Core Worlds
Planet: Hosnian Prime
Galactic Capitol

It was past the dinner hour on Hosnian Prime when Luke and Silre arrived. Mon Mothma and several other New Republic dignitaries welcomed them with opened arms as they arrived at the Capitol headquarters, and were very quickly offered enough food and drink to satisfy even the deepest hunger pains. Only Mothma joined them for dinner, listening as Luke and Silre discussed their findings at the Drive Yards. Silre did most of the talking, though it wasn't lost on her just what an important figure she was currently sitting and talking mission details with. Mothma was one of the names she'd heard uttered the last several years back at the Yards and her name was always spoken with the utmost reverence. To be sitting with her eating dinner at an impressively elegant table in the middle of the Galactic Capitol was more than an honor.

Mon turned the conversation to Luke, listening as he openly discussed the latest back on Yavin. Silre fell into a distracted silence as she listened, still trying to lasso her thoughts from earlier. Even with the pleasant distractions before her, there was a hollow hurt inside the center of her chest when she thought of her brother. Yet every time the sight of his face in the hallway popped into her head, she made an effort to think of Luke's words and find comfort in his truth. It didn't matter anyway. She made her decision to leave the Yards not once, but twice. Her past was behind her, and her future sat beside her at the table, his dimples flashing every time he smiled at her.

He loves you.
He said he loves you.

Silre suppressed the smile that wanted desperately to show itself. Of course, it hadn't been much of a surprise. She knew Luke's feelings for her, and not because Leia had alluded to something the night of their dinner. She knew because she'd seen it in his behavior, felt it in their bond, and could see it time and time again in the way he looked at her. Saying the words had only solidified it. Still...she couldn't help the butterflies.

As their dinner plates were cleared and their goblets filled with more wine, Mon folded her hands over the table and leaned closer to Silre. "It is without question that you have already shown your bravery in helping the New Republic, Silre. And while I know we've only just met, please know that my gratitude - our gratitude - extends far beyond the length of our acquaintance."

Humbled, Silre lowered her gaze. "I hope that whatever data we were able to retrieve is of benefit. Even just a little."

The creases around Mon's eyes appeared when she smiled. "Not to worry, dear. I'm certain it will be of immeasurable help." She turned to Luke now. "General Organa spoke of the planet Jakku and your need for a faster ship. I'm surprised General Solo wasn't the first to offer his services?"

Luke's expression filled with amusement. "If he wasn't currently on Kaashyyk, I have no doubt he would be sitting here with us right now while the Falcon was being refueled."

"I've no doubt about that as well" Mon agreed with a knowing glance. She settled herself against the back of her chair, her quiet poise never faltering despite the humor in her eyes. "In General Solo's missed absence, I have arranged an equally notable ship that should see you to and from Jakku with little issue. Compared to the shuttle you arrived in, it should cut travel time in half. It's also been stocked with enough supplies for a week's trip and then some, on the account of any unforeseen challenges."

Luke tipped his chin. "We appreciate that. Thank you."

She rose then, prompting both Luke and Silre to stand as well. She clasped her hands together beneath the layers of her flowing cream colored robes. "It's been an absolute pleasure spending the evening with you both. Especially you, Silre Triss. I'm grateful that our paths have crossed within this vast galaxy. Thank you for what you've done thus far." Her eyes slid over to Luke. "And as always, General Skywalker, our days here are always a shade brighter whenever you visit. I must depart for now, but stay here as long as you'd like and have as many refills that your hearts desire."

Both Luke and Silre bowed their heads, watching after her with great appreciation as she exited the room. When Luke glanced at Silre, he was happy to see her smile had returned to its full size. "Tired of talking yet?"

Silre stifled a laugh. "Is this how all Republic conversations tend to be?"

Luke shrugged facially. "More or less."

"Well, tiring discussions or not, I think she's lovely" Silre stated, eyes shifting towards the doorway. "And very kind, as everyone's been to me."

"She's one of the finest characters you'll meet within our group. She's been here since Day One, and I mean that."

Silre believed it. She may not have known Mon Mothma long, but her fame certainly proceeded her and that she learned that evening only added to the truth of her reputation.

With a slow inhale, Silre settled her hands on her hips. "So..."

