Coruscant: The next afternoon…

Keeping Mara Jade locked up in a cell for a day wasn't a pleasant experience, particularly if one was locked in the cell with her. Luke Skywalker glanced up at her and shook his head, wishing for a moment that he could reach out to her through the Force and soothe her. This was made impossible by the ysalamiri, but he did his best to curb his own tension and frustration to keep from fueling hers. Luckily for him, they'd grown close enough that she wasn't lashing out at him physically, but she was prone to snap. Now she was pacing just in front of the cot that Luke had seated himself on. He reached out and pulled her into his lap when she looped back close enough to be grabbed, pressing his lips to her ear. There were cameras wired throughout the walls of the cell and guards right outside, and since they were both cut off from the Force, the only way to speak privately with her was to get very, very close. She bristled as his lips brushed the lobe of her ear, but relaxed. They had long ago discussed the need to appear to be lovers, and while she didn't relish in the plan, it was the only way.

"Be calm, relax…you'll burn out if you keep that up. Besides…" His lips whispered down the column of her throat, then trailed back up slowly. She shivered as he continued. "We're supposed to be lovers, not two people who can hardly stand each other."

Mara had to give him credit. Even without the Force he managed to come off as a Sith. While his touch was anything but platonic, it wasn't the soft caress of a man in love. It was more of a possessive show of dominance—a sort of snatching of pleasures. Still, the feel of his mouth on her skin was too personal, too overwhelming. She didn't want to tremble when he touched her, or pulled her close. She was grateful for the fact that he hadn't actually kissed her.

"I get the feeling," she murmured, turning into him and moving her own mouth to his ear, "that you're enjoying your role." She was satisfied when he echoed her shiver, and decided to tease him a bit more just to add to the fun. Dragging her fingers through his thick blonde locks, she nipped at the sensitive skin under his ear. He jolted a bit, unaccustomed to the alien sensations that she aroused, and pushed her down onto the cot. Situating himself over her in a way that made sure she didn't have to bear any of his weight, he returned the favor and nibbled delicately on her ear, delighted to hear a strangled, almost inaudible moan come from her.

"You don't seem to mind yours, either. In fact, Jade, I don't think you're acting," he murmured against her skin.

"That just shows how little you know," she replied, skimming her fingers down his back and then up his sides, pushing his tunic up to reveal bare skin. "I'm not enjoying this at all, I'm just good at my job."

"I seriously doubt that," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her neck. She wormed her hands under his tunic and ran them over his bare back as he did so, enjoying it far more than she'd ever dare admit. She'd been right on the night she'd slipped into his suite, he had the potential and passion to be a very good lover. She opened her mouth to respond when the guard pounded on the door.

"Hey! Break it up in there!"

Luke pulled himself away from her, giving her a lazy, sexy smirk before settling onto the floor in a cross-legged position. Mara swung her legs over the side of the cot and adjusted her clothes, watching as all emotion drained from his face as he went from desire-dazed Sith lord to unsatisfied-and-bored Sith lord. Yes, Skywalker was a good actor, but good enough to get them out of their compromising situation alive? She certainly hoped so.

Luke, meanwhile, was still trying to settle after their little episode. Touching her, and her touching him, made him feel weak and invincible all at once. For a moment, he forgot who they were—what they were—to each other, and he wanted nothing more than to actually kiss her. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to her. He closed his eyes and willed the minor tremors lingering in his body to go away. He'd be a fool to think she felt the same way, but he could afford to be foolish for a few moments.

"Skywalker…" she murmured, breaking into his reveries, and he was at her side again in an instant, leaning in. She pulled him close, still vaguely uncomfortable with that closeness, and curled her fingers into his hair. "How do you get me into these situations?"

He chuckled deep in his throat, the sound deep and warm. His pulled back a little to gaze at her and gave a shrug. "Don't know. But you said yourself I'm bad for your health."

"Ain't that the truth?" she muttered dryly. "I wonder what Thrawn's waiting for…"

Luke frowned himself, his blue eyes darkening a bit. "I don't know, but I don't like it."

