Chapter Eight

After having samples of his cells removed so the process of regenerating his body could begin, Anakin Skywalker headed back to his children's rooms to convey Padmé's request that they all have dinner together this evening, since she wanted to met Solo and Jade.

He rang the buzzer on Luke's door, but no one answered. Reaching out with the Force, he could sense no one in any of the rooms, including Jade's. This was strange, to say the least. For a few moments he tried to raise Luke by comlink, but there was no response. Taking a breath, he reached out beyond the general area, and instantly knew his children were in trouble. Deep trouble. He spun around to follow the direction the Force would guide him, when Threepio came hurrying down the plush hallway.

"Master Skywalker!" the droid called out. "Maybe you can help find me find Master Jar Jar..."

Jar Jar? The Gungan is in trouble, too? How did this all happen? the former Sith wondered. Then Anakin remembered Jabba's palace, and how quickly everything fell apart there, too. It was a very good thing for Solo that he was trying to stay away from using the dark side of the Force, because that man was certainly testing his patience.

Luke's blue lightsaber deflected the blaster shot, and he quickly took up a defensive stance. "Mara... I don't want to hurt you." Behind the ramp, he heard a laugh.

"That's very kind of you, Skywalker. But if I don't take care of you and your traitorous family, I'm dead anyway."

Another quick succession of shots fired out, severely testing the young Jedi's lightsaber skills. Panting from the long run up from the lowest level to the landing dock, Luke was being pushed to the limit of his abilities. "The Emperor will eventually kill you, anyway," he shouted back. "Even if you do succeed in killing my family. Someday you will displease him, then he'll kill you. He's a bad person, Mara. He needs to be stopped."

"He's the rightful leader of the galaxy!" Mara yelled back. "The only reason you want him to die is so you can take over."

"That's not true," Luke said, hoping he was telling her the truth and that his father didn't have ambitions to become the next Emperor. "Evil is never right. The Emperor kills innocents without a second thought. Do you approve of slavery? Slavery is wrong, and Palpatine embraces it... even you're a slave to his will."

"LIAR!"

More shots, and this time one grazed his thigh, making him gasp in pain. He dropped to the surface and rolled to avoid the volley of fire. Then the shots slowed and stopped. Luke wondered what she was planning as he struggled to his feet.

Skywalker didn't know that the power-pack on the blaster Fett had provided her was now fully drained, leaving Mara Jade trapped, weaponless. Behind and on either side of her was the long drop to the surface of the planet, while Luke Skywalker and his lightsaber stood between her and the door back to the inside of Cloud City.

Jade gave a small, humorless smile, hoping that Skywalker would hesitate in killing her. That would give her the edge she needed. He might have her in size and weight, but she was trained in hand-to-hand combat. If she could throw him off guard, even for a few seconds, the lightsaber would be hers and the Jedi would die. She watched as the young man cautiously approached the ship, still asking her to see 'the truth'.

Then she threw herself out from behind the landing strut, and attacked.

Reckless as always, Han rushed after the bounty hunter, determined to catch the man responsible for freeing Mara Jade. He wasn't foolish enough to dash around the large piece of machinery without taking precautions. Stopping, he held up his hand, indicating Leia and Chewie should stay back. Slowly he dropped to one knee, before sticking his head around the equipment. Fett was nowhere to be seen. Han started to rise, when Leia gave a shout of warning. A second later, the groan of creaking metal sounded from above.

Han looked up to see a very large chain attached to a hoist swinging toward his head. He was about to throw himself to one side when another weight slammed hard against his side, knocking him to the ground. The chain swung harmlessly over his prone body, dashing against the far wall and breaking a large piece of durasteel off of a machine. Flat on his back, gasping to regain the breath that had been knocked out of his lungs, Han looked into Leia's brown, slightly annoyed, eyes as she lay across his chest.

"Why, sweetheart, this is so - " A movement on a catwalk caught his attention, and he quickly wrapped his arms around the Princess, rolling her over several times as blaster fire slammed into the ground where a second before they had been lying.

Chewie gave a roar, raising his bowcaster upward and firing back, but the bounty hunter was too quick and was gone before the return fire could strike him.

With their positions reversed, Han was now on top of the winded Princess, grinning down. " - sudden," he finished his sentence.

"Get off of me," Leia groused, pushing against his chest.

Instead, Han wiggled downward, until his face was directly over hers. "Are you sure?" he whispered, his lips brushing hers. "This could be real romantic."