"So." Luke lifted an eyebrow. "Shall we?" He motioned with his hand towards the door.

"I am awfully tired." Even as she said it, Silre could feel the stress from the day making her arms feel heavy and her legs feel like she had ten pound weights on each foot. But more than that, she wanted to be alone with Luke in a way that didn't involve ships, or the Empire, or anything that involved thoughts of her brother or her family.

Before they left, Luke reached across the table and grabbed the bottle of wine. "Let's bring this back with us," he said, a sly grin spreading across his face. His free hand sought out Silre's, their fingers entwining. "What do you say?"

"I say I like the way you think, General Skywalker."

Luke rolled his eyes at her using the title, though a mischievous light danced in their sky blue shade. He tugged on her hand and they headed back to the room that had been readied for them.

Because their personal items had been valeted to their assigned quarters upon arrival, they hadn't actually seen their quarters until that moment. When they entered, they both stood in a bit of humbled shock. It was a lavish room, even by Capitol guest standards, and far larger than anything back at the base on Yavin. It was even a bit too much, as they both clearly agreed by the way they stood staring at the high ceilings, the polished floors, the giant bed and equally giant jacuzzi tub within the separate refresher room.

"They didn't need to do all this" Silre protested quietly. "I appreciate it, but they don't have to try and impress me."

Luke squeezed her hand. "They do it because they want to. They're not trying to impress, they just simply want us to be comfortable." He placed the bottle of wine on the nearby counter and turned to face Silre. He slid his hands along her arms up to her shoulders. "We might as well enjoy it while we're here, hmm?"

Silre spread her palms across the breadth of Luke's chest, delighting at the feel of the muscle beneath. "You know what I like? Rather, love?"

At the mention of the word, Luke's eyes warmed. "What's that?"

"You." She nuzzled her nose to his sweetly. "All of you."

Their mouths met, and Luke felt his body stiffening. He could taste a hint of wine on Silre's lips, wondering if her sudden boldness had been affected by it. "You aren't, erm...spooked...that I said it?" he mumbled between kisses.

Silre gawked at him in slight disbelief. "It's not as if I didn't already know." Beneath her hands, she felt the most subtle give in Luke's shoulders, causing her to question if he really had been worried she would have reacted any other way. "Besides...you should have known I shared those same feelings."

Luke chuckled. "Of course I did."

"Then why the worry in those pretty eyes of yours?"

Her compliment brought a fraction of bashfulness with it. "I've never told anyone before," Luke confessed, glancing away. "You're the first."

The butterflies in Silre's stomach rose into her throat. The fact that his body language even suggested it was something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of was charming, despite its inaccuracy. "I've never told anyone either, though I don't consider it a bad thing. It just means we know the importance of it, and that we reserve our deepest love for those who deserve it."

"You are indeed correct" Luke said, confidence returning to his voice. "And that's why, after the day we've had...you deserve to be treated."

"I absolutely do not deserve-"

"-It wasn't a question, my love," he said gently.

Silre stared at him. She'd begun to learn that tone. The one Luke didn't realize he was using because it was second nature to him; the Commander part of him. The General. He knew how to give orders, and even when he wasn't, his voice still took on that authoritative tone. Even when he was only trying to help, he couldn't help the ever-present undercurrent of power he possessed. What he also didn't realize was how her body responded to the sound of it every time she heard it.

"I know that what you accomplished today wasn't easy, for many reasons" Luke continued. "Not only did you choose to revisit a part of your past and risk much in doing so, you did it without question. You did it for countless others; not just for yourself or myself. I know how difficult that was, and that was before you saw your brother." His hands came to rest on either side of her face, and he looked deep into the million shades of chocolate and caramel that stared back at him. "It's okay to feel good about it. It's even more okay to allow yourself to relax afterwards."

He waited for that inevitable moment that Silre would give in to her own self-imposed restrictions and allow herself to feel good. Even if it took him years from now to teach her that she was allowed to enjoy herself, and that life wasn't all work and hardships and betrayal, he would do so tirelessly. There were good things in this life, if you knew where to look. He had to tell himself this very thing once upon a time ago. Still, he struggled to maintain a balance between his dedication to the New Republic, his life as a Jedi, and whatever was left over for a personal life. Silre had taught him he deserved happiness in this way, so he would repay her tenfold by teaching her she deserved to be happy as well.