As if on cue, the clone Maara Jade appeared and led them to the throne room, the ysalamiri strapped on her back keeping the Force away. Luke had never felt so blind or hopeless in his life, but he struggled to keep up the appearance of Sith lord as they approached Thrawn's domain. Mara walked beside him with her chin up, her jaw set, and her eyes locked on an invisible target straight ahead of her. Her expression was cool and calm, chilling if one was on the receiving end. For a moment, the farmboy in Luke longed to reach out for her strength, but the role he was playing forbade any such action. As if sensing this, Mara glanced over at him and her expression changed slightly. Then her eyes hardened and she stared ahead once more.

"Welcome," Thrawn called as they stepped into the throne room. Maara went to his side and rested slightly on her haunches, clearly ready for any inappropriate movements from her master's prisoners.

"I grow tired of this waiting, Thrawn," Luke growled, his eyes icier than Hoth. Both he and Mara had been made to wear all white, and his eyes were so reflective that the light color made them seem colder. "And I grow tired of these…animals." His eyes flicked to the ysalamiri placed strategically around the room. Thrawn gave him a thin smile.

"I suppose they made your stay rather…unpleasant," he agreed calmly. "Normally, I'd get on with your executions, but you are special and so I must pay you special attention. I would like you to fully understand just what I intend to do to your precious Rebellion."

If it was possible, Luke's eyes became even colder. "The Rebellion means nothing to me."

"Ah, I see…but your sister means a great deal to you, doesn't she?"

The Jedi was unable to keep the surprise from his face, and his eyes hardened. "How do you know that I have a sister?" he asked, very slowly and carefully. There was a tone to his voice that Mara hadn't ever heard before, a tone that made her cold all the way to her bones. She realized then that if one wanted to get to him, all they had to do was involve his family. If Luke hadn't been cut off from the Force, Mara knew that there would be no controlling him. It was a scary thought.

"I have my connections," he replied, "and Leia Organa very unwisely decided to announce it to your group of Rebel friends."

Luke's jaw worked as he struggled to gain control of himself. Thrawn smiled thinly and made an almost imperceptible move with his hand. As Maara flew forward, he said, "If you don't like what I'm going to do with your sister, you really won't like what I'm going to do to your lover."

Luke was turning before Thrawn could even finish the sentence, but the clone had Mara in a death-grip, a razor-sharp blade at her throat. She looked panicked for an instant, but regained her composure almost before the fear had finished flashing across her eyes. Luke made a sound deep in his throat, one of helplessness. He couldn't get to Mara if the clone made the move she so obviously wanted to.

Mara, meanwhile, was proven immobile. She couldn't break free of herself, she knew that. But that no longer mattered—what mattered was the look Luke had in his eyes; a look of helpless rage, despair, and the desperate, irrational calculations he was doing, trying come up with a way—any way—to save her. She'd never seen anyone look like that, not for her. His blue eyes were locked onto her, and his lips were dry and slightly parted. He dragged a hand through his hair in frustration, then balled his fist and turned to Thrawn. If he'd been upset about his sister, it was nothing compared with the rage that he harbored now. Even Thrawn seemed rather taken aback, and Mara was in complete shock.

"Let her go," he said softly, dangerously.

"Don't tempt me, Skywalker. Maara will not hesitate," he warned.

"Let her go, she isn't important to you."

"She betrayed me."

"Let her go, and I promise I'll stay. You have my word of honor as a Jedi Knight," he replied, and Mara closed her eyes in helplessness at his next damning words. "Let her go, and I will do whatever you desire. You know that Jedi do not lie."

"You're not a Jedi at the moment," Thrawn pointed out dryly. Luke let out a sigh.

"The Force will hold me to my promise. I will not betray you."

"You sacrifice your Rebellion and your sister for this woman?" he asked the Jedi, and Mara opened her eyes to see Luke nod.

"But only if you set her free, let her go where she will, and leave her alone. I want your word, Thrawn, and I won't settle for anything less. If she doesn't die of natural effects or old age, you will be sorry."

"Of that I have no doubt," Thrawn agreed, obviously thinking it over. "You would not take her if I gave her to you?"

Luke threw a glance her way, and she could see the lingering temptation before he closed his electric blue eyes and bowed his head to the Admiral. "She would not want to be bound to me, and I won't see her miserable. Let her go, that's the only deal I'll make."

Mara couldn't believe it. She knew he wanted her, knew he'd become attached to having her around him, and she couldn't believe that he'd let her go even if she was offered to him. He knew her well—better than she knew herself—and he wanted her to be happy even if it meant damning himself.