"Are you kidding me? We're being shot at by a bounty hunter," Leia protested, feeling her heart give a flutter despite the danger. "Get off... you're heavy."

Chewie reached down and pulled Han to his feet by the back of his vest. *Cub... has anyone ever told you that your romantic timing really stinks?* He pointed to a metal staircase. *Fett is up there. We have to catch him. NOW!*

Laughing, Han reached down and helped Leia to her feet. "Maybe we can pick this up later, Your Worship."

"Maybe we can, flyboy," Leia replied with a wink as she headed toward the stairs. She felt a moment of satisfaction when she saw his astounded expression at her reply.

Dormé stood behind Padmé, combing out her long, damp hair as Padmé prepared to have dinner with her future son-in-law and daughter-in-law. "So they are all finally here," she said softly. "Just like you've always believed would happen."

The former Queen nodded, shutting her eyes to keep the tears from falling. "Twenty years is a long time to wait, but in less than a year my Anakin will be restored, and then we can take care of the Emperor - once and for all."

"Are you going to tell your children the truth?"

Padmé shook her head. "I can't. Not yet. They won't believe me, especially not Leia. She's been through too much with Anakin torturing her. She'll think I'm either insane, or evil, and convince Luke."

"You are neither, my Lady," Dormé said firmly. "If you tell them what you know, maybe they will understand."

"In time, they will. But first they must come to love and trust me. Only then can I tell them the truth."

"Leia will side with you. She simply must."

"They've had years to brainwash Leia into believing that they are on the side of right, that they only want what's best for the galaxy. Somehow, I have to think of a way to get them to reveal what they're really like, and what the true goals are," Padmé replied. "Luke will be easier, I believe. He's only been under their influence for six months."

"Too bad Obi-Wan never knew. He wouldn't have taken Luke from Tatooine," Dormé said, putting down the brush, then started braiding the long locks.

"No," Padmé disagreed. "This happened for a reason. All this has happened for a reason. I know that Obi-Wan would agree that I have to do something to stop them, even if it takes drastic measures."

"Yes, he would, my Lady. He certainly would."

The assassin tackled Luke around his ankles and he went down hard, his lightsaber clattering from his fingers, then rolling away as it automatically turned off.

Mara tried to reach for the saber, but Luke pulled her leg, keeping it out of her grasp. Twisting around, she kicked out, striking her booted toe into Luke's wounded thigh and the young Jedi nearly passed out from the pain.

Scrambling to her hands and knees, the young woman again moved toward the lightsaber. Blinking hard, Luke rolled his body, pushing her from her goal, then climbed to his feet. Lightning fast, Jade was also up and standing, circling around, her eyes hard. "You can't bring yourself to kill me," she said, grinning. "It will be your downfall."

Luke backed away, his eyes flicked down toward his weapon. "I don't want to kill you, Mara. But if you leave me no choice..."

Jade moved toward the saber, and Luke followed. Both hands grasped the hilt as they tumbled ever closer to the edge. The momentum had put Mara on top, and she pushed the handle toward Luke's throat, trying to point the deadly end of the saber at Luke's neck. "Mara..." Luke gasped. "Please... stop this."

"I'll stop... when you're dead."

The blue blade flashed on, drilling a hole in the durasteel next to Luke's ear. Desperately, he rolled away from the humming blade. By doing so, he threw Mara off his chest...and off the platform.

"Binks!" Lando yelled out as he entered the carbon freezing room. "Where are you?" Silence. "Listen... this is expensive equipment. It's not a toy, and it's not a game. You need to come out. Now!"

The Baron turned around, thinking he heard something. Whimpering? "Binks? I'm not mad at you. Just come out," he pleaded. A shuffle sounded behind him, and he gave a half turn before a blaster was shoved in his ribs.

"One move, and you're dead," a mechanical voice hissed in his ear.

"I'm not moving," Lando said quietly, looking out of the corner of his eye. He instantly recognized Boba Fett from his smuggling days. "Not moving a muscle."

"You're going to show me the shortest route to my ship," Fett continued. "Now that they know I'm here, I no longer have the element of surprise on my side. It's time I leave."

"Alright. Where are you docked?"

"Landing pad two-four-nine."

"I'll take you there. Just keep your finger off the trigger, okay?" Lando said, trying to remain calm.

