A Plan In Action:
Jaina woke up, and groaned slightly when she peered at the chrono. 0900 it read.
"Sparky," she moaned, "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" And then she remembered. Her little droid was still stuck on Hapes. In her rush to get here, she had left him with her x-wing. Jaina sighed. "I needed the rest anyway." She rose, and was slightly surprised to find herself still wearing her stained jumpsuit. She stretched, and was brushing out her hair when someone rapped at her door. "Come in," she called. She was surprised to see her Aunt Mara standing there, cradling little Ben in her arms.
"Aunt Mara! What are you doing here?" she demanded, grinning.
"What? Can't an aunt come and visit her niece every now and then?" Mara asked. "Actually, what I really came down to say was, Luke's throwing a formal almost banquet thing tonight. I was sent to inform you, and I am assuming you don't have anything formal, so I was going to help you pick out something decent."
"Sounds good to me." Replied Jaina. "Where are we going?"
"Tailor droid. Follow me." Mara instructed, and Jaina walked alongside of her. Ben gurgled happily, and waved his arms at Jaina.
"You want to take him for a bit?" Mara asked. Jaina nodded, and scooped up her little cousin. As they strolled along the corridors, Mara asked, "What color of dress are we looking for?"
"I really don't know. What do recommend?" Jaina replied.
"Well, how about white?" suggested her aunt.
"No. I'll look too much like Mom." Jaina said quickly.
"Ok, then, how about brown or a silver?" Jaina wrinkled her nose. "I don't think so. But a blue or a red would look nice. Maybe green, on second thought."
Mara paused for a second, mentally picturing a gown for her. "I think blue would look really nice on you." Jaina thought about it for a moment, then nodded her agreement. "Either that, or a pale green…"
Mara shot her a skeptical glance at her dreamy eyed niece. "Like Jag's eyes sort of green?"
"Exactly!" exclaimed Jaina. "I mean, er, ah, blue is good…" Mara burst out laughing. 'These two are so lost for each other! And they don't even realize just how much they love each other!'
"What?" Jaina asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Mmm-hmm. Riight. Like I believe that." Jaina said. They continued down the hall in silence, except for Ben, who was squirming in Jaina's arms and giggling.
"And, here we are…" said Mara, pausing at a door. She punched in a code, and they entered the tailor droid's quarters.
* * *
Jag smiled to himself as he thought about Jaina. He was just about positive that where she went had absolutely nothing to do with Kyp. He saw Kyp last night, and Master Skywalker, and he hadn't seen Jaina at all. 'My best guess would be that she's off on some crazy mission, saving the galaxy, as usual…I just can't wait till I see her again…' Jag thought. A rap at his door startled him out of his thoughts. He opened the door to see Luke standing there.
"Master Skywalker. What can I do for you?" he asked. Luke smiled. "I believe I forgot to mention there was going to be a formal dinner tonight. You didn't happen by any chance, to bring with formal attire?"
Jag pressed his lips into a thin smile, shaking his head. "Nope. I thought this was going to be a mission, and I wouldn' t need any dress uniforms."
Luke nodded, considering. 'Well, Mara should be done with Jaina by now…' he spoke up, "Ok, well, that's not really a problem. We can have the tailor droid get you a new one. If you don't mind."
"No problem here." Jag said, and he followed Master Skywalker to the tailor droid. It took only a few moments to decide what to get, Jag knew exactly what he wanted. "An all black out fit, with blood red trim and stripe." He specified. But Jag had had to change the stripe and trim colors, the tailor was out of red. So, he changed it to silver. The droid nodded its shiny metal head. "It will be ready by 1500 hours today. You can pick it up anytime after that." It grated. Jag nodded, and smiled at Luke. Luke returned the smile.
"Glad that's all settled." Luke said as they headed back towards Jag's quarters. "I've got some personal matters that require attending to, but feel free to explore around. I can ask Kyp to give you a tour, if you want."
Jag considered, and then shook his head. "No, thanks. I'd rather go around by myself."
"Ok. I'll see you tonight. Meet me at my quarters around 6, I'll need to talk to you about this meal."
"Will do." Jag said before heading off in the general direction of the hangar bay.