A reluctant, tiny smile worked its way onto Silre's face as she cast a sidelong glance at the wine bottle. "You. Me. That bottle of wine. And that jacuzzi tub. Deal?"

More than willing to see this through, Luke grabbed the wine bottle. "Deal."

He grabbed two goblets and followed Silre into the refresher, which truly resembled the likes of what one would see at a day spa. It was spacious and elegant; almost exclusively white aside from the occasional streak of gray in the marble floor tiling. The walls were also done in similar type of marbled stone, with clean lines leading up to a vaulted ceiling similar to the other rooms within their quarters. A short set of marble stairs lead up to the tub itself, with two plush robes hanging next to it.

When Silre spotted the robes, the first thing she did was remove all her clothes and pull one over her naked body. It was warm and comforting in a way she hadn't expected, but certainly appreciated. When she looked to Luke, she gave a nod towards the remaining robe. "I don't think I've ever seen a Rebellion pilot in a fluffy robe before."

"First time for everything" Luke announced, beginning to unbutton his shirt. His grin challenged her own, and he arched an eyebrow as he slipped the shirt over his shoulders.

Silre perched on the side of the tub, watching with great attention as his finely honed upper body came into view. Her eyes lowered further as he removed his pants, then his boxer briefs, and then walked rather proudly past Silre to grab his robe. She eyed his half-hardened member before it disappeared behind the fabric of the robe, prompting her to jut her bottom lip out in protest.

Settling in next to her, Luke poured them each a glass of wine. "So, how's the Rebellion pilot look?"

"Strange" Silre admitted with a smirk. "But handsome, as usual." She took her filled glass and raised it. "Here's to honoring the past, looking forward to the future, and...above all else...love."

Luke gave a slow, disbelieving shake of his head as his admiration for her grew even further. "To love."

They clinked rims before taking a drink, their eyes never leaving one another. When Silre lowered her glass, she leaned across Luke's lap and allowed herself to drink in his kiss, her lips slowly exploring his before parting.

Luke hummed pleasantly against her mouth. "So about this tub..."

His voice was so deep that it settled squarely between Silre's legs. "Hmm?"

"How about I get it ready for us, then we can relax together and let the water wash away everything from today?"

It was precisely the thought Silre had when she first say the jacuzzi. It made her wonder all over again if Luke was really reading her mind again or if he was just that in tune with her. In either case, she agreed to the plan with a smile. "That sounds lovely."

It wasn't long before the water was running and steam began to rise all around them. It bubbled and churned as the jets deep within its oval shape, the sound and steam calling to their tired bodies. Luke and Silre disrobed and eased themselves in up their chests and for a moment, neither said anything. The heat and the vibration of the jets coaxed stress from their muscles; easing layers of deep tension they hadn't realized they'd been holding. The rising steam quickly soaked their hair, water glistening over their faces.

Luke pushed back against the edge of the tub and motioned for Silre to join him. She settled between his legs and lay back against his chest, her head resting against his shoulder. She closed her eyes and imprinted the moment in her soul. "This is blissful."

"It sure is" Luke said, his voice a rumble against her back. His view from behind her was enough to inspire naughtier thoughts; from the bubbles playing along the swell of her breasts to her legs and hips nestled between his own. Her skin was turning the slightest shade of pink from the temperature of the water, urging him to kiss every inch. For as long as he'd known her, her beauty was unmistakable. But the peace of the moment, the comfort and ease of sitting together in the water while letting nothing distract them, was the most blissful feel of all.

For the time they spent together in the water, they talked very little. Occasionally Luke would trickle water along Silre's arms, running his fingers up and down the length of them as he admired her. A few words were exchanged here and there, but overall the couple focused on just being. They knew it wasn't often that either of them were able to just beas they were now, peaceful in their quiet enjoyment of being together, so they cherished it while they could.

After a while, Luke nuzzled his mouth close to Silre's ear. "How are you feeling now?" he asked.

"Better." Silre took a drink of her wine and thought more about her answer. The emotional weight of what happened back at the Yards still gripped at her heart, but just getting away from that place had done wonders to improve her mood. The dinner, the kindness of Mon Mothma and the others, and her time with Luke had softened the hurt further. "Not 100%, but still better than before."

