the basics before I add speed to the mix."
Mara nodded her agreement. "It's like dancing: you can't do leaps and fancy maneuvers until you have the foundation steps down pat."
Luke inclined his head. "Exactly. Master Yoda actually checked in on me the other day; said he wanted to see how I was coming along."
Mara blinked in surprise. Yoda had at long last grown to look as old as he was, and he didn't get out much anymore because it was increasingly difficult for the ancient Jedi Master to do so. So for him to visit Luke was a special treat.
"That's neat," Mara said honestly.
Luke hummed. "Yes. He was also able to show me some new healing techniques, something I had requested shortly after our return from Keostea."
Mara swallowed with a little more difficulty at the reminder of her morbid near-death experience. But she let it pass, choosing not to dwell on it. "I'd like to learn some healing too. When you get it down, maybe you would be willing to show me?"
"Of course." Luke agreed readily.
Personally, Mara thought Luke made a good teacher, and she could see teaching in his future.
"Thank you," Mara murmured, finishing her plate and waiting for Luke to do likewise. Then he presented her with cheesecake for desert, and Mara's eyes glittered. "Ooh, yummy!"
Luke smiled upon her as she tasted a portion and let out a sound of pleasure.
"This is delicious!" Mara said happily. "It's a good thing I can't cook this or I'd be a lot bigger than I am now."
They shared a laugh, and finished dessert in companionable silence. Once done, Luke led Mara to an open spot on the floor and she noted he had a small radio placed at one wall. He turned it on to play soft music, and then turned to face her.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked.
Mara stepped up immediately. "Yes, please." They hadn't danced since the closing feast on Keostea.
Luke gathered her close, and swayed with Mara to the slow, steady rhythm of the song. It was a long time, and many more slow songs before either one thought to speak. Mara pulled back so they could converse while dancing.
"How did your trip to Tatooine go, by the way?" Mara asked, referring to a solo trip Luke had taken a while back. He'd said he was going to visit his aunt and uncle there, and Mara hadn't questioned him.
Luke's expression was warm. "I'd say that trip went very well. Aunt Beru taught me how to make her rolls, and I helped Uncle Owen with maintenance on some of the moisture vaporators."
Mara tilted her head. "I still don't get why they eek out an existence in such a place." When Luke started to respond, Mara expounded her statement. "I get that it's their home, but... it's such a harsh, desolate place. They're utterly alone..." Mara couldn't help how her own loneliness leaked into her tone.
Luke, hearing her sorrow, closed his eyes, welcoming the opening he'd been searching for. "Yes, they're alone... but they have each other."
When he opened his eyes again, Mara was gazing at him, and it hurt Luke to see moisture in her emerald eyes. He wiped tenderly at her cheeks when the tears finally slipped free of her control.
"I'm sorry that you've been so lonely," Luke whispered. He was upset with himself now for having made her wait. But he'd wanted to do this in a special way, not on the fly. Regardless, he hadn't planned on being pulled away so often once they'd come home.
Luke had been hoping he could propose within a week or two of their return, but the Council had sent him on several missions, two of them back-to-back.
Mara leaned into his touch and Luke dropped to his knees right there, pulling the ring box from his pocket. She saw his motions and froze, eyes widening.
"Mara," Luke said, taking her hand with his free one and meeting her gaze openly. "I love you; so much so that it hurts me to see you suffer even a little. I said before I would do anything for you, and I will. But I want to do everything with you too, or as much as possible."
Luke brought her hand to his knuckles and kissed them. "I want to spend forever with you... I'd love to grow old and grey with you, and take any and all of life's events with you at my side." He took a breath, releasing her hand to open the box and present her with a custom-designed ring. "Mara, would you be my wife?"
Mara's tears flowed in earnest now, though they were no longer sad. The ring in the box was a line of tiny pink diamonds in a smoothed-out zigzag pattern. Mara smiled, nodding eagerly. "Yes, I will."
Luke's face split into a huge grin, and he took the ring from the box and slid it into place on her finger. He then stood and hugged her to him, his lips finding hers moments later. Mara drew him close, drinking him in.
Their shared joy pulsated through their souls, and it was a long time before they broke apart. Luke rested his forehead against hers, and a lone tear fell from his eyes now.
"I never meant to make you wait so long," Luke told her honestly. "But this was my first chance to do this the right way."
Mara shook her head. "I get it. I just want to be with you, Luke. I don't need a huge, fancy wedding. Can we please not have a long engagement?"
Luke smiled lovingly. "Take as much or little time as you need, Love. Although Leia would be heartbroken if she didn't at least get to help you pick out a gown. And Mother would love to help too..."
Mara nodded. "Of course. But let's keep this small, with only family and invited friends."
Luke held her close again. "I like the sound of that."