Everything that happened next seemed to take place in slow motion. As Lando started to move, Jar Jar Binks popped his eye stalks up from inside the carbon freezing chamber. "Landos! Der yousa isa... yousa gonna teach mesa hows to play sabacc nows?"

Fett whipped his blaster toward the sound of Jar Jar's voice ... just as Solo, Chewbacca and the Princess burst into the room from the opposite side, weapons drawn and pointed in Lando's general direction.

Instinctively, Lando dropped to his knees, out of the line of fire as Fett blasted at Solo, while Solo shot back. Fett was hit in the chest, but his armor deflected the bolt. Still, the impact knocked the hunter sideways, into the controls for the carbon chamber. Distantly, Lando heard the whine of the platform, the startled cry of the Gungan as the platform dropped under his feet - then a rush of icy steam as it obscured his friends on the far side of the room. Fett took the opportunity under the cover of the cold mist, disappearing from the same direction that he'd come.

Long moments later, the mist cleared. Lando hurried over to the pit, and was joined by his friends as they all stared down at the carbon frozen form of Jar Jar Binks, his eyes wide with surprise, his mouth open with his long tongue sticking out.

"Solo, this is all your fault," Lando finally muttered.

"Is he dead?" Leia asked, peering closer at the strangely silent Gungan. Despite the fact the Gungan was incredibly annoying, he was basically a goodhearted - if somewhat dimwitted - being. If he were dead, she would feel badly about his demise.

"I don't know," Lando admitted. "This chamber is meant for carbon freezing gases, not sentients. We'll have to use the crane and pull him out. Then I can check the controls."

"Did Fett say anything to you?" Han asked Lando.

"He's going for his ship... landing pad two-four-nine - that's level twenty-four, landing pad number nine. He's got a pretty good head start."

"I'm going after him," Han replied, looking at Leia. "You want to stay here with Binks?"

Leia shook her head. "No. I'm coming with you. I can't help Jar Jar right now, anyway."

Then they took off, leaving Lando still staring down at the carbon frozen Gungan. "At least he won't keep nagging me to teach him how to play sabacc," he said into the now quiet room.

"MARA!" Luke screamed as she disappeared off the side. He jumped to his feet, then saw her fingertips grasping the edge of the platform. The Jedi rushed over, dropping to his knees and grabbing her wrists. "I've got you...I won't let you fall..."

Using his own strength combined with the Force, he pulled her slowly up, and to safety. Her face was pale, and she was shaking. "Why?" she mumbled, suddenly feeling very cold in the outside air.

"Why? What type of question is that?"

"Why did you save me?" she clarified, her green eyes staring into Luke's blue gaze.

"I couldn't let you die."

"But... I just tried killing you!"

"I couldn't let you die," he repeated softly. "I... I think I'm falling in love with you."

That quiet, simple statement left Mara Jade speechless.

I'm home free, Fett thought happily as he reached the upper levels where his ship was docked. Of course, there was still the problem of Palpatine, but perhaps he would no longer be required to follow Solo's ship, especially since his cover had been blown. That thought gave Fett pause. The Emperor would not be pleased to know he tried - and failed - to rescue his Imperial assassin. He doubted Palpatine would give him credit for simply trying. Maybe when he contacted the Sith, he could leave that part of the story out. But then, how would he explain how he'd allowed them to find out they were being followed?

He was still thinking these things as he reached the open-air gangway that led to Slave I, hitting the remote control on his armor that lowered the ramp and started the ship's warm-up.

Halfway to the Slave I, the door behind him opened, and he spun around, not surprised to see Solo and his friends still pursuing. Fett fired off a few shots to discourage them from following too closely, then took off at a fast run toward his ship. Once inside he would be safe... only twenty more steps.

He never made it.

Chewie let out a loud roar, pointing toward the sky, then pushed Han and Leia back toward safety inside the building. They watched in total disbelief as a huge, flat winged, avian swooped down out of the sky, opening its large beaked mouth, scooping the bounty hunter up, then flapping away over the clouds of Bespin.

"What the hells was that?" Han asked in shock. "It must've had a wingspan of thirty or forty feet, at least!"

"A thranta," Leia answered, her eyes still focused on where the bird has disappeared into the billowing mists. "It was native to Alderaan, but years ago some were transplanted here. Apparently, they adapted quite well to this environment."

"Did that happen a lot on Alderaan?" Han questioned, still stunned.

"Never. Thrantas could be tamed, and ridden by experts. I thought they only ate shellfish."

