A Jedi's Return
Chapter 8
PG
By Maara
Four hours before they were to rendezvous with the fleet, Leia went to wake Luke up. She was still somewhat skeptical about Mara, but she trusted Luke.
She was about to knock on his door when it opened. "I figured you might already be up." Leia looked at Luke closely, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I feel much better." Luke and Leia walked slowly down the corridor towards Mara's cabin. "I want to see how Mara is doing and prepare her for what's to come."
"I'll procure a shuttle for you to take when we get there." Leia had to ask one more time. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Everything will be fine." Luke reassured her. "I'll see you in a while, ok?"
Leia nodded, "Ok, Luke. Keep me posted." Leia turned and walked back up to the cockpit.
Luke turned and knocked on Mara's door, "Come in." Luke heard her call out and went inside. Looking at Luke she knew something was up. "You have something to tell me?"
"Yes," Luke sat on the edge of the bed. "I told Leia the truth about you." Luke raised a hand, stopping her objection before she could make it. "I told her your real name and the relevant facts."
Luke looked closely at Mara and watched her struggle with her emotions. Finally she looked up at him. "Does she know who my target was?"
Luke looked down a moment, "Well, yes," Luke grabbed her hands and looked her straight in the eye, "she asked me point blank, Mara, and I don't lie."
Mara studied his face a moment. She had been trained to see the truth in the eyes. She could see that Skywalker was being honest. After a moment, Mara blew out a breath. "Ok. I guess I can accept that." Mara squeezed his hands, "Just always stay that way, Skywalker."
"Leia told Han." Luke felt a flash of emotion from Mara. "He wasn't very happy about it, but they understand that you really do want and need our help." Luke ran his fingers over hers, "You can trust us all to keep this part of your past quiet for now, but you have to realize that it will come out sooner or later."
"Yeah, I guess it will, but I don't want it to come out right now. It would only make everyone distrust me." Mara took a deep breath and blew it out, calming herself.
"When we reach the rendezvous point, Leia will arrange a shuttle for us. We'll leave as soon as it's prepped." Luke started to rise from the bunk, "Why don't you get your gear together. We'll be docking in a few hours."
Mara watched him walk to the door. "Ok, Luke. And thanks." Mara looked down at her hands then back up at Luke. "I appreciate what you're doing for me."
Luke smiled at her, "You're welcome, Mara. I'll see you at breakfast." Luke turned and exited her cabin.
Han, Leia and Luke were in the lounge discussing what would happen when they docked when Mara walked in.
"Morning, Mara." Leia chirped, trying to make sure she felt comfortable with them knowing the truth.
Mara smiled, knowing what Leia was trying to do. "Morning," Mara said taking a seat by Luke. "How long until we get there?"
"We'll be coming out of hyperspace in about 20 standard minutes." Han told her. He watched her a moment, trying to decide if she was trying to fool Luke. He could be so naïve at times and Han felt it was his job to make sure his friend didn't get hurt, but he could see no deception written on her face. Either she was for real or she was one hell of an actress. "I'm going to go help Chewie get ready." Han got up and walked to the cockpit.
Mara watched him go, realizing he still didn't completely trust her. She couldn't blame him really. If the situations were reversed, she would've been much more suspicious.
Mara let go of a breath she had no idea she was holding. When she looked over at Leia, she noticed her watching her.
"Don't worry, Mara. Everything will be ok." Leia smiled, trying to reassure her.
"Thanks. I guess it's not easy being in either of our positions." Mara smiled back at her.
"Yes, Mara, you're right." Luke smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "I guess you could say, you're a rebel now."
Mara couldn't help the smile that spread over her features. "I guess so."
"Come on," Luke said sliding out of the seat, "let's go to the cockpit and see if Han needs any help."
A little while later, everyone was strapped into their customary seats in the cockpit of the Falcon. "Everybody ready?" Han didn't wait for replies. "Ok, Chewie, cut in the sub-light engines."
"Here we go." Han pulled back the levers, watching the star lines elongate, bringing them into real space. Before them was a large fleet of ships that could only be the Rebellion. A group of x-wings broke off from the fleet and flew towards them. Mara gripped the armrests of the seat she was in.
