CHAPTER TWELVE
One Month later…
Mara Jade Skywalker sat in her cell, dejected and lonely. It's been two whole months since she last saw Luke…well one month if she counted that dream she had a month ago, and still no word. She wondered if the operation was a success…if he was still alive and with their children or was he now dead, buried here on Coruscant. Leia of course would have custody of the children. But wouldn't the former Princess have enough heart to come and let Mara know the outcome? If Luke had survived? If her children were safe?
She also wondered when they would carry out her sentence. Not that she was in a hurry to die, but she found it strange that they were dragging their feet. Mara sighed and was surprised to find that the door was opening. Was this it? Did they finally come to kill her?
"Mommy!" Two voices exclaimed happily and before she knew it, her twins were in the room hugging her legs. She looked to find Luke standing there, taking in the scene.
"Luke," She blinked. "The operation was a success I see."
"Flying colors," He smiled, hugging her tightly. "We've missed you so much Mara."
"I missed you too. And children look how you've grown!"
"Daddy says we're getting stronger in the force," Ben smiled proudly. "He said we'll be the most powerful Jedi knights someday."
"I'm sure he's right," Mara hugged the children tightly (I just wish I'd be there to see it) She sent towards her husband.
"Leia is talking to the council now. Trying to get them to change their minds about the execution. If we're lucky, you'll be home with us in the morning," Luke happily smiled. "I don't know what happened to change her mind. But I'm glad it happened."
"Luke…don't get your hopes up. The council is a tough group. They may deny me a pardon," Mara cautioned.
"They won't. I'm sure of it," Luke kissed her gently. "All three of us are."
"What did you do?"
"Nothing. We're just convinced that Leia will turn them to our side," Luke smiled.
"Well for what it's worth, I hope you're right," Mara smiled half-heartedly.
"I thought you'd be here," Leia entered the cell.
"I'm not leaving," Luke stepped closer to his wife, placing a secure arm around her shoulders.
"I wasn't going to ask you to. I just thought you'd want to know the council's decision," Leia somberly answered. "Children why don't you go say hello to Han and your cousins. Anakin's with them."
"Anakin!!!" The children declared excitedly, running out of the cell.
"The children seem to have grown attached to their cousin," Luke smiled at his wife, who looked at him quizzically.
"Since you sent the children out, I assume the news is bad," Mara sighed sadly.
"Well they do have a change in venue. Instead of outright killing you…they've decided to freeze you in carbonite."
"You mean what Vader did to Han?" Luke asked, tightening his hold on his wife.
Leia nodded. "I'm sorry Luke. I tried…I really tried to convince them to free her but they would have none of it. This was the best I could do. Since she has Jedi powers…she'll survive the process. She'll just be in deep hibernation, like Han."
"But you didn't like that for Han either may I remind you," Luke glared at his twin.
"No I didn't. But at least she'll be alive Luke."
"After the process…where will they keep me?" Mara asked curiously, not meeting Leia or Luke's eyes.
"Locked securely in the imperial palace. No one without a clearance pass may enter. Even then, you'll be locked behind bars, making it impossible to reach the release controls. I'm sorry Mara…I wish there was something I could do."
"You did enough Leia. I'm grateful for what you did accomplish," Mara sighed, resting her head against Luke's shoulder.
"When will this procedure take place?" Luke asked.
"First thing tomorrow morning. It's a public viewing, but only close family members get a front seat."
"I'll be there. I guess Jaina and Jacen can watch the children. I don't want them to see their mother lowered into the chamber to be encased."
Leia lowered her head. "I understand. I also understand if you hate me."
"You didn't have to turn her in Leia…"
"Yes she did Luke. My ship recorded on radar. It would have been on record and she would have lost her position. I couldn't ask her to risk that and neither could you," Mara interjects. "Besides, Earth would have been discovered eventually and so would we. At least now the children have their father."
Luke only nodded.
"Well…I hate to cut in like this, but Luke it's time to go. The officials only gave you two ten minutes," Leia cleared her throat.
"You mean they knew I was here all along?"
Leia nodded. "They were going to come and escort you out, but I talked them into giving you time to say good-bye to your wife."
"Thank you," Luke blinked back his tears.
"This meant a lot to both of us," Mara wiped away her own tears. "But I was wondering…before the procedure…can I have one last chance to see my husband. Please…ten minutes…it's not enough time to say good-bye."
Leia nodded. "I'm sure that won't be a problem. We must be going Luke," Leia turned to her brother.
"Remember I love you," Luke gently touched Mara's hair and kissed her gently.
"I will. I love you Luke."
"I know."
"Come on Luke. Good-bye Mara," Leia followed her brother out of the cell.
Once Luke's presence had left the building, Mara collapsed into uncontrollable tears, knowing that her life with Luke and their children was over. Even if someday she were released from the Carbonite, it'd be too late to return to her life. Wiping away her tears, she limped over to her bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.