"Well... that one must have developed a taste for red meat."

*Or maybe it thought Fett was a shellfish, under all that armor,* Chewie pointed out.

Han turned to Leia and gave a wide grin. "See? Luck is still on my side!"

"Wait until after Anakin gets a hold of you before you say that, Nerfherder."

"What did you just say?" Mara finally managed to ask, still staring at the Jedi.

"I said..." Luke felt his face starting to get hot. "I, um, I think... I might be falling in love with you."

"Think?"

"Well, I'm not exactly an expert on the subject," Luke said defensively. "All I know is that I can't stop thinking about you."

"That happens when you have an assassin out to get you. I've had a lot of people that can't stop thinking about me... until I kill them."

"No." Luke shook his head. "Not those kinds of thoughts..."

Mara's eyes narrowed. "Those kind, then? I should slap your face, farmboy."

Luke didn't think it was possible to get even redder, but he did. "No!" he protested. "I don't mean those kind, either. You sure don't make this easy on a guy, do you?"

Sitting back, Mara grinned. "What fun would that be? Besides, I've never had a guy tell me they love me before, either."

Luke rose to his feet. "Their loss." He reached down, offering to help her up, but wasn't too surprised when she stood without his assistance.

"This doesn't mean we're friends, Skywalker. Just because you save my life, and try to compliment me. I still think you're a traitor."

"Will you at least stop trying to kill me, and my family?"

"I'll think about it," she replied, heading toward the door.

Halfway to the landing dock, Anakin Skywalker was greeted by the sight of Luke escorting a somewhat subdued looking Mara Jade back to her room. Something had changed in the emotions of the assassin, but then he noted the wound on his son's leg and pushed that thought aside. "Luke, do you require medical treatment?"

"It's just a surface wound," he responded tightly, trying to keep the pain out of his voice. "Some bacta will take care of it."

"What happened to your sister, and that, that... Corellian?"

Luke smiled at his father's exasperated tone. "They're chasing Boba Fett. He's the one that helped Mara escape."

Anakin turned his helmet to gaze at the redhead. "Perhaps Solo was right about one thing. We should have locked you up in a cell. How did Fett find you?"

"He wasn't looking for me," Mara answered truthfully. "He told me he was at Jabba's palace when you showed up. Fett thought he could sell that information to the Emperor, but instead ended up with the assignment of following you."

"Fett has told Palpatine we are on Bespin?" Anakin hissed the question. If Palpatine knew they were on Cloud City, then they were all in immediate danger. The city would have to be evacuated, and Anakin's hope for restoring his body would once again be put on indefinite hold. Her answer gave him a large measure of relief.

"Not yet. He didn't want to follow you anymore, so when he saw that I was your captive he thought he'd earn points by rescuing me." Mara sighed, and then continued. "Maybe Solo managed to stop him, but I doubt it."

"Have a little more faith in me than that, Jade," Han called as he approached from behind her with Leia and Chewie. "Fett's been taken care of."

"Leia!" Luke called out, happy to see they were all in one piece. "What happened to Fett?"

The Princess glanced over at Han, smirking. "Despite what Han says, he had a little help. When Fett was running to his ship, a thranta flew down and ate him."

"What's a thranta?" Luke questioned.

"A really big bird that lives on Bespin," Lando answered, coming up behind the group. He looked at Leia. "Binks is still alive, and in perfect hibernation. I've had the slab taken to the upper levels so the doctors can unthaw him."

"Unthaw?" Anakin asked the Baron. "What in all the hells happened to Binks?"

"He picked a really bad place to hide from Threepio." Worried at the deep sound of the respirator, Lando flicked his thumb over toward Han. "This was all his fault. Han let them all loose on Cloud City."

The helmet moved slowly in Han's direction, and the Corellian backed up into Chewie's chest. "It was an accident. Honest."

"Solo, you are absolutely the worst babysitter in the history of this galaxy. You are aware that I will have to punish you for failing so utterly, and so completely, in that one, simple little task I assigned to you?"

"Pu...punish?" Han stuttered out. "But I thought you gave up the dark side. Right?"

Anakin swung his face to Calrissian again. "Baron? Do you have a personal tailor?"

"Of course."

"Good. Send them to Solo's room at once. Have them take measurements, and then design outfits. Once the designs are ready, I will approve which ones they will sew. Are those instructions clear?"

"Yes."