Luke looked over at her, "It's ok, Mara." With a tilt of his head he motioned towards the view port, "They're friends."
Mara nodded back at him, "I know. I'm just a little uneasy."
Just then the COMM crackled to life, "Freighter, identify yourself."
Leia reached past Han to trigger the COMM switch. "This is Leia Organa aboard the Millenium Falcon, request permission to dock."
A new voice came over the COMM "Welcome back Princess, permission granted." Leia instantly recognized the voice of Admiral Ackbar.
Leia smiled, "Thank you Admiral Ackbar. It's good to be back."
"Can I assume your mission was successful?"
Leia looked at Han, "Yes, Admiral. Our mission was successful."
"Good to hear, Princess. Mon Mothma is anxious to meet with you when you board." Admiral Ackbar informed them.
"Very good, Admiral. We'll see you shortly." With that she keyed off the COMM.
Mara watched with some trepidation as they approached the main battle cruiser, preparing to dock. Her insides were completely in knots. Suddenly she got up and headed for the lounge. She was terrified about this sudden change in her situation. She stopped and leaned against the bulkhead trying to calm her breathing.
Then Luke was behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. "Are you ok?" He asked, his voice full of concern, as he began to massage her shoulders, trying to ease her tension.
Mara's voice was a little shaky as she answered, "Yes, I'm ok. This is just a big change for me. I'm not used to feeling like this. I'm usually more together than this."
"I know. Just remember that I'm here for you." Luke's fingers seemed to make her relax somewhat.
Mara turned to face him. "Thank you, Luke. It means more than you know to have you here." And she couldn't help but smile as Luke lifted a hand to stroke her cheek.
Leia had followed Luke to see if Mara was ok, but stopped before she rounded the corner. She could see Luke massaging the woman's shoulders then Mara turned to face him. Luke caressed her cheek and Leia smiled to herself. If before she thought Luke cared for Mara, now Leia knew.
Luke turned just then to see Leia standing there. She came around the corner and watched as the two stared at her entry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, I just wanted to see if you were ok, Mara."
"Yes, I'm ok." Mara sighed, "It's just hard for me."
Leia put a hand over Mara's. "I understand. Don't worry. No one will hurt you."
Mara's face fell, "What if they find out about my past? How do I handle that?"
Leia had made a decision, "I've decided to talk to Mon Mothma and let her advise me on this, I won't talk to her until you and Luke are gone. That way, they can get used to it before they see you again."
"Thanks, Leia." Mara never had friends before, but had a feeling she did now.
The COMM in the lounge crackled to life. "Ok back there, strap in. We're preparing to dock."
All three went to sit down and strap in. Soon they felt the familiar clank as the ship docked with the larger vessel. Once the Falcon was docked, Mara got up and grabbed her bag and started for the exit. Luke stepped in front of her and took the bag from her, "Just follow me. Leia is getting us a ship now. By the time we get to the other end of the hanger, she'll have one secured."
The ramp lowered to show a large group of people and aliens waiting to greet them, including a contingent of security people. Mara stiffened when she saw them and briefly wondered if she had been set up. Luke felt the wave of emotion pass through her and took her hand. "It's ok, Mara, they are always at a disembarking. They have to make sure there is no trouble." he told her.
"Ok." Mara blew out a breath and calmed herself. "I'll be ok, Luke. Just nerves." She squeezed his hand in return and let it drop, following Han, Leia and Chewie out of the ship. R2-D2 and C-3po trailed behind and went directly to a data feed terminal.
Everyone there, glad to see Han Solo alive and well, the Princess smiling broadly on his arm, greeted them warmly. Then a dark haired man came at Luke with a huge grin on his face. "Hey, Luke! Glad to see you back." He clapped Luke on the back in a manly hug.
"Hey, Wedge. Good to see you." Luke was smiling from ear to ear.
Wedge saw Mara over Luke's shoulder. Pulling back from Luke he extended a hand to her, "Hi. I'm Wedge."