* * *
Jaina fidgeted in her chair. She was back in the 'Skywalker Suite', and Mara had offered to help her with the perfect hairstyle, for the perfect dress. So far, they'd gone through about twenty different styles. 'But,' Jaina thought, 'That's ok, as long as I look good…' she smiled. Her dress was a gorgeous one, a pale, iced green that trailed down to her ankles. It was elegant and shimmered silvery green in the light, the top part sheer in certain places, with delicate, flowery beadwork, and the bottom was also a pale green, liberally threaded with little beads, ranging in color from emerald to light green, same as the top. It had a low cut back, with thin metallic green ribbons lacing their way across, so the dress could be cinched to fit the wearer to perfection. Jaina loved it. 'Reminds me of those pale eyes of Jag's…' she thought, 'I wish he could see me in it…' she sighed wistfully.
"What was that for, Jaina, dear?" asked Mara, who was coming into the room with more hair styling stuff.
"Nothing, really, just thinking how I wish Jag was here-" Jaina froze in midsentance. "He's supposed to be here by now, isn't he?"
"Sorry, sweetie. He had some other items of importance that came up. He should be here in about a standard week." Mara said gently. Jaina's shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Oh. Darn. I had been hoping he would see me in this dress, and I, oh, well…"
"We keep the gown for later. Maybe, when he takes you to some romantic restaurant after this war…"
"Yeah, like the war's ever gonna end…" Jaina said.
"Jaina! You know well that we're getting it together. Now that old Borsky's gone, the war should be nearing the end!" Mara said. "Now, turn around again, and let me mess with that thick brown hair of yours again."
Jaina turned around obediently, staring at her reflection as Mara twisted and pinned hair up. She smiled. 'I'll still have fun with out him.' She decided.
* * *
"Hullo, Jag." Kyp Durron greeted the somber young pilot. Jag nodded to him. Kyp fell into step alongside of him, a smile of his features. "What are you up to?" Kyp asked.
Jag shot him a sidelong glance. "Nothing. Just getting acquainted with my surroundings. What are you doing?"
"Well, I was going to check on my x-wing, but I think I've found something better to do."
"And that is what exactly?" asked Jag, not looking at Kyp as they walked on.
"Harass you." Kyp stated simply.
"I see. And how is this entertaining?" Jag said.
Kyp just grinned, and Jag shook his head ruefully. "You are in a cheerful mood today, aren't you, Kyp?" Jag observed.
"I sure am. Why aren't you?" he returned.
"Who said I wasn't?" Jag said evenly.
"I know. You're missing Jaina." Kyp said, with a hint of smugness.
"What? Where'd you get that from?"
"You aren't acting like you have been, and Jaina's not around, so technically, it's a logical explanation." Kyp just smiled and Jag scowled. They walked into the hangar bay, and Jag went to his clawcraft, and pulled out a hydrospanner and started tinkering with his ship. Kyp went to his x- wing and began making adjustments likewise.
* * *
Jaina cocked her head as she stared at her reflection.
"This is a nice style." She commented.
"But not nice enough, right?" said Mara, coming up from behind her. "Shall I get Luke to run down and get that gown, and see how our styles look with it?"
"That would be cool. But you don't have to send Luke. I'll got get it myself. It's been what, two hours?"
'Hmm…can't let you do that, Jaina, dear. There's that risk that you might run into your loverboy…" Mara thought. She pursed her lips. "No, Luke could use the exercise. Besides, we still need to find a style for you and get your makeup done."
Jaina sighed. "I s'pose you're right." She dropped back into the repulsorchair, letting Mara take out the style.
"Farmboy!" called Mara. "C'mere!" Luke trudged into the room, a questioning look on his face. Then he smiled, and nodded, ertreating from the bedroom.
"You know, this not-speaking-cause-we-hear-each-other-speak-and-we-know- what-they-are-going-to-say-even-before-they-say-it Jedi husband and wife relationship is really starting to weird me out." Jaina griped, grinning. Mara just laughed, combing through her hair.
"It's not that funny, Mara." Jaina shot.
"Maybe not from your perspective. Luke should be back fairly quickly, so then we'll throw you into that gown and have you looking holo perfect in no time."