"Good." Anakin started to turn and leave, then stopped and looked back. "Luke, Mara, and Leia and that... Corellian, will be formally dining with me and Padmé tonight. Solo will be dressed appropriately." Then he stalked away.

Luke looked over at the silent smuggler. "Your punishment is going to be dressing like Lando? Wow... that's cruel."

"Hey!" Lando protested. "I resent that!"

Four hours later...

Leia knocked on Mara's door before opening the replacement lock and sticking her head inside. "Mara?"

"I'm here," the redhead replied, coming out of the refresher, toweling her hair. "I still don't understand why your parents want to meet me, anyway."

The Princess shrugged, hoping her senses wouldn't betray Anakin's plans to set Mara and Luke up as a couple. Instead of replying, she held out a box. "I've been down to the shops. I hope you like what I've picked out."

"I'm sure it's fine," the Imperial replied, taking the box and throwing it on the bed without looking at it. "I've never been much of a fashion plate."

After a moment, Leia cleared her throat. "Okay. I'll leave you to get dressed. Luke will be here in about an hour to escort you to dinner."

"I can't tell you how excited I am," Mara said, trying to work sarcasm into her tone. After her near death experience, and Luke's confession of love, Mara had felt too stunned to think straight. Now, hours later, she'd had time to calm down and reflect on what had transpired. If she were to tell the truth, actually she was looking forward to seeing the young Jedi, but was also prepared to die a slow death before admitting it. There was no way she was going to start fawning over that Jedi just because he was cute, had gorgeous blue eyes, mentioned the word 'love', and had saved her life. Not a chance. Each and everyone of those nine hells of Corellia would freeze over first. "Tell your brother not to keep me waiting, Princess. I'm not the patient sort."

Nearly an hour later, the buzzer on Leia's door sounded, and she heard Han talking to Threepio. Stepping out into the main room, Leia nearly burst into laughter. Somehow, in less than five hours, the tailors had designed, cut and sewn an entire 'uniform' for Solo. The entire outfit was sharply cut, with dark gray slacks, a high collar and form fitting, light gray tunic, with rows of silver buttons that must have taken at least fifteen minutes to close.

"Your father hates me," Han mumbled, looking forlorn. Then he gave a half smile. "But you look great, Princess."

Leia twirled around in her floor length light peach silk gown, accented with glittering, iridescent jewels. "I haven't had a dress like this since..." Her smile faded away as memories of Alderaan came back.

Stepping forward, Han wrapped his arms around her, and kissed the top of her head. "I know." When she looked up, he bent over and kissed her, slowly and passionately.

Drawing back, Leia met his intense gaze. Chewie was in his own room, and for a change there was no one to interrupt them, so it was finally time to ask the question she'd wanted to ask for days. "Did you mean what you said before?"

"What did I say?"

Cheeks flushed, she averted her eyes, trying to keep her temper in check. "On Naboo. You told me you loved me, but I don't know if you really meant it." If he laughed her off, she wasn't sure if she would crawl into the floor vent, or punch him.

Suddenly, he recalled the quick comment that he'd made in the rush of the moment. "I love you," he assured her quietly.

"Really?"

Han laughed. "Really, truly."

"I love you too, flyboy."

"Really?" he repeated her question, barely able to believe that a Princess could fall for a guy like him.

"Really, truly," she said, hugging him tightly.

"Does this mean you'll talk to your father about lifting my punishment?"

Leia stepped back, appraising the outfit. "I doubt it. I like you dressed up." She tugged on his hand, smiling at his defeated expression. "We'd better go. If we're late for this dinner, Anakin will think of something else to torture you with."

When Mara opened her door, Luke's jaw dropped. Dressed in an emerald green dress made of satin and pearl beads, with her hair loose and waving down her back, there was little resemblance between Mara Jade the assassin, and Mara Jade the woman. "Shut your mouth, Skywalker," Mara said with a little smirk. "Or you might catch one of those thrantas Lando was telling us about."

He shut his mouth, swallowing hard. "You look, um, wonderful."

The Imperial glanced over Luke's outfit of black slacks and green shirt that was suspiciously close to hers in color. "Did your sister pick out your clothes?"

"She helped. I'm not too good at shopping," he admitted reluctantly.

"I guess that explains why we're a matching set, then."

Luke struggled not to blush. "I'd be honored to have people think I'm a match for you."

"After this morning, I'd have to say you're more than a match," she answered truthfully, thinking back to how close she'd come to dying.