"You don't have to feel 100%" Luke told her. "But that's good you're feeling better."

Silre shifted her eyes back at him. "It's pretty hard not to when I've got these wrapped around me." She pinched at the meat of his bicep with a smile. "But as disarmingly handsome as you are, it was your explanation on the ship that helped me most...about the choices we all make, including those of my brother and those of my own. I chose to leave there not once, but twice, and I'm okay with that. When I make up my mind about something, I don't stray from it. I commit. And right now, I'm deciding to fully commit on moving forward from it."

Luke's mouth curved into a smile. "I want you to know I'm proud of you. Just as proud of you as the day we met when you told me about your story of leaving your home. What you did today was not easy under the most normal of circumstances, let alone what we're up against now."

Silre stared forward, her thoughts threatening to turn gloomy as she thought about Jakku. "What do you think we'll find tomorrow?" she asked, and she felt Luke's shrug against her back.

"I'm honestly not sure."

In the silence that settled after, Silre could feel the edges of a dark cloud approaching her heart. It threatened like a storm; stretching out with ominous fingers, signaling the very beginning of a change she couldn't avoid. She was standing at the leading edge of it, watching it roll towards her, but couldn't tell what it was that left her with a sense of foreboding. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe she was tired, full of wine, and sitting in tub of warm, relaxing water...but her intuition begged to differ.

She drained the last of her wine and pushed herself up from the water. Luke followed her with concerned eyes. "Everything okay?"

Silre turned and kissed his forehead. "Just tired all of a sudden. But don't get up on account of me. Stay and enjoy as long as you want."

Luke gave her a comforting smile as she turned to leave. He ran his eyes the length of her naked body down to the heart shape of her bottom, water rushing off her curves as she stepped carefully out of the tub and into the plush covering of her robe. She gave him a little wave as she exited the refresher, and then he was alone again.

After another half hour or so, Luke rose from the water and toweled himself off before returning to the adjacent bedroom. When he arrived, he found Silre asleep on the bed. She was lying on her side, her hair still damp from the tub and her robe still wrapped about her body. There was serenity in her expression; her peacefulness evident in the softened lines of her face.

Luke stood there a moment, gazing upon her tenderly. His heart swelled with love, knowing without hesitation he would go to the ends of the galaxy for her. If today had been a lesson in choices and commitment, then he was never more certain of his choice to love and protect Silre. He would commit himself to that for as long as he was alive.

As quietly as he could, he bent and kissed the top of her head. "Goodnight, Silre" he whispered.


Inner Rim
Western Reaches
Planet: Jakku

...3 Days Later...

The navi-computer onboard Luke and Silre's appointed ship began to beep, signaling the final approach to Jakku after a days-long trek west of Hosnian Prime. It had been a long and dull three days on the ship despite the couple's best efforts to make use of the down time. When the navi-computer signaled they were finally about to reach the unknown desert planet, both were excited to see where all of their travels would culminate.

Luke resumed his seat at the ship's controls while Silre settled into the co-pilot seat. She stared with nervous anticipation as a small dot appeared before them, growing larger by the minute as they crossed the remaining distance. Soon, the planet's rust colored surface was visible, which appeared as barren as it had been described to them.

"Let's get a little closer" Luke said, taking the ship out of autopilot. He brought them down into the uppermost atmosphere while activating the surface analysis computer, hoping to get at least close enough to detect any clusters of life forms that might be assembled below.

As they descended, the sand in the atmosphere became increasingly thicker, even at their current altitude. Any lower and they might have sustained minor engine trouble, particularly without the use of a droid on board. Given Leia's orders they were only to do a fly-by, this wouldn't be an issue, but any future attempts at studying Jakku would need the proper engine safeguards in order to make a landing.

Luke stared out the window beside him, doing his best to locate anything of interest through the varying thickness of airborne sand. "I see absolutely nothing."

"Same" replied Silre, staring out her own window. "Just an endless sea of sand."

"So why the connection to this place?" Luke wondered aloud. "Why here, of all places?"

Silre didn't have an answer. She couldn't fathom what anyone would want with the planet. Other desert planets like Tatooine, Florrum, Geonosis...they at least had exports of some kind, or at least functioned as waypoints where travelers could stop and refuel before heading off to other more notable locations. Since Jakku was surrounded by nothing, it couldn't even function as a rest stop.