Luke returned moments later, with an elegant green gown draped over one arm.
"Ladies?" he said.
"Thanks, Skywalker." Mara said, not looking up from what she was working on.
"Yea, thanks, Uncle Luke." Repeated Jaina. "Can I try it on now?"
Mara smiled. "Let me finish. I think I've got an award winner here."
Jaina stared into the mirror. It was looking good, she decided. Mara had twisted back sections of hair, and had it all pulled up into a high, messy bun, with dark strands curling around it. Jaina smiled, and went into the 'fresher to change. Mara gasped when Jaina stepped out a moment later. With her hair pinned up, and the formal gown, Jaina looked like a younger clone of her mother. 'But, I'd better not say that…Jaina will kill me…' Mara thought.
"How do I look?" an uncertain Jaina asked.
"C'mere." Mara commanded. "Turn around." Jaina did so, and Mara took the thin little ribbons, and pulled them tighter, looping the two strands together. The light sage dress looked stunning. Jaina twirled in front of her aunt.
"Perfect." murmured Mara. "Now, let's do something about that makeup."
* * *
Jag hopped down off his clawcraft. He was liberally daubed with grease, and he called to Kyp, "Catch you later, Durron." Kyp nodded, barely looking up from his circuitry. Jag headed down the hall, checking his chrono. He turned and headed towards the tailor droid to pick up his outfit.
"Colonel Fel. Here is your uniform." The droid grated when Jag entered its office. Jag strode over to where it was holding an all black outfit up. Jag pulled it out of the droid's grasp, turning it to view the sides. A flash of dark pewter glinted up at him.
"Thanks. Looks good." Jag said, still studying the uniform. It had pewter buttons that matched perfectly with the trim and stripe, Jag noticed. He nodded, satisfied, before going back to his chambers.
"I have about an hour," he said to himself, checking his chrono. "Just enough time to hop in the 'fresher and get changed." He walked a little faster, and when he got to his quarters, tossed his uniform on his bunk, and jumped in the refresher for a quick shower.
* * *
"And a little more lip gloss, and you are good to go, my dear," said Mara, who was bent over Jaina's face. She pulled out the clear tube, and put just a little to give Jaina's lips a nice shine. Mara stepped back, and admired her work.
"Jaina, you've never looked better." She pronounced." Your uncle needs to see this."
"Wait-" Jaina began.
"Farmboy!" Mara called. Luke stepped in to the bedroom.
"Who is this work of art?" he exclaimed, smiling.
"Uncle Luke!" Jaina rolled her eyes.
"You look great, Jaina. Really. Mara, you did an awesome job."
Mara glowed. "Thanks, Farmboy. Jaina, you really do look grand."
"Then move away from the mirror, you're blocking my view!" Jaina exclaimed, winking. Mara stepped away. Jaina stared. 'Wow…I really do look different…' She stared, and Luke and Mara laughed.
"Well, sweetie, you do look nice," Mara said, "And now it's my turn. Can you watch Ben while me and Skywalker here get ready?"
"No problem." Jaina smiled as she left the room. The door clicked shut behind her, and Mara turned to face her husband.
"Everything set?"
"Of course. Dinner will be served at six. And, everyone else knows that the hangar bay 7 will be left alone. If anyone disturbs, death and banishment." Luke murmured.
"Ooh, harsh, Skywalker," Mara laughed, "What's on the menu?"
"Nerf medallions in a traladron sauce, little chokrii and mera, rolls, a soup, a salad, and a traziberri custard. Along with a Corellian sweet wine." Luke said, pulling on a formal black tunic.
"Mmm. Why don't you cook like that for me, Farmboy?" replied Mara, pulling on a black dress.
"Who said I was cooking?"
"If you aren't, then who is?" asked Mara, frowning slightly. Luke leaned over and touched his lips to hers.
"I asked Tendra to." Luke said. Tendra Calrissian was a pretty good chef, and Mara knew Tendra would do a good job. Mara reached for a hair tie, and pulled her hair into a simple, yet elegant bun, and brushed on some eyeshadow.
"You ready? I asked him to come by around six, so you guys need to be gone in the next ten minutes, so there's no accidental meeting beforehand. Have her enter from the west entrance to the bay, ok, Jade?"