Mara smiled and took the proffered hand, immediately feeling warmth emanating from him. "Pleased to meet you, Wedge. I'm Mara."
"Welcome, Mara." Letting go of Mara's hand he turned to Luke, "I'm supposed to take you to a ship." Wedge grabbed one of the bags Luke was carrying and they began walking away towards the shuttle area. "I take it this means you're not staying?" Wedge hoped that wasn't the case.
"Yes, unfortunately. I have a few loose ends to tie up." He let it drop after that. Wedge, being the smart man he was, let it stay dropped.
"Ok, Boss," Smiling, Wedge waved out an arm, "let's get you to that ship."
Leia and Han watched as the trio walked away. Quietly, Han put an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him. "You're worried about him aren't you?"
Leia looked up at him, "Am I that obvious?"
"Only to me, Princess." Han leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her nose. "Don't worry, Luke can take care of himself."
"I know. I just have a feeling that we'll need him soon." Leia shook off the nervousness running through her. There wasn't anything she could do to change it.
"Come on." Leia started pulling on Han's arm, "Let's freshen up and relax before we have to talk to Mon Mothma." Han let Leia lead him to her quarters.
Luke and Mara followed Wedge to a small, two-man shuttle at the back of the main hanger. "Admiral Ackbar had this one held rather than put back into service." Wedge waved a hand towards the shuttle. "It's been fully upgraded and it's ready to go when you are."
"Thanks Wedge." Luke shook his friends hand, "Tell everyone we'll be back as soon as we can."
"Will do Luke." Wedge then turned to Mara and extended his hand again, "It was good to meet you, Mara. I hope we will meet again soon."
Mara smiled and looked at Luke, "I think that's possible." Mara was struck once again by the warmth and friendliness this man was showing her. He didn't even know her.
Wedge let go of Mara's hand and backed away, "Have a safe trip you two." He then turned and jogged off towards the rest of Rogue squadron.
Luke turned to Mara. "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
"Let's go then," Luke turned and led the way up the ramp. A short time later, after stowing their gear, Luke sealed the shuttle and began pre- flight for the trip to Dagobah.
TBC…
Chapter 8
PG
By Maara
Four hours before they were to rendezvous with the fleet, Leia went to wake Luke up. She was still somewhat skeptical about Mara, but she trusted Luke.
She was about to knock on his door when it opened. "I figured you might already be up." Leia looked at Luke closely, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I feel much better." Luke and Leia walked slowly down the corridor towards Mara's cabin. "I want to see how Mara is doing and prepare her for what's to come."
"I'll procure a shuttle for you to take when we get there." Leia had to ask one more time. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Everything will be fine." Luke reassured her. "I'll see you in a while, ok?"
Leia nodded, "Ok, Luke. Keep me posted." Leia turned and walked back up to the cockpit.
Luke turned and knocked on Mara's door, "Come in." Luke heard her call out and went inside. Looking at Luke she knew something was up. "You have something to tell me?"
"Yes," Luke sat on the edge of the bed. "I told Leia the truth about you." Luke raised a hand, stopping her objection before she could make it. "I told her your real name and the relevant facts."
Luke looked closely at Mara and watched her struggle with her emotions. Finally she looked up at him. "Does she know who my target was?"
Luke looked down a moment, "Well, yes," Luke grabbed her hands and looked her straight in the eye, "she asked me point blank, Mara, and I don't lie."
Mara studied his face a moment. She had been trained to see the truth in the eyes. She could see that Skywalker was being honest. After a moment, Mara blew out a breath. "Ok. I guess I can accept that." Mara squeezed his hands, "Just always stay that way, Skywalker."
"Leia told Han." Luke felt a flash of emotion from Mara. "He wasn't very happy about it, but they understand that you really do want and need our help." Luke ran his fingers over hers, "You can trust us all to keep this part of your past quiet for now, but you have to realize that it will come out sooner or later."
"Yeah, I guess it will, but I don't want it to come out right now. It would only make everyone distrust me." Mara took a deep breath and blew it out, calming herself.
"When we reach the rendezvous point, Leia will arrange a shuttle for us. We'll leave as soon as it's prepped." Luke started to rise from the bunk, "Why don't you get your gear together. We'll be docking in a few hours."