Luke leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't like it." His eyes met Silre's. "It's too obviously remote to be just another useless desert planet."

"You can see for yourself there's nothing in orbit. No ships coming, and no ships going - even despite the rumor Leia's scout heard" Silre told him. "Surely we would see at least some kind of ship docked in orbit if something of value was about to enter?"

Luke considered this. It was a good point; anything of value to the Empire meant they would have at least one of their vessels awaiting shipment and a proper scanning before it entered the atmosphere. Which raised even more questions in his mind. "What if they schedule them?" he asked. "What if, to keep up appearances, they schedule inbound arrivals all within one specific time window, then retreat to the surface and no one's the wiser?"

Silre raised an eyebrow. "It would be a good strategy."

"And a safe one." He fingered his chin as he thought about it more. With a sigh, he shook his head. "I wish we could land."

"Ah, ah, ah - your sister said-"

"-I know, I know." Luke shot her a guilty grin. "This ship couldn't sustain the sand, anyways."

"Hmmm...I don't know about that. You do have me on board" Silre teased. "I'm as good as any Astromech."

"Are you suggesting we disobey commands?"

"Are you?"

They stared at each other for a moment, the glitter of temptation in their eyes.

"I promised my sister I wouldn't" Luke said, disappointment in his tone. "So we'll stay in atmosphere."

Silre smiled inwardly. She knew Luke wanted to, but she also knew he wouldn't disobey his sister no matter how much shit they gave each other and liked to razz one another. It showed his respect for her, which Silre greatly admired.

"We will, however, send a squadron out here the first chance we get" Luke finished with conviction. "One that is fully prepared to stay long enough to intercept any ships inbound or otherwise, either from on the surface or above it."

"I like that idea much better." She reached across and placed her hand on Luke's thigh. "And I think Leia would too."

Luke chuckled. "Alright then, let's do a few more passovers and get the best info we can in the meantime."

It took quite a bit of time for them to circumnavigate the northern hemisphere of Jakku, noting very little of interest. They did the same for the southern hemisphere, completing the tour of the planet's lower half with the same minimal results. What they discovered about Jakku was not so much about what it boasted, but more of what it lacked. It lacked any real terrain differences that would be visible from their altitude. With such little moisture on the surface, the weather in the lower atmosphere was nothing more than a periodic haze created by sweeping winds that kicked up the dust and sand. Any heat signatures picked up by their shift were mostly uniform, further proving there was consistency to the planet's surface structure. All in all, Jakku seemed as harmless of a planet as any found in the Western Reaches of the galaxy.

Once they completed a single pass across both hemispheres, Luke checked that the ship's mapping device had gathered a full and complete scan of the planet within its database. Once this was finalized, he set their course back to Hosnian Prime. It would be another three days before they reached the Capitol, where they would exchange ships and begin the final stretch back to Yavin 4.

Little did they know that the threat on Jakku had just begun to amass. From Luke and Silre's position in the atmosphere above the surface of Jakku, they could not have detected Admiral Rax's location. For months, Rax was working with other key Imperial figures who survived the Battle of Endor down on the surface by making use of bore holes below ground to keep themselves hidden. Using Jakku's positioning to the Unknown Territories to its far west, Rax then coordinated a secret fleet of ships that would eventually gather on and around Jakku in the following months as they set stage for the Emperor's Contingency Plan.

As these events unfolded far away from Yavin 4, other events unfolded back at the Rebel Base.

Four months following Luke and Silre journey to Jakku, Silre found out she was pregnant.


Author's Note:

Two things: 1) Luke wears boxer briefs. As far as I'm concerned, this is canon!😉 2) The events taking place down on the surface of Jakku are partially canon, despite my personal take on the details to allow for Silre's influence (in the unfolding of events leading up to The Force Awakens). There's entirely too much detail within canon for this little ol' fic to cover, so I'm taking major liberties with the details just to have fun with it and to wrap Silre into it all. The focus of the story is on Silre and Luke's relationship and how these unfolding events across the galaxy ultimately influence their relationship, most of which is beyond their control. To quote our girl Silre: is it fate? Or the Force? I'll leave you to decide.