"I guess so, Skywalker. You're sure everything's ready?"
"Positive. I double checked."
"Good." Mara opened the door. "Jaina? You ready to go?" Jaina nodded.
* * *
Jag buttoned the last of the buttons on his tunic, and slipped into the black coat. He ran a comb through his hair, and smiled at the reflection in the mirror.
"All set…" he said. Jag reached for his wristchrono. "I guess I should head over to Master Skywalker's." He stepped out into the hallway, and headed to the turbolift. He waited as the lift carried him up, and then strolled out into the corridor. He rang the chime on the Skywalkers' door. Luke opened it, a smile highlighting his features. His blue eyes twinkled mischievously as he greeted Jag. "Are you ready to go?"
Jag nodded, and followed Master Skywalker to hangar bay 7.
'Mara?' Luke thought to his wife, 'Are you ready?' He got the assurance. He fiddled with the lock, pretending it was giving him problems, before the door whooshed open.
Jag frowned. "It's dark."
* * *
"Mara? Are you sure we're in the right place? It looks awfully dark in here," Jaina said, confused.
"Sith! I forgot my datapad! I'll be back!" Mara cut Jaina off, darting out the doorway, and swishing the door shut behind her. She sensed Luke had gotten Jag in, too. She smiled in relief.
* * *
Jag turned around, but he was surrounded by inky blackness. Master Skywalker said he'd forgotten a datapad, and he'd be right back. Jag took a few tentative steps in the darkness, before spotting single, bright spotlight focused on something in the empty hangar. He walked closer, frowning, before noticing a single set table, draped with a satin tablecloth, with a spot set for two, and a bouquet of flowers in the center. Jag drew nearer, just in time to see a young woman, in an elegant light sage gown, step into the circle of white light, a frown on her face. Realization dawned on Jag.
"Jaina?" he asked, his voice slicing through the darkness. The young woman looked up, startled. "Jag?"
* * *
ok, well, what do you think? R&R I know this wuz a looooong chapter, but, o well. More later. :D
Jaina woke up, and groaned slightly when she peered at the chrono. 0900 it read.
"Sparky," she moaned, "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" And then she remembered. Her little droid was still stuck on Hapes. In her rush to get here, she had left him with her x-wing. Jaina sighed. "I needed the rest anyway." She rose, and was slightly surprised to find herself still wearing her stained jumpsuit. She stretched, and was brushing out her hair when someone rapped at her door. "Come in," she called. She was surprised to see her Aunt Mara standing there, cradling little Ben in her arms.
"Aunt Mara! What are you doing here?" she demanded, grinning.
"What? Can't an aunt come and visit her niece every now and then?" Mara asked. "Actually, what I really came down to say was, Luke's throwing a formal almost banquet thing tonight. I was sent to inform you, and I am assuming you don't have anything formal, so I was going to help you pick out something decent."
"Sounds good to me." Replied Jaina. "Where are we going?"
"Tailor droid. Follow me." Mara instructed, and Jaina walked alongside of her. Ben gurgled happily, and waved his arms at Jaina.
"You want to take him for a bit?" Mara asked. Jaina nodded, and scooped up her little cousin. As they strolled along the corridors, Mara asked, "What color of dress are we looking for?"
"I really don't know. What do recommend?" Jaina replied.
"Well, how about white?" suggested her aunt.
"No. I'll look too much like Mom." Jaina said quickly.
"Ok, then, how about brown or a silver?" Jaina wrinkled her nose. "I don't think so. But a blue or a red would look nice. Maybe green, on second thought."
Mara paused for a second, mentally picturing a gown for her. "I think blue would look really nice on you." Jaina thought about it for a moment, then nodded her agreement. "Either that, or a pale green…"
Mara shot her a skeptical glance at her dreamy eyed niece. "Like Jag's eyes sort of green?"
"Exactly!" exclaimed Jaina. "I mean, er, ah, blue is good…" Mara burst out laughing. 'These two are so lost for each other! And they don't even realize just how much they love each other!'