Thrawn seemed surprised by this as well, but he nodded after a pause and made another motion with his hand. Maara slithered away from her prey and back to her master's side.

"You are a stronger man than I, Skywalker, if you can resist such a tempting morsel," he said, stroking the clone's silky, fiery red hair. Luke swallowed hard and remained silent. "Very well, I might just decide to keep you around for a while."

Then he signaled, and another figure—an old man—entered the room as Luke went to Mara's side. Ignoring the stranger, he steadied her and looked deep into her eyes.

"Are you all right?" he asked, and she fought to keep from trembling.

"Yes, I'm fine," she managed, then, in a voice full of wonder, "Skywalker…you're sacrificing yourself…for me…"

He smiled a little, ran a hand through his hair, and slightly averted his gaze. "I just got kind of attached to you. Besides, why should both of us die?"

"He'll hold you to your promise," she warned, and he let out a sigh under his breath.

"I know," he replied with a nod. "So will the Force."

"I'm not worth it, Skywalker—I'm just an assassin."

"The name's Luke," he reminded her with a wry half-smile, "and you're worth so much more than you realize. Tell Leia I'm sorry when he lets you go, will ya?"

She nodded, a little speechless, and he moved away to face Thrawn once more.

Stupid Jedi! Mara cursed silently at him, more out of despair than anger. It was amazing to her that she was saddened by the thought of him losing his soul for nothing. For less than nothing—for her.

"This," the admiral said when he'd regained their attention, "is Jedi Master Joruus C'baoth, and he will be the end of your Rebellion. Now that you've turned, Skywalker, the two of you will train my army."

"Your army?" Luke questioned, standing tall and proud and light against the dim background of the throne room. Clothed in white like he was, he looked every bit the lamb of sacrifice that he'd made himself. Mara shuddered in response.

"Yes," Thrawn replied with a smile, "and you'll meet the first recruits as soon as they can be shipped here." He waved his hand, and Luke and Mara were dragged out of the room by the clone again. Luke was more than a little surprised at the discovery of a Jedi Master, but he wisely kept his emotions from reflecting on his face. He didn't look at Mara as they were shoved toward their cell, but she was staring at him. As the cell door was slammed shut behind them, he finally turned to face her with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"At least you're free," he whispered, more to himself than to her, and he looked immensely relieved by the fact.

"I can't believe you did that," she replied, green eyes wide and bright compared to her still-pale face. His smile widened, though it still lacked its usual warmth, and he shrugged it off.

"I had to," was all he would say. She took a deep breath, still looking him directly in the eye, and prepared herself to say something she'd never said to anyone before, with the exception of maybe her former master.

"Thank you," she said, and this time his smile was open and warm. He didn't respond, but he clasped her in a loose, gentle hug before stretching out on the floor and closing his eyes. Glad that her appreciation was so generously accepted, she settled down onto the cot and tried to calm her pounding heart.

-

Meanwhile: Tatooine…

The fleet had landed in Tatooine without incident, all pausing for a moment in respect for the land that their hero had grown up on. Leia seemed particularly solemn as she took her place at their head, in a compound they'd erected not too far from the destroyed Lars Farm. Han was by her said, extra-protective of the princess as she struggled to place personal worries aside and focus on what needed to be done for the Rebellion. The next step would be the hardest, and though she and Mon Montha had both decided it was for the best, it was hard to get the words out. She looked out at all the faces that she'd come to know, all the people that had fought so hard, so long, and felt as if she were betraying each and every one of them. Clutching Han's hand, she addressed them, heartache easily read from her face.

"Mon Montha and I have decided that the Rebellion must disband. We have not given up our cause!" she called hastily before the protests could erupt. "But we are in danger if we stay clumped up in one group. We must separate into smaller groups and stay in touch. I know this sounds like surrender, but you must believe me when I tell you that this is the only way. May the Force be with you all," she said quietly, and leaned into Han for support as Mon Montha stepped up to the podium to answer questions.

"Are we doing the right thing, Han?" she asked, gazing up at him with weary, worried brown eyes. He squeezed her hand and sighed.

"I sure hope so, your highness-ness," he replied, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Let's get you to a room, shall we? You need some sleep."