The Jedi held out his elbow. "Are you ready to go?"

Mara took his offered arm, surprised at how comfortable the sensation felt. "Sure, farmboy. Let's get this over with."

Together, they headed for the lift.

Han entered the upper suite with Leia by his side. His eyes took in the expensive furnishings, the airy, open feel of the large entryway. Then he watched as Anakin walked toward them, holding the hand of a petite, beautiful woman dressed in a sky blue, embroidered taffeta gown. Han wasn't surprised that mother and daughter resembled each other, both in coloring and height.. or lack of height, if you were being technical.

She stuck her hand out, smiling. "So you must be Leia's Corellian."

"Han Solo," the smuggler replied, taking her hand in a firm grip, aware that Leia was blushing over the introduction. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Out of the corner of his eye, Han could see Anakin nodding in approval. He knew that the former Sith was carefully watching, waiting for him to make a slip.

"My husband speaks very highly of you, Han," Padmé said, noting Han's somewhat incredulous look. "And, yes, he did tell me what an awful job you made of babysitting, but minor flaws like that can be corrected. Can't they?"

"Uh. Yes."

He was spared further comments when the lift opened again - this time Luke and Mara exited. It took all of Han's willpower not to openly gape at the suddenly stunning Mara Jade. Everyone was so dressed up, it was like they were attending some fancy ball instead of just having a family dinner.

"Mother," Luke said, nodding toward Mara. "This is Mara Jade. Mara, I'd like you to meet my mother, Padmé Amidala Skywalker."

"Mrs. Skwalker," Mara said formally, but not taking the woman's grasp.

Padmé dropped her hand. Anakin was correct - it was going to take quite an effort to crack this woman's defenses. At the same time, she could see the way Luke was staring at Mara, so obviously smitten by the Imperial. If Luke loved her, then it would be worth the time it took to change her attitude. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Jade. Why don't we all be seated at the table, since dinner is about ready."

The formal meal was served with Han and Leia seated on one side of the table, Luke and Mara across from them, with Padme on the opposite end from Anakin, who could not join them in eating the tasty meal. Most of the conversation was initiated by Padmé asking polite, general questions. She asked Han about his ship, and how he knew Baron Calrissian. She asked Mara if she had any friends her own age. However, even that mundane question earned her a glare from the redhead, and a curt response that she didn't need friends.

Finally Han asked a question of his own that had been bothering him for sometime. "Anakin, don't you think there might have been someone that recognized you when we landed here and will tell the Emperor - like Fett did when he saw you on Tatooine?"

"I would not have jeopardized my wife in such a manner. Once we entered Cloud City, I used the Force to disguise my appearance. Beings did not see Darth Vader, only a tall, nondescript man walking with your group. I did not sense that anyone recognized Princess Leia, or you either, Solo." Anakin then added, "I have also asked Calrissian to dispose of Fett's ship, check all outgoing messages, and find an inside hanger to store the Falcon. Tomorrow, you and your Wookiee will move your ship there."

He turned to his son. "After dinner, you will retrieve the droids and the Wookiee. From now on, we will all be living in Padmé's apartment complex. There are plenty of bedrooms and it will be more secure. The less we are seen on the common area levels, the less chance there will be that someone will recognize us."

"I agree," Luke said, nodding. "Have you heard about Jar Jar's condition yet?"

It was Padmé that answered her son. "The doctors have unthawed him successfully, but he's rather... distressed. He keeps screaming that he wants to go home to Naboo and that Cloud City is a terrible place for Gungans."

"Unfortunately, that cannot be allowed," Anakin told them. "The Emperor knows he's a link to Padmé, so he must stay with us until I am healed, and we can rejoin the Rebels."

Luke saw his mother visibly tense at that comment. "Mother? Don't you want to help the Rebellion?"

"No... that's not it," she lied. "I'm just concerned about the Moorlands. They have been forced to go into hiding, and Dormé is worried. Her parents aren't young, you know."

"Are the Moorlands coming here?" Leia asked.

"No." Padmé shook her head. "After their experience with your father, they declined to come to Cloud City."

"Can't imagine why that would make them hesitate," Han muttered under his breath.

"What did you say, son?" Anakin questioned, rather loudly.

"Nothing."

"I didn't think so."

"Anakin!" Padmé said, trying to remain serious. "You really have to stop intimidating the poor Captain. He'll never propose to Leia if you keep scaring him."