Mara watched him walk to the door. "Ok, Luke. And thanks." Mara looked down at her hands then back up at Luke. "I appreciate what you're doing for me."
Luke smiled at her, "You're welcome, Mara. I'll see you at breakfast." Luke turned and exited her cabin.
Han, Leia and Luke were in the lounge discussing what would happen when they docked when Mara walked in.
"Morning, Mara." Leia chirped, trying to make sure she felt comfortable with them knowing the truth.
Mara smiled, knowing what Leia was trying to do. "Morning," Mara said taking a seat by Luke. "How long until we get there?"
"We'll be coming out of hyperspace in about 20 standard minutes." Han told her. He watched her a moment, trying to decide if she was trying to fool Luke. He could be so naïve at times and Han felt it was his job to make sure his friend didn't get hurt, but he could see no deception written on her face. Either she was for real or she was one hell of an actress. "I'm going to go help Chewie get ready." Han got up and walked to the cockpit.
Mara watched him go, realizing he still didn't completely trust her. She couldn't blame him really. If the situations were reversed, she would've been much more suspicious.
Mara let go of a breath she had no idea she was holding. When she looked over at Leia, she noticed her watching her.
"Don't worry, Mara. Everything will be ok." Leia smiled, trying to reassure her.
"Thanks. I guess it's not easy being in either of our positions." Mara smiled back at her.
"Yes, Mara, you're right." Luke smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "I guess you could say, you're a rebel now."
Mara couldn't help the smile that spread over her features. "I guess so."
"Come on," Luke said sliding out of the seat, "let's go to the cockpit and see if Han needs any help."
A little while later, everyone was strapped into their customary seats in the cockpit of the Falcon. "Everybody ready?" Han didn't wait for replies. "Ok, Chewie, cut in the sub-light engines."
"Here we go." Han pulled back the levers, watching the star lines elongate, bringing them into real space. Before them was a large fleet of ships that could only be the Rebellion. A group of x-wings broke off from the fleet and flew towards them. Mara gripped the armrests of the seat she was in.
Luke looked over at her, "It's ok, Mara." With a tilt of his head he motioned towards the view port, "They're friends."
Mara nodded back at him, "I know. I'm just a little uneasy."
Just then the COMM crackled to life, "Freighter, identify yourself."
Leia reached past Han to trigger the COMM switch. "This is Leia Organa aboard the Millenium Falcon, request permission to dock."
A new voice came over the COMM "Welcome back Princess, permission granted." Leia instantly recognized the voice of Admiral Ackbar.
Leia smiled, "Thank you Admiral Ackbar. It's good to be back."
"Can I assume your mission was successful?"
Leia looked at Han, "Yes, Admiral. Our mission was successful."
"Good to hear, Princess. Mon Mothma is anxious to meet with you when you board." Admiral Ackbar informed them.
"Very good, Admiral. We'll see you shortly." With that she keyed off the COMM.
Mara watched with some trepidation as they approached the main battle cruiser, preparing to dock. Her insides were completely in knots. Suddenly she got up and headed for the lounge. She was terrified about this sudden change in her situation. She stopped and leaned against the bulkhead trying to calm her breathing.
Then Luke was behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. "Are you ok?" He asked, his voice full of concern, as he began to massage her shoulders, trying to ease her tension.
Mara's voice was a little shaky as she answered, "Yes, I'm ok. This is just a big change for me. I'm not used to feeling like this. I'm usually more together than this."
"I know. Just remember that I'm here for you." Luke's fingers seemed to make her relax somewhat.
Mara turned to face him. "Thank you, Luke. It means more than you know to have you here." And she couldn't help but smile as Luke lifted a hand to stroke her cheek.
Leia had followed Luke to see if Mara was ok, but stopped before she rounded the corner. She could see Luke massaging the woman's shoulders then Mara turned to face him. Luke caressed her cheek and Leia smiled to herself. If before she thought Luke cared for Mara, now Leia knew.
Luke turned just then to see Leia standing there. She came around the corner and watched as the two stared at her entry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, I just wanted to see if you were ok, Mara."