She melted into his arms and allowed herself to be led to a room, her mind filled with turmoil over the fate of the Rebellion. She reached out for a brother who was not there and despaired. She hadn't been able to sense him for a day, and could only think the worst. She vowed revenge on Mara Jade and slid into bed for a long nap. Han kissed her forehead and left her to her sleep.

-

Thrawn glanced up as his com station indicated an incoming call. He keyed the line open and smiled in satisfaction as a man with a neat beard, long dark hair, and pale blue eyes appeared in holo-form. He nodded to the man and narrowed his red eyes.

"Talon Karrde, good of you to get back to me so quickly," he murmured, and the man smiled charmingly.

"But of course, Admiral. I consider a calling card from the leader of the Empire a top priority," the smuggling chief replied, slipping easily into the role of snake charmer. Thrawn couldn't help but respect the man who'd managed to thwart even the Hutts at their own game. "Now, what is it that I can assist you with?"

"I need transports piloted by your crew. I have very sensitive cargo that must make it to Coruscant unharmed and undetected, and I only do business with the best."

"Then you've come to the right man. How many transports do you need?"

"As many as you can give me, as soon as it is possible," the Admiral replied.

"What will my crew be transporting, if I may ask?"

"Of course you can ask, Karrde," Thrawn soothed him, smiling. "Your crew will have to know, after all. I am transporting clones, to build an army."

Karrde's eyes went wide for a half a second before he regained his infamous composure. He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. "I see. That is sensitive material," he agreed, rather hoarsely.

"Yes. Do you think your crew can handle it?"

Karrde drew himself up to his full height, his chin in the air. "Of course they can. They are the best, and I am happy to offer my assistance," he replied.

"I'm glad to hear it," Thrawn answered, and smiled. "Incidentally, I would like to offer you a talented young woman to add to your crew as part of my means of payment."

Karrde swallowed. He knew exactly what Thrawn was offering—an inside man, someone who would get back to him about his organization's ins-and-outs. But he also knew it was dangerous to turn down a Grand Admiral's offer—lethally dangerous. He nodded slowly.

"Very well. Perhaps you would do me the honor of setting up a meeting?" he asked, and Thrawn nodded, obviously pleased.

"Of course, Karrde. I'm sure you'll be pleased. I think you'll be surprised at the variety of skills that this woman possesses."

"I completely trust your judgement, Admiral, and I look forward to the meeting," Karrde replied, and Thrawn cut the transmission with a smirk.

-

There hadn't been a word spoken in the cell for over an hour, but Mara found she didn't mind the silence. She wasn't really comfortable with her roommate at the moment, and didn't think she could manage an idle conversation with him. He'd hit a cord too close to home for her, and she was still recovering. Then the Grand Admiral himself paid them a visit.

Luke lunged from his position on the floor as the Admiral entered, but made no threatening movement. Thrawn smiled thinly at him, an expression he wore more often than not when Skywalker was concerned. Mara sighed a little.

"I have decided to let Mara Jade go free. In fact," he added, watching as Luke let out a long, relieved sigh. His shoulders sagged as if he had just had a large weight lifted from his them. "In fact I just set her up with a job. I think you'll find it to your liking, Mara."

Mara eyed him suspiciously. "What is it?" she ventured.

"I have contacts with a smuggling chief named Talon Karrde. He takes good care of his people, and he's always in need of a few more talented crewmembers," Thrawn told her. She didn't trust his generosity, but Luke nodded slowly. He glanced at Mara.

"Han's mentioned his name a couple of times. It sounds like a good idea—a way to get you back on your feet. I suggest you take the job."

"Skywalker speaks wisely. I've set up a meeting for you and Karrde. It's this evening. A dress will be provided for you," Thrawn informed them, then swept out of the room with all the grace of a prince. Mara let her muscles relax a little and glanced at Luke, who was gazing off into space, deep in thought.

"You really think this is a good idea?" she asked, and he brought his attention back to her. He gazed at her for a moment with thoughtful blue eyes, then nodded.

"I really do," he assured her. "Karrde truly does take good care of his people. And I think you'd make a good smuggler." He added a smile to the last, stepping closer to brush a hand over her cheek before letting it drop back to his side. She shuddered at the brief, electric contact. "He could probably protect you much better than I could anyway."

"Protect me, Skywalker?" she asked, eyes flashing. He laughed.

"You heard me, Jade," he agreed.

"You think I need protecting?"

"Yeah, what're you gonna do about it?" he challenged. Mara launched herself at him, knocking him to the floor and pining him quite effectively.

"That," she said triumphantly, but squeaked as he maneuvered out of it and pined her.

"I believe…that's check and mate," he replied, and she rolled her eyes at him, laughing. After a moment, the laughter died down and she simply stared at him, thinking of everything he'd become to her in a few short days, and everything she'd be losing in a few short hours.

"Skywalker…" she murmured, but he shook his head to silence her.

"Shh…it's okay, Mara. You don't have to say anything. Even without the Force, I think I know what you're trying to tell me," he replied, and she suddenly wanted to cry. He released her and wrapped his arms around her in a hug, and she gripped him waist for a moment, regaining control. He let go when she gently tugged away, his eyes warm and understanding.

"Don't let him turn you, Farmboy," she told him as they stood. He nodded and fiddled with his hands.

"I won't. Make sure Karrde hires you," he replied.

"I will. Don't let Thrawn kill your sister."

"I won't. Make sure he doesn't try to kill you."

"I will."

They smiled at each other, Luke chuckling quietly, and then Maara came in and threw a dress at Mara's feet. She looked at Luke and shrugged.

"Guess it's show time," she murmured. He tweaked her nose, an oddly annoying, affectionate gesture that shot straight to her heart.

"Go get 'im, Jade," he replied, and turned his back. She smiled wryly as she changed. At least Skywalker maintained his chivalry, and she hoped that wouldn't change in the next few weeks. She fastened the dress and tapped his back.

"How do I look?" she asked, and watched him let his eyes roam over her. He gaped a little before he could catch himself, noting the way the shimmering fabric matched her eyes perfectly. It also managed to cling and caress in all the right places—places he suddenly wanted to caress himself. She smirked as he brought his blue eyes back to her face.

"A-amazing," he managed, and she smiled and tweaked his nose. "I mean, really, amazing."

"Good," she replied, and he grinned crookedly at her, a look that made him that much more appealing to her.

"Is it too late to reconsider letting you go?" he asked, and the double meaning of the question further lanced at her insides. She shook her head and laughed a bit.

"I think so. Besides, we shouldn't be getting along this well—I'm supposed to be bugging the crap out of you."

"Not this time, Jade," he replied. "Go on, don't be late," he added, and pushed her gently toward the door. As she turned to say goodbye, perhaps for good, he leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, his eyes glowing.

"Just in case we never see each other again," he told her, answering her unspoken question. "Take care of yourself, Mara. And find a husband, would you? You're bad for a man's health."

She laughed and squeezed his hand, but her eyes were tinged with sadness. "You too—take care of yourself, I mean."

He nodded and squeezed her hand back in response, his lips still curved. "You'll be fine, Mara, I know it. Be happy, and don't think about me. Just be free," he said, and she did something completely out of character for her. She hugged him, tightly, before letting go and stepping back.

"Just in case we never see each other again," she told him, and smiled. Something in his eyes changed, and he pulled her close one last time. He knew then, knew what he'd been suspecting since that first Force lesson in a suite all those long days ago, and he cursed himself for it even as he reveled in the feeling. He kept it from her though, determined not to make it any harder for her to leave.

"May the Force be with you, Mara Jade," he whispered against her glorious red-gold hair, wishing that it wasn't so hard to let go.

"And with you…Luke," she replied, and he pulled back to smile at her. He knew it was a memory he'd cherish for the rest of his life—just the sound of his name from her lips.

It was over too soon. Maara came in and grabbed Mara's wrist. She waved as she left Luke standing in the cell, a strange mixture of heartache, regret, and sadness tugging at her. He waved back, and then she was around the corner and couldn't see him any longer. She hoped, desperately, that it wouldn't be the last time she'd see him again.

-

Again, a short chapter (REALLY SHORT!), but this was the best time to end this one…*^^* I hope I'm keeping you on your feet. This is my first SW fic, and I'm still getting used to it all. Please review and let me know what you think—especially about the plot twists and Luke and Mara's relationship. Thanks! Keep reviewing and I'll keep typing away.