"What?" Leia shouted, looking at her mother. "Propose?" She turned to a wide-eyed Han. "You plan on proposing to me?"

"Anakin has had a lengthy discussion with Han about marrying you, dear," the older woman said sweetly, watching as Han slumped down in his chair. "Don't slouch, dear," she told Han firmly. "It's very unbecoming."

"Is that what he was talking to you about?" Leia demanded, glaring at Han as he sat up straight in his chair. "He was ordering you to propose marriage to me?"

"I think so... it's all a bit foggy, actually."

"It was not exactly an order," Anakin said defensively. "Just a suggestion."

By this time, Mara was laughing so hard she was holding her sides, and Luke was having a hard time not joining her.

"I don't see that this is so funny, Luke," his sister shouted over the table at him. "Not since Anakin has asked me to help fix you up with Mara!"

"Leia!" Anakin said, appalled that his daughter would spill that out. "You're not supposed to tell them!"

"What are you saying?" Mara gasped, standing up, all the amusement gone from her expression. "Your family is planning out my future? You think you have the right to tell me who I'm going to marry?" She turned her furious eyes down to Luke. "Is that why you gave me that idiotic line about falling in love with me?"

"No... I meant it, Mara... I wasn't lying to you!" Luke tried explaining. "It wasn't a... line."

"You already told her you loved her? That's the way to go," Han encouraged his friend, who was now looking mortified.

"No one manipulates Mara Jade!" Jade yelled at Luke. "I'm not some mindless drone!"

"Palpatine's been manipulating you for years," Anakin pointed out, folding his arms across his chest. "You will be staying with us while Luke and Leia train as Jedi, whether you like it or not. If we have to keep you locked up, that will be your choice, Jade."

"I hate you and your family." Mara hissed, picking up her half-filled wine glass and tossing the contents in Luke's face. Then she stormed away from the dining table, heading into the nearest refresher unit.

"If you're serious about this woman, you're gonna have to learn how to duck, kid," Han deadpanned.

Slowly, Luke used his white napkin and wiped the red wine off his face. "She really likes to do that, doesn't she?" Standing up and moving away from the table he mumbled, "I'll go get Chewie and the droids now."

Padmé stood up, looking at her husband. "We need to talk to Mara, dear. We have to fix this mess."

"What am I supposed to say?"

"You'll think of something. And you really do need to stop threatening people," she replied, waving at him to follow as she headed down the hall toward the refresher. Sighing, Anakin stood up and tagged after his wife.

Han leaned back in his chair, balancing on the back legs. "Ya know, Sweetheart," he drawled out as he unbuttoned the top of his tight collar. "I might just fit in with your crazy family after all."

"Is that your version of a proposal, Solo?" Leia said jokingly, rubbing her tired eyes. It had been a very full day after all, what with meeting her mother, and almost getting killed by Boba Fett.

"If you want it to be, it is."

Leia focused her gaze on the Corellian. For once, he wasn't smirking - he looked completely serious. "You'd faint if I said 'yes'."

He moved forward, dropping the front chair legs to the floor so he could lean closer. "Let's find out," he whispered, his voice low and husky.

"Yes."

Han didn't faint. He kissed her instead.

Halfway across the galaxy...

"They haven't contacted us for weeks," the man said. "Perhaps the Imperials killed them."

The woman shook her head. "It wouldn't be that easy, darling. I wish it were. Blast those Jedi for always showing up just when you think they're all dead."

"He was young, and untrained. It wasn't likely he'd given us much trouble."

"Jedi are always trouble. Jedi and Sith are both nothing but trouble. We only had two Sith left to deal with, and then young Skywalker shows up." She sighed. "I'm just glad Obi-Wan Kenobi died before he left the Death Star. Still, who knows how many more are hiding out there?"

The Corellian leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. "I still think Vader might have taken care of the boy and the Princess."

"I hope you're right," she replied, her mouth a tight line. "Good riddance to both of them. The High and Mighty Princess would have been just as much a problem as a Jedi."

"Are you sure we have enough people are on our side? We need at least half the fighters to support us once Palpatine is dead," he pointed out.

"We have enough. Soon, I will be the new leader of the galaxy," the woman reassured him. "Which sounds better, darling - Queen or Empress?"

"I'd rather be a King than a Emperor," he said with a laugh.

"Then King you will be. Now, let's stop talking..." She reached over to her partner, her lover, and for a while they both forgot about their ambitious plans.