"Yes, I'm ok." Mara sighed, "It's just hard for me."
Leia put a hand over Mara's. "I understand. Don't worry. No one will hurt you."
Mara's face fell, "What if they find out about my past? How do I handle that?"
Leia had made a decision, "I've decided to talk to Mon Mothma and let her advise me on this, I won't talk to her until you and Luke are gone. That way, they can get used to it before they see you again."
"Thanks, Leia." Mara never had friends before, but had a feeling she did now.
The COMM in the lounge crackled to life. "Ok back there, strap in. We're preparing to dock."
All three went to sit down and strap in. Soon they felt the familiar clank as the ship docked with the larger vessel. Once the Falcon was docked, Mara got up and grabbed her bag and started for the exit. Luke stepped in front of her and took the bag from her, "Just follow me. Leia is getting us a ship now. By the time we get to the other end of the hanger, she'll have one secured."
The ramp lowered to show a large group of people and aliens waiting to greet them, including a contingent of security people. Mara stiffened when she saw them and briefly wondered if she had been set up. Luke felt the wave of emotion pass through her and took her hand. "It's ok, Mara, they are always at a disembarking. They have to make sure there is no trouble." he told her.
"Ok." Mara blew out a breath and calmed herself. "I'll be ok, Luke. Just nerves." She squeezed his hand in return and let it drop, following Han, Leia and Chewie out of the ship. R2-D2 and C-3po trailed behind and went directly to a data feed terminal.
Everyone there, glad to see Han Solo alive and well, the Princess smiling broadly on his arm, greeted them warmly. Then a dark haired man came at Luke with a huge grin on his face. "Hey, Luke! Glad to see you back." He clapped Luke on the back in a manly hug.
"Hey, Wedge. Good to see you." Luke was smiling from ear to ear.
Wedge saw Mara over Luke's shoulder. Pulling back from Luke he extended a hand to her, "Hi. I'm Wedge."
Mara smiled and took the proffered hand, immediately feeling warmth emanating from him. "Pleased to meet you, Wedge. I'm Mara."
"Welcome, Mara." Letting go of Mara's hand he turned to Luke, "I'm supposed to take you to a ship." Wedge grabbed one of the bags Luke was carrying and they began walking away towards the shuttle area. "I take it this means you're not staying?" Wedge hoped that wasn't the case.
"Yes, unfortunately. I have a few loose ends to tie up." He let it drop after that. Wedge, being the smart man he was, let it stay dropped.
"Ok, Boss," Smiling, Wedge waved out an arm, "let's get you to that ship."
Leia and Han watched as the trio walked away. Quietly, Han put an arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him. "You're worried about him aren't you?"
Leia looked up at him, "Am I that obvious?"
"Only to me, Princess." Han leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her nose. "Don't worry, Luke can take care of himself."
"I know. I just have a feeling that we'll need him soon." Leia shook off the nervousness running through her. There wasn't anything she could do to change it.
"Come on." Leia started pulling on Han's arm, "Let's freshen up and relax before we have to talk to Mon Mothma." Han let Leia lead him to her quarters.
Luke and Mara followed Wedge to a small, two-man shuttle at the back of the main hanger. "Admiral Ackbar had this one held rather than put back into service." Wedge waved a hand towards the shuttle. "It's been fully upgraded and it's ready to go when you are."
"Thanks Wedge." Luke shook his friends hand, "Tell everyone we'll be back as soon as we can."
"Will do Luke." Wedge then turned to Mara and extended his hand again, "It was good to meet you, Mara. I hope we will meet again soon."
Mara smiled and looked at Luke, "I think that's possible." Mara was struck once again by the warmth and friendliness this man was showing her. He didn't even know her.
Wedge let go of Mara's hand and backed away, "Have a safe trip you two." He then turned and jogged off towards the rest of Rogue squadron.
Luke turned to Mara. "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
"Let's go then," Luke turned and led the way up the ramp. A short time later, after stowing their gear, Luke sealed the shuttle and began pre- flight for the trip to Dagobah.
TBC…