"What?" Jaina asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Mmm-hmm. Riight. Like I believe that." Jaina said. They continued down the hall in silence, except for Ben, who was squirming in Jaina's arms and giggling.
"And, here we are…" said Mara, pausing at a door. She punched in a code, and they entered the tailor droid's quarters.
* * *
Jag smiled to himself as he thought about Jaina. He was just about positive that where she went had absolutely nothing to do with Kyp. He saw Kyp last night, and Master Skywalker, and he hadn't seen Jaina at all. 'My best guess would be that she's off on some crazy mission, saving the galaxy, as usual…I just can't wait till I see her again…' Jag thought. A rap at his door startled him out of his thoughts. He opened the door to see Luke standing there.
"Master Skywalker. What can I do for you?" he asked. Luke smiled. "I believe I forgot to mention there was going to be a formal dinner tonight. You didn't happen by any chance, to bring with formal attire?"
Jag pressed his lips into a thin smile, shaking his head. "Nope. I thought this was going to be a mission, and I wouldn' t need any dress uniforms."
Luke nodded, considering. 'Well, Mara should be done with Jaina by now…' he spoke up, "Ok, well, that's not really a problem. We can have the tailor droid get you a new one. If you don't mind."
"No problem here." Jag said, and he followed Master Skywalker to the tailor droid. It took only a few moments to decide what to get, Jag knew exactly what he wanted. "An all black out fit, with blood red trim and stripe." He specified. But Jag had had to change the stripe and trim colors, the tailor was out of red. So, he changed it to silver. The droid nodded its shiny metal head. "It will be ready by 1500 hours today. You can pick it up anytime after that." It grated. Jag nodded, and smiled at Luke. Luke returned the smile.
"Glad that's all settled." Luke said as they headed back towards Jag's quarters. "I've got some personal matters that require attending to, but feel free to explore around. I can ask Kyp to give you a tour, if you want."
Jag considered, and then shook his head. "No, thanks. I'd rather go around by myself."
"Ok. I'll see you tonight. Meet me at my quarters around 6, I'll need to talk to you about this meal."
"Will do." Jag said before heading off in the general direction of the hangar bay.
* * *
Jaina fidgeted in her chair. She was back in the 'Skywalker Suite', and Mara had offered to help her with the perfect hairstyle, for the perfect dress. So far, they'd gone through about twenty different styles. 'But,' Jaina thought, 'That's ok, as long as I look good…' she smiled. Her dress was a gorgeous one, a pale, iced green that trailed down to her ankles. It was elegant and shimmered silvery green in the light, the top part sheer in certain places, with delicate, flowery beadwork, and the bottom was also a pale green, liberally threaded with little beads, ranging in color from emerald to light green, same as the top. It had a low cut back, with thin metallic green ribbons lacing their way across, so the dress could be cinched to fit the wearer to perfection. Jaina loved it. 'Reminds me of those pale eyes of Jag's…' she thought, 'I wish he could see me in it…' she sighed wistfully.
"What was that for, Jaina, dear?" asked Mara, who was coming into the room with more hair styling stuff.
"Nothing, really, just thinking how I wish Jag was here-" Jaina froze in midsentance. "He's supposed to be here by now, isn't he?"
"Sorry, sweetie. He had some other items of importance that came up. He should be here in about a standard week." Mara said gently. Jaina's shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Oh. Darn. I had been hoping he would see me in this dress, and I, oh, well…"
"We keep the gown for later. Maybe, when he takes you to some romantic restaurant after this war…"
"Yeah, like the war's ever gonna end…" Jaina said.
"Jaina! You know well that we're getting it together. Now that old Borsky's gone, the war should be nearing the end!" Mara said. "Now, turn around again, and let me mess with that thick brown hair of yours again."
Jaina turned around obediently, staring at her reflection as Mara twisted and pinned hair up. She smiled. 'I'll still have fun with out him.' She decided.
* * *
"Hullo, Jag." Kyp Durron greeted the somber young pilot. Jag nodded to him. Kyp fell into step alongside of him, a smile of his features. "What are you up to?" Kyp asked.
Jag shot him a sidelong glance. "Nothing. Just getting acquainted with my surroundings. What are you doing?"
"Well, I was going to check on my x-wing, but I think I've found something better to do."
"And that is what exactly?" asked Jag, not looking at Kyp as they walked on.
"Harass you." Kyp stated simply.
"I see. And how is this entertaining?" Jag said.
Kyp just grinned, and Jag shook his head ruefully. "You are in a cheerful mood today, aren't you, Kyp?" Jag observed.
"I sure am. Why aren't you?" he returned.
"Who said I wasn't?" Jag said evenly.
"I know. You're missing Jaina." Kyp said, with a hint of smugness.
"What? Where'd you get that from?"
"You aren't acting like you have been, and Jaina's not around, so technically, it's a logical explanation." Kyp just smiled and Jag scowled. They walked into the hangar bay, and Jag went to his clawcraft, and pulled out a hydrospanner and started tinkering with his ship. Kyp went to his x- wing and began making adjustments likewise.
* * *
Jaina cocked her head as she stared at her reflection.
"This is a nice style." She commented.
"But not nice enough, right?" said Mara, coming up from behind her. "Shall I get Luke to run down and get that gown, and see how our styles look with it?"
"That would be cool. But you don't have to send Luke. I'll got get it myself. It's been what, two hours?"
'Hmm…can't let you do that, Jaina, dear. There's that risk that you might run into your loverboy…" Mara thought. She pursed her lips. "No, Luke could use the exercise. Besides, we still need to find a style for you and get your makeup done."
Jaina sighed. "I s'pose you're right." She dropped back into the repulsorchair, letting Mara take out the style.
"Farmboy!" called Mara. "C'mere!" Luke trudged into the room, a questioning look on his face. Then he smiled, and nodded, ertreating from the bedroom.
"You know, this not-speaking-cause-we-hear-each-other-speak-and-we-know- what-they-are-going-to-say-even-before-they-say-it Jedi husband and wife relationship is really starting to weird me out." Jaina griped, grinning. Mara just laughed, combing through her hair.
"It's not that funny, Mara." Jaina shot.
"Maybe not from your perspective. Luke should be back fairly quickly, so then we'll throw you into that gown and have you looking holo perfect in no time."
Luke returned moments later, with an elegant green gown draped over one arm.
"Ladies?" he said.
"Thanks, Skywalker." Mara said, not looking up from what she was working on.
"Yea, thanks, Uncle Luke." Repeated Jaina. "Can I try it on now?"
Mara smiled. "Let me finish. I think I've got an award winner here."
Jaina stared into the mirror. It was looking good, she decided. Mara had twisted back sections of hair, and had it all pulled up into a high, messy bun, with dark strands curling around it. Jaina smiled, and went into the 'fresher to change. Mara gasped when Jaina stepped out a moment later. With her hair pinned up, and the formal gown, Jaina looked like a younger clone of her mother. 'But, I'd better not say that…Jaina will kill me…' Mara thought.
"How do I look?" an uncertain Jaina asked.
"C'mere." Mara commanded. "Turn around." Jaina did so, and Mara took the thin little ribbons, and pulled them tighter, looping the two strands together. The light sage dress looked stunning. Jaina twirled in front of her aunt.
"Perfect." murmured Mara. "Now, let's do something about that makeup."
* * *
Jag hopped down off his clawcraft. He was liberally daubed with grease, and he called to Kyp, "Catch you later, Durron." Kyp nodded, barely looking up from his circuitry. Jag headed down the hall, checking his chrono. He turned and headed towards the tailor droid to pick up his outfit.
"Colonel Fel. Here is your uniform." The droid grated when Jag entered its office. Jag strode over to where it was holding an all black outfit up. Jag pulled it out of the droid's grasp, turning it to view the sides. A flash of dark pewter glinted up at him.
"Thanks. Looks good." Jag said, still studying the uniform. It had pewter buttons that matched perfectly with the trim and stripe, Jag noticed. He nodded, satisfied, before going back to his chambers.
"I have about an hour," he said to himself, checking his chrono. "Just enough time to hop in the 'fresher and get changed." He walked a little faster, and when he got to his quarters, tossed his uniform on his bunk, and jumped in the refresher for a quick shower.
* * *
"And a little more lip gloss, and you are good to go, my dear," said Mara, who was bent over Jaina's face. She pulled out the clear tube, and put just a little to give Jaina's lips a nice shine. Mara stepped back, and admired her work.
"Jaina, you've never looked better." She pronounced." Your uncle needs to see this."
"Wait-" Jaina began.
"Farmboy!" Mara called. Luke stepped in to the bedroom.
"Who is this work of art?" he exclaimed, smiling.
"Uncle Luke!" Jaina rolled her eyes.
"You look great, Jaina. Really. Mara, you did an awesome job."
Mara glowed. "Thanks, Farmboy. Jaina, you really do look grand."
"Then move away from the mirror, you're blocking my view!" Jaina exclaimed, winking. Mara stepped away. Jaina stared. 'Wow…I really do look different…' She stared, and Luke and Mara laughed.
"Well, sweetie, you do look nice," Mara said, "And now it's my turn. Can you watch Ben while me and Skywalker here get ready?"
"No problem." Jaina smiled as she left the room. The door clicked shut behind her, and Mara turned to face her husband.
"Everything set?"
"Of course. Dinner will be served at six. And, everyone else knows that the hangar bay 7 will be left alone. If anyone disturbs, death and banishment." Luke murmured.
"Ooh, harsh, Skywalker," Mara laughed, "What's on the menu?"
"Nerf medallions in a traladron sauce, little chokrii and mera, rolls, a soup, a salad, and a traziberri custard. Along with a Corellian sweet wine." Luke said, pulling on a formal black tunic.
"Mmm. Why don't you cook like that for me, Farmboy?" replied Mara, pulling on a black dress.
"Who said I was cooking?"
"If you aren't, then who is?" asked Mara, frowning slightly. Luke leaned over and touched his lips to hers.
"I asked Tendra to." Luke said. Tendra Calrissian was a pretty good chef, and Mara knew Tendra would do a good job. Mara reached for a hair tie, and pulled her hair into a simple, yet elegant bun, and brushed on some eyeshadow.
"You ready? I asked him to come by around six, so you guys need to be gone in the next ten minutes, so there's no accidental meeting beforehand. Have her enter from the west entrance to the bay, ok, Jade?"
"I guess so, Skywalker. You're sure everything's ready?"
"Positive. I double checked."
"Good." Mara opened the door. "Jaina? You ready to go?" Jaina nodded.
* * *
Jag buttoned the last of the buttons on his tunic, and slipped into the black coat. He ran a comb through his hair, and smiled at the reflection in the mirror.
"All set…" he said. Jag reached for his wristchrono. "I guess I should head over to Master Skywalker's." He stepped out into the hallway, and headed to the turbolift. He waited as the lift carried him up, and then strolled out into the corridor. He rang the chime on the Skywalkers' door. Luke opened it, a smile highlighting his features. His blue eyes twinkled mischievously as he greeted Jag. "Are you ready to go?"
Jag nodded, and followed Master Skywalker to hangar bay 7.
'Mara?' Luke thought to his wife, 'Are you ready?' He got the assurance. He fiddled with the lock, pretending it was giving him problems, before the door whooshed open.
Jag frowned. "It's dark."
* * *
"Mara? Are you sure we're in the right place? It looks awfully dark in here," Jaina said, confused.
"Sith! I forgot my datapad! I'll be back!" Mara cut Jaina off, darting out the doorway, and swishing the door shut behind her. She sensed Luke had gotten Jag in, too. She smiled in relief.
* * *
Jag turned around, but he was surrounded by inky blackness. Master Skywalker said he'd forgotten a datapad, and he'd be right back. Jag took a few tentative steps in the darkness, before spotting single, bright spotlight focused on something in the empty hangar. He walked closer, frowning, before noticing a single set table, draped with a satin tablecloth, with a spot set for two, and a bouquet of flowers in the center. Jag drew nearer, just in time to see a young woman, in an elegant light sage gown, step into the circle of white light, a frown on her face. Realization dawned on Jag.
"Jaina?" he asked, his voice slicing through the darkness. The young woman looked up, startled. "Jag?"
* * *
ok, well, what do you think? R&R I know this wuz a looooong chapter, but, o well